Joey Voodoo Collabs with the Surf Spot Music Venue

I recently got to interview my boss and the man behind Joey Voodoo…Joey Ganoza. I sat down with Joey to discuss a new project he’s been working on that’s getting a lot attention food an music industry. The Surf Spot serves up mouth watering delicious cuisine daily but this gem of a restaurant has a hidden treasure that is creating a buzz in the Bay Area music scene…it’s outdoor music venue.

Radio Noise: Welcome Joey..LOL…this feels real odd, how does it feel to be on the other side of the fence?

Joey: LOL..yeah man it’s really weird. So take it easy on me!

Radio: So you’ve been really busy the last three months, besides working at Joey Voodoo, you’ve been involved in a new project, The Surf Spot. Tell us about this?

Joey: Yes and I’ve missed you guys. I see things don’t get done either when I’m not around . The Surf Spot is a new restaurant and music venue in Pacifica, CA. I was approached by one of the owners, Tait Cowan, to help with the music venue. I’ve pretty much been there since the build out. So, I do a little bit of everything i.e. booking bands, marketing, social media, tons and tons of networking, and whatever the venue throws at me.

Radio: Tell us about the music venue? I keep hearing great things about it. What makes it different from other venues in the area?

Joey: Well first and foremost the Surf Spot is restaurant. They’re creating some tremendously delicious food and drinks. It’s a great atmosphere in there. So make sure you come on down to eat and drink!

The thing is when you drive by or just walking up to the restaurant you figure “hey what a cool little spot” but when you walk through the dinning room and into the back patio you literally enter another world. The first time I walked through after construction was complete I got goose bumps. Stepping out into the back is like walking into a big playground. My first thought was some resort in Vegas (minus the pool). The stage is huge and sits up high. There’s a dance floor, a patio with table seating, picnic tables, theres three fire pits, there’s two cabanas with flat screen tvs, there’s two bars, and an outdoor kitchen. There’s a grassy hill for seating, and on top of all that there’s a sand volleyball court. Some folks have called it a mini Mountain Winery or mini Shoreline.

Radio: I’ve been looking at the list of musicians that have performed at the Surf Spot and you have a real impressive lineup of bands that have come through in the first three months of operation. What are you looking for when booking and what is your vision for the venue?

Joey: I love music and I love supporting emerging artists, especially local ones. I’ve been writing and reviewing music for the past five years and the Bay Area is an amazing music scene. There’s so much talent here that they deserve a place to be heard. There’s lots of places that are changing their ways and only booking cover bands and you’re seeing lots of bands with no place to go. I’m not saying cover bands are bad but it’s not something I want to hear everyday. I love original music and I want the Surf Spot to be a place where you are going to be able to see whats new and hot. At the same time I know it’s good to book the cover bands to mix things up and I have no problem with that. They’ve been booked here already. Bottom line is I want to bring great music to Pacifica. I want to bring musicians that haven’t been here before or ever thought of playing in Pacifica. Thankfully it’s happening.

Radio: Do you think Pacifica can be a destination point for music?

Joey: I think over time yes it can and will be. I’m not here doing this just to book bands, plug them in and party. My goal is to create a buzz that Pacifica has this great music venue and it’s a place you want to come to catch an awesome act. Now you don’t have to drive into the city to catch the hottest acts. You can stay in town and catch a show or even better, folks can come to Pacifica and get the same quality of music they get in the City, the East Bay, South Bay, etc..

Radio: What genres are you targeting in your bookings?

Joey: I’m a huge indie/alternative/punk fan…that’s my poison. You will see a little tilt to the indie side when comes to bookings but not much. The folks at Live 105 have been really supportive when I had questions starting out with Joey Voodoo. So I like to feature a lot of the bands that they support, which I have no problem doing since I love them as well. At the same time I want to bring all types of genres in. We’ve had singer/song writers (Tara Tinsley, Chris Reed, Mike Annuzzi), folk music (Vandella, Sioux City Kid, The Creak, salsa (Santos Perdidos, Gary Flores & His All-stars, Carlos Rameriz y sus Amigos), rock (The Honey Wilders, State Line Empire) and so many more bands. Actually now that I think about it, I have had less indie bands than all other genres. It’s a good mix, I want folks to come out and try all flavors of music.

Radio: Tell me about the Indian Summer Concert Series?

Joey: I’m extremely excited about this. The Indian Summer Concert Series is three Saturdays in October (6, 13 20) filled with kick ass musicians/bands. There’s a total of 13 bands and special guests deejays. The lineups are ridiculous. I’m honored to have the quality of musicians coming in. This means a lot to the credibility of the Surf Spot as a music venue. Day One features Australian duo CarterRollins (headlining), Dangermaker, Hello Monster, and The Thirstbusters. The Day Two lineup is insane with New Diplomat (headlining), Beta State, Picture Atlantic, Girl Named T, and Spanish Cannons. The first two days are filled with indie/rock/alternative music. These bands are amazing. CarterRollins is on their North American Tour, New Diplomat is one of the hottest Bay Area bands, Beta State recently opened for Mumford and Sons, Florence and The Machine, Green Day. Picture Atlantic opened for Coldplay. All these acts are very special. Day Three consists of two KFOG Featured Artists Alma Desnuda (headlining) and Emily Rath. Also performing is an emerging sensation Dom Liberati and local favorite John Vicino. The concert series is free for all ages. You don’t want to miss out.

Radio: That is some very impressive bands coming through and I can’t wait to for the shows. Joey thanks so much. It’s awesome what your doing out there. Best wishes to you and everyone at the Surf Spot buddy. Any last words or shout outs?

Joey: I just want to thank everyone for coming out and all the positive comments about the music. I want to make sure everyone is having a good time enjoying themselves. Big shout out to my crazy family Marci, Brandi, Olivia, and Jagger…they’re the best. Make sure to make it out to the Indian Summer Concert Series, it really is going to be an awesome event. Hit me up on my social sites and keep sending me your suggestions for bookings. I love hearing what you guys want.