Fest Forums returns to Santa Barbara in new venues
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – Fest Forums returns to Santa Barbara for the sixth time on Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 1-2, after a pandemic-related hiatus.
"Now is a good time, everyone has had a year to see what the industry has been doing, absolutely a lot has changes and we are there to talk about what the future holds," said Fest Forum's Laurie Kirby.
Fest Forums brings together world famous musicians, directors, festival founders, and merchants.
In the past Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Jon Anderson graced Fest Forums' stages.
World famous festival organizers such as the late Woodstock co-founder Michael Lang have attended, and he will be honored along with others who have passed during the event.
Fest Forums was created by Laurie Kirby and Stu MacNaught.
One of the highlights this year will be a public concert at The Lobero on Thursday Feb. 2, called "Get Together"named after the famous song.
The performance features Jesse Colin Young and his daughter Jazzie Young as well as Christ Stills who is Stephen Stills' son.
Other performers include Teddy Jack, The Tribe, plus some surprise guests.
Tickets are open to the public at the Lobero box office, lobero.org, or here through the Fest Forums site.
There will also be two full days of networking and panels at the Academy of the West, plus parties at the Moxi Museum on State Street in Santa Barbara and La Leif Wines in the Funk Zone.
Festival producers and promoters said they are also concerned about the well being of the fans who attend festivals around the world.
"I am excited that we have some incredible speakers, one of the themes for this year's event is mental health and physical health, and so I will be honoring Congressman Jamie Raskin for his work in implementing the 988 emergency number," said Kirby. "And we will be having Steven Gundry, Dr. Steven Gundry, who is a doctor as well, so we will be focusing on mental and physical health."
Festival producer Eddie Bernard said Fest Forums is unique because it brings people including festival legends together. They will be speaking and asking questions from the audience.
"I'm really looking forward to panels, " said Bernard, " You have people from the biggest festivals, film and music talking about it and it is very unique you can't find that anywhere else."
Festival goers will also have a chance to enjoy Santa Barbara midweek when things are not as crowded.
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