HISTORY IS MADE !!!

There are a few occasions in the span of years we call life when you cross paths with a person or persons who have seen the green flash a time or two. These are people who have been there, done that, done it again, and are back for more... personages of true historical significance.

In the music world, there are only a few of those sorts, and even fewer who still share the same air we do. Chief among that latter group, from an American perspective, are The Beach Boys. Long the most successful band from these shores, the Boys have been about the business of music making since we were in Pirate diapers. We grew up, made good memories, and lived all of our days with that incredible music as an influence, and as a musical soundtrack to our lives. It takes a lot to make a Pirate remove his hat in respect... and our collective hats are off to these musical giants.

ICP received the call to open the concert for The Beach Boys some weeks back, and were doubly thrilled to be able to share a stage with a legendary band, while also doing our part to bring Galveston (a favorite town of Pirates everywhere) back to its proper glory. And now, finally, the day arrived...



We got to the Moody Gardens Outdoor Amphitheater early, and spent the day moving things about until a suitable arrangement was made for all three bands. The Coastliners, a longtime area favorite, would also share the bill and provide their signature harmonies to the night. Then came show time!!

The band hit the stage, and the crowd of over 7000 music lovers were immediately into the spirit. The cheers were loud, and the night was off to a great start. The Intercoastal Pirates love playing for an appreciative crowd, and the people of Galveston can be justifiably proud of hosting just such a group. ICP music went on for an hour, and the band was rewarded with thunderous applause. The night was, to quote the Captain... "almost surreal"

The Coastliners were next up and played a set of standards from the fifties and sixties, in addition to receiving a round of spirited applause for their rendition of "Proud to be an American." The Pirates and Coastliners set the proper mood for a momentous event... and no one would go home disappointed.

The Beach Boys took the stage, fronted by original members Mike Love and Bruce Johnston. Joined by a stellar band, and bolstered by incredible crowd support, Mike and the crew ran through hit after hit after hit... to the unending delight of their adoring fans. The Intercoastal Pirates remained right next to the stage, taking in an event that would go in the ship's log as a night not to be forgotten.

The Intercoastal Pirates thank The Beach Boys, The Coastliners, Garvin and the staff at Moody Gardens, all of the booking and talent persons, and family and friends of the band for the opportunity to play, and your help and support throughout. It was a blast!

Rick, my boy, I said wear a costume...

Well, there we were, the Thirty-first day of October, Halloween night! The ship made its way back up the San Bernard River to Dido's, always a favorite retreat for the boys.

Now, the plan was this: The Intercoastal Pirates would break with their normal habit of disguising themselves as local townfolk when they raid the port this time. No "normal" clothes, shaving, or the like on this trip. Just dress up like a fictional character, and go have at it!

So, Captain Faulk decided he would make it a Knight to remember, while it seemed Steve had a bone to pick with the idea. Ronnie got into the spirit, and was running around like a demon getting ready. It is possible Stu did not get the parchment-memo on this one.

Now Rick, faithful lieutenant to the Captain, got the wise idea that the people at Dido's wore normal clothing for their land-lubbing life... so why put on something new? Just wear what he wears on the ship and who would be the wiser? So, with little fanfare and even less hair care, he came ashore as... you guessed it... a Pirate! I am sure he would call it ship-savvy... but it was, at least, efficient!

The crew had a great time, and were even joined onstage by Proprietor Andrew for a song. Some new tunes were tried on the crowd, with a rowsing applause being the result. All in all a good night, and the costumes were put away for another year. No, Rick... put something on...