Fallbrook's 'Shadowdogs' plays to benefit tsunami orphans

CARLSBAD — A special event took place on Sunday, January 9, in Carlsbad. Tom Giblin’s Irish Pub hosted an incredible all-day affair that drew over 1,000 people from San Diego County to hear great music and give generously to the Tsunami Orphans’ Relief Concert benefit. Over $25,000 was raised by 80 volunteers, who braved the weather to entertain the appreciative crowds, indoors and out, from noon to 6 p.m.

One of the volunteer performers was Fallbrook’s very own Shadowdogs, who gave a rousing 45-minute set of rock music from their soon-to-be-released second CD “Halfway to Someday.” Gary Kelley, Channel 10 weatherman who previously emceed a local Shadowdogs benefit at the Bob Burton Center in Fallbrook, braved the elements to find a line down the block as crowds filled the pub and outdoor facilities to maximum capacity all day.

In all, 15 bands performed energetic Irish/Celtic music and delighted the crowd. There was even a surprise guest appearance by SugarHill Recording artists Nickel Creek.

All proceeds were donated to UNICEF, the United Nations branch that provides aid to children worldwide. By some estimates, over 1.5 million children have been impacted by the tsunami. Many have lost their lives and tens of thousands have been orphaned by this disaster.

The event was forged from Ned and Brenda Giblin’s urgent need to help the children hardest hit by the devastating tsunami in South Asia. “Good people can rely on great friends,” said a volunteer, “and with only a week’s planning, Faith Peters and many others helped the dynamic Giblin duo pull off a wonderful statement of generosity by a community aching to help these children in some way. David Lally did an incredible job of rounding up some of San Diego’s best live acts and many merchants contributed auction items, food, face painting, clowns, and money for the cause.”

Clay Colton performed with his band and also had the daunting task of running sound on the outdoor stage and coordinating the performances, which went off like clockwork in spite of inclement weather. The Wayne Johnson Trio gave a riveting acid jazz performance and others included The Leper-Khanz, Brehon Law (with Matt Hensley of Flogging Molly), The Plug Uglies, Faceles, Highland Way, Sheela-na-Gig, Tim Mudd, and Skelpin.