People in wide-brimmed hats with glasses of cabernet sauvignon in their hand scattered Kevin Costner’s oceanside “field of dreams” for night one of the One805Live! benefit concert for local first responder agencies.
Motown groups The Temptations and The Four Tops headlined day one, alongside George Thorogood, Alan Parsons, The Plastic Harpoons, and DJ Samantha Ronson.
This concert “is for the people who risk their lives to save our lives,” said Thorogood, after his first song.
The annual concert, which spans two days this year, donates its proceeds towards equipment, emergency response tools, training resources, and specialized programs for fire, sheriff, police and emergency medical units. One805, the organizer of the concert, was founded in 2018 after the deadly Montecito mudflows resulting from the Thomas Fire.
“It’s great to be back supporting such a great cause,” said Alan Parsons.
The concert sold nearly 4,000 tickets this year, said Erinn Lynch, a spokesperson for One805. Attendees got to enjoy live music, cocktails and food trucks.
“One805’s support over the years has been invaluable,” said Santa Barbara County Sheriff Commander John Maxwell. “They support us all year round, but these events are great to see the whole team coming out, supporting first responders and having a nice night out.”
At the end of the night, as attendees packed the field to see day one’s biggest headliner, The Temptations, Guardians of the Galaxy actor Chris Pratt made a surprise appearance to welcome the “My Girl” musicians—and to remind guests why they were here.
“I want to give it up for all the first responders, including Greg [Fish, retired Carpinteria-Summerland fire chief], our firefighters, our EMTs, our cops, we love you,” Pratt said, standing alongside Fish. “We’re here for a good night, great band. Reach into your pockets. It’s really helpful for these guys.”
Night two will bring out Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Slightly Stoopid, Costner and Modern West and The High Kings.
