Locals and Legends: Celebrating the Music of James Taylor at The Granada Theatre

Presented by Santa Barbara Records & The Granada Theatre

The Next Chapter in a Growing Santa Barbara Tradition

Following last year’s powerful community celebration, Locals & Legends returns with a renewed vision and a fresh musical focus, continuing the mission of Santa Barbara Records and The Granada Theatre to spotlight the artistic heartbeat of our region. This year, the collaboration turns to the timeless catalog of James Taylor, exploring his warm melodies and poetic storytelling through the voices of Santa Barbara’s own musicians.

Santa Barbara Records artists, Omar Velasco, Celeigh Chapman, Mendeleyev, Will Breman, and Jess Bush, will bring Taylor’s most cherished songs to life in newly reimagined arrangements supported by The Santa Barbara Symphony under the direction of Music and Artistic Director Nir Kabaretti. Alongside highlights like Carolina in My Mind, Fire and Rain, and Country Road, each artist will also perform an original song inspired by the spirit, style, and legacy of James Taylor—creating a bridge between his iconic songwriting and the contemporary voices shaping Santa Barbara’s music scene.

Joining this year's lineup are four special guest artists who graced the stage at last year's inaugural concert: James Raymond, a celebrated musician and producer, and son of the late David Crosby; Steve Postell, singer-songwriter, guitarist, and Crosby's final musical director; Miriam Dance, a performer, educator, and beloved Santa Barbara staple; and Lois Mahalia, a vocalist of remarkable depth who has shared the stage with Joe Walsh, Kenny Loggins, and Joe Sample. They are backed by an all-star house band featuring Randy Tico on bass, David Delhomme on keys, Jesse Siebenberg on pedal steel, lap steel, and dobro, and Austin Beede on drums, many of whom call Santa Barbara home. These artists’ credits include collaborations with artists such as Whitney Houston, Jeff Bridges, Kenny Loggins, and José Feliciano, as well as film projects including Top Gun: Maverick and A Star Is Born.

Rooted in collaboration, powered by local talent, and guided by a shared spirit of community connection, the 2nd Annual Locals & Legends deepens this emerging Santa Barbara tradition—one where local musicians reinterpret legendary music while contributing stories of their own.

Generously sponsored by: The Hazen Foundation & The Fansler Family

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Artists:  Omar Velasco , Celeigh Chapman, Will Breman, Jess Bush, Mendeleyev

Time:  19:30 -  21:30