T
he light filters through oaks leaves, dancing along the dusty path to Live Oak’s main stage. There’s just a whisper of a breeze as campers queue up for the early morning Acorn Roll, beach chairs in tow. This is how the mornings start at the Live Oak Music Festival, with people lining up to place their chairs in rows, only to depart and return later when the music starts at 10 a.m. The early birds get front-row seats, and you can tell the sleepyheads by their distance from the stage. Of course, in the spirit of community, you can sit in any chair you want … until the owner comes to claim his or her spot. This is the Live Oak way. In about a month, Live Oak Camp—a short, 90-minute drive south, just off San Marcos Pass—will transform from a sleepy, oak-shrouded campground into a mini city replete with a “downtown core,” multiple venues, eating establishments, shops, and layer after layer of “suburbs”—little communities radiating out in circles where like-minded music lovers find fellowship and fun. Some groups have been camping together for decades, their camps well known. Others are clusters of newbies, experiencing Live Oak for the first time. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time or your 15th, the feeling of inclusion, of being part of something bigger than yourself, permeates the air. You can literally breathe in the good vibes. Kids run around unfettered, squealing with delight. Musicians wander from camp to camp for impromptu jams. Everyone else shuffles along with dusty feet and wide grins, catching acts at the various stages, grabbing a bite to eat at the myriad vendors, shopping, talking, hiking, or lounging. It’s a stress-free love fest that seems to spontaneously rise out of the dirt, but it’s not magic: It’s 800 volunteers transforming this dusty 40-acre campsite into a town, population 5,000.
Genesis
Without KCBX, there would be no Live Oak Music Festival. Our local public radio station has always been a nexus for music lovers. Most of the DJs are volunteers, so it was natural that out of a shared love of music would come a music festival run by volunteers. The first festival was a one-day affair held at Biddle Park back in 1989. “We had a half dozen acts, with Maria Muldaur headlining,” recalled Duane Inglish, one of the original corps of volunteers who started the festival. “We had about 500 people show up that first year, and it was so by the seat of our pants. None of us had any experience in putting on an event of that scale.” Duane, who owned the Dark Room at the time, deejayed the KCBX bluegrass show. Cal Poly professor Jim Mueller did the Old-Time show, Haila Hafley-Kluver did the folk show, and Chris O’Connell—whom Duane credits with coming up with the idea—did the jazz show. “The thought was we could all bring our respective musical experience to the table—bring in quality out-of-town acts but not forget [the talent in] our own backyard,” Duane said. “It took a good four years before we landed on our feet, and it is what it is today thanks to the initial commitment of 15 to 20 people who—without getting too sappy—chased a dream.” The festival was meant to be a SLO County thing, but it wasn’t long after its genesis that it was forced to relocate to Santa Barbara. “We ran into some resistance [in SLO County],” Duane admitted. “I think the county was worried about it turning into Woodstock or something, but Santa Barbara County was very encouraging. We kind of got the idea we were doing the right thing when they renamed Camp San Marcos after us.” Year after year the festival has grown, thanks to KCBX and a cadre of volunteers, who, according to Duane, work incredibly hard and are fond
LINE UP! Every morning, concertgoers line up to place their chairs at the main stage, reserving their spot for the day’s music line-up.
Peace. Love. Dirt.
KIDS RULE! The Live Oak Music Festival is a children’s paradise, with 40 acres of campsite to explore and tons of kids’ activities.
Meet the little music festival that could BY GLEN STARKEY • PHOTOS BY GARY ROBERTSHAW
THE DANCE OF LIFE Entertainment starts early in the morning and goes through till night, with an eclectic selection of performers.
STAY COOL Some Oakies stay cool with help from the friendly water man, who keeps the main stage amphitheater damp to keep the dust down.