Mummies Revive Interest in Funk Music in Clear Lake

Photos by Meg Johnson and Marissa DePino

Video by Gigi Toledo

Ra Ra Ra! Here Come the Mummies heat up the frozen city of Clear Lake, IA, during their Surf Ballroom visit this February. The band is known for its unique funk rock sound. With an extensive brass collection, talented percussionists, and an array of guitar solos peppered throughout their songs, Here Come the Mummies excite many funk rock fans, as evidenced by the group of fans waving and displaying their poster before the concert. 

The venue itself has its own spirited history beginning in 1933, but after a fire destroyed the building in 1947, a new and improved ballroom was built just across the street in 1948. The Surf Ballroom spirit lives on today and has showcased some of the greatest names in music, including Lynard Skynard and Buddy Holiday, who played his last concert in the Surf Ballroom before a plane crash claimed his life.

A bar and café within the venue display evidence of the Surf Ballroom’s history and timeless memorabilia, such as signed photos and guitars by artists like B.B. King. Located behind stage, a signature wall immortalizes the historical prevalence of the Surf Ballroom as an everlasting venue—perfect for the immortal mummies to showcase their endlessly amusing and eternally enchanting music.