Golden Bear honored with two concerts

The Huntington Beach Centennial Committee will host two concerts in memory of the Golden Bear, a famous Surf City nightclub and restaurant which stood on Pacific Coast Highway from the 1920s to the 1980s.

Scheduled to perform Sept. 25 are Honk, David Lindley, Ray Manzarek of the Doors and special guests, who will perform two shows at 6:30 and 10 p.m. On Sept. 26, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Chris Hillman and Herb Pederson, and special guests will perform at 6:30 and 10 p.m.

The shows will be blocks from the Bear’s original location, at the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort’s Grand Ballroom. Several former owners will be in attendance, as well as former Golden Bear Manager Kevin Kirby and other Bear associates. There will also be a special exhibit of photos and memorabilia, including the original Golden Bear sign.

The Bear was the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s home venue; Steve Noonan, a Saturday special guest wrote the band’s first hit, “Buy for Me the Rain.” Chris Hillman first performed there as a founding member of the Byrds.

Visit goldenbearreunion.com or call (714) 960-7904. Show prices range from $57.50 to $97.50. Higher-priced seats will include a retro dinner; choices include an original “Bear Burger” or appetizers. Purchasers will be limited to six tickets per order; some sponsor tables with 10 seats are also available. Part of the proceeds will benefit Sweet Relief, a Huntington Beach-based charity that aids career musicians with illnesses, disabilities or age-related problems.

— Candice Baker