The Granada Theatre is teaming up with local label Santa Barbara Records to present Locals & Legends: Celebrating the Music of James Taylor, Saturday, April 25.
The event will showcase emerging and established musicians. They will be joined by the Santa Barbara Symphony under the direction of Nir Kabaretti, music and artistic director, honoring Taylor’s timeless songs while highlighting the creativity and spirit of Santa Barbara’s music community.
Santa Barbara Records artists Omar Velasco, Céleigh Chapman, Mendeleyev, Will Breman, and Jess Bush will perform some of Taylor’s iconic songs, including “Carolina in My Mind,” “Fire and Rain” and “Country Road.”
Each artist will also debut an original composition inspired by Taylor’s legacy, bridging his songwriting with the contemporary voices shaping Santa Barbara’s music scene.
Joining this year’s lineup are four guest artists who performed at last year’s inaugural concert: James Raymond, musician and producer, and son of the late David Crosby; Steve Postell, singer-songwriter, guitarist, and Crosby’s final musical director; Miriam Dance, a performer, educator; and Lois Mahalia, a vocalist who has shared the stage with Joe Walsh, Kenny Loggins and Joe Sample.
They are backed by a house band featuring Randy Tico on bass, David Delhomme on keys, Jesse Siebenbergon pedal steel, lap steel, and dobro, and Austin Beede on drums. Their credits include collaborations with Whitney Houston, Jeff Bridges, Kenny Loggins, and José Feliciano.
“This event is a testament to Santa Barbara’s ongoing role as a hub for musical excellence,” said Ashley Dawson, vice president/marketing at the Granada Theatre.
“By pairing legendary songs with fresh interpretations from local artists, Locals & Legends creates a one-of-a-kind experience that honors the past and looks toward the future of our city’s vibrant arts community,” Dawson said.
The event is sponsored by The Hazen Foundation and The Fansler Family.
For more about the theater and upcoming shows, visit www.granadasb.org. More on Santa Barbara Records is at www.santabarbararecords.com. Learn more about the Santa Barbara Symphony at www.thesymphony.org.