Community Responding to Garbeau’s Plight

Benefit Performances to Kick Off with The Beatles

With hundreds of emails of support and four sold-out performances in the past two weekends, Garbeau’s CEO and co-owner, Mark Ferreira, sees grounds for hope in his effort to keep his venue alive.

“The response from the community has been both humbling and invigorating,” Ferreira said, adding that season passes have also been selling well. To help supporters purchase season passes without risk, many theater companies, now including downtown’s Cosmopolitan Cabaret, have agreed to honor Garbeau’s passes if the company does not survive.

While response has been encouraging, the battle is not over. Facing forced closure by their landlord, Andy Lakha of Washington-based Lakha Investments Co., Garbeau’s is sprinting to meet multiple financial deadlines between now and mid-March. “We need an infusion of capital that unfortunately can’t be met by sold-out houses alone,” Ferreira said. He said a combination of higher attendance, season pass sales and more revenue from weeknights could indeed secure the 27 year-old landmark. “Of course,” he mused, “investors are also always welcome to step forward.”

To help their cause, a number of groups are scheduling benefit concerts. With new bookings to be added to their website, the series kicks off February 22nd at 7 p.m. with Because: The Beatles Tribute Band (formerly known as The BBC). Wednesday the 25th will feature a talent showcase by young performers including Elly Award winners, cast members from Music Circus, and young people who aspire to have careers on stage.

More information can be found at http://www.garbeaus.com/ or by calling Garbeau’s box office at (916) 985-6361.