For the past seven years, the Classic Rock Beach Fest in Sunset Beach has donated its proceeds to the neighborhood’s Community Association.
The funds have helped pay attorney bills for the feisty, independent-minded beach town as it tried to forestall its annexation by Huntington Beach. It’s raised funds to help renovate and remodel the Sunset Beach Firehouse that was formerly used by the defunct Sunset Beach Volunteer Firefighters.
The concert organizers are also proud for having purchased a bathroom for the Sunset Beach Community Center, adjacent to the firehouse that has been used during chili cook-offs, pancake breakfasts, and yes, the Classic Rock Beach Fest.
“The Rock Fest has turned in to a premier annual Sunset Beach event,” said Mike Van Voorhis, president of the Sunset Beach Community Association. “Barbara D’Angelo (the event’s promoter) does a fantastic job of organizing the concert. She uses her skills to help our community. Last year and this year, 100 percent of the proceeds go toward the Fire Station remodel.”
The concert not only raises funds for the century-plus old neighborhood’s community chest. It is also a time of celebrating the summer with friends and neighbors and the music of Led Zeppelin.
Calling themselves “Led Zepland,” the band, with lead singer Shawn Kelly, has headlined the concert each year. They donate their performance, sans expenses, to the cause. Kelly is a longtime Sunset Beach resident and has worked in management at a handful of the area’s restaurants including Harpoon Harry’s, Pelican Isle and Don the Beachcomber.
Led Zepland, which usually has opening acts, this year will perform after The Shakedown, who will join Led Zepland in their efforts to help the community. The Shakedown is a local favorite, featuring a fun, energetic, folk jam sound.
Led Zepland performs songs from Led Zeppelin’s prolific 1968-1975 era, which has plenty of recognizable tunes for all ages.
Event organizer Barbara D’Angelo said “Led Zepland is the ideal band for this type of event because the music of Led Zeppelin is enjoyed by people of all ages. At a Zepland show I see people older than me enjoying the band who remember the songs from when they came out. I also see people my age rocking out and I see a younger generation who is just discovering the music of Led Zeppelin and is excited to see it performed live.”
Last year, the benefit event raised more than $3,000.
“With this year’s exciting line-up, the community association hopes to beat last year’s gross.
“The community raised enough money to buy the fire station after it went up for sale because we had always had lots of Sunset Beach events in the building,” Van Voorhis said. “It’s always been one of the jewels of our community and we didn’t want to lose it to a developer. Now that the community owns the building, renovations and upkeep need to be addressed.
The event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25, at 12th St. & North Pacific Ave., Sunset Beach (In the Community Center next to the Fire Station). In addition to the music, beer, wine and food will be sold at the event.
Tickets for the event are on-sale now at $15 pre-sale or $20 at the door.
Call Barbara D’Angelo at (562) 260-7131, or Shawn Kelly (562) 505-1410 for tickets and information.
