Santa Ynez native Kathleen Sieck is just one of the five artists uniting their efforts to bring this year’s Santa Barbara Youth Project Concert to life. Sieck will be joined by fellow performers Emily Wryn, Jonathan McEuen, Steven Styles, and Amber Durbin for this annual fundraiser, which takes place at Standing Sun Winery in Buellton on Sunday, June 30, at 6 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Santa Barbara Youth Project, which has provided summer camps and other programs for at-risk children across Santa Barbara County since 1998.
Known for her unique blend of Americana, ’70s rock, and old-school country, Sieck has been performing throughout the Central Coast and beyond since 2012—either solo or accompanied by her band, The Paradise Road. In terms of songwriting, Sieck’s style is heavily influenced by the lyrical storytelling found within the works of Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Josh Ritter, and Noah Gundersen. Her latest solo album, Goodnight America, is set to be released through CatBeach Music later this summer.
Fellow Santa Barbara County native Emily Wryn started writing and performing her own songs at the age of 13. Since the release of her first EP, “Head on Straight,” in 2012, this folk artist has enjoyed performing across California—at small art outlets and large venues alike. Although labeled as a bluegrass artist, Jonathan McEuen is no stranger to crossing genre boundaries—switching to or combining folk, rock, and country on a frequent basis.
Visiting artists Steven Styles, from the Central Valley, and Amber Durbin, from San Diego, will also be lending their voices and talents to support the fundraiser. Each ticket to the concert, presented in collaboration with the Valley Musicians Project, is available through a tax deductible donation of $30. Standing Sun Winery is located at 92 Second St., Buellton. Call (805) 904-8072 or visit standingsunwines.com to find out more.
Stoke the world (and melt with you)
More than 100 different live acts and DJs, plus special guests, will divide four stages over the course of three days during the Stoke the World Gathering at the Live Oak Campground. The event starts Friday, June 28, and ends Sunday, June 30, and offers attendees the option to camp both Friday and Saturday night. Featured artists include Bardo and Friends, Boogie Knights, Cimo Brothers, The Noach Tangeras Band, The Ragged Jubilee, Zen Mountain Poets, and dozens more.
Guests of the festival can also look forward to take part in a variety of mind, body, and soul-themed workshops—including lectures, yoga classes, and other hands-on activities. Admission to the event varies depending on the extent of your stay, ranging from $10 to $110. Tickets are available in advance at my805tix.com, where interested parties can also find the full line-up of bands and DJs.
More music
Classic rock group The Youngsters perform at Cold Spring Tavern off of Highway 154 on Saturday, June 29, from 1 to 4 p.m. Michael Edward and the Aftermath are set to follow, from 5 to 8 p.m. This rock band performs both originals and covers with a ’60s/’70s pop vibe. The classic rock thread continues with local rock ’n’ rollers The Low Down Dudes on Sunday, June 30, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Blues and rags duo Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan will open for the group, from 1:15 to 4 p.m.
Rockabilly band Rock Cats Rock will be performing at Solvang Park on Wednesday, July 3, from 5 to 8 p.m. The show is part of the city’s free summer concert series, which runs every Wednesday evening at the park through Wednesday, Aug. 28. Also in Santa Ynez Valley, Flannel 101 will be covering popular hits of the ’90s on Friday, June 28, starting at 8 p.m. High Voltage, an AC/DC tribute band, takes over the saloon the following evening, Saturday, June 29, from 8 to 11 p.m.
Country/rock artist Keith T. Cox performs at Vino et Amicis Wine Bar in Orcutt on Friday, June 28, from 7 to 10 p.m. Local pop performer Nataly Lola plays at the bar the following night, Saturday, June 29, from 7 to 10 p.m. Admission to both performances is free. Moxie Cafe in Santa Maria hosts solo artist Logan Landress on Thursday, June 27. The cafe’s weekly live music series continues with pop rock cover band The Wavebreakers on Friday, June 28 and local musical duo Sun Dragon on Saturday, June 29. Each performance is held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Petrella, aka the First Lady of Country Soul, performs at Willow in Nipomo on Saturday, June 29, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. With seven studio albums under her belt so far, Petrella has been touring the country as a career musician since 1988. Joined by her back-up band, Mixed Influence, Petrella will play her signature blend of country, soul, rock, blues, and R&B.
Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood wrote this week’s Local Notes. Contact him at cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jun 27 – Jul 4, 2019.