Chillaxing

Even if the only 10 you've ever hung was the Bo Derek poster you put above your frat-house bar, you can still pretend you're a genuine surfer while you rock out to the cool instrumental surf sounds of Orange County's the Eliminators.

The Eliminators are probably one of the most authentic local surf bands around California—so authentic they are all longboard surfers as well! No grommets in this group. These guys have been doing it for a long time. Their songs, while firmly rooted in early '60s surf music, are simultaneously reflective of the somewhat anomalous '90s surf-rock resurgence that came courtesy of Dick Dale's “Misirlou” cameo in Pulp Fiction. Perhaps you've heard of the film.

The band and their music have gained popularity over the years not only here in California, but also throughout the U.S. Their songs have been featured in commercials and TV shows—they even appeared on The View. And if a stamp of approval from Meredith Vieira isn't enough to convince you, then know that the group was inducted into the Surf Music Hall of Fame in Huntington Beach. They don't bestow that honor upon just anyone, you know? Even the Silver Surfer's still waiting for his nod. To top that off, the band's surf board is now displayed at the International Surf Museum along with their signed 1962 Fender Jaguar guitar. Gnarlatious!

So strap on those huaraches and head down to the Bella Terra Amphitheater. But if you really want to fit in, you might want to review your VHS of North Shore and take some notes. Plenty haolie surfers, bra, but the Eliminators will blow them away.

The Eliminators at Bella Terra Amphitheater, 7777 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, (714) 897-2534. Sat., 6-9 p.m. Free.

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