While a potential budget sequester may have seemed far off in August 2011, when President Barack Obama signed the Budget Control Act into law, the across-the-board federal cuts are already upon us. Unfortunately for the Central Coast, that means a series of free community concerts has been cancelled.
The United States Air Force Band of the Golden West had scheduled several concerts in the area for its newest performance ensemble, The Blue Yonders, which focuses on bluegrass and Celtic styles of music. The group was set to perform in Solvang, Pismo Beach, and Santa Maria in late March, but all military bands have been grounded indefinitely through the military’s fiscal year.
“Right now the sequester has mandated all of our tours for the foreseeable future to be canceled,” said Jason S. Plosch, USAF captain and commander of USAF Band of the Golden West, stationed at Travis Air Force Base. “We are hoping there will be some wiggle room as soon as the summer time or late spring, but right now we are limited to our local area around Travis.”
The United States Air Force Band of the Golden West will still perform locally, as will many Navy, Army, and Marine bands—but they’re all prohibited from touring. The community concerts the military provides are always free, with the costs of touring and organizing falling on the military’s budget. The USAF Band of the Golden West organized with the Santa Maria Parks and Recreation Department to present the Santa Maria concert and help get the word out about the event.
“The band got a hold of us six or seven months ago to get the event set up,” said Santa Maria recreation supervisor Dennis Smitherman. “We have been working hard with some partners like the American Legion and the Santa Barbara School District, but due to the sequester, we have had to tell everyone we aren’t doing it anymore.”
Performing groups have been a big part of the military’s domestic and national outreach programs, providing community relations support at home and abroad. The Air Force, for instance, uses a rotational process so that an Air Force ensemble is deployed every day of the year.
“We have bands that are stationed in Germany and Japan that have the same restrictions that we have,” Plosch said. “They said it’s best if the bands don’t tour if we are furloughing civilians and our pilots aren’t getting flying hours; but we hope it’s temporary.”
Beyond its musical performing ensembles, the Air Force has grounded its performing aviators as well. The military air shows and flyovers are on hiatus along with the music until the end of the fiscal year. According to Plosch, the Air Force is focusing funds on such programs as Wounded Warrior and family support.
“The immediate impact is that we have to cancel some performances, but it’s all temporary; no one is losing their job,” he said. “We are happy to step back if those programs need support.”
The performing ensembles, which perform in uniform, are made up of professional musician airmen, most of whom hold degrees in music.
“We have been in a lot of towns in America, and we are sometimes the only military uniform that people see,” Plosch said. “Music is a universal language, and we do bridge that gap and bring the military to the public.”
Wine, poetry, and music
Lucia’s Wine Co. offers an open mic featuring wine, poetry, and live music on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. at the tasting room, 126 East Clark Ave., Orcutt. More info: 332-3080.
Wine down with music
The Addamo Tasting Room and Bistro presents “Wine Down Wednesdays” featuring live music on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Addamo Tasting Room and Bistro, 400 E. Clark, Old Orcutt. Free. More info: 937-6400 or Bethany@addamovineyards.com.
A benefit with a big sound
The Allan Hancock College Concert Band presents the annual benefit concert for the San Luis Obispo County Education Foundation on March 17 at 3 p.m. at the Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. Cost is $10, $5 for students. More info: 489-9444 or clarkcenter.org.
Jammin’ at the Chumash
The Chumash Casino and Resort presents classic rock band The Guess Who live in concert on March 14. Los Huracanes Del Norte performs live on March 21. Both concerts are at 8 p.m. at the Chumash Casino Resort, 3400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez. More info: 1-800-CHUMASH or chumashcasino.com.
Celebrate like an O’Sullivan
O’Sullivan’s Pub features live weekly music including a “St. Patrick’s Day Extravaganza” event on March 16 at 633 E. Main St., Santa Maria. More info: 925-0658 or osullivanspub.net.
Maverick music
The Maverick Saloon offers live entertainment, including live country by Sean Wiggins and Lone Goat on March 15 at 8:45 p.m., followed by “Late Night with guest DJs” at 11:30 p.m. “Concert on the Deck” featuring John Lyle is March 16 at 3 p.m. The Bluetooth Cowboys perform live on March 16 at 8:45 p.m., followed by “Late Night with guest DJs” at 11:30 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.
This article appears in Mar 14-21, 2013.