Granada Legends
The Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts (SBCPA) honored three legends in their own time at the 4th annual Granada Theatre Gala. They were singer/song writer Kenny Loggins, philanthropist Sara Miller McCune, and the Santa Barbara Symphony represented by maestro Nir Kabaretti. The gala is always tre elegant with the gentlemen in tuxes and the ladies in gowns.
Of course, the Granada Theatre is not too shabby either. The architect responsible for the interior restoration, Roger Phillips, and wife Diana were there. It must be gratifying to see the culmination of such a grand project being so appreciated by so many. Board president Palmer Jackson, Jr. remembered going to the theater as a young teen to see movies when it wasn’t so pretty, to put it politely.
The co-chairs Joan Rutkowski and Stephanie Sokolove welcomed all and reminded us “that the honorees vision, artistry, and generosity have indeed elevated the performing arts in this community and in the world. The Granada has delighted and thrilled audiences since 1924.”
The wine reception was held in the Founders Room and dinner was served on stage. There were stunning floral bouquets all about in shades of pink to burgundy. Duo Catering had a huge staff to serve our every whim. Between courses, we heard selections from “Kismet” with Audrey Babcock, mezzo-soprano, and Len Poulis, baritone.
Another group entertained: Jennifer Olson, flute; Lara Wicks, Oboe; Juan Gallegos, clarinet; Andy Radford bassoon; and Stephanie Stetson, horn.
Andrew Firestone was our beloved master of ceremonies. He too gives much back to the community. Palmer joked that both he and Andrew graduated from Larry Crandell’s school of emcees, but Andrew was head of the class while he was not.
Celesta Billeci presented the Legends Award to Sara Miller McCune. Celesta is the Miller McCune executive director of UCSB Arts & Lectures, so she carries her name in her business. Sara is the founder and executive chairman of SAGE Publishing, which is spread throughout the U. S. and five continents. She not only supports locally but internationally, including Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London. Sara’s credits go on for pages.
Joan presented the tribute to the symphony by giving it to conductor Nir, who joked, “There have been 12 presidents during the symphony history and only six conductors. So, it’s easier to become president than conductor.” The symphony reaches 10,000 students each year.
Anne Smith Towbes presented Mr Loggins his tribute. He then delighted the audience by performing “Conviction of the Heart” with Teen Sing members Randy Tico, bass guitar; Dave Salinas, tom toms; and Rick Cowling, lead electric guitar. Kenny has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide and has won two Grammy awards. He was part of the Loggins & Messina duo, and his album Return to Pooh Corner remains the best-selling children’s album of the last 20 years. The credits go on and on. Locally, we all know him for being the shining star for Unity Shop. His core belief is “Every child should experience the healing power of music.”
The SBCPA was established in 1983 and is dedicated to providing best in class production, sales, and administrative support to arts organizations from throughout the Santa Barbara region, including its Historic Theatre District partners (Lobero Theatre and the New Vic Theatre, as well as its eight resident companies: CAMA, Music Academy of the West, Opera Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Choral Society, Santa Barbara Symphony, State Street Ballet, Theater League, and UCSB Arts & Lectures.)
