For Immediate Release
Press Contact: Angie Bertucci
805.966.4946 ext 610 or abertucci@lobero.com
Tickets: Lobero Box Office
805.963.0761 or lobero.com
First Fiesta to First Thursday:
Old Spanish Days Fiesta and the Lobero Theatre




Original “Fiesta” celebrated the grand opening of the Lobero Theatre
Now celebrating 88 years as part of the Santa Barbara community
Encore: Lobero announces upgrades to historic theatre with behindthe-scenes view and interactive displays
“First Fiesta to First Thursday” event on Thursday, August 2
Santa Barbara, CA, February 12, 2016– Eighty-eight years ago Santa Barbara marveled at the newlyrebuilt Lobero Theatre and came together in a city-wide celebration. On August 4, 1924, the Lobero
reopened its doors after extensive renovations, with a gala production of Beggar on Horseback by the
Community Arts Association. Tickets were on sale for $1 and $2, and Santa Barbara enthusiastically
joined in the festivities, commemorating the opening with the inaugural “Fiesta” and what we now
know as Old Spanish Days Fiesta.
“… Fiesta is a holiday that began as a small-town family party to mark the resurrection
of a cherished institution—a theatre. [It] was an effort ’to establish as an annual event a
few days of festivities in Santa Barbara in which all the people can celebrate.’ That, at
any rate, is what was printed on the program over for Beggar on Horseback. “ *
The Lobero Theatre Foundation is launching an exciting new campaign, Encore: Lobero, to honor and
restore this beloved George Washington Smith/Lutah Maria Riggs historic venue. Improvements will
preserve the theatre’s architectural history and integrity to create an enhanced audience experience for
years to come. Learn more at LoveTheLobero.com.
Join us for First Thursday on August 2 as we travel from “First Fiesta to First Thursday.” This event will
be the first public look behind-the-scenes at the Lobero Theatre. Learn all the details about this
historic gem, including its central role in Old Spanish Days Fiesta.
#
#
#
Old Spanish Days Fiesta and the Lobero Theatre
Some important circumstances which motivated the first Fiesta in 1924 included a shared feeling that
Santa Barbara should have an annual summer event to entertain and attract visitors, as well as the
Community Arts Association of Santa Barbara’s planned opening of the new Lobero Theatre. A member
Lobero Theatre Foundation | 33 E. Canon Perdido Street, Santa Barbara CA 93101 | 805-963-0761 | Lobero.com | 1
of the Community Arts Association conceived the idea of having a celebration to mark the opening of
the new theatre. A committee was formed to formulate plans for the celebration including a parade,
aquatic and sports events and, of course, a gala celebration at the theatre on its opening night. A third
aspect was the desire to celebrate remembrances of parents and grandparents from the old Spanish
days of the 1800’s, when Spanish customs, dress, music and dance prevailed. **
From its earliest days, the Lobero has been Santa Barbara’s grand stage for both community and
professional performances. Originally founded in 1873, The Lobero Theatre is California’s oldest
continuously operating theatre. Today the Lobero Theatre is an officially designated city and state
landmark and an award-winning destination for jazz, as well as a treasured architectural icon, beautifully
representing Santa Barbara’s iconic Spanish architectural style.
Encore: Lobero
The Lobero Theatre Foundation is launching an exciting new campaign, Encore: Lobero which will
improve audience experiences both inside the auditorium and out, including upgraded sound
equipment, new seats, expanded restrooms, and a grand entrance to the theatre originally penned in
George Washington Smith/Lutah Maria-Riggs’ 1924 plans. Go inside the renovations by exploring
interactive displays which show the inside history of this well-loved building, plans for improvements,
and meet the architect bringing this exciting vision to life.
Source Material:
*
Captured Dream, A brief history of the Lobero Theatre. Otis Wickenhaeuser.
Published by the Lobero Theatre Foundation, © 1990.
**
Quoted with permission, Kathryn McKee, Media Relations, Old Spanish Days Fiesta.
http://www.oldspanishdays-fiesta.org/new/index.php/history/history_of_fiesta
Lobero Theatre Foundation | 33 E. Canon Perdido Street, Santa Barbara CA 93101 | 805-963-0761 | Lobero.com | 2