Inaugural Surf Jam Open Mic in Ventura

Stormtiger

Joined: Dec 12, 2006
Posts: 2687
Ventura, CA
United States

Posted on Aug 14 2014 11:45 AM

For anyone in the Ventura, Santa Barbara area and beyond, the first Open Mic Surf Jam will take place next Wednesday, August 20 8-11pm in the Dragon Room at Golden China Restaurant in Ventura (760 S Seaward Ave. right off Hwy 101). Our idea is to make it a monthly event with a house band consisting of Don Boomer (the Seeds) on drums, Mel Bergmann (Phantom Surfers, Von Bergmann guitars) on bass and me on guitar. Backline and drums provided. I hope some of you can make it, everyone is welcome.

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JObeast

Joined: Jul 24, 2012
Posts: 2762
Finknabad, Squinkistan
Turkmenistan

Posted on Aug 14 2014 01:37 PM

That is so cool! Thanks for organizing this event, hope I can eventually participate (living rather far away). Do they already have an open mic there regularly? I am curious how they view this surf music venture.

Seems to me that this kind of thing could be a boon for bars & restaurants that host music for several reasons:

Surf music relies on fairly strict aesthetic boundaries that
a.eschew some of the more antisocial, alienating aspects of amplified music (gratuitous jamming, atonal noise, bad vocals/lyrics, electronic beats/bass),
b. instead emphasizing socially positive values such as recognizable melody and participatory enjoyment.
Surf music sets structural limits on tunes, making for succinct performances.
Surf repertoire of 'standards' comprises a 'songbook' comparable to that of jazz players. This invites participation in indigenous SoCal instrumental music form.
Invokes a pleasant SoCal-local vibe that may ultimately be good for business.
Surf fans are very largely of drinking age, enhancing sales revenues.

—

Squink Out!

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Stormtiger

Joined: Dec 12, 2006
Posts: 2687
Ventura, CA
United States

Posted on Aug 14 2014 02:29 PM

They do have a regular open mic on Tuesdays from 6-8, I've found myself hosting it for a few months now. We always start the night with a set of surf instrumentals. This new surf open mic will be very different and we aren't quite sure how it will go, but it may be similar to the members jam at the SG101 convention, except there will not be any signing up for songs before the night of the event. We'll have a long list of te most popular songs and people can sign up for an instrument. The regular open mic is in the bar, but our event will take place in the larger Dragon Room with a bigger stage and a huge fountain in the center of the room. Point Doom played there with the Razorblades from Germany. We (The Sea Hunters and Point Doom) always get great responses when we play in Ventura but there are very few, if any other surf bands here, although there is a predominant surf culture. We even have Surf Brewery, where the Sea Hunters make regular appearances. Sam Bolle lives in Ventura, maybe we can get him and Dick Dale to stop in. One thing is certain, the house band sounds very, very good on our own, I consider it a golden opportunity to play with such fantastic musicians.

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JObeast

Joined: Jul 24, 2012
Posts: 2762
Finknabad, Squinkistan
Turkmenistan

Posted on Aug 14 2014 02:34 PM

Wish it weren't 133 miles r/t for me to participate. Quite an impressive stage – the room must be huge.
Do people dance?

—

Squink Out!

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Stormtiger

Joined: Dec 12, 2006
Posts: 2687
Ventura, CA
United States

Posted on Aug 14 2014 03:04 PM

Geez, I didn't realize Finknabad was so far away. Sometimes people dance, especially when there are people. In fact, a friend suggested I target dancers as much as players and my former next door neighbor, who hires us for Surfrider Foundation socials, teaches dance classes nearby. Golden China also has Swing Dancing Night and Tango Night so it will hopefully catch on. It is a big room with a tropical atmosphere.

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josheboy

Joined: Mar 13, 2009
Posts: 2367
Twin Cities, MN
United States

Posted on Aug 14 2014 03:06 PM

Seems like a really cool idea! I'm surprised that surf music isn't bigger there considering the whole city drips with surf culture.

Can you post the song list?

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Stormtiger

Joined: Dec 12, 2006
Posts: 2687
Ventura, CA
United States

Posted on Aug 14 2014 04:40 PM

Ventura is still living in the 50s, the Surf Music "craze" hasn't gotten here yet. The County Fair even told me they don't want instrumental bands at the fair. They had the Beach Boys, Bare Naked Ladies and Deep Purple this year. DEEP PURPLE!!!! The recent huge Surf Rodeo had not a single surf band. Same for the Ventura Beach Festival and the Aloha Festival. At least there is not a lot of competition. But then Dick Dale played at the End of Summer Street Festival and it was packed with all ages of fans.
I will post a song list this evening, all familiar classic covers.

Last edited: Aug 14, 2014 16:41:31

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JObeast

Joined: Jul 24, 2012
Posts: 2762
Finknabad, Squinkistan
Turkmenistan

Posted on Aug 14 2014 04:41 PM

Maybe we in Central LA can organize a surf music carpool to make it less ecologically/economically unfeasible to drive out there. My Prius has room for 2 or 3 others + guitars.

—

Squink Out!

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Stormtiger

Joined: Dec 12, 2006
Posts: 2687
Ventura, CA
United States

Posted on Aug 14 2014 05:51 PM

You would be greeted as liberators.

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Stormtiger

Joined: Dec 12, 2006
Posts: 2687
Ventura, CA
United States

Posted on Aug 15 2014 11:10 AM

Here is our list so far, subject to change:
Surf Party
BAJA
BANZAI WASHOUT
CECILIA ANN
CONTACT
K-39
MR. MOTO
OUR FAVORITE MARTIAN
PENETRATION
PIPELINE
SQUAD CAR
SURF RIDER
TACO WAGON
THE HEARSE
THE WEDGE
Shake n Stomp
Travelin’
Apache
Walk, Don’t Run
Bikini Drag
Failsafe
El Gato
The Breeze and I
El Aguila
Misirlou
Skaterdater

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dboomer

Joined: Jan 05, 2009
Posts: 262
Port Hueneme, CA
1 POTD Pin

Posted on Aug 15 2014 12:36 PM

So unlike a "show" that is for the audience, this is a "jam" that is more or less for the enjoyment of the musicians so there is a bit more latitude in what goes on. So just about any classic surf song would be fine. Newer song would also be cool if enough people know them.

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Stormtiger

Joined: Dec 12, 2006
Posts: 2687
Ventura, CA
United States

Posted on Aug 17 2014 10:18 AM

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DanielHC

Joined: Aug 07, 2014
Posts: 41
Copenhagen
Denmark

Posted on Aug 17 2014 11:00 AM

Would love to have an event like This is Copenhagen! Have a good time bro's

—

It is never too late

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JObeast

Joined: Jul 24, 2012
Posts: 2762
Finknabad, Squinkistan
Turkmenistan

Posted on Aug 19 2014 12:30 PM

Do you have regular follow-up dates set? It'd be a pity for it to happen just once.

Anyone interested in sharing a ride from LA or the Valley to the venue, drop me a PM.

—

Squink Out!

Top

Stormtiger

Joined: Dec 12, 2006
Posts: 2687
Ventura, CA
United States

Posted on Aug 19 2014 01:52 PM

We haven't set a follow-up date yet but we can get the venue pretty easily. I think we are waiting to see how it goes tomorrow then we'll probably set it up for the every Third Wednesday of the month and have it advertised in their weekly tabloid ad. It is a big venue with lots of free parking and no other businesses or residences nearby, overlooking the 101 Freeway.

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mom_surfing

Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 5320
the outer banks of north carolina
1 Calendar Pin

Posted on Aug 19 2014 09:02 PM

hope this is still going on in december when i'll be passing through on my way to see family in morro bay

—

www.surfintheeye.com

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NeedsMoreReverb

Joined: Dec 12, 2007
Posts: 318
1 Gold Star

Posted on Aug 19 2014 09:32 PM

I hope it becomes a regular event, can't make this one because I'm out of California but maybe next month. Hope it works out, sounds cool!

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Stormtiger

Joined: Dec 12, 2006
Posts: 2687
Ventura, CA
United States

Posted on Aug 20 2014 12:20 PM

Tonight!

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Brian

Joined: Feb 25, 2006
Posts: 19337
Des Moines, Iowa, USA
United States

Posted on Aug 20 2014 12:31 PM

Good luck and have fun Doug!

—

Site dude - S3 Agent #202
Need help with the site? SG101 FAQ - Send me a private message - Email me

"It starts... when it begins" -- Ralf Kilauea

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Stormtiger

Joined: Dec 12, 2006
Posts: 2687
Ventura, CA
United States

Posted on Aug 20 2014 12:40 PM

Thank you Brian. I think it will be impossible not to have fun. Wish you could be here, it's time you played some guitar with us.

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Stormtiger Joined: Dec 12, 2006 Posts: 2687 Ventura, CA	Posted on Aug 14 2014 11:45 AM For anyone in the Ventura, Santa Barbara area and beyond, the first Open Mic Surf Jam will take place next Wednesday, August 20 8-11pm in the Dragon Room at Golden China Restaurant in Ventura (760 S Seaward Ave. right off Hwy 101). Our idea is to make it a monthly event with a house band consisting of Don Boomer (the Seeds) on drums, Mel Bergmann (Phantom Surfers, Von Bergmann guitars) on bass and me on guitar. Backline and drums provided. I hope some of you can make it, everyone is welcome. Top
JObeast Joined: Jul 24, 2012 Posts: 2762 Finknabad, Squinkistan	Posted on Aug 14 2014 01:37 PM That is so cool! Thanks for organizing this event, hope I can eventually participate (living rather far away). Do they already have an open mic there regularly? I am curious how they view this surf music venture. Seems to me that this kind of thing could be a boon for bars & restaurants that host music for several reasons: Surf music relies on fairly strict aesthetic boundaries that a.eschew some of the more antisocial, alienating aspects of amplified music (gratuitous jamming, atonal noise, bad vocals/lyrics, electronic beats/bass), b. instead emphasizing socially positive values such as recognizable melody and participatory enjoyment. Surf music sets structural limits on tunes, making for succinct performances. Surf repertoire of 'standards' comprises a 'songbook' comparable to that of jazz players. This invites participation in indigenous SoCal instrumental music form. Invokes a pleasant SoCal-local vibe that may ultimately be good for business. Surf fans are very largely of drinking age, enhancing sales revenues. — Squink Out! Top
Stormtiger Joined: Dec 12, 2006 Posts: 2687 Ventura, CA	Posted on Aug 14 2014 02:29 PM They do have a regular open mic on Tuesdays from 6-8, I've found myself hosting it for a few months now. We always start the night with a set of surf instrumentals. This new surf open mic will be very different and we aren't quite sure how it will go, but it may be similar to the members jam at the SG101 convention, except there will not be any signing up for songs before the night of the event. We'll have a long list of te most popular songs and people can sign up for an instrument. The regular open mic is in the bar, but our event will take place in the larger Dragon Room with a bigger stage and a huge fountain in the center of the room. Point Doom played there with the Razorblades from Germany. We (The Sea Hunters and Point Doom) always get great responses when we play in Ventura but there are very few, if any other surf bands here, although there is a predominant surf culture. We even have Surf Brewery, where the Sea Hunters make regular appearances. Sam Bolle lives in Ventura, maybe we can get him and Dick Dale to stop in. One thing is certain, the house band sounds very, very good on our own, I consider it a golden opportunity to play with such fantastic musicians. Top
JObeast Joined: Jul 24, 2012 Posts: 2762 Finknabad, Squinkistan	Posted on Aug 14 2014 02:34 PM Wish it weren't 133 miles r/t for me to participate. Quite an impressive stage – the room must be huge. Do people dance? — Squink Out! Top
Stormtiger Joined: Dec 12, 2006 Posts: 2687 Ventura, CA	Posted on Aug 14 2014 03:04 PM Geez, I didn't realize Finknabad was so far away. Sometimes people dance, especially when there are people. In fact, a friend suggested I target dancers as much as players and my former next door neighbor, who hires us for Surfrider Foundation socials, teaches dance classes nearby. Golden China also has Swing Dancing Night and Tango Night so it will hopefully catch on. It is a big room with a tropical atmosphere. Top
josheboy Joined: Mar 13, 2009 Posts: 2367 Twin Cities, MN	Posted on Aug 14 2014 03:06 PM Seems like a really cool idea! I'm surprised that surf music isn't bigger there considering the whole city drips with surf culture. Can you post the song list? Top
Stormtiger Joined: Dec 12, 2006 Posts: 2687 Ventura, CA	Posted on Aug 14 2014 04:40 PM Ventura is still living in the 50s, the Surf Music "craze" hasn't gotten here yet. The County Fair even told me they don't want instrumental bands at the fair. They had the Beach Boys, Bare Naked Ladies and Deep Purple this year. DEEP PURPLE!!!! The recent huge Surf Rodeo had not a single surf band. Same for the Ventura Beach Festival and the Aloha Festival. At least there is not a lot of competition. But then Dick Dale played at the End of Summer Street Festival and it was packed with all ages of fans. I will post a song list this evening, all familiar classic covers. Last edited: Aug 14, 2014 16:41:31 Top
JObeast Joined: Jul 24, 2012 Posts: 2762 Finknabad, Squinkistan	Posted on Aug 14 2014 04:41 PM Maybe we in Central LA can organize a surf music carpool to make it less ecologically/economically unfeasible to drive out there. My Prius has room for 2 or 3 others + guitars. — Squink Out! Top
Stormtiger Joined: Dec 12, 2006 Posts: 2687 Ventura, CA	Posted on Aug 14 2014 05:51 PM You would be greeted as liberators. Top
Stormtiger Joined: Dec 12, 2006 Posts: 2687 Ventura, CA	Posted on Aug 15 2014 11:10 AM Here is our list so far, subject to change: Surf Party BAJA BANZAI WASHOUT CECILIA ANN CONTACT K-39 MR. MOTO OUR FAVORITE MARTIAN PENETRATION PIPELINE SQUAD CAR SURF RIDER TACO WAGON THE HEARSE THE WEDGE Shake n Stomp Travelin’ Apache Walk, Don’t Run Bikini Drag Failsafe El Gato The Breeze and I El Aguila Misirlou Skaterdater Top
dboomer Joined: Jan 05, 2009 Posts: 262 Port Hueneme, CA	Posted on Aug 15 2014 12:36 PM So unlike a "show" that is for the audience, this is a "jam" that is more or less for the enjoyment of the musicians so there is a bit more latitude in what goes on. So just about any classic surf song would be fine. Newer song would also be cool if enough people know them. Top
Stormtiger Joined: Dec 12, 2006 Posts: 2687 Ventura, CA	Posted on Aug 17 2014 10:18 AM Top
DanielHC Joined: Aug 07, 2014 Posts: 41 Copenhagen	Posted on Aug 17 2014 11:00 AM Would love to have an event like This is Copenhagen! Have a good time bro's — It is never too late Top
JObeast Joined: Jul 24, 2012 Posts: 2762 Finknabad, Squinkistan	Posted on Aug 19 2014 12:30 PM Do you have regular follow-up dates set? It'd be a pity for it to happen just once. Anyone interested in sharing a ride from LA or the Valley to the venue, drop me a PM. — Squink Out! Top
Stormtiger Joined: Dec 12, 2006 Posts: 2687 Ventura, CA	Posted on Aug 19 2014 01:52 PM We haven't set a follow-up date yet but we can get the venue pretty easily. I think we are waiting to see how it goes tomorrow then we'll probably set it up for the every Third Wednesday of the month and have it advertised in their weekly tabloid ad. It is a big venue with lots of free parking and no other businesses or residences nearby, overlooking the 101 Freeway. Top
mom_surfing Joined: Feb 27, 2006 Posts: 5320 the outer banks of north carolina	Posted on Aug 19 2014 09:02 PM hope this is still going on in december when i'll be passing through on my way to see family in morro bay — www.surfintheeye.com Top
NeedsMoreReverb Joined: Dec 12, 2007 Posts: 318	Posted on Aug 19 2014 09:32 PM I hope it becomes a regular event, can't make this one because I'm out of California but maybe next month. Hope it works out, sounds cool! Top
Stormtiger Joined: Dec 12, 2006 Posts: 2687 Ventura, CA	Posted on Aug 20 2014 12:20 PM Tonight! Top
Brian Joined: Feb 25, 2006 Posts: 19337 Des Moines, Iowa, USA	Posted on Aug 20 2014 12:31 PM Good luck and have fun Doug! — Site dude - S3 Agent #202 Need help with the site? SG101 FAQ - Send me a private message - Email me "It starts... when it begins" -- Ralf Kilauea Top
Stormtiger Joined: Dec 12, 2006 Posts: 2687 Ventura, CA	Posted on Aug 20 2014 12:40 PM Thank you Brian. I think it will be impossible not to have fun. Wish you could be here, it's time you played some guitar with us. Top

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Inaugural Surf Jam Open Mic in Ventura