Backstage Stories

Interactive Performances take Center Stage at The Granada Theatre

November 6, 2024

Interactive Performances take Center Stage at The Granada Theatre

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Photo Credit: Baron Spafford  

When we go to the theater to see a performance, the artists are on stage, and we’re in the audience. It’s entertaining, but it isn’t interactive. The Granada’s Centennial On Stage series aimed to change that.

The three performances, part of Granada’s 100th birthday celebration, were intimate affairs. There was dancing, and in some cases, the audience was on stage with the performers.

Piano Man

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Photo Credit: Baron Spafford

The On Stage series kicked off in March with Santa Barbara-based pianist Antonio Artese sharing his intriguing mix of classical and jazz piano. Artese performed original songs like “My Blonde Girlfriend,” a tribute to his wife, and classical Puccini pieces. Artese was accompanied by local musicians Jim Connolly and Matt Perko.

“Performing at The Granada Theatre during its Centennial was an unforgettable experience,” said Artese. “The intimate setting on stage, the exceptional acoustics, the warm connection with the audience, and the special format of the event created the perfect atmosphere for our creative expression. I’m grateful to be part of this fantastic community in Santa Barbara and honored to contribute to the rich history of this remarkable venue.”

 

Queen of Bass

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Photo Credit: Baron Spafford

Called everything from the Queen of the Bassists to the female Lenny Kravitz, internationally renowned Nik West brought her unparalleled bass playing and soulful vocals to The Granada in May.

West became involved with the Centennial On Stage series through Ashley Dawson, the Director of Marketing and Database Services at The Granada. Dawson first saw West perform several years ago, and during the pandemic, she participated in an online course West created to teach bass guitar. The two became friendly, and Dawson suggested that West add The Granada to her tour.

“I thought it was a great opportunity for her and us to bring a new type of performance to the Granada and attract a new audience to the theater,” said Dawson.

West is known for her interaction with her audience, so this series, which transformed an orchestra hall into an intimate club atmosphere, was perfectly suited to her performance style.

Throughout the show, West was in the crowd and even dancing with the audience. As a singer who performed alongside Prince, she delivered several of his hits and her own music, which reflected her history with funk and soul music. Her musical journey began in an African American church and has evolved into the style she plays today.

Santa Barbara All-Stars

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Photo Credit: Baron Spafford

 

The series concluded with an extravagant ode to the talent of Santa Barbara. Granada board member Tariqh Akoni, a guitarist, composer, and musical director who has worked with Josh Groban for two decades, helped pull together local talent to create a dream Santa Barbara team that took the stage in October.

“People forget that Santa Barbara has such diverse talent and eclectic music taste,” said Akoni. “It’s amazing to see what’s here.”

Akoni helped bring together vocalists Morganfield Burnette, Miriam Dance, Jackson Gillies, Hunter Hawkins, Lois Mahalia, and Tina Schlieske. They were joined by singers Leigh Vance and Angela Michael.  They were backed by Akoni on guitar, Randy Tico on bass, jazz saxophonist Tom Buckner, guitarist David Delhomme, George Friedenthal on keyboard, multi-percussionist Miguelito Leon, drummer Herman Matthews, and trumpeter Jim Mooy.

“The band and musicians were so strong and came with their own set of skills, so we could do a great show along with micro-sets where each artist got to showcase what they do best,” said Akoni.

The band was so large that the entire audience couldn’t be on stage, so the first floor was opened up, and the orchestra pit became a dance floor, with people strutting their stuff from song one.

According to Akoni, the band had so much fun playing together that there is talk that they might perform again or that this all-star band could have a rotating roster of Santa Barbara talent join for future shows.

“There are a couple of things that might come out of this. This idea has a lot of legs,” said Akoni.  “Part of our tagline at the theater is ‘This is your Granada,’’ so using it as a platform to feature local talent is a beautiful thing. There is so much world-class talent in the 805!”