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The year was 1966, and evidence of social change and youth revolt was present in just about every major city in the country. Carmel native Tom Faia was 19 years old when he decided it was time for him and his friend David to load up a pick-up truck with drums, a guitar and amp and journey down to Los Angeles, one of California’s potent breeding grounds—along with San Francisco—for counterculture, progressive thinking and music.

The duo plugged away, writing original songs, spreading the word and just trying to make it anyway they could. Faia eventually got a break when he was signed to A&M Records, but that soon fizzled into nothingness.

After a three-year stint in Nashville, surrounded by Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson, Faia moved back to the Peninsula in 1983 where he worked in real estate and as a stockbroker. As Lennon once said, “The dream is over.”

But music runs too deep through Faia’s veins and he wasn’t able to keep the guitar out of his hands for very long. He says he was compelled to start performing his songs live again and formed Juice, who’s played regularly throughout the area over the years.

After nearly two years of recording, Faia and his band will celebrate the release of his self-titled debut on Friday, July 29 at 7pm at the Marina Lounge (521-1884), 30 Fisherman’s Wharf (above Gilbert’s Restaurant.)

The 15-track LP—which was whittled down from 40 tunes—features guest spots from Tom Ayres and Yuji Tojo on guitar, Dennis Murphy on bass and Jimmy Norris on drums. The album will be included with the $5 cover at Friday's show.