Secret Samurai

The Tiki House in Pacific Beach is a very surf-friendly venue. I’ve seen surf bands from around the world tear it up behind the pool table and on the stage built for a one-man band. I recall seeing Surf Report many years ago, Ruhar and Rick alternating lead-guitar duties.

At the max, the Tiki holds maybe 60, 70 people. This particular night was pretty packed. Most were probably Tiki regulars with the usual handful of diehard surf fans in attendance to see the band. Surf Report (now disbanded, with two members in Secret Samurai) had a way to get the crowd very involved in the music. Well into their first set, one of the non-surf enthusiasts couldn’t handle the lack of a lead singer any longer and jumped onstage and grabbed the mic with both hands.

The band played on as if oblivious to the new member of the band. He went into some sort of impromptu rap in classic lead singer fashion. After a couple verses of unintelligible lyrics, Mr. E (on drums) leaned back and cut the mic. The guest singer carried on for another minute or so, unaware that his minute of fame had ended. I seem to recall he was not thrilled about losing his new job and was escorted from the bar.

DJ: Clint Beachwood

Station: KCR (at KCRLive.com or on digital cable Cox 956 and Time Warner 957)

Shift: Thursday, 4:00–6:00 p.m.