By Jessica Tuggle
jtuggle@hometownnewsol.com
SEBASTIAN - While the seaside breezes blow and the dolphins chatter, residents and guests can enjoy live music in a natural setting in the most popular park in Indian River County.
The environment at Sebastian Inlet State Park offers an idyllic background for Night Sounds at Sebastian Inlet, a monthly concert series with rotating artists.
The next concert is scheduled for Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. and will feature The Country Classics Band at the pavilion on Coconut Point on the south side of the inlet.
With a guitar, mandolin, drums, keyboard, bass and voices, Country Classics recreate Nashville charm right here on the Treasure Coast.
Gene Kimbro, lead guitar for the Melbourne-based band, said the group's repertoire reflects their favorites from the old country music genre with a little bit of rock 'n roll and bluegrass for good measure. Songs by Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Jimmy Buffett, George Strait and Elvis Presley are just a taste of the lineup concert goers can expect.
"It's the real country we grew up with and we mix it up a little, that's what we do," Mr. Kimbro said.
Playing outdoors is very pleasurable and enhances the concert in various ways. There's freedom to relax and get into the music, even dance if the mood strikes that way, which some people do, he said.
Last year when they played at Sebastian Inlet, Mr. Kimbro estimates there were 200 people in attendance.
He said the park ranger listened to them last time and gave them an interesting, but wonderful compliment.
"He said, 'You're one of the few that start early and end late.' Whenever we get kicking, we just keep going with it and we have a lot of fun," Mr. Kimbro said.
His son, Kevin Kimbro, plays mandolin, Jerry Biggs is on drums, Craig Mercer, a Sebastian resident, is the vocalist, Art Edwards plays bass and Al Urrizeo accompanies on the keyboard.
Country Classics has been a group for about three years, but it's not the first band for Mr. Kimbro. He began playing when he was 12 and will continue to do so for as long as possible.
"It's the pleasure I see in other people when they're enjoying it, that's the No. 1 reason why I do it," Mr. Kimbro said.
In December, the concert series will feature Atlantic Bluegrass; in January, Tammerlin and in February, Friction Farm.
For more information about the concert series, call (321) 984-4852 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/sebastianinlet.