Downtown SLO Postpones 25th Anniversary of Concerts in the Plaza to 2021
San Luis Obispo, CA -Downtown SLO, the organization that produces the popular free Friday night summer series Concerts in the Plaza, announced this week that the 25th Anniversary Season will not proceed as planned.
The weekly concerts were supposed to begin June 12, but given the reality of public health guidance and concerns about safety due to COVID-19, organizers will postpone the 25th Anniversary Season to 2021.
“Prior to the public health emergency, we had 14 bands and a new singer/songwriter showcase confirmed for 2020. We were just about to announce the lineup -we even had our poster art ready, created by a local artist. But with the viability of live music performances in crowded settings uncertain, it just isn’t safe to proceed,” said Downtown SLO CEO Bettina Swigger.
A small group of volunteer music enthusiasts and Downtown SLO staff are working to identify ways to celebrate the Concerts in the Plaza experience in a virtual capacity this summer, with video efforts.
“We’re looking forward to seeing what takes shape,” Swigger continued. “But mostly, we look forward to seeing everyone next year.”“The 25th Anniversary will rock next year and we’ll use this year's uncertainty to test some new ideas. Sunset Honda is on board and looking forward to bringing community together again,” said George Peterson of Sunset Honda.
Sunset Honda has been the title sponsor of Concerts in the Plaza since 2012.The music community is sad, but understands. “I definitely know how serious the situation is,” said Reese Galido, The Tipsy Gypsies and The Kicks. “We appreciate you doing what you need to do to keep everyone safe.”
While coming downtown on Friday night to hear great, free live music in MissionPlaza may not be possible this summer, potential concertgoers are instead encouraged to continue to support businesses downtown by getting takeout and delivery from its many restaurants, shopping online and purchasing gift cards to use in the many retail shops, salons, and other businesses that have been affected during the Shelter At Home order.
A fundraising campaign to help support the COVID-19 Response and Recovery efforts is also ongoing. Funds raised will be used to help plan for future events and provide assistance to businesses as they move through a phased reopening. To make a donation tosupport a vibrant downtown, visit DowntownSLO.com/donate/