Rob Machado holding up a custom surfboard auctioned off for $6000
The Belly Up Bar in Solana Beach was filled to the brim Tuesday night with legendary musicians and athletes, all together for a good cause — a benefit concert and auction for the Rob Machado Foundation.
Last Tuesday marked the third year for the Foundation’s benefit concert and auction that brought to the stage musicians Austin Burns, Timmy Curran, Run River North, Goo Goo Dolls and a surprise performance by Switchfoot’s lead singer, Jon Foreman.
The Rob Machado Foundation, a California based non-profit organization founded by Machado, has created numerous environmental programs since its start in 2004, as well as supporting environmental programs worldwide. All proceeds for the night went to the Foundation.
Austin Burns, a San Diego native, opened up the night with several original songs and a cover of the Pixies “Where is My Head.” Burns was followed by surfer and songwriter Timmy Curran, who apologized for his rusty stage presence, joking he hadn’t performed in a long time. Curran brought Machado to the stage to accompany him on guitar and gave a heartfelt performance.
Foreman stepped on stage next, surprising attendees singing two songs, one of them a cover of Bad Religion’s “Sorrow.” His unexpected performance was followed by Run River North, who joked that they can now say Jon Foreman opened up for them.
Before the final act of the night, several items were auctioned off, including an acoustic guitar signed by all performers for the night, a Social Distortion guitar with various merchandise and custom designed surfboard signed by Jack Johnson — the auction raised $14,000 altogether for the Foundation.
Machado even threw in several surfboard lessons with the auction items up for bid.
The night ended with a performance by the Goo Goo Dolls and one last auction item — an acoustic guitar signed and played by the band. Lead singer, John Rzeznik, jokingly became the auctioneer and was able to bid the guitar off for $7,500 — the most expensive item of the night.
The sold out benefit concert raised $21,500 in auction items alone and Machado thanked everyone in attendance, from performers to fans.
For more information on the Rob Machado Foundation, you can visit the website here.
