Op Sponsors Emerging Musicians

The Ocean Pacific Apparel Corp. and Fender Records are giving Disneyland’s Grad Nite entertainment an edge.

Op’s entrance into music and enertainment began earlier this year, when the Orange County–based surf apparel maker and record label collaborated on a compilation album, “Op Emerging,” featuring up-and-coming musical acts such as Fielding, Reeve Oliver, Zach Ziskin and Toe Head.

Grad Nite is a 43-year-old tradition. David Miller, alliance director for Disney Resorts, said there is a strong synergy between the area’s grads and California surf culture.

“We’re always looking for ways to keep Grad Nite entertainment fresh and relevant,” Miller said. “We want to create a fun, hip place for kids to celebrate graduation with their friends and create a special element in Grad Nite that you don’t see at the park during the day.”

More than 3,000 musical groups competed for top billing on the record, said an Op spokesman. A panel that included champion surfers Sunny Garcia and Rob Machado, members of Blink-182, and music editors selected the final list of bands. The album’s release date is set for this summer.

Disneyland’s Grad Nite takes place on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11:59 p.m. to 6 a.m. through June 10. —Claudia Figueroa