How you can help

The Lobero Theatre Foundation was established as a 501c3 non-profit organization in 1938 to act as stewards for, and to raise funds to maintain and operate an important historic institution. As committed managers of this community treasure, we ask for your partnership.

• Make a donation to the Brubeck Circle to support American Roots Music and music education programs
• Ensure that performing arts remain accessible with a gift to our Youth & Community Outreach programs
• Consider naming the Lobero in your estate plan, endowing your love of this historic theater for generations to come

THE LOBERO THEATRE ASSOCIATES  – MAKING AN IMPACT FOR 50 YEARS

This year, The Lobero Theatre Associates celebrate their 50^th Anniversary! The dynamic women’s auxiliary group is passionate about the Lobero and view our historic theater as a community treasure. 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. Associates can also be found at the theater in a variety of other roles, such as volunteering for a committee, ushering, decorating for an event, or hosting a luncheon. Established in 1972, The Associates have raised more than a million dollars for the Lobero over the last five decades.

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, youth outreach programs, and so much more. The entire arts community benefits from the work of these ladies and we are very grateful for their passion and dedication. The Associates hold a Board Seat on the Lobero Theatre Foundation (which manages, maintains, preserves, and programs events at the Lobero) and the Associates’ President attends meetings.

The group, with a current membership of approximately 70 ladies, welcomed 12 new members this year. This fun, diverse group of women ranges from moms with young children to grandmothers, working women, and retirees. These fabulous fundraisers are always open to new members who would like to help make a positive impact on the Lobero. Two levels of membership are available – Active Member, if one has time to attend monthly meetings, or as a Mini Member, who is involved more casually.

Active Members:

• Attend monthly lunch meetings, co-hosted by a rotation of Active Members, Oct – June, first Wed of each month
• Participate in the December Holiday Tea & fundraising events
• Enjoy voting privileges

Mini Members:

• Participate in the Holiday Tea & fundraising events, but do not attend meetings or have voting privileges
• Can participate in planning committees for fundraising events

Either way, all members have access to exciting top notch social events, such as the lovely annual Signature Holiday Tea each winter (where prospective guests of members are encouraged to attend), the Hats Off Luncheon each spring (with a special invited artist or performer), the New Membership Luncheon, The Associate Night’s Out, and more. The events are hosted around town at various venues, such as The Biltmore, Uncorked Kitchen, SB Yacht Club, La Cumbre Country Club, the Lobero’s back courtyard, or at the home of a generous individual on a committee who offers to host a luncheon.

For more information on how to become a member, please contact Sheila Caldwell at scaldwell@lobero.org.

Keep the Music Playin’

Brubeck first played the Lobero Theatre in March 1953, just four years after starting the Dave Brubeck Quartet with Paul Desmond. At that time, his brother Henry was head of the Music Department at Santa Barbara High School and brought many of his students to see his brother play. Dave last graced the Lobero stage in 2009. The Lobero Brubeck Circle was created as an homage to our friend Dave Brubeck — to carry on a legacy of jazz education, keeping this uniquely American music alive in his honor.

The Brubeck Circle of donors has made it possible for the Lobero to bring musical legends such as Herbie Hancock, Charles Lloyd, Wayne Shorter, Dianne Reeves, Regina Carter, Dr. John, Chris Thile, Robert Cray, Keb’ Mo’, and more.

Membership to the Circle also provides support for our local youth music education programs, creating future jazz musicians and audiences alike:

• The Brubeck Jazz Residency Program with The Derek Douget Band. Derek and bandmates work on-site with students (at local high schools, colleges, and non-profit organizations), who are also invited to a group jam session on the Lobero stage.
• Santa Barbara Vocal Jazz Foundation residencies at local elementary schools, which teach jazz history and appreciation, and include live performance opportunities.
• Music performances by local students on the Lobero stage, offering young musicians a professional performance experience with a skilled stage crew and state-of-the-art equipment.

ENDOWING OUR FUTURE

It’s easier than you may think. Help continue our work through a gift to our endowment.

There are a number of charitable gift and estate planning options the will allow you to partner with us in supporting our local arts for generations to come.

• CHARITABLE BEQUEST – Make a future gift to our endowment in your will or trust.
• BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS – Make a future gift to the endowment from your financial accounts, retirement accounts or life insurance.
• CHARITABLE LIFE ESTATE – Deed your property to us for the endowment and reserve lifetime use.

WHY BECOME A MEMBER OF THE LOBERO HERITAGE SOCIETY?

The Lobero Theatre Foundation is here to guarantee that the Lobero Theatre remains a vibrant home for Santa Barbara’s performing arts. The purpose of our endowment is to ensure and advance our mission to maintain and operate this treasured venue as a community asset in perpetuity. We have been stewards of this historic landmark since 1938, and are committed to providing a home for local music, dance, theatre and film today and for future generations.

WE CAN HELP!

To learn more about how you can make a significant gift to endow our future, please contact us. We would be happy to talk with you and provide a free illustration of the benefits of one or more of these plans for you.