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“Catch a Wave” to Surfing with the Symphony Historic Roots of Surfing Showcased in June 4 Pops Concert Photo by Dan Yoo History abounds in Santa Cruz, most notably the history of Surfing. Dedicated as a World Surfing Reserve in 2012, the legendary shores have witnessed mavericks young and old as they catch the “perfect wave” since Hawaiian Royalty brought with them the tradition over 130 years ago. “During the Summer of 1885, three young Hawaiian princes rode the waves at the mouth of the San Lorenzo River on redwood planks they ordered cut in the shape of olo surfboards by the local timber mill,” notes the monument erected at the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, located in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse at Lighthouse Point on West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, California. Inside the museum is an homage to Hawaiian origins and the greats of surfing. Surfing is a large part of the culture of Santa Cruz, and as such, that identity is embraced through music. On June 4, 2016 at 8 PM at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, a Benefit Pops concert, “Surfing with the Symphony,” will be performed by the Orchestra with special guests, Papa Doo Run Run. This iconic program includes short, water-themed orchestral pieces, with the second half featuring a live auction and “Hits of the Beach Boys” by Papa Doo Run Run performing with the Santa Cruz Symphony. Two of the orchestral pieces will feature films accompanying the music of Visual History of Surfing in Santa Cruz, and Extreme Surfing with Local Legends, created by Chris Thompson exclusively for this event. Thompson is the producer and director of the surfing documentary, “Out of the Blue,” about the history of surfing in Santa Cruz. Supporting the family-friendly festivities is a 6 PM Street Party in front of the Civic with Kuzanga Marimba Band and surf-themed auction items including: two custom surfboards from local shapers, Michel Juno and Nick Palandrani; dinner for eight with Maestro Daniel Stewart at Hula’s Island Grill; a one-week stay at a Maui Condo; wetsuits from O’Neill Surf Shop and Rip Curl; and a combo pack—surfing lessons with Bud Freitas, owner of Surf School Santa Cruz, plus gift certificates for two large pizzas at Pizza My Heart. Tickets are $27–$72, with a group discount available for 10 or more tickets at SantaCruzTickets.com and SantaCruzSymphony.org. Founded in 1958, the Santa Cruz Symphony's mission is to inspire, educate and engage through artistic excellence, distinctive musical performances, and varied activities that celebrate and enhance cultural vibrancy. With Maestro Daniel Stewart as Music Director since 2013, the Symphony partners regularly with regional and international guest artists in both traditional and modern concerts. A cornerstone of the performing arts in the Greater San Francisco and Monterey Bay Areas, Santa Cruz Symphony receives frequent critical acclaim. Visit santacruzsymphony.org for more information. Source: Santa Cruz Symphony 307 Church St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Contact: Loretta McClellan, Marketing & Communications Director 831.462.0553 ext. 11; marketing@santacruzsymphony.org
Photo by Dan Yoo