In the general cultural
world, Steppenwolf’s John Kay is best-known for evergreen hits “Born to be Wild”
and “Magic Carpet Ride.” In Santa Barbara, where Kay has lived with his wife Jutta
Maue for many years, he is also known as a passionate advocate for a different
kind of wildlife. This Sunday, June 23, Kay returns to the Lobero Theatre in a special
fundraiser for the Maue-Kay Foundation, founded by the couple in 2004 “to
support wildlife, conservation and human rights project around the world.”
Kay, who celebrated Steppenwolf’s 50thanniversary last year, only occasionally performs these days, often in
conjunction with his philanthropy. At the Lobero, he will give a multimedia
presentation on his wildlife work followed by a short solo set. He explained, “I
have gotten effectively out of the music business — not music, but the music
business. My interests have gradually shifted to other pursuits.”
Those pursuits are largely philanthropic,
with a special focus on the preservation of wildlife. More broadly, though, Kay
said, “If there's something worthwhile to be a part of, to help preserve or
support, to help out with, I'm certainly interested in doing that.”
