Dawn Patrol:

For over 10 years the Sons of the American Legion (SAL) from Squadron 291 in Newport Beach have put on a summer fund raising event known as “Blues on the Bay”, a popular function showcasing local musicians, held at Post 291’s hard-to-beat location on the bay front.

Last year the name was changed to “Bands on the Bay”, indicating a departure from the all blues format. On Saturday, the waterfront venue remains the same, but the SAL are rolling out something completely new that promises to be the surfing social occasion of the season — the “Rendezvous Surf Fest”, which will feature the original surf bands, The Chantays (“Pipeline”), The Surfaris (“Wipe Out”, “Surfer Joe”) and Newport-Mesa’s own Fabulous Nomads. Headlining the bill is Honk, Laguna Beach’s fondly remembered group from the early 70s, also known for recording the soundtrack of the classic surfing film “Five Summer Stories”.

Sounds great, right? But wait, there’s much more. Starting with an “open” chili cook-off with no fussy rules about beans or other ingredients. Chances are your favorite pub, restaurant or community business has already weighed-in — Rudy’s, Blackie’s by the Sea, Balboa Saloon and Skosh Monahan’s are but a few of the chili sponsors. Newport Beach Brewing Company is hosting a beer garden, and what surf bash would be complete without a woody car show? Shuttle service will be provided between The Surf Fest and the parking garage at Via Lido and Newport Blvd.

The Rendezvous Surf Fest is the brainchild of Linn Ely-McGregor, who along with Scott Porter and Matt Parsons, convinced fellow SAL members to “go big this year” and take a radical departure from the past. It looks like a good move because advance ticket sales have far surpassed all expectations and the support from local sponsors has been tremendous. SAL will use the money generated by the event to benefit veterans and youth programs

Linn found another ally in Brian Helvey, co-founder and Director of Costa Mesa based radio station KOCI 101.5 FM.

“We share a similar mission with the Sons in supporting veterans and youth programs”, Helvey said. “SAL has been very supportive of us and this is an opportunity to give back. We’ll be conducting a simulcast of all the music along with selected interviews. We are also excited that our friends at Third Garden Productions in Costa Mesa are providing the sound for the bands.”

Linn included “Rendezvous” in the event’s name to evoke the spirit of Balboa’s Rendezvous Ballroom. First famous for the swing bands of the 30s and 40s, the Rendezvous later became the birthplace of surf music.

The SAL Surf Fest looks like one not to miss, but if you can’t attend remember to listen in on 101.5 FM – KOCI. The location is 215 E. 15th St., Newport Beach. Doors open at noon and the party goes until 10:00 pm. Admission is $25. More information can be found at www.surffest09.com.

JOHN BURTON’S surf column appears Fridays.