by Scott A. Williams

CHICOPEE, MASS. – A triple bill of fun-time bands – each playing music with a beach theme – filled the house to the rafters at the Hu Ke Lau on March 1, 2009. The show brought together Sun Protection Factor 4, Changes in Latitudes, and headliner the Jimmy Mazz Orchestra with special guest Tommy Sandz – all groups better known for playing warm-weather venues outdoors.

With a line out the door and every table taken, revelers lucky enough to have purchased tickets in advance escaped the cold of New England in winter in favor of the islands atmosphere of the famed Polynesian supper club. Many in attendance sported beach attire, Hawaiian shirts, and leis as they sipped scorpion bowls, dined on Pu-Pu platters, and danced the night away. It was a fitting environment for the show which benefited the Children's Miracle Network.

The show caught its first wave as SPF-4 cranked out a set of blistering instrumental surf rock. The 50/50 mixture of original compositions and covers of 1960's surf pioneers including the Ventures and Dick Dale helped the audience tune out the foot of snow that was forecast to begin falling before the evening was over.

Jimmy Buffett tribute legends Changes in Latitudes were next to take the stage. Starring front man Steve Kareta (you mean that wasn't Jimmy Buffett?), the show was configured in its "mid-sized" ensemble for this venue. Parrotheads flocked to the dance floor for a set of classic Buffett tunes that had everyone dreaming of cheeseburgers and Margaritas.

Jimmy Mazz finished up the evening's entertainment with an all 1950's and 1960's beach rock set, supported by singer-guitarist Tommy Sandz. No one works a crowd quite like Jimmy Mazz, and he soon had partiers dancing the Stroll, doing the Limbo (how low can you go?) and snaking a conga line around the room.

In addition to great musical performances, these bands should be recognized for their especially quick transitions between sets…smooth as that first Margarita going down on a hot July afternoon.

Though the show had to end, the fans (your humble reviewer among them) didn't want to leave. Eventually, many of us had to be reminded, politely, that it was time to move along.

As we filed out the front door, the bite of brisk wind and falling snow reminded us that winter was still at hand, though optimists know this means that summer is coming. Until then, memories of the Summertime Beach Dance Party will keep us warm.

March 1, 2009

www.jimmymazzsings.com

www.changesinlatitudes.com

www.spf-4.com