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

ROCKING AT THE BURREN IN BOSTON.
FOLLOW UP ON THE NH CHRONICLE PIECE.
MORE MARCH SWELLS. THE BITCH SLAP HEARD ROUND THE WORLD. 1 YEAR AGO.



RALPH FATELLO playing at The Burren on March 5th, 2023
So last Sunday I played at the BURREN night Club in Somerville, MA. That’s on the outskirts of Boston. I had not played live since pre-covid. In fact the last time I played with any musicians was in California when the EASTIES went out to surf with the WESTIES. That was the winter of 2020. Right before Covid hit. And well, you know the rest of that story.

The world as we knew it basically shut down.

So here we are some three years later and a dear friend Larry Newman had put together a live tribute show to honor the late Asa Brebner. A Boston Rock and Roll icon who passed away in 2019. There were over 20 Boston musicians who played at this tribute. All the money generated by this show went to helping out his twin boys.



I was a bit apprehensive before hitting the stage. I was playing just my acoustic guitar and my brother Johnny had his Telecaster playing with me. I was also joined by three female singers (ASA’S ANGELS) and Larry Newman on bass. All in all it was a fun night. Mostly because of seeing and hanging out with a lot of dear friends from the past. I once sang back in the day “She was too old to Rock and Roll, but she was just too young to really let go…” I could see that about myself today.

This is another couple of pics from last Sunday. On the left is me, Larry Newman and ASA'S ANGELS. My brother Johnny is hidden on stage left. The pic on the right is of our dear friend Kelly Knapp from the band The DARLINGS. Both of these photos were taken by my wife Cory. The real question is, did that show ignite a flame in my soul to want to get back out there and play my guitar and sing some new songs?

It kind of did. There's a whole bunch of fans out there who want to see the VINNY Band again. I'm seriously thinking about it. And this club, The BURREN, really seemed user friendly. I could see something like this in the future. Stay tuned. You never know.

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 MARCH 12th, 2023



This is another unknown regular foot. The repetitive beauty of Ed's indiscriminate shooting is photos like this. He didn't care if he knew you or not. He was taking your photo of you did one of two things. 1. Caught a nice looking wave. 2. Knew how to surf. That's the basic criteria that Ed had whenever he was out shooting. If you were on a nice looking wave, or you knew how to surf. This pic was taken in March of 2008.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

BOSTON BRUINS BECOME THE FASTEST TEAM TO EVER WIN 50 GAMES this Fast. I posted this here because Ed O'Connell was a huge Bruins fan, And honestly? If Ed were alive today he and Kathy would be tuned into these red hot Bruins!

This poster says it all. DEVIN McCOURTY WILL BE MISSED.

And the very next night Monday March 6th, 2023 was the NH Chronicle piece. I could spend time and space here writing about that show, or, you could simply watch it yourselves. I posted it at the top of this page. And you can form your own opinion. I guess it went over well with my peers and fellow surfers. Most of the people who saw it, had favorable reviews. My family and close friends loved it. Of course, I got some humorous grief from my friends. And surprisingly enough, some of my very closest friends, never said a word to me about it. I thought that was odd. But then again, it’s hard to tell what some people are thinking from one day to the next. It couldn’t be because they were not in the piece. They were in it. It might simply be that there was just too much “doobage” in their fuel lines. I’m sure it will come up in conversation at some point. “Hey Ralph weren’t you on that Chronicle show once?”  

I do want to thank Sean McDonald  and Paul Falco of WMUR. They were really nice and professional. And I need to thank Max and Kody for being such good sports and participating with the whole shoot. Though getting to surf perfect waves is hardly a burden. Seriously, the surf was shoulder to head high at the Wall, and there really was hardly anyone else out there. There’s one shot where they both split the peak. Max being a Goofy foot and Kody being a regular foot looked pretty cool on film.

It was a really nice winter's day at the beach.



Well so much has happened since last week. First and foremost, we had some insane swells. One on Sunday March 5th and one on Friday March 10th, 2023. Suffice it to say March is really stepping up in both the swell activity and the winter scene. As I write this, another big ass NOR’EASTER is winding up to deliver another winter slap in the face. Hell, we might even get some significant white stuff. Of course they have been wrong a few times this winter when it comes to predicting winter storms. I am not complaining mind you, just pointing out the obvious.



MARCH IS STILL MARCHING LIKE A LION!
If this is accurate? Holy Smokes Batman! This is some serious surf.

So this week’s Blog has no less than six photographers contributing to the 8 (count 'em 8) galleries. This pic below of Jack Madden was taken by Dina Crawford on Sunday March 5th, 2023.

And let me clear this up once and for all. Dina Crawford and Jeff Crawford are not related. I’ve known Jeff since the early 60’s and we go back a long way in both surfing and music. We have shared some of the most memorable times together. From our virgin trip to Nova Scotia in 1971 and our times playing music together. We surfed all over New England together and as far west as California and Baja Mexico and then off to Mecca. Hawaii’s North Shore of Oahu. I took Jeff there for his first ever trip to Hawaii in 85 and he fell in love with the place and made several trips with his wife JoAnne and eventually their son Everest. We have stayed close friends since the 60’s. Our mutual love for surf photography and making movies was another plus for us.

Dina Crawford and I became friends about 3-5 years ago. Once I turned her onto my Blog, she has become a regular contributor each week. In fact, I’ve called her little slice of Paradise “DINALAND”. That’s her photo on the front page of the Chronicle article. That was one of the coldest days ever if I recall. All the local surfers know her on that sandy stretch of paradise.

Tony Berardini is back with a gallery that he shot out front of his abode. He’s heading back out west with his wife Shelly, to catch some California sun and surf. He’ll be sending some WEST COAST pics before you know it. That’s always something to look forward to.

So speaking of surf and surf photography. It’s looking like we are going to get hit with a pretty good size NOR’EASTER on Tuesday. And this massive storm is going to produce waves for several days, but Wednesday looks pretty damn significant. Another week another swell. I’ve already got a folder full of video from the 1st, the 5th, and the 10th of March. I guess I better hold off until this next swell is all said and done with before I do an edit. But man I’m gonna have one hell of a MUCHO MARCH MADNESS edit.

Local Rye Surfer Daniel "DANO" Demers Passed Away on 2-28-23.
June 14, 1960 - February 28, 2023 BELOW is a few excerpts from his Obituary posted on the CONNOR HEALY Funeral Home in Manchester Website. https://www.connorhealy.com/obituary/daniel-demers

Dan is pre-deceased by his father Richard, his hero, mentor and confidante with whom he shared a love of nature and the outdoors. Along with his brother Chris, Dan and his dad spent many wonderful days hunting in the beautiful woods of NH or fishing out on the ocean.

After a few years of college life Dan and a group of his best friends decided to spend some time in Hawaii pursuing one of the great passions of his life - surfing. Dan embraced so much of the Hawaiian lifestyle, from the gentle way of life to the gorgeous natural landscape and the surf culture that he loved so much. One of Dan’s great hopes for the future was to get a plot of land on Maui. His love of surfing developed in his early years in a tight knit community of NH surfers. They called him "Dano" and he loved them dearly. Together they spent countless hours surfing the waves in Rye, NH



A masterful builder, he designed and built a gorgeous post and beam barn which was regarded by everyone who saw it as a beautiful piece of craftsmanship. During its construction, Dan spent so many happy days with his two right hand assistants - his dad and mom. And when Dan thought about what belongs in a barn -- of course the answer was a beautiful old English sailboat in need of complete restoration.

Dan's La Manchan was a labor of love that brought him so much joy as he watched the historic wooden cutter come back to life board by board. Dan’s creative process of late had turned back to his love of surfing. He was often found in his spare time shaping his own “Island Path” hand-made and designed custom surfboards. 

This brilliant, creative, warm and loving man will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Dan would probably ask that instead of sadness at his passing – rather take some time to stop and appreciate the beautiful, fascinating world around us and join him for a walk on his Island Path. 

“SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

We watched this on NETFLIX and we (my wife and I ) thought it was hilarious. The mere fact that he waisted almost an entire year before he came out and dealt with the "Bitch Slap" heard round the world was brilliant. He was funny and vicious. And everything he said about Mr and Mrs Smith was spot on. The fact that Dave Chappelle was seen in so many of his photos at the end of the show sealed the deal for me. Good for you Chris Rock. Good for you. We can't wait to see the OSCARS tonight. Jimmy Kimmel is going to kill it. I can feel it in my Bones.

And speaking of feeling it in your bones...



Oh boy. Something tells me that 45 and the Fox News gang are not going steady anymore. Hypocrites the whole lot of them. They should all be in jail for what happened on January 6th. The blood and deaths of that day, are on the hands of 45 and FOX News.

Now for something a little lighter...If you drive alone in your car with the windows rolled up? Yeah, you know who you are. This might be something for you.



We all need to lighten up. This is funny. It's not real. It's funny.

The NEW HAMPSHIRE SURF DOCUMENTARY.



A documentary that has been 59 years in the making. Hear from Local Legends Surfers from all over New England talk about New Hampshire. Coming the Summer of 2023


Last year I had Khaliddy getting slapped by Will Smith. This year?
Our boy Khaliddy is reacting to the CHRIS ROCK Netflix Special. Even KSM, who is stuck sitting alone in his cell at GITMO agrees with Chris Rock. The Sheik himself knows that Mrs Smith was way out of line. You can't fool Khaliddy when it comes to having unmasked women doing what she did to Poor Willy. If one of The Sheik's wives pulled that crap on KSM? Oh hell no. Allah Arkbar baby all day long!



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 BITCH SLAPPING CREME at Home Depot this week.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Zorro Fatello March 18th, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Gale Brunault March 20-2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Noelle Rizzo March 27th, 2023!
HAPPY Heavenly Birthday Gus Fatello March 27th, 2023!
HAPPY Heavenly Birthday Angelo Fatello March 27th, 2023! REST IN PEACE Patricia "PATCHES" Holmes
REST IN PEACE Tom Sizemore age 61 yrs.
REST IN PEACE Daniel "DANO" Demers June 14, 1960 - February 28, 2023
GET WELL SOON Tracey Drane wife of Dustin Devlin.
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
Heal quickly Gary Ritchie who's going through PT for a messed up shoulder.
Please keep LOCAL LEGEND Surfer Norm Murphy in your thoughts and prayers.
Please Keep local surfer Bill M. in your thoughts and prayers.

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. Surf For Fun.

Ralph

FROM 1978 TO 2023!
This is a photo of me in 1978 playing at the Paradise in Boston and the other photo is me at The Burren in Somerville last Sunday. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Photos c/o RALPH

*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 10th OF MARCH SWELL
Friday March 10th, 2023 Photos by RALPH



(Above) The day started with a beautiful sunrise.
Friday March 10th, 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) Out on the outer reefs, an overhead right unfolds.
Friday March 10th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This smooth carving cutback set the mood. Crowley Gentile.
Friday March 10th, 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 Lars Hamilton on his 24th Birthday. HBD Lars!
Friday March 10th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) This? This is beautiful. But you already knew that.
Friday March 10th, 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.

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 Brundan _Mumbleville shooting out of the gate.
Friday March 10th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) No words needed here. Friday March 10th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) It was nice seeing Gilly Donatelli before he paddled out.
I hung around long enough to get a few pics and video of him.
Friday March 10th, 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) This Bald Eagle literally flew over the line up and then landed in a treee behind me. Friday March 10th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE 5th OF MARCH SWELL
Sunday March 5th, 2023 Photos by RALPH


(Above) This is such a pretty wave. Sunday March 5th, 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) Big Cam MacLeod forced into having to straighten out before the guillotine came down on his head. Sunday March 5th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) They were spitting Sunday barrels. Sunday March 5th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is Jake Davidson deep in the gullet of a sand sucking barrel. Sunday March 5th, 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) The Madden boys checking the action. Sunday March 5th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE DINALAND GALLERY MARCH 5th SWELL
Sunday March 5th, 2023 Photos by Dina Crawford




(Above) This is Jack Madden checking the action from the inside of
a nice barrel. Sunday March 5th, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Jack Madden taking a stomach retching drop at DINALAND. Sunday March 5th, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Matt Colby tightly packed in a grinding inside left.
Sunday March 5th, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*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) Jake Davidson holding his breath on Sunday March 5th, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That's Max Fatello fresh off the plane from PR while nursing a serious groin muscle pull. Sunday March 5th, 2023.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE 10th DAY OF MARCH
Friday March 10th, 2023. Photos by Dina Crawford

(Above) The waves were cleaner and greener on Friday March 10th, 2023.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) There goes Jesse Gould. Friday March 10th, 2023.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That's a beautiful wave. Friday 3-10-23.
Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Tony was sitting further back from me and had a great angle.
Friday March 10th, 2023 Photo by Tony Berardini
*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) This might be birthday boy Lars Hamilton.
Friday March 10th, 2023 Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE CAPE ANN GALLERY
March 5th, 2023. Photos by Jeff Crawford

(Above) This spot is a Goofy Foot's delight. Sunday March 5th, 2023.
Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I surfed here in the mid 70's with Jeff. Sunday March 5th, 2023.
Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Though it can be intimidating. Sunday March 5th, 2023.
Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- KAI ZOLA & THE JERSEY CHRONICLES
Sunday March 5th, 2023. Photos by Brett Zola

(Above) That's a heavy wave. Kai Zola pulling into a burning pit.
Sunday March 5th, 2023. Photo by Brett Zola
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That's a stand up barrel. Kai Zola standing tall.
Sunday March 5th, 2023. Photo by Brett Zola
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The rumor is Sam Hammer was impressed with Kai's surfing.
Damn who wouldn't be with making barrels like these?
Sunday March 5th, 2023. Photo by Brett Zola
*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) And speaking of Kai. Here's Kainalu Nichols in Hawaii.
March- 2023. Photo c/o Kainalu Nichols
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) The fun surf in Florida was just what this man needed. Stan Bocko March - 2023. Photos by Mindy Bocko
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

He's more than just a good photographer

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

MA MA HELP US ALL! Wednesday could be one for the record books.

I picked BIG WEDNESDAY as the BEST day of the week 3-15-23!

March 12th, 2023

"NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP, I PRAY THE LORD MY SOUL TO KEEP. IF THE LIP HITS ME IN THE HEAD. I PRAY THAT I DON'T END UP DEAD"!

(ABOVE) Night night...Photo by RALPH



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