Tag archives: Palmer Jackson

Granada Theatre
By Steven Libowitz   |   April 2, 2024

Are you wondering why there’s a whole lot of hoopla about the Granada Theatre 100th birthday beyond merely marking a major milestone? First, perhaps, pivot over to Hattie Beresford’s comprehensive column The Way It Was (page 22) in this issue. That piece traces the history of the grand old theater – from its vaudeville days […]

The Granada Theatre
By Steven Libowitz   |   August 15, 2023

There’s no doubt that the Granada Theatre is one of the crown jewels in Santa Barbara’s enviable and outsized arts scene, one that after undergoing a mega-millions upgrade has become home to nearly all of the South County’s major presenting arts organizations. What’s more, the nonprofit continues to upgrade on a regular basis, most recently […]

Kings Onstage
By Richard Mineards   |   May 9, 2023

Granada chairman Palmer Jackson, who regularly plays guitar with the local band the Doublewide Kings, couldn’t resist the urge to perform when the Alpha Rhythm Kings from the Bay Area performed in the cavernous auditorium for Onstage at the G, the second of a three-part series sponsored by Roger and Sarah Chrisman, and Kyle and […]

Kings Conquer with Double Wide Range 
By Steven Libowitz   |   November 22, 2022

If all you know about the Doublewide Kings is their name, you might think the band is all about trailer park tailgating. That idea goes out the window, though, in favor of thinking this might be a vanity band when you realize the Kings were formed by Palmer Jackson, Jr., whose famous family members are […]

A Legendary Night
By Richard Mineards   |   September 27, 2022

The cavernous stage at the venerable Granada Theatre was socially gridlocked with more than 200 guests for the sixth annual Legends gala emceed by the ubiquitous Andrew Firestone. The recipients, who have illuminated and advanced the performing arts in a significant way, were philanthropists Palmer and Joan Jackson, who have contributed to hundreds of nonprofits […]

Annual Gala Returns to the Granada Stage
By Steven Libowitz   |   September 6, 2022

The annual Granada Theatre Legends Gala has become one of the most cherished events ever since its debut in 2015, and it’s easy to see why. The evening pays tribute to the trio of pillars that represent foundational aspects of the performing arts in town, an approach that has made the Granada such a smashing […]

Pristine Pathway
By Richard Mineards   |   November 30, 2021

The venerable Granada Theatre has officially unveiled Plaza Granada, a new $2 million pathway to the historic arts district in downtown Santa Barbara. “It took more than 10 years to complete,” says Montecito’s Palmer Jackson, the Granada’s executive chairman. “It is a meticulously planned project. It was the dream of the late Michael Towbes and […]

Granada, the Great
By Steven Libowitz   |   November 18, 2021

It’s purely coincidence that this week’s Montecito Journal hits newsstands the same day the Granada Theatre officially unveils Plaza Granada, a new pathway to the theater and the historic arts district in downtown Santa Barbara with a private ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Plaza transforms the formerly barren parking lot behind the theater and the previously dark […]

What’s That Sound?
By Richard Mineards   |   October 5, 2021

VIP donors were on the crest of a wave, a sound wave that is, when the venerable Granada Theatre unveiled its new $800,000 sound system installed by multi-Grammy Award-winning producer Allen Sides. Allen, who has produced more than 1,000 albums, also installed the audio system at the Riviera Theatre, home to the Santa Barbara Cinema […]

Let the Shows Begin!
By Richard Mineards   |   July 15, 2021

Santa Barbara’s venerable Granada Theatre is back in business! The eight-story icon that towers over State Street, originally built in 1873 and rebuilt in 1924, has been eerily silent for the past 15 months, other than intermittent audience-free video filming by the Santa Barbara Symphony under maestro Nir Kabaretti. But it will finally be all […]