New Festival Brings Eight Venues Together in Santa Barbara
John Palminteri
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – A new one-day festival using existing venues in Santa Barbara is expected to energize the night time music scene and help to revive downtown.
“State Fest” is set for April 4th from 6:00pm to 2:00am.
It is a chance for participants to build their own festival experience. The organizer says it will include eight venues, 12 stages, and over 30 artists.
State Fest Promoter MJ Morrison says, “Santa Barbara’s unique. You’ve got a three block radius in downtown, the 400 to 600 block specifically where you’ve got really high quality nightlife venues for live music.”
Cover charges will range from free to $15. There is also an all access VIP option.
“State Fest” Map via StateFestSB
Performers will include False Puppet, DJ Darla Bea, Wyatt Earp, The Coveralls and many other local bands and DJ’s. There will also be Techno and special dance shows.
This gives the venues a chance to connect and share music fans throughout the eight-hour event. For those out on a Saturday night, this festival style approach gives them a much fuller experience and they can sample a wider variety of entertainment.
“Putting a really big act on a really big stage next to someone like, for another venue that isn’t necessarily known for that,” said Morrison, will give the guest a variety of choices.
This also creates an event without having to put up fences, pay for additional security or go through a lengthy permit process.
. The Cruisery and its adjacent night spot Unbearable on Haley St. are all in with multiple music acts.
Owner Aron Ashland said, “whether you’re someone that likes to dance or likes to see bands or just wants a great cocktail, I think that those things are all going to be options, options for you when you come down here. And that’s, I think, different than just a normal Saturday night.”
Unlike the larger clubs and music spots, “So “I think it’s going to be even more intimate and more, exciting to see these people perform,” said Ashland who has made may suggestions to the city on ways to revitalize downtown.
The locations for State Fest include Son Y Sabor, Wildcat Lounge, Night Lizard, Institution Ale, The Cruisery, Unbearable, EOS and Wine Therapy.
The VIP pass will be available only for pick up at Son Y Sabor.
Morrison said the concept came together because existing locations were. already booking acts regularly and saw a way to elevate it. “I’m just putting on events that are really fun that people actually want to go to. Like, sometimes it’s just as simple as that,” he said.
A drink cover product called NIght Cap lets you put that over your glass and pop in your straw it’s an added safety feature at all of the locations.
For more information go to: State Fest
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