We chart the early history and development of the “surf” musical phenomenon of the early 1960s. We begin with the surf guitar sounds of Chuck Berry, instrumental and vocal surf groups, such as the Surfaris, Jan and Dean and, of course, The Beach Boys, whose creative powerhouse, Brian Wilson—songwriter, producer, bass player and falsetto lead—was most responsible for the success and development of this sound. Wilson, along with The Four Seasons and Motown, helped ensure that The Beatles and the British Invasion groups didn’t completely dominate the American charts. We re-explore such surf-related phenoms as the Gidget and Beach Party movies, tipping our hat along the way to such one-hit (or no-hit) wonders as The Rivieras, The Trashmen and many more.  Come and join in the fun! Wet suits, flip-flops and wrap-around shades are optional.

• Week 1:  Early influences—both instrumental, lyrical and vocal
• Week 2: Seminal hits/recordings
• Week 3: Enter Jan and Dean and The Beach Boys
• Week 4: 1963 The Break-Out Year
• Week 5: Hollywood gets into the act
• Week 6: Brian Wilson starts producing and takes on The Beatles (and The Four Seasons)
• Week 7:  1964-65—Surfers (still) Rule!
• Week 8:  1966-68—from “Good Vibrations” to Sgt. Pepper’s and Jimi Hendrix—the beginning of the end!