Return to Rockabilly: LA’s Midway Rockabilly Jamboree brings the American roots music genre to Lake Alfred
LAKE ALFRED — LA's Midway Saloon has big plans for Saturday: its first rockabilly party that includes a pin-up girl contest and motorcycle show.
LA’s Midway Rockabilly Jamboree gets started at 3 p.m. and continues until 11 p.m.
Scheduled to take the stage are: Tampa’s Little Sheba & The Shamans, which specializes in rockabilly undertones with a rhythm-and-blues edge; Big Jef Special from Orlando, rockabilly with rock and roll influences; and Skinny McGee & His Mayhem Makers of Dade City, which has traditional country music influences.
L.A. Block, LA’s Midway Saloon owner, said she has been a fan of Skinny McGee for several years. When she heard the band was reforming after taking a few years off, she reached out to ask whether they would put together the saloon’s first rockabilly show.
LA’s Midway Saloon, now in its eighth year, generally has live bands Friday and Saturday nights, with karaoke Wednesdays and Thursdays.
“I love the rockabilly music and I love the people, the way they dressed back in those days, the music — I’m just a big fan,” said Block. “I stay on top of the local music scene. I know a lot of (the musicians) and I try my best to make sure they come out and play.”
LA’s Midway Saloon, now in its eighth year, generally has live bands Friday and Saturday nights, with karaoke Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Block also plans a special menu Saturday featuring a shrimp boil and pulled pork.
“It will be fun day within itself. You get to meet people, see bands, have some good food and spend time with your friends.”
Mark Hannah, 55, lead guitarist with Skinny McGee & The Mayhem Makers, said Block has made her barn venue very accommodating to live music. He said he's looking forward to bringing rockabilly music to a smaller music market in Polk County.
“It’s going to be a blast; the music will be fantastic,” said Hannah, who works as a mural and sign painter. “Lake Alfred is a great town and it’s a great place for some good old Americana. That’s what this music is all about, just having fun and dancing.”
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: LA’s Midway Rockabilly Jamboree
WHEN: 3 to 11 p.m., March 19. Bike show sign-up is at 3 p.m.
WHERE: La’s Midway Saloon, 2050 U.S. 92 W., Lake Alfred
COST: Free
INFO: 863-875-7966; Facebook: La’s Midway Saloon
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: LA’s Midway Rockabilly Jamboree brings the American roots music genre to Lake Alfred
