For three-plus decades, Gary Fruin has been a calming and uniting voice on Santa Barbara’s radio airwaves as half of the K-LITE morning shows with partner Catherine Remak. The pair have brought cheer, solidarity, and portions of good humor to the radio listening public while also supporting causes and events and local musicians on air.

Following Fruin’s death in January, from esophageal cancer at age 68, Remak organized a special public memorial at SOhO last Sunday afternoon. Not surprisingly, considering his local celebrity status and vast friend and fan base, an overflow crowd showed up to pay respects. One of the added attractions was the presence of global music celebrities who showed up to pay respects on stage — Karla Bonoff, Alan Parsons, Michael McDonald, and Kenny Loggins, all Santa Barbara–based artists who benefited from exposure and support on the “Gary and Catherine in the Morning” show.