Santa Maria Sun / Music

Life rocks

BY JOE PAYNE

Every year a positive, party atmosphere seeps into Santa Maria by way of polished and revved classic cars coming from far and wide to be a part of Cruzin’ for Life, an annual fundraising event in support of local cancer programs. This year, the events, which usually include the car show and cruise on a Friday and Saturday, will conclude with a huge Sunday concert featuring some massive talent.

Living legend: Dave Mason, a guitarist who’s worked with legends such as Hendrix (both pictured), will also grace in the stage at the Santa Maria Fairpark. PHOTOS COURTESY OF DANIEL KITCHEN

“We’re real excited about the level of artists for this show,” said Daniel Kitchen, promoter for the Cruzin’ for Life concert. “It may be the first time that three nationally known acts have shared the stage here in Santa Maria.”

Kitchen is referring to the amazing lineup of musical acts: Los Lobos, Dave Mason, and Lee Rocker. Candy Clark, from American Graffiti, is host. Kitchen, who has promoted several large concerts in the area, was approached last year to help organize and promote the concert.

“I hadn’t done a concert that was a part of a car show before,” he said. “Once I got to know what this show does, and what it does for the community, there was no doubt for me to do all I could.”

Kitchen supplies his services to the event like just about everyone else, free of charge. The proceeds from the huge, three-day event will go toward the American Cancer Society Camp Reach for the Stars in Cambria. It also supports the Young Cancer Survivors Scholarship Fund and the Marian Cancer Care Center.

“Cruzin’ for Life started nine years ago; this will be the ninth event,” Kitchen said. “All together over half a million dollars has been raised, and last year over $200,000 was raised, so this is really growing exponentially.”

Los Lobos, Dave Mason, and Lee Rocker are all legends of rock and roll, with Mason as a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The artists themselves have felt the philanthropy of the event and discounted their usual price for performing.

Rockin’ style: Lee Rocker, founding member of the Stray Cats, will be performing his rockabilly style music at the benefit concert. PHOTOS COURTESY OF DANIEL KITCHEN

“They understand that we are helping locals, local kids,” Kitchen said. “The money that is raised with this show is all local and stays local.”

The concert is Sept. 23 at 2 p.m. and is set to include amazing music for three hours. There are three ranges admission price, from bleachers and lawn chairs to the VIP experience, which includes some backstage access, free food, and a wine pouring and tasting with Lee Rocker pouring his own wine, Lee Rocker’s Rockabilly Red.

“Cruzin’ for Life is another example of the generosity of the community here in Santa Maria,” Kitchen said. “It’s a chance to have folks come and listen to a really great act and support a great cause.”

Music of Veracruz

Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara presents Entre Mujeres, the all-woman ensemble, performing the music of Veracruz Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. at Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Road, Goleta; Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Guadalupe City Hall Auditorium, 918 Obispo St., Guadalupe; and Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. at the Marjorie Luke Theatre, Santa Barbara Jr. High, 721 E. Cota St., Santa Barbara. More info: 884-4087, Ext. 7.

Cruzin’ for Life Cruzin’ for Life presents its annual “Car Show, Cruise, and Concert” Sept. 21 through 23. Friday features a drivers’ meet and greet, family fun carnival games, and a ’60s and ’70s dance. Saturday features a survivors cruise down Broadway, family fun carnival games, a car show, and live music. Sunday features a concert featuring Los Lobos, Dave Mason, and Lee Rocker. Call for times. The Santa Maria Fairpark is at 937 S. Thornburg, Santa Maria. Cost is $28.50, $48.50, or $68.50 for the concert. More info: 1-888-825-5484 or vallitix.com.

Hear the frequency

Ian Franklin and Infinite Frequency perform songs off their new album and others on Sept. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., 45 Industrial Way, Buellton. More info: 694-2252 or ianfranklinmusic.com.

Feel the love

The Santa Maria Philharmonic Society presents its opening concert of the season, “The Poetry of Romance,” featuring selections from Romantic-era composers including Hector Berlioz, Franz Schubert, and Edvard Grieg on Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church, 605 E. McCoy Lane, Santa Maria. Cost is $30, $25 for seniors. More info: 925-0412, george@santamariaphilharmonic.org, or santamariaphilharmonic.org.

Fun at the 510

The 510 Event Center presents a live blues jam featuring local musicians led by Juan Marquez and Sangria Wednesdays from 7 to 10 p.m. DJ Orlando entertains Thursday nights starting at 10 p.m. (dress code enforced). DJ Orlando also spins for “Margarita Night” every Monday from 9 p.m. to midnight. Saturdays feature an open mic from 4 to 7 p.m., and Saturday nights are Latin night featuring live norteño and banda music. Call for times. The 510 Event Center is at 510 South Broadway, Santa Maria. More info: 928-5510, 510eventcenter@gmail.com, facebook.com/510eventcenter, or 510eventcenter.com.

Chumash jams

The Chumash Casino and Resort presents the bluegrass/folk/country masters Alison Krauss and Union Station on Sept. 27. The resort is at 3400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez. More info: 1-800-chumash or chumashcasino.com.

All that jazz

The Santa Maria Inn presents “A New Twist on an Old Favorite” in the Tap Room, featuring performances by Mezcal on Fridays. Mofongo performs the first Saturday of each month, the Sammy Labastida Jazz and Blues Band performs the second Saturday of each month, Louie Ortega performs the third Saturday of each month, and Lawless and Dean perform the fourth Saturday of each month. The Tap Room is in the inn at 801 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. More info: 928-7777 or santamariainn.com.

Maverick music

The Maverick Saloon offers live entertainment, including G&M Productions presenting the Mad Caddies in concert Sept. 20 at 9 p.m. The country music of Randy Emmet and Sideshow in concert is Sept. 21 at 8:45 p.m., followed by “Late Night with guest DJs” at 11:30 p.m. “Concert on the Deck” featuring Randy Emmet and Friends is Sept. 22 at 3 p.m. Randy Emmet and the Sideshow performs Sept. 22 at 8:45 p.m., followed by “Late Night with guest DJs.” Tales from the Tavern presents a special show with Dave Alvin and the Guilty Ones on Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. More info: 686-4785 or mavericksyv@aol.com.

Contact Calendar Editor Joe Payne at jpayne@santamariasun.com