It was a match made in heaven.

The Promised Land Brewery in Gilroy has developed a new craft beer called “The Wave,” named after “Krazy” George Henderson and the audience engagement technique that he originated.

Owner and brewer Brian Schwab said a chance meeting with Krazy George led to the new brew.

The iconic cheerleader recalls that encounter with Schwab. “He came up to me at a function in Los Gatos and told me of his idea,” Henderson said at the packed Britannia Arms in Capitola, which hosted a release party for the new beer on Sept. 6. “I thought he was joking. Two days later he called me and already had the label designed. It’s amazing.”

Schwab said it was a blast watching everyone enjoy the beer and interacting with the local celebrity. 

“We’re giving praise to an icon,” Schwab said. “This is awesome.”

For more than 50 years, Krazy George Henderson has been the ultimate superfan. His story began in 1968 at San Jose State University. His wild energy and booming drum soon turned him into a legend throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. In 1975, his big break came when Lamar Hunt, owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, brought him in for one game. Henderson was such a hit that he was hired full-time for every home game for the next four years.

But Krazy George didn’t stop there. At an Oakland A’s vs. New York Yankees playoff game on Oct. 15, 1981, he made sports history by inventing The Wave. That simple, brilliant spark of energy circled the stadium that day and went on to entertain fans everywhere.

From the NFL and NHL to the World Cup and countless other events, Henderson has transformed crowds into unstoppable fanatics—whether it’s 25,000 fans in a stadium or corporate crowds at business events. Teams and companies that bring him in once usually bring him back again and again.

After all these years, Henderson remains the world’s most famous cheerleader. His mission is simple: get people on their feet, get them cheering, and keep The Wave rolling strong.

Henderson’s niece, Kendra Bonham, made the trip to Capitola from Oroville with seven other friends and family.

“This is an honor, it really is,” she said. “To have my uncle honored like this is incredible. He deserves it.”

Mattie Scariot, director of the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival, shared some news last week: the appointment of two new members to the festival’s board of directors in the leadup to a milestone year: PJIFF’s 20th anniversary.

The two newcomers, Jon Fitzgerald and Tasja Kirkwood, bring a blend of industry leadership and community engagement to this filmmaker-focused festival, Scariot added.

“Known for its hospitality, networking and commitment to building a vibrant regional film hub that fuels local economic growth, bringing on these industry leaders demonstrates the festival’s strong desire to continue its growth,” Scariot said.

The announcement comes as PJIFF kicks off a year-long celebration under the theme “The Road to 20,” coinciding with Morgan Hill’s 120th anniversary—a convergence of legacy, creativity and local pride.

“Bringing Jon and Tasja onto the board at this pivotal moment is incredibly exciting,” Scariot said. “As a festival director, I’ve admired Jon and his work for years—his leadership at some of the most respected festivals in the world is inspiring and aligns perfectly with our growing vision. Tasja’s remarkable executive career and marketing experience will help us elevate this year’s festival to a whole new level.”

With more than 25 years of experience in independent film, digital media and film festival leadership, Fitzgerald brings industry expertise to PJIFF.  As a co-founder of the Slamdance Film Festival (1995), he directed the festival in its first years before serving as festival director for the AFI Fest from 1997 to 1999. 

Jon has since launched and advised numerous festivals, including the Bahamas, Lone Star, Orlando, Santa Barbara International, Topanga and Naples Film Festivals.

He is also the author of Filmmaking for Change: Make Films That Transform the World—and together he and Scariot introduced the Filmmaking for Change Award at the 2025 festival. He is also the founder of Cause Pictures, a company devoted to helping filmmakers create and distribute socially impactful films.

“What Mattie and her team have created with the festival is remarkable,” Fitzgerald said. “With their perfect combination of outstanding film programming, unique special events and strong hospitality programs—in such a beautiful setting—it will be a thrill to join the team and help them build on their success.” 

Kirkwood is a recognized leader in consumer insights and cultural storytelling, with an executive track record at Nickelodeon, MTV, VH1, NBC and Mattel. A graduate of Howard University and Harvard’s Business of Entertainment, Media and Sports program, she blends academic depth with industry leadership.

She was recently featured in Netflix’s Black Barbie documentary and frequently speaks on the power of inclusive storytelling, play and cultural representation. Her passion for empowering the next generation and breaking down barriers in media and entertainment makes her an inspiring force on the PJI board and PJIFF team.

“Storytelling has always been at the heart of my work—not just to inform, but to connect, empower and shift culture,” Kirkwood said. “Joining PJIFF feels like a return to the kinds of stories that inspired me from the beginning: bold, inclusive and deeply rooted in community. I’m excited to help shape what comes next.”

As part of its 20th anniversary campaign, PJIFF is also launching a fundraising initiative titled “The Road to 20,” with a goal of raising $40,000 by asking 2,000 supporters to contribute $20 each. Funds raised will support free festival passes for students and underserved community members, as well as educational workshops, filmmaker screenings, and industry mixers throughout the year.

For more information, visit www.pjiff.org.