Music, sports and the act of giving will unite the Damon Castillo Band and Chase McBride as they headline a Special Olympics benefit concert at Downtown Brewing Co. Friday.
Hometown favorites, the Damon Castillo Band will play material off their recently-released album,” Laurel Lane,” named after the San Luis Obispo street where the band got its start.
The band will fuse its unique jazz, funk, rock and soul sound in an effort to raise money for the San Luis Obispo County Special Olympics.
“As far as benefits go, we’ve always been active,” said Damon Castillo, who was honored when Downtown Brew and Special Olympics approached the band about playing a benefit concert.
This will be the second time local singer-songwriter and Cal Poly student Chase McBride takes the stage with the Damon Castillo Band, after opening up for them at a November CD release party.
“The Damon Castillo Band has great music and it’s going to be a fun night. The more people that come, the more fun it will be,” said McBride. He will be performing songs off of his newly-released debut EP, “From the Mountains to the Sea.”
According to Todd Landsman, mechanical engineering junior, Special Olympics coach and benefit coordinator, there has never been a strictly music-only fundraiser held for the San Luis Obispo County chapter until now.
All of the proceeds will go toward funding the local Special Olympics.
The San Luis Obispo County Special Olympics is a nonprofit organization that works with over 700 local athletes with intellectual disabilities, making it the largest chapter in California and one of the biggest in the country.
“It’s a wonderful organization. They’re doing a lot of good here in our community,” Castillo said.
Math senior Matt Forman plans to attend the show and has seen the band perform many times before.
“I know they’re really nice guys,” he said. “This (benefit concert) shows that they’re actually trying to do something good with their music and not just make money off of it. They’re trying to make people become aware of the causes that they’re passionate about.”
Musicians Heath Seager and Robby Hart of local band Criticnue will also take to the stage.
This all-ages music event opens its doors at 7:30 p.m. and music begins at 8 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased for $12 at the door or $10 in advance at Boo Boo Records, ticketweb.com or Downtown Brew’s box office.
“It’s just a wonderful cause. When you get the chance to be a part of a benefit like this, it just feels good. You will also get a wonderful night of music,” Castillo said.