County Musicians to Stage Benefit for Needy Dec. 17

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO —  The fifth annual Orange County Music for the Needy Christmas show will be held Dec. 17 at the Coach House, according to organizer Jim Palmer of Orange’s Plaza Booking.

The daylong Sunday concert by county musicians will raise money, canned goods, toys and other items to aid needy county families designated by St. Barbara’s Church in Santa Ana.

The list of performers confirmed so far includes National People’s Gang, Dick Dale, the Wild Cards, Gherkin Raucous, the Joe Wood Project (featuring members of TSOL), Eggplant, Don’t Mean Maybe, bluegrass musician Dennis Reed, Big Drill Car, Red Sun Smoke (including members of Red House, Imagining Yellow Suns and Wood and Smoke) the Sleepers and the Beat Pests.

Former Safari Sam’s owner Sam Lanni again will act as host. Surf guitar godfather Dale will perform a solo set, and Palmer stressed that most of the acts would be presenting special material, including Christmas music.

Donations last year, Palmer said, provided a “complete Christmas” including tree, food, presents, and household items for 29 families and aided about 30 others. For information, call the Coach House at (714) 496-8930.