Though the annual Kim Wilson Holiday Show has become an institution in the local beach communities over the past dozen years, the seeds of the event go back to the late 1950s. That’s when, in fifth grade, the lead vocalist and frontman for The Fabulous Thunderbirds met lifelong friend and organizer of the holiday concerts, Johnny Holmes. The pair were close through college, splitting up in 1975, with Holmes landing in Ocean Beach and Wilson heading to Austin, Texas. Wilson would make his mark as a singer and for his harmonica virtuoso with the Fabulous Thunderbirds, racking up hits such as “Tuff Enough” and “Wrap It Up.” Wilson brings his local ties full circle with another Kim Wilson’s Holiday Party on Friday, Dec. 3 at Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge. Wilson has been a regular visitor to the area since 1980, but it was a little more than 12 years ago when Wilson and Holmes happened to be in Pacific Beach. That’s when the idea for the show struck. “We were walking by Blind Melon’s,” Holmes said. “And he [Wilson] just said, ‘I want you to book me a show.’ So I did. He did ask if I wanted him to tell me how to do it.” Though Holmes didn’t have any experience booking, he was up to the challenge and soon booked what became the first Kim Wilson Holiday Show at Blind Melon’s in 1998. The show then took place at Winston’s in Ocean Beach for nine years before moving to Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge in 2009. Wilson has released six albums to date, most recently “My Blues Sessions: Kim’s Mix Volume 1” in 2006, and continues to tour with The Fabulous Thunderbirds, though he is now the sole original band member. For the Dec. 3 show, Wilson’s band will be the aptly named Blues All-Stars, featuring pianist Barrelhouse Chuck, drummer Richard Innes and guitarist Billy Flynn, who has recorded with many artists like Big Bill Morganfield and Billy Boy Arnold. Rounding out the band will be bassist Larry Taylor, best known as a member of Canned Heat during that group’s Woodstock-era heyday. Taylor is one of the unsung heroes of rock and blues, appearing on numerous sessions — notably with the Monkees. That’s him on such classics as “I’m Not Your Stepping Stone,” “Last Train To Clarksville” and even “(Theme From) The Monkees.” Other credits include JJ Cale, John Mayall and Tom Waits, who he’s worked with on numerous projects. While the show is a holiday event, Holmes notes it’s not a night of holiday music, per se. “We mean it as in: everybody should come and have a good time for Christmas,” Holmes said. Opening the show at 5 p.m. will be beach-area mainstays The Hip Replacements, who have had the honor for nine straight years, as well as having opened for Wilson once on the USS Midway. “The great success of this event has a lot to do with The Hip Replacements,” Holmes said. “They’re a really good band, who really get an audience going and they are a big part of why this show is always a lot of fun.” The Hip Replacements’ bassist Donald Emley said, “We don’t really change our set list for the holiday gig, but it does bring everyone we know together. They are all in a festive mood and we see all our friends together in one spot. Our goal is to have fun and make people dance.” Holmes said “Tuff Enough” is his favorite Wilson-related song, and he counts a personalized platinum album featuring the tune among his prize possessions. Holmes said he is proud to be connected with Wilson’s annual blues tradition. “I’ve been all over the world with Kim,” Holmes said. “Even sold CDs at shows for him. We’ve known each other since 1959. I’ve been blessed to know Kim.” The Kim Wilson Holiday Show takes place at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3 at Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Drive. Tickets are $19. For more information, visit www.humphreysbackstagelive.com.