Santa Barbara Bowl Honored at the Granada Theatre’s 10th Annual Legends Gala

The Santa Barbara Bowl was among the honorees at the Granada Theatre’s 10th annual Legends Gala on September 25, an evening dedicated to the people and institutions that have helped shape Santa Barbara’s arts and culture scene.

For the occasion, the Granada stage was transformed into an elegant dining room, with tables set beneath suspended chandeliers. The Bowl was recognized alongside actress and activist Bo Derek and philanthropists Merryl and Chuck Zegar, in a celebration emceed by Andrew Firestone.

“Tonight is a night to celebrate, not only to celebrate the arts here at the Granada, but the arts around our community,” Firestone told the crowd.

The Bowl was the evening’s final honoree, recognized for its work using live music to support the community through music education, youth programs, and environmental preservation. Accepting the honor, Santa Barbara Bowl CEO Rick Boller explained that the nonprofit’s mission reaches well beyond putting on concerts.

“We’re a nonprofit organization that uses the power of live music to create community impact,” Boller said. “So when someone comes to the Bowl to a concert, they’re not just enjoying an unforgettable evening; they’re helping invest in our community.”

The night also featured a performance of Ravel’s Boléro by State Street Ballet and two James Taylor songs from the Locals and Legends band. The finale, “Shower the People,” sung by Lois Mahalia, got the whole room singing along, a fitting close to an evening celebrating music, performance, and the community that makes them possible.

Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees, and thank you to the Granada Theatre for including the Santa Barbara Bowl in this special night.

Source: “A Night of Legends at The Granada Theatre” by Tiana Molony, Santa Barbara Independent, October 5, 2026.

Photo: Palmer Jackson Jr. and Santa Barbara Bowl Honorees (Rick Boller – middle and Graham Lyons – right) | Credit: Baron Spafford