(EXPERIENCE MAGAZINE) Agoura Hills, Calif. (July 10th, 2025) — Last Thursday evening, The Canyon was the place to be as the Get Together Foundation, in partnership with Rock Cellar Productions, hosted “An All-Star Tribute to The Beach Boys.” Sold out weeks in advance, the benefit honored the late Brian Wilson with a 28-song journey through the band’s storied catalogue — captured in vivid detail by Experience Magazine photographer Ellen Zuckerman.
The night kicked off at 7 p.m. with the Steve Bardwil Band laying down soulful, surf-inspired grooves that set the tone for what would become a poignant memorial.
Next up, The Tribe – marking its 10th anniversary – took the stage alongside an eight-piece vocal ensemble and an orchestra led by conductor Ira Hearshen. Under musical director Steve Bauman’s guidance, they played versions of classics including “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Surfer Girl,” “God Only Knows” and “Don’t Worry Baby.”Halfway through the program, renowned poet and lyricist Stephen J. Kalinich stepped forward. Presented with the Get Together Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award, he delivered a stirring recitation of his spoken-word piece “Prayer for the Summer,” reminding the audience of his enduring collaborations with Brian and Dennis Wilson in the 1960s.
A series of high points followed as past Beach Boys members Blondie Chaplin and David Marks each took center stage—Chaplin belting out “Sail On Sailor” with raw urgency, Marks ra cars surf medley(he played on the first four BB King albums including these early songs at a young age of 13-15 years old.) Carnie Wilson is Brian Wilson’s daughter. Carnie Wilson and Marilyn Wilson-Rutherford (of The Honeys) added heartfelt interpretations of I Can Hear Music and friends from the Carnie & Wilson group. They gave the evening a personal warmth.
Honorary guests from across the rock and pop spectrum appeared throughout the night: guitar virtuosos Grant Geissman and Laurence Juber, actor-singer Rob Morrow, backing-vocal legend Rosemary Butler, percussionist Nelson Bragg (Brian Wilson Band), Carly Smithson, Ken Stacey, Jeff Alan Ross and more. Each artist offered unique takes on the Beach Boys’ harmonies, weaving their own musical identities into the program.
Between performances, Get Together Foundation co-founder Kevin Wachs reflected on the evening’s dual mission: “While our hearts are heavy from Brian’s passing, tonight proves this music transcends loss. We’re proud to help keep his legacy alive.” In addition to ticket sales and a live auction, a silent auction raised funds for wildfire relief, mental-health initiatives and local nonprofits including Hope the Mission and North Valley Caring Services.
For those who couldn’t be there in person, a free global livestream was hosted by Alert the Globe; the full concert is now on The Tribe Band’s Facebook page. To view photos from the event or learn about upcoming GTF fundraisers, visit www.gettogetherfoundation.org.
Through soaring harmonies, stirring speeches, last Thursday’s tribute reaffirmed that Brian Wilson’s spirit—and the timeless music he helped create—will endure for generations to come.
