The sixth Seymour Duncan Benefit concert will feature the return of The Steve Miller Band, the first ever group to headline the show. First organized in 2011 by local guitar pickup manufacturer Seymour Duncan to celebrate the company’s 35th anniversary, this year’s show at the Lobero Theatre on September 24 will see the rock legend and his group leading a lineup including members of Notes For Notes, the Santa Barbara-based music recording nonprofit supported by the show’s proceeds.
With a goal to offer youth the opportunity to create and record music for free, Notes For Notes designs, equips, and staffs after-school recording studios inside Boys & Girls Clubs, according to its website. Notes For Notes co-founder Philip Gilley told he News-Press that Seymour Duncan has been one of the organization’s most supportive partners, providing the nonprofit with not only the benefit show, but with musical gear as well. He added that Mr. Miller has been an enthusiastic supporter of the nonprofit since its earliest days.
“Steve was so generous to step up to support Notes For Notes when we only had two studios back then and he’s been very excited to see how much we’ve grown since he first started supporting,” Mr. Gilley said.
Past performers at the Seymour Duncan Benefit have included Jimmy Vivino, Slash from Guns n’ Roses, and Peter Frampton. According to Mr. Gilley, the 2015 concert with Mr. Frampton lead to a major expansion for the nonprofit, which took it from 6 studios to 25 studios across 12 states and 16 cities.
“The show provides incredible support for Notes For Notes to continue its mission,” Mr. Gilley said.
The highest amount of money raised from one of the Seymour Duncan Benefit concerts is $100,000, a sum the organization hopes to surpass. One staple of the event making its return at this year’s concert is the guitar auction. As the News-Press reported in 2011 for Mr. Miller’s appearance at the first Seymour Duncan Benefit, a guitar signed by Mr. Miller was sold for $6,000. Mr. Gilley said a guitar signed by the rockstar will once again be available to the highest bidder.
Before Mr. Miller takes the stage, the audience will have the opportunity to see those benefiting from the money raised at the concert. Notes For Notes members will perform the concert’s opening, which Mr. Gilley described as “one of, if not the highlight of the show.” Participants will come from its local studio as well as those it has opened across the country.
“This year we will have youth from our Santa Barbara, L.A. and Nashville Studios opening the show… We are incredibly proud of all our members and those performing this year represent a range of talent from jazz to pop which I know will amaze everyone in that room,” Mr. Gilley said.The Seymour Duncan Benefit concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets can be purchased online at www.lobero.org. The Lobero Theatre is located at 33 E Canon Perdido St.
