Area Guitar Club Headlines Bandshell

In high school he was in a garage band.

Then he spent most of his adult life in the Navy and away from music.

Seven years ago, after his military career was over, he began visiting guitar chat rooms.

That was how Ken Larsson discovered guitarists were meeting in various places across the United States. He was intrigued.

"I couldn't travel across the country," he said, "but there was the inspiration to get some locals and jam."

He put out advertisements and he received a few calls. It didn't take long before the Spring Hill Acoustic Guitar Club took shape.

On Saturday, the group of 18 players took the stage at the Bandshell Bash at Hernando Park in Brooksville.

As is typical during a gig, the group played a collection of everything.

"Some play jazz and some are rockers," Larsson said. "We have some bluegrass and country types."

They played guitars and banjos Saturday and invited a couple guest singers. They even broke out a kazoo for one number.

The crowds at the Bandshell have been on the decline in recent months. The grant money hasn't been flowing, so it is more difficult to attract national, let alone regional, talent.

But the local guitar club was a big get, said Mike Hannigan, who serves on the board of the Hernando County Fine Arts Council, which sponsors the Bandshell.

"They do some Clapton, some Santana, bluegrass and country," he said. "They cover a wide spectrum of music."

The Bandshell is about to widen its own spectrum. Previously, a car cruise-in coincided with the concert. The response hasn't been what organizers had wanted, so it has shifted more toward the motorcycle crowd. Attendance was high Saturday.

Next month, the stage will be the setting for a Battle of the Bands concert.

Local talent, as well as donations, will be critical for the event to continue, admitted Hannigan.

"We survive by the kindness of others, I guess," he said.

DJ Joy, who lives in Brooksville, was tapped to MC the bike rally along East Fort Dade Avenue. She is committed to it for the long term.

"It's important to get something local that people can afford to do," she said.

The Bandshell Bash is held every second Saturday of the month. Although the likes of the Coasters and Rick Derringer haven't played in a while, the show still attracts people from out of town.

"We usually come here for every show," said Tom Hoppe, who was accompanied by his wife, Sandra. "We really like this outdoor venue. It's a relaxing place to hear live music."

The next Bandshell Bash will begin at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11. The park is located at 205 E. Fort Dade Ave.

Spring Hill Guitar Club

The group is available to perform for nonprofits and social events. For more information, call Ken at 352-684-6789 or Curt at 452-666-3951