By JOHN DALY
Introducing the hottest surf music band … From Italy?
On Saturday, Aug. 4, get ready to hit the waves with music from some of the coolest international surf bands at the 11th annual Surf Guitar 101 Convention in Torrance.
Californians The Blue Hawaiians and Frankie and The Pool Boys, along with The Tremolo Beer Gut of Denmark, The Kaisers of Kalifornia from Argentina, and the world-famous Surfer Joe of Italy top a long list of well-known international surf music acts.
Surf Music Is Popular Internationally
“The music has become international because there are no lyrics,” said Jeff Hanson AKA Big Tiki Dude, creator, organizer of the Surf Guitar 101 Convention. “That’s why so many people around the world are into it, it’s the musical language of love.”
Dick Dale and The Ventures are the surf bands that come to mind here in the U.S., but the twangy middle-eastern style sound is immensely popular all over the world. But Les Agamemnonz of France and Surfer Joe of Italy?
Surf music started in North America but South America and Spanish-speaking countries have been heavy participants, culminating in the Wild O festival in Mexico City which just drew over 3000 people, Hanson said.
The U.S. Still Leads In Surf Music
But of course the U.S. is represented heavily with The Blue Hawaiians, P.J. and The Galaxies, Jason Lee and the R.I.P. Tides, Fascinating Creatures of the Deep and many others.
The convention runs from noon to midnight and an all-ages affair. For more information head to the Surf Guitar 101 Convention Facebook page.
Check out Surfer Joe of Italy: