Surfin' Under The Stars

You don't have to leave Long Island to feel like you're in California.

 Al Jardine’s Endless Summer Band  proved that by bringing a West Coast feel to the "Music Under the Stars" series at Burns Park  on Tuesday.

Jardine, a founding member of the Beach Boys, did not let a little rain spoil the evening. Members of his band, in their trademark Hawaiian shirts, took the stage and performed Beach Boy classics such as “I Get Around,” “Wouldn’t it Be Nice,” “409,” and “Kokomo,” bringing a summertime, West Coast vibe to Long Islanders.  

“They have a lot of good songs. Whatever they play will be great,” said audience member Don Wallace.  

Jardine’s  also entertained the crowd with songs from the band's new CD, "A Postcard from California".  

“It’s a travelogue of California,” Jardine said.  

The album represents an array of experiences. Jardine said  the travelogue section will make listeners feels as though they are journeying beside the band from L.A. to San Francisco along California's legendary Highway 1.

Another portion of the CD focuses on Jardine's childhood in San Francisco, and even his parents' migration to the West Coast from Rochester, New York. His mother and father were in search of jobs and had the yearning to go out West, “like everybody else,”  he said.

“The other side [of the cd] is more Beach Boy flavored songs,” Jardine said.  A version of “Help Me Rhonda” is recorded with Steve Miller. Glenn Campbell also helps Jardine in the second verse of the song. “He does a wonderful job,” Jardine said.  

"A Postcard from California" was released in June, after Jardine spent a lot of time tinkering with songwriting.  

“By the time you record it, it’s a different song,” Jardine said of his continually-changing lyrics. Although he is creating new music, Jardine, his band and even his children are also working to preserve classic tunes for new generations. 

Matt Jardine, a singer in his father’s band helps keep the musical legacy alive.

“It [performing with his father] gives me a chance to spend time with him and perform music I grew up with. It’s very special,” Matt said.  

The audience certainly appreciated the classics, with one song seeming particularly popular.

“I’m waiting for them to sing ‘Help Me Rhonda,’” Barbara DeGeorgo said. 

“They sound great,”  said Vivienne Hart who also couldn't wait for the song. 

“When I was growing up I had a friend Rhonda I used to sing it to,” she said.

The band saved its best tunes for last, including  “Surfin’ USA,” and “Fun, Fun Fun,” and of course, "Help Me Rhonda," all of which had the audience on their feet. 

And for all of those who left because of the rain? 

“They should’ve hung out,” Laura Thompson said. “It’s a beautiful night. The breeze is great. It’s the best way to spend a Tuesday night.”