Granada Theatre Appoints Two New Board Members | Arts & Entertainment | Noozhawk

The Granada Theatre’s Board of Directors is expanding with the recent addition of Laura Abrignani and Blair Pence.

“Our centennial year saw The Granada really think outside the box and expand the types of shows and events staged to appeal to a greater amount of our community,” said Palmer Jackson Jr., executive chair of the Granada’s Board of Directors.

“To continue to bring these innovative experiences to the Granada, we felt the need to increase our board,” he said. “We’re very excited to have Laura and Blair bring their talents and experiences to the theater.”

For six years, Abrignani has volunteered as the director of Old Spanish Days Fiesta. She said she was looking for a new challenge, and the Granada Board post offers that.
 
“One of my specific roles at the Fiesta was working to secure the bands,” she said. “Palmer’s Doublewide Kings band often played, and he and I got to know each other. He asked me to join The Granada.

“I love music, I wasn’t gifted with musical talent, so this is a way to feed that part of my soul.”

Abrignani is a nurse practitioner who just opened her clinic, Coastal Well Woman.

She said she aims to grow The Granada’s audience through her role on the board.

“I want to help The Granada continue to speak to a more diverse group,” she said. “Too often when people think of The Granada, they think it’s only the symphony or ballet. I think shows that appeal to younger demographics are important because these people are the next generation to support the arts and keep it alive.”

After being a part-time resident of Santa Barbara for 25 years, Pence moved to the Central Coast full-time five years ago, and was searching for a volunteer role in his new hometown.
 
A real estate developer in Los Angeles, Pence was engaged in philanthropic activities throughout the city. He served as a board member and chair of Goodwill Industries of Southern California for some 30 years, and dedicated time to several arts organizations as well.

“I knew Palmer, and my wife and I have enjoyed many performances at The Granada. We love the performing arts, so joining the board was a perfect fit,” Pence said.

Pence comes from a family of musicians. He played the trumpet in his high school band and the USC band.

“I’m excited to help expose The Granada to a greater variety of people and in doing so, create the financial foundation for the organization, which is key,” he said.