I don't like to review my own gigs,
but here is a post from SG101 that sums up the day pretty well.
A wonderful show today at Don's. Reminded me of the SG101 convention shows that I attended. There was over 8 hours of great bands and good times. There was a ton of love for Eddie, for surf, and for each other. There were more than a few choked-up and teary eyed people during various points of the show. Eddie was in attendance, but unfortunately couldn't play. He was grinnin' from ear-to-ear, blown away that so many people cared so much to help him.
A brief rundown:
The Men of Mystery: terrific Shadows tribute band; nice way to open the show.
The Riptides: solid and fun tradition-style surf. Good set.
Bel Airs Reunion: Paul Johnson, Dick Dodds, the original keyboard player, Jim Frias on sax, and (as PJ Moto said) Matt Quilter was channeling Eddie Bertrand. Artie Fisher joined in on the last three songs. Smiles and joy, everywhere. Pure magic.
The Eddie and the Showmen Tribute Band was a great enegetic set by John Benton and John Blair on guitars, Dick dodds on drums, JIm Frias on sax, and Matt on bass. Smiles all around. Magic.
The Secret Sammurai fllored everybody with their jaw-dropping virtuosity.
The Outerwave played a solid traditional-style set, whcih inclued a cool version of the Mermen's "Curve".
Ventures-Mania, featuring Deke Dickerson was off-the-hook in energy, authenticty, and volume. It's not often that you hear Showmnan amps breaking-up. Very cool, but only 15 minutes long.
Slacktone: no words can describe the greatness of these guys. Wow!!! Worship Worship Worship
The Eliminators: GREAT, GREAT GREAT! (How is it that the tone of these guys through the same backline sounded significantly better than every band tha preceded them?) Awesome!
The Insect surfers: always a favorite of mine. They played a lot of very cool new material. Can't wait for the next CD! Phenomenal set.
It was great seeing so many SG101'ers there, many having travelled great distances through miserable conditions to make it to the show.
A wonderful day. Now I'm going to sleep.
