Live Oak Music Festival Canceled
KCBX Public Radio has cancelled the 2027 Live Oak Music Festival. The decision comes as the station responds to the loss of federal funding and the rising cost to produce the event.
The family-friendly, three-day music and arts festival began as a one-day concert at Biddle Park in Arroyo Grande in 1989. It later moved to Live Oak Camp in Santa Barbara before relocating to El Chorro Regional Park in San Luis Obispo in 2019.
“The decision follows the loss of federal funding for all public media organizations,” said KCBX General Manager Chris McBride in a news release. “Because Congress voted to defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the private nonprofit organization that distributed federal funding to KCBX and other public radio stations, the station must raise an additional $420,000 to annually maintain current operations and programming.”
Additionally, producing the Live Oak Music Festival has become increasingly difficult for a small public radio station to produce. Staffing demands, operational, and liability commitments are no longer feasible. Festival attendance has also steadily declined, while the costs of talent, supplies, services, and insurance have continued to rise.
KCBX is exploring whether the festival could return in a reimagined form in 2028.
“We are deeply grateful for the care, passion and commitment the Live Oak volunteers and community have brought to this festival, year after year,” said McBride. “We look forward to the reimagination of this wonderful event that brings us together around music and community.”
As the station enters a new era without federal funding, its priority is to preserve its public radio service and build a financially sustainable future.
“The evolution of the Live Oak Music Festival over the past 38 years was possible because of the community support it has received from festival volunteers and KCBX staff,” McBride said. “Now, KCBX depends fully on that same level of community backing as it navigates a new era of fundraising without federal funding. We are grateful for your care and belief in KCBX, your local, 100% community-supported public radio station.”
Get Freebies for Flashing your Library Card
County of San Luis Obispo Public Libraries members can present their library card at more than 30 businesses in Atascadero and Cambria for discounts and freebies during National Library Card Signup Month in September.
Businesses include Bramble Pie Company, Malibu Brew Coffee, Cutruzzola Vineyard, Plantae & Fungi, and more. Participating businesses will display a window decal during September featuring the library’s mascot, Quincy the Quail. Visit SLOLibrary.org’s Events tab to find the full list of partners.
Library members can also enter a prize drawing by collecting stamps from businesses on a special bookmark. The bookmarks are available at the Atascadero and the Cambria libraries as well as at participating businesses.
“This initiative connects community members in new ways and sparks curiosity,” said Tina Baugh, regional manager for County of San Luis Obispo Public Libraries. “It’s a way to explore our communities together.”
Historically, Library Card Signup Month has been an annual American Library Association (ALA) initiative during the month of September “for libraries to remind parents, caregivers, and students that signing up for a library card is the first step on the path to academic achievement and lifelong learning.”
There are more perks to having a library card (besides books): Members can borrow County and State parks passes, museum passes, board games, musical instruments, sewing machines, and more.
Open Applications for Tuition-Free Youth Music Programs
The local music non-profit Infinite Music has opened applications for its Rising Stars and Rising Stars Piano youth music mentorship programs, providing eligible San Luis Obispo and Northern Santa Barbara County students in grades 2–12 with the opportunity to receive tuition-free music instruction from professional local music educators.
Applications are accepted through October 1 at midnight PST, with award recipients to be announced in November. Instruction begins in January 2027.
The programs are designed to remove financial barriers to music education, while connecting young musicians with dedicated professional teachers who provide not only individualized instruction, but encouragement, mentorship, and the confidence to grow as musicians.
Rising Stars provides tuition-free individual private and/or small group instrumental and vocal instruction to deserving students in grades 6-12. Selected students receive 10 weeks of instruction with a local professional music educator. Applicants are considered based on academic achievement, their application narrative and demonstrated interest in music, as well as family financial need. The program culminates in a public student showcase in late April.
Rising Stars Piano introduces students in grades 2-5 to piano, or violin, through 20 weeks of weekly, one-on-one instruction. Designed for beginning musicians, the program helps students develop musical skills while building patience, discipline, confidence, and the courage to challenge themselves and perform.
“We were thrilled to receive more than 150 applications for our Rising Stars and Rising Stars Piano programs last year, and we anticipate an even greater need this year,” said Sarah Mason, founder and director of Infinite Music. “Thanks to the generous support of local foundations, grants and community donors, we are hopeful that we can provide music mentorship to as many deserving students as possible.”
Since 2013, Morro Bay-based Infinite Music has provided more than 4,000 local students with opportunities to experience music through individual and small group instruction, instruments, workshops with professional musicians, school-based music enrichment, live performances, and student performance opportunities. The organization also supports more than 70 local music educators who teach through its programs.
For students and families interested in applying, applications for Rising Stars and Rising Stars Piano are available online at www.infinitemusic.org.
Cancer, I Got Your Number
Jenny, from the 1982 hit Tommy Tutone song “867-5309,” won’t answer, but the phone number can help people fighting cancer.
Cancer Support Community – CA Central Coast (CSC-CCC) is joining a national effort to transform one of music’s most unforgettable phone numbers into an equally unforgettable resource for people impacted by cancer.
Effective immediately, anyone impacted by cancer can call CSC-867-5309 (272-867-5309) to connect with the Cancer Support Helpline and receive free, confidential support, trusted information and personalized guidance from specially trained professionals.
Inspired by the phone number made famous by the 1981 hit song “867-5309/Jenny,” Cancer Support Community and Gilda’s Club have given the number a new purpose: making it easier to remember where to turn when cancer enters your life.
“When you hear the words ‘you have cancer,’ or when someone you love is diagnosed, there are so many questions, emotions and unknowns that follow,” said Candice Galli, executive director of CSC-CCC. “No one should have to figure all of that out alone. I love that a number so many of us already know by heart can now connect someone to real support, understanding and encouragement when they need it most. Whether someone needs answers, resources or simply a person who understands, CSC-867-5309 gives them a place to start.”
The Cancer Support Helpline is available at no cost to people living with cancer, survivors, caregivers, family members and anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis. Callers are connected with trained professionals who can provide emotional support, help navigate resources and services, answer questions and identify practical next steps based on each person’s individual needs.
For people on California’s Central Coast, CSC-CCC also provides a local community of support throughout the cancer experience. The organization offers more than 28 free services each month, including professionally facilitated support groups, short-term individual counseling, cancer education and workshops, programs for children, teens and families, movement and healthy lifestyle programs, and opportunities for connection. In-person and virtual options are available, along with Spanish-language services and support.
“Sometimes the hardest part is simply knowing where to begin,” Galli added. “Our hope is that people remember this number and share it. You may not need it today, but someday you, a friend, a coworker or someone you love might. When that day comes, we want people to know they are seen, they are supported and they do not have to face cancer alone.”
All calls to CSC-867-5309 (272-867-5309) are confidential and available at no cost.
To learn more about local programs and services through Cancer Support Community – CA Central Coast, visit CSCSLO.org. For more information about the CSC-867-5309 campaign, visit CSC8675309.com.
Could Your Pet be a Calendar Model?
Woods Humane Society is holding its 4th annual Pets of the Year Calendar Contest. The contest is open to public and entry forms are accepted through midnight on September 20.
Entry into the contest is free. Participants can nominate their pet by creating a page, uploading their pet photo, and asking friends and family to vote by donating to their contest page throughout the month.
The top ten fundraisers will be featured in a beautiful, pet-themed 2027 print calendar. Winners also receive four printed calendars and are featured in a 2027 social media post, email and website post. All contestants who raise a minimum of $25 will win a calendar and will have their pet photo included on the calendar’s collage page.
Woods will unveil the 2027 calendar and winners at the Woods Humane Society Wiggle Waggle Fall Festival on October 24, where the calendars will be available for sale.
“The Pets of the Year calendar contest highlights our community’s enthusiasm and adoration for its furry family-members, and we can’t wait to see this year’s nominations,” says Woods CEO Emily L’Heureux. “This fun, community contest is also a unique way to help homeless pets at Woods. By donating to vote on contestants’ pages, supporters can make a real difference for dogs and cats in need. Every dollar donated goes toward helping homeless pets find food, shelter, medical care, and loving families.”
To read more about the contest rules, prizes, and guidelines, visit www.WoodsHumane.org/Contest.
Is your business, including non-profits, supporting our community? Maybe you’re launching a new business, or you’re making updates to your current business model, or re-opening. Perhaps you have a job opportunity, or have been doing some volunteer work, or are collaborating with another business or a non-profit.
