Locals and Legends: Celebrating the Music of James Taylor

Description

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. 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