eddiekatcher
Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 2764
Atlanta, GA
|
Posted on Jun 23 2013 10:30 AM
Whew...............What an outstanding day!
Wayne and the City of Douglasville really did it this year. It was spot on perfect weather, including a lot of great bands both veterans of Surf Fest and some really outstanding newbies. A bit ambitious to run 10 bands plus a hula contest (for the kids) crammed into the 11:00 am to 9:00 pm slot, but Wayne, his crew and all the bands working together pulled it off without a hitch.
Here is a quick run down:
Gemini 13
New to Surf Fest this year. These guys have been lurking behind the scenes here in Atlanta for about a year, and coming out of nowhere, blew everybody away. Posed as the crew from Gilligan's Island (complete with go-go dancers, Ginger, Mary Ann AND Mrs Howell) Ran through a perfectly executed set and turned out to be as much fun off stage as on. Great show, guys! Why couldn't WE think of something clever like that?
Gravitron
These young guys can play and are veterans of Surf Fest past. It is amazing to watch these guys execute their amazing originals with such ease. Especially their second guitarist/keyboardist who makes the switch between the two faster than one can comprehend. They make what they are doing look easy......I can tell you, It is not. A rumor was floating around that they were going to pack it in after this show. I certainly hope this is not the case.
The High Fidelics
These guys from Alabama (we won't fault them for that) blow me away every time I have seen them. Of particular note this year was the Henry Mancini medley. Who ever tries to convince you that an organ doesn't work it surf and instro rock needs to hear the High Fidelics live. Awesome, just awesome.
StratoGeezer
This year the perennial Atlanta party surf band welcomes back original lead guitarist Thom Brewer. It was great to have the original lineup back together and performing at Surf Fest. I love these guys. They have so much fun on stage that it really must be something illegal going on up there. We have shared many stages with these guys and I am looking forward to hopefully many, many more.
The Montereys
Kind of heavy metal goes surfing, these three guys take no prisoners. It is really amazing just how much well articulated surf can be delivered by only three guys. Truly fine fellows as well. They are tight, tight, tight and truly fine players, a great song list delivered with conviction. I like these guys a lot.
Caroline and the Ramblers
Newbies performing at Surf Fest this year but nowhere close to Surf Fest newbies (as she has attended every one, family in tow since we started this event in the backyard of the Clarkston Womens Club years back), Caroline and her super smooth rock-a-billy band took the crowd by storm. She has a simply amazing voice and delivery that just won't stop and the audience loved her. Their performance right in the middle of all Saturday's instro rock was a great idea. Kudos Wayne, and thanks Caroline and friends.
Mystery Men
Like my buds in StratoGeeger, I am most proud to call these guys close friends. Their quickly developing and very highly refined close interplay, three guitar assault is second to nothing I have heard to date. Jamie, Chad and Richard are putting together a wall of guitars that will stun you. Powered by a rhythm section of great depth, The Mystery Men are really about to happen.......big time. Look out California.....here they come.
The Surge!
What can I say about our set? Well, it went pretty well. This was only the second outing for the recently re-powered Surge! with new second guitarist Frank (Mako) Deibel, and (Wild) Bill Buckhault on bass. Our momentum and self group confidence are climbing. We played a lot of the most current Surge originals and even surprised the crowd with an instro take on Fastball's "The Way." Boy was that a fun one to play live. Next stop Jacksonville's Surf Fest, and like the Mystery Men, we'll be ready!
The Crazy Aces
What do you get when you toss seasoned Nashville session players into an instro/surf band? Something WAY beyond expectations. These guys can play. Did I mention that these guys can play? They are so good it is just unbelievable. The interplay between the two guitars was brilliant. The guitar tones were brilliant. The originals were.....well clever, really clever. Probably the most cleverly written and most expertly performed of any I have heard in a long, long time. BTD, if you are reading this, these guys are your next west coast sleeper group. Amazing and such nice guys!
The NovaRays
I've known Louis for some years now but had only heard the 'rays once in Orlando some years back in a "turn down, damit" club environment. When these get powered up, they smoke. With an exceptional amount dive, they filled up the stage like twenty pounds of potatoes stuffed into a Fender Reverb Unit cover. The NovaRays can, and do play......like they mean it. I was even impressed with their take on Cheap Trick's "California Man" (even if it WAS a vocal!)
Sorry I missed the after party with Noah, Kill Baby Kill and repeat performances by The Montereys and the NovaRays. Old Ed, well, was just done. By 9:00 complete and total surf saturation had been accomplished and he just eased off into the night.
Best Surf Fest ever! Thanks to all who worked behind the scenes and to those reading this that were out there in the crowded plaza supporting the event helping us to make this simply the best Surf Fest yet!
Respectfully submitted,
Edward J Katcher
— Traditional........speak softly and play through a big blonde amp. Did I mention that I still like big blonde amps?
|
eddiekatcher
Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 2764
Atlanta, GA
|
Posted on Jun 23 2013 10:37 AM
Sorry for the typos, inverted verbies, and mis-spellings. My bifocals stink.
That is my story and I am sticking with it.
ed
— Traditional........speak softly and play through a big blonde amp. Did I mention that I still like big blonde amps?
|
bigtikidude
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 25309
Anaheim(So.Cal.)U.S.A.
|
Posted on Jun 23 2013 11:00 AM
Sounds like a great time,
Thanks for the report Eddie.
— Jeff(bigtikidude)
|
WoodyJ
Joined: Apr 05, 2006
Posts: 1534
Bethlehem, GA
|
Posted on Jun 23 2013 12:19 PM
Due to some family obligations I arrived later than I hoped to and unfortunately had to depart after The Surge's set but man, what an improvement this event was compared to last year. The crowd turnout was much larger, the bands I saw/heard were killer and the weather was great, unlike last years' oppressive 105 degree temps.
Inserting Caroline and the Ramblers into the lineup was a great idea, too. She and her band are true pros. I'm already looking forward to next year.
Wayne Foster did a magnificent job organizing and promoting this event, plus he ran sound and introduced the bands. Surf Fest has come a long way!
— Jack
aka WoodyJ
The Mariners (1964-68, 1996-2005)
The Hula Hounds (1996-current)
The X-Rays (1997-2004)
The Surge! (2004, 2011-2012)
Various non-surf bands that actually made money (1978-1990)
|
CrazyAces
Joined: Jul 31, 2012
Posts: 4052
Nashville, TN.
|
Posted on Jun 23 2013 06:48 PM
My tired but enthused Douglasville Surf Fest thoughts:
First off, we were so thankful to be there and take part, Wayne Foster did a great job of organizing the event and we are grateful to him for putting us on the bill.
Second: Wow! All the bands were fantastic! It was SO good to catch these bands live, FINALLY, and the performances were exciting, fun and humbling to say the least.
Third: To be able to put faces to names, most of which I've had nothing but internet contact with and everyone graciously accepted us into the fraternity of Surf loving fools that we are, again a moving experience. Noah, Ed, Jamey, Edwin.........the list goes on and on, fantastic people who we can't wait to see and hear again.
My only regrets were not being able to leave Nashville earlier and missing performances by Gemini 13, Gravitron and The High Fidelics but I know our paths will cross again and the short Kill Baby Kill after party set, an inferno that was extinguished by the club complaining about volume levels!
While ALL performances were great, (The Monterreys, twice, at the fest and after party, The Mystery Men?) I personally think that, as I assume has happened many times before, Mr. Eddie Katcher schooled us all and some day, if I grow up, I want to play like him!
FWIW and for the record, Ed, Us guitar players in our band were never seasoned session players, we are actually failed session players who's Nashville careers were varied but not so spectacular but thank You for your awesome compliments. Crazy Aces has brought us back to what it should be all about, fun, and thanks to everyone at the fest we had an incredible time!
— http://www.facebook.com/CrazyAcesMusic
http://www.youtube.com/user/crazyacesrock
http://www.reverbnation.com/crazyacesmusic
|
eddiekatcher
Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 2764
Atlanta, GA
|
Posted on Jun 23 2013 08:37 PM
Do you guys accept students?
Just a short drive once a week.
ed
— Traditional........speak softly and play through a big blonde amp. Did I mention that I still like big blonde amps?
|
killbabykill34
Joined: Apr 03, 2010
Posts: 3201
Jacksonville, AL
|
Posted on Jun 24 2013 07:59 AM
This was truely a wonderful day of music, discovery, and reunion. It is always a pleasure to see the guys from The Surge, Mystery Men?, Monterreys, Stratogeezer, High Fidelics, Mutations, and Gravitron. And it was beyond fantastic to finally get to meet and experience The Crazy Aces. A top notch band filled wtih top notch guys. Gemini 13 was a very pleasant surprise to start the day off with, and Caroline and the Ramblers provided a nice break from the norm.
Thanks a ton to Eddie for loaning us his Hand Trucks. Those were a life saver after a very long day in the sun.
The clip on tuner from The Crazy Aces will serve me well at home.
And in regard to the after party... Well, I like to believe that we accomplished what we needed to with our 3-song set. Lets face it, amps don't go below 1 on the volume knob. Well, I did remember, after the fact, that my amp has a switch to go from 100 watts to 50 watts. But, frankly, I don't believe it would have made a difference. Agressive music is going to come across loud no matter what.
— THE KBK ... This is the last known signal. We offer Sanctuary.
www.thekbk.com
http://www.deepeddy.net/artists/thekbk/
www.reverbnation.com/thekbk
www.facebook.com/thekbkal
Last edited: Jun 24, 2013 10:46:17
|
eddiekatcher
Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 2764
Atlanta, GA
|
Posted on Jun 24 2013 08:43 AM
(Hey Noah.........sssssh) Anybody seen my hand truck? Being throughly trashed from an all day Wayne Foster production. I snuck off without it.
ed
eddiekatcher@yahoo.com
— Traditional........speak softly and play through a big blonde amp. Did I mention that I still like big blonde amps?
|
killbabykill34
Joined: Apr 03, 2010
Posts: 3201
Jacksonville, AL
|
Posted on Jun 24 2013 08:59 AM
Ok...I am trying to remember the guys name that helped me when I was carting my amp. Was he one of the AmpFibians? If so, that is the guy who has it and said he was staying with you that night?
— THE KBK ... This is the last known signal. We offer Sanctuary.
www.thekbk.com
http://www.deepeddy.net/artists/thekbk/
www.reverbnation.com/thekbk
www.facebook.com/thekbkal
|
CrazyAces
Joined: Jul 31, 2012
Posts: 4052
Nashville, TN.
|
Posted on Jun 24 2013 09:00 AM
Ed, as a thankful user of your hand truck I last saw it back in it's backstage position at the top of the loading ramp at the beginning of The Novarays' set. Check with Wayne?
— http://www.facebook.com/CrazyAcesMusic
http://www.youtube.com/user/crazyacesrock
http://www.reverbnation.com/crazyacesmusic
|
CrazyAces
Joined: Jul 31, 2012
Posts: 4052
Nashville, TN.
|
Posted on Jun 24 2013 09:01 AM
|
killbabykill34
Joined: Apr 03, 2010
Posts: 3201
Jacksonville, AL
|
Posted on Jun 24 2013 09:19 AM
My understanding is that we were drowning out the fantastic acoustic rendition of 'Brown Eyed Girl' downstairs. Far be it from us to interrupt something so rare.
— THE KBK ... This is the last known signal. We offer Sanctuary.
www.thekbk.com
http://www.deepeddy.net/artists/thekbk/
www.reverbnation.com/thekbk
www.facebook.com/thekbkal
|
ebrobston
Joined: Feb 14, 2010
Posts: 121
birmingham alabama
|
Posted on Jun 24 2013 10:39 AM
Truly a great weekend for the High Fidelics. Temperatures below 100 degrees helped! Meeting new folks and seeing familiar faces was spectacular, and Eddie's blow-by-blow was spot on! Sorry I had to leave early (my kid was doing Shakespeare in the park back home) and missed The Surge!, Crazy Aces, Novarays, KBK, etc. Fortunately Wayne has asked us back for next year, but I hope we can connect with folks again before then!
— www.reverbnation.com/thehighfidelics
|
eddiekatcher
Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 2764
Atlanta, GA
|
Posted on Jun 24 2013 12:29 PM
Eureka!
My wayward hand truck is safe! Well, maybe.............Gemini 13 "rescued" it.
Thanks Bobby! 
Ed
— Traditional........speak softly and play through a big blonde amp. Did I mention that I still like big blonde amps?
|
killbabykill34
Joined: Apr 03, 2010
Posts: 3201
Jacksonville, AL
|
Posted on Jun 24 2013 12:56 PM
|
bangbang
Joined: Jun 14, 2006
Posts: 183
N.C.
|
Posted on Jun 24 2013 11:28 PM
We had a great time !!! At least the heat wasn't that bad ,I just had to stick with drinking water instead of beer . It was great getting to see some bands that I haven't checked out before . Also getting a chance to talk with a lot of the different players .
I enjoyed talking with you Eddie and listening to the Surge ! A wealth of information and I look forward to speaking with you again . Thank for the use of your handtrucks to make light work of heavy amps .Also thanks for the very nice write up of all the bands .
BTW I'm glad you tracked 'em down seems we lose something at every gig ...
I sat back and listened to everyone I could , we didn't get there till after 1:30 PM so we missed a few bands.... Doh !
Jamie and all the guys from the Mystery Men? great talking with you all and we are thinking about that Jacksonville show .
MidwestSurfGuy I finally got a chance to meet and talk with you , it was a pleasure !
Noah always a pleasure to hang out with you and the crew , can you guys turn it down a little.... I think we ruined that at the bar , but if it's too loud then your too old .... You my brown eyed girl...
— Johnny Rocket
The Monterreys !
http://www.youtube.com/user/THEMONTERREYS?feature=mhum
Last edited: Jun 24, 2013 23:39:52
|
Kaneverb
Joined: May 27, 2009
Posts: 14
Port Orange, Florida
|
Posted on Jun 25 2013 03:49 PM
I put up a whole photo album from Surf Fest on my Facebook page; I think I got shots of every band except Gravitron (sorry, guys). Look me up under Kane Miller.
The whole weekend was very, very fun. It was so cool to meet a whole bunch of new friends!
|
Pingrider
Joined: Mar 27, 2013
Posts: 2
Atlanta, Ga
|
Posted on Jun 26 2013 07:55 AM
What a great weekend it was! Kudos to Wayne Foster and his crew for putting on a great festival. All of us in Gemini 13 were thrilled to be included in a stellar lineup and look forward to coming back next year with 365 more days of experience under our belt.
Perhaps more fun than performing was hanging out backstage all day and meeting so many people that share our love of Instro Surf. Truly a landmark day for us all and we hope to cross paths with all of you on a regular basis.
Friday's launch party was a hoot and we truly enjoyed meeting and listening to The Mutations and The Ampfibians,both superb bands!
Thanks to Jamie and Chad of The Mystery Men? for all their support and guidance and Eddie Katcher for,well, just being Eddie. You da Man.
|
klaatu
Joined: Mar 14, 2013
Posts: 14
Atlanta, Georgia
|
Posted on Jun 26 2013 10:55 AM
killbabykill34 wrote:
This was truely a wonderful day of music, discovery, and reunion. It is always a pleasure to see the guys from The Surge, Mystery Men?, Monterreys, Stratogeezer, High Fidelics, Mutations, and Gravitron. And it was beyond fantastic to finally get to meet and experience The Crazy Aces. A top notch band filled wtih top notch guys. Gemini 13 was a very pleasant surprise to start the day off with, and Caroline and the Ramblers provided a nice break from the norm.
Thanks a ton to Eddie for loaning us his Hand Trucks. Those were a life saver after a very long day in the sun.
The clip on tuner from The Crazy Aces will serve me well at home.
And in regard to the after party... Well, I like to believe that we accomplished what we needed to with our 3-song set. Lets face it, amps don't go below 1 on the volume knob. Well, I did remember, after the fact, that my amp has a switch to go from 100 watts to 50 watts. But, frankly, I don't believe it would have made a difference. Agressive music is going to come across loud no matter what.
Noah, that was probably the best three song set I've ever heard. You guys totally killed it, sorry we missed out on the whole thing. One more 'Surf Fest 2013' story I suppose. Looking forward to the next time.
— Navigation and Terminal Guidance systems, Gemini 13
Last edited: Jun 26, 2013 10:56:40
|
CrazyAces
Joined: Jul 31, 2012
Posts: 4052
Nashville, TN.
|
Posted on Jun 26 2013 11:12 AM
|
April Birthdays 
