Under the rays of sweltering August heat, musicians, vendors and crowds caked in sunscreen arrived at the Doheny Surf Festival at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point. The two-day festival raises awareness about the importance of California state parks, showcases local surf and skate vendors and features bands from local group Aloha Radio to Common Sense and other top-billed acts like Fishbone, ALO, Everlast and Eddie Money throughout the weekend. With enough aloha hippie spirit to charm even the grumpiest local, the crowds gravitate towards the surf (which was firing) more than the vendors or the shows. You could still hear the music from the water…er, um, not like I surfed or anything.
Friendliest Vibes: Le Blorr
Florida-based band Le Blorr, otherwise known as The Bastard Lovechild of Rock and Roll, showcased their charging, synth-laden inde-pop sounds to the small crowd. “We are booty-shaking psychedelic rock and roll,” Le Blorr drummer Adam Winn told the Weekly. “We just like to have fun and be friendly, being an asshole isn't cool.” Although the lead singer Chris Hess thanked the people watching after every song with his gentle voice, he still turned up the vocals and rocked the sandals off the small-but-mighty crowd.
Strongest Vocals: Paula Fuga
Hawaiian musician Paula Fuga sent chills down my over-heated bod when her strong, soulful voice blasted through the speakers. Her fined-tuned notes also came with a soothing, eloquent tone that resonated over the crowd. Rhythm guitarist Mike Love, who was also jamming with Fuga, carried strong, tenor-esque vocals as well. Island vibes abound in her sound.
Best Food Truck: Chomp Chomp Nation
Among the array of food trucks with unique creations and flavors, Chomp Chomp Nation showcased a variety of flavors that seemed to attract crowds. The softshell crab sandwich with Taro Root chips and Tiger slaw, a homemade veggie and fruit slaw mixed with a lemongrass vinaigrette, complete on a brioche bun kept patrons coming back for more. The lime and chili flavors were, as always, a tasty palate pleaser.
Longest Dreadlocks: Mike Love
Mike Love, rhythm guitarist for Paula Fuga, somehow grew long blonde dreadlocks that barely grazed his shins. While setting up the stage, I watched Love as he effortlessly moved boxes, cables and guitars without the slightest concern of entanglement.
Most Old School: The Eliminators
When I first arrived, The Eliminators covered the Pulp Fiction soundtrack favorite “Bring Out the Gimp/Comache” which fit perfectly among the old-school longboards and woody wagons. The bright guitar and classic tunes created an air of nostalgia among the crowd. Listening to the tunes while watching longboarders score great nose rides was enough to make me want to grab my own single-fin, vintage bathing suit and paddle out.
Read the full article at: https://www.ocweekly.com/doheny-surf-festival-day-1-doheny-state-beach-8-11-12-6570409/
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