Great photo, Dave! It should be pointed out that the amp belonged to Danny (he was fortunate enough to have TWO brownface Bandmasters!), and Ferenc had recently been asking Danny to sell one to him. Danny declined, meanwhile forming this plan to surprise Ferenc with it. What an incredibly generous gesture! Truly amazing.

But within a couple of hours of this presentation, the raffle for the fantastic white '65 AVRI Strat seen in the photo in the lower left corner went to Danny! Talk about instant karma! C'mon, things like this are only supposed to happen in movies! Some seriously good vibes permeating our gathering this past Saturday.... What wonderful people they both are - well deserved, fellas! Congratulations, and hope you're enjoying your booty!

—

Ivan
Lords of Atlantis on Facebook
The Madeira Official Website
The Madeira on Facebook
The Blair-Pongracic Band on Facebook
The Space Cossacks on Facebook
The Madeira Channel on YouTube

Great story, Ivan! We didn't know the back story to all of this.
The Strat went to the right guy. A heavy contributer to the community
that had no strat.

The album cover of Ferenc surfing on his guitar is really cool.
I don't have a sharp enough picture of it. Maybe someone does.

Here are the testimonials to our great surf community leader Ferenc:

Abraham Aguilar - The Deadbeats, Frankie and the Poolboys

I'm very appreciative of Ferenc's enthusiasm and support for surf music. Without him, our Deadbeats release simply would not have happened. So for that I am thankful and I'm glad he's receiving an award. It is well deserved.

Andrew Linsk - Close friend
Ferenc Dobronyi, you are an excellent musician and an even excellent-er human being.
It has been an honor to watch you evolve into the fine musician that you are, from "Sleeping in the Gutters of Hollywood", through The Twisters, ISO, Pollo, and beyond.  I have always admired your dogged pursuit of the mastery of your instrument, and for a while, your hair.

Above all thank you Ferenc for being a great pal, and for the guidance and opportunity you have given me lo these many years.. Thank you for shining a light and for helping to show me the way---for transporting me from the darkness of a creative wasteland, to the night of dreams. Ommmmm, Brother.

I wish you many many more years of Happy Shreditude!

Ben Johnson - The Deadbeats, The TomorrowMen
Ferenc's commitment to the whole surf scene is obvious, and his help for me and my band has been enormous. He took the Deadbeats under his wing, brought us into the studio, and recorded and mixed our CD brilliantly. He cared and believed in us enough to get us mobilized and organized, and without his help it simply wouldn't have happened. I can't thank him enough!

Brian Neal
What can you say about Ferenc Dobronyi? Truly, what can’t you say?! As a tireless supporter, fan, and practitioner of surf music for over 20 years, Ferenc is a true legend in the surf music scene. A human dynamo of creativity and generosity, Ferenc has been like an octopus with many tentacles stirring pots, juggling balls, spinning plates, and always finding yet another way to help and advance surf music.
He’s been a bandleader both with Pollo del Mar and Frankie and The Poolboys. He’s sold surf music CD’s to countless fans with his online store the Pop Mart. He’s toured Japan and brought back The Surf Coasters and The Why’s with him to astonish and delight US audiences. He’s taught people how to play and write surf music at The Sierra Surf Music camp. He’s written and blogged insightful articles about songwriting and touring. He’s created a fake live in Japan album just like the Ventures! He’s created album artwork for numerous surf bands, as well as flyers for gigs and website designs. He’s constantly promoting surf shows and helping surf friendly radio stations like KFJC with fundraisers. He’s organized and promoted “battle of the bands” and countless shows, always helping out other bands and letting them shine. Ferenc has produced and recorded many surf bands.
On top of all of this, it staggers the mind to realize Ferenc is one of thee preeminent songwriters and musicians in the surf music genre! And, as if it cannot get any more unbelievable, Ferenc is truly a first class human being, a true and dear friend to so many people. His warm smile, generous spirit, endless enthusiasm, and his incredible work ethic where he is always trying to hone his craft and learn even more is a true inspiration to us all. The surf music scene owes Ferenc a huge debt of gratitude that we can never repay. The crash of the reverb tank and the roar of the glissando would never be what it is today without the support, musicianship, friendship, artistry, generosity, and sublime expertise of Ferenc Dobronyi.

Danny Snyder
As a bandmate and collaborator you’ve sometimes brought out the worst in me, but as a friend and role model you really bring out the best. Thanks for all you’ve done for me over the years!

Dave Arnson - Insect Surfers
I would put Ferenc Dobryoni as a true shining star in the galaxy of surf music. He is stupendously creative musically , as shown by his work with Pollo del Mar, Frankie and the Poolboys, the Mach IV and others, and stupendously creative in the graphics world, as evidenced by his layouts for innumerable surf-angled recording projects,posters, and the like. He's always been a tireless promoter and has always been magnanimous in sharing publicity and general good vibes. The only problem I have with Ferenc is my inability to adequately express in words the admiration and high regard that I have for him !!! OK, how's this -- " When I grow up I want to be as cool and humorous and talented and goodlooking as Ferenc". But seriously,I'm honored to be living in the same world as him and am vastly stoked that he is getting a well-deserved award here! Huzzah !!!

Dave Wronski - Slacktone
Ferenc has the mind of true artist in both music,  and visual art creation.  As a bonus,  his incredibly positive motivation in helping others to bring forth and achieve their own artistic goals in the way of album art design, posters, and live show concept, and promotion. 
We're all indebted in some way to Ferenc.... Thanks for being a great friend to us all!

Dusty Watson - Slacktone
I've had a lot of fun with this guy Ferenc - how do you spell his name...? That stumped me for awhile I admit. Gracious host, has a really great family, super friendly to everyone. (I could take some lessons) Big supporter of surf music. Willing to do just about anything for the scene. He is the 'go to' guy in the Bay area for everything Instro. I've had the opportunity to record some records with Ferenc and he always makes the sessions fun. I would be hard pressed to think of a more genuinely awesome dude. He even found a way to be in a band with his wife. Congratulations my friend! I look forward to another 20 years of friendship!

Ivan Pongracic - The Madeira
In short, Ferenc is one of the nicest AND most impressive people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Though he has been possibly the biggest cheerleader and supporter that modern surf music has had, whether with his old label and online store, or as a promoter of California tours by surf bands from the rest of the country or even other countries, or through his basement studio where he has recorded some of the most notable surf records of the past decade, there is no doubt in my mind that his greatest contributions to our little scene have been the amazing music he has made with Pollo del Mar, Frankie & the Pool Boys and the Mach IV.
I first met Ferenc on the old Cowabunga surf music listserv exactly 20 years ago, in the summer of ’95. He used to post quite a lot back then, and I soon bought Pollo Del Mar’s first release, the “Unified Wave Theory” cassette (yes, cassette!). I remember being equally blown away and baffled! It didn’t sound like any surf music I’d ever heard before! But the songwriting and musicianship were both compelling and challenging, and I remember this being one of the key releases to open my eyes to the possibilities of modern surf music. It was with great pleasure that I followed the development of that incredible band over the next several years, as I also became Ferenc’s internet friend. I finally met him in person in July of ’98 when the Space Cossacks played San Francisco with Pollo, and were hosted by Ferenc at his gorgeous house. It became immediately evident that his generosity knows no bounds and that he is just as humble as he is kind. I remember how amazed I was when I first heard Pollo’s third album, “Golden State” in 2003, a truly epic work of remarkable creativity. This same amazement has since been repeated two more times, when first hearing the two Frankie & the Pool Boys albums, which in my opinion are almost unequaled in surf music in terms of ambition and scope and the sheer greatness of the music. Witnessing Ferenc’s growth as a writer, arranger, guitarist and engineer has been a true privilege. How many other people in surf music can claim that sort of output and that sort of quality of output? Not many at all. I have also been very fortunate that I have gotten to collaborate with Ferenc many times through the years, most notably when he honored me by asking me to play a duet with him on the first Frankie album, which was a huge thrill – and a damn hard part to play right! The second notable occasion of our collaboration was when he arranged the ‘strings’ (performed on keyboards by his incredible wife Karen) for the Madeira song “Twilight” on our 2012 album “Tribal Fires.” Words cannot describe how impressed I was by what Ferenc came up with! I suspect that this is what the Shadows must have felt like when they first heard Norrie Paramor’s string arrangements for “Wonderful Land” and “Atlantis”! Oh, and then there was that time when we met on a Hawaiian beach by a complete fluke! I think some bigger forces may be at play in all these events…
All in all, Ferenc has simply been one of the most important people in making the surf music world a huge part of my self-identity for the past twenty years. Without him, this whole scene would have been MUCH poorer and less interesting. I’m proud to call him a friend, and to have a chance to thank him from the bottom of my heart for everything that he’s done for me, my bands as well as countless others whose lives have been enriched immeasurably – whether they know it or not – by Ferenc’s ceaseless efforts. Ferenc, you are simply the BEST! (Oh, and if all that weren’t enough, he’s also a deeply-devoted family man! How can one man do all that?? It – and he - is just astounding.)

Jake Dobner - The 'Verb
One of my first contacts in the 'Surf World', Ferenc was an outlet for countless surf records via the Pop Store, a band member in one of the truly great bands, and a promoter of surf music that brought the first surf show I attended to Seattle. But what I will remember Ferenc for most was his kindness, via care package, when I was sick and the time we got a little lost on the way to a venue. I am proud to know Ferenc and lucky for him to have filled in for me in the 'Verb. Ferenc, the music we know and love wouldn't be the same without you"

Jeff Turner - Pollo Del Mar
Ferenc is not only a very talented musician, but he's also a generous, caring artist that I've enjoyed playing music with for many years..  I also consider him and his family close friends.  He's certainly an outstanding human being and more than deserves this award.  Congratulations Ferenc!  :-)

Jeremy Rexford - Pollo Del Mar
I first met Ferenc in 1986 at his brother's recording studio.  We became friends and went to lots of shows, occasionally jamming and recording together.  15 years later, when he asked me to sit in with Pollo Del Mar as a sub, I had no idea what kind of world I was stepping into.  It turns out, getting aboard the Polo Del Mar outrigger canoe was one of the funnest, most rewarding experiences of my life. Thank you Ferenc.
I played hundreds of shows and recorded and toured with PDM for the next 15 years.  In that time we had the pleasure of meeting tons of great surf bands and fans all over the US, Europe and Japan.  I have so many wonderful memories of our times together.
Ferenc's generous spirit has opened the doors for many other bands, too.  The long surf Sunday residency at Hotel Utah provided a venue for dozens of surf bands passing through.  KFJC,  Huntington Beach ISM, SG101, Tiki Oasis, Surfer Joe.....Ferenc Dobronyi is truly a "Surf Insider".  JR 2015

John Blair - Jon and the Nightriders
Of all those who comprise the greater surf music fan base around the world today, there are a handful of hardcore fans and musicians whose names have become almost iconic because of their ongoing contributions to the genre.  Ferenc is certainly one of these. His creativity apparently knows no bounds as the over-the-top originality of his 2013 Frankie & The Pool Boys' "Adventures of Capt. Coconuts" CD attests. Our paths don't cross too often, but when they do, it's always a bright and rewarding moment for me.  It's a pleasure and an honor to call Ferenc a friend.

Jono Jones - Pollo Del Mar, Frankie and the Poolboys

I have had the pleasure of working with Ferenc for many years in Pollo del Mar since we expressed a mutual admiration for surf music at a party we were at. And this was before Pulp Fiction! I can say that Ferenc can do it all – write interesting songs, play inventive leads, and manage a rock band competently. I would never have gotten on stage in Japan or Europe without his leadership. He designs awesome artwork for posters and CDs (remember them?) and can engineer/produce studio sessions in his basement. His sense of humor is a tad dark at times but so is mine, so there.

(Cousin) Mary McDonald - KFJC DJ
Ferenc's contributions to KFJC have been exemplary.  He has played live in the Pit, coordinated co-presents for live shows, and has arranged six Surf Battles to benefit KFJC.  His friendship to me and Phil Dirt has been treasured by both of us.

Mel Waldorf - Meshugga Beach Party, Mach IV

I don't remember exactly when I started corresponding with Ferenc; it must have been the mid 90s.  Anyhow, when I moved out to California in late 1998, Ferenc offered to drive over Berkeley to meet up for lunch.  We talked about surf music, nerdy gear stuff and life in general.  He made a point to introduce me to the local surf musicians, invite me to shows and generally welcome me in the "scene".  A few years later he brought up the idea of playing music together and the Mach IV was born.  He was also one of the original Meshuggeners when we started up that shtick in 2003.  He was instrumental (get it? get it?) in formulating the band as a player, producer and graphic artist on all our albums and related artwork.

So, what can I say?  Ferenc has always been there - supportive, encouraging, and making the connections to make things happen.  He's a mensch, a macher, a maven and absolutely meshpucha.  A shayne danke, bubbele!

Miles Corbin - Aqua Velvets
A tall blonde stranger walks into the room. Hawaiian shirt and a pork pie lid. guitar slung over his shoulder. Ferenc!  C'mon everybody...its Gig Time !!  Renaissance man. Guitar dude, songwriter, producer, mentor, artist, teacher, Family man, and good friend. Cheers and Aloha Ferenc!! 

Naotaka Seki - Surf Coasters
Ferenc is a great surf-guitar player and is also my benefactor.
I’m so glad to hear that my precious brother gets the prize. Congratulations and best wishes for his continued success.

Paul the Pyronaut - Pyronauts
I Love Ferenc Dobronyi - he's an inspiration as a human being and as a musician

Peter Brown - Brother
I had the fortune to be instrumental in getting Ferenc his first guitar, maybe when he was 9, showed him his first chords & riffs, recorded his first punk tunes, and have played in bands with him in several stints. It’s awesome to see how he has worked so consistently and productively to forge the music career that he has- Mighty oaks from tiny acorns grow! I’m honored to have been a small part of that-  

Phil Dirt - KFJC DJ
It's very hard to over estimate Ferenc's impact on the surf music scene, especially in Northern California. Omnipresent on the west coast, involved in all aspects of the music, from live shows to radio to recordings, both his own as well as other bands, and ever willing to donate time and art to the surf music cause. 

Ferenc was instrumental in all of the surf CD's I put to gather for KFJC, and in many shows we put on as well. I've never met anyone more willing to help other surf bands, especially touring from far way lands. 

I've known and worked with Ferenc for 25+ years, all of which have been pure pleasure. His character has always shown itself to be the best. His bands, his solo projects, his writing, recording, and production all requiring praise. Personally, Ferenc ia always happy to see me, and always happy to help. I can think of no one more deserving of the spotlight. Love you man!

Sean Berry - Double Crown Records
Ferenc - you have been, pardon the pun, “instrumental” in the continued success of Double Crown Records. The music you have written, recorded and performed has helped enhance the reputation of the label, as well as the whole surf music genre over the last 20 years or so. Your graphic design work has been simply amazing - to me a record is not just the music, it’s also the package, and you have done some truly outstanding work over the years. 
You have also stepped in at times where circumstances have been difficult - Rip Thrillby did so much for the label during it’s early years, but with his passing you stepped in to help out with cover at for the Continental Magazine as it went through a format change. The issues you assisted with are some of my favorite issues ever (and have all pretty much sold out, when I still have copies of the issues before and after).
It’s really the music that I appreciate the most - first with Pollo Del Mar as my love of surf music grew in the 90’s, then later with Frankie & The Poolboys, Meshugga and The TomorrowMen. As I type this I’m listening to the first Frankie CD - man, what a great disc! You’ve always been an absolute pleasure to work with, and a great friend, and are truly deserving of this award!

Shigeo Naka - Surf Coasters
If we do not have chance to meet you, We could not visit & perform in U.S.A. Thanks always!

Steve Henderson - The TomorrowMen
 You have been instrumental in keeping the Bay Area surf music scene together. Thanks for years of putting together great surf shows. It has also been great to work with you making music. You have written some of my favorite songs to play. It is always enjoyable to play and tour with you - especially in Italy! Recording with you is also a joy. You always have good ideas and a great deal of patience. You are able to keep everyone in the room calm and productive. Finally you have become a good friend.

Steven Jurgensmeyer - Close Friend
Ferenc and I first met in Miami, in the fourth grade. We grew up together. As we nodded over music, our junior high school and high school trips included concerts, trips to the records stores and, eventually, Ed’s Guitars. We’d go over there once a month or so to see what they might have.
On one of those trips, we each picked up some old Fender Mustangs. Mine was a 1965 Olympic white model, with the red pick guard. It was $125 and beat to crop. It was so cool. Ferenc bought something similar, but I don’t remember any of the details. No matter. Ferenc was always customizing things; he had a way with electronics as well as aesthetics. Soon enough, I got another look at that Mustang. Ferenc had drilled four new holes in the bottom of the headstock, creating an electric 10 string. He had also painted it a screaming hot pink. The coup de grace, however, was the label on the headstock. Appropriately enough, Ferenc had replaced “Fender” with “Ferenc” in a closely matching script.
That’s Ferenc in a nutshell. Always thinking outside the box. Utterly original and one of a kind. Just like that hot pink electric ten-string.

Cheers, Ferenc!

Ted Miller aka Frankenstomper - Satans Pilgrims

Karen make good breakfast…He have beautiful house….He good at recording in basement…..He good……Fire bad.

Tony Bald - The TomorrowMen, Frankie and the Poolboys

When I first moved to the San Francisco with my drums in tow, I was on the hunt for surf music. I wanted to see it live, play in live and generally be involved. When starting my search, the first band that I stumbled upon was Pollo Del Mar. The first surf show I attended was a show organized by Ferenc at the Hotel Utah. 
Upon discovering the Bay Area surf family, I immediately started playing music and meeting some of my closest friends. Ferenc has been there every step of the way; from fostering my musical growth to providing the amazing opportunities to travel and meet people from around the world. He's a true friend, a musical visionary and just great guy to kick it with. His devotion to music has shaped a community that I've been lucky to be a part of. Thanks you so much Ferenc

Zanti Ruiz - The Deadbeats
When anybody mentions Ferenc, you think about the Bay Area surf scene. He had done so much for a lot of Bay Area surf bands, specially us, he gave up some of his free time to record us young broke kids when we needed him to. He's a top notch guy that's given us lots of opportunities and has taken half of my band members. Thanks Ferenc!

—

Danny Snyder

"With great reverb comes great responsibility" - Uncle Leo

Playing keys and guitar with Combo Tezeta

Formerly a guitarist in The TomorrowMen and Meshugga Beach Party

Latest surf project - Now That's What I Call SURF

Last edited: Aug 11, 2015 20:56:59

Just a personal thanks and congratulations to Jeff Hanson Big Tiki Dude with Ran Mosessco, Julio Emilio Jiménez Nava, Tiki Tena, Carol Busbey Cousin Mary McDonald and KFJC.org
and everyone who helped pull together the Convention this year. Great performances all weekend. Had a blast! Very tired, but loved every minute! See ya next year!

i didn't buy enough tickets for the strat but i got to play it in the members jam. congrats danny.

—

www.surfintheeye.com

Paul Johnson & Friends.

I've seen Paul play many times now and I really enjoyed this set. They played a retrospective of Paul's stuff from the Belairs, to PJ & The Galaxies, to his solo stuff, and the Packards era. I loved the 3 guitar sound.

From left to right: Matt Quilter (Guitar), Steve Pugh (original PJ & the Galaxies & Everpresent Fullness member) (Bass), Paul Johnson (Guitar), Duff Paulsen (Drums), Marc Burroughs (The Packards) (Guitar)

—

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

From the year 3000 with a brand new album (and deluxe packaging), The TomorrowMen!

—

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

Ferenc receiving his "Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Excellence"

—

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

The legendary Davie Allan!! Celebrating 50 years in the biz!

Phantom Surfer Mel Bergman showed up with the legendary double neck Mosrite Davie used in the 60's. Davie played 2 songs through it.

Davie's backing band (The Arrows) were Mike Vernon and the drummer from 3 Balls of Fire (sorry didn't catch his name -- he was very good).

—

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

Thanks for all the pics Brian. Man, Ferenc is like the old radio-serial Chicken Man: "He's EVERYwhere, HE'S EVERYWHERE!"

—

Wes
SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel

DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices.