Yachtley Crew Set to Drop Anchor at CALM for 4th Annual Jamboree

The breezy, feel-good melodies and smooth harmonies of nostalgic tracks like “Sailing,” “Africa,” and “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” are set to once again ring out as Yachtley Crew docks at the California Living Museum (CALM) for the 4th Annual KEEP CALM Jamboree. Known for their high-energy performances and uncanny ability to transport audiences back to the golden age of 70s and 80s soft rock — or “Yacht Rock” — Yachtley Crew promises an unforgettable evening of music and fun on Friday, April 25.

The event, presented by Valley Strong Credit Union, is more than just a concert. It’s a signature fundraiser for two organizations near and dear to many in our community — Camp KEEP and CALM — run by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools office.

Yacht Rock Superfan Amanda Frank, KCSOS’s director of community relations and co-producer of the Jamboree, expressed her excitement about the band’s return. A self-proclaimed “Crewpie” — as the band’s faithful fans are called — Frank recalled attending her first Yachtley Crew show at The Well in Bakersfield back in January 2020.

“It was a modest crowd of a couple hundred, but I was hooked,” she said.

Since then, she’s attended twelve shows around California and in Las Vegas.

“We had tickets to see them on the Queen Mary in March 2020, then the whole world shut down,” Frank recalled. “We spent the next year or so watching the band streamed online during the height of the pandemic.”

Frank and co-producer Rob Meszaros, known affectionately as “The Captain” for overseeing and promoting the event, were instrumental in helping bring the band back to Bakersfield for the inaugural Jamboree in April 2022.

Meszaros, board president of the Camp KEEP Foundation at the time, had the idea of hosting a new concert fundraiser in partnership with the CALM Foundation. He pitched the idea to Frank who suggested pursuing Yachtley Crew as the event’s first act.

“I was honestly hesitant at first,” Meszaros admitted. “I had no clue what Yacht Rock was.”

Fast forwarding a few years, Yachtley Crew has amassed a devoted following, selling out large shows nationwide and establishing a residency at The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Their star power has risen even further thanks to the recently released HBO film Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary. The critically acclaimed documentary chronicles the rise of the smooth West Coast sound pioneered by artists like Steely Dan, Toto, Michael McDonald, and Christopher Cross exploring its widespread influence and how modern acts like Yachtley Crew are keeping the genre alive for new generations.

Donning nautical-themed attire, complete with captain’s hats and sailor uniforms, the band creates a playful atmosphere that turns every performance into an escape. Their ability to faithfully recreate smooth, breezy melodies while engaging audiences with humor and showmanship has made them a sought-after act nationwide.

Last year’s KEEP CALM Jamboree was a sellout success, with over 1,000 guests enjoying the festivities. CALM Director Meg Maitland urges guests to get their tickets early, while emphasizing the event’s importance.

“We’re excited to host Yachtley Crew at CALM again this year,” she said. “This concert not only brings a fantastic musical experience to our community but also supports our ongoing efforts in wildlife conservation and environmental education.”

$100 general admission tickets for this 21-and-over event are available now at calmzoo.org. The ticket price includes a two-hour concert and complimentary beer and wine. Guests can also purchase dinner and dessert from a variety of food trucks that will be on-site.

“It’s been so fun to see the rise of the band, and we are so happy to be able to bring the boys back to town,” Frank said. “We can’t wait to welcome the community for a night of great music and support for a great cause.”