By My Nguyen Dec 17th 2011

Presented by the Feeding the Soul Foundation, the KFTS Radio Variety Show on Saturday, December 17^th, paid tribute to the old days of radio as well as went on to highlight the top acts in today’s music scene.  This intersection of ideas and the meeting of like-minded music-loving individuals were very much akin to last year’s successful FTSF Benefit Concert and CD Release at The Auditorium at the Neurosciences Institute in La Jolla.  With a list of performers that included Bushwalla, Dawn Mitschele, Alex Woodard, Raining Jane, MC Flow, and a surprise guest-appearance by Jason Mraz, the star-studded event, which promised to be a riotously happening affair, ended up exceeding expectations and went on to pave the way for further innovative projects to help benefit great causes like The Indigenous Education Foundation of Tanzanzia at FTSF’s Benefit Concert with Luc & the Lovingtons and The Makepeace Brothers last November.

The second annual event at the beautiful auditorium at the Neurosciences Institute as a part of Feeding the Soul Foundation’s performing arts series was a multi-faceted event.   The brightly lit stage, itself, with its inner sanctum aglow in green and orange hues and diamond-cut walls exemplified the intricate forms and colorful spectrums of a prism.  Designed to create a uniform sound regardless of seating arrangements, the acoustics behind the 352-seat hall is exacting in its sound precision.  That night revelers all had the equal opportunity to share in this community of genuine giving and to hear some great music being performed live onstage.

The charismatic television-host, Justin Willman (“Cupcake Wars” and “Hubworld”), who also recently performed for Barack and Michelle Obama at the White House, filled the night with many a magical moment, and contributed to the already happening program with many a jaw-dropping magical illusion and comedic gesture.  As host to the KFTS Variety Show, his presence also added a cohesive-quality to the program while going on to wow-audiences throughout the night with his power of enchantment.

One of the best magic tricks of the night happened to be the magical incantation that Justin presented to audiences after introducing why he became a magician (Hogwarts) and if he went to magician school (Michigan-state).  The illusion required two relative strangers to set foot onstage, and a deep trust that would enable what appeared to be a Coke-Cola filled cup to be poured on top of both these relative strangers’ heads.  Throughout the night would continue to unravel these deep-felt connections that perhaps would never have occurred at any other time or place.

The first act of the night was the Broadway West kids.  Created by Britta “Skoom” Ellis, Buswalla, and David Geist, Broadway West is a musical arts camp for young kids between the ages 8-15 that support a fun, safe, and inspiring environment where kids can explore the love of the arts.

Opening with their rendition of “Hard Knock Life”, and “Tomorrow” from the Broadway Show Annie! – The Broadway West is a talented group of kids.  Their entertaining renditions of Christmas songs provided great sing-along’s and holiday cheer for the yuletide crowd.

Right on cue, Bushwalla joins the gang onstage.  Pouncing straight into Bushwalla’s popular hit, “Ghetto Blaster” with The Broadway West singing backup, the collaborative effort resembled a bit like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ frontwoman, Karen O’s project with Karen O and the Kids for the movie soundtrack, Where the Wild Things Are.  

Segueing into the next song, Bushwalla informs the audience that as part of the Broadway West’s ‘boot camp’ for the arts initiative, the vocal coaches require the kids to welcome the start of a brand new day with the uplifting statement, “Best Day Ever!!!”  According to Bushwalla, one guy who isn’t having the best day ever is – and breaks right into a great bluesy rendition of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”.

The group of female singers from San Diego, Voices of Prayze, who performed with Jason Mraz and appeared on The Conan O’Brian Show as well as performed the national anthem live for the San Diego Padres, also, had many a stand-alone number Saturday night.  Accompanying the talented group of ladies’ Motown/gospel grooves on stage that evening was cellist and vocalist to Raining Jane, Mai Bloomfield, who had collaborated on Voices of Prayze’s album and, also, happened to be present at that night’s show for her scheduled appearance with Raining Jane.  Mai’s appearance was unprecedented for the ladies of Voices of Prayze, but as it was mentioned before, the KFTS Radio Variety Show at the Neuroscience Institute had many a coincidental moment that did not fail to astound.

After a short intermission, The Makepeace Brothers were the next band to grace the stage.  Performing a number of super groovy, sexy and sometimes slower and lengthier songs, The Makepeace Brothers definitely owned their sound.  With many a gorgeous melody that was infused with lots of island-flavor, the vocals and instrumentals shined together.  The crowd that night brisk in The Makepeace Bros. warm sound.  Pitch-perfect and tonally sound, The Makepeace Brothers appealed to the audience with their charming looks, soothing vocals, and great musicianship.  Overall, all of their songs performed that night adhered to a great sense of rhythm, and there was many a moment that had members in the audience dancing in their seats.

To end the night, the entire cast of characters from the Radio Variety Show appeared together onstage to perform “The 12 Days of Christmas” together.  Comical and lively, the show’s finale was the best possible ending to what will live in many in the audience that night as a memorable evening.

For additional info on Feeding the Soul Foundation please visit feedingthesoulfoundation.org