There will be no cultural events in Big Sur until further notice. This is the message coming from the Henry Miller Memorial Library in Big Sur, in reaction to the ongoing Timber Fire. (For the latest on the fire, read the Weekly's coverage here.)
"This is an incredibly serious situation," wrote library Executive Director Magnus Torén on social media. "Fewer cars on the road allow Cal Fire and emergency services to do their job as effectively and safely as possible."
The same message comes from another popular Big Sur venue, Fernwood Resort, where live music concerts take place almost every weekend. The resort has canceled all reservations for the next two weeks, and staff are asking guests for patience while they work through the volume of phone calls and emails.
No major concerts were planned for the upcoming weekend at either venue—a live music event featuring Kisskadee and Eliza Grace on Saturday, Aug. 15, was the only show immediately affected, and it has been canceled.
"All events at Fernwood are canceled until further notice," Jennifer Verdeja, administrative manager at Fernwood Resort, confirmed on the morning of Thursday, Aug. 13. "In the meantime, the restaurant and bar remain open to serve the Big Sur community, firefighters, emergency personnel and essential travelers passing through the area."
Summer and fall are typically the busiest months for the Henry Miller Memorial Library, with concerts—Whitney on Aug. 21, Stephen Malkmus on Sept. 2 and Perfume Genius on Oct. 2—along with talks and other gatherings scheduled throughout August, September and beyond.
With the fire likely to remain active in Big Sur for weeks or even months, all of that is now in question.
"I just can't believe what is happening," said Hope Levy, a Los Angeles singer and actress who still hopes to bring her award-winning Hope Levy Sings Connie Converse show to the library on Sept. 18. "It's such a special place. My name is Hope, so I'm hoping."