Vaudeville, movie palace, and premier performing arts venue are among the ways Santa Barbarans have referred to The Granada Theatre since it opened its doors on April 9, 1924.
In tribute to its century-long history, the theater is hosting the Granada Centennial Festival Weekend that celebrates its past, present and future, April 12-14.
To kick off its centennial celebration, the Granada Theatre will present a free screening of a documentary commemorating the theater’s cultural significance in Santa Barbara, Wednesday, April 3. To reserve a seat, visit https://ticketing.granadasb.org/19135.
The Centennial celebrations will continue with the Centennial Festival Weekend and the following events:
Friday, April 12 — Double feature of two historic films that were originally presented at the Granada Theatre: Buster Keaton’s “Sherlock Jr.” and “Star Wars: A New Hope.”
Title Sponsor for Friday Night of Festival Weekend is the John C. Mithun Foundation, and Susan Torrey and Mercedes Millington.
Saturday, April 13 — The Pacific Jazz Orchestra will perform with superstar Katharine McPhee (of “American Idol” fame), and veteran jazz singer-songwriter Billy Valentine. They will be joined by singer-songwriter and keyboardist Sheléa, and actor, singer-songwriter Adam “Aejaye” Jackson.
Sunday, April 14 — Highlighting the next generation of stars, the program will feature young Santa Barbara talent emceed by Santa Barbara’s John Palminteri. The show will open with solo artists Hunter Hawkins, Jackson Gillies and Rachel La Commare, followed by Dos Pueblos, San Marcos, and Santa Barbara high schools will be providing a peek into their upcoming spring musicals. The celebration them moves outdoors to State Street with the Granada Centennial Festival Block Party.
Prices for the weekend events reflect the same past/present/future theme, with Friday’s screenings priced at $19.24 in honor of the theater’s opening year.
Saturday night “present day” performance tickets are $20.24, and Sunday night “future-talent” tickets, $21.24.
For tickets, visit https://ticketing.granadasb.org/events?kid=220.
For more about the theater, visit www.granadasb.org.