Coming Together to Rock One805

One805 was formed in the aftermath of the Thomas Fire and subsequent Montecito debris flows, when the planned thank you to first responders gathering called The Kick Ash Bash turned into the largest nonprofit event in Santa Barbara history back in 2018. The grassroots organizers quickly realized that supporting first responders could be much more than a one-off, and in the five years that followed have raised millions of dollars to both purchase equipment to aid in disaster response and rescues, as well as provide critical counseling support to first responders and their families. 

This weekend, the second annual One805Live! Fall Music Festival, which takes place Friday, September 22, at Kevin Costner’s seaside estate, aims to garner more than one million dollars in its largest event since the original bash. This year’s largesse is largely earmarked both toward ensuring that the counseling program is endowed in perpetuity as well as purchasing rescue watercraft and marine drones capable of both search and dropping supplies to be employed along the length of the Santa Barbara County coastline. 

One805 is certainly doing its level best to fill the coffers that are eventually dispersed by its advisory council composed of the heads of all 11 first responder departments across the county. The accessible space at Costner’s spread has been vastly increased to accommodate twice as many attendees – up to 3,000 – and Costner, who was away on a film shoot for last year’s bash, will be on hand at the event. 

The concept of the community coming together for a concert to support those who help everyone all year long has been attractive enough to coax some of Montecito’s illustrious residents to join in. Wondering who? Well, you’ll just have to show up to see. Attendees will be in for a surprise.

“I think everyone who lives here, no matter who they are, is very aware of our vulnerability and wants to show gratitude and support to our first responders,” said Richard Weston-Smith, One805 co-founder and CEO. “It is significant to have them there and for One805 to get their support.”

But it’s the music that will be keeping the beat for most of the 4-10 pm event and there’s no doubt that One805 has also amped up the attractions, if not the volume for this year’s big concert. Maroon 5 – perennial chart toppers who have sold more than 135 million records worldwide – are the headliners. The band fronted by lead singer Adam Levine, who lives here, will play a full set. 

That comes hours after appearances by a whole bevy of pop performers from decades of rock history, many of whom live here. They’ll all be backed by a house band led by Steve Postell, who just coordinated the wondrous David Crosby tribute at the Lobero last month. Postell has gathered a crackerjack band of studio stalwarts called the Night Train Music Club who have collectively played with some of the biggest names in the business. 

Guitarist Elliot Easton is among the dozens of guest artists taking their turn fronting the band. Easton, who will sing a couple of the Cars’ hits, said it was a no-brainer to return to the stage for One805 for a second year. 

“My generation of musicians has known that music has an incredible ability to bring people together for good,” he said. “We were part of Live Aid back in 1985, and it’s always an honor and a blessing to play for a great cause like this, even more than the sheer joy of playing music.” 

Also returning to take a turn at the mic this year are Santa Barbara residents Alan Parsons, David Pack of Ambrosia, Wally Palmar of the Romantics. Among the newcomers for 2023 are Matthew Wilder who scored with “Break My Stride”; Danny Kortchmar of Jackson Browne and Don Henley fame, who is also leader of Postell’s band, The Immediate Family; and Dan Navarro. 

John Fogerty, the Creedence Clearwater Revival founder and solo superstar, was just announced minutes before press-time, and more artists are being added right up to the
concert itself. 

“We’re so grateful to get so many great musicians to come and play,” said Weston-Smith, “We’re aware that you’re only as good as your last show so we have to put together as entertaining an event as we can. People were just blown away last year by what we delivered. This year is going to be even better.” 

Visit https://one805.org for more information, tickets, and to make donations.