Dressed in black suits, dark sunglasses and fez, Big Fez & the Surfmatics claims to have first hit the surf music scene in 1960. Due to musical differances, the band broke up in 1966, and has re-formed to bring the sound of the surf into the 21st century.

In real life, Johnny Fez is John Haggerty (6 and 12 string electric guitar and vocals). John has spent over 20 years touring the United States and Ireland in one of America’s top Irish rock bands, Hair of the Dog (Billboard Magazine has called them “one of Irish music’s biggest sellers”). During his off hours from Big Fez you can find him performing with his new Irish band Get Up Jack.

JB Fez is John “JB” Guay (drums, percussion and vocals). JB spent the early 80’s touring the Northeast and Canada with the classic rock/original band Bad Habit. JB later played in Oz, a New York- based wedding and party band, and most recently played with classic rock band Hung Jury.

Mikey Fez is Mike McLean (bass and vocals) actor /musician. Mike was a founding member of Irish group, The Porters. He also currently plays upright bass with Americana/Country Blues recording artist, The Red Haired Strangers. Mike’s acting credits include the movie “Ironweed” (with Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep) as well as auditioned for the New York City Opera Company.

Knickerbocker Fez is Crick Diefendorf (guitar,steel drums and vocals). Crick is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music, and has been a professional musician and music educator since 1987. Crick is proficient in all styles of American popular music (jazz, country, rock and R&B) and well versed in African, Latin, Asian and European music. He co-founded the Boston-based eclectic acoustic band, Made In The Shade that performed through the U.S. and Europe. Crick can also be found performing with other popular bands Get Up Jack, and the Skip Parson’s Riverboat Jazz Band.

The Howlin’ at the Moon Concert Series is thrilled to feature Big Fez & the Surfmatics on this first day of summer!

Admission is $10 at the door. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.

Located in New York’s Capital Region, Everest Rising is a tightly-knit quintet influenced by bluegrass, Americana, rock, jazz and more. Together they create progressive acoustic music that is unique, powerful, and comfortably familiar. With a wide dynamic range, Everest Rising’s material spans from heartfelt laments to all out jams, all executed with instrumental finesse and thoughtful story-telling.

As this summer’s host of the Howlin’ at the Moon Concert Series, Everest Rising aims to support an authentic musical experience for both audience and musicians. Music traditions are meant to be fluid and evolving — this concert series nurtures local and regional musical talent while providing opportunities for cross-pollination of musical ideas, all in an authentic setting that inspires and reminds us of our place within history.

The oldest farm in the Mohawk Valley (1705), Mabee Farm Historic Site was originally settled by Daniel Janse VanAntwerpen around 1670, who established it as a fur trading post to meet Native American traders before they reached Schenectady. In 1705 the property was sold to Jan Mabee and it was handed down to generations of Mabees for 300 years. The farm complex comprises of a 17th Century Dutch House, Inn, Brick Building, 1760 Dutch Barn (originally built in Johnstown, NY), English barn, Mabee family cemetery and other outbuildings, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Depending on conditions, concerts are held either in the hand-pegged 1760s Dutch Barn or under the pavilion behind the George E. Franchere Education Center, both located at the Mabee Farm Historic Site.

Address

Mabee Farm Historic Site
1100 Main Street
Rotterdam Junction, NY 12150

Map