The TEMPORARY Home at 62 Lafayette Rd in North Hampton, NH Tel. (603) 929-7467

REMEMBERING LENNY DUNN!
JIMMY DUNN'S HBCF THIS WEEK!
SID ABBRUZZI'S WATER BROTHER.
THE DEADLY MAUI FIRES TAKING A TOLL.

LENNY DUNN HAS PASSED AWAY.
Monday August 7th, 2023 I was working on my book when I heard my phone ding. 8:11PM It was a text message from Ronnie Chane to me and my brother Johnny. At first glance, I thought it was another update on the rehearsal schedule. Ronnie, Johnny, myself, and Lenny had been working together since March on a couple of songs for the Phil Haynen (The DAWGS) tribute CD. It had been going great up until Lenny tweaked his shoulder a few days before our scheduled recording studio time had been booked. We had to wait until Lenny felt better. But when I read the text, I was completely shocked and stunned. Here’s his text.



Suffice it to say, I (along with everyone else) have been completely gutted.

I picked up the phone and immediately called Johnny. We were both in shock. This sudden shocking end to one of the best drummers I have ever known has been devastating. I have played with Lenny for 35 years. And as I spoke with my brother, those 35 years began to unravel the more we talked. It became increasingly clearer, just how deep this would cut. Then I called Whitey.

This tragic news was going to take some getting used to. Lenny was more than just the best drummer, he was one of our closest friends. And as tough as it was on me, Johnny, and Whitey, it was crushing news to his wife Marianne and their son Matt and his wife Elis and their daughter Emma. And poor Ronnie. Ronnie and Lenny were true best friends for over 40 years. As the minutes ticked by it seemed to only worsen our mood.



Lenny was our drummer in the band THE NOR’EASTERS. And he was the best. There was nobody better.



THE NOR'EASTERS 1988-2023. Johnny and I have played with Lenny for 35 Years. That's a long time. Some of the best times of my life were spent with Lenny, Whitey, and Johnny. We made some good solid Rocking Blues music, and we had a f-ing blast doing it. There will never be another drummer like Lenny Dunn. So, when Lenny passed away on Monday August 7th, 2023, so too, did THE NOR'EASTERS. It’s true.

I'm not playing without him under The Easter's name.



Lenny, you were a cross between Charlie Watts and Ringo Starr.

Always solid in the pocket, no BS, no complaints, no need to play a drum solo, or any additional fills. You were the engine that drove The Easters. Just a solid, powerhouse, behind the kit. And you kept us all laughing while doing it. All the surfers in the Northeast will recall THE NOR’EASTERS playing all over the seacoast. From Boston to Portsmouth, the Easters played and rocked out at so many different clubs and halls. We were a fun band to go and see. We had no political agenda and no message to share. It was just Rock and Blues music. Mostly originals with some covers tossed in. Most people liked the band. I mean what’s there not to like? Me and my brother Johnny on guitar, Whitey on the bass, and Lenny Dunn on the drums. We were one hell of a Rocking Blues Band.

I know I speak for Whitey and Johnny when I say this.

Ed O'Connell was one of the most loved surf photographers in New England. A US ARMY Vietnam Veteran who saved the lives of so many ARMY Grunts in Nam in 68-69 as a Medic on board those Dust Off Hueys. He was a dear friend of mine.

When he passed on July 1st, 2014 I swore I'd keep his memory and legacy alive by giving him this weekly corner. He loved surfing and he loved taking photos of all the surfers. Not just those who could really stand out. He shot every one. As long as I shall live and breathe the salt air, there will be a corner dedicated to Ed.

ED'S CORNER August 13th, 2023



This pic of BHD (BIG HANDSOME DADDY) was shot on August 10th, 2013. The event was the 275th Anniversary of HAMPTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE. From left to right Bill Trafidlo on bass, Lenny Dunn on drums, and Ralph Fatello on guitar and vocals. It's hard to believe that both Ed and now Lenny are gone. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.


COMING THIS FALL. The long awaited book that I have been writing the last 10 years or so. Yes, there will be a book signing. And I will let you all know in advance, where and when. Meanwhile Click on the image below to see a larger version. The book will be available in both hard cover and soft cover on AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, INGRAM, and KOBO PUBLISHING. It's been a long time coming. I'm pretty stoked about this project. 72 years in the making. Stay tuned.



Most of my close friends have heard some of these stories first hand. But trust me, with over 100 stories, there's a handful that none of you have ever heard. It's true. Be patient my friends. It's all coming in the fall of 2023. Just in time for the holidays.

THE RETURN of the 2023 HAMPTON BEACH COMEDY FESTIVAL IS THIS WEEK. You need to purchase tickets ASAP. These shows are selling out. Listen to Jimmy here. BUT TIX NOW!



All kidding aside, you need to buy tickets AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! Seriously, these shows are selling out!

The HIT THE BEACH DAY is on Friday August 25th, 2023.

Hard to believe it's been 15 years of HIT THE BEACH.
This is going to be a big day at the beach. We are currently working with the State to get the beach cleaned up the day or two prior to the HTB day. As most of you know, we have had huge amounts of seaweed on that beach every year. It would be nice to have it clean this year.

Lenny, I had the best of times playing with you, and I am going to miss you until my own dying day. Until the next time we see it each other…
"2-3-4...Well we rocked all night in a local bar, Johnny got drunk and played guitar. Yeah we rocked that joint and tore it up. Whitey yelled "kick it" and we took off. We're going 95 on 95, baby 95 is the speed I drive, 95 on 95 when my baby needs me, that's what I drive.
Well the very next night we did it again. Man that place was rocking. The brothers brilliant make it move. Lenny and Blubster talking chew. We went 95 on 95, baby 95 is the speed I drive, 95 on 95 when my baby needs me, that's what I drive.”

I love you Lenny!

There’s going to be a lot of Rock and Rollers at Lenny’s service. I am humbled to have been asked by the family, to write and read Lenny’s eulogy. And I consider it both an honor, and a privilege. Because, like a lot of you, I loved him like a brother. Click on the photo below for location of the funeral home and time. I will be writing and reading Lenny's Eulogy at 6:00PM

His funeral service will be at the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly, on Monday, August 14th, at 6 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours prior to the service from 4 to 6 p.m. Interment will be held privately. Contributions may be made in Leonard's memory to American Heart Association. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.

Click on the image above to get directions and time for his service on Monday August 14th, 2023.

The PREMIERE SHOWING of "WATER BROTHER" Starring Sid Abbruzzi at Fort Adams on AUGUST 17th, 2023
80 Fort Adams Dr, Newport, RI

Parking will be available onsite and bus transportation within Fort Adams will be provided to the main entrance, there is no cost to park 
This event is rain or shine

ABOUT THE FILM: WATER BROTHER is a feature documentary that follows the life of Sid Abbruzzi, an East Coast legend and culture icon. The film explores Sid’s lifelong passion for surfing, skating, and his commitment to protecting the sport’s history and culture. Through a mix of never-before-seen archival film, personal interviews, and large format cinematic footage, including exclusive interviews with giants of the surf, skate and art world, this documentary takes the audience on a journey through the history of surfing and skating – from 1960s Newport to Santa Cruz, Cocoa Beach, South Africa’s Jeffrey’s Bay, and beyond.

As Sid approaches the age of 72, the film captures the final days of his famous Water Brothers Surf & Skate shop, set to be demolished. It delves into the impact of the shop’s closure on the local community and the broader surf and skate world. The documentary emphasizes the importance of memory, personal history, and living in the moment, reminding us to cherish our past and preserve cultural heritage.

WATER BROTHER is a poignant reflection on a life well-lived and a heartfelt tribute to the enduring spirit of surf culture. It celebrates the individuals and places that transcend surfing and skating from mere hobbies, showing how one man’s dedication can inspire an entire community.

“ROCK AND ROLL AND SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

CLICK ON THE IMAGES ABOVE AND BELOW TO DONATE TO THE MAUI FIRE VICTIMS







When Ole Khaliddy caught wind of Sid Abbruzzi's WATER BROTHER Documentary he tried to start a fundraising event of his own to appeal to the world's terroists. The problem is, unlike Sid who is loved by hundreds of thousands of surfers and skaters, nobody and I mean nobody, loves Khalid Sheik Mohummed. Sorry Sheiky, nobody loves a terrorist. Nobody. Not even your own mother. So back to the drawing board Khaliddy. And back to GITMO where you will spend the rest of your days. Loser.




And so my friends, please take advantage of this weekly photo shop of the mastermind who planned 9-11 and resulted in the deaths of 3,000 innocent civilians by KSM (Khalid Sheik Mohammed). *Note to self -must pick up a case of Rat Poison at Home Depot this week.

REST IN PEACE LENNY DUNN 66, on August 7th, 2023.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jacquie Wright July 29th, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SKYE ROSA August 6th, 2023!
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
Please keep LOCAL LEGEND Surfer Norm Murphy in your thoughts and prayers.
Please keep Victor Capozzi in your prayers as he recovers from heart surgery he had on July 7th, 2023 at Beth Israel.

Finally, I'm calling this a special request.
LOCAL SURFER/MUSICIAN PETE KOWALSKI NEEDS A KIDNEY. A TYPE A KIDNEY. PLEASE if you know anyone with a Type A Kidney please contact me at ralph@adlantic.com

SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS!
Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 19 years.
** BUY a HIGH RES Photo from any of the weeks on RPOTW.
Remember my friends... Surfing Heals All Wounds.
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surfing Is Supposed to be Fun.

Ralph

"BAGEL BOMBS" The Surf Mural at KB's Bagel Shop on King's Highway in Hampton, NH.
For those of us who have never seen this mural, it's located on King's Highway in Hampton, NH. I painted this I believe in the late 90's. And like I have done with many of my large paintings, I have my kids paint in the white water, to have it be a family painting. Photo by Cory Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see a larger image

I kept a daily Blog on my CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY surf campaign, when I surfed every single day for 365 consecutive days. Click on the Banner above to read entries of my daily journey. There's some really interesting and true experiences
that happened during that year. Some of which are to this day, unexplainable. Some are just mind blowing. But all true.

I started on July 26th, 2010 and ended on July 26th, 2011.

Some rainy Sunday, pour yourself a cup and go through the journal. Pay close attention to the month of May in 2011. Read that month and let me know what you think of that. Be forewarned it will change you forever.

All photos taken this week unless otherwise noted.

Today- THE SURPRISE AUGUST 8th, 2023 SWELL
Photos by RALPH



(Above) This rainbow was the first pic I shot that night. The day after Lenny passed away. Lord knows I needed it. Tuesday August 8th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on the ad above to see the Menu and other
important info on their Somerville restaurant and all the
other AMERICAN FLATBREAD locations.

(Above) This guy is one of my favorite surfers/shapers. Mikel Evans.
Tuesday August 8th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This night was incredible as far as the sky and clouds.
Tuesday August 8th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is Kody Grondin taking a smooth summer slice.
Tuesday August 8th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Best EAST COAST Coverage on the Internet.

Click on the ad above to find out more about
more about local surf artist Stan Chew's art

Clark Little's new book
Click on the ad for more info.

(Above) This is Mikel Evans looking at his options on this summer night.
Tuesday August 8th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This was Kevin Grondin's first surf since his Mexico trip.
Tuesday August 8th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

The SURFER'S JOURNAL is in a league all of their own.
READ the Great piece on local photographer Brian Nevins

DIPG THE CURE STARTS NOW
To learn more about Evan and his journey click here  https://thecurestartsnow.org/sup.../view-heroes/evan-austin/

(Above) This is Shayne Forsely. Tuesday August 8th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Is this you Chris? I can't tell from the angle.
Tuesday August 8th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Colby is always good for one or two of these per session.
Tuesday August 8th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

If you love the Beatles and you love the guitar
click on this ad above for an amazing instrumental
band playing all of your favorite Beatles songs with
the coolest arrangements. Johnny A is one of the
best guitar players on the planet.

Peter Stokes is one of the BEST guitar techs in
all of North America. He's the BEST guitar tech
in New England.

Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page

(Above) Then Mackey V showed up after some serious persuading.
Tuesday August 8th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Jesse Gould is one of a handful of killer Goofy Foots.
Tuesday August 8th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page

Produced by Steve Sadler.
Visit our Facebook page

The VINNY Band was around from 1976 to 1984




July 30th, 1979 headlining the Paradise Club
In Boston, MA

(Above) The sky this night was amazing. Mesmerizing.
Tuesday August 8th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Colby was flying around all over the place.
Tuesday August 8th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) The contrast of colors was spectacular.
Tuesday August 8th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

The art of Donna Baldassari

Hannah Vokey is one of my favorite surf artists.

(Above) Like I already said, Colby was flying around all over the place out there. Tuesday August 8th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) More cloud and sky art. Tuesday August 8th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This looked like such a peaceful and serene line-up.
Tuesday August 8th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This cloud kept morphing into cool shapes and light.
Tuesday August 8th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE DAY AFTER AUGUST 9th, 2023 SWELL
Photos by RALPH



(Above) The right pose, on the right board. Wednesday August 9th, 2023. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

I love Erica's whimsical Gull art. So cool and unique.

ONLY THE DURHAM STORE IS OPEN.
Due to the massive fire back in August the
Hampton store is closed. We will let you all
know when SECRET SPOT is back in
operation on the seacoast.
Thank you.
Jon Gozzo and family.

(Above) This is Connor Brown. Wednesday August 9th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) This wave and ride? After I shot this, I drove home to get my board and came back and got a sweet little barrel on my first wave.
Wednesday August 9th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is Jon Kiskinis doing a nice little snapper cracker.
Wednesday August 9th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The waves were really lined up but lacked any real size. But then again, beggars can't be choosers. Wednesday August 9th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is Sue, Lenny, and Whitey. Photo by Cory Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) This is Johnny, Lenny, Rich, and myself in Gloucester, MA.
Photo by Cory Fatello *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is Bill Trafidlo, myself, Lenny, and Johnny at Kevin Grondin's 50th Birthday bash. Photo by Cory Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on this image to visit Driftwood Photography

"GIVE YOUR BUSINESS A KICK IN THE ADS"
Since 1985.

Everybody has a story to tell

(Above) These two were best friends. Lenny and Ronnie.
Photo c/o Ronnie Chane
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery






(Above) This is Lenny and myself of The NOR'EASTERS at WALLY's . Photo by Cory Fatello *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is a shot from the Franco American Blues Jam.
Photo by c/o Johnny Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Believe it or not, Lenny played with Johnny and I at the LAST VINNY show in 2006. We played at the ALPO TRIBUTE SHOW at the Dodge Street Bar & Grille. There's a great video recording of this show that Art Friedman shot. That was the last time The VINNY Band ever played out. And, Lenny was going to play drums in the VINNY reunion show too. But that's not gonna happen again. No Lenny = No VINNY and NO Easters. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) This is me, Lenny, and Johnny playing as the VINNY BAND.
Photo by Cory Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is Johnny, Lenny, and Rich, and me. Photo by Cory Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) These are The CATALINAS. Photo c/o Satch Kerans
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Send your SURF Pics to me directly to: ralph@adlantic.com.
Need photos by 10 AM on Saturdays. Seriously.
By 10AM. Make sure they are 1300 to 1555 pixels wide.
If you have more than 10 pics please use wetransfer.com it's free up to 2 gig. Please DO NOT send me over 10 pics without first contacting and communicating with me.
Thank you.

Click on Archives link to see all the past Blogs and pics.

My friend Rick McAvoy from Maine is the creator
behind this unique Surf Company

(Above) Beautiful day in York, Maine providing support for my friend Karen Morgan Comedy as she crushed the Nubble Light Challenge.
Photo by Jimmy Dunn
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Here's a beautiful cellphone pic of a perfect peak that's just slightly north of where your standing. 8-10-23. Photo by James Roscoe
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

He's more than just a good photographer

(Above) All Rise: The 10th Street District Court Of Surf is Now in Session. The Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. Case # 736 BLATANT DROP IN OF THE WEEK. Click the image above to see the outcome of this Surf Crime and the verdict that was rendered.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the outcome

This is what happens if you are found GUILTY. You become invisible.

Click on this image above to buy this book
and more cool KING'S X merchandise and music

I see some little waves on Friday and Saturday

I'm picking Friday August 18th, 2023 as the best of the week!

August 13th, 2023

Not that I was intentionally trying to bust on the Barbie Movie Theme but... DIVORCED BARBIE is here.

(ABOVE) DIVORCED Barbie...hey one can only take so much of Ken.
Photo by The Google Machine



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