SOUNDWAVES CHRISTMAS: A PRIMER

[Dennis Willis]

Tis the season!

For the 19th year, Pacifica Community Television and Capricorn Entertainment will present the SOUNDWAVES CHRISTMAS PARTY, a food, clothing and toy drive that has grown from (very) humble beginnings to the centerpiece of our holiday calendar! By "our," I refer to the growing family of friends, colleagues and volunteers that power this noble little fundraiser, a list that grows longer every year.

Hence, this column. We want you to watch. And give. But first, I'd like to answer a few questions that have been posed a bit recently.


Q: Hey, didn't Soundwaves go off the air?

A: Yes, the weekly show sleeps with the fishes. But we will continue this annual fundraiser as long as there is a need. Plus, it will be our only real chance to get together and work on something together.


Q: When and where does the show air?

A: Saturday, December 6th. The Pre-Game hype show airs at 4:00pm. We go live in the studio @ 5:00pm and will air on television on PCT, Channel 26. We will also stream live on the internet at soundwavesTV.com, soundwavescinema.com, soundwaveschristmas.com and PCT26.com.


Q: What are you collecting?

A: Non-perishable food for the PACIFICA RESOURCE CENTER; new, unwrapped toys for TOYS FOR TOTS; warm jackets and coats for ONE WARM COAT; baby blankets, children's books and stuffed animals for PROJECT NIGHT NIGHT; gently-worn clothing for adopted families; and of course, gift cards; and art supplies and figurines for play therapy for the PACIFICA YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU.


Q: Where do I bring my donations?

A: Pacifica Community Television, 580 Crespi Center, Unit E.
VIEW MAP


Q: What if I want to help but cannot participate during the show?

A: You can also bring donations before or after the show to Mike Romano's Farmer's Insurance at 235 Rockaway Beach #2. VIEW MAP


Q: What if I just want to give money?

A: You can make direct financial contributions at soundwaveschristmas.com.


Q: Why so early? We haven't even put up our tree yet!

A: We get this question every year. After many years, we have found that most charities need their donations a week before Christmas. Plus, people are shopping and attending company holiday parties during the second and third weekends in December. So, you'll always find us on the first Saturday of the month.

We are not a real charity. Soundwaves is an entertainment show. So, in exchange for your charity, we will do our best to entertain you. In between special guests and holiday music videos will be live performances from:

-PEARL ALLEY, a blues combo that features former PCT luminary Suzanne St. John-Crane and her awesome Janis Joplin pipes.

-CAKEWALK, a Pacifica-based party band that brings the house down every time they play.

-JOSH WORKMAN, an acclaimed jazz guitarist who is as hunky as he is talented. At least that's what my lady friends tell me.

-SMALL CHANGE ROMEOS, a rock quartet on the edge of blowing up in a major way. Their hit "1.20.09" is a timely smash with an awesome video.

-12 BAR HOP, a groovy combination of classic rock and roll with a blues vibe. The band makes it's Soundwaves Christmas debut but singer Buddy Rasberry has graced our stage three times before.

-IAN BUTLER, the local wunderkind comedian with a wall full of awards. Once again, he'll bring his comic wit and hilarious songs to the stage.

-SPOOKY KABUKI ASSASSINS, a high-energy punkabilly act that takes traditional grooves and makes them sound totally fresh. Despite their ominous name, they are a bunch of sweethearts.


Consider yourself invited to the big show. Come on down and watch the show live in the studio, but remember your admission is something from the above list.

Steven Kirk and I will be hosting once again, joined by longtime SW host Joe McCaffrey, Jonathan Markham (a pastor at New Life Christian Fellowship who is not only an amazing guy, but helped us target which neighborhoods were most in need), and Cherie Napier. Cherie's day job is marketing manager of Serramonte Center, our main sponsor.

Oh, and if making donations because it helps people isn't enough reason, this year we introduce SANTA'S GRAB BAG. Write down the names of the holiday music videos we play and toward the end of the show, we'll open up the phone lines and give out some cool yule prizes like a $100 gift card for SERRAMONTE CENTER, and the ultimate Soundwaves Christmas music collection.

And now the big pitch: the economy stinks. People are losing jobs. For those of us not affected much by the state of the world, it means one or two less mochas or scaling back on holiday gifts. But for many in our community, this is a cataclysmic time. Just because our neighbors just wave and smile doesn't mean they are not living in a world of hurt.

So please, do what you can. Clean out your closets or take a few cans out of the pantry. And if you're not going to give to us, please give to someone. Find an organization, church or outreach group that is helping the community. Either way, someone you don't know is counting on you. Thanks for listening, and have a great holiday season!