Encinitas Students Hosting a Concert for a Worthy Cause

On Saturday, Jan. 21, the (SDHA) Associate Student Body (ASB) will host a benefit concert for Conner’s Cause, a local nonprofit founded more than 16 years ago in memory of Conner Champ, a 4-year old who died of cancer in 1994.

Every year the Encinitas student group aims to organize at least one major fundraiser for Conner’s Cause, which provides financial assistance annually to more than 500 families struggling to cover the out-of-pocket costs of caring for a child with a life-threatening illness of injury. The organization makes sure that no child goes without medical services or proper in-home care because of a family’s lack of resources.

“Conner’s Cause is a great organization,” said SDHA senior Rachel Weinfield. “I helped out with the concert last year and wanted to keep it going by putting it together this year.”

Weinfield volunteered to head the event along with fellow SDHA senior Samantha Bannock. All the students in ASB, along with school clubs, pitched in to plan the event, which will feature live music and family-friendly activities including an art wall, food vendors and a silent auction.

 All proceeds will be donated to Conner’s Cause.

Live music will include local bands and artists: Jakob Martin (featuring special guest David Yuter); Simple Green (SDHA’s 2011 Battle of the Bands winner); Reason featuring SDHA’s alumni Alex Fidel; Yours Truly (La Costa Canyon Band); Kelp (SDHA’s Battle of the Bands Contestant); and Hilly Rubin (Carlsbad High School).

Out headliner is San Diego songwriter, performer, and recording artist, Jakob Martin. He has released five albums independently, since 2007. Martin usually tours by himself, but has also shared the stage with many other bands. JVibe Magazine has called Jakob Martin’s acoustic music "revolutionizing.”

The organizers expect a few children who benefitted from Conner’s Cause to attend the event.

The benefit concert is slated for Saturday, Jan. 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students, and free for kids 10 and younger.