Bluegrass Band Concert on the Beach a Hit

Thursday's April 28th Concert on the Beach draws enthusiastic crowd

LSPOA member Ernie Smith (1200 Westway Drive) had just picked up his order from the imposing Pig on the Road BBQ truck wedged tightly into the beach parking lot. "A Pig Works sandwich and the Beer Chicken," Ernie exclaimed, a huge smile enveloping his face. "That's the way to start the evening." Then, cradling a bar-b-que laden sandwich in each hand, Ernie ambled up the sandy path leading to the beach to share his bounty with wife Karyn.

LSPOA member Ernie Smith among first to score BBQ Sandwiches

That scene was recreated dozens of times, as members carted away mounds of mouth watering Carolina Smoked Pork, Chicken Quesadillas and Pig Mac N Cheese. Good news for those who munched early, and for Food Truck owner Wanderson (Wan) Dearaujo and family. Not so good for those of us who waited to carry out some BBQ home at the end of the evening. 

That's because by 7:00 pm, Wan had sold out. Wan told event co-sponsor Bill Farber, who also arranged for the BBQ truck, that someone, he didn't know who, had come up shortly before then and purchased 25-meals to go. Hmmm. In all, 105-total entrees were sold. And we were worried he might not sell enough. But that's how the whole evening serendipitously played out, even better than imagined.

Pig on the Road BBQ Truck 

While quantities of food were disappearing and lawn chairs being set up circling the Pavilion, the evening's marquee event, the Manatee River Bluegrass Band, was getting its act together. The five-member group, including lead singer and Manatee County Judge Doug Henderson, were testing out their newly acquired generator. It provided power for their soundboard and speakers, and helped to overcome a fairly robust on-shore breeze.

A relatively quiet, sound-wise, first-number kicked off the set. The music was amped up, and the fun-loving ensemble cranked out some original head bobbing tunes, along with a number of bluegrass classics, including a fun rendition of Mountain Dew. They also put the banjo and dobro to good use on Rocky Top, Man of Constant Sorrow and Wagon Wheel. That last one even got Susie and I up on the "dance floor." Diane Desenberg and Miriam Cassell, among others, were also spotted moving and grooving to the catchy tunes.

Manatee River Blue Grass Band performs in the Pav

By my count, after a glass of wine or two, the turnout was north of 80-plus. Not bad for a Thursday evening. The Band was scheduled to play for an hour... but, after a brief break, picked away almost until 7:30. Judy Fiala didn't want it to end, even offering the band a tip. Denis Bischoff was heard shouting "You guys are awesome." 

Bill and Perry Moylan say they're ready for more beach concerts, and want to help support them. Jan Farber was asked by several members how they can get involved. Helping to sponsor upcoming shows was the answer. There were suggestions for a riser, or some way to take the backs off the front seats for better viewing. Board member Sue Weitendorf says she's also ready to step up and support the next event.

Manatee River Bluegrass Band covered a number of classics

Initial Board consideration for future beach shows include The West Coast Black Theater Troupe, a rousing song and dance act, and a Blues Band. Currently, plans are to fire things back up again in the fall. 

There were a few hiccups. Like taking almost an hour to squeeze the food truck in and down our beach access path. Our own Lido Shores MacGyver Elliott Himelfarb came to the rescue. And a steady breeze that finally died down about halfway through the concert. Even the impending dark clouds building to the east eventually rolled out of sight.  

Seagull preparing to pilfer a snack

Overhead, ever inventive sea gulls hovered and snared a few french fries. And a majestic bald eagle flew over the Pav during the show, eliciting a collective sigh.  

All in all, with one of our spectacular sunsets thrown in for good measure, it just doesn't get much better than that.

~BT

Special Thanks to Janet Minker and Katie Best for contributing photos.

Brilliant Lido Key sunset capped off the evening

>>> Click here to view a video clip of the Manatee River Bluegrass Band playing the Pav.