40 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY DECEMBER 12-18, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com MUSIC As a founding member of the Beach Boys, Al Jardine can pick from a lengthy list of hits. But “A Postcard from California” from a solo album of the same name is personal. As he begins to recite one of the stanzas, however, Jardine falters. “God, I can’t remember the lyrics to my own song,” he says. It’s understandable, given the wealth of words and music logged in his memory—“Good Vibrations,” “Don’t Worry Baby,” “God Only Knows” and countless others. Jardine begins to hum and the words come to him. “Now I got it,” he says in triumph. “The music helps you remember the lyrics,” Jardine explains. “It’s your companion. I haven’t thought of it like that, but it’s true.” The longtime Big Sur resident is excited to return with his Endless Summer Band for back-to-back concerts at the renovated Golden Bough Playhouse in Carmel, in part because it allows for some musical freedom. Typically the band picks from the Beach Boys’ lexicon. But there is a familiarity here. “We can do some deeper cuts,” he says. “The local audience might know some of my songs.” Taking the Beach Boys’ exquisite harmonies to a live performance would seem a daunting task. Jardine admits that it takes the right group of vocalists and says the Endless Summer Band, which includes his son Matt, is that group. Matt Jardine, a graduate of Carmel High School, developed a pitch to his voice that suits the music. “He does the Brian Wilson parts,” Al Jardine says. “That’s an artform in itself.” While the Beach Boys need no introduction, one honor strangely eluded them. They received Grammy nominations for “Good Vibrations” but were edged out. “We should have won a Grammy for Pet Sounds, but that’s OK,” Jardine says, his voice brightening as he recalls the time “Help Me Rhonda”—on which he performed lead vocals— bumped the Beatles’ “Ticket to Ride” from number one. “I talk too much, I’m told,” he adds with a laugh. “There are so many stories you don’t know where to finish.” And so much music. “You can’t miss with a Beach Boys set,” Jardine observes, chuckling again. “Come on out.” Al Jardine’s Endless Summer Band performs 7:30pm Tuesday, Dec. 17 and Wednesday, Dec. 18. Golden Bough Playhouse, Monte Verde between 8th and 9th, Carmel. $95-$150. 622-0100, pacrep.org. JEFF MCEVOY Boys of Summer Al Jardine of Beach Boys fame brings his band to the renovated Golden Bough. By Dave Faries “We stay true to the music,” says Al Jardine of his Beach Boys classics. Jardine performs two nights at Golden Bough Playhouse, with the first night a fundraiser for PacRep. From our Farm To Your FamilY Fresh, locally grown, certified organic produce. Join our CSA now, and get your customized share of the harvest delivered each week. We deliver every Thursday to: Carmel/Carmel Valley: Hidden Valley Nursery Pacific Grove: Happy Girl Kitchen South Salinas, North Monterey, Watsonville: At the farm! Watsonville LiveEarthFarm.net Angel image: Erica Franke, 1957 - City of Monterey Celebrate the season during this two-night self-guided walking tour event featuring entertainment and decor at over twenty historic buildings in downtown Monterey. CHRISTMAS IN THE ADOBES DECEMBER 13 & 14, 2024 5:00-9:00 PM HISTORIC MONTEREY'S BELOVED HOLIDAY EVENT RETURNS Info & tickets available at www.MSHPA.org Brought to you by California State Parks & The Monterey State Historic Park Association (MSHPA)
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