The Granada Theatre’s eighth annual Legends Gala, set for Saturday, Sept. 14, will commemorate the theater’s centennial year and honor the key figures behind the theater’s restoration in 2008 — Susan Gulbransen and Joan Rutkowski.

In its 100-year history, The Granada has worn numerous hats. Opening its doors in 1924 as a silent movie and live performance venue, it evolved into a grand movie palace in the 1930s, after being acquired by Warner Bros.

Since then, the theater has been a landmark performing arts venue, cherished by the people of Santa Barbara.

“This year’s Legends Gala celebrates The Granada Theatre during its centennial year,” said Palmer Jackson, Jr., executive chairman at The Granada. “It includes special recognition of the vision of Susan Gulbransen and Joan Rutkowski, who were instrumental in restoring The Granada in 2008.

“We are excited to highlight The Granada’s rich history, its present significance, and promising future, as well as its role in Santa Barbara’s life.”

Gulbransen, who served as board president of the Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts for six years; and Rutkowski, who began her role as a founding board member in 1997, started the restoration project in 1998.

The project was completed in 2008 with the help of local philanthropists Michael Towbes, Sarah and Roger Chrisman, Sara Miller McCune, and others who provided key support that made the massive renovation possible.

The restoration, which brought the theater back to its glory days as a state-of-the-art performance venue, ensured the theater’s continued role as a vibrant center for the arts in Santa Barbara.

“Their pioneering efforts breathed new life into the theater and cemented its future as a beacon of culture and arts in the community,” the Granada said.

Gala attendees will enjoy a gourmet banquet hosted on The Granada stage overlooking the auditorium. Dinner will be paired with wines and cocktails.

In keeping with the Centennial Year programming highlighting Santa Barbara talent, the evening’s entertainment will include a band created for the gala, the One-Night-Stand-Band performing on The One Night Bandstand.

For more, visit www.granadasb.org.