Although I’ve lived in California all my life, I have never once set foot on a surfboard. (I know, sad.) So you can probably imagine my surprise when I got to Huntington Beach for a weekend trip to this: 
I guess sunny Huntington Beach was the location for this year’s US Open of Surfing. And although I’m not a surfer myself, I had so much fun (with the help of some great friends) walking around the event, surrounded by people donned in nothing but shorts and a bathing suit. I even have a bright-neon-blue spray-on Tilly’s tattoo on my leg that I still can’t figure out how to get off. Hah.
But even though I was by the beach, I still got a chance to listen to some amazing jazz (It’s everywhere!) Lucky me — the Hyatt Hotel I was staying at was hosting a Blues & BBQ on Friday and Saturday nights, so I got to hear two great bands. I didn’t get to hear much of Friday’s band (the UK Beat), which played some covers of popular Beatles songs; However, I did get to hear a totally rad electric blues band by the name of Brad Wilson (which is also the name of the lead guitar/singer). Even though the music I listen to is more along the lines of Herbie Hancock and Oscar Petersen, Brad Wilson gave me a really great taste of the basic blues. If you’re familiar with songs like Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Pride and Joy” and Charlie Segar/William Broonzy’s “Key to the Highway,” then you’ll love Brad Wilson, his blues guitar, and his swinging blues voice. Check him out at www.bradwilsonlive.com.
CURRENTLY LISTENING TO: All Kinds of a Fool/Brad Wilson/Lightning Guitar Blues
