Quiksilver Pro N.Y. brings music, festivities to Long Beach

“This is phenomenal—everyone really appreciates the music,” said Vinny Rizzotti, drummer for Roots Revelators, a multi-genre rock band which also focuses on reggae, ska and jazz, during the band’s music session at the Allegria Hotel on Sunday. “The Allegria is great—the staff is great. It’s great to be here.”

The band’s performance was just one of an array of activities to hit Long Beach on Sunday after the Quiksilver Pro New York Trials, presented by UnSound Surf, where hundreds gathered on the boardwalk and beach to see which of the 16 trialists competing would win the final wildcard into the Quiksilver Pro N.Y. event. In the end, pro surfer Asher Nolan, of Florida, won the coveted prize and secured himself a spot among the world’s best for the Quik Pro N.Y. event.

By mid-afternoon, those hundreds of visitors quickly turned into thousands. Many visited the Quiksilver retail tent (open until 8 p.m.) at National Boulevard beach, looking for their chance to win authentic signed surfboards from Kelly Slater, Dane Reynolds, Jeremy Flores, Balaram Stack and Stephanie Gilmore. Residents and visitors alike also hit the beach for Quiksilver surf team autograph signings, which started at 3 p.m. from the likes of Clay Marzo, Cristobol De Col, and Maxime Huscenot. Others decided to check out the Quiksilver’s merchandising tent, as rock and reggae music echoed across Long Beach, or to engage in volleyball matches, or lounge across the beach on a bright sunny day.

Visitors enjoyed music from DJ Hannah Rad, and many decided to engage in many of the Roxy Beach House activities throughout the day, including an interactive photobooth, DIY Activities, Stila Make Up, and Roxy giveaways. A Roxy Athlete Signing is also set for 5 p.m., and will run for an hour.

In addition, from 5-7 p.m., there will be a Red Bull team autograph signing at UnsOund Surf, as well as an after party at The INN, presented by Roxy & UnsOund starting at 9 p.m.

Rizzotti said that four members of the Roots Revelators, including himself, were performing on the second floor of the Allegria from 3 p.m. -7 p.m. , including lead guitarist Dave Berg, bassist Antonio Livorno, and rhythm guitarist/vocalist Eric Gilmore. Two of their other bandmates, keyboardist Scott Gropper, and saxophone player Carl Obrig, were not able to attend, but alas, the show must go on.

Berg said that he and the band were thrilled to be able to play the venue. “I’m glad that the city is pulling off the Quiksilver event,” said Berg. I’m happy for Long Beach.”

He said the goal was to add to the already lax ambience at the hotel, as many relaxed at the hotel’s lounge and bar area, sipping cocktails and enjoy the hotel’s wide-range of delicious foods.

“It seems like there’s a little party going on already,” he said. “It’s all about playing music and having fun. There’s something about reggae music and the ocean that’s inseparable.”