Nov 16, 2012

http://www.thesurfchannel.com/news/20121116/interview-with-john-rzeznik-of-the-goo-goo-dolls/

Written by:Ali Shrode

John Rzeznik, lead singer and guitarist from the Goo Goo Dolls, played at The Rob Machado Foundation‘s first benefit concert held at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, along with Jon Foreman from Switchfoot and Jon Swift. The event was a gaurenteed good time, and it doesn’t hurt that it was all for a good cause! The Rob Machado Foundation aims to provide funding and educational programs focused on helping children understand their part in shaping a healthy earth, and saving our ocean.

The Surf Channel was lucky enough to talk to John Rzeznik in an exclusive interview, in the midst of recording his tenth album.

The Surf Channel: Can you tell us how you got involved with The Rob Machado Foundation?

“My manager told me about it. He knows Rob and thought that I would be interested, especially because it helps to fund children’s educational programs.”

TSC: Who are some of your musical influences?

“There’s so many. Mainly Paul Westerberg, The Clash, U2.”

TSC: What are some of your inspirations when writing?

“A lot of things inspire me, but mainly I’m inspired by the way people make it through the day. It’s important to always keep your eyes open.”

TSC: What artists have you been listening to lately?

“There are a lot of good bands out there right now. I really like Adele and The Lumineers. I’m just finishing up my 10th album… so we’ve been going over a lot of our own tracks.”

TSC: Have you always been an advocate of environmental programs?

“Environmental issues have recently been brought to my attention. The environment is being pushed to the limit and it is important to do something before it is too late.”

TSC: What do you think about California surfing?

“I grew up in Buffalo, New York so I don’t know a whole lot about the surf culture here in California. It seems like the surf scene is pretty big here… I’ve tried to surf a couple times and failed miserably.”

TSC: What makes this particular Belly Up concert special?

“A good time and a good party. It’s definitely a worthwhile event that people can feel good about spending their money on.”

TSC: What do you think about a television channel dedicated to surfing and surf music?

“It’s a great idea. I think it will do really well. The surf scene continues to get bigger and bigger.”

After his show, Rzeznik turned his guitar into an $11,000 donation for The Rob Machado Foundation! Watch him on stage at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach rallying the crowd for a good cause:

For more information on the event visit ROB MACHADO FOUNDATION BENEFIT CONCERT BELLY UP TAVERN IN SOLANA BEACH.

For upcoming concerts at the venue, visit: www.bellyup.com.

Be sure to check out The Rob Machado Foundation and find out how you can help support environmental education.

“Ne-Yo, Herbie Hancock, & John Rzeznik Team Up for “Forward,” a New Anthem for Obama’s 2012 Campaign”

http://noisey.vice.com/ja/blog/ne-yo-herbie-hancock–john-rzeznik-team-up-for-forward-a-new-anthem-for-obamas-2012-campaign

 The debates are over. President Obama and Willard Mitt Romney will never be forced to publicly speak to each other ever again. But, like the 500-yard dash or senior prom, it’s not about how things start, but how they finish: The next two weeks are of crucial importance to how our country will move in in the next four years, and beyond.

You might be wondering why we’re writing about this; we’re a music site, after all, and we generally take advantage of the fact that we’re not required by our direct supervisors to hold anything resembling an “opinion” on politics.

Well, today jazz icon Herbie Hancock, R&B icon Ne-Yo, Goo Goo Dolls icon Johnny Rzeznik, and a bunch of other left-leaning luminaries from the world of music have teamed up on “Forward,” the latest anthem bolstering Obama’s 2012 campaign now that things are getting down to the wire.

The piece was produced by Fred Goldring, the driving force behind will.i.am’s “Yes We Can” video from 2008, and the song was written by Gregg Alexander and Danielle Brisebois, of New Radicals fame.” 

The “Forward” site:

http://www.forwardsong.com/

“THE FORWARD SONG PROJECT IS A 100% GRASSROOTS EFFORT AND REPRESENTS THE BEST OF WHAT AMERICAN DEMOCRACY IS ALL ABOUT: People voluntarily coming together AND LENDING THEIR time, talents, SERVICES AND SUPPORT BEHIND A CAUSE THEY TRULY FEEL PASSIONATE ABOUT.

IT IS NOT A PAC OR SUPERPAC, AND IT WAS NOT FUNDED IN ANY WAY BY, NOR WAS IT PRODUCED at the request of or in Coordination or consultation with, THE OBAMA FOR AMERICA PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN OR ANY PAC OR SUPERPAC. We just went out and did this all by ourselves, and all on our own.

Because you only get what you give.”

The lyrics can be downloaded from www.forwardsong.com

The song can be purchased on iTunes and net proceeds support Arts Education in Schools & The Compound Foundation

Rob Machado Foundation Announces its First Ever Benefit Concert on November 12

http://www.surfline.com
Oct 16, 2012

The Rob Machado Foundation, founded by surfing legend Rob Machado, has announced that it will hold its first-ever benefit concert on November 12th, 2012, at The Belly-Up in Solana Beach, California. This very special night will feature solo acoustic sets from Goo Goo Dolls frontman John Rzeznik and Switchfoot frontman Jon Foreman, as well as a set from Jon Swift joined by Machado.

“I’m really excited to have some amazing musicians play at one of the best venues in San Diego in support of my foundation,” Machado says. “I’m happy to create the opportunity to have the local community come out and support hometown musicians and charity. It’s going to be a fun night.”

All proceeds from ticket sales will go to benefit The Rob Machado Foundation, a non-profit that Machado founded in 2004 as a way to support environmental programs worldwide. The foundation’s primary mission is to provide funding and initiate educational programs focused on helping children understand their contribution towards a healthy earth. Two specific programs benefiting from the evening are the local community-recycling program and Hydration Nation, a collaboration between RMF and Hurley’s H20 charity giving program. This initiative aims to install drinking foundations at high schools nationwide in the attempt to foster refillable water bottles and help eliminate single bottle usage.

Tickets are $40, or $60 for reserved seating, and are on sale at www.bellyup.com and at the venue’s box office: (858) 481-8140. A limited number of VIP tickets, priced at $150, are also available at tixx1.artistarena.com/robmachadofoundation. Those who purchase a VIP ticket will also gain access to a meet-and-greet with the performers including Machado and receive a limited-edition special event poster signed by all.

For more about The Rob Machado Foundation, please visit: http://www.robmachadofoundation.org/