Thousands of fans of the Encinitas-based alternative rock band Switchfoot are expected to descend on Moonlight Beach Saturday for the band's 9th Annual charity surf contest and concert to benefit a local chapter of Stand Up for Kids.
In the eight years the event has been held, more than $700,000 has been raised to benefit the local charity, which provides after-school programs and other assistance to homeless and at-risk kids in Oceanside and surrounding communities.
Band members -- singer Jon Foreman, bassist Tim Foreman, drummer Chad Butler, keyboardist/guitarist Jerome Fontamillas and guitarist Drew Shirley -- have said the Bro Am surf contest is their favorite day of the year.
The day-long celebration, which is free and open to the public, begins with a 7 am surf contest, including members of Switchfoot, local surf legend Rob Machado and others. At noon, live music begins on the sand at Moonlight Beach. Switchfoot plays live for their fans at 4 pm.
Dozens of beach vendors are set up all day sharing information with attendees.
Switchfoot is due to release a new album and documentary film called "Fading West" in October. The film followed the band as they toured, wrote songs and surfed around the world.
