Benefit Concert of the Week

Last month, the folks at Quail Springs watched as their beloved permaculture and sustainability farm was overcome by flooding, the result of a few short but strong days of rain in the Cuyama Valley. Today, after nearly a month of waiting, watching, and evaluating the damage, the rebuilding process has begun, and community members from all over Santa Barbara County are turning out to help. (Just last week, the annual Gaia Festival donated 80 percent of the proceeds from its raffle to the rebuilding efforts.)

This Friday, November 19, the farm is hoping to benefit from another outpouring of support, when it hosts a benefit concert at SOhO. The all-night affair features live performances from S.B. folk-rock collective The Family, solo songstress Jan Smith, and Toad the Wet Sprocket/Works Progress Administration frontman Glen Phillips, who will perform an early solo acoustic set in support of the recovery efforts.

Opened in 2004 by Warren Brush and Cynthia Harvan, Quail Springs has become the home for two nonprofits dedicated to education and environment, True Nature and the long-established Wilderness Youth Project. In addition, the farm exists to educate any and all about ecology, sustainability, and the human/land relationship that grows through tending gardens and living in accordance with Mother Earth. They offer workshops on everything from sustainable building practices to compost building and bread baking, which start as low as $5 for children.

Needless to say, whether you’re a fan of music, a Quail Springs supporter, or someone who simply cares about the future of our community’s environment, Friday’s concert is a can’t-miss. After the Flood … A Revival Benefit for Quail Springs kicks off this Friday, November 19, at SOhO (1221 State St.) at 7 p.m. For more about Quail Springs, visit quailsprings.org. And for tickets and information for the benefit concert, call 962-7776 or visit sohosb.com.