It’s a band playing the comfort food of music for those over 40. We’re in a legendary West Hollywood nightclub, the Whiskey-A-Go-Go. And the music we are hearing is something that's now called "Yacht Rock". You might not know what that means, but if you are over 40, you know the music.
"I tell people you actually do know what Yacht Rock is, even if you don't know the name Yacht Rock," said Philly Ocean.
Yes, that’s his name, on stage at least. He's the lead singer of the Yacht Rock band Yachtley Crew.
"Yacht Rock is best described of all of those soft rock hits from the late 70's and early 80's... we're talking Hall & Oates, Toto, the Doobie Brothers... fun, and happy." said Ocean "Those are the fun songs we get to play."
He says two band members were sitting in a hot tub one night, listening to some of the music when they came up with the idea for the band. While Yachtley Crew didn't create Yacht Rock, it's one of the best known bands of the genre on the West Coast.
Tommy Buoy is a singer, and guitarist in the six-member band.
"I was just like I'm going to join this band to make a few extra bucks on the weekend, and because I like this music," said Buoy. "Since show one, it's been a rocket ride... people just responded."
That was five years ago. What started as a fun idea took off for the band, which plays a few times a year in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.
The band has a large following of die-hard fans. And, because most of them know the music, it feels like a giant sing-a-long.
But, it’s more than a concert, it’s a show. The band members look like officers from the Love Boat, dressed in white uniforms with the obligatory nautical hats. And, they don’t just play, they have a number of choreographed routines.
They have some fans who are so dedicated they follow them to different venues.
Ryan Carlburg says what makes it fun is even if you are a casual music fan, you know the songs.
"It's every song you heard on the radio growing up that you didn't realize you knew, and you can still sing along to, because you know all the lyrics," said Carlburg.
Yachtley Crew is doing a rare free outdoor concert this weekend, in Ventura County. The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District is sponsoring the August 20th event. It begins at 6:30 p.m. at Rancho Simi Community Park.
