Family Concert's Riffs Play for Community Support

SchoolPower invites the Laguna Beach school community to a get-acquainted family barbecue and concert Saturday, Sept. 27, on the El Morro Elementary field. The first-time SchoolPowerPalooza event will feature the music of Jason Feddy, Party Foul and Common Sense as well as an al fresco dinner with friends, family, teachers and administrators.

SchoolPower has set ticket prices to cover only the cost of the event: tickets are $15 for children and $20 for adults.

Organizers envisioned an event that would appeal to all ages, said Kristin Winter, chair of SchoolPowerPalooza. "We needed a fun, casual back-toschool event where you can bring the whole family," she said. "There will be great bands, good food, the kids can see their teachers, you can hang out with friends. It's a perfect event for a town like Laguna."

Non-profit SchoolPower supports Laguna Beach public schools with an annual budget contribution, teacher grants and various enrichment programs. The group traditionally fund raises via an annual community campaign, a midweek golf tournament, a pricey formal gala and a sit-down dinner at Hotel Laguna.

For years, SchoolPower has discussed bringing back a more inclusive community event, such as the discontinued 10K run, whose popularity overwhelmed the group's volunteer manpower. After a spring of discussing it and a summer of planning, SchoolPowerPalooza is the result, said Kendall Clark, a SchoolPower endowment officer. "This is not a fundraising event, but a celebration of gratitude to the community for all its support for our students and educators."

The low-ticket price and outreach to Laguna Beach families and local businesses are intended to bring more awareness to the educational foundation, SchoolPower said in a statement. In addition, the event is intended to appeal to people who may not normally be able to attend a weekday evening event due to childcare or work schedules.

"SchoolPower is reaching out to involve the whole community to let people know that they play the starring role in the success of our kids' education," said President Jeff Spurlock.

SchoolPowerPalooza will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at El Morro. Complimentary parking will be available at Crystal Cove State Park lots (first to the lot directly behind El Morro, and then to the Los Trancos location on Coast Highway). Frequent and free shuttle service will be provided.

The ticket price includes a barbecue dinner and live music by some of Laguna's favorite musicians! For more information and to buy tickets, contact the SchoolPower office at (949) 494-6811 or visit www. lbschoolpower.org.