On Friday, September 16, about 230 supporters of The Granada Theatre gathered on its stage for the second annual Legends Gala which honored Irma and Morrie Jurkowitz, UC Santa Barbara Arts & Lectures, and Christopher Lloyd.
The event itself was overflowing with legends, with Peter MacDougall, Sara Miller McCune, and Roger Durling presenting the awards, Andrew Firestone as master of ceremonies, Anne Towbes and Gretchen Lieff as event co-chairs, and many other notables in attendance. Exceptional performances were sprinkled throughout this magical evening, starting with the Dos Pueblos Jazz Singers during the welcome reception in the foyer. Many guests mingled at an extended VIP reception in the elegant Founders' Room, before passing through the theater where the Santa Barbara Choral Society performed. Guests then stepped onto the stage, which had been transformed into an exquisite dining venue.
A round, elevated mini-stage was created in the center of the space, giving an intimate theater-in-the-round experience for brilliant performances by the State Street Ballet and Opera Santa Barbara. Firestone effortlessly rose to the challenge of hosting in all directions, aided by a giant video screen projecting the always charming “Bachelor” throughout the space. From another stage, the Santa Barbara Symphony performed and the honorees were presented with their awards.