Article Contributed by L. Paul Mann
Published on 2026-02-17
Jeff “Skunk” Baxter | photos by L. Paul Mann
The heart of Santa Barbara’s music scene, SOhO Restaurant & Music Venue, became the epicenter of the festival industry on the night of February 11, 2026. As part of the 9th annual FestForums conference, the evening bridged the gap between high-level industry recognition and the raw, communal power of live performance.
The “Best of the Fests” awards ceremony opened the night by honoring the architects of culture. This year’s celebration carried particular weight, centered on the theme of “Celebrating Women in the Festival Industry,” while also recognizing several towering figures whose work has shaped modern festival culture.
The Living Legend Award was presented to the incomparable Jeff “Skunk” Baxter of Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, whose multi-decade career has helped define the sound of American rock. Festival of the Year honors went to Kevin Lyman for the enduring legacy of the Vans Warped Tour, a cultural institution that shaped generations of fans and artists alike. Fred Brander of Brander Vineyard received the Legacy of Excellence Award for his contributions to the culinary and wine festival landscape, with Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse presenting the honor.
Following the awards, the atmosphere shifted from formal gala to high-octane benefit concert. Hosted by FestForums founder Laurie Kirby, the evening raised funds for Adam’s Angels, supporting community members facing hardship with street-survival equipment.
Jeff “Skunk” Baxter led the charge with his signature guitar precision, while Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads added art-rock sophistication to the mix. Sophie B. Hawkins and rising star Hunter Hawkins delivered powerful vocal performances that resonated throughout the packed venue. Veterans like Kenny Lee Lewis of the Steve Miller Band rounded out the ensemble, along with surprise appearances that kept the energy electric.
The stage functioned as a revolving door of talent, yet the musicians maintained cohesion through a shared spirit of collaboration. Kenny Lee Lewis anchored the rhythm section on bass and guitar, allowing vocalists and guest artists to move seamlessly between genres.
Kipp Lennon, the Venice frontman known for work alongside Roger Waters and Elton John, stood out for his flawless harmonies and commanding stage presence, particularly during classic rock covers closely associated with Skunk Baxter. Jerry Harrison returned to the stage with his daughter Aishlin, joining Lewis in a set that underscored the sheer depth of music history packed into SOhO’s intimate footprint.
Kenny Loggins, a local favorite and frequent FestForums collaborator, drew a thunderous reception during a rare appearance. Performing alongside Hunter Hawkins, Loggins demonstrated that his voice remains as crystalline and impactful as ever, effortlessly bridging generations between “Living Legends” and “Rising Stars.”
The evening also served as a showcase for emerging talent, particularly multi-faceted artist Hunter Hawkins. Earlier honored with the Emerging Artist Award, presented by Kevin Jonas Sr., Hawkins moved seamlessly from honoree to performer.
One of the most talked-about moments of the night came when Hawkins joined Kenny Loggins for a rendition of “Whenever I Call You Friend.” Hawkins’ multi-octave range offered a luminous reinterpretation of the iconic duet, earning one of the evening’s strongest ovations.
Original material further highlighted Hawkins’ artistry, including “Seen,” featured on the Caliamericana, Vol. II legacy compilation. The performance emphasized emotive songwriting and richly textured folk-pop soundscapes that have quickly become a hallmark of Hawkins’ work. Moving fluidly between acoustic intimacy and soaring vocal passages, Hawkins demonstrated the versatility that recently earned a spotlight at the Newport Folk Festival.
The set functioned as a bridge between the industry’s storied past and its evolving future, grounded in authenticity and a quiet power of renewal.
What makes the FestForums gala at SOhO unique is not simply the star power, but the intimacy. In a room filled with the producers behind the world’s largest festivals—from Coachella to SXSW—the night felt like a return to the human connection that drives the industry. It was a reminder that while festivals may be big business, they are fueled by a deeply personal passion for music and the arts.
