The Grand’s Opening and More

After nearly two months of soft opening evenings, including last weekend’s Tom Scott–Roger Kellaway show that raised the bar musically and otherwise, The Grand on State (right next door to the dear Granada) is having its official (grand) opening on Saturday, May 30. The celebration at the intimate “fine dining and jazz” spot – whose centerpiece is the establishment’s eponymous grand piano – runs from 6 pm-12 midnight, with tickets covering an entrée, a welcome beverage, and live music from a dozen different musicians including a passel of local luminaries continuing throughout the evening. Meanwhile, two more eclectic nights lead up to the main event, with Thursday starring The Waymarkers Celtic Band featuring Folk Orchestra founder Adam Phillips on vocals, bagpipes, guitar and wind instruments; Grand co-owner Brian Mann on accordion; David Garske on drums; and Todd Hartwig on bass. Matt Perko returns on Friday, with special guests including Guil Juliao on bass, Anthony Cammarota on guitar, and others. 

Visit www.thegrandonstate.com/events

Short Cuts

Santa Barbara Blues Society’s next show, starring the veteran rocking bluesman Mike Zito – he of the “20 albums and umpteen Blues Music Awards” renown – is slated for Thursday, May 28, at the Carrillo Recreation Center. That show now has a special guest in fellow guitarist Jimmy Vivino, a member of the legendary blues band Canned Heat (see Woodstock Festival, original) and leader of Jimmy Vivino and the Basic Cable Band, the house band for Conan during its 11-season run. Dancing shoes are a must. 

Visit www.sbblues.org

Pianos on State, the interactive public art and music experience that places hand-decorated upright pianos all along State Street downtown every October, is about to open its application period for local artists who wish to paint a piano. The instruments become the canvas for interactive public piano players, from professionals to “Chopsticks” beginners. The Santa Barbara Arts Collaborative has 12 design slots available and will accept applications from June 1-July 10. 

Guidelines and the application link at www.pianosonstate.com/apply

The list of legendary rock artists rolling through town is adding another Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member for a much more intimate show than Paul McCartney’s at the Bowl last fall. Sir Roger Daltrey (he was knighted a year ago), the founding lead singer and frequent songwriter for The Who, will perform a solo show at the Lobero Theatre on September 1. Who rarities, solo songs, and even a few cover numbers are on the program, we’re told.  

Tickets go on sale on June 2.