The 8th KFJC Battle of the Surf Bands
The Press Release:
History: During the golden age of surf music in Southern California, Los Angeles radio station KFWB held monthly dances for teens featuring local surf bands like The Chantays, The Surfaris, The Bel-Aires and hundreds more. These bands would become known as the fathers of the surf rock sound, recording hits like Wipe Out, Pipeline, Penetration, Mr. Moto and Miserlou. In 1963, Del-Fi Records releases an LP featuring the best bands from the KFWB Battle of the Surf Bands series.
Today: Bands continue to create and perform surf music and stations like Los Altos Hills' KFJC continue to play it. Though the station is known for it's eclectic playlist, KFJC has long been dedicated to instrumental surf music– many DJs regularly include surf cuts on their shows, and DJ Cousin Mary's show, "The Reverb Hour," runs weekly on Saturday nights at 8PM.
On May 18, KFJC presents The Eighth KFJC Battle of the Surf Bands. In keeping with the tradition of the legendary Surf Battles of the early 60s, bands are given 10 minutes to present their best material and show, making for a fast paced and exciting 4 hour event.
The show went off without a hitch. The Art Boutiki in San Jose proved to be the perfect venue, and everything came together perfectly. Here's what I wrote after the show:
Some thoughts on the Surf Battle last night...
First, the bands, who agreed to play for ten minutes in a stressful, no soundcheck situation. Who gave up a paying Saturday night gig to help support a radio station. Who waited in line to buy beer and food and didn't ask for backstage accoutrements. Who were eager and ready to get on stage as quickly as possible, and used the backline without swapping stuff, and then got offstage so the next band could get on. They showed each other respect in so many ways. Everyone stuck to the short set and they're the ones that made the show run on time.
Second, KFJC, who has supported eclectic music for 60 years, and surf music specifically in tangible ways- airplay, albums, show support, flying around the world to broadcast shows. Their crew set up the live video and audio feed. They, almost exclusively, promoted the show. Special thanks to Cousin Mary and GM Grawer for taking on these events (and they don't get paid either).
Art Boutiki was the best and most perfect venue for this event. The sound was fantastic, not to loud and well tuned due to Jason and Dominic behind the board. Thanks Dan Vado and your entire staff.
Thanks to Fred Lammers for the amazing poster!
My thanks to people who loaned equipment- Johnnie Hamilton for the bass amp, Mel Waldorf for the tanks and Showman head. Jeff Stretch Riedle for the cymbals and pedal. My right hand man for this event was Eric Ruel who showed up early and stayed late for the loading. And most of all, Karen Broder Dobronyi who ran the merch table, helped in countless ways, and keeps me honest.
And, most importantly, to all the fans, old and new, and especially all the kids (please form your own bands now!) You guys came and were so enthusiastic! You are keeping the music alive.
First, the bands, who agreed to play for ten minutes in a stressful, no soundcheck situation. Who gave up a paying Saturday night gig to help support a radio station. Who waited in line to buy beer and food and didn't ask for backstage accoutrements. Who were eager and ready to get on stage as quickly as possible, and used the backline without swapping stuff, and then got offstage so the next band could get on. They showed each other respect in so many ways. Everyone stuck to the short set and they're the ones that made the show run on time.
Second, KFJC, who has supported eclectic music for 60 years, and surf music specifically in tangible ways- airplay, albums, show support, flying around the world to broadcast shows. Their crew set up the live video and audio feed. They, almost exclusively, promoted the show. Special thanks to Cousin Mary and GM Grawer for taking on these events (and they don't get paid either).
Art Boutiki was the best and most perfect venue for this event. The sound was fantastic, not to loud and well tuned due to Jason and Dominic behind the board. Thanks Dan Vado and your entire staff.
Thanks to Fred Lammers for the amazing poster!
My thanks to people who loaned equipment- Johnnie Hamilton for the bass amp, Mel Waldorf for the tanks and Showman head. Jeff Stretch Riedle for the cymbals and pedal. My right hand man for this event was Eric Ruel who showed up early and stayed late for the loading. And most of all, Karen Broder Dobronyi who ran the merch table, helped in countless ways, and keeps me honest.
And, most importantly, to all the fans, old and new, and especially all the kids (please form your own bands now!) You guys came and were so enthusiastic! You are keeping the music alive.
And here's three songs from Frankie and the Pool boys (we had a great set!)
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