May 24, 2024 6:30 PM
Bands on the Bayou
Through the generous contributions of our sponsors, this concert series is open to the public for FREE! Individual donations are appreciated however, with all proceeds benefiting our selected local non-profits. Come with your chairs, blanket & family by land or water, and join us on the lawn at the beautiful new Bayview Community Center. Boat access is available.
May 24th Concert:
Ben Loftin & the Family formed in the laid-back coastal town of Pensacola, Florida, where the band’s signature “white sand soul” continues to be heavily influenced by the rich musical cultures of the Gulf Coast. The group was born in 2013 when founding singer/songwriter and guitarist Ben Loftin and friends — drummer Christian Sanders, saxophonist Austin Paul Jr. and bassist Marcus Gillard — began practicing and producing original music. Today, the ensemble produces a vibrant blend of pop, funk, soul and reggae at a range of venues across the southeastern United States.
Cowboy Park (formerly DLP) is a rock band comprised of local doctors, lawyers and politicians. Cowboy Park is: City Council Vice President Jared Moore (vocals and guitar), Election Security Advisor David Stafford (drums), Dr. Sidney Rosenthal (lead guitar), attorney Charlie Wiggins (bass), and attorney Jack Zoesch (keyboards). Cowboy Park has entertained Pensacola audiences for over 10 years at such venues and events as the the Handlebar, Fish House, Seville Quarter, New Year’s Eve Pelican Drop, DeLuna Fest, and the inaugural Bands on the Bayou concert. Cowboy Park takes great pride in the fact that it was the band playing on the dock on a late summer night that gave inspiration to the Bands on the Bayou concept.
In 2014 John Drummond, Steve McWilliams, Billy Spencer and Bill Baker - who played together through the years in the Milton High School Band, garage bands and in church music programs - decided to put together a group to play the music of our favorite bands from the 60's, 70's and 80's. After a few rehearsals, it was clear that we were going to need a full horn section to pull off the great tunes by Chicago, The Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan, just to name a few. Fate, or more specifically Bill Baker's wife dragging him kicking and screaming to a church choir workshop, connected them with Gene Belser who turned out to be the awesome trombone player they were looking for. Sax star Rodney Brown and powerhouse female vocalist Ami Russ came aboard in May 2016. In 2017, saxophonist Rod Hamilton and trumpet player Chuck Wyatt were added to round out this incredible eight-person ensemble. CLICK HERE to listen.
Upcoming Dates
- Saturday, July 27
- Saturday, October 5
Bands on the Bayou
Parking Instructions
Parking is located in the parking lot, but feel free to ride a bike, walk, or carpool with a friend, and follow the normal standard parking rules.
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