KHAY Radio Planning a Tunes for Tots Fund-Raiser

If you want something to do with the family this weekend that supports the spirit of giving but won’t break the bank, a best bet is KHAY-FM (100.7) radio’s Toys for Tots benefit show Friday at the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks.

The talent roster includes Rhett Akins, Sara Evans, Jason Sellers, Kris Tyler and Jim Collins--five Nashville recording artists whose music is on the national charts. Caught Red Handed, a local favorite on the country dance scene, is also on the bill.

This ninth annual Toys for Tots drive is the station’s biggest community outreach project of the year. So turning out to host the party, award prizes and meet the listeners will be KHAY on-air personalities Ray Taylor, Charlye Parker, Jon Cowsill, Mark James, Dave Bradley, Matt Michaels, Danny Dwyer and Christy Miller.

The station will conclude its toy drive with an outdoor celebration Saturday at Point Mugu Federal Credit Union in Ventura.

“Without KHAY there’s no way we could meet the local demand for toys. During the whole month of December, Ray and Charlye devote almost the entire morning show to Toys for Tots,” said Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. John Hendrix and tri-county coordinator of the Toys for Tots annual campaign.

“Last year KHAY raised about $15,000 and collected about 15,000 to 20,000 toys for distribution to about 89 community service organizations,” Hendrix said.

Decca recording artist Akins will headline Friday night’s show. Early hit singles such as “That Ain’t My Truck,” and “Don’t Get Me Started” established the Georgia native as a fun-loving singer. Akins’ third album, “What Livin’s All About,” will be released Jan. 13.

RCA label mates Evans and Sellers, both 26, grew up in families that performed bluegrass and gospel music. And their debut albums have been well-received since their release in September. But that’s where the similarity ends. Touted as one of the young performers in the rebirth of country traditionalism, Missouri farm-girl Evans said, “Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline both were huge influences on me. So I tried to make my record land right in the middle of Loretta and Patsy, with some Patty Loveless thrown in.”

Named after the haunting, anthem-like ballad “Three Chords and the Truth,” Evans’ record has spawned two other singles, “True Lies” and the current rock-a-billy tune, “Shame About That.”

Citing Bryan Adams and Merle Haggard among his influences, Texas-born tenor Sellers said he’s striving for a country-rock sound. His current single “That Does It” and the title track from his debut record, “I’m Your Man,” support that approach.

Songwriting got Tyler a publishing deal two years before the Rising Tide label grabbed her to record her first album, “What a Woman Knows.” She wrote or collaborated on 10 of 11 cuts, including the haunting title track.

Her album due out Jan. 30 is a keeper, especially the poignant ballad, “A Thousand Years Ago” and the upbeat shuffle, “Texas Hotel.”

Collins’ first album, “The Next Step,” will be released on the Arista label at the end of January.

BE THERE

Country music show to benefit Toys for Tots, sponsored by KHAY-FM radio, 5-10 p.m. Friday at Borderline Bar and Grill, 99 Rolling Oaks Drive, Thousand Oaks. Admission is $10 per person or a full-size grocery bag filled with new, unwrapped toys. Children 12 and younger admitted free.

Finale--From noon-3 p.m. Saturday at Point Mugu Federal Credit Union, 2199 Sperry Ave., Ventura. Free entertainment. Donations may also be taken to the radio station, 3897 Market St., Ventura. For details, call 642-8595.