It’s been open for nearly 150 years, and is the fourth oldest continuously operating theater in the entire country, but, like many venues - The Lobero Theater in Santa Barbara fell silent in 2020 during the pandemic.
The theater lost over $1.5 million because of the closure, says David Asbell, the theater’s executive director. He says the free concert has been arranged to thank the community for supporting them through those tough months of closure.
"When we closed - like the rest of the world - it was like falling off a cliff," Asbell told KCLU. "During that time with ticket revenue, rental income, the facility fee - all of those revenue streams that keeps the Lobero alive were completely shut off."
"The free concert is our way of saying, as humbly as it is, thank you."
The concert will feature Zach Gill and special guests, and takes place on July 31st. The event is first-come first-served and seats 550 people. Concert 6 PM-10 PM, doors at 5 PM.
Zach Gill is a multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter most known for his work with ALO and Jack Johnson, he has performed for presidents, with some of music’s biggest stars, appeared on numerous late night TV shows, and in historic venues throughout the world.
He's recorded music with or backed up every one from Jerry Harrison of The Talking Heads to Neil Young, and sung duets with Eddie Vedder and Amy Mann.
Gill’s set will pull from his 3 full length albums, his deep ALO catalog and some classic covers. He will be joined onstage by ALO band mate Steve Adams and Jack Johnson cohort Adam Topol, as well as by local favorites, including the surf mariachi indie pop artist Spencer the Gardener, guitarist-composer Joe Woodard, and Brazilian New Bossa vocalist-guitarist Teka, and more.
