The Marjorie Luke Theatre will launch its new Virtual Concert Series at noon Sept. 18, which will include six major events, with more being added through spring 2021. Each concert will be videotaped on the stage of the historic Luke Theatre, and will be available free online at www.luketheatre.org.

The Luke Theatre’s staff and Board of Directors are committed to producing high-quality content with three high-definition cameras, top quality sound and editing.

“We are treating the Luke Theatre like a television studio, creating innovative lighting and scenic looks and designs for each concert, while following strict COVID safety protocols,” said producer Rod Lathim.

The first concert released will feature singer/songwriter Mendeleyev, who was a finalist on NBC TV’s “The Voice” in 2019. His deep, soulful voice intrigued all four judges — John Legend, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani and Kelly Clarkson — who each vied for the opportunity to mentor him. Mendeleyev moved forward on Legend’s team.

With a diverse catalogue filled with feverous finger picking, mellow to manic melodies and lively, moving lyrical content, influenced by a variety of legends such as Richie Havens, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Jeff Buckley  and John Mayer, Mendeleyev has a fresh and folky yet funky take on music.

Mendeleyev in Concert will be available to everyone beginning at noon Sept. 18. Anyone can watch it free at any time, thanks to the support of some 20 individuals, business and foundation Sponsors of the Series.

“Like many other arts organizations and venues, The Luke must adapt to our times. We cannot sit in the dark and twiddle our thumbs,” Lathim said.

“We are turning our lights on and producing events featuring a diverse array of uniquely skilled performing and spoken word artists from greater Santa Barbara, who will serve up entertaining and inspiring events for everyone to enjoy at home,” he said.

“Performing artists, technicians and live performance venues have been devastated by closure,” said Karen Baltzley, managing director of The Luke. “The Luke is committed to providing its stage and staff for artists to create and audiences to share.

“Until we can welcome artists and audiences back into our theater, we will continue to create the next best option – high quality, virtual events.”

Upcoming concerts include Resonance – a convergence of Santa Barbara artists to uplift, unite and inspire our spirits. Musicians, singers and speakers reflecting diverse cultures will offer songs, music and spoken words that resonate with the times in which we live.

Created to infuse the community with peace, togetherness and harmony, nearly 30 participants will contribute to this transformative offering. Resonance is presented as a part of the Mind, Body & Soul Series at The Luke.

Tariqh Akoni & Friends will highlight the talents of Santa Barbara native master composer/songwriter/producer/studio musician and music director to the stars – Tariqh Akoni.

Akoni has served as music director for Josh Groban and Weezer, and toured with countless luminaries including Bette Midler, Stevie Wonder and David Foster. In this “Praire Home Companion”-type show, he will focus on An American’s Dream, a tribute to the eclectic sounds of the American landscape, from bluegrass to folkloric music to American jazz composers.

Joined by Randy Tico (bass), Mario Calire (drums), Pete Korpela (percussion) and David Delhomme (keyboards). Special guests sitting in include Andy Abad and Stephanie Amaro (from Amaros), and Chris Pierce.

Jackson Gillies In Concert will welcome back this singer/songwriter/musician to The Luke stage, who gained national notoriety as a contestant on “American Idol Season 2,” reaching the top 68 of over 100,000, and won Teen Star USA in 2016. Jackson recently co-produced/directed the “Teens Sing for Santa Barbara” which won an Emmy.

Mentored by Kenny Loggins, he has performed at numerous events, clubs and theaters. Jackson’s concert will coincide with the release of his new collection of original songs and promises to be a rousing celebration of his many talents.

In addition to the four concerts that are secured, The Luke is in development on at least two more music and spoken word events. One event being explored and tentatively titled Pianos at The Luke in collaboration with Pianos on State Street, will feature a collection of pianists playing improvisational, original works, jazz, pop, classical and more, on iconic painted pianos the normally occupy State Street, along with The Luke’s Yamaha C7 Grand Piano. 

On The Verge Theatre Company will collaborate with The Luke to present OTV Reads SB. This new play-reading and development arm of the radical, award winning, local theater company On The Verge will present offerings from new experimental work in development that delves into questions of cultural intersections, climate and conversation in Santa Barbara with a long-term focus on expanding our possibilities of what Santa Barbara has meant and can mean to the people who live here.

The performance will be a unique opportunity to see art making in process, where we present a sharing of an interview phase as it is being created, bringing that “anything-can-happen” element of live theater to a virtual space and inviting the community’s voice into the conversation.

Artists interested in participating can submit video tapes of their work for consideration at www.luketheatre.org. Each new event will be publicly announced and posted for viewing on the www.luketheatre.org site, approximately every five weeks. We are also adding sponsors to The Virtual Concert Series and are most grateful for the sponsors signed on to date.

Sponsors include Andrew and Liz Butcher, Rod Lathim, Anonymous, Schipper Construction, Larry and Gerrie Fausett, Gerd and Peter Jordano, Anne Towbes, Stephen & Kathleen Carmel, Easy Lift Transportation, Dawn Ziemer, Ferris Orthodontic Group, Phil and Pam McLendon, Sam and Sandra Tyler, Pamela Dillman-Haskell and The Battle Family.

To become a Concert Series sponsor, contact The Luke Theatre at www.luketheatre.org or call 805 569-1064. Visit www.luketheatre.org for full details on concerts and release dates. All artists announced are subject to change.