serving as an influential jazz venue, and providing a stage for some of the world’s finest classical musicians, opera singers, and dancers.
The Lobero Theatre is excited to celebrate its Sesquicentennial Anniversary with you! Opened in 1873, the Lobero is the 4th oldest continuously operating performing arts theater in the United States. This treasured venue, which has played an important role in our nation’s cultural history, continues to engage and inspire diverse audiences of all ages.
Reflective of the community’s proclivity, the theater has hosted everything from vaudeville acts, seances, and boxing matches in its early years, to events of great societal importance, helping jump-start the careers of Hollywood legends,
The entire Lobero team — including our talented staff, outstanding Lobero Board, and incredible volunteers — has served as dedicated stewards of this cultural jewel. But most importantly, our theater’s true lifeline is YOU, the loyal Lobero ticket buyers and supporters. It’s your 150 years of patronage that have helped keep this beloved theater alive. Without you, the Lobero couldn’t survive.
Thank you for commemorating this monumental occasion by joining us during our year-long Ovation Celebration. We hope that this exciting milestone, which brings added awareness to the community about this remarkable landmark, will help position the Lobero to continue to be a prominent, integral, and essential stage for the performing arts in Santa Barbara well into the future.
David Asbell Executive Director Lobero Theatre Foundation
As part of our ongoing commitment to the communities where our employees live and work, Amazon Santa Barbara is proud to sponsor the Lobero Theatre Foundation in its incredible 150th year. It's an honor to contribute to this downtown gem of a venue which means so much to Santa Barbara and our vibrant and historic culture.
For more than 170 years, the Lobero Golden Eagle has been a witness to some of the most important moments in our nation’s history. An elusive treasure and prized symbol, she has twice been lost – and then found – under the most unlikely circumstances.
The discovery of gold on the South Fork American River in 1848 set off the largest migration in American history and nearly 300,000 “Forty-Niners” made their way to California to seek their fortunes. The fastest route involved crossing from the Atlantic to the Pacific via the Isthmus of Panama. Using this shortcut, Forty-Niners could travel from New York to San Francisco in only 6 weeks.
Industrial Age business giant Cornelius Vanderbilt intended to dominate the Panama route and began assembling a fleet of fast steamships to transport FortyNiners to the California gold fields. In 1853, the Yankee Blade, one of the fastest and most luxurious side-wheel steamers ever created made its inaugural voyage. And perched above the ship’s wheelhouse was a magnificent gilded wooden eagle. By mid1854, Vanderbilt’s Yankee Blade had begun transporting gold and passengers between San
Francisco and Panama, and over the next few months, it made two round trips between the ports. On its third trip in October 1854, however, disaster struck. Carrying as many as 1,200 passengers and hundreds of thousands of dollars in gold bullion and freshly minted coins, the Yankee Blade ran aground on the rocks off Point Arguello near Santa Barbara. By sunrise the next day, 30 to 40 passengers had drowned and the steamship and its cargo had completely disappeared. It was the deadliest California maritime disaster to date.
Two months later, Dixie Thompson was tending cattle on the northwest coast of Santa Rosa Island when he spotted wreckage floating near the shore. Returning the next day with a boat, he
recovered a chest full of medical books, as well as a large wooden eagle – the only remnants of the sinking steamship.
By 1855, the Golden Eagle had made her way across the channel to Santa Barbara and, a few years later, was said to have been traded for a bottle of whiskey and hung above the bar at José Lobero’s Brewery Saloon. A recent immigrant from Italy, Lobero was deeply patriotic and devoted to the ideals of his adopted country.
In 1873, José opened his opera house – the only one in California outside of San Francisco – and positioned his Golden Eagle above the stage’s proscenium arch, where it presided for the next 40 years. By the late-1910s, however, competition from motion pictures and the new Potter Theatre meant the end of the Lobero Opera House. By 1917, the old theater had gone completely dark and the
Golden Eagle had disappeared from its perch. For the next 43 years, its whereabouts was a mystery.
In 1960, local amateur historian Ike Bonilla spotted the eagle atop the gateway to a nearby estate, the Kinevan Ranch. It turns out that when the Lobero Opera House closed, the Golden Eagle had been placed in storage. In 1929, local rancher Mary Kinevan purchased the eagle for $5 at an auction. In 1961, the Kinevan family donated the Golden Eagle to the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. Covered in layers of thick brown paint, and worn from decades of exposure, it bore little resemblance to the majestic gilt figure which had hung above the Lobero Opera House stage.
Today, the eagle’s body and wings have been stripped of their heavy paint, and the original gesso and delicate gold leaf reapplied. The Santa Barbara Historical Museum, which restored the Lobero Golden Eagle and produced a short film about it, is graciously loaning the magnificent artifact to the Lobero for its 150th Anniversary Celebration – to share her incredible story with new generations.
Many thanks to Ovation Board Chair Brett Hodges, who was instrumental in both the Eagle’s restoration and the collaboration with the SB Historical Museum.
Photo by Zach Mendez
2.1.23
Vlad De Briansky –Dreamland Blues Tour
The Ukrainian-American guitarist was nominated for a GRAMMY® and his latest blues studio album, Dreamland, reached top of the charts around the world. 50% of proceeds from ticket sales to help Ukrainian refugees.
Presented by Dreamland Bros. LLC
2.2.23
The “Get Together” Concert
An intimate tribute honoring festival leaders we lost in 2021 — featuring the music of Jesse Colin Young with Jazzie Young, Chris Stills, Teddy Jack, The Tribe, and more special guests, with a special presentation by Henry Diltz.
Presented by Rock Cellar Magazine and FestForums
2.4.23
The Farallonites
This theatrical dance performance evokes the lives of lighthouse keepers on the Farallon Islands off the coast of San Francisco in the 1860s. Audiences will find themselves immersed in another time and place.
Presented by Dana Lawton Dances
2.9.23
Jesse Colin Young — The Highway Troubadour Tour, with Jazzie Young Having shaped the character of
American music for over 50 years, Young’s style is considered Americana, but in fact it’s a unique fusion of folk, rock, jazz, and blues, with an emphasis on his extraordinary voice.
Presented by PCI & Double Tee Concerts
2.10.23
Arturo Sandoval
Sandoval has evolved into one of the world’s most acknowledged guardians of jazz trumpet and flugelhorn, as well as a renowned classical artist, pianist and composer. The dynamic vivacious performer has received 10 GRAMMY® Awards, 6 Billboard Awards, and an Emmy Award.
Presented by Jazz at the Lobero
2.18.23
An American Dream
Treasured possessions become symbols of their lost homes for two women during World War II: a Japanese American facing internment and a German Jewish immigrant preoccupied by those she left behind.
Presented by Opera Santa Barbara
2.21.23
Jack Johnson
150th Ovation Celebration Event
Presented by the Lobero Theatre Foundation
2.22.23
David Crosby & Friends
150th Ovation Celebration Event
Presented by Earl Minnis Presents and the Lobero Theatre Foundation
2.27.23
Journey Through Jazz with Santa Barbara Charter School
The “Journey Through Jazz” program not only serves to teach vocal jazz and jazz history within the regular school day, but to introduce a desire in our youth for any type of musical or theatrical pursuit.
Presented by Santa Barbara Vocal Jazz Foundation
3.2.23
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
For more than 60 years, South Africa’s five-time GRAMMY® Award-winning group has been warming the hearts of audiences worldwide with uplifting vocal harmonies, signature dance moves, and charming onstage banter.
Presented by Lobero LIVE
3.3.23
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
As a vibrantly cross-pollinated ambassador for New Orleans, PHJB’s nationwide tour, Pass It On – 60th Anniversary Musical Celebration, commemorates six decades of the Hall’s well-loved space.
Presented by Jazz at the Lobero
3.4.23
Los Romeros – The Romero Guitar Quartet “The Royal Family of the Guitar”
The Romeros’ voluminous discography spans the entire repertoire of the classical guitar from the works of its earliest composers to those of today’s
masters.
Presented by Community Arts Music Association and the Lobero Theatre Foundation
3.5.23
Santa Barbara Youth Symphony
The Youth Symphony brings together 50 gifted musicians, ages 12-18, from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties to perform works across the orchestral repertoire.
Presented by The Santa Barbara Symphony
3.10.23
Charles Lloyd 85th Birthday Concert
NEA Jazz Master Charles Lloyd invited pianist Jason Moran, bassist Larry Grenadier, and drummer Brian Blade to join him for their first appearance together at the Lobero – which happens to coincide with Charles’ 85th birthday!
Presented by Jazz at the Lobero
3.19.23
It’s Magic! Lance Burton & Friends
Master Magician Lance Burton’s new show Lance Burton & Friends — with juggler Michael Goudeau, comedy magician Fielding West, and illusionist Keith West — is a mix of illusions, sleight of hand, and audience participation.
Presented by Terrry Hill, Milt Larsen and Lobero LIVE
3.25.23
Morgan Wade ‘No Signs of Slowing Down’ Tour, with special guest Kaitlin Butts
With her unabashed debut album
Reckless, Wade landed on various Best Album and Songs of 2021 rankings from TIME, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, Stereogum, The FADER, Tennessean, Boston Globe, and more.
Presented by Goldenvoice
3.31.23
Tom Russell
The award-winning singer/songwriter has released more than three dozen albums. His songs have been recorded by numerous musical legends, including Johnny Cash, Doug Sahm, Nanci Griffith, k.d. lang, and more.
Presented by Long Man Productions
4.1.23
The Magical Music of Motown
This supergroup, featuring internationally acclaimed artists, faithfully recreates the dynamic performances of Motown legends such as The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and many more.
Presented by Craig Bodinnar
4.5.23
An Evening with Colin Hay, with special guest Lazlo Bane
Hay has had a prolific career, both as the lead singer/principal songwriter for the GRAMMY® Award-winning band Men at Work, and a solo career that spans 25 years and 15 albums. This show will feature songs from his entire catalog, including latest releases, engaging stories, and rare accompaniment by his acoustic band.
Presented by Lobero LIVE
4.8.23
The Derek Douget Band
Douget, who has performed with many notable musicians on the New Orleans scene, will be joined on stage by Ashlin Parker (trumpet), Victor Atkins (piano), and Jason Stewart (bass).
Presented by Jazz at the Lobero
4.12.23
Elton Dan & The Rocket Band – A
Tribute to the Great Elton John
Complete with over-the-top costumes and high energy performances, this dynamic spectacle pays tribute to one of the greatest artists of all time – Sir Elton John. Elton Dan’s rapport and stage presence is second to none.
Presented by Emporium
4.23.23
Die Walküre (The Valkyrie)
Star-crossed lovers Siegmund and Sieglinde unknowingly provoke the wrath of the gods of Valhalla in Wagner’s romantic masterpiece that features the famous “Ride of the Valkyries.” In German with English surtitles.
Presented by Opera Santa Barbara
4.24.23
Augustin Hadelich - Solo Violin
The GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, consistently cited worldwide for his phenomenal technique and insightful interpretations, plays the violin “Leduc, ex-Szeryng” fashioned by Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù in 1744.
Presented by Community Arts Music Association
4.29.23
The Jungle Book
This production — with choreography by Rodney Gustafson and Kassandra Taylor Newberry, an original score, and mesmerizing digital projections — will take you on an unforgettable journey through the jungles of India.
Presented by State Street Ballet
5.5.23 - 5.7.23
Lobero Theatre Chamber
Music Project
Carrying on the tradition of excellence that began in 1977 with the Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra, led by music director/conductor/ violist Heiichiro Ohyama, the legacy continues with a weekend of stellar music by an artfully curated chamber ensemble.
Presented by Lobero LIVE
5.7.23
Santa Barbara Youth Symphony
The Youth Symphony brings together 50 gifted musicians, ages 12-18, from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties to perform works across the orchestral repertoire.
Presented by The Santa Barbara Symphony
5.12.23
Tierney Sutton – Paris Sessions
Trio and Celebrating 30 years of The Tierney Sutton Band
The 9-time GRAMMY® nominee has received 7 consecutive nominations for “Best Jazz Vocal Album” – one for every project she has released for the last decade.
Presented by Jazz at the Lobero
5.21.23
A dozen teens and two AHA! staff take to the stage and bust out a solo rock ‘n roll song backed by a live band – truly a process of transformation. They learn to overcome fears, support their peers, stand tall, and sing out.
Presented by AHA! Santa Barbara
5.27.23
Celebrating 30 Years
This musical revue highlights some of the school’s most special moments from the past 30 years. Alumni will raise their voices and usher in the next 30 years.
Presented by Adderley School
Lobero LIVE is funded in part by the Events and Festivals Program using funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture
Artist Brad Nack has always considered the Lobero to be a pillar of the performing arts community. He felt it was a huge honor to be invited to take on the rewarding endeavor to paint a series of three pieces for our 2022-23 season. What resonates most with the artist is midcentury art, which is a core part of his identity. Brad’s goal is to create art that is free of pretense – based on a foundation of craft, experimentation, and curiosity. To discover more about the artist, visit bradnack.com, Facebook @bradnack, Instagram @bradnack, Twitter @Brad_Nack.
“I love the Lobero” are the words I hear most often after mentioning I work for the theater. This treasured venue has had a place in the hearts of our community since its inception. Over the years, the Lobero family has created a cherished cultural heritage which has been enjoyed for generations. As we celebrate the 150th Anniversary of this historic theater, let’s work together to endow its future. Show your “love for the Lobero” by making a gift to the Lobero Endowment Fund. It’s easier than you might think.
To learn more about how you can make a significant gift to endow our future, please contact Jim Dougherty at 805.679.6005, or jdougherty@lobero.org
Your ticket to drink, nosh and unwind in our inviting courtyard.
Come enjoy the pre-show festivities. Sheila will welcome you.
Purchase VIP Tickets for many Lobero LIVE events to experience curated receptions and unique fan experiences.
More info at Lobero.org or contact Sheila Caldwell, Donor Relations & Events at 805.679.6013 or scaldwell@lobero.org
Photos by: Evan Maidaa, Louie Esquivel
With a national reputation for achieving results and a sustained focus on community partnerships, Nye, Stirling, Hale & Miller LLP, is a civil law firm committed to finding solutions to our clients’ legal challenges.
www.nshmlaw.com
Cottage Health would like to congratulate The Lobero Theatre on their 150th anniversary.
Crafted with an obsession for quality, Cutler’s Spirits is Santa Barbara’s first and only legal distillery that prides itself on producing handmade craft spirits made with all locally sourced ingredients.
DRINK LOCAL. DRINK BETTER. DRINK CUTLER’S.
cutlersartisan.com
Wishing a Happy 150 th Anniversary to the Lobero!
Congratulating the Lobero on 150 years!
Rob Adams | Greg Bartholomew | Christos Celmayster
Francois DeJohn | Toni Floyd | Steve Hayes | Caitlin Hensel
Jason Liehr | Michael Martz | Dan Moll | Liam Murphy
Kristopher Roth | Nolan Tooley | Dylan Ward
We are excited to join the Lobero Theatre in celebrating their 150th anniversary!
2022 Best Mortgage Company - SB Independent 25 Best Bank Awards in 10 Years
