IN THE PIPELINE:

In an “In The Pipeline” from spring 2007, I wrote about local audio engineer Robert Carvounas, whom I described as “just about the biggest Golden Bear fan of all.” I also wrote that he was hard at work on a book about Huntington Beach’s famed musical landmark.

“I think it’s the most interesting place in Huntington Beach history,” he said then.

Well, fans of the famed Bear can cheer again, because the book, “A History of the Golden Bear,” is ready to take its first bow.

Some background: The Golden Bear opened at 306 Pacific Coast Hwy. (just across from the pier) as a restaurant in the 1920s. By the early 1960s the space morphed into a music club. The Doors, Dizzy Gillespie, the Byrds, Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin plus many others played the Bear. Junior Wells cut a live album at the Bear. Peter Tork was a dishwasher there just before being cast as a Monkee. Under new ownership in the 1970s, the Golden Bear continued to grow as a seminal performance space. Linda Ronstadt, Steve Martin, Blondie, the Ramones, Neil Young — dozens of major label acts visited Huntington Beach to play the Bear. Guitarist Robin Trower played the last show there Jan. 26, 1986, and several months later the club was demolished. Portions of the structure were preserved and incorporated into the façade of a new Golden Bear that opened several years later, but that incarnation failed quickly and the club disappeared in the blur and rebuilding of downtown. Thanks to Carvounas though, we can now relive the magic of the Golden Bear. I interviewed him this week, on the heels of the book’s release.

What inspired you to write “A History of the Golden Bear”?

Like many locals, I went to the Golden Bear several times and have special memories from those times. But ... the early history remained a mystery to me — besides a couple of references in newspapers. I wanted to learn the entire story.

How long did it take to write/put it together?

I’ve had the idea for the book for about three years, but I worked on and off for most of that time. I started about the time Rick Babiracki died (owner from 1974 to 1986) and I didn’t want to cause any drama by (possibly) speaking badly about the dead.

Who did you interview in writing the book?

Most importantly: Steve Wheat (grandson of Harry Bakre, the original owner) Del Kauffman (owner 1963 to 1966), George Nikas (owner 1966 to 1974), Chuck and Carole Babiracki (owners with Rick 1974 to 1986). They gave me the basics of the story. I also interviewed Wyland about the mural he painted in 1979. Those are the main sources.

What are your specific memories of the Golden Bear?

I remember arriving for my first concert at the Golden Bear (Steve Morse Band — formerly Dixie Dregs) at 8 a.m. and waiting all day for the doors to open at 7 p.m. I sat in the window stoop, walked around the building, kicked the dirt around and kicked the walls a little ... just a kid killing time but spending quality time with a Huntington Beach landmark. That night, I was invited backstage by Rod Morgenstein (drummer) after the first show. I went into the dressing room, sat with the band while they “warmed up” on their instruments, and had them sign a Golden Bear napkin. When the band was announced, I walked into the showroom just behind them and took a seat near the stage.

What do you think the Bear would be like today if it had survived?

I think that the Bear would have been perfectly suited to house a Huntington Beach/Surfing Museum of some kind. I think its days as a concert venue might have been numbered just because of the way music has changed since then (less bands, more sampling, rap, etc). It was a landmark building with a storied past ... it should have survived even if the music had to die.

What was it about the Bear that makes it endure so?

The true glory of Huntington Beach all converged on the Bear. The downtown activity, the pier, the ocean breeze, the salt air, the beautiful sunsets ... it could all be taken in while you stood in line at the Bear ... or as you exited. The concerts were great, but people remember the atmosphere more than anything.

What are your most precious Golden Bear artifacts?

My single most precious artifact is a matchbook from the late 1930s.

I found it on eBay recently and it’s the only piece of memorabilia from the Harry Bakre period that I’ve ever seen.

Coming a close second is a brick from the mural side of the Bear with Wyland’s signature on it.

What was the oddest thing you learned about the bear while working on the book?

Let’s say that I dispel several myths in this book and correct some misinformation that keeps finding its way into the story. Example: the architect — not Ernest Ridenour.

“A History of the Golden Bear” is $30 and will be available at the Huntington Beach Art Center during the Huntington Beach Centennial Historical Exhibit (Jan. 16 to Feb. 2).

After that, it will be available at www.goldenbearbook.com. And I, for one, cannot wait to read it.

Speaking of books: I’ll be signing my new book, “Vanishing Orange County,” and others at the Author’s Festival Day book signing from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Central Library. Hope to see you there.

CHRIS EPTING is the author of 15 books, including the new “Vanishing Orange County.” Write him at [email protected].