Here it is. This is for graduation day. Don't laugh too hard.
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Now that you are no longer sitting on the chair, and laughing hysterically at how horrible that was, here's the Bro-Am news that's pouring in from San Diego.
First off, an official press release on surfline.com:
4th Annual Switchfoot Bro-Am Draws 6,000 Supporters to Moonlight Beach for StandUp For Kids
June 12, 2008
PRESS RELEASE
The 4th Annual Switchfoot Bro-Am surf contest and concert entertained some 6,000 supporters at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas on Saturday, June 7, 2008. An annual event near and dear to Switchfoot's hearts, the Bro-Am was created to give back to the San Diego community while also benefiting a local children's charity through funds raised at an auction night event, as well as from vendors on the beach day-of, sponsorships, and an after-party at the Belly Up Tavern.
This year's free beach event benefited the San Diego and Oceanside branches of StandUp For Kids, a national nonprofit volunteer outreach organization that started right here in San Diego and is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of at-risk, homeless, and street kids. (www.standupforkids.org) In addition to the surf contest, vendors, and beach concert, this year's event also welcomed the addition of a surf jousting exhibition, as well as live mural art painting presented by The Glue Network and Artsprojekt. In addition, this year's event partnered with San Diego-based Sustainable Waves to offer cutting-edge solar-powered sound and staging. By using solar power rather than a diesel generator or grid power, the Bro-Am avoided emitting approximately 1,000 lbs (half a metric ton) of CO2 into the atmosphere (the equivalent of not driving your car approximately 1,100 miles or the annual sequestration of 66 trees).
The lively surf contest featured riders representing Hurley, Reef, Transworld Surf, Surfing Magazine, Surfer Magazine, Surfline.com, Macbeth, Jedidiah, AKA, Anon Optics, Surf Ride, Jet Pilot, Dental Specialty Associates, Chase Paymentech, San Dieguito Academy, and Switchfoot with surf legend Tom Curren. The final heat took place between Reef and Surf Ride, and Reef was crowed the winning team. Riders Jeremy Sherwin, Zach Keenan, Teddy Navarro, and Sean Marceron were awarded trophy INT surfboards onstage before Switchfoot's performance for their win.
The free beach concert featured performances by Escalera (with pro skateboarders Danny Way and Bob Burnquist), Musket, Tom Curren, Kent Doonan, Stripes and Lines, A Fine Frenzy, The Cheap Leis, LA Symphony, and Switchfoot.
Beach vendors included INT, Anon Optics, Surfrider Foundation, Hoven, Life Rolls On, Harney Sushi, SurfAid, Jedidiah, Generosity Water, Menehune Surf, Island Way Sorbet, Pizza Port, 91X, Amadeo Decada, Honest Tea, Kaimana Clothing, Guide On, To Write Love On Her Arms, Cricket, Crown Coffee, and the Sundt Memorial Foundation.
"To me, the Bro-Am is a day where pro surfers, pro skaters, musicians, and the community come together to acknowledge some of the bravest heroes I can think of -- homeless teens and the folks who help support them," notes Switchfoot's Jon Foreman. "I feel incredibly honored to stand alongside of some of these amazing kids this weekend; kids who are fighting for hope, fighting for love, fighting for shelter --fighting for the bare essentials. And against all odds, these kids refuse to give up. They have the strength of character to pursue their dreams in spite of their present situations. It was a privilege to join StandUp For Kids in their efforts to support these young fighters in their quest for hope and truth and love. Thanks to everyone who made this year's event such an amazing experience. Let's continue to ensure that StandUp For Kids feels our support all year long."
The event had an all-around energy of good vibes, but the biggest impact was most likely felt by the StandUp kids in attendance that day. Kim Green, director of the Oceanside chapter for StandUp For Kids, reflects, "Switchfoot are amazing people, with true, genuine compassion --this was felt not only by our volunteers, but mainly by the kids, what an awesome experience for them. The kids got to get up on stage and help throw out some T-shirts -- it was amazing! It's rare that our kids shine like they did on Saturday -- it really is a gift. Emotionally, this event has rejuvenated all of us volunteers, the kindness of all the sponsors has been overwhelming, and we are confident that the exposure will help us to get more volunteers, so that we can open more nights, and then, help more kids."
Final numbers are still being tallied, but between a record-breaking auction night event at Pacific Coast Grill, the beach day, and the Belly Up after-party, an estimated $75,000 was pulled in for StandUp For Kids before expenses.
Hi-res photos available upon request.
http://www.thecoastnews.com/articles/4221/
The sun provided all of the energy necessary to power the event. Mia Stefanko, Bro-Am co-director, said the festival partnered with Sustainable Waves, a local operation that offers cutting-edge solar-powered sound and staging.
Co-founder Mark McLarry said Sustainable Waves utilizes the renewable energy sources of the sun to deliver 100 percent pollution-free concerts. According to Switchfoot’s Web site, by using solar power rather than a diesel generator or grid power, this particular festival avoided emitting approximately 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. That is the equivalent of not driving a car approximately 1,100 miles or the annual sequestration of 66 trees.
The entire roof of the main stage was covered in solar panels while a smaller stage captured enough energy to power vendor booths for the entire festival. “I thought the event went really well,” McLarry said. “I was stoked to be working with Switchfoot and all of the other great bands.”
The funds raised from the day at the beach and an auction totaled approximately $60,000. Kim Goodeve-Green, center director for StandUp For Kids in Oceanside, said she was grateful for the money that will provide much needed resources for the homeless youth the organization supports.
“The money raised is great, but for us (the volunteers) it is all about the kids,” Goodeve-Green said. On Saturday, our kids were able to be kids. Not homeless, not hungry and definitely not invisible."
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Go here for some photos from the Bro-Am. Great-looking stuff. I'm so going next year. There's no stopping me!
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Now, a review of "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian Soundtrack" here.
I can't understand this part:
The one thing I don’t understand about this album is why they marketed it with “This is Home” by Switchfoot. That is the worst song on the CD. I can hardly listen through once without choking on the contrast of Oren Lavie’s soothing voice and the alternative rock style of Switchfoot.
I think it's the smoothest Jon's voice can possibly sound... whatever that means. Here's how I responded:
Wow... I think Switchfoot's song is the best song of the three. It's sound is the most expansive and epic, and fits well. At least its the most upbeat for radio. And considering they have a lot more fans than Regina Spektor, and they're more well-known, it would make sense to market Switchfoot's song as the lead single for the album.
Don't get me wrong... Spektor's song is great too, and it got played in the actual body of the movie. Last I heard, that was supposed to be Switchfoot's song in there, but whatever. She got HUGE exposure that way.
So it's all fair. Which reminds me... how are you all doing, promoting "This Is Home"? We're going to be getting help from the label at some point, so keep going!
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Lastly, Signonsandiego has a review of Jon Foreman's Summer Ep
Full Review here
San Diegoness of sound: This town has quite a love affair with singer/songwriter types and Foreman's solo work not only fits right in, but sets the bar quite a bit higher.
As big as Switchfoot?: Well, Switchfoot fans will certainly love this record. And those who were put off by the whole radio-friendly cheese of the band will like the moodier edge Foreman brings to this project. So, maybe bigger than Switchfoot.
