San Luis Obispo, CA – KCBX and the Live Oak Music Festival are excited to announce that the festival is moving back to San Luis Obispo County. The Live Oak Music Festival is a major fundraiser for KCBX Public Radio, which is based in San Luis Obispo. El Chorro Regional Park (on Hwy 1 in the Chorro Valley) will be Live Oak’s new festival home starting on the Summer Solstice, June 21-23, 2019.
There are many reasons for the move, including less risk of being displaced by fire, improved water supply for dust control, improved infrastructure, grant support from the city, being closer to the festival’s primary fan base, and more moderate temperatures in June.
Frank Lanzone, KCBX General Manager, states “While we know that Live Oak Camp in Santa Barbara County holds special memories for us all, and has been a beautiful oak-studded campground for the last 29 years, we also have to come to grips with the climate-related challenges of the past five years: drought, fires, heat, and dying trees. We are hopeful and optimistic that we, as the Live Oak Community, can create a new, amazing Live Oak Music Festival at El Chorro Regional Park.”
The Live Oak Music Festival originated in San Luis Obispo County at Biddle Park back in 1989 and then relocated to Santa Barbara County’s Camp San Marcos where it became a three-day camping and music festival. Santa Barbara County then named the campground Live Oak Camp after the Live Oak Music Festival. The 2018 festival was Live Oak’s 30th annual event and the last to be held at Live Oak Camp. Traditionally held on Father’s Day weekend, it will now be held at El Chorro Regional Park on June 21-23, 2019. The Live Oak Music Festival is held every year in June and showcases musicians performing a variety of genres, including folk, blues, roots rock, Americana and more, reflecting KCBX Public Radio’s diverse programming.
Festival details, including the 2019 entertainment line-up, camping information and ticket availability will be announced later in 2018 as they become available. All Live Oak Music Festival proceeds benefit KCBX Public Radio, serving San Luis Obispo, Southern Monterey, and Santa Barbara Counties. The 2019 festival will be Friday, June 21-Sunday, June 23, 2019. Visit www.liveoakfest.org for more information.