On Nov. 4, Drury University welcomed the Beach Boys and indie rock band Ha Ha Tonka to the O’Reilly Family Event Center as a part of its 150th anniversary celebrations. 

As attendees arrived, they could grab concessions and light-up leis on the way to their seats. Attendees could also purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win art by local artists Sarah Rasul and François Larivière from Main St. Gallery in Nixa, Missouri. Winners would also meet the Beach Boys and have the art signed. 

Ha Ha Tonka opened the show at 6:30 p.m. The five-piece band, self-described as “just some Ozark boys who somehow made their way into the music biz” on their website, formed the group in college.

In an interview with the Springfield News-Leader, members Brian Roberts, Lucas Long and Brett Anderson said they frequently performed at bars with their group while students at Southwest Missouri State University in West Plains, Missouri, now named Missouri State University-West Plains. 

Anderson shares a special fan connection with the Beach Boys, an anecdote he shared on the Ha Ha Tonka Facebook page and during the concert. “I was 19 years old,” he said. “I snuck into a Beach Boys concert, and I got arrested.” 

Anderson jokes, “I came back on the other side and said, ‘My life’s come full circle.’”

The group played songs from its new album “Blood Red Moon,” released in October 2023. Some attendees joined at the side of the stage to dance to the music while others pulled out their phones to read about the group’s discography on Apple Music – both were fans of the band’s sound. 

The group closed its set with a cover of “Black Betty,” the version released by 1970s rock group Ram Jam. After the set, the group mingled with the audience at the merchandise tables where attendees could purchase the new album. 

A little after 7:30 p.m., a montage of the Beach Boys filled the screen above the stage. Attendees cheered as they saw the members in clips of the group’s appearances on television shows like “Full House” and “The Simpsons.” The cheers erupted as the group joined onstage and began playing their signature surf rock sound. 

The Beach Boys were founded in Hawthorne, California, in 1961, according to their website. The band’s original members included brothers Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson and Dennis Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and a school friend, Al Jardine. Carl Wilson died in 1998, and Dennis Wilson died in 1983. Brian Wilson and Jardine are currently pursuing separate careers and aren’t touring with the Beach Boys. Love, 82, remains the only original touring member. 

Bruce Johnston, 81, joined the group in 1965, replacing late country singer Glen Campbell who had been filling in for Brian Wilson. 

The group performed its greatest hits, including timeless surf songs like “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” released in 1963, and mellow classics like “God Only Knows,” released in 1966. The group also featured songs meaningful to them. Love performed “Pisces Brothers,” a song he wrote about George Harrison, late member of the Beatles. Johnston performed “Disney Girls,” a song he dedicated to a family friend in the audience. 

Joining Love and Johnston on tour are Tim Bonhomme, Christian Love, Jon Bolton, Keith Hubacher, Randy Leago, John Wedemeyer and musical director Brian Eichenberger. The group has national tour dates scheduled into 2024. 

Featured photo by Madison Stahl