Local group State Fair took to the stage for the first time on Tuesday at the Sebastiani Theater in Sonoma for a concert benefiting Center La Luz.
The group Americana was founded in the fall of 2020 by vocalists and guitarists Tanner Walle and Austin Ferreira with bassist Brad Maestas.
Band drummer Ben Tinsley, guitarist Josh Yenne and keyboardist Jesse Adams performed at the show. Local indie-folk musician Robbie Arnett was the first part of the group.
Wine was donated for the event by Las Jaras Wines and Winery Sixteen 600, as well as Walle’s own restaurant, Valley Bar + Bottle, all located in Sonoma.
The concert raised $ 4000 for La Luz, which provides services and programs to migrant workers and their families.
Walle discovered the center through his work with Sonoma’s Scribe Winery, which donated sales of a new-style wine he created a few years ago at the Sonoma center.
“I thought it would be a good opportunity in these difficult times to a – support a great cause and give all the money to that cause, and b – use that as a platform for some kind of showcase, I should say second president to this, our new project that we are working on, ”said Walle.
He also explained that as a local restaurateur and wine professional, he “understands[s] the importance of supporting migrant workers and farmers in this community.
Funds from the concert will be spent to support the centre’s family advocates and the family assistance program, according to Sharon Somogyi, who works in development operations in La Luz.
For more information about La Luz Center, visit laluzcenter.org. For more information on the band, visit their instagram @statefairmusic.
