Get ready to rock your way through the holiday season at the iconic Surf Ballroom! Whether you’re in the mood for high-energy performances or festive tunes, the Surf has a lineup of can’t-miss concerts to keep the celebration all the way to New Year’s Eve. With three incredible shows featuring crowd-favorite bands, there’s no better place to be this holiday season than at the Surf!
Here’s what’s coming up:
- Thanksgiving Weekend (Black Friday, Nov. 29): The Pork Tornadoes
This band is a force like no other, creating a party wherever they go. Followed by a ravenous fan base. Every song will leave you singing along and begging for more. The area’s premier party band. You have heard it all before. Most band biographies are as trite as dating website profiles and equally filled with empty promises and broken dreams. The issue here is that The Pork Tornadoes fit the mold of all the cliche statements but are reluctant to use them. Their live show does the talking for them; the shroud of mystery surrounding the band, the terribly-poor choice in band name, and the head-scratching, enormous amount of video views (14 million views on all platforms) and fans on every social media website (90,000 followers) are enough to bring curious music lovers out to a show to see what all the fuss is about.
The Pork Tornadoes are a powerful party band that has played all around the Midwest at the best and biggest bars, venues and festivals. Having played more than 600+ shows in the last 12 years, this band has perfected their live show into an experience you won’t find anywhere else. The band is led by singer Mason Greve, whose is arguably one of the best vocalists in the State of Iowa and was one of 100 finalists on a Not-To-Be-Mentioned television singing program in 2014. Putting their own spin on an eclectic mix of songs from Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift to Lizzo, The Killers, Coolio and Phil Collins, they are truly one of the most versatile bands around. Their debut EP peaked on the Apple iTunes Pop charts at #20 and was streamed over half a million times in 2020. They recently achieved viral success with the 5th-most viewed cover of ‘Tennessee Whiskey’ on Youtube and a impromptu performance of ‘In the Air Tonight’ with a drum line that was featured in Rolling Stone. Regularly setting attendance records and shattering bar sales numbers, this band is a force like no other, creating a party wherever they go for their ravenous fan base, who sings along and begs for more.
- Christmas by the Lake Weekend (Saturday, Dec. 7): Luminare Christmas: Mistletoe Madness Tour
“Unleash your festive side and experience the exhilarating energy of a high-octane holiday rock concert with Luminare Christmas, the ultimate celebration!”Get ready for an unforgettable holiday experience, led by former Mannheim Steamroller keyboardist and long time musical director for Dennis DeYoung of Styx. Luminare Christmas brings a fusion of reimagined holiday classics, high energy symphonic rock and cinematic magic.Their sound can be described as a blend of Mannheim Steamroller’s holiday classic vibes, the high-energy rock of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and the cinematic atmosphere of Hans Zimmer. The result is a musical fusion that’s sure to leave you breathless and wanting more.With a phenomenal lighting show and a heartwarming story woven throughout the performance, Luminare Christmas creates a magical atmosphere that’s perfect for all ages. You’ll feel the holiday spirit and be swept away by the passionate and sonically lush vocal and instrumental musical performances.
So get ready to rock the holidays with Luminare Christmas and experience a concert that you’ll never forget!
- New Year’s Eve (Tuesday, Dec. 31): Not Quite Brothers
Not Quite Brothers is Central Iowa’s fastest growing cover band. Formed in 2018, the band quickly became known for their huge sound, eclectic setlist and ability to enhance any party. Fans of all ages agree… “it feels like I am watching the band they are covering in their heyday” and “It’s so cool to see a younger generation playing my favorite songs on stage!”Sam Johnson (vocals) and Isaac Johnson (guitar) are twins and although Cooper Corcoran (guitar), Ben Schmelzer (drums) and Nathan Klein (bass) are of no relation to each other, these five fellas are as tight as brothers… but not quite.
Mark your calendars and get your tickets early—it’s going to be a season filled with awesome music and holiday fun!