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The 28th Season of Concerts in the Plaza Kicks Off With Manuel the Band

Monday, June 10, 2024

TO: ALL MEDIA

FROM: Rachel Lackmann
Marketing & Communications Manager
Marketing@DowntownSLO.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE 28TH SEASON OF CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA KICKS OFF WITH MANUEL THE BAND
Starting June 21, 2024, visit downtown SLO every Friday for twelve weeks of free live music, dancing, drinks, and family-friendly fun!

San Luis Obispo, CA — Downtown SLO, along with title sponsor Sunset Honda, is excited to present the 28th season of Concerts in the Plaza. On Friday, June 21, 2024, from 5–8 PM, the summer season kicks off with new-to-the-series rock-jam band Manuel the Band as the main act, along with opener Jineanne Coderre.

This summer, the community is invited to gather every Friday for twelve weeks of free live music in San Luis Obispo’s Mission Plaza. Concerts in the Plaza is the largest free concert series on the Central Coast. This beloved community event features live local music, dancing, and drinks in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo. All concerts are free to the public and are family-friendly.

The series will run every Friday from June 21–September 6, 2024. The Opening Act, formerly referred to as the “Singer-Songwriter Showcase”, will begin at 5 PM and will now incorporate duos alongside solo performers. The Main Act will run from 6–8 PM.

The first opening act of the season and long-time favorite, Jineanne Coderre, will serenade Mission Plaza with her melodic renditions of popular r&b/pop songs, accompanied by a selection of self-written pieces. June 21st also marks Manuel the Band’s debut to Concerts in the Plaza. The Long Beach-originated group has recently gained a significant following on the Central Coast. Rooted in the savvy songwriting of frontman Manuel Grajeda, Manuel the Band will bring a soulful, wide-ranging sound that aims for both the heart and the dancing shoes.

DATES: Every Friday, June 21–September 6, 2024

TIMES: Opening Act: 5 PM; Main Act: 6–8 PM

Official Lineup for Concerts in the Plaza 2024:

June 21, 2024 • Manuel the Band | rock/jam
& Jineanne Coderre | sponsored by Quesadilla Gorilla

June 28, 2024 • The Mother Corn Shuckers | bluegrass/jam band
& Miss Leo | sponsored by Eureka!

July 5, 2024 • Resination | reggae
& Kenny Taylor | sponsored by Woodstock’s Pizza

July 12, 2024 • Hot 45 | r&b
& Ras Danny | sponsored by The Bunker SLO

July 19, 2024 • The Molly Ringwald Project | 80s pop
& Emily Smith | sponsored by Guaranteed Rate

July 26, 2024 • IMVA | r&b/soul
& About Time | sponsored by Hotel SLO

August 2, 2024 • Rose’s Pawn Shop | Americana/folk-rock/bluegrass
& Natalie Haskins | sponsored by Ronca & Associates, A Law Corp

August 9, 2024 • ghost\monster | rock ‘n’ roll
& Noach Tangeras | sponsored by Astound Business Solutions

August 16, 2024 • Damon Castillo Band | rock/soul/funk
& Melody Klemin | sponsored by Novo Restaurant & Lounge

August 23, 2024 • Brass Mash | instrumental rock & pop
& Kentucky Monk | sponsored by Megan’s Organic Market

August 30, 2024 • Josh Rosenblum Band | pop/rock
& Dulcie Taylor Duo | sponsored by Luna Red Restaurant

September 6, 2024 • Dante Marsh & The Vibesetters | soul/funk
& Dave Tate | sponsored by Sun Day Car Wash

Food and drink will be available, and guests are welcome to bring outside food; outside alcohol is not allowed. Six beer selections will be available from Firestone-Walker Brewing Company: 805, 805 Cerveza, Cali Squeeze, Mind Haze, Cal Poly Gold, and Hopnosis. Signature flavors from SLO Cider, available weekly, include: Dry, Rosé, and Tropical; rotating flavors, available depending on the week, include: Coastal Haze, Watermelon, and Agave Lime “Ciderita”. Popular downtown wine bar Region will be pouring a 2023 Thibido Rosé, 2023 Dunites Chardonnay, and 2021 High Camp Pinot Noir.

Downtown SLO is eliminating single-use plastics at Concerts in the Plaza; beer and cider are sold by the can only, and wine will only be served in reusable cups. Attendees who want to enjoy wine are strongly encouraged to bring their own reusable cups (no glass, please!). 14oz souvenir cups will be also available for purchase for an additional $4.

Free bike valet will be provided by Bike SLO County. Pets are not allowed at Concerts in the Plaza.

Promotional artwork for the 2024 season of Concerts in the Plaza was created by local artist Alli Feigin.

Those who are interested are encouraged to follow Concerts in the Plaza on Instagram and Facebook for exciting updates and concert photos.

Downtown SLO wants to thank all the committed sponsors and community partners that make this event possible.

Title Sponsor: Sunset Honda
Stage Sponsor: Wilde Wealth Management
Silver Level Sponsors: Eighty/20 Group; SLOCAL Roots; Corvus Wealth Advisors; Thoma Electric; Ashley & Vance Engineering; Sunrun; SLO County Board of Supervisors; SLO Cider, American Riviera Bank, InHouse Security
Bike Valet Sponsor: CoVelop
Kid Zone Sponsors: Meathead Movers; First5 SLO County, Mareh Couture
Media Sponsors: The Krush 92.5; Coast 104.5; 93.3 KZOZ; KSBY; New Times SLO; Santa Maria Sun

Concerts in the Plaza would not be possible without partnership from the City of San Luis Obispo.

A media kit can be found here. Please contact Rachel Lackmann, Marketing & Communications Manager, for additional materials and information: marketing@downtownslo.com, or visit DowntownSLO.com.

About Downtown SLO: Downtown SLO is a 501 (c)(6) nonprofit founded in 1975 whose mission is to foster an economically vibrant downtown. Downtown SLO serves the community by working on initiatives like parking and beautification efforts, coordinating special events and the weekly Farmers’ Market, supporting economic activities, and examining downtown issues.

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