Santa Barbara Bowl facts for kids
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The Bowl
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The venue before a concert in 2013.
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| Location | Santa Barbara, California |
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| Owner | Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation |
| Type | Outdoor amphitheater |
| Seating type | Seats |
| Capacity | 4,562 |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1936 |
| Renovated | 1994–2012 |
| Website | |
| Santa Barbara Bowl | |
The Santa Barbara Bowl is a cool outdoor concert place in Santa Barbara, California. It has seats for 4,562 people! You can catch live music there from about April to October, with around 27 concerts each year. A company called Goldenvoice helps bring popular bands and singers to the Bowl. Since 1991, a special group called the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation has taken care of this awesome venue.
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History of the Santa Barbara Bowl
In the 1920s, the spot where the Bowl now stands was used for a big show called La Primavera. Later, in 1924, a fun event called 'Old Spanish Days' fiesta began.
In 1935, the Santa Barbara Bowl was built into a hillside. It was part of a special project by the government called the WPA. The WPA helped create jobs during tough economic times. The Bowl was first made for the yearly Old Spanish Days — Fiesta pageant.
The first stage at the Bowl could spin around! But heavy rains in 1939 washed it away. A strong concrete stage replaced it, which stayed until 2001. In the 1970s, people started holding pop music concerts there. Famous bands like The Beach Boys played at the Bowl.
Famous Concerts at the Bowl
Many famous musicians have played at the Santa Barbara Bowl. It's a popular spot for live shows!
In 1979, Joni Mitchell recorded parts of her live album, Shadows and Light, right here. Her band included amazing jazz musicians.
The British band Tears For Fears filmed their concert video, Going To California, at the Bowl in May 1990.
Bob Marley and The Wailers performed at the Bowl in 1979 during their Survival tour.
Maroon 5 recorded their live album and DVD, Live - Friday the 13th, at the Bowl on May 13, 2005.
On October 20, 2010, the Colombian singer Shakira performed a show during her Sun Comes Out World Tour.
On May 19, 2018, pop star Katy Perry, who grew up in Santa Barbara, played a special concert. It was called WITNESS: Coming Home. This show helped people after local fires and mudslides.
Olivia Rodrigo had a sold-out concert at the Bowl on May 21, 2022. This was part of her Sour Tour.
Improvements and Renovations
The Santa Barbara Bowl has been improved a lot over the years. Since 1991, more than $42 million has been spent on making it better!
In 1994, big upgrades were made to power, water, and sewer systems. A temporary roof was added in 1995 to protect the stage. In 2000, new drainage systems were installed.
A huge change happened in 2002 when the stage and backstage areas were rebuilt. They became much bigger, giving artists more space. Dressing rooms and restrooms were also improved.
In 2003, the seating got an upgrade. Special seating for people with disabilities was added. A new grand staircase was also built. The Wendy McCaw Terrace was added in 2004 for special events. More food and drink stands were also put in place.
All these changes have made the Santa Barbara Bowl a fantastic place to enjoy live music!
See also
- List of contemporary amphitheatres
