BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce - ECPv6.16.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://slochamber.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Los_Angeles
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20180311T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20181104T090000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20190310T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20191103T090000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20200308T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20201101T090000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190313T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190515T203000
DTSTAMP:20260623T040416
CREATED:20190131T205752Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190131T205752Z
UID:58866-1552498200-1557952200@slochamber.org
SUMMARY:Start\, Run\, & Grow Your Business
DESCRIPTION:We know you have amazing ideas and concepts. And we’d like to help you transform these ideas into viable businesses. \nLearn more about our upcoming 10 session Entrepreneurial Training course. Take full advantage of the resources and knowledge this class will provide you. Leave with a business plan\, pitch\, and other local resources. \nClass meets every Wednesday from 5:30-8:30 pm.
URL:https://slochamber.org/event/start-run-grow-your-business/
LOCATION:America’s Job Center of California\, 880 Industrial Way\, San Luis Obispo\, CA\, 93401
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190313T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190522T210000
DTSTAMP:20260623T040416
CREATED:20190131T210306Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190131T210306Z
UID:58868-1552500000-1558558800@slochamber.org
SUMMARY:Empezando:  Como Iniciar un Negocio
DESCRIPTION:¡El curso de primavera esta comenzando! Si desea información sobre este curso\, envíenos un correo electrónico o llámenos. \nPara reservar su lugar\, por favor llama a Gabe Quiroz  (805) 570-4171
URL:https://slochamber.org/event/empezando-como-iniciar-un-negocio/
LOCATION:America’s Job Center of California\, 880 Industrial Way\, San Luis Obispo\, CA\, 93401
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190314T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190428T170000
DTSTAMP:20260623T040416
CREATED:20190311T185321Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190311T185321Z
UID:60289-1552550400-1556470800@slochamber.org
SUMMARY:The Great American Melodrama Presents: Unnecessary Farce
DESCRIPTION:UNNECESSARY FARCE\nBy Paul Slade Smith \n​March 14 – April 28 \nTwo cops. Three crooks. Eight doors. Go! The hysterical comedy Unnecessary Farce by Paul Slade Smith arrives at The Great American Melodrama on March 14. Featuring some of the Melodrama’s funniest actors\, Unnecessary Farce is sure to tickle event he most fickle funny-bones. “This is a show for people who love big laughs and big characters\,” says Dan Schultz\, the Melodrama’s Artistic Director.  \nLike all farces\, the convoluted plot sets up a series of hilarious misunderstandings. Set in a cheap motel room\, an embezzling mayor (Billy Breed) meets with his female accountant (Rebecca Tucker). In the next room\, two cops (Eleise Moore and Nick Wilder) wait to catch the meeting on video. But there’s some confusion as to who’s in which room and who’s taken the money. Then things go to another level when the Scottish hit man with anger issues shows up. This show is truly laugh-a-minute. Some content may not be appropriate for little kids\, so the show is rated PG. \nFollowing every performance of Unnecessary Farce is the brand new vaudeville revue\, The Jungle Adventure. Put together by Melodrama favorite Katie Worley Beck\, it’s a musical trip into the jungle primeval. You’ll meet a witch doctor\, take a jungle cruise\, and see Tarzan and Jane like never before.  Featuring song\, dance\, and comedy\, The Jungle Adventure is the perfect end to a night of great theatre. \nThese shows play March 14 – April 28. Performances are Wednesday through Fridays at 7 pm\, Saturdays at 3 and 7 pm\, and Sundays at 6 pm. The Melodrama’s in-house snack bar features great food and drinks served before the show and during intermissions. Tickets are $23 to $30\, with discounts available for groups\, seniors\, students\, active military\, and children. For more information and to purchase tickets\, call the Melodrama Box Office\, at 805-489-2499\, or visit www.americanmelodrama.com. The Great American Melodrama is located on Highway 1 in Oceano\, just three miles south of Pismo Beach. Come see their brand new box office building across from the theatre\, you can’t miss it.  The Melodrama has been providing professional family entertainment on the Central Coast since 1975. \n  \n 
URL:https://slochamber.org/event/the-great-american-melodrama-presents-unnecessary-farce/
LOCATION:Great American Melodrama\, 1863 Front St\, Oceano
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190329T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190602T170000
DTSTAMP:20260623T040416
CREATED:20190329T213535Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190329T213535Z
UID:61023-1553846400-1559494800@slochamber.org
SUMMARY:Open Studios Art Tour Call for Artists
DESCRIPTION:OPEN STUDIOS 2019\nDate of tours: \n\nOctober 12 & 13 \, 10am to 5pm\n\n\nOctober 19 & 20\, 10am to 5pm\n\nI am an artist\, how can I participate in the 2019 Open Studios Tour? \n\nFine artists and crafters who live or work in San Luis Obispo County are encouraged to apply. \nOpen Studios Art Tour 2019 registration dates: \n\nEarly Bird Registration is March 12\, 2019 – April 25\, 2019 \nGeneral registration is April 26\, 2019 – June 2\, 2019 \n\nClick Here for OSAT Pricing. \nApplicants have a choice this year to become members for $25-60.  With the membership we offer a discounted price\, a directory listing on our website\, social media promotion and video and/or print materials.  All OSAT sign ups\, with membership or not\, will receive a spot and number on the map with a brief studio description & photo. To become a member\, click here or visit artsobispo.org  \nThe Open Studios Art Tour gives artists the opportunity to develop relationships with new customers and share their artistic process with others. \nFor more artist information\, read the FAQ Document or call 805.544.9251 or email kelly@artsobispo.org or emitchell@artsobispo.org.
URL:https://slochamber.org/event/open-studios-art-tour-call-for-artists/
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190409T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190515T163000
DTSTAMP:20260623T040416
CREATED:20190316T165103Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190316T165103Z
UID:60610-1554796800-1557937800@slochamber.org
SUMMARY:Volunteers for Bruce Munro: Field of Light at Sensorio
DESCRIPTION:Internationally-acclaimed artist Bruce Munro will create his largest artwork to date at Sensorio-an enormous multi-acre walk-through installation. Bruce Munro: Field of Light at Sensorio will use an array of over 58\,800 stemmed glass spheres lit by fiber-optics\, so that the landscape will be gently illuminated in multi-hued color-changing waves. \nPowered by solar\, the stunning exhibition will captivate visitors\, inviting them to engage with the landscape and environment through a surreal light based and sculptural experience. \nTo be unveiled in May 2019\, Bruce Munro: Field of Light at Sensorio will offer a breathtaking\, not to be missed experience that will attract thousands of visitors to California’s Central Coast\, enhancing Paso Robles’ reputation as a world-class destination. \nWant to get involved? Easy\, become a volunteer and help bring this project to life! \nVolunteer Specification \nVolunteers must be aged 18 or over\, hard-working and happy to follow instruction. An interest in art is desirable but not essential. \nVolunteers will be required to carry out the following actions/tasks whilst working on the following Installations: \nIt is preferred that volunteers work a minimum of three shifts. It is also preferable that volunteers stay with us for a whole day\, working both morning and afternoon shifts. This minimizes the training we have to give\, allowing us to work more efficiently.Duties include: \n• Walking over/through trailing fiber optics \n• Carrying awkward objects \n• Various repetitive tasks \n• Repeatedly bending down \n• Repeatedly walking back and forth \n• Using small hand tools \n• Threading fiber optics \n• Working on uneven terrain \nVolunteer shifts are weekdays from 8AM-12PM and 12:30PM-4:30PM starting Tuesday\, April 9th through Wednesday\, May 15th. \n*If you register for 3 or more shifts you will receive (2) Invitations to the Friends & Family Events on either Friday or Saturday\, May 17th & 18th plus (4) additional passes to use anytime while Sensorio is open May 19th 2019 through January 5th 2020. \nFor more information please visit: http://www.brucemunro.co.uk/
URL:https://slochamber.org/event/volunteers-for-bruce-munro-field-of-light-at-sensorio/
LOCATION:Sensorio\, 4380 Highway 46\, Paso Robles\, CA\, 93446\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190411T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190504T160000
DTSTAMP:20260623T040416
CREATED:20190408T201152Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190408T201152Z
UID:61367-1554980400-1556985600@slochamber.org
SUMMARY:Cal Poly University Art Gallery to Exhibit 2019 Juried Student Show
DESCRIPTION:Cal Poly’s University Art Gallery will present the 2019 Juried Student Show from Thursday\, April 11\, through Saturday\, May 4. \nThe exhibition features works from every medium\, carefully selected from a much larger pool of submissions. This year’s juror was Cal Poly alumnus Doug Highland (Applied Art and Design\, ’94)\, a professor of photography at Cuesta College and a graduate of Cal Poly’s photography program. \nThe public is invited to an opening reception at 5 p.m. Thursday\, April 11\, in the gallery\, located on the ground floor of the Dexter Building (No. 34). \nThe University Art Gallery is free and open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
URL:https://slochamber.org/event/cal-poly-university-art-gallery-to-exhibit-2019-juried-student-show/
LOCATION:Cal Poly Art Gallery\, Dexter Building 34\, 1 Grand Ave.\, San Luis Obispo\, CA\, 93401\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190427T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190428T160000
DTSTAMP:20260623T040416
CREATED:20190418T201016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190418T201016Z
UID:61813-1556359200-1556467200@slochamber.org
SUMMARY:Morro Bay Kite Festival
DESCRIPTION:Morro Bay Kite Festival April 26\, 27 & 28\, 2019\nSOAR INTO MORRO BAY\nMorro Bay Beach\n(northeast of Morro Rock)\, 200 Coleman Drive\, Morro Bay\, CA 93442\n                                                                                         Saturday\, 10am-4pm | Sunday\, 10am-3pm \nAdmission & Parking: FREE \n2019 Soar Into Morro Bay Kite Festival Schedule \nFriday April 26\, 2019\nTitle: Kite fighting demonstration \nTime: 3:00pm- 5:00pm (weather permitting) \nLocation: The Rock Parking Lot \n–   –   –   –   –   –   –   –   –   –   –   –   –  – \nSaturday April 27\, 2019\nTitle: Large Aquatic Kite Demonstrations \nTime: 10:00am- 4:00pm  \nLocation: Morro Beach \n  \nLet’s Go Fly A Kite with Mary Poppins and Bert \nTime: 10:00am- 11:00am \nLocation: The Rock Parking Lot \n  \nSuper Heroes and Princesses at the Rock \nTime: 11:00am- 1:00pm \nLocation: The Rock Parking Lot \n  \nTitle: Small Kite Demonstrations \nTime: 10:00am- 4:00pm \nLocation: Morro Beach \n  \nTitle: Wind Surfing Kite Demonstrations \nTime: 10:00am- 2:00pm \nLocation: Morro Beach \nTitle: Free Kite Giveaway \nTime: 10:00am- 1:00pm \nLocation: The Rock Parking Lot \n  \nTitle: Vendor Area \nTime: 10:00am- 4:00pm \nLocation: The Rock Parking Lot \n–   –   –   –   –   –   –   –   –   –   –   –   –  – \nSunday April 28\, 2019\nTitle: Vendor Area \nTime: 10:00am- 4:00pm \nLocation: The Rock Parking Lot \n  \nLet’s Go Fly A Kite with Mary Poppins and Bert \nTime: 10:00am- 11:00am \nLocation: The Rock Parking Lot \n  \nSuper Heroes and Princesses at the Rock \nTime: 11:00am- 1:00pm \nLocation: The Rock Parking Lot \n  \nTitle: Knockerball \nTime: 10:00am- 3:00pm \nLocation: Morro Beach \n  \nTitle: Large Aquatic Kite Demonstrations \nTime: 10:00am- 3:00pm \nLocation: Morro Beach \n  \nTitle: Small Kite Demonstrations \nTime: 10:00am- 3:00pm \nLocation: Morro Beach \n  \nTitle: Wind Surfing Kite Demonstrations \nTime: 10:00am- 2:00pm \nLocation: Morro Beach
URL:https://slochamber.org/event/morro-bay-kite-festival/
LOCATION:Morro Bay Beach
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190428T070000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190428T123000
DTSTAMP:20260623T040416
CREATED:20190207T223631Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190207T223631Z
UID:59289-1556434800-1556454600@slochamber.org
SUMMARY:Race SLO Half Marathon and Half Marathon Relay
DESCRIPTION:HALF MARATHON & HALF MARATHON RELAY\, PRESENTED BY PACIFIC PREMIER BANK\n\nWe’re proud to provide great on-course support and safety for everyone’s enjoyment and well being. You will enjoy—Aid Stations every 2-3 miles that include water\, sports drink and race fuel (sports gels); on-call medical care; clean sanitary stations at start\, on-course and at finish Line; Police\, Professional Traffic Control and Course Marshals; 800 enthusiastic volunteers cheering your every step! \nCOURSE LIMITS\nIn order to qualify as an Official Finisher (individual or relay team)\, you must finish within the 4-hour course limit (11:00am). Runners/Walkers must maintain a 18:00 minute per mile pace as the course will be closed on a mile-by-mile rolling basis. If you are unable to run/walk within the allotted time\, you will either be picked up and driven to the finish area or asked to move onto the sidewalk. Once you are on the sidewalk\, you must follow all traffic laws deemed by the City and County of San Luis Obispo. The course will be re-opened to traffic and aid stations may be closed. Sag Wagons will be provided should you be unable to complete the race. Minimum age to compete in the Half Marathon is 15 years of age.\nCOURSE DESCRIPTION\nOur beautiful course for 2019 is a scenic tour of San Luis Obispo starting and finishing near the Madonna Inn. Runners will enjoy by heading straight toward historic downtown San Luis Obispo. You’ll enjoy the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa\, a Frank Lloyd Wright designed building and quaint downtown streets. Runners will also experience the Railroad District\, Islay’s Streets charming bungalows and Victorians and\, finally\, a scenic downhill finish line at the Madonna Inn where the RaceSLO Festival will be in full swing to celebrate your finish! Expect ideal running weather with coastal fog and an average starting temperature of 54 degrees. High temperatures usually hover between 66-69 degrees. Course subject to change! \nHALF MARATHON RELAY INFO\nWe are excited to bring back our successful Half Marathon Relay to this year’s event! New for 2019 is the 3-person relay option!  Now you can enjoy the SLO Half Marathon with up to two of your closest friends!  Relay legs vary in distance\, so there is sure to be a relay leg for everyone.  The Half Marathon Relay will utilize the same SLO Half Marathon course and will also start at 7:00am.  Relay participants should review the Relay Information Packet which contains all the details about the relays and will help your team have a successful relay experience.  Each team can be made up of 2 OR 3 runners (2-person teams will have one person that runs two legs) and will have one overall finish time. Don’t forget to register for our corporate challenge\, sponsored by Morris & Garritano Insurance. \nHalf Marathon Relay info:\nRelay Leg 1 is approximately 4.5 miles – From Start line to Marsh/Osos Street (aid station 1) – Flat and fast!\nRelay Leg 2 is approximately 3.6 miles – From Marsh/Osos Streets (aid station 1) to Islay Park (aid station 3) – Climb\, climb\, climb!\nRelay Leg 3 is approximately 5 miles – From Islay Park (aid station 3) to the Finish Line – rolling hills to flat\, fast finish!\n\n\nGo to www.raceslo.com for more information and registration!\n\n\n 
URL:https://slochamber.org/event/race-slo-half-marathon-and-half-marathon-relay/
LOCATION:Madonna Inn\, 100 Madonna Road\, San Luis Obispo\, CA\, 93401\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190428T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190428T170000
DTSTAMP:20260623T040416
CREATED:20190422T211838Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190422T211838Z
UID:61921-1556463600-1556470800@slochamber.org
SUMMARY:SLO Provisions Presents: Sunday Wine School Rioja!
DESCRIPTION:Join us for Sunday (wine) School\, a series of fun\, informative\, and delicious wine classes with Certified Sommelier Jenna Congdon. In each class through this ongoing monthly series\, we will delve into different facets of the world of wine. From sensory evaluation to wine pairings to regional explorations\, you will be sure to leave each Sunday School feeling more informed and more confident with your wine knowledge (and possibly slightly tipsy*). Sign up for one\, or get a discount on 3- or 5-class packs! \nEach class will take place on a Sunday\, from 3-5 pm. All wines featured will be available for purchase or pre-order at 15% off!
URL:https://slochamber.org/event/slo-provisions-presents-sunday-wine-school-rioja/
LOCATION:SLO Provisions\, 1255 Monterey St.\, San Luis Obispo\, CA\, 93401
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190428T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190428T190000
DTSTAMP:20260623T040416
CREATED:20190423T183650Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190423T183650Z
UID:61970-1556463600-1556478000@slochamber.org
SUMMARY:The San Luis Obispo Master Chorale and Orchestra Presents: Ernest Bloch\, Avodath Hakodesh (Sacred Service) and Leonard Bernstein\, Chichester Psalms
DESCRIPTION:The San Luis Obispo Master Chorale and Orchestra\, Thomas Davies\, music director and conductor\nErnest Bloch: Avodath Hakodesh (Sacred Service) \nCommissioned by Temple Emanu-El of San Francisco in 1929. Baritone Gregg Haueter sings the role of Cantor. Rabbi Janice Mehring\, Congregation Ohr Tzafon\, Atascadero\, CA\, is featured as the Minister.\nLeonard Bernstein: Chichester Psalms\nComposed in 1965 for an annual music festival involving the combined forces of the English Cathedrals of Winchester\, Salisbury\, and Chichester\, Bernstein’s energetic\, dance-like music originates from choruses cut from West Side Story and The Skin of Our Teeth. Corey Hable\, countertenor\, will be soloist.\nAn Ernest Bloch photography exhibit will be in the lobby\, starting at 2 pm.
URL:https://slochamber.org/event/the-san-luis-obispo-master-chorale-and-orchestra-presents-ernest-bloch-avodath-hakodesh-sacred-service-and-leonard-bernstein-chichester-psalms/
LOCATION:Harold J. Miossi Cultural and Performing Arts Center\, CA-1\, San Luis Obispo\, CA\, 93405\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190428T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190428T180000
DTSTAMP:20260623T040416
CREATED:20190313T203905Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190313T203905Z
UID:60392-1556467200-1556474400@slochamber.org
SUMMARY:Ther.Happy Presents: Birth Story Circle
DESCRIPTION:Healing Medicine for Mamas \nSundays March 24\, April 28\, May 19 \n  \n4-6pm \n$20 per class \nSLO Yoga Center (Marigold Center)
URL:https://slochamber.org/event/ther-happy-presents-birth-story-circle-2/
LOCATION:SLO Yoga Center – Marigold Shopping Center\, 3840 Broad St.\, Suite 1\, San Luis Obispo\, 93401
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190428T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20190428T190000
DTSTAMP:20260623T040416
CREATED:20190313T215255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190313T215255Z
UID:60426-1556478000-1556478000@slochamber.org
SUMMARY:The Fremont Theater Presents: CHICANO BATMAN
DESCRIPTION:Chicano Batman will be live in downtown SLO on Sunday\, April 28! \nTickets On-Sale Friday\, February 8 at 9:00 AM. \n♦ SHOW INFORMATION ♦ \nDoor Time- 7:00 PM \nShow Time- 8:00 PM \n16+ \n♦ TICKET OUTLET ♦ \nBoo Boo Records \n978 Monterey St • SLO \nMon-Wed 10-8\, Thurs-Sat 10-9\, Sun 11-6 \n♦ BAND INFORMATION ♦ \nThey came out of L.A.\, four young men in vintage formalwear\, playing songs that blended Brazilian Tropicalía with early ’70s psychedelic soul and the romantic pop of bands like Los Ángeles Negros. It was an immediately addictive sonic brew\, and their reputation grew fast. Since forming in 2008\, Chicano Batman have released two full-length albums—a self-titled 2009 debut\, and 2014’s Cycles Of Existential Rhyme—and two EPs. The band has played Coachella\, and toured with Alabama Shakes and Jack White\, among others. Now\, they’re making their boldest statement yet with Freedom Is Free\, their third album and ATO Records debut. \nFrontman Bardo Martinez met bassist Eduardo Arenas in 2008\, and they quickly found common ground in the work of Caetano Veloso and other Tropicalía performers\, as well as the kind of vintage soul and pop heard on “the albums our parents have in their closets.” They recruited drummer Gabriel Villa and made their first album as a trio; guitarist Carlos Arévalo joined the band in 2011 and they released The Joven Navegante EP the following year. \nChicano Batman’s look has done as much to set them apart as their sound or their name. Since the beginning\, they’ve performed in matching suits and ruffled shirts; Bardo explains\, “We’re making a particular reference that some people understand—Los Ángeles Negros\, Los Pasteles Verdes. In the ’70s\, it was a big thing where all these cats were playing romantic ballads\, but they were funky as hell.” \nThat sharp funk groove shows up throughout Freedom Is Free\, but especially on the title song. Bardo’s uplifting lyrics\, delivered in his uniquely dreamy/romantic style\, are bolstered by the backing vocals of New York’s all-female Mariachi Flor de Toloache. \n“It’s a counterpoint to the propaganda catch phrase that was invented by the US government during the first Iraq war\, ‘Freedom isn’t free\,’” he explains. “It’s a counter-narrative…the song itself relates to the idea that freedom is inherent to every individual on this planet and in the universe. I live in Los Angeles\, and people are pretty jaded; everybody’s so caught up in their routine they can’t tap into their own spirits. For me\, music is about the spirit.” \nThe first single\, “Friendship (Is a Small Boat In A Storm)\,” is an organ-driven soul jam with buzzing\, psychedelic guitar from Carlos (who wrote the music). “I’m not a lyricist\,” he says. “I brought in the chords and the instrumental melodies\, and I gave it to Bardo. So he wrote the lyrics and the vocal melodies\, and then we brought it to the band and they added the rhythmic elements and the overall feel.” \nPerhaps the biggest surprise on Freedom Is Free is “The Taker Story.” Over a slow\, ominous groove\, Bardo unleashes a stinging indictment of imperialism and conquest\, with the Mariachi Flor de Toloache amplifying his simmering fury as the band channels the Funkadelic of “March to the Witch’s Castle” and America Eats Its Young. \n“That’s all Bardo; he composed the bass line\, he composed the chords\, he had the whole idea for it\,” says Carlos. “That’s the only song on the album where the vocals were tracked live. What you hear is what we did.” \nFreedom Is Free reflects Chicano Batman’s decision to foreground the soul and R&B elements of their sound. To achieve their ambitious sonic goals\, the quartet worked with producer Leon Michels (El Michels Affair\, The Arcs) in his Diamond Mine Recording studio in Long Island City\, NY. Michels\, a veteran in the New York soul revival scene\, has performed in Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings\, The Black Keys and The Menahan Street Band. In addition to tracking the album to analog tape\, Michels contributed keyboards and his trademark horn arrangements (he’s been sampled by Jay-Z and Ghostface Killah). The partnership between Michels and Chicano Batman truly captures the band’s live energy and brings their aesthetic goals to life. \n“They get together\, they rehearse every week\, they fight about the arrangements\, they have a classic band dynamic\,” Michels says. “So for me it was really just about shaping up the songs. They were already there\, but some of them were eight minutes long\, so we had to cut them up and make it so you were engaged from start to finish. They had just come off a tour\, and they were tight as hell\, so it was just a matter of getting the right take. At the most\, we did three takes of a song.” \nRecording with Michels allowed Chicano Batman access to his collection of vintage gear\, which helped expand their creative palette. “The possibilities were sonically endless\,” Carlos says. “If you wanted to do something\, it was like\, ‘Yeah\, I have that over here. You want a Mellotron? I have a Mellotron.’ He had amazing equipment\, and his aesthetic is right in line with ours.” \nOutside the studio\, Chicano Batman have built a stellar reputation through heavy touring across the country. They’ve played major festivals like Coachella\, Bonnaroo\, Outside Lands\, and opened for Jack White\, Alabama Shakes\, and Portugal. The Man. The past two years have demonstrated a breakout year\, selling out just about every show across the US as a headliner in support of their most recent record.
URL:https://slochamber.org/event/the-fremont-theater-presents-chicano-batman/
LOCATION:Fremont Theater\, 1035 Monterey St\, SLO
CATEGORIES:Community Events
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR