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Rock Stars UNITE

“IF YOU’RE SINGING SONGS OF HOPE, you should put your money where your mouth is.” So says Jon Foreman, frontman of local Grammy-nominated rock band Switchfoot. Foreman and bandmates Tim Foreman (bass, backing vocals), Chad Butler (drums), Jerome Fontamillas (guitar, keyboards, backing vocals) and Drew Shirley (guitar) provide the leading track, “Rebuild,” on the San Diego Fire Relief Benefit Album, a compilation CD and fund-raising tool for the After the Fire Fund at The San Diego Foundation.

While wildfires ravaged their hometown last October, Switch foot, which has sold more than 3.4 million albums worldwide, was on the road for a national tour benefiting Habitat for Humanity. They’ve raised more than $100,000 for Habitat for Humanity to aid rebuilding in New Orleans and other areas hit by natural disasters.

“When we were watching the fires unfold at home, it gave new meaning to the song ‘Rebuild,’ ” says Foreman. “As a band, we have an incredible opportunity to give back to the community.”

Among the 18 local bands and musicians contributing tracks for the CD: Jason Mraz, Angels & Airwaves, Steve Poltz, Bushwalla, A.J. Croce, Greg Las well and Anya Marina. Produced by Sounden Recordings, the CD is available for purchase online at firereliefcd.com or at any Best Buy store in San Diego.

Switchfoot wraps up its national tour next month before heading back to the recording studio to begin work on the next album. Foreman will also release a solo EP later this spring. More info: switchfoot.com.

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