Switchfoot Returns with 12th Annual Bro-Am Benefiting Youth

Switchfoot perform at the annual charity Bro-Am. Photo: Nick King

By James Pleasant

Alternative rock band Switchfoot will host its 12th annual Bro-Am charity event on July 9 — an event founded to benefit charities for underprivileged children in the San Diego area.

Bro-Am, which usually draws more than 15,000 people, will feature a surfing contest and a free concert with performances from Switchfoot, American Authors, Parachute, Josh Garrels, Brynn Elliott, and an as-yet unannounced local artist.

Last year’s Bro-Am drew boards and bikinis galore, and this year is bound to do the same, with plenty of colorful costumes on hand and expert surfers battling it out alongside kids and music fans of all shapes and sizes.

The Hurley- and iHeartMedia-sponsored event will benefit organizations including the VH1 Save the Music Foundation, Feeding America San Diego, StandUp for Kids, and the Rob Machado Foundation in an attempt to improve the lives of homeless, impoverished, or troubled youth who have limited opportunities due to their socioeconomic status.

Kids compete at the 2015 Bro-Am. Photo: Nick King

Children 16 and under will also have the chance to compete in the Rob Machado Bro Junior Surf Contest, named after famed surfer Rob Machado. Adults can participate in several other surfing competitions such as the Bro-Am Team Surf Contest and the More BRO than PRO Contest. In addition to the competitions, Bro-Am will host surf lessons for kids or anyone who wants to learn the sport.

“The Switchfoot Bro-Am began in 2005 as an unplausible dream that three of our favorite things – surfing, music, and the local community – could collide for a day in a way that gives back to the town that has given us so much,” said Jon Foreman, Switchfoot’s vocalist. “To see our hometown come together and help deserving kids is an incredible experience.”

The Bro-Am festivities will begin on July 8 with the Bro-Am Benefit party, which will gather musicians, philanthropists and others in the San Diego area for a night full of good eats, cocktails, auctions and live performances.

Switchfoot has raised more than $1 million for San Diego’s youth charities since the inaugural Bro-Am event in 2005. For additional information about the 12th annual Bro-Am, click here.

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