Residents learn about booking shows at the Santa Barbara Bowl and the Granada Theatre

Antioch University hosted an ” In Conversation” event entitled “The Art of Booking Touring Shows in Santa Barbara” on Monday afternoon.

Chris Stringer, the executive director of the Granada Theatre, and Rick Boller, the general manager of the Santa Barbara Bowl, took part.

Boller said the venue’s return to Goldenvoice helped the bowl book The Who before the three-day Desert Trip concerts in Coachella, California.

Boller said it will probably help them book guests between Coachella and Stagecoach weekends as well.

The Santa Barbara Bowl hold 5,000 seats and under a long term deal with the county it may host 37 shows a year.

The Granada hosts about 100 shows that include a popular Arts and Lectures series.

Both venues give back to the community by inviting children to experience performing arts.

For concert-goers on a budget, the Bowl sells tickets for less at its box office off Milpas St.

Tickets not used by the artists are often released at the last minute, Boller said.

The Santa Barbara Bowl recently partnered with Uber to reduce DUI’s and illegal parking issues in the neighborhood.

The Granada offers free valet parking for special patrons.

Both venues rely on volunteers and each has a facility fee that is under $5.00 a ticket to cover overhead costs.