Santa Barbara Bowl Dedicates The Scranton Overlook

At the same event, the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation Board of Directors will announce an increased commitment to endowment fundraising for Facility Maintenance and Education Outreach and celebrate the completion of the $38 million capital phase of the American Classic Capital and Endowment Campaign.

Scranton, who served as General Manager, a Founding Board Member and Executive Director throughout his 30-year run, is largely credited for his tenacity and commitment to transform the historic amphitheater from disrepair to a world-class venue. During his tenure, Scranton oversaw the creation of the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation; led the Foundation as it took over control of the venue in 1994; formed the production/booking partnership with Nederlander to bring in first-tier talent; and assisted with the development of the Facility Master Plan. That blueprint for the Bowl’s restoration and renovation defined the parameters of the multi-phased, multi-million dollar capital campaign that has resulted in the Bowl becoming one of the most desirable outdoor venues in the world to perform for world-class artists.

“For decades, Sam’s name was synonymous with the Bowl. The combination of his sense of humor and no-nonsense demeanor, essentials in this very tough business, put the Foundation on a very solid trajectory,” said Board President Paul Dore. “Some of us literally grew up with him, especially Rick Boller, his long-time protégé and successor. It is wonderfully appropriate that Sam be permanently recognized in this visible and substantive fashion. We are all grateful to the anonymous donor who made this possible.”

The generosity of over 600 donors has funded the $38 million capital phase of the Bowl’s renovation and restoration Master Plan which, in addition to The Scranton Overlook, includes:

• The Pavilion – The Bowl’s iconic soaring superstructure – a permanent stone, steel and copper proscenium atop the stage. (2008)

• The elegant Wendy McCaw Terrace for donor, sponsor and cultivation receptions and Plaza-level Beverage Concessions (2004)

• The Angie and Stephen Redding Gate –creating the distinctive, elegant entry to the Jerry Garcia Glen that leads to the Bowl. (2008)

• The Jerry Garcia Glen…Our Lobby – Landscaped in indigenous plantings and punctuated with small clearings for pre-concert picnics and gatherings. (2010)

• The Dreier Administration Building and Box Office and Lower Plaza are funded and scheduled to be completed in 2014.

• The Towbes Family Café in the Plaza (2001)

• The Judy and Jeff Henley Stairway that includes well-lit stairs and railings to The Scranton Overlook. (2001)

• The Dreier Bar at The Scranton Overlook. (2012)

• Reconstructed stage and backstage facilities increased the overall useable square footage by +300%, including upgraded dressing rooms, and enlarged and improved restroom facilities (2001)

• Permanent, disabled seating platform, Floor Section (2004)

• The Canteen – Designed to serve high quality food from local restaurants. (2005)

• Seating – Upgraded patron seating. Final phase to be completed in 2012

Phase Two of the American Classic Campaign will focus on sustainability and endowment:

Board Designated Facility Endowment – Building a cash reserve for facility maintenance for the Foundation.

Arts Education Outreach and Endowment – Bowl Outreach reaches over 20,000 Santa Barbara school children each year through presentations and programs in classrooms and at the Bowl. Because of drastic cuts in arts funding in the schools, it is incumbent upon community members and organizations to step forward and bring this essential educational aspect to as many children and teens as possible. The Bowl Foundation already plays a prominent role as a community resource and facilitator for arts education in Santa Barbara County. Currently $1 of every ticket sold to Bowl concerts goes to support county-wide Arts Education programs including the creation of the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission’s Bowl Arts Subsidy. The Education Outreach Endowment will enable the Bowl to impact the lives of more children annually. The importance of this endowment in enriching the lives of as many Santa Barbara County children as possible cannot be overstated.

For more information, please contact Development Director Beth Skidmore at 805-308-9782 or fundraising@sbbowl.com.