Bop-A-Dips rock the house at regatta
Many people who attended the Bop-A-Dips concert last Saturday night, Aug. 9 at the Regatta Shoreline Amphitheater in Polson were dancing at the stage. Those who were there when a Pink Cadillac music video was being shot will be on YouTube.
Bop-A-Dips lead vocalist Greg Carter belts out a Beach Boys tune while Doug Smith drums in the background during the Summerfest concert last Saturday night, Aug. 11 at the Regatta Shoreline Amphitheater. (Joe Sova photos/Lake County Leader)
Ready for some rock n’ roll and beach party music? Then you should attend a Bop-A-Dips concert.
The popular Missoula band that specializes in music from the Beach Boys era of the 1960s played before a large Summerfest crowd at the Regatta Shoreline Amphitheater in Polson last Saturday night, Aug. 11. With the exception of one member, the current band has been intact for the last 34 years.
The Bop-A-Dips consist of six band members. They are lead vocalist and co-founder Greg Carter; Dave McIntosh, guitar and saxophone; Clyde Persons, bass; Tei Nash, guitar; Jim Rogers, guitar and keyboard; and drummer Doug Smith. Their sound man, on board for 35 years, is Lee Mandelko.
In additon to Beach Boys hits, the Bop-A-Dips pound out songs recorded by Manfred Mann, Bob Seger and much more.
It was the last Bop-A-Dips concert before taking a fall and winter break. They’re back in the groove next spring.
“The band is continuing to grow,” Carter said in a telephone conversation Monday. “We’re going to get into more ‘tropical rock,’ and do some Motown and add a horn section. We’re putting that all together.”
THE ORIGINAL band was formed by Carter and Nash about 45 years ago in southern California, back in 1973.
“We just wanted to play (music),” laughed Carter. Play they did, going from coast to coast, even into Canada and to Hawaii.
“I came through Montana and fell in love with it,” Carter said, looking back to 1978. That’s when the band members moved to Big Sky country.
Carter spoke about playing for Summerfest at the regatta on the north shore of the Flathead River.
“It’s absolutely tremendous,” he said, “and it’s only going to get better.”
Carter gave credit to Dennis and Nila Anderson, owners of Anderson Broadcasting. “It (the regatta) can absolutely be world class.
“It brings so much to the community. I hope the people of Lake County support it.”
WHAT DO the Bop-A-Dips band members do for their “day” jobs?
Carter owns Mustard Seed Sauce and Dressing Co. McIntosh is a music store owner. Nash is back to teaching school. Rogers is a piano instructor. Persons owns a landscaping company. And Smith is a Pella window dealer. They all reside in Missoula, and the band is sponsored by Zip Beverage, distributing through the Mission Valley and into the Flathead.
“We’re going to keep rolling and try to get better and better,” Carter said. “You’re gonna hear a bigger and better sound.”