Santa Barbara Musician Gets a Surprise Year End Gift After Gear was Stolen

A Santa Barbara musician who had nearly all of his gear stolen right before the holidays has received an unexpected gift from a KEYT contest winner.

The surprise was a $250. certificate to Santa Barbara Loan and Jewelry which has used items for sale, including many musical instruments and equipment. It came from KEYT viewer Margaret Tobin who won a holiday contest that included many certificates for local businesses.

She contacted the station and wanted to pay it forward to the musician she had seen on the news in a previous report about his loss. We contacted Kyran Million and he was overwhelmed and humble in his appreciation.

We handed it to him on State Street while he was playing next to his hat where dollars were dropping in.

“I believe in paying it forward, Merry Christmas,” the letter read.

“This is so incredible, ” said Million. “We are all experiencing grief in some way. And if we all just gave a little bit to each other…even the little things.”

He went on to say the community of friends known and unknown have been unbelievable.

“In the weeks I have been here playing (next to a note about his loss) people have been so generous,” he said.

“2016 is going to rock,” he said. Plans are now in the works for a record with a new set of songs and a collection of local musicians.

“So Margaret and everyone, thank you, thank you KEYT, thank you to everyone who just put a dollar in,” said Million as he hit a high note aligned with some passionate lyrics back on State Street in downtown this afternoon.