Surf music is one of the most unique musical sub genres out there. Think about it — what other type of music can both incorporate and influence punk rock, rock-a-billy, jam, country, jazz and indie synth music? Look at today’s musical soniscape — some of the most revered musicians of all-time, The Beach Boys, play surf music. Some of today’s hottest acts like Beach House, play surf music. Dick Dale, the grand daddy of modern guitar playing, a surf musician.
So it only makes sense for there to be a gathering of like-minded and sounding bands to perform this slice of American music to the masses, right?
Well, for Vincent Minervino, a surf music festival seemed to only happen thousands of miles away in Europe and in the far reaches of the American surf community — not in his own home turf of the Jersey Shore.
So, he did what anyone passionate and creative person would do — start his own festival.
For Minervino, the process of organizing the festival harkened back to his punk rock days of “let’s get our pals together and put on a kick ass show.” So, he tapped into the surf music community of the Northeast, locked down his favorite local venue and convinced some of his friends in the media, surf and music industry to help him out.
And now, here we stand one day before the festival.
The show will feature a wide array of bands: national touring act The Coffin Daggers, local Jersey Shore bands like Plato Zorba and Los Pocos Locos and bands from outside the Asbury area like: Blue Wave Theory, Bongo Surf, 9th Wave, The Outlips and The Sharksins. The festival will also feature Minervino’s own bands, The Brigantines (who just dropped a new EP), who have become one of Asbury’s favorite surf sons and Black Flamingos, a new instrumental supergroup with Rob from Plato Zorba.
‘I can’t describe how stoked I am to think about the fest tomorrow. The bands, the sponsors, the vendors, local media, our friends – everyone has been so awesome in helping us get the word out about what’s sure to be this summer’s best party!
I hope the reverb rings out all year in New Jersey, until we do it again next summer!’
The Brigantines, who are the curators of the event have also dropped a brand new EP entitled Last Chance to dance, which can be heard and purchased on the group’s BandCamp page. The band will also be opening up for iconic surf guitarist Dick Dale on Saturday July 26th and The Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, NJ.
When speaking with Minervino, about the festival, he could not be more stoked. Bursting with excitement he has regaled us every day with quotes about each band performing. He also credits Jen and the crew at The Asbury Lanes for their support as well as everyone from Bands on a Budget, Jetty, Light Salted Surf Mercado, Kane Brewery, Russo Music, Rozbern Surfboard, DePinto Guitars and the North East Surf Music Alliance for all their support in spreading the word.
Here’s the official line-up: Click here for tickets.
SCHEDULE: (all URLS lead to Pop-Break’s interviews with the bands!)
12p – Doors Open
12:15p – Black Flamingos
1p – The Outlips
2p – Bongo Surf
3p – Los Pocos Locos
4p – 9th Wave
5p – Blue Wave Theory
6p – Plato Zorba
7p – The Sharkskins
8p – The Brigantines (2012 interview)
9p – The Coffin Daggers
10:30p – After party with DJ spinning garage rock, tiki drink specials, and bowling!
Classic surf music & movies in between bands!
Tiki drink specials created by The Lanes bartenders specially for this event!
Giveaways from Jetty, ACDWSH, Neptune Tattooville and more!
Message us for details about FREE VIP parking for classic cars!
Sponsored by Jetty, BandsOnABudget.com, Russo Music Asbury Park, DiPinto Guitars, Kane Brewing Company, Lightly Salted, Pop-Break.com, Rozbern Surf, and NESMASurf!
Local vendors include celebrated surf artist Jay Alders, downtown shops Groovy Graveyard and ACDWSH, On the Pier Photo, and Scott from The Brigantines’ pinstriping art!
Food! Drinks! Local Vendors! Surf Movies! Classic Cars! Fun!
