The Avantis were a popular surf group from Los Angeles, California, actively and prominently led by Native American brothers Lolly and Pat Vegas. They were a support act for the Beach Boys. Later they changed their name to The Deuce Coups, and after the excellent album Hotrodders' Choice, they simply went by their name of Pat & Lolly Vegas, and were the house band of the trendy and successful Los Angeles nightspot The Haunted House Nightclub.
The Avantis recorded singles on several labels. They are known for their surf rock instrumental, " “Gypsy Surfer" / "Wax 'Em Down.” "Wax 'Em Down" appears on the 2014 VA comp, Long-Lost Honkers & Twangers Ace CDLUX-013, which also includes The Impacts, The Exports, The Swanks, and Johnny & The Hurricanes. "Wax 'Em Down" caused a big commotion when it ended up with “The Ventures” fan club in the United Kingdom.
Other songs of the Avantis were "Surfin' Granny" backed with "Do The Surfin' Granny" and released on RegencyRecords. Later, "Phantom Surfer" was released:
The recording "Phantom Surfer" featured some extraordinary studio musicians, with Hall of Fame great (and mentor to Elton John) Leon Russell playing the Hammond organ.
Here are The Avantis’ “Surfin’ Granny”:
Here are The Avantis “Keep on Dancing’- a wonderfully upbeat song:
After they ceased performing as The Avantis, the Vegas brothers released
Hotrodders' Choice (as The Deuce Coupes). Here is their complete Hotrodders' Choice album:
Finally, take a listen to Pat and Lolly Vegas’ wonderful album: Pat and Lolly Vegas at the Haunted House”: