Legends Gala 2025
On Saturday, September 13, 2025 the Granada Theatre will host its ninth annual Legends Gala honoring local legends who, through lifetime achievement, have illuminated and advanced the performing arts in a significant way.
The elegant black-tie banquet is hosted on the stage of the historic Granada Theatre overlooking the magnificent auditorium. The program for the evening includes live entertainment, a gourmet three-course dinner featuring local fare, wines and signature cocktails, and the “Legends Awards” to celebrate and pay tribute to the distinguished honorees.
Legends Gala Committee
Susan Jackson and Maria Schmidt, Co-Chairs
Laura Abrignani
Deirdre Hade Arntz
Deborah Bertling
Meg Burnham
Melody Ellison
Brooks Firestone
Susan Gulbransen
Gretchen Lieff
Stephanie Nicks
Joan Rutkowski
Anne Towbes
Merryl Snow Zegar
Past Legends Honorees
The 2024 Legends Honorees
The Granada Theatre
Susan Gulbransen
Joan Rutkowski
The 2023 Legends Honorees
Brooks and Kate Firestone – Philanthropists
Ensemble Theatre Company at the New Vic – Cultural Organization
Fannie Flagg – Artist
The 2022 Legends Honorees
Joan and Palmer Jackson – Philanthropists
State Street Ballet – Cultural Organization
Allen Sides – Artist
The 2019 Legends Honorees
Dan and Meg Burnham – Philanthropists
Opera Santa Barbara – Cultural Organization
Carol Burnett – Artist
2018 Legends Honorees
Sara Miller McCune – Philanthropist
Santa Barbara Symphony – Cultural Organization
Kenny Loggins – Artist
2017 Legends Honorees
Anne and Michael* Towbes – Philanthropists
Music Academy – Cultural Organization
Marilyn Horne – Artist
2016 Legends Honorees
Irma and Morrie Jurkowitz – Philanthropists
UCSB Arts & Lectures – Cultural Organization
Christopher Lloyd – Artist
2015 Legends Honorees
Sarah and Roger Chrisman – Philanthropists
CAMA – Cultural Organization
Barry DeVorzon – Artist