Organizers hope for more shows

Local residents can take a few moments to relax and enjoy the sweet sound of beach music Saturday in an urban setting.

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The county's Community Events Department is holding Sweet Summertime With The Swingin' Medallions at the Columbia County Amphitheater. Gates open at 6 p.m.

"We're just wanting people to come out and have a good time," said Community Events Manager Stacie Adkins. "They are a very fun band."

The Swingin' Medallions play beach-style music in addition to 1980s and 1990s tunes, Adkins said.

"At this concert, they will be doing a little bit of everything," she said.

Robby Cox, drummer of the eight-member group, said the band, which originally formed in 1962, also plays music from the 1960s and 1970s.

"We have a big horn section, and everybody kind of switches off and sings and does some different things," he said.

French Market Grille West will sell food and alcoholic beverages at the event, Adkins said.

She said her department hopes to continue holding concerts throughout the year.

"If this one goes well, we'll do others throughout the year as long as the weather is good," she said.

"We're trying to look at everything from country to Christian to pop."

Cox said that during concerts, his band feeds off the crowd's energy and vice versa.

"We have a good time with the crowd, a lot of interaction, and that makes for a fun evening for everybody," he said.

Those in attendance are prohibited from bringing coolers or food inside the venue.

The concert starts at 7 p.m. and should last about two hours, Adkins said.

Tickets cost $7 at the gate or can be purchased in advance for $5 at the Columbia County Community and Leisure Services Building at the Evans Government Complex on Ronald Reagan Drive.