As the summer sun set on Southwestern College, the innovative surf rock band Summer Wave transported students to the sun-splashed California coast of the 1960s when the Beach Boys, Gidget and surf guitar rode a wave of popularity. It was a great trip.
Opening numbers “Walk Don’t Run” and “Mr. Moto” melted away the worries of the day like a crimson sunset. “Wipe Out,” the classic guitar jam of the shore with the epic drum line, spotlighted Summer Wave drummer Fred Lee. His propulsive solo was a shot of adrenaline and flicked on the dancing switch. Students dusted off some beach-era boogie and mixed in some tasty hip hop moves.
The theme song from the 1969 surf film masterpiece, “The Endless Summer,” was another highlight as the music crested smoothly over the audience as a left break in Tahiti.
Oldies were goodies, but the real fun began when Summer Wave performed its original songs. “Return to Mando’s” featured guitarist Rick Wunderli and bassist Jon Hedberg channeling Kennedy Administration surf rock vibe. Saxophonist/keyboard player Tim Nunnink added a modern touch that elevates Summer Wave above other surf rock bands that survive solely on nostalgia.
A tribute to science fiction movies called “Mutant Surfers from Space” was fun, fun, fun ‘til daddy took the spaceship away. Any space aliens in the audience surely jumped out of their seats to get their groove on —humans, too.
After its cover of “Boss” by The Rumblers, the band’s search for the perfect wave had come to a glorious foamy end. Summer Wave walked off the end of its board and on to the warm sand of a grateful audience.
Perfect wave.
Perfect day.
Great gig.