A tour de force!

By Anne Wilde

The Lobero Associates raise vital funds to support the Lobero Theatre’s Youth and Community Outreach Programs.

David Asbell, Heidi Merrick, Barbara de L’Arbre, Paige Beard, Charles de L’Arbre

Joan Crossland, Susan Tarlow, Anne Wilde, Mindy Denson, Maribel Jarchow, Annie Williams, Cynthia Glist

2023 year marks The Lobero Associates’ Golden Jubilee! Established in 1972, this dynamic women’s auxiliary group has raised more than a million dollars for the Lobero over the last five decades. Their mission is to aid the Lobero financially in whatever way they can to help keep this architectural and cultural jewel vibrant for future generations.

It’s thanks to their stellar partnership that patrons can enjoy improvements to the Lobero’s courtyard, a new ticketing system, the Steinway grand piano, an updated ladies’ restroom, beautiful holiday décor on the esplanade, replacement of our historic theater’s beloved curtain, and so much more.

In addition to celebrating their 50th Anniversary and the Lobero’s historic 150th milestone, The Lobero Associates set out to raise vital funds to support the Lobero Theatre’s Youth and Community Outreach Programs. These programs are an integral part of the Lobero’s mission to operate and maintain the historic Lobero Theatre as a performing arts center and cultural asset to the community, and to present the highest quality productions possible in music, dance, and theater.

This year’s annual benefit, entitled “Dinner & Divots,” was held at the Santa Barbara Polo Field & Racquet Club on April 28, 2023. Co-chaired by Paige Beard and Heidi Merrick, the evening featured exhibition polo matches showcasing some of the intercollegiate players, with commentary by Polo Manager Melanja Jones.

The fundraiser included a Raffle, Live Auction, and Paddle Raise with exciting prizes, such as a necklace from Coast to Coast Jewelry, a Santa Barbara Staycation, a Polo Package, a Coastal Sunset Cruise on the Reel Inn with a Magnum of Brander Wine, and Santa Barbara Travel’s luxurious trip to Paris & Provence.

Catered by the club’s Fieldside restaurant, with musical entertainment by local indie rock band Kettle of Hawks, the memorable event welcomed 190 guests and surpassed initial expectations, raising more than $72,000. The co-chairs were honored to be a part of such a dedicated and passionate team of individuals who worked tirelessly to make this event a success – from the talented performers and production crew to the hardworking staff and volunteers.

Funds raised will support three residency performances with Santa Barbara Vocal Jazz Foundation, live performance field trip performances of Nebula Dance Lab or Boxtales Theatre Company, three performances of the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony on the Lobero stage, a week-long jazz music residency with the Derek Douget Band at local high schools, junior highs and colleges, subsidies for a variety of youth organizations performing at the Lobero (such as AHA! – Santa Barbara’s after-school Sing It Out! program, State Street Ballet Academy, Santa Barbara Center for Aerial Arts, the Spirit of Fiesta auditions, Santa Barbara High School’s Visual Arts & Design Academy), and ticket scholarships for students to attend performances at the Lobero, including our Jazz at the Lobero series for local jazz music students, and a variety of performances, like It’s Magic, for children affiliated with our social services partners, like Boys & Girls Club, Transition House, CASA, and more.