Surf’s up with The Beach Boys in San Jose after nearly 60 years

Sunday, July 28th was fun, fun, fun in the California sun with The Beach Boys, who made their return to San Jose after nearly 60 years, last playing on February 26th, 1965 at San Jose’s Civic Center. The Beach Boys are currently led by the band’s co-founder and lead singer Mike Love. Along with Mike Love are longtime members Bruce Johnson on keys, Jon Bolton on drums, as well as Christian Love (son of Mike Love), Keith Hubacher, Tim Bonhomme, Randy Leago, musical director Brian Eichenbereger, and San Jose-native John Wedemeyer on guitar. 

The event took place in the center of downtown San Jose at the beautiful Plaza De César Chávez Park. Organized by the city of San Jose, there was a wide variety of food trucks, vendors, and games for the kids placed throughout the park.

The water fountains were even on for the kids (and big kids) to play in and cool off! 

Opening the show was Bay Area local folk trio, Rainbow Girls. Hot off releasing their new single “you must not feel the way i do”, the trio was full of smiles during their set. For a duet of “Let’s Pretend to Fall in Love”, they brought up friend Eric Long. Rainbow Girls had the perfect chill vibe before the “good vibrations” of The Beach Boys. 

Anticipation was high at 7pm when The Beach Boys came to the stage. The park was packed with all ages, young and old, making this the family event of the summer for San Jose! It just goes to show how impactful The Beach Boys’ music still is, standing the test of time — decade after decade — for over 60 years. Mike Love and the entire band were energetic and charismatic, showing love and passion for the music that (at least Mike) has been playing for over a half-century. The Beach Boys kept the energy going nonstop, rocking the night away with their 37-song setlist spanning 110 minutes. The crowd matched the band’s energy with joy, singing along and dancing to hit after hit, including (but limited to, with 37 songs!!!) “Surfin’ Safari”, “Rockaway Beach”, “Surfin’ U.S.A.”, “Surfer Girl”, “Don’t Worry Baby”, “I Get Around”, “California Girls”, “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”… the list goes on and on!

Photography by Katey Schoenberger

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