A beloved free weekly concert series is making its return to downtown San Luis Obispo, bringing live music to Mission Plaza every Friday this summer as it celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Maggie Kovach, Events Manager for Downtown SLO, noted that the series has grown significantly since its inception. "Concerts in the Plaza is a free family-friendly live music experience that happens every single Friday in the summer," Kovach said.
The event now attracts an average of 3,200 attendees each Friday, a substantial increase from its early days. "In 1995, Concerts in the Plaza kicked off.
It was a monthly series, actually much smaller in terms of scale and scope. We had a smaller PA system, some chairs, and a few hundred people in and out once a month," Kovach explained.
New this year, concertgoers will have access to upgraded restrooms at the venue. The series will also feature two block parties that close Broad Street near Mission Plaza, offering extended entertainment.
"Kicking off at 2 p.m. here in the plaza and then we'll have five bands performing six hours of uninterrupted free music," Kovach said of the block parties.
Among this year's performers is Colleen Rhatigan, a sales assistant at KSBY. She won last year's "Battle of the Openers" competition and is returning for her second year.
"I think Concerts in the Plaza is a great opportunity for a lot of local musicians to get known in the community," Rhatigan said. She will open for Manuel the Band on June 26.
Rhatigan noted that her debut last year was a defining moment that led to more opportunities and increased confidence.
KSBY's Daybreak team will serve as emcees during the series in July. Shannon MacNeil will host on July 24, and Vivian Rennie on July 31.
Additionally, KSBY Meteorologist Jim Castillo will be live at the kickoff this Friday, June 19, on the news at 4, 5, and 6 p.m.