It's Déjà Vu All Over Again

If you missed them last year, don't worry. The Beach Boys will be back again this year, to kick off the nation's largest aviation love-fest July 23–29 in Oshkosh, WI.

Thanks to Eclipse Aviation and Ford Motor Company, the eternal boys of summer will bring their free "fun, fun, fun" encore performance to all AirVenture guests July 23, starting at 5:30 pm at AeroShell Square, adjacent to the Ford Motor Company Hangar.

The hope is that that last year's heavy rain and thunder during the performance, which attracted more than 10,000, will be just a "fond" memory.

And in spite of the weather, "Last year's Beach Boys concert was successful beyond all expectations," said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman, "and we had many, many requests from EAA members and others for another opening-day concert."

"Through the support of Eclipse and Ford, we are able to bring the Beach Boys back in 2007 to round out an extraordinary opening day at Oshkosh."

And for Eclipse, who has seen itself in the news perhaps more than it wants, "Eclipse Aviation is excited to partner with the Ford Motor Company in making this year's opening-day at EAA AirVenture a fantastic event for everyone involved," said Eclipse Aviation president and CEO Vern Raburn.

"Last year's concert was a major highlight, and helped further establish AirVenture as a destination for aviation enthusiasts and their families," he added. "This year, the Beach Boys, combined with the Eclipse and Ford sponsored Fly-In Theater will allow more people to experience aviation in a way that only AirVenture can present it and yet offer more entertainment for the entire family."

Added Poberezny, "Eclipse and Ford are bringing the Beach Boys back to AirVenture to say thanks to EAA members for making them welcome at Oshkosh and as part of the organization. These companies share EAA's passion for innovation, technology, and the high standards that are personified in EAA's unique culture, which is so evident during AirVenture."

Like EAA AirVenture, the Beach Boys are a quintessentially American original that has gained a devoted international following through the past 40-plus years, nearly as long as AirVenture has been at its Oshkosh location.

Led by co-founder Mike Love and longtime band member Bruce Johnston, the Beach Boys are among the most recognizable performers in music history.

FMI: www.airventure.org, www.beachboysband.net