One of our area’s true “musical treasures” kicks off its 2026-27 season with “The Sixties.” The Folk Orchestra of Santa Barbara (FOSB) is beginning its tenth year of merging traditional folk instruments with orchestral strings for a combination that is literally unique in the United States.
“The Sixties” will live again on Friday, September 18 (7 pm at the Presidio Chapel); Saturday, September 19 (4 pm at St. Mark’s in Los Olivos), and Sunday, September 20 (4 pm at Trinity Church in Santa Barbara). Tickets are available now at folkorchestrasb.com.
“We’re excited to be back on stage this fall, continuing to share music with our community,” says FOSB founder and musical director Adam Phillips. “Along with future shows highlighting Scottish, Irish, and Nordic music, this Sixties concert is always a big crowd favorite.”
Phillips noted that some of the tunes for “The Sixties” shows will be ones very familiar to local audiences. On the program are Paint It Black (Rolling Stones), Both Sides Now (Joni Mitchell), Riders on the Storm (The Doors), and Green Onions (Booker T and the MGs). Phillips and his 30 local musicians also have surprise in store, along with an appearance by the popular local electric guitarist Bear Erickson.
“We don’t have any electric instruments in our concerts, but Bear is so good, we love to include him for The Sixties,” added Phillips, who also sings and plays more than a dozen instruments throughout the concert series. Scottish/Celtic tunes are set for November 6-8; Nordic from 1/29 to 1/31; and Irish from March 12-14, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.
For a musical experience that can’t be found anywhere else, make plans to be part of The Sixties concert. For more information, visit folkorchestrasb.com or write adam@folkorchestraSB.com.
