Santa Barbara Celebrates Music Legacy with 'Locals & Legends' Concert

The Granada Theatre and Santa Barbara Records team up to honor James Taylor's timeless songs with local artists and the Santa Barbara Symphony.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 10:48pm

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The Granada Theatre, an iconic Santa Barbara performing arts venue, is partnering with local label Santa Barbara Records to present 'Locals & Legends: Celebrating the Music of James Taylor' on April 25, 2026. The one-night event will feature performances by regional musicians, including Santa Barbara Records artists, who will put their own spin on Taylor's beloved songs while also debuting original compositions inspired by his legacy. The Santa Barbara Symphony under the direction of Music and Artistic Director Nir Kabaretti will accompany the artists. The concert also includes special guest appearances from acclaimed musicians with Santa Barbara ties, creating a unique celebration of the city's vibrant arts community.

Why it matters

This event highlights Santa Barbara's enduring status as a hub for musical excellence, bringing together local talent and a legendary songwriter to create a one-of-a-kind experience. By pairing iconic songs with fresh interpretations, 'Locals & Legends' honors the past while also showcasing the contemporary voices shaping the region's music scene. The collaboration between The Granada Theatre and Santa Barbara Records further solidifies the city's reputation as a destination for live performing arts and supports the local creative economy.

The details

The 'Locals & Legends' concert will feature performances by Santa Barbara Records artists Omar Velasco, Céleigh Chapman, Mendeleyev, Will Breman, and Jess Bush, who will each perform James Taylor's most beloved songs and debut original compositions inspired by his work. They will be joined by special guest artists James Raymond, Steve Postell, Miriam Dance, and Lois Mahalia, all of whom have strong ties to the Santa Barbara music community. The all-star house band includes Randy Tico, David Delhomme, Jesse Siebenberg, and Austin Beede, whose credits include collaborations with major artists and film projects.

  • The 'Locals & Legends' concert will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
  • The Granada Theatre celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024.

The players

The Granada Theatre

An iconic Santa Barbara performing arts venue that has been integral to the city's arts and entertainment landscape for over a century, hosting world-class performances and serving as a historic movie palace.

Santa Barbara Records

A small, independent record label founded in 2021 with the purpose of developing, curating, and promoting regional singer-songwriters from the Central Coast.

The Santa Barbara Symphony

A premier cultural institution in the region, now in its 73rd year, that delivers artistic excellence, outstanding music education, and community collaboration under the artistic leadership of Maestro Nir Kabaretti.

Nir Kabaretti

The Music and Artistic Director of The Santa Barbara Symphony since 2006, known for his charismatic leadership and ability to invigorate audiences and musicians.

James Taylor

The legendary singer-songwriter whose timeless songs will be celebrated at the 'Locals & Legends' concert.

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What they’re saying

“This event is a testament to Santa Barbara's ongoing role as a hub for musical excellence. By pairing legendary songs with fresh interpretations from local artists, Locals & Legends creates a one-of-a-kind experience that honors the past and looks toward the future of our city's vibrant arts community.”

— Ashley Dawson, Vice President of Marketing at The Granada Theatre

What’s next

Tickets for the 'Locals & Legends' concert will go on sale to the general public on February 1, 2026.

The takeaway

The 'Locals & Legends' concert showcases Santa Barbara's thriving music scene, blending the city's rich cultural heritage with contemporary local talent. By honoring the timeless songs of James Taylor and providing a platform for emerging and established artists, the event celebrates the enduring power of music to bring a community together.