One805 One Ups Themselves Again 

There will probably – perhaps hopefully – never be another benefit concert like the Kick Ash Bash, the 2018 extravaganza staged as a thank you for the first responders who dealt with the late 2017 Thomas Fire and the resultant early 2018 Montecito Debris Flows. Just about every musician, actor and other entertainer who ever called the Santa Barbara area home was on hand to perform and connect and the community came together to heal in a celebratory way. 

The nonprofit One805 was formed to put together that event, and in subsequent years has continued to grow and do great work supporting firefighters, police and other public safety organizations in a number of ways, including staging annual concert events that serve as a major fundraiser to fill its coffers. This year’s One805 Live! show is the biggest one yet, with headliners Pink and Dallas Green performing as their folk duo You+Me, and a bill that includes the recently road-retired Kenny Loggins, Al Stewart, Alan Parsons, Joe Bonamassa, Richard Marx, Jordan Asher Huffman, Alyssa Bonagura, and Plastic Harpoons. Also featured for the first time is the Santa Barbara Symphony, who continue to broaden their appeal by offering orchestral accompaniment for some of the acts at the concert held for a second year at Kevin Costner’s oceanside Summerland estate on September 20.

On a different note, organizers have learned from last year’s logistical issues, including some obstructed views and a massive logjam to exit at evening’s end. The fewer cabanas will be located closer to the stage, all obstructions to the view have been removed, and food service will be dramatically improved as will the VIP seating. Plus, both the arrival and departure system are being completely revised, with better traffic flow and a second gate to ensure better crowd control and a safer, more orderly exit. Visit www.One805.org for more information and tickets.