One of our favorite labels, Norton Records, is celebrating their 25th anniversary with a huge blow-out in NYC. When I first started Double Crown Records back in 1996, Norton was one of the first labels I got into when discovering surf and vintage rock n’ roll. Those early Phantom Surfers and Untamed Youth LP’s were played non-stop as I transitioned from grunge to surf rock, and I soon fell in with a group of people that appreciated the sound that Norton was delivering.
Sadly, I won’t be in New York for …

Double Crown will be represented at the upcoming Las Vegas Shakedown fest by at least two bands, The Untamed Youth and The Volcanics. The lineup also includes a bunch of great rockabilly, garage rock and punk bands, and it is all taking place in downtown Las Vegas, on Fremont Street. For some reason they haven’t updated their regular website, so the best place to get the scoop on the lineup, and purchasing tickets, is on their Facebook page.

The Razorblades, from Wiesbaden, Germany, will be in Bellingham, WA this Sunday, July 31st at the Shakedown at 9:00pm. This is a rare chance to see one of the best surf rock bands in the world play in Bellingham. They have released several acclaimed CD’s and 7″s, and have toured all over the world. Opening the show are local faves the Sweaty Sweaters.

It’s time to party like it’s 2002, with a rare show by two local Double Crown bands – Footstompin’ Trio and Chris Con Carne. Head on down to the Shakedown in Bellingham on June 10th for a wild night, the likes you haven’t seen since these bands used to grace the stage of the much beloved 3-B Tavern. They are joined on the bill by local faves, The Cheeps. We will have a merch table selling all sorts of stuff – Double Crown CD’s and …

There’s going to be a huge surf music blowout in California at Suzy’s in Hermosa Beach, CA, on Sunday, March 27th. Just check out the poster to see what an amazing lineup has been assembled by Jeff “Big Tiki Dude” Hanson, with proceeds going to Victor Vector (aka Jonny Browning) in his fight against pneumonia. Thankfully he is doing a lot better now, but still faces weeks of recovery and more time in the hospital. If you’re anywhere in the Southern California area, please go to this show and help …

Although it was originally recorded in November 2010, KEXP has made the live Sonics recording from their studio available through iTunes podcast. It’s a great set, 3 classics and 2 songs from their new CD, (Cinderella, Strychnine, Vampire Kiss, Psycho, and Bad Attitude). The band sound great – it’s only the quality of the modern recording that makes this set sound like a modern band. Gerry Roslie in particular still has that tonsil-shredding howl – simply amazing! (Photo: Jini Dellaccio – This legendary NW rock n’ roll photographer is still …

Surf music legend Eddie Bertrand from the Belairs and Eddie & The Showmen has had some unexpected medical bills recently. A benefit took place on February 5th, and you can read all the details in this news story. If you would like to help Eddie out to say thanks for all the great music, please consider donating via Paypal. You can view Lost In Paradise #11 below, which features performances and interviews from the benefit show.

If you’re out on the East Coast you’ve got a chance to catch one of the premier surf/instro bands on the planet, Los Straitjackets. Daddy O Grande is still unable to tour, due to his battle with cancer, so Gregorio El Grande will be on guitar for these shows.
Turning Point – Piermont, NY, Wed Feb 16
Cafe Nine – New Haven, CT, Thu Feb 17
Stone Mountain Arts Center – Brownfield, ME, Fri Feb 18
Narrows Center for the Arts – Fall River, MA, Sat Feb 19
Iron Horse Music Hall – Northampton, MA, …

Man Or Astroman? have announced dates for their 2011 West Coast tour! Get the latest MOA? news on their Facebook page, or official website.
2/19 San Diego, CA - Casbah
2/20 LA, CA - The Echo
2/21 San Francisco, CA - The Independent
2/23 Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge
2/24 Seattle, WA - The Crocodile
2/25 Vancouver, BC - Biltmore Cabaret
2/26 Bellingham, WA - Wild Buffalo
I hope to make at least two or three of these shows, and will give a full report here, as well as in the Continental Magazine.