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Courtesy photo Popular local band Groovus will kick off the Music in the Park season Oct. 20 at Highlands Hammock State Park.

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published: Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Music in the Park returns Oct. 20 with local favorite GrooVus

By DOROTHY L. HARRIS

Special to the News-Sun

SEBRING -- Highlands Hammock State Park and The Friends of Highlands Hammock kick off their 2012-2013 outdoor, evening concert series on Saturday, Oct. 20, with the popular local band GrooVus.

This six-piece group plays an eclectic mix of top-40 hits from the 1950s to today. With a diverse background of musical experience, GrooVus has evolved into an all occasion band capable of playing many different styles of music.

Founding member Chuck White plays both tenor and baritone saxophones and percussion instruments. Tony Suazo plays lead and rhythm guitar, and is the writer, arranger and sound engineer. Gary Johnson plays alto sax, keyboards and serves as lighting engineer. John Buckland is the band's bass player, while Lew Dunham plays drums. Amongst this talented group of musicians, all sing lead or back up vocals, including the most recent band member, local resident Angie Saunders.

This year, GrooVus will perform great music from the '50s to the '80s and even some contemporary hits. Songs by The Temptations, The Beatles, The Monkees, Percy Sledge, Stevie Winwood, Santana, Tina Turner, James Brown, The Blues Brothers, and Santana, Billy Idol, Kid Rock, Faith Hill and more will round out this night of music and provide something for everyone to enjoy.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. in the park's picnic area. Bring lawn chairs or blankets, bug spray and a flash light. Refreshments will be available from local food vendors, and as always; concert admission is just $5 per person and accompanied children age 12 and under are admitted free of charge.

All concert proceeds benefit park improvement projects via the Friends of Highlands Hammock. Regular park admission 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.

Did you know?

A list of all concerts for the 2012-2013 Music in the Park series, as well the upcoming November 3rd CCC festival, and 5K Races is available at www.FloridaStateParks.org/highlandshammock/.

Special event flyers, 5K entry forms and camping information are also available at the park's ranger station.