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Throughout the years, the historical Alvarado Street venue has hosted everyone from B.B. King and Willie Nelson to John Waters and Etta James. In 2009, when Monterey Church took over management, the entertainment also changed to include more Christian-centric and family-friendly events.

In a Feb. 23 press release, GM Bobby Gore expressed the Golden State Theatre's new vision: "We have a unique ability to vitalize our downtown and act as an economic catalyst to our city."

Already, 40,000 people flood the theater annually for the Sunday church gatherings so the goal isn't too far-fetched. "This year we think, with the community's support, we can bring 100,000 people into the downtown," Gore continued.

But in order to get people in the door, the events have to be a hell of a lot more appealing than anything that came through last year. We need Weird Al and Bryan Adams to return. That's the realistic way to up attendance.

Gore encourages promoters, conference planners and non-profits to book their events at the Golden State Theatre in 2011. Contact: 372-4556 or goldenstatetheatre@yahoo.com

So far, the sampling of future events, sent out with the release is lackluster at best—Younglife Benefit on May 2 and Matt Maher in concert on May 22.

Check out some of the venue's past standout shows below. Then you'll see what's capable of happening within the theater's beautiful walls.