The San Luis Obispo Downtown Association is embracing the summer atmosphere every Friday night by showcasing local musicians in the Concerts in the Plaza musical series.
Concerts in the Plaza is a free and family-friendly event started in 1995 by Deborah Cash, executive director of the Downtown Association. Originally it hosted just one concert every June, July and August, but the series has garnered county-wide attention within the last 15 years. It now draws upwards of 50 band applicants a year and 1,500 to 3,000 attendees according to Reyes Miranda, promotions coordinator for the Downtown Association.
Local restaurants provide snacks to dancing concert-goers, while big industry names such as Firestone Brewery and Edna Valley Vineyards supply refreshments. KSBY and local radio station The Krush bring the media out as well to capture the musical escapades.
However, the most important thing about the concert series is not the food or drinks, it’s the relationship between the music and the San Luis Obispo community. Miranda said Concerts in the Plaza is the biggest community event in San Luis Obispo.
“You know everyone is welcome, it’s not just for families, not just for adults, and not just for kids. There’s something for everyone,” he said.
While Miranda acknowledges that a lot of students don’t stay in the area over summer, he encourages the few still in town to come out and enjoy the venue with the rest of the community. As a 2008 Cal Poly graduate, he said he wants students to take advantage of what the venue offers, especially at a time when student-community member relations are strained.
“It’s an outlet for people to say ‘Hey, come be part of the community,’” he said. “We’re not trying to exclude anyone.”
Miranda’s philosophy can be seen in the diverse lineup of the shows, which hosts bands formed by college kids and community members alike. Carl Taylor, a computer science senior, is the singer and guitarist of Pacific City, a previous headliner for the series. Taylor said the band’s Latin/ska/reggae infused sounds were well received at the venue even though most attendants hadn’t heard of his group.
“Our sound works for people of a wide ranging audience, so that’s why Concerts in the Plaza was a good venue,” he said.
Taylor said he urges Cal Poly students to go see a show and support local bands.
“I’m always in favor of going and checking out live music,” Taylor said. “And the wide variety of musical genres played makes it a good option.”
In fact, the musical series seems to be drawing together performers and community members alike. Kate Hajash, a San Luis Obispo local said she loves coming to the Concerts in the Plaza series for the community interaction with the music.
“I come because it’s free and it’s good music,” Hajash said. “Come here with your friends and enjoy the show.”
Vance Fahie, lead vocalist for the local reggae band Resination, has played at the concert for seven years. He said his band signed on to be a part of the strong community base.
“The main thing is that it is free, all-ages, outside and community-based,” Fahie said. “I feel that is so important for a community.”
Not only does the series provide a unique social venue, it also means opportunities for downtown businesses.
Firestone Brewery has been involved with the program for seven years.
“It’s really nice to be involved in such a good setting and be able to listen to music as a by-product,” brewery event coordinator Evan Dyer said. “A lot of people have heard of our beer, but we always have a few people who try it at the concert, become instant fans and travel up to our brewery.”
Miranda said Concerts in the Plaza is the association’s biggest fundraiser because money made from the event is spread throughout the rest of the programs the association hosts.
Laurel Cadena, head of marketing and public relations for Chino’s Rock and Tacos, said participation is not just to support the musicians but also the community.
“It’s a social event,” she said. “It brings a different opportunity to support our brand, which is about rock music as well.”
The series is in its fourth week of production and is scheduled to host local favorite reggae band Resination in the Mission Plaza Friday, June 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Concerts in the Plaza is helping bands like Resination live its musical philosophies, while helping community members connect.
“It’s the complete package,” Miranda said. “It’s the epitome of a community event, everyone should feel welcome.”
Concerts in the Plaza are held in Mission Plaza from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 4 through August 27 on Fridays.