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The Beach Boys kicked off DCA's "Rockin' the Bay" summer concert series with four performances this past weekend. The band, led by Mike Love and Bruce Johnston, presented a mix of Beach Boys classics, seasoned with a healthy dose of humor.

The Beach Boys publicity photo provided by Disney

Over 800 people filled the amphitheater, and hundreds more spilled out onto the walkways and bridges surrounding Paradise Bay, to catch the 35-minute first Saturday concert. (The show ran for 50 minutes for the first performance on Sunday.)

The view from Avalon Cove on Sunday

Fans started waiting in line when Disney's California Adventure opened at 10 a.m. Saturday morning. Seating began just before 3 p.m., with the first 150 people in line snagging seats on the concrete risers around the amphitheater.

Fans wait for the start of the concert

The next 400 people were allowed to stand at the rear of the seating area, or claimed spots against the rail of the upper terrace. The grassy planter to the side of the upper terrace was opened to accommodate the overflow crowds only for the opening show - it was closed off for later performances.

Paradise Pier forms a backdrop for the concert

Those who did not wait in the standby line found spots behind the terrace, on the pier, and even across Paradise Bay. The concert was heard on speakers throughout the area, replacing the usual music loop.

Approximately 270 seats on the floor of the amphitheater were reserved for fans who booked the Priority Seating package. Visitors who make a reservation at the Golden Vine Winery, or who purchase a ticket for Priority Seating at Disney's Electrical Parade, can receive a voucher for VIP seating at one of the two concerts that day, while seats are still available.

A manager tries to cool off the crowd with a water fan

As the crowds filled the amphitheater, vendors went into the stands to sell bottled drinks and water fans to the overheated fans. Outdoor vending carts were stationed off to each side of the stage during the concerts, and did a brisk business. The temperature had reached 90 degrees by 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning, and the light breeze was not enough to offset the heat of the un-shaded seating area.

While waiting for the concert to begin, the announcer held a competition to see which fan could name the most Beach Boys songs. The first contestant boasted that she could name 14 songs, but failed to remember more than four. Finally one fan demonstrated his knowledge by naming 15 songs. His prize was a "Rockin' the Bay" logo shirt, also available for sale at the nearby pin cart

Fans kept the ball in the air during most of the concert.

A trio of beach balls was sent into the audience, and the fans managed to keep at least one ball in play through most of the concert, occasionally striking a news camera or unsuspecting guest with it.

When the band took the stage, they immediately launched into a fast paced set of their classic songs. When they finally paused for a breath, Mike Love joked, "We would now like to take an intermission, followed by a nap", saying, "If we had known we'd be at it this long, we would have definitely done more ballads".

Mike Love dances with his "Little Surfer Girl"

The group then began a set of slightly more sedate songs, including "Little Surfer Girl" and "Kokomo". Love made another reference to the longevity of the band, pretending to struggle with the opening note of "Be True to Your School". Near the end of the concert he admonished a group of people in the front rows to stop their water fight.

A crew member joins in the water fight

The band closed with "Surfin' USA", as one of the crew members took a bottle of water and sprayed it onto the same group who had been soaking each other earlier.

Tom Brocatto and Barry Braverman watch the concert from the terrace

Barry Braverman, the senior vice president for Walt Disney Imagineering, and Disneyland Resort president Cynthia Harriss were both on hand for the concert, and both looked to be pleased with the turnout.

Dancing to "Kokomo"

Though many in the crowd had waited over 5 hours to see the band, the audience seemed rather sedate. One member of the press and publicity department commented that the crowds at the two test concerts, held on Thursday and Friday evenings, had been more responsive. The heat surely had something to do with the lethargy he noticed - an hour in the open sun is enough to sap the energy from the most dedicated fan.

Another person remarked that the concerts should have been held at night, a suggestion I heartily endorse. Once the concert was over, I wanted nothing more than to crawl into an air-conditioned building and guzzle ice water.

A logo shirt is available, but no pin yet

Representatives of the press & publicity department said that this concert series was a learning process for the resort, and that the promoters were learning what changes needed to take place for future events like this. A shade structure, or a nighttime schedule, are sure to be high on that list.

Some feel that the lineup for this concert series is underwhelming, and have compared these acts to those to be found on the county fair circuit. I have said that DCA was really just a great, permanent state fair for quite some time, so none of these groups seem out of place. The rest of the bands in this series may not inspire a flood of extra ticket sales, but this will be a wonderful series for the local Annual Passholders.

If you come to catch your favorite group, be sure to bring plenty of sunblock, a hat and sunglasses, and a lot of water to drink. Expect to sit an hour or more in direct sun, and make sure you prepare for it. If you have been tempted to try dinner at the Golden Vine Winery, take advantage of the Premium Seating package. It won't get you out of the sun, but it will make the entire experience a bit more comfortable.

You can write Adrienne Vincent - Phoenix at this link

Story and photos by Adrienne Vincent- Phoenix

Additional photos by David Lane & Al Lutz

You can find more information about the Priority Seating Package in this column.

Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance by calling the Disneyland Resort dining line at 714-781-3463

The final lineup for the "Disney's Rockin' the Bay" summer concert series is listed below. Concerts are at 3:30 and 5:45 p.m. daily.

All dates, times and performers are subject to change without notice.

July 15-17 The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards

July 18-19 David Clayton-Thomas with Blood, Sweat & Tears

July 20 Commodores

July 21-22 Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone

July 23-25 Starship featuring Mickey Thomas

July 26-28 The 5th Dimension

July 29-31 Paul Revere & The Raiders

August 1 Chubby Checker & the Wildcats

August 2 Bangles

August 3 Three Dog Night

August 4-6 The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie

August 7-8 The Buckinghams

August 9-11 Village People

August 12-14 Kool & the Gang

August 15-17 The Four Tops

August 18-20 America

August 21-23 The Monkees starring Davy Jones & Micky Dolenz

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