The band HONK playing at Rivian South Coast Theater in Laguna Beach, CA.

HONK and Five Summer Stories Sell Out Three Nights at Rivian South Coast Theater

In a spectacular celebration of surf culture and cinematic history, the Coast Film & Music Festival hosted a sold-out three-night event at the restored Rivian South Coast Theater in 2024. The event featured screenings of the legendary surf film Five Summer Stories and live performances with HONK, drawing fans from across Southern California. This unforgettable experience blended film, live music, and storytelling, solidifying Laguna Beach's deep-rooted connection to the surf and arts communities.

HONK: A Laguna Beach Legacy

Few bands capture the spirit of Laguna Beach like Honk, the beloved surf rock band that originated in the coastal town in 1970. The group, composed of Steve Wood (keyboards/vocals), Don Whaley (bass), Tris Imboden (drums), Richard Stekol (guitar), Beth Fitchet Wood (vocals/guitar), and Craig Buhler (saxophone), became a defining voice of the surf scene in the early ‘70s. Their major breakthrough came when filmmaker Greg MacGillivray, a high school friend, invited them to compose the soundtrack for his 1972 surf documentary, Five Summer Stories.

The collaboration catapulted Honk to surf culture stardom, with tracks like “Pipeline Sequence” reaching #1 in Hawaii. The band's blend of rock, folk, and jazz influences resonated beyond the surf community, leading to record deals with 20th Century Records and Epic Records and national tours alongside The Beach Boys, Loggins and Messina, Chicago, and Santana.

Though the band disbanded in 1975, its members continued their musical careers—most notably Tris Imboden, who became the longtime drummer for Chicago (1990-2018), and Steve Wood, who built a successful career composing IMAX film soundtracks. Despite their separate ventures, Honk's legacy endured, leading to reunions that celebrate their lasting impact on surf culture and Laguna Beach's music scene.

Supporting Honk Guitarist Richard Stekol

One of Honk’s founding members, Richard Stekol, has been a driving force behind the band's distinctive sound, known for his innovative guitar work and heartfelt songwriting. Today, Richard is facing one of the toughest battles of his life as he fights cancer.

A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help alleviate some of his medical expenses, providing financial support so he can focus on his treatment and recovery. As a beloved figure in the Laguna Beach music scene, Richard’s contributions to Honk and the greater surf music community have left an indelible mark.

If you’d like to contribute and support Richard Stekol, please visit his GoFundMe page here. Every donation, no matter how small, makes a difference.

Richard Stekol - Guitar

Please visit his GoFundMe page **here**.

A Night to Remember

For many longtime fans, this event was more than just a film screening—it was a homecoming. As Honk's music filled the beautifully restored Rivian South Coast Theater, emotions ran high for those who had once packed the old Laguna Beach Theater in the 1970s to see them perform live. The nostalgia was palpable, with some attendees reminiscing about late-night concerts where surf films and Honk’s electrifying performances created an unforgettable energy in the very same space, decades before its transformation. Others recalled seeing the band at the Coach House, a beloved local venue where Honk continued to captivate audiences over the years.

Seeing Five Summer Stories on the big screen once again—paired with Honk’s timeless soundtrack—was a powerful experience that bridged generations of surf and music lovers. Younger attendees were introduced to the magic of surf culture’s golden era, while longtime fans relived memories of their youth. The event was not just a tribute to the past, but a celebration of Honk’s enduring legacy and the way their music continues to inspire.

📷: Heidi Zumbrun | 🎥: Jan Schrieber