Sun, Mar 23, 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 11:30 pm
Surfer Joe w/ Kinda Fonda Wanda & The Swongos
EVENT DETAILS
rsvp on FacebookThe Zen Arcade Stage
at The Hook and Ladder’s Mission Room
- Doors 6:00pm :: Music 7:00m
- 21+
- $15 ADV (Box Office) / $17.32 ADV (Online) / $20 DOOR
- NO REFUNDS
EVENT DESCRIPTION
Surfer Joe w/ Kinda Fonda Wanda & The Swongos
Surfer Joe has been involved in the surf music scene since the middle of the 90s, building up his name worldwide as a musician and event organizer. By currently playing more than a hundred concerts a year around the world, Surfer Joe is among the most active artists in modern surf music. In addition to participating in the most important surf-related events around the world, including festivals in the USA and all over Europe, and being mentioned or interviewed in books and movies about the genre, he has released 7 full length recordings, 5 EPs and 2 7 inch singles. His recordings have also appeared on over 9 compilation releases. Surfer Joe represents the true, authentic side of surf music, carrying on the sound and energy legacy of the original early 60s California bands, while introducing his own unique style. His compositions are very melodic, easily recognizable, memorable and accessible to any kind of audience. Many of the songs feel so familiar upon first listen that they are commonly referred to as “instant classics”. On stage, Surfer Joe likes to tell stories and anecdotes, and keeps the interaction with the audience personal and funny. He has plenty of material to draw from, as he has personally performed and interacted with many of the legends of the genre at several of the most important original locations and venues. All this, together with being the co-organizer of the Surfer Joe Summer Festival – the most revered surf music event of the world – gained Surfer Joe the unofficial title of “international surf music ambassador.”
Kinda Fonda Wanda is a high-octane, rock ‘n’ roll, honky-tonk experience inspired by the “Queen of Rockabilly” Wanda Jackson. The band features Amanda White, a vocal powerhouse and compelling band leader. Minneapolis Star-Tribune said: “Amanda White has a voice that is glorious and a heart full of passion for Wanda Jackson. And, Alan Subola is beyond words on guitar.”
The Swongos are a three piece instrumental Surf Band from the St. Croix River Valley on the Minnesota/Wisconsin border. In addition to Surf Music, they have many styles of music such as Spy, Exotica, and Indie Rock sprinkled in their sound. The Swongos are influenced by traditional surf music like Dick Dale and the Ventures but also groups such as the Pixies, and Los Cubanos Postizos. They have played shows with Messer Chups, Deke Dickerson, Surfer Joe, Tony Andreason from The Trashmen, The Phantom Surfers, The Volcanos, Intoxicats, Surf Zombies, 13 Tikis, Trailer Trash, Black Widows, Turn Turn Turn, Wiped Out, Gully Boys, Surf Dawgs, The Moonrays, Hot Pastrami, and many more.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.