The Lobero Anniversary Block Party brings the joyful community of Santa Barbara together

The magical power of music to bring people of all ages and backgrounds together was joyfully on display at the Lobero Block Party on Saturday. What a great way to spend a summer afternoon!

Between the bouncy, New Orleans-inspired swing rhythms of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and the funky, Latin-influenced beats of Ozomatli, it was nearly impossible not to bob your head, tap your toes, and shake your hips to the tunes. And judging by the smiles on everyone’s faces—including my own—there was also a positive sense of connection in the air that permeated the crowd that filled the entire block of Canon Perdido Street between State and Anacapa Streets.

The free concert, featuring two well-known headliners, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Ozomatli, was a gift to the community in honor of the building’s 100th anniversary. In addition to their longevity, both bands themselves have at least 30 years of history, they also both have long ties to Santa Barbara (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Dirk Shumaker and Karl Hunter both grew up in the city) and have played at several venues in Santa Barbara over the years, including the Lobero.

Last year, the Lobero also hosted a free street festival, with Chubby Checker and his band coming to town to celebrate the Lobero’s 150th anniversary. Founded in 1873, the theater is California’s oldest still-operating theater and was rebuilt in 1924. It is now considered one of Santa Barbara’s architectural gems and a state and city landmark.

Both last year’s and this past weekend’s street festivals were sponsored by Earl Minnis Presents, which is also presenting an evening at Lobero featuring Chubby Checker & The Wildcats on Saturday, August 31st, with all proceeds benefiting the nonprofit Daniel Bryant Youth & Family Centers.