SEBASTIAN — Bands from all over the region will took to the stage Friday in Riverview Park during the City’s first open-mike format concert being billed as the Sebastian City Jam.
Riverview Park is the perfect venue to enjoy live music in an open-air setting with the breeze and the river view. The idea stemmed from the fact that a group of musicians figured this out and had started to meet and play in the park on Friday nights.
“Basically it’s for groups to sign up on a sheet and get up and play a song or two,” said Frank Losardo, a City employee and former touring musician who was recruited to help organize the event. “I know everybody will have a good time.”
A couple hundred people gathered to hear the ecletic selection of music on Friday, some sitting on bleachers and some with blankets spread enjoying a picnic dinner with family.
Two bands were booked to play, a Christian rock band called “In Hymn” has a reperatoire of music from several decades, including classic rock. They performed and also provided backup for individual singers or small bands who needed percussion or additional instruments. A second group called “The Wheelers” performed traditional Southern gospel music. Other groups of all genres are encouraged to show up and participate. Individual musicians can also bring an instrument and join in with future City Jam sessions, scheduled for September 25 and October 23.
The event concluded with what Losardo describes as a black-light puppet show.
Mayor Richard Gillmor approached MIS director Frank Losardo, a former touring musician, and the Parks and Recreation Department about helping the City organize out a series of open-mike night concerts during the summer. This concert will fill the gap in live, outdoor music offered in the park until the decade-old Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce “Concerts in the Park Series”, starts back up this fall.
Losardo said the first City Jam had no funding the first time, but he’s hoping it takes off and possibly gets a sponsor or some cash from the City for the two upcoming events.
“Once they see the event the first time, I’m hoping to get it a lot more organized next time,” he said.
Admission to the City Jam is free, concert-goers should bring a lawn chair or a blanket as bleacher seating is limited. There is no alcohol permitted at this event, but the public is free to bring in their own food. The Sebastian Lions Club sold cold drinks and popcorn. Other vendors may be involved at future City Jams.
The event is open to any musicians wishing to share their talent with the audience. Bands wishing to play at the September or October event can call the City at (772) 589-5330 for more information.
