Surfrider Foundation 25th Anniversary Event begins on a Latin note!
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL - On Thursday, August 23, 2009, The Treasure Coast Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation welcomed media and sponsors to their VIP Party to kick off their 25th Anniversary Art & Music Celebration. The VIP event was sponsored by Barefoot Wines and featured LIVE music from each of the genres of music represented from the main event. Araka for Latin Day, The Humdingers for Classic Rock Day, B-Liminal for Reggae Day and featuring an opening set by acoustic artist
Bryan BoBo.
Araka spent a few minutes before performing to speak with this reporter;
Numa Fernandez, drummer for Araka, said, "The band is excited to have the opportunity to perform on the Treasure Coast before embarking on our South American tour in a few weeks." Araka is comprised of members from Miami, New York, Boston, Puerto Rico, Kansas and Cuba; and creates an exciting fusion of Reggae and Salsa music featuring smooth vocals and jazz inspired brass. Araka has also recently been featured in the upcoming HBO reality-series,
Recycle Blues, Inc. which is due to air December 2009. To find out more about Araka, please see: www.myspace.com/arakamusic.com
In addition to the music, there was a Surfrider Foundation presentation; where founders and members discussed upcoming events, and critical political issues such as the opposition to FPL's turbine plan. Surfrider's mission as a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's oceans, waves, and beaches for all people, is realized through conservation, activism, research and education. Now in its 25th year, the Surfrider Foundation has grown from a small group of dedicated surfers in Malibu, California to a global movement made up of over 50,000 members and 90 chapters worldwide. For more information how you too can support their grass roots efforts with this community-based Treasure Coast Chapter; please see: www.surfrider.org. The success of Surfrider's endeavors depends on active volunteers, members and donors.
The VIP event was catered by Bottoms Up Catering, J.J. Taylor Distributing, and Barefoot Wine. VIP Guests were also afforded a preview of the surfboard donated by Sonic Surfboards and Surf Shop, and painted by surf and ocean inspired artist
Jay Alders. The board was generously donated to the raffle during the three-day main event, with all proceeds going to Surfrider Foundation. In addition, the VIP event was free to people who purchased VIP tickets to the three-day event, press, event sponsors, Florida political leaders, participating musicians and artists, card carrying Surfrider members and Treasure Coast Police, Fire and Military. The weekend is looking hot! The 25 th Anniversary Art & Music Celebration sponsored by
John Pierson's Toyota of Stuart is jam-packed with over 20 bands, and mechanical surf board riding, VW car show, Harley Davidson & Custom Bike show, Classic & Custom Car show, souvenir photo area, 30 x 20 ft. skateboard ramp, and huge kids play land. Tickets started as low at $15.