Surf Guitar 101 Festival - 17th Annual

Reserve Your Seats and Accommodations

Surf Guitar 101 Festival - July 31st to August 2nd

The 17th Annual Surf Guitar 101 Festival is a 3-day extravaganza featuring some of the hottest bands in surf! 2026 is bigger and better than ever, with a fantastic new location in the heart of Orange County where the music mania originated.

Enjoy the ballrooms, bars and stages at the temple of surf music known as Garden Grove Elks Lodge, 11551 Trask Ave. near the 22 freeway and Harbor Blvd.

Make plans now to be part of one of the world’s largest and longest-running surf music festivals.

For hotel rooms specially priced at $139 nearby, call 714-489-0966 at Home 2 Suites by Hilton (on Harbor Blvd at Trask.)

OR use this LINK, but don't procrastinate,

Also, there is a nice Motel 6 at 12091 Trask Ave. at Harbor Blvd. 

Here is a list of SOME of the bands performing this year:

LOS STRAITJACKETS w/ Danny Amis

THE BOMBORAS

THE BOSS MARTIANS

EDDIE ANGEL’S GUITAR PARTY

POLLO DEL MAR

DRACULINA

PRE-SURF DANCE PARTY w/ MATT QUILTER

JON & THE NIGHTRIDERS (TRIBUTE)

SLACKTONE (ALSO DOING SEMINARS ON THEIR RESPECTIVE INSTRUMENTS)

TIKIYAKI 5-0

SHORTY’S SWINGIN’ COCONUTS

LITTLE KAHUNA

HILO HI-FLYERS

THE VALIANTS

SPF 1985

THE SEISMICS

THE BREAKERS

THE TRABANTS

DEATH VALLEY (REUNION)

THE THUNDERCHIEFS (REUNION)

Plus a 30th Anniversary Celebration of the MuSick Recordings Label!

The Taboo Tiki Room includes DJ Dr. Nate, Seatbelt, The Hilo Hi-Flyers, Hot Rod Trio / Magneatos and Skip Heller & VooDoo 5!

Don't miss the Vintage Swimsuit contest with a bevy of beauties on Sunday afternoon!

Surf Instrumental Vinyl Revew: The Jagaloons-Forbidden Words (Sea Blue Translucent LP)

 Release Date: November 1, 2024

Label: Tabu Recordings

Website

According to The Jagaloons, as stated in their Bandcamp message. Their 3rd full-length album, Forbidden Words, is on the finest portable digital disc form factor humans have been able to produce in the past 45 years. I am listening to the sea blue translucent vinyl edition, which I believe is a mighty fine disc as well.

As depicted in the colorful album art of the ravenous headhunter, this suggests it is a boiling musical stew of instrumental surf rock. And that is exactly what you will hear.

“Disco Volante” kicks things off with a bit of intrigue and anticipation. The bass and drums are chugging along nicely, then a nice slice of tremolo comes in. The organ adds another element to the mix, patiently adding its own special touch in the background. The guitar goes down different roads, keeping the atmosphere of spy vs spy, albeit with plenty of twang and reverb.

“Huevos con Salchicha” brings on the twang of the western theme. It moves at a good tempo, then slows for a short while, then jumps back to a higher but subtle energy that this sub-genre is known for. Lots of rhythm and hooks grab you.

“The Goggles Do Nothing” continues that flavor from the last track with tremolo and reverb. The lead guitar cuts through the air with a polished elegance that my ears recognize. Along the way, there are bursts of energy and power, with the bottom end keeping things consistently strong so those guitar notes effortlessly float over the top.

“Forbidden Words” goes off in another direction, with a retro sound and some rapid picking, to remind you of the first wave of surf instro and why it was so important to the genre's core sound and building blocks. A jump back to the early 60s surf instro.

“Soggy Bottoms” gives you a taste of their laid-back Tiki island sound. Tasteful instrumentation at all levels here, and some good tremolo gives you yet another dimension of their sound.

“Ghosts of the Sargasso” brings the energy level up several notches again, with the guitar taking the spotlight through rapid picking and resonant notes as the band comes together, reaching peaks of combined sound. The western/country influence, combined with twang, makes for a solid mix of colors.

“Red Sunrise” finishes side A with a flourish of instrumentation and a quick spotlight for the bass. Tremolo rules the day here, and it is done very well.

Side B opens with “Space Junk,” a step away from what you heard on the first side. The title hints at the change right away. Reverb and twang resonate fully as the sci-fi scenario develops within the music. This one is a straight-ahead rocker with plenty of tremolo periods, keeping it surf instro.

“Sayonara, Sucker Motherfucker” reaches back to familiar ground with the spaghetti western fills as the guitar’s notes holler out to that MF! This is the music's color and drama, creating the necessary scenery. Tremolo is king once again, and I love it! The bass and drums are excellent as usual.

“The Rising Surf” is the only track under two minutes. You will hear something you will recognize at the beginning and throughout as they mix legendary tracks from the genre with their own style and changes. This is classic meets modern surf instro,

“Showdown at the Doublecross Ranch” is as western twang as it gets. I can see Clint Eastwood riding off into the sunset now. This is picturesque with the themes they are projecting resonating with my mind's eye. The guitar is excellent, and the bass and drums are always so tight and in sync, making it easy for the guitar to stand out.

“Under the Fiery Moon” is another throwback to the drip of the 60s. Soft notes with just enough twang as the bottom end is restrained enough, so the guitar still holds its place upfront with its sound. More tremolo to remind you once again how they own it.

“Don't Bother Me” begins like you might hear in a '50s pop song, with the organ arriving with that retro sound. The guitar is pumping out some ear-catching chords that won’t let go. The drums and bass pound out an irresistible chorus of rhythm as the guitar folds into it all with a bit of tremolo and memorable runs. Lots of crossover rock appeal on this one.

“Vacation” rounds out this set with their instrumental cover of The Go-Go’s hit. I thought that was an interesting way to end the album with a good dose of pop and sunshine. This also shows their diversity and abilities to switch it up quickly to keep a listener interested.

The Jagaloons have truly outdone themselves with Forbidden Words, delivering an album that shines on vinyl. The dynamic range of styles and influences ensures there’s never a dull moment, keeping listeners engaged from the opening track to the closing notes. By building on classic surf instrumental foundations and weaving in their distinct flair and genre-bending touches, the band serves up a vibrant, memorable collection that stands out in the modern surf scene.

Credits:

Geoff Kelley - Drums

Kurt Stegemann - Guitars

Josh Welf - Bass

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

March 5, 2026

Tracks:

Side A:

01. Disco Volante 4:00

02. Huevos con Salchicha 2:43

03. The Goggles Do Nothing 2:30

04. Forbidden Words 2:25

05. Soggy Bottoms 2:27

06. Ghosts of the Sargasso 1:57

07. Red Sunrise 2:02

Side B:

08. Space Junk 2:22

09. Sayonara, Sucker Motherfucker 2:30

10. The Rising Surf 1:43

11. Showdown at the Doublecross Ranch 2:24

12. Under the Fiery Moon 2:31

13. Don't Bother Me 3:09

Surf Rock Instrumental Review: The Surf Hermits Jam!! Volume 1

 Release Date: January 17, 2025

Label: Independent

Website

The Surf Hermits Jam!! Volume 1 is an album of Surf Hermits tunes featuring special guests trading off with Jason Deatherage over brand new original songs and some great guitarists from all over the international surf scene including special guests Sam Williams, Sys Malakian, Arno De Cea, Rodd Keen, Mark Nicol, Chris Stewart, Max Gonzo, Sean Eddy, Jim Colby, and The Breakers (Members of The Breakers, Underwater Bosses, The Surf Junkies, Agent Octopus, Black Valley Moon, Sys Malakian, The Angry Red Planet, S.H.A.R.P., The Eddys, and Arno De Cea).

All songs written, performed, and produced by Jason Deatherage.

“Sayulita Swell - feat. Sys Malakian" gets things going clean, and crips leads from the guitar. This is a smooth rocker with resonating twang throughout. The rhythm section is tight as the guitar navigates its many transitions. Lots of hooks and rhythms. Some nice tremolo comes in as you are heading towards the end. The perfect track to get this started.

"A Tower In The Distance - feat. Rodd Keen" is a change of scenery with an island in the sun, relaxed like tempo. Tasteful guitar licks, with acoustic strumming in the background, set the pace, along with the drums and bass. Some fine lead lines are featured here, then around three-quarters of the way in, the volume rises with another layer of instrumental voices as the lead really takes off into a great solo, then it fades out. One of the longer, more complex cuts.

“To Fall From The Kingdom Of Air - feat. Arno de Cea” brings you back to a faster tempo and more traditional surf rock sounds. Twang works well here, with explosive transitions that keep the excitement high. Then, as you head three-quarters of the way in, it really takes off with some serious guitar jamming with effects and fireworks. It goes from a surf instro to a full-on rocker.

“The Town Without A Frown - feat. Sean Eddy” is a classic surf instro sound with crisp guitar runs and the rapid backend featuring some equally fast drum rolls. It morphs into a first-wave surf rock sound with all the trimmings. Then there is (what sounds like) the Eddie Van Halen finger-tapping technique, which was a surprise. Excellent and bursting with unrestrained energy!

“Hurricane Watch - feat. Sam Williams” is what you would anticipate with what the title would suggest. A driving rhythm from the bottom end and the resonating notes. This is the kind of surf instro that got my attention many years ago. As soon as that thought entered my mind, it changed into something else. More layers of guitars are merged with a fuller sound, and the tempos get higher as the lead continues through all kinds of transitions. Then it gradually fades out.

“Shark Salad - feat. Max Gonzo” begins with a reggae guitar, then switches to a rocker, then back again. This is one of the more interesting tracks for differentiating between genres. It really takes off eventually, with some guitar runs and a locomotive drum-and-bass behind it all. It is surely a tasty salad and a great appetizer for any surf instro meal you may be having.

“Laser Brain - feat. Chris Stewart” is a real toe tapper with some tremolo bursts and pinpoint leads done well. A strumming guitar provides the perfect partner for the lead to stand out. It’s the rhythms that catch your ear, and that includes the lead guitar work. Laser-like guitar right to your brain, as the title would suggest. I loved the way it ended and faded out.

“Return To The Valley - feat. Jim Colby” takes you into some different scenery and a more laid-back pace. Think bluesy licks with a picturesque landscape entering your mind’s eye. Lead guitar is fantastic with a steady strumming acoustic behind it (which I always find important), while the bass and drums are restrained enough to hold their own without overpowering the focus. This is one of the most atmospheric and beautifully layered tracks on the recording.

“Dropping In - feat The Breakers” is entirely different from all the previous tracks because of the way it starts. The drums kick in, then horns, and suddenly it switches right over to a rocker. All the while this is happening, and right from the start, the bass is killer. Some slick guitar work is going on here with some cool effects. The longest track at 4:45, and it does not waste a second; they bring all their powerful talents to bear. The saxophone makes an appearance, giving it a first wave, early-60s touch. This was a great track, a continuation of the previous track’s longevity and superior musicianship.

“Telegraph Beach - feat. Mark Nicol” winds up this incredible instrumental mix. This one is another real rocker, with a guitar that explodes with colorful transient lines, while the drums and bass are solid. I heard a touch of western flair in an almost spaghetti-western way. This is a great way to finalize all this music. It takes you rockin’ with the music resonating and reverberating in your ears after it’s all done.

The Surf Hermits Jam!! Volume 1 stands as one of the most exhilarating and memorable albums I’ve experienced this year—a testament to the electrifying heights surf music can reach when world-class musicians unite. This record isn’t just a showcase of talent; it’s a rallying cry for the genre, demanding the wider recognition it so clearly deserves.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

March 3, 2026

Tracks:

01. Sayulita Swell - feat. Sys Malakian 3:52

02. A Tower In The Distance - feat. Rodd Keen 4:09

03. To Fall From The Kingdom Of Air - feat. Arno de Cea 3:03

04. The Town Without A Frown - feat. Sean Eddy 3:34

05. Hurricane Watch - feat. Sam Williams 3:05

06. Shark Salad - feat. Max Gonzo 4:03

07. Laser Brain - feat. Chris Stewart 3:33

08. Return To The Valley - feat. Jim Colby 4:18

09. Dropping In - feat The Breakers 4:44

10. Telegraph Beach - feat. Mark Nicol 4:02