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 popular outdoor concert venue in Santa Barbara, California. It's an amphitheater with 4,562 seats. The Bowl usually hosts concerts from April to October each year. About 27 concerts happen every season. A company called Goldenvoice books most of the shows, which are mainly popular music concerts. Since 1991, a non-profit group called the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation has managed the venue.
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History of the Bowl
The Santa Barbara Bowl was built a long time ago. In the 1920s, a local pageant called La Primavera used the area where the Bowl is now.
How the Bowl Was Built
In 1935, the Santa Barbara Bowl was carved into a hillside. This was part of a special government program called the WPA. The WPA helped create jobs during a tough economic time. The Bowl was first made to host 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 new, strong concrete stage was built in its place. This concrete stage stayed there for many years until more updates happened in 2001.
In the 1970s, people started holding pop music concerts at the Bowl. Famous bands like the Beach Boys played there.
Famous Concerts at the Bowl
Many well-known musicians have performed at the Santa Barbara Bowl.
- In September 1979, singer Joni Mitchell recorded parts of her live album, Shadows and Light, at the Bowl. She was on tour for her Mingus album.
- 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.
- On October 28, 2003, during a Pearl Jam concert, Chris Cornell joined the band on stage. This brought the band Temple of the Dog back together for the first time in many years.
- Maroon 5 recorded their live album and DVD, Live - Friday the 13th, at the Bowl on May 13, 2005.
- On October 20, 2010, the singer Shakira performed a show as part of her Sun Comes Out World Tour.
- On May 19, 2018, pop star and Santa Barbara native Katy Perry held a special concert at the Bowl. It was called WITNESS: Coming Home. This show helped people after local fire and mudslide disasters.
- Olivia Rodrigo had a sold-out concert at the Bowl on May 21, 2022. This was part of her Sour Tour.
Bowl Renovations and Upgrades
The Santa Barbara Bowl has been greatly improved over the years. Since 1991, over $42 million has been spent on making the venue better.
Key Renovation Projects
- In 1994, the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation took charge of the venue. They upgraded the power, water, and sewer systems.
- A temporary roof was added in 1995 to protect the stage.
- In 2000, new storm drains were installed to help with water drainage. A new sign (marquee) was also put up.
- The stage and backstage areas were completely rebuilt in 2002. This made the space much larger, going from 3,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet. Dressing rooms and restrooms were also improved.
- In 2003, new seating was added, including special seating for people with disabilities. A grand staircase was also built.
- The Wendy McCaw Terrace was added in 2004. This area is used for special events.
- In 2005, the Canteen was upgraded for better food service. Hand-rails were also installed for safety.
- A retaining wall was built backstage in 2006.
See also
- List of contemporary amphitheatres
