They're Gonna Rock The Ol' Aerodrome!

After a full opening day of flying on Monday, July 24 at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2006, AeroShell Square will be full of "Fun, Fun, Fun" that evening as the Beach Boys bring in their sounds of summer, compliments of the Ford Motor Company.

The performance, free of charge to all AirVenture guests that day, will be held at 6-8 p.m. adjacent to the Ford Motor Company Hangar on AeroShell Square.

"Our friends at Ford wanted to give EAA members and AirVenture guests something special and fun to thank them for their support," said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. "When Ford approached us with this opportunity, we thought it would be an exciting way to round out what promises to be an extraordinary opening day at Oshkosh."

Like EAA AirVenture, the Beach Boys are a quintessentially American original that has gained a devoted international following through the past 40-plus years.  Led by co-founder Mike Love and longtime band member Bruce Johnston, the Beach Boys are among the most recognizable performers in music history.

"Iconic cars such as the Ford Mustang, Roadster and Thunderbird inspired a generation of cruising music that remains a big part of American culture," said Jill Fannon, manager of Ford Global Events and Marketing.  "Who better than the Beach Boys to highlight air and land transportation with the coolest summer tunes at aviation's biggest family reunion?"

The Beach Boys have sold more than 100 million albums over the past four decades.  They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) in 2001.  The band also continues touring today, playing their magical "California surf sound" at more than 100 dates per year.

The opening-day concert at EAA AirVenture, along with Ford Motor Company's vehicles used during the event, its notable consumer presence at the fly-in and discounts on Ford Motor Company vehicles for EAA members, continues to highlight Ford's support for EAA. Additional highlights and benefits for EAA members and AirVenture attendees will be offered by Ford during this year's fly-in.

"Ford is bringing the Beach Boys to AirVenture to say thanks to EAA members for making them welcome at Oshkosh and as part of the organization," Poberezny said. 

"EAA and Ford share a passion for innovation, technology and high standards that is personified in EAA's unique culture so evident during AirVenture."

FMI: www.eaa.org, www.airventure.org