Luther Burbank Center for the Arts facts for kids
The center in 2009
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| Former names | Wells Fargo Center for the Arts (2005–2016) |
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| Address | 50 Mark West Springs Rd Santa Rosa, CA 95403 |
| Coordinates | 38°29′36″N 122°44′57″W / 38.4932°N 122.7492°W |
| Owner | Luther Burbank Memorial Foundation |
| Type | Performing arts center |
| Capacity | 1,612 (Ruth Finley Person Theater) 399 (East Auditorium) |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1981 |
| Construction cost | $4.5 million |
| Website | |
| http://lutherburbankcenter.org/ | |
The Luther Burbank Center for the Arts (also known as the LBC) is a fun place where people can watch live shows. It is located just north of Santa Rosa, California. From 2005 to 2016, it was called the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts.
A group called the Luther Burbank Memorial Foundation owns and runs the LBC. This group is a non-profit organization. This means they use any money they make to support the arts and the center itself.
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Exploring the LBC's Performance Spaces
The Luther Burbank Center for the Arts has several different spaces for shows and events. Each area is designed for a specific type of performance or gathering.
The Ruth Finley Person Theater
The main stage at the LBC is called the Ruth Finley Person Theater. It is a large space where many big shows happen. This theater can hold 1,612 people. The stage is about 58 feet wide. No seat is further than 75 feet from the stage. This means everyone has a great view of the performance.
Other Event Areas
Besides the main theater, the LBC has smaller rooms and outdoor spots. These are perfect for parties, meetings, and community events.
Here are some of the other places you can find at the LBC:
- Carston Cabaret: This room can hold between 100 and 300 people. It's great for smaller, more personal shows.
- East Auditorium: This space can fit up to 400 people. It used to be known as The Merlo Theater.
- Fireside Room: A cozy room with a fireplace.
- Pavilion: An outdoor area for events.
- Lytton Rancheria Grand Lobby: A large entrance area.
- Atrium: A big, open space that is about 9,000 square feet.
- Three conference rooms: These are used for meetings and workshops.
Shows and Groups at the LBC
The Luther Burbank Center for the Arts hosts many exciting events. Each year, more than 100 different shows take place here. You can see music concerts, comedy acts, plays, and more.
Featured Performers and Resident Companies
Many famous artists have performed at the LBC. The center is also home to special groups called "resident companies." These groups perform there regularly. Two of these are the North Bay Stage Company and Roustabout Theater.
Community Partners
The LBC also works with other organizations. For example, the Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market often sets up shop there. Various medical and educational groups also use the center's facilities.
A Look Back: History of the LBC
The Luther Burbank Center for the Arts has an interesting history. It has been a place for arts and culture for many years.
How the Center Started
The Luther Burbank Memorial Foundation bought the land for the center in the 1970s. They paid $4.5 million for the property. The center officially opened its doors to the public in 1981.
A kind person named Henry Trione helped make this happen. He gathered a group of donors, who were sometimes called "Henry's Angels." They helped buy the property in 1981.
Name Changes Over Time
In 2006, the Foundation made a deal with Wells Fargo Bank. For ten years, the center was named the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. This name change started on March 12, 2005. Even with the new name, the Foundation still owned and ran the center. On March 12, 2016, the center went back to its original name, the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts.
Recent Events
In 2017, a large wildfire called the Tubbs Fire caused damage in the area. The east wing of the center was affected by this fire.
Famous Performances at the LBC
The LBC has been the site of some memorable performances.
- Comedian Lewis Black recorded his fourth album, Luther Burbank Performing Arts Center Blues, here.
- It was also where comedian George Carlin filmed his last recorded show, his 14th HBO special, It's Bad for Ya.
