Jack Johnson's Concert to Clean the Beach

Another reason to love Jack Johnson: he's performing a free concert on the Santa Monica Pier to help Heal the Bay, a kick-ass organization that works to keep our sea and seaside clean in Los Angeles. It's billed as a "Concert To Clean The Beach" and that's how you get your ticket to see him perform on the pier -- by participating in a beach clean-up organized by Heal the Bay a few days before the concert.--Stef McDonald

UPDATE: It was great. Not sure how long this will be live, but the concert was streamed live and can be seen here.

Video: New Jonsi Song and Video

This is an unofficial video for a new song by Jonsi of Sigur Ros. (Don't know him or the band? Get online and check them out! Sigur Ros site and Jonsi site). Love the surf footage used here in this video.--Stef McDonald

Surf Music 101

Sure, you know the Beach Boys. Maybe you know Dick Dale--or the Ventures. KCRW DJ Tom Schnabel lists the Top 5 Bands that Defined Surf Culture on the stations super-cool "5 Things" blog. You know this one, for sure.--Stef McDonald

Rockin: Swim Song By Frightened Rabbit

I heard this song on KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic" and cannot get it out of my head (in a good way): "Swim Until You Can't See Land" by Frightened Rabbit, a Scottish band. Rockin'.--Stef McDonald

New Surf Music: Pearl Jam

I realize I am a little late in the game, but I think I might have a crush on Eddie Vedder. Check out Pearl Jam's song "Amongst the Waves" from their new album, Backspacer. --Rebecca Heller

(Update from Stef: Never too late!)

Santa Monica Pier Centennial: Dick Dale

We sat on blankets on the beach for the 100th anniversary celebration of the Santa Monica Pier last night and heard surf rock legend Dick Dale perform. Live music coming from one side, waves lapping on the other--and then a spectacular fireworks show. Pretty perfect.

Cool Surf Band Video

Via Boing Boing: a video from the Japanese surf band The Royalfingers. The video is hilariously bad (check out the fierce Godzilla-like creature battle!) and the song makes me want to get up and join the beach dance party about two minutes in. So fun.--Stef McDonald