Daring Greatly – Photo credit: Chachie McDonald

San Diego, CA – Get ready for a spectacular night of rock, soul, and community spirit! On Thursday, December 18th, three of San Diego’s most beloved acts—Daring Greatly, Jesse Ray Smith, and Alex Bergan—will take the stage at the iconic Music Box for an unforgettable evening with a powerful purpose. The collaborative heart of these San Diego independent artists will not only help you celebrate the season with friends and family on December 18th, but will remind you that real, authentic music is alive and well in this community.

This special concert is a charity event dedicated to supporting Transform Nations, an incredible organization committed to empowering children and families worldwide. The band’s relationship with Transform Nations began organically over the past few years, including a featured performance at the Transform Nations Gala in 2024. Their continued involvement reflects a shared commitment to uplifting communities and using music as a catalyst for meaningful change. The spirit of giving and connection is woven into the very fabric of the band’s headlining this event; they are all cut from the same cloth of talented musicality, down-to-earth local vibes, and, of course, the spirit of rock’n’roll. Daring Greatly has long been celebrated not just for their stunning harmonies and powerful rock sound, but for their inclusive nature and ability to bring people together through music.

Transform Nations directly addresses the core essentials that allow a child to thrive—clean food, water, air, and energy—through a powerful model of strategic global partnerships. Now, you can become an essential part of this life-changing work. Transform Nations operates year-round to fund and support initiatives that directly impact children in need. Recent and ongoing projects include a powerful resume of accolades and efforts to literally transform lives. From offering WorldBeat Center Scholarships (San Diego, CA) which provide access to arts, culture, and summer education programs for inner-city youth who otherwise may not have the opportunity to homebuilding in Ensenada, Mexico, where Transform Nations is currently raising $20,000 to build a fully furnished home—complete with clean water, electricity, and essential living needs—for a family living in extreme conditions. Their previous international & local Impact includes supplying a portable ultrasound system to an orphanage in Haiti through 2nd Mile Haiti, and feeding 350 food-insecure schoolchildren in San Diego through Got Your Back.

Jesse Ray Smith

One of the key fundraising tools is Transformations’ children’s book, Intentional Alphabet—a beautifully illustrated book teaching intention and kindness through the ABCs. One hundred percent of profits from the book go directly toward the foundation’s impact projects. Each ticket purchased for this concert is a direct investment in a child’s health and future, helping to stock a backpack with weekend meals, ensure access to clean drinking water, and empower the next generation. Enjoy an unforgettable night of music and literally transform nations with your attendance. Get your concert tickets today and turn one evening of entertainment into a lifetime of hope for a child.

This collaborative energy is deeply shared by fellow San Diego artists Jesse Ray Smith and Alex Bergan. All three acts embody the supportive nature of our city’s thriving music community—whether they are writing music together or teaming up to put on some epic live shows in this beautiful city we all call home. This concert is more than just a lineup; it’s a reunion of artists dedicated to building a stronger, more supportive local scene and beyond. For new and seasoned fans of the bands, there will be some exciting surprises and shares on stage for all to enjoy. Daring Greatly is launching a whole NEW set, a Christmas surprise will be presented, and 3 brand new, never-heard-before songs will be unveiled. Let It Ride CDs and the much-adored new line of apparel will also be for sale, so it might be the best time to support your favorite band and grab some last-minute gifts that will surely bring smiles to others.

As for Jesse Ray Smith, his most recent October release of the album Keepers will be a highlight for this show along with some exciting band announcements – all performed by the A team (the JRS band lineup on the records with Jon Varn on the keys, Michael Pikham on the drums, James DePrato on guitar, and of course the San Diego natives Sean Cox Briar & Scott Eisman representing their home town.) Don’t miss out on a night of phenomenal music, positive vibes, and the chance to make a real difference this holiday season! Simply by purchasing a ticket, you’ve already helped a child in need, ensuring they have the resources and support to thrive. A portion of the proceeds from every ticket sold go directly to Transform Nations.

For those who feel called to support the cause further, we have an exciting opportunity: children’s books will be available for sale up at the merch booth, and 100% of the book sales will go directly toward the charity. Grab a unique keepsake and maximize your impact this December!

By: Meesha De Rumi / Staff Writer / BackStage360