Published in the July 9-23, 2014 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Reina Carrillo
Photo by Marty Cheek
Organizers opened the Granada July 2-6 with “Rocky IV” playing in the recently renovated theater.
Downtown’s Granada Theater has received its final inspection and the Morgan Hill Granada Preservation Society is ready to open the doors of our great cinema venue to the public. And with that accomplishment, the volunteer team is moving into high gear to finish up the final clean-up. We’re now ready to accept community programming ideas and reservations for getting into the programming schedule.
The MHGPS is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization with a goal to re-open the Granada Theater and transform it into a multi-purpose creative arts center focused on live performances, cinematic arts, and rented space events. The theater is divided into two auditoriums. Theater No. 1 has been retrofitted with a 9.2 surround sound system and a modern high definition digital projector to enhance the viewing experience for audience members to modern standards.
The MHGPS is dedicated to maintaining and operating the Granada through ticket and rental sales, concession sales at the snack bar, as well as receiving donations from generous members of the community and businesses who want to contribute to the arts in Morgan Hill. We are a long-term nonprofit corporation and have formed strategic alliances with various organizations and businesses that want to help us make the Granada a success.
We are currently aligned with the Morgan Hill Community Foundation, under which we are operating as an umbrella organization while we complete our 501(c)3 status. As part of a small town of the South Valley region, we plan to embrace programming that will enhance our community. We intend to provide a wide array of entertainment options at the Granada. There will be something for everyone — and our performances and films will always be tasteful.
Planned creative programming include a Battle of the High School Jazz Bands, a 1950s Date Night, an independent film festival weekend and more. Downtown businesses have expressed an interest in cross-promotional activities including discounted meals and event tickets, themed evenings such as a 1950s night for several downtown businesses, and business-driven programming such as downtown’s The Music Tree store sponsoring a Battle of the Bands at the Granada.
We’ve found that many South Valley residents, including people who live in south San Jose, San Martin and Gilroy, are eager for entertainment options that will let them have a night on the town without having to drive all the way to San Jose.
Families, seniors and young people will all find events tailored to their tastes in the broad programming plan we have developed for the Granada.
People who have vested interested in a local nonprofit organization — be it a school, youth sports team, church, day care, senior center, or other group — will find events customized to their interests that will help them raise money for the causes they care about.
Reina Carrillo is the former chair of the Morgan Hill Granada Preservation Society’s board of directors and the co-owner of the Grinds, Vines & Automobilia Cafe in downtown Morgan Hill. Email the society at [email protected] if you’re interested in being involved in the Granada.
