One legendary group that has reunited that truly calls for a celebration is The Beach Boys. The band not only helped define not just American popular music in the 1960s, but also created several distinct sub-genres of music in the process. They are one of the most beloved bands in music history with a string of hits spanning four decades. And next week they will embark on a 50th anniversary tour that starts after recording a charity single for the Earthquake/Tsunami relief effort for Japan. They still even have a significant facebook following and are mentioned constantly on social media.
After a few festival dates and a surprise appearance at the 2012 Grammy Awards, the group has booked a full-fledged 50 date American tour. The core of the reunited group features mostly original members including mastermind Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and David Marks. They are even releasing a new CD later this year! This is already one of the hottest tickets for this spring and summer, so you better get those tickets soon and start planning for the pre-show party Surfin Safari style.
If you are going to one of these dates, it is sure to be a night to remember. Videos of the group show them to be in terrific form and sounding a sweet as ever vocally. Why not do it up the tailgating with style and panache and really get into the spirit of the show.
It would be inexpensive and fun to put together a Beach Boys/surfer/beach themed party. Since the nice weather is right around the corner this tailgate theme is easily achieved. Start with bringing the California beach vibe to your party with gear like beach chairs, a tent or canopy for a breezy open feeling, some Tiki torches and even some creative things like a bucket of sand to make a mini-sand castle, beach balls to bat around (what is a concert without beach balls anyway?) and a boogie board for full effect! Anything that evokes a nautical, or coastal theme like soft, sunny tones. Then there is the food. Ah, California evokes so many inspiring memories for me food-wise it might be tough to narrow it down one style. Let’s call it a Cali-fusion Tailgate Food-Fest! Thinking of my time watching surfers brave the breakers in Malibu makes me pine for seafood.
Tailgate preparation for fish and seafood is ideal for a pre-show party because it is fast to cook, easy to make and fun to eat. Shrimp cocktails and and steamers (baby muscles) make great appetizers. For the main course I’d go for fish tacos made with either flounder or haddock. For guests who won’t do fish you can always serve gourmet chicken and pork sausages on artisan rolls. As you know any handheld food is great for the parking lot. Keeping the theme intact be sure and serve several kinds of sweet corn on the cob, avocado dip, fresh tomatoes and cheese and creative melons. For the drinks I’d pair the fish tacos with a white wine and an IPA beer for the sausage enthusiasts.
A well-made Sangria also is very summery and would work as well with the fruit flavors working with the food.
The complete list of tour dates can be found here. The band has already done few shows and they have pulled out some amazing set lists, spanning their entire illustrious career in an expected two-hour plus show. Don’t miss out on the experience of seeing this classic group together again, hearing those harmonies and having some good vibrations!