When talk of building a performing arts center in San Luis Obispo began in 1958, it no doubt felt a bit pie in the sky. SLO’s population was about 18,000 then, and Cal Poly had about 5,000 students. We were too small to fund such a venture.
It wasn’t until 1984 that the idea gained traction when then Mayor Melanie Billig began creating a partnership between the city, Cal Poly, and the private sector, initiating a feasibility study in 1985. The Foundation for the Performing Arts Center was established in 1986, and the idea of a world-class venue started feeling like a reality. Construction began in 1994, and the Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo opened to the public in 1996.
“I feel like the PAC is a perfect representation of what’s possible in a community, where the community, the campus, and private citizens come together to really create something special,” Assistant Vice President for Performing Arts, Events, and Campus Engagements Ryan Gruss said. “There’s no way a building like this should be in a town of our size, so it’s a unique representation of what happens when a community cares, cares about the arts and has really supported the arts and supported the artists within our community for such a long time. It’s a representation of something special about SLO, about our area, and all the talented people that we have here.”
The Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo’s 30th Anniversary Celebration will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26 (7:30 to 11:30 p.m.; $96 general admission, or $75 each for groups of 10 or more, at pacslo.org), and you’re invited. The entire facility will be open to explore, with performers on the main stage, downstairs in the Pavillion, and on an outdoor stage in the plaza.
“Things are happening simultaneously because we have six performances across four hours, so it’s kind of like a pick-your-own-adventure so you can roam. You can go anywhere with food and drink,” Gruss noted.
Though the main auditorium can seat 1,286, the celebration will be limited to 1,200 people to ensure the event is “able to feed everybody because beverages and food are included within the ticket price, and an unlimited amount,” Gruss said. “Just from the ability to serve that many people, and for everyone to have a good experience, 1,200 was the max. I think it’ll be a good number that allows everyone to have fun, allows them to move around and experience the PAC in a way they have never experienced it before.”
Complimentary light bites and drinks will be available throughout the night from Benny’s Pizza Palace, Center of Effort Winery, Firestone Walker Brewing, Oak and Otter Brewing Co., Plant Ivy, Quesadilla Gorilla, SeaBreeze Cupcakes & Sweet Treats, Servant (formerly WXVES), Shalimar, Sichuan Kitchen SLO, SLO Cider Co., Stephen Ross Wine Cellars, The Dough Connection, Timbre Winery, Tiny Café, Verdad & Lindquist Wines, and Yabba Dabba Dogs.
They’re also serving spirits by KROBAR Craft Distillery and Yes Cocktail Co.
‘I feel like the PAC is a perfect representation of what’s possible in a community, where the community, the campus, and private citizens come together to really create something special.’
—Ryan Gruss, PACSLO
“They’re great partners,” Gruss said, “so we’ll have a number of signature cocktails that are all music themed in terms of names. They’re special for the night, but then [attendees will] also have the ability to have a normal mixed drinks and the bartender experience as well.”
Aside from LA’s 10-piece vintage jazz ensemble Lizzy & the Triggermen, the other performers are local favorites: R&B and soul group Hot 45, urban soul artist Damon Castillo, indie rockers B & the Hive, pop and hip-hop performer DJ MoMo, and global music performers DJ Mano Gil & DJ Mermaid.
“For a number of reasons, we wanted to highlight local performers as much as we could,” Gruss explained. “Obviously, from a cost perspective, this is by no means a moneymaker for us.
“To my mind, the event is a gift to the community. Obviously, they’ll have to pay to attend, but I think with six performers and for all the food and beverages being included, they’ll definitely get their money’s worth. It’s really just a thank you for 30 years to the community and an opportunity to show the PAC in a new way,” he said. “We’re just thrilled to welcome everybody and celebrate 30 years.”
Guitar slinger and more
Ever since her 2009 debut, Live Bait, Kansas City-based guitarist and vocalist Samantha Fish has been a commanding presence in the roots music scene. She’s an electrifying live performer, and she recently released a live recording of her 2025 Grammy Award-nominated studio album, Paper Doll, called—appropriately—Paper Doll Live. As good as her studio recordings are, her live recordings have an immediacy and intensity that are undeniable.
Next week, Good Vibez presents Samantha Fish at the Fremont Theater on Friday, Sept. 25 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $33.96 to $58.68 at prekindle.com). The Zac Schulze Gang opens.
Also from Good Vibez at the Fremont this week, The Emo Night Tour returns on Friday, Sept. 18 (8 p.m.; 18-and-older; $27.78 at prekindle.com), to play all your favorite sad songs.
Sploinky Rave returns on Saturday, Sept. 19 (8 p.m.; all ages; $20.57 to $27.78 at prekindle.com) to brings a “pulse-pounding, bass-blasting experience like no other!” organizers gushed. “Join the movement and experience the ultimate bass music party sweeping across the U.S.!”
Demola (aka Demola the violinist) plays on Sunday, Sept. 20 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $27.78 to $71.04 at prekindle.com). The singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and award-winning internationally acclaimed violinist fuses classical technique with Afrobeats, pop, R&B, hip-hop, gospel, and cinematic orchestration. Demola was the official violinist for several R&B groups including Tony! Toni! Toné! and Dwayne Wiggins.
See comedian Gianmarco Soresi on his The Misery Loves Tour on Tuesday, Sept. 22 (doors at 6, show at 7 p.m.; all ages; $44.78 to $57.14 at prekindle.com). Known for his observational humor, Soresi is also an actor in films such as Hustlers (2019) and Here Today (2021), as well as on TV and in theater.
NYC electronic duo Fcukers plays on Thursday, Sept. 24 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $44.20 at prekindle.com). Since forming in 2022, they’ve amassed millions of streams and played big festivals such as Glastonbury, Primavera, Lollapalooza, and Coachella. Their debut full length, Ö,mixes dub, UK garage, trip-hop, and 2000s hip-hop. Total Wife opens.
Folktastic
Good Medicine, Numbskull, and KCBX join forces to present The Two Tracks at Club Car Bar on Friday, Sept. 15 (doors at 7 p.m.; all ages; $16.17 at goodmedicinepresents.com).
The quartet hails “from the eastern slope of the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming—a state with more pronghorn than people,” their bio explained. “Led by husband and wife Dave (guitar and cello) and Julie Huebner (guitar), the quartet is rounded out by bassist Taylor Phillips and drummer Fernando Serna, fusing expressive storytelling, sonorous four-part harmonies, and a lively authenticity.”
They recently recorded their fifth album, Seasons Unknown, in Nashville.
Good Medicine and Numbskull also present Sean Rowe at Club Car Bar on Thursday, Sept. 24 (doors at 7 p.m.; all ages; $24.42 at goodmedicinepresents.com). He’s got a moody, low, rumbling voice that brings added gravitas to his poetic songs. NPR’s All Songs Considered noted Rowe “can just crush granite with that voice. It’s so powerful.”
From backup to front and center
Jamaican harmony vocal trio The Meditations formed in 1974 and sang backup on Bob Marley tracks such as “Blackman Redemption,” “Rastaman Live Up,” and “Punky Reggae Party,” but they also had hits of their own, like “Woman Is Like a Shadow” and “Babylon Trap Them.”
Known for their spirituality and socially conscious lyrics, the group has gone on to be a global sensation with 10 albums to their credit. Founding members Winston Watson and Danny Clarke have passed, but original founding member Ansel Cridland remains as the lead vocalist.
The Siren presents reggae legends The Meditations on Friday, Sept. 18 (7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; $23.77 at tixr.com).
Also this week at The Siren, Faultline plays a free matinee show on Saturday, Sept. 19 (7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; free). Hear cover songs from the ’50s through the ’80s.
Later that night on Saturday, Sept. 19, see Petty Rocks, a Tom Petty tribute act (7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; $23.77 at tixr.com). This NorCal act boasts five seasoned musicians who know Petty’s iconic catalog from top to bottom. Hear hits like “Breakdown,” “I Won’t Back Down,” “Free Fallin’,” “Don’t Do Me Like That,” “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” and “Refugee” as well as some deeper cuts.
Taylor Kingman (of TK and the Holy Know Nothings) plays on Monday, Sept. 21 (7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; free). The quirky folk singer-songwriter has penned some amazing songs and comes across with a casual back-porch vibe. This one should feel very intimate. Stoneteeth featuring Mike Clark opens.
Double tribute
West Coast Performing Arts Concerts presents Tina Turner/Rod Stewart Tribute: 2 Legends … 1 Night at The Clark Center on Saturday, Sept. 19 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $46.50 to &77.50 at clarkcenter.org).
“Two iconic artists. Two unforgettable performances. Feel the fire, the power, and the unstoppable energy of the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll as this electrifying tribute brings Tina Turner’s legendary voice, iconic moves, and fierce spirit back to the stage,” organizers announced.
Rod Stewart tribute artist Stewart Sher opens the night. Expect to hear both artists’ hits.
Uke virtuoso
Feng E, a teenage ukulele virtuoso from Taiwan, returns to the U.S. for a 40-plus-date tour including a stop at the SLO Public Library on Sunday, Sept. 20 (7 p.m.; all ages; $27.54 at events.humanitix.com/ukulele-sensation-guitar-feng-e-in-san-luis-obispo).
He was just 10 when he was filmed busking Tommy Emmanuel’s “Classical Gas” on ukulele. The clip went viral, amassing 20 million views, launching his career. He appeared twice on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and competed on Asia’s Got Talent and America’s Got Talent.
Party hardy
Nederlander Concerts presents stand-up comedian Bert Kreischer on his Permission to Party Tour at Vina Robles Amphitheatre on Sunday, Sept. 20 (doors at 5:30, show at 7 p.m.; all ages; $60.85 to $194.70 at ticketmaster.com).
Kreischer is a masterful and hilarious storyteller whose sixth Netflix special, Lucky, was filmed in his hometown of Tampa and sold out all six shows within 24 hours of tickets going on sale. It also entered Netflix’s Top 10 Most Watched TV Shows in March 2025. ∆
Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
This article appears in Sept 17-24, 2026.
