Santa Cruz-based “surf rock” band The Expendables have played multiple times in San Luis Obispo, and the vibes of the Central Coast keep them coming back for more.
The Expendables will play at SLO Brewing Co. on Feb. 19 — a one-night stop on its way down the coast for its Winter Blackout Tour 2011.
Expendables bassist Ryan DeMars said aspects of San Luis Obispo, from the people to the weather, remind the band of their hometown in Santa Cruz, Calif.
“We’ve made it our second home,” DeMars said. “That’s why we like coming back.”
During last year’s Winter Blackout Tour, the group played three consecutive shows at SLO Brew, some of which were sold out.
This time around, the band embarked on their 2011 tour with new set lists to rock on stage.
DeMars said they’re digging up older songs to play — songs they haven’t played live in many years, while also playing newer songs that have not yet been released.
“We have a couple songs in our set that we had to bring out of The Expendables coffin, so to speak,” DeMars said. “We’re also working on a new song that we’ve been playing live that is getting a really good response.”
DeMars said the band has high expectations for the crowd for the upcoming SLO Brew show.
“The crowds are a little better than expected going into this tour,” he said. “Everyone is super rowdy and really stoked. And I would expect the same from SLO.”
Animal science senior Kevin McEvilly said he saw The Expendables live a few years ago and thought the band’s upbeat energy was terrific.
“They’ve got a sound that appeals to the college crowd,” McEvilly said. “It’s mellow, chillin’ music.”
Los Angeles-based surf rock band and main support act The B Foundation has a similar sound that draws in big crowds on the Central Coast as well.
“We’ve played SLO Brew a number of times — I love that club,” B Foundation drummer Ian McGrath said. “I really look forward to the show. I think it’s going to be big.”
The B Foundation will also be headlining at SLO Brew in April. McGrath said touring California with The Expendables has been like a vacation.
“The weather has been nice,” he said. “There are no snow storms, so we aren’t worrying about dying everyday. We’re playing with people we like to hang out with and the crowds are big. It’s been really nice.”
The seasoned rockers are touring with The Holdup, a newer addition to the reggae-rock scene. The San Jose-based band formed in 2008 and have been gaining momentum ever since.
“I think they’re going to be one of the newer bands in the reggae-rock scene that are going to turn some heads,” DeMars said.
Tickets for the show can be purchased at Boo Boo Records or at ticketweb.com.