Eugene, OR certainly missed a great show last night. The Surf Roots Tour, featuring Tamarama, The Green, Stranger and Anuhea, stopped at the WOW Hall, but only 25 or so people came to see it. A small audience didn’t affect the artists, however: each act performed with great enthusiasm and transformed the tiny concert hall into a tropical dance party.

Australian-based Tamarama opened the show with beachy melodies and rockin’ electric guitar beats. The two-man act threw in some old-school favorites, such as Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” along with original tunes from their new LP, Tamarama. My favorite song was “You Got Me Bad,” the only ballad they played last night.

The Green played next, and brought the sounds of Oahu, Hawaii with them. I really liked a lot of their songs, including “Love Machine” and “What Will Be Will Be” from their self-titled album. What sets The Green apart from other reggae/hip-hop acts is the extremely impressive guitar stylings of JP Kennedy and Zion Thompson. If you ever have the chance to catch this band live, I highly recommend you do: the only thing missing from this island jam session is sand between your toes… and maybe one of those fruity drinks with an umbrella.

Although she was the headlining act, Anuhea performed next because Stranger had not yet arrived in Eugene. She was joined onstage by The Green, who acted as her band and background vocalists. A former barista and beauty pageant competitor, Anuhea could easily be mistaken for just another pretty face, but don’t underestimate this self-taught guitarist/songwriter. Her soulful, syrupy-sweet voice is a little like Lauryn Hill and Amy Winehouse, but Anuhea’s Hawaiian roots are what make her sound unique and, well, very groovy. To my delight, she opened her set with Diana King’s “Shy Guy” and TLC’s “Waterfalls,” old-school reggae pop jams that were probably lost on teenage audience members. “Here I Go Again,” “I Just Want You Around” and “Charismatic SOB” were some of my favorite songs from Anuhea’s debut CD.

By the time Stranger hit the stage, it was 1 a.m. and most of the crowd had gone home. If they’d stayed, though, they would’ve caught the most spirited act on the whole tour. The San Diego-based band informed us they’d been stranded in Reno the last few days, which is why they were so late to the concert, and had to spend the rest of their money fixing their bus. Stranger didn’t let their tour troubles hinder their performance, however, and rocked the WOW Hall with their reggae backbeats, rock guitar solos and jazz sax/trombone accompaniments. I liked “The Only One” from their EP, Some Kinda Sign, but the best part of the night was Stranger’s cover of “Come Together,” a performance so groovy and electric that it would’ve impressed John Lennon himself.

The Surf Roots Tour hits Portland, OR tonight and continues through Washington, Colarado and Arizona before wrapping up in Las Vegas, NV. I suggest bringing a dancing partner or anyone who seems like they need a vacation – the artists on this tour are sure to put anyone in an island state of mind.