"The majestic Grand Lake Theatre in Oakland celebrated its 100th birthday on March 4, 2026, with showings of free classic films all day, multiple organ concerts played in the main theater on the Mighty Wurlitzer, and a ceremony led by Mayor Barbara Lee, Councilmember Charlene Wang, and other local community leaders."
"Michaan, who was happily buzzing around the theater like a boy on his birthday, clearly takes pride in the venue and his work. Wearing a necktie covered with images of movie theater tickets, he snuck into the main theater to watch the Disney animated masterpiece Fantasia, one of the day's special featured films."
"The Grand Lake Theatre was co-founded by Abraham Karski, who also founded The White Horse Inn, which has since become known as the nation's oldest continuously operating gay bar. That feeling of inclusiveness resonates throughout The Grand Lake Theatre, which has hosted everyone from Golden State Warriors great Steph Curry to multiple Oscar winner Tom Hanks."
The Grand Lake Theatre marked its centennial with a full day of celebrations featuring free classic film screenings, multiple Mighty Wurlitzer organ concerts, and a formal ceremony. Mayor Barbara Lee and other city officials honored owner Allen Michaan, declaring March 6 Grand Lake Theatre Day. Michaan, known for progressive marquee statements, actively participated in festivities. The theater, co-founded by Abraham Karski in 1926, has maintained a legacy of inclusiveness and diversity. The venue has attracted notable figures including Steph Curry and Tom Hanks, reflecting its cultural significance in Oakland's entertainment landscape.
#grand-lake-theatre-centennial #oakland-cultural-heritage #theater-preservation #community-inclusivity #historic-entertainment-venue
Read at San Francisco Bay Times
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]