Lead Guitar - Tom "Zippy" Caplan
Keyboards, Rhythm Guitar - Bernie "The Dentist" Bomberg
Drummer - "Cadillac" Sally West
Bass - Steve "Beaver" Carlisle
The Surf Dawgs are a four piece instrumental group that began in the fall of 2001. Following the release of Zip Caplan's (former Lead Guitarist for The Litter and White Lightning) solo CD Zip Caplan and Cast of Thousands "Monsters and Heroes", the co-producer of the CD Bernie "the dentist" Bomberg joined with Zip Caplan to form a vintage surf style group that paid tribute to The Ventures (Walk-Don't Run and Hawaii 5-0 fame) as well as the classic surf hits of the 1960's. The group was rounded out by Cadillac Sally West who earned her reputation with The Fendermen (Mule Skinner Blues), Carl Perkins, and The Whitesidewalls, and with the final addition of Steve (Beaver) Carlisle on Bass, who toured extensively with well known artists Del Shannon, Bobby Vee, Freddie Cannon, Len Barry and many others, the group was on it's way to making a name for themselves in the Mid-West.
Over the years, The Surf Dawgs have performed before large numbers of enthusiastic fans at such venues as Famous Daves, Dixies on Grand, Medina Ballroom, The Fine Line, O'Gara's, The Poodle Club, opener for Saint Paul Saints games, Blue Nile, Royal River Casino South Dakota, Lake Okoboji Summer Concert series Iowa, Highland Fest annual summer event, The Hexagon, Standing Room Only, and many others including an annual guest appearance for the Mid-America Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies and most recently was asked to play with Crow (Evil Woman fame) for the groundbreaking of the Mid-America Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in downtown Minneapolis.
The Surf Dawgs first CD "Driving Guitars" received a smashing review in the current issue of the well known International Surf publication "Pipeline", listing it in their top 10 favorites, and has been available since 2006 in record stores, featured on the group's myspace site, and available for download on
i-tunes along with their newest recording from 2008. The dedication to keeping their music true to the original sound of the 1960's surf craze has paid off with a loyal following of fans and a warm reception every where they perform.
Surf Dawgs-Hot Surf Licks! I'm first g-g-generation California Surf Sound and you guys seriously Rock & Got It! Surfs Up! in the Mid-West with The Surf Dawgs. Great Stuff-Cowabunga! Happy Trails Amigo's You's jazz my glass All the Best from out West. Thanks! Nick
Check out this blog where The Surf Dawgs were mentioned from a performance this last weekend: http://adamkoeppe.blogspot.com/2009/05/trashmen-live-bird-is-still-word.html Here are a few exerpts: "...The opening band, the Surf Dawgs, were an excellent instrumental group, drummer Sally West being particularly outstanding. Their version of the James Bond Theme was the highlight of a very solid performance. I spoke to lead guitarist Tom Kaplan after their set and his enthusiasm of rock and roll was obvious. The Surf Dawgs have a passion for instrumentals, a genre seldom heard these days. I hope a band this dedicated and talented finds the audience they deserve."
"...The Trashmen invited the Surf Dawgs on stage to jam on the final number, a powerhouse cover of Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Great Balls of Fire.” The tightness and passion from the musicians was more than is seen at the average arena show. These were people not going through the motions, but having fun doing what every kid used to dream of: play great rock and roll. "
As you know, Dr B and the Surf Dawgs played Saturday night (May 3rd) at the Medina ballroom as part of the Minnesota Rock and Roll Hall of Fame awards. The Dawgs were interupted, during their set, by a surprise announcement. Dr. B was awarded a "Lifetime Achievement" award by the Hall of Fame! He doesn't know this is being posted. He is very excited about this award...
