Carlos n’ Charlie’s restaurant on Lake Travis hosted the 2009 Austin Surf Sesh on Saturday. The day-long event featured live music from multiple acts including The Pinch Hitters, Betaplayer, The Beat Dolls, and Scorpion Child. Alt-metal rockers Godsmack took the headline slot and played to a large, somewhat rowdy crowd.

Frontman Sully Erna wasted no time getting right into the hits Godsmack is known for, including “Awake” and “I Stand Alone”. Erna, along with guitarist Tony Rombola, played played acoustic/electric guitars but it might well have been full electric given the enthusiastic reaction of the crowd. Sweaty, drunk bodies were pumping their fists, creating mini-mosh pits, and crowd surfing. One of the revelers, a thirteen year old at his first concert, was hoisted to the stage where he immediately leaped into the unsuspecting audience. A pause might have done him good as he took a nosedive, taking a few people with him. Moments later, he was held aloft once again, being passed from person to person.

The event was a benefit for Stephen Murray, a pro BMX rider who was rendered a quadriplegic after being injured while riding. Godsmack showed a good bit of class by reportedly volunteering for the show after hearing that it was a benefit for Murray.