The December 2017 Thomas Fire wreaked havoc and devastation upon the Ventura community, covering more than 281,893 acres and destroying more than 1,000 structures, leaving hundreds without homes in the area. In response, a consortium of community leaders and local organizations are coming together to present the Thomas Fire Benefit Festival, to take place on Feb. 3 at Plaza Park in Downtown Ventura. 100% of funds raised will be used to assist victims of the fire via the Ventura County Community Foundation, World Central Kitchen and the Downtown Ventura Organization’s Wildfire Victim Fund, with the overarching goal being to help the region recover from what has become the largest wildfire in modern state history.
Artists and celebrities with ties to the area are donating their talents to the cause. The developing lineup so far includes performances from:
- Three-time Golden Globe and Academy Award-winning actor, producer, director and musician, Kevin Costner and his band, Modern West
- Four-time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter and actress, Olivia Newton-John
- Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Colbie Caillat
- Ventura local and three-time platinum hip hop and rap artist, Super Duper KYLE
- Ventura favorites Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, known for their hit songs “Go Daddy-O”, “Mr. Pinstripe Suit” and more
Also rolling up his sleeves to help Ventura recover is Michelin starred chef and World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés, who alongside other celebrity guests and local restaurateurs will be creating an assortment of specialty dishes for sampling by VIP festival-goers. (VIP tickets are available for purchase.) VIP guests will also enjoy access to an unlimited sampling of wine and craft beer in a lounge setting before the concert portion of the festival begins.
The Thomas Fire Benefit Festival will take place on Saturday, Feb. 3 at the Plaza Park in Downtown Ventura. VIP tickets are $150, with the VIP sampling taking place from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Advance general admission tickets are $40; tickets at the door will be $50 if available, with GA doors opening at 4:00 PM. Organizers include including Vincenzo Giammanco with the California Beer Festival, Mark Hartley, Plated Events’ Chef Jason Collis, Ventura City Councilman Matt LaVere, Downtown Ventura’s Kevin Clerici, Surf Rodeo’s JD Drury and Nolan Smith.
For volunteer inquiries and information on donation opportunities please call (805) 628-9588. For more information on the festival, please visit thomasfirebenefit.com
