Media Contact: Javier Rojas, javier.rojas@csun.edu, (818) 677-2130
Public, member-supported 88.5 FM, The SoCal Sound, Southern California’s leading Triple-A (adult album alternative) format radio station, has announced the lineup for its annual benefit concert, Benefest 2025.
The station invites music lovers to a special night supporting grassroots community radio on Friday, Nov. 7, at the historic Alex Theatre in Glendale. A portion of the proceeds from Benefest 2025 will directly benefit The SoCal Sound’s mission to provide a unique blend of established, emerging, and diverse music across Southern California and beyond.
“We are so happy to have announced our annual Benefest. The musicians performing see the value in public media and the many things The SoCal Sound has to offer,” program director Marc “Mookie” Kaczor said. “We are thrilled to partner up with such a talented group of artists. I can’t think of a better way to bring the community together through music.”
With recent funding cuts to public media, events like these are key to the future existence of radio stations, Kaczor noted.
The stacked lineup includes acclaimed rock band White Denim, The Ruby Friedman Orchestra, known for their modern vintage sounds and electrifying performances, and Semisonic frontman and songwriter Dan Wilson, who has achieved remarkable success as a multiple Grammy-winning songwriter for other artists.
Wilson’s catalog includes co-writing hits such as Adele’s “Someone Like You,” Chris Stapleton‘s “White Horse,” and Taylor Swift’s “Treacherous,” among many others. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the careers of numerous top artists across various genres.
A special headliner will also be announced on Sept. 5 that will round out the lineup. Previous artists that have taken part in Benefest include Jackson Browne, Jason Mraz and Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie.
Tickets for Benefest 2025 are on sale now and can be purchased at TheSoCalSound.org and Ticketmaster.
The Alex Theatre, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, is a historic landmark in Glendale known for its striking architecture and rich cultural heritage. Since 1925, it has been a beacon of arts and entertainment, hosting a wide array of performances and events that enrich the community.
88.5, The SoCal Sound, is Southern California’s only non-commercial station dedicated to music discovery, curating a blend of established, emerging, and diverse artists. As a public, member-supported audio service, it embraces independence and super-serves the Southern California community and listeners worldwide. 88.5 The SoCal Sound is a combined effort of California State University, Northridge (CSUN) and Saddleback College, providing Triple-A programming to a potential audience across Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura Counties.
