Review | Graham Nash at the Santa Barbara Lobero Theatre
Music Icon’s ‘60 Years of Songs & Stories’ Still Stands the Test of Time
Graham Nash hit the stage of the Lobero last weekend with a performance infused with kindness, sincerity, and a generosity of spirit that’s in short supply these days. It was truly a heartwarming show from beginning to end.
The legendary 81-year-old British singer-songwriter was a founding member of both The Hollies and Crosby, Stills, & Nash, and delved deep into his archives for a two-night set alongside his musical partners Shane Fontayne (guitar and vocals; Lone Justice, Sting, and Bruce Springsteen), and Todd Caldwell (keyboards and vocals; Crosby, Stills, & Nash; James Taylor; Bonnie Raitt; Jackson Browne).
Lobero Live! – An Evening with Graham Nash, July 16, 2023, The Lobero Theatre | Photo: David Bazemore 
Lobero Live! – An Evening with Graham Nash, July 16, 2023, The Lobero Theatre | Photo: David Bazemore 
Shane Fontayne, left, Graham Nash, and Todd Caldwell. Lobero Live! – An Evening with Graham Nash, July 16, 2023, The Lobero Theatre | Photo: David Bazemore
While many musicians in his position would be content to rest on their laurels at this point, Nash is still touring and put out a new solo record, titled Now, in May 2023. The songs he played from that — particularly “Buddy’s Back,” an ode to his old friend Buddy Holly; and “A Better Life,” which he described as an extension of his iconic 1968 tune “Teach Your Children” — were every bit as appealing as the oldies that dominated Sunday night’s set.
