Surreal McCoys concert to benefit Rebuild Northbay

Band is reuniting in Sonoma for a Rebuild Northbay benefit concert|

A fire-relief benefit concert in support of the Rebuild North Bay Foundation is being held Friday, June 8, at the Barn at Tyge William Cellars.

The featured musical act is the Surreal McCoys.

According to the band’s website, “The Surreal McCoys are a gritty band of hardcore troubadours who worship at the moonlit crossroads of Americana and punk rock.” They say their music is “swampy and streetwise… and litter strewn.” It “recalls an era of lesser hygiene but greater guitar riffs.”

The Surreal McCoys are said to have emerged during some inspiring semesters at Notre Dame. Failed attempts at adulthood, and 12 years off, led them right back to the band. The five members are now scattered across the country, yet keep in touch musically through file sharing. They are reuniting for the benefit at Cornerstone.

The McCoys claim to have a “propulsive yet adequate rhythm section” featuring bass player Clint McCoy and drummer Billy Saul McCoy. Elvis McCoy plays lead guitar, and Goatboy McCoy handles the rhythm guitar, harmonica, and lap steel.

That the band members have adopted McCoy as a last name is reminiscent of the traditions set by the Ramones and the Traveling Wilburys. According to lead singer Cletus, the name was derived from the Jefferson Airplane album, “Surrealistic Pillow.”

The band is currently finishing recording its third album. Cletus says they may play some of the new material at the upcoming benefit, but there will be “many surprises” unloaded during their set at the Barn.

The Rebuild Northbay Foundation describes itself as being “committed to the long-term rebuilding of our region as a more sustainable and resilient community through advocacy, coordination, and economic and workforce development.” Jennifer Gray Thompson is the executive director of the organization, and promises that a tremendous time will be had at the show, and hopes that a huge amount of money is raised at the event to assist with the rebuilding efforts.

The Surreal McCoys are “thrilled, honored, and happy” to be part of this event, and they promise to “rock the hell” out of the Barn at Cornerstone.

In addition to the music and dancing, the benefit will include a silent auction featuring fine wine, fancy meals and signed guitars. The event is from 8 to 10:30 p.m. at 150 Wagner Road.

Information at info@rebuildnorthbay.org; tickets are available at eventbrite.com.

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