I had posted this story on my IG and FB page not long after the night of January 4th. That night had such an impact on me that the words just kinda flowed out. One of the things I love about writing is being able to express yourself in a way that you can’t have in a conversation. Being able to go deeper into my own mind and soul to express what I am feeling. Sometimes the idea just shows up when I am in the shower, walking the dog, riding my bike, driving to the office, or other random places…yes even sitting on the “throne”.

Here is the story with some additional thoughts…I hope you enjoy it!

Thursday afternoon I was driving back from a doctor’s appointment and as I passed Sainte Rocke I saw on the marquee…Pennywise, Punk Rock Karaoke, and Donovan Frakenreiter-SOLD OUT. I did a double take at 50 mph (yes I was speeding) and said out loud in my car…WTF!? Pennywise! Why didn’t I hear about this??? (last man in the huddle syndrome). I did a “legal” u turn to make sure I was seeing it correctly. Time to make some calls! My first one was to Larry Little, the co-owner of Saint Rocke. Me: “Pennywise?!!” “Can I shoot the gig?” Larry: “Give me a few minutes and I will call you back.” Me: “Fuck I hope I can get in!”. My phone rings…Larry: “You are in” Me: “YES!”. A big thanks to Jim Lindberg for helping make in happen.

I was not aware of Greg Browning’s story. I was not in the surf scene anymore. What I did find out that Greg Browning is a fuckin’ legend in the global surf scene. “One of the nicest, always-smiling, always-stoked, happy-to-give-back guys in surfing, the South Bay’s Greg Browning has recently been diagnosed with ALS, more commonly known also as Lou Gehrig’s disease”… “Not only did Greg out-surf everyone in the South Bay by winning multiple amateur contests, he went on to have a successful career as a nationally recognized free-surfer.” As I read many articles about Greg, the one theme that stood out was “Greg is loved all over the world.”

That is what I felt Thursday night! The South Bay family was brought together to help Greg and his family. This is why I love Pennywise. We all know their music is awesome and that the gigs are insane. To me what makes them so special is “FAMILY.” These guys bring everyone into the Pennywise Family…young, old, new punker, old punker, non-punkers, those who have never heard them before, and to those who have since day one. They embrace everything that is good in our community. They have never forgotten their roots and to those who helped pave the way for their success, both in music and in life.

This night was the perfect blend of family, friendship, music, and the helping out of someone who has been dealt the most cruel of cards. This is what the South Bay is all about. Having Pennywise bring down the house made it a night I will never forget.