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Courtesy photo Local musicians making up the ever-popular California Toe Jam Band will be bringing music to Highlands Hammock State Park on Saturday, Feb. 25.

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published: Sunday, February 05, 2012

California Toe Jam Band playing at Hammock Feb. 25

SEBRING - The Friends of Highlands Hammock present the popular California Toe Jam Band in concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25. Always one of our Heartland favorites, California Toe Jam plays well loved Oldies. Their family-friendly shows have brought smiles to countless faces over the last three decades.

California Toe Jam was formed in 1984 by Harry Havery and Rodney Hollinger. A senior at Sebring High School, Havery put together a band for homecoming. Rodney Hollinger, the school's guidance counselor, joined in as did band director Roger Nubern. Other students - Jay Grubb, Richie Shepard, and Mike McElfresh - rounded out the band, while a student disc jockey, Sean Szoka, took care of soundman duties.

"Roger Nubern had a penchant for wearing flip flops to practice, and he had, shall we say, unattractive feet," shares Havery. "Some might even call them offensive." When it came time to name the band, those feet became the inspiration for the band name. Since the theme for homecoming that year was "Back to the Beach," they added California to the name in reference to songs they would play from the Beach Boys. Thus the California Toe Jam Band was born.

The faces have changed over the years, but the founding members remain. Currently the band is comprised of Harry Havery on vocals and guitar, Rodney Hollinger on keys, sax, trumpet, guitar and vocals, TJ Kinyon on bass, and Rodney Havery on the drums. Bil Kovacs serves as the official sound and lights guy. Bil has worked sound and lights for some of the best known musical acts in the country and is currently the technical director for South Florida State College's Theatre of the Performing Arts.

Until recently, this good time rock and roll band was in retirement mode. On Saturday, Feb. 25, they return to Highlands Hammock State Park for Music in the Park. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and a flashlight. Picnic baskets are welcome or plan to enjoy delicious barbecue from Rollin' Smoke BBQ. They will have their huge barbecue sandwiches and amazing hand cut fries, along with other great things to eat. Paradise hotdogs will also be here with hot dogs and all the trimmings.

Concert admission is $5 per person (accompanied children 12 & under admitted free of charge.). Proceeds benefit park improvements. Park entrance fee of $6 per vehicle (up to eight people per car) is waived after 6 p.m. on concert nights. Call 386-6094 for more information or www.FloridaStateParks.org/highlandshammock .

Did you know?

On Saturday, Feb. 11 there will be a 5K walk/run to benefit Junior Achievement. The event begins at 8 a.m. and entry forms are available at the Ranger Station or at the event on race day.

Dorothy L. Harris is a Park Services Specialist with Highlands Hammock State Park.