60s and Surfin
Performing the 60s summertime classics of the Beach Boys and of Jan & Dean, the Surf City All-Stars have been a hot attraction with each appearance in the Music Festival series.
Surf City was formed in the early 1980s with band members who were touring with both the Beach Boys and Jan & Dean.
Their authentic surf sound and harmonies were taught to them by Brian Wilson and Mike Love of the Beach Boys and Jan Berry of Jan & Dean.
The Performers
The All-Stars feature Gary Griffin on keyboards (The Beach Boys, Jan & Dean), David Logeman on drums (Jan & Dean, the Beach Boys), and Don Raymond on guitar/bass (the Ventures, Jan & Dean).
In addition, Philip Bardowell, who took Carl Wilsons place with the Beach Boys, performs on guitar and vocals with additional vocals by Matt Jardine, son of Al Jardine, a founding member of the Beach Boys.
Their loyal fans say that the Surf City All-Stars authentically recapture the immortal sounds of classic surfing and beach music.
The balance of the Music Festival schedule:
Thursday, July 19 at 7 Katia Moraes and Sambaguru perform a repertoire of sizzling Brazilian music with Asian and African influences. Brazilian singer Katia Moraes leads a vibrant ensemble of six musicians from Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, and the U.S.
Thursday, July 26 at 7 Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys have entertained audiences since 1988 with their combination of rockabilly, Western swing and hillbilly boogie sounds. Their musicianship and longevity have made them a touchstone within the roots music scene. Their repertoire features classic harmonies, solos and unforgettable tunes.
Thursday, Aug. 2 at 7 Moras Modern Swingtet opens the evening with classic jazz and swing from the 1930s and 40s. Using period arrangements and transcriptions by such groups as Artie Shaws Grammercy Five, Tommy Dorseys Clambake Seven, and the John Kirby Orchestra, this seven-piece ensemble has become one of the most popular groups in the swing dance scene.
The Jonathan Stout Orchestra featuring Hilary Alexander takes the stage later in the evening, bringing back the sounds of the early 1940s riff-filled swing bands. This 15-piece ensemble, featuring the cool-toned vocals of Ms. Alexander, performs vintage songs emulating great bands of the swing era.
Thursday, Aug. 9 at 7 Los Pinguos performs an invigorating mixture of Latin rhythms, salsa, flamenco, reggae, rumba, Argentine rock, and sambas from its native Buenos Aires. The group plays a combination of Spanish guitars, a Cuban Tres, Peruvian cajon (box-drum), and is known for its tight vocal harmonies.
Thursday, Aug. 16 at 7 The John Jorgenson Quintet brings the house down with hot Gypsy Jazz. Mr. Jorgenson, one of the original Rhythm Brothers, also is known for his work as guitarist in the Desert Rose Band and the Hellecasters. He toured with Elton John for six years, playing guitar, mandolin and saxophone. He appeared as gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt in the 2005 feature, Head in the Clouds. The quintet is made up of musicians from Nashville, performing on hot viola and upright bass.
Thursday, Aug. 23 at 7 Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca return to Culver City with their dynamic Afro-Cuban style. This 20-piece World Music ensemble blends African soukous and rumba with Cuban salsa. A native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mr. Lemvo sings some of his captivating vocals in Spanish and some in the African dialects of Kikongo and Lingala. Makina Loca features a dazzling array of attacking horns, mesmerizing percussion and a rolling piano that floats along.
Thursday, Aug. 30 at 7 The Carl Verheyen Band brings the Music Festival to a close with a combination of rock, blues, jazz, Cajun and country music. Guitarist Verheyen has released nine solo CDs and two DVDs. and is one of the first session players in Los Angeles, playing on hundreds of records, movie soundtracks and television shows. He has been the guitarist in Supertramp since 1985, won the Guitar Player Magazine readers poll for best studio guitarist in 1996, and he was listed in Guitar Magazines Top 10 Guitarists in the World. Including Cliff Hugo on bass, Bernie Dresel on drums, Craig Copeland on guitar and Jim Cox on keyboards, the Carl Verheyen Band features an all-star ensemble.
Behind the Scenes
The Culver City Music Festival, is presented by the Redevelopment Agency, and it is produced by Gary Mandell of Boulevard Music.
Parking and dining are available throughout Downtown.
For information on the Music Festival, visit www.culvercity.org or call the Cultural Affairs hotline at 310.253.5716.