Then: Apache Skateblast 2006
The brainchild of Douglas Miles of Apache Skateboards, the Apache Skateblast was an effort to make SOMETHING, ANYTHING happen involving skateboarding and music on the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona. That something became the Apache Skateblast, a day and night long celebration of skateboarding and music that was held for 5 consecutive years after the first one. We got the skateboard industry to recognize this effort and were able to hook up the kids big time. Doug reached out to Brian of JFA. JFA was doing their 25th Anniversary gig in Mesa the night before and it was ON! JFA performing in Apacheria was something special, especially since all the original members got on stage to jam.
Below is a full page spread that ran in The Skateboard Mag about the event. You can read the transcription below the image:
-Brian Brannon
FESTIVUS: JFA 25TH ANNIVERSARY
Words: Brian Brannon | Photography: Lance Dalgart/Matt Price
Twenty-five years of pools, pipes, and punk rock we never imagined Drummer Carter Blitch painted JFA on his dad’s garage when he was thirteen. For the Phoenix show, original bassist Michael Cornelius and drummer Mike “Bam-Bam” Sversvold sat in for a few songs. We started out mellow with “Lowrider,” turned it up with “Great Equalizer,” and let loose with “Guess What.” A couple shots of rum and a stage dive or two later and it was time to call it a night.
we’d make it this far. But somehow we’ve pulled it, though many of our friends have died, gone to prison, or worse… stopped skating. We said we’d quit when it stopped being fun, and that hasn’t happened yet. JFA began in March 1981-a group of four skateboarders living in the desert broiler of Phoenix, Arizona. We thought the world needed more music to skate to. Thus
began one long. gnarly, carve grind.
For our silver anniversary we rolled into Phoenix with Lance Mountain riding shotgun. We hooked up with Chris Kelley, Rob Locker, and Chris Gobber of AZPX Skateboards, along with Chris Farrell, Tommy Yoder, Bucky, Deaf Dan McCabe, and Hoss Rogers. Gobber stuck a backside D on the overhanging coping of a sweet permission amoeba, and Kelley smacked a lien to tail amid heavy ripping all around. Then we headed to Tempe to ride the park with the rest of the bros.
That night, people came out of the woodwork to hear The Mongoloids, Dephinger, Smoky Mountain Skullbusters, and JFA at Hollywood Alley. The show was reminiscent of gigs back at the ol’ Mad Gardens-people flying everywhere.
Myself (vocals), and guitar player Don Redondo are original members. Bassist Corey Stretz is a veteran thumper from The Outsiders, China White, and The Crowd. Thanks to everyone. Let’s keep this thing going another 25 years.
The next day, the San Carlos Apache Tribe held a skate contest, cookout, and gig in our honor. We were humbled by this tribute from such big-hearted people. The contest was a gas. Afterwards, Donny Barley ripped alongside skaters from as far away as Kansas. But the highlight of the day was going to Doug Miles’ mom’s house for Indian tacos and fry bread with honey. It doesn’t get any better than that.
Doug Miles paints Native American images and runs Apache Skateboards. He sees parallels between skateboarders, punk rockers, and Native Americans: We each have our own tribes. We are all outsiders. And we are all warriors.
The gig that night went off like gangbusters with Enemy Machine, Chocolate Helicopter, NuAi Tribe, Big Vinny and The Cattle Thieves, The Cremains, DJ OnePeso, and JFA. Kids who couldn’t get into the Phoenix gig showed up and punked out. Bam and Michael stepped forward to jam again. And all was good.
Now: Apache Skateparks Weekend Extravaganza!
The Apache Skateblast forged an on-going bond among Apache Skateboards, JFA and AZPX that thrives today. Doug and I have collaborated on many projects since. Our latest is the Brian Brannon Signature Model, fabricated by PStix and graphics by Douglas Miles.
BONUS PHOTOS: The legend himself Michael Cornelius jamming under the stars with JFA. So cool!
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