So the US Open of Surfing is over. I haven’t been this exhausted in a long time. But this was well worth it. We had so much fun playing music for the contest! This is my account of the hectic weekend in Huntington Beach. But first things first…
Congratulations to Huntington Beach local and new Hurley US Open CHAMP Brett Simpson!!! The hometown hero defended his home break in double (sometimes triple) overhead surf against the best surfers in the world. Simpson faced current World Title defender Mick Fanning, from Australia. Brett’s local knowledge of the pier, combined with home cooked meals and his own bed at night, proved to add to his advantage, as he took the final, early on.
Over 500,000 people came out to Huntington Beach over the weekend. Eleven of them surf regularly. The US Open is mayhem, every year. This year proved no different. Hundreds of booths were set up from every company imaginable, many having nothing to do with surfing (Honey Bunches of Oats, etc…). There were BMX half pipes, Live music, Fashion shows, even Red Bull sky divers dropping out of an airplane…
Oh, and there was also a surf contest. The largest in the world. Oh, and it was the 50th year anniversary of the contest. Oh, and the 100th year anniversary of the City of Huntington Beach. Oh, and Brett Simpson is the first local to take it in years. This was a memorable contest.
So where do I fit it? As a musician I’m always looking to share my music with as many people as possible, so a half-million people coming to this town is a great opportunity. I make the best of it by scheduling beach shows, bar shows, interviews, photo shoots, and just all out jam sessions.
Every year, Jesse Billauer’s “Life Rolls On” organization asks me to play live music and help promote the cause. Life Rolls On is a non-profit organization dedicated to spinal chord research. (visit http://www.liferollson.org) This year LRO was the official charity sponsor of the contest. I was honored to have the opportunity once again to jam out for the crazy crowd. It was a kickin’ good time.
Friday night I had an acoustic performance at HB Beer Co. on main street. There was a line wrapped outside the door. It ended up being so crowded I couldn’t even get Spides in (the owner of Atwater, who co-sponsored the show!). Mike Dena played (epic) then I went on with my percussionist, Maxx. We celebrated my friend Adam’s birthday party as they stumbled in with ten other friends. The bar was absolutely maxed out by the time Allensworth went on. They are on another level of musicality. Look them up.
The night raged on until 2a.m. (and for some of us, longer). It was an amazing night of live music, all in all.
I had to be up the next morning for another performance on the sand. The whole week was like this. Non-stop music playing for ten days. 9 shows to be exact. Now that it’s over, I am so exhausted. Beat. Mal-nutritioned. But one thing is for sure, I wouldn’t change it for the world. I wish every week was like this, and hopefully someday, it will be…
What’s next? Well, for now, a few days of rehearsals and rest, and just played show last Thursday night in downtown San Diego at The Stage. More shows coming soon. See you around.
aloha,
-marc