Local Santa Barbara singer and songwriter Will Breman played a magical sold-out show at the Alcazar Theater in Carpinteria on Sunday, January 12th. Formerly known as the Carpinteria Plaza Playhouse theater, the gem of a venue, with accidental perfect acoustics, has returned to its original name, Alcazar Theatre. The 200 seat theater was originally opened in 1928 by Oliver Prickett and became a popular getaway destination for the Hollywood elite. Will’s first paying gig in Carpinteria was at Island Brewing Co. He would appear there as a one-man-band musician using a ‘live loop’ technique to create his shows. The concert Sunday night was a thank you to the community that helped him get his start.
The benefit concert, which sold out in less than 48 hours, included the singer and his band as well as some of the performers that befriended him on the latest season of the popular television show, The Voice. Will chatted with the audience, mentioning his Autism repeatedly. He has been open about his Asperger’s diagnosis. He has said, “that he wants to prove to other people with Asperger’s and Autism that they are more than capable of achieving their dreams, just like he has.”
The three-hour concert began with solo appearances by each of the guest singers, followed by duets with Breman after each performance. Two local musicians opened the show, including Carly from the local group The Brambles, and local singer Conner. Then contestants from the Voice who befriended Breman on the show played in succession. Performances included Kat Hammock, Shane Q, and Lauren Hall. Lauren has become Will’s real-life girlfriend, which led to some humorous banter during the show. The second part of the show featured a powerful performance by the affable singer with a talented band of local musicians, featuring original songs from Breman’s new album and his EP (Santa Barbara Soul Music), which came out in March of 2019. Most of the guest singers returned for a brilliant musical finale.
The concert was a benefit for Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center. Their Mission Statement, “is to employ the power of the horse to enhance the capabilities of children and adults with special needs in Santa Barbara County. Since opening in 1985, thousands of individuals of all ages and disabilities have benefited from therapeutic riding. Today we have18 horses and serve 95 participants per week.”
The concert was produced by Polly and Steve Hoganson from Ones To Watch Productions. They produce concerts featuring talented songwriters from across the country in various venues in the 805 area code. For more information https://www.onestowatchproductions.com/
To hear more of Will Breman’s music www.willbremanmusic.com
