Surf’s Up in Groveland Story and Photos by Kay Crow
On May 22, The Yosemite Courtyard Theatre kicked off it’s 2009 season with The Beach Boys Tribute performed by The California Beach Boys. It was truly amazing how many people turned out for this venue. Most of us who remember the Beach Boys were introduced to Surfing by Gidget, Moondoggie and the Kahoona. Michel Amaral (originally from San Jose) is the leader of the group. Growing up in the 60’s his love for the harmonies and music led him to create the band. Dressed in the original Beach Boy’s style (striped cool cotton shirts) the group opened the show with “Barbara Ann“, sang such favorites as 1962’s “Surfin’ Safari“, 1963’s “Surfer Girl“, “Surfin’ USA“, “Little Duce Coupe” and “In My Room“. They moved on to 1964 hits, “I Get Around“, “Fun Fun Fun“, “Help Me Rhonda“, “California Girls“, and “Don’t Worry Baby“. When they sang the famous 1966 hit “Good Vibrations” many in the audience got up, danced and just rocked out! One of the audience favorites was “Kokomo” which was released in 1988. Meshed in with the Beach Boys songs were some other hits from artists of the same era. The band sang “Long Tall Texan,” a hit by Buck Owens, “Gimme Some Lovin“, “Wipe Out” and “Do You Want To Dance“. The familiar Chuck Berry guitar licks meshed with the complex harmonies the group sang, took the audience back to a time of innocence, youth and a few dances in the high school gym. It was a fun musical evening and everybody enjoyed themselves.
Beach Boys Trivia: The three Wilson Brothers grew up in Hawthorne, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. Dennis Wilson was the only member of the band who was a regular surfer. 1963: “Surfer Girl” was Brian Wilson’s debut as a record producer. “Good Vibrations” was a #1 hit in 1966, cost $16,000 and took 6 months to make. The Beach Boys have sold over 65 million records. They were inducted into the rock and Roll Hall of fame in 1988.
Future events at the Yosemite Courtyard Theatre include: Hale Baskin jazz soloist, The Beatles Tribute, Blues Box Bayou Band, Johnny Cash Tribute, Rolling Stones Tribute and Jack Foltyn as Elvis is the closing act on Labor Day weekend. For more information on these shows go to www.groveland.com.
