2016 is still almost two years away, but for a certain generation of students who happen to be graduating that year, it’s a date that looms ever closer. Expenses for events surrounding any graduation mount up quickly, so to ease those financial responsibilities, the 2016 class Point Loma High School will hold a series of fundraisers beginning March 1 at Humphreys Backstage Live. “If everyone had to pay their own way, a lot of kids would not be able to participate, so we hold these events to raise funds, so that everyone can participate,” said Molly Allen, the event’s music coordinator.
Beginning at 4 p.m., guests will be entertained by music from The Steve Grady Band, Greene Street (formerly 140 Yards) and Revolt-Age. The event is suitable for all ages. According to Allen, the reasons for booking these particular groups was pragmatic. “They are all relevant in some way to the school,” she said. “The openers — Revolt-Age — consists of Point Loma High School students. Two of them are in the class of 2016,” Allen said. While the six-piece combo is still young, it has solid blues rock chops and are regulars at Humphreys, mixing up originals with classic covers like the Beatles’ “Come Together” or Rufus Thomas’ “Walkin’ the Dog.” Meanwhile, Green Street is also from the school, while The Steve Grady Band is mostly Point Loma alumni. It’s a testament to the importance of music at Point Loma High that the principal, Hans Becker, is a San Diego Music Awards-nominated musician with his band Betamaxx. “We almost had them play, but their guitarist wasn’t available.” said Allen. According to Wendy van den Helder, a member of the committee for class of 2016, there will be more traditional fundraising efforts in future months, but the idea of a concert featuring students at a major local venue is hard to top. “We will have a rummage sale in May, but this is something that is a lot of fun, it’s not something that is typically done to raise money,” she said. She said she believes these sorts of events are a great bonding experience and a chance to build school spirit. “So many of the musicians taking part at this show are also students, so it seemed like a good way to give these bands exposure, but also provide a lot of fun entertainment for the families that come,” said van den Helder. “It’s a wonderful way for the children and the parents to spend time together,” she added. “As for the show, its music that is enjoyed by not only the kids, but also the parents. Because it’s a mix of new and older music. It’s great to see everyone interacting like this, coming together across the ages. Music spans generations.”
Anyone who has ever been to Humphreys Backstage Live will vouch for the friendly atmosphere and beautiful view. Allen gives the restaurant extra kudos for its involvement with Point Loma High School’s events. “Humphreys has been very supportive,” said Allen. “We had an event last year that went great and hopefully we’ll also do something there next year. However, their involvement started with the First Friday Music Club, a nonprofit that provides supplemental music education to area schools, headed by director Glen Fisher. “Almost all of the kids of these bands are alumni,” she said. “So that’s the connection with Humphreys.”
Allen said she hopes similar events can continue for future graduating classes. “As long as Humphreys will support it, this seems to be an effective tool,” she said.
• PLHS 2016 FUNDRAISER: Saturday, March 1 at HUMPHREYS BACKSTAGE LIVE, 2241 Shelter Island Drive; 4 to 7 p.m. $10. www.humphreysbackstagelive.com.