Guest Column/Highlands Hammock State Park
Dorothy L. Harris, Park Services Specialist

“Music in the Park”
Hundreds of folks enjoyed last season’s “Music in the Park” concert series at Highlands Hammock State Park. This year’s concert series begins on October 4th, at 7:30pm with the “California Toe Jam Band.”
The name is definitely unusual, but the music is very familiar! They will perform 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s Oldies tunes that will be enjoyed by all. Lead singer and guitar player Harry Havery says, “we are a good time, fun time band.” When asked if this would be a good concert for the whole family to enjoy, he replies, “yes, we are most certainly family friendly.”
When asked about the peculiar name of the band, Harry related a surprising story to me. Apparently back when the band was formed, it had no name. Harry says “we were seniors in High School and were preparing to play for homecoming.” There were no plans for the band to last any longer than that event, so no name was ever chosen. The first couple of songs they worked on were Beach Boys tunes. One of the original band members had come with flip-flops on and “his feet were nasty”, says Harry. When they finished kidding him about it, they stuck the California in front of it and the “California Toe Jam Band” was born!

Now the name may be eccentric, but after nineteen years of performing, the band’s original intention of playing just three songs for a homecoming party obviously didn’t last. Harry said it “just sort of took off, and some members changed, but the band played on.”

Current members include T.J. Kinyon on vocals and bass, Jay Grubb on drums, and Rodney Hollinger on vocals, horns, and keyboards. Larry Johnson and Harry Havery play guitars and sing, rounding out this band of five talented musicians

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On October 4th they will perform for Highlands Hammock State Park and tickets are just $5.00 per person. Parents take note that you can bring your kids, and if they are age sixteen or younger, they are admitted free of charge! Picnic baskets or coolers are welcome- so bring your dinner and dine under the stars.

The Friends of Highlands Hammock will have their awesome dessert and coffee bar open, so bring a little extra cash for some scrumptious homemade cake and coffee.
Other items to bring include some bug spray, (just in case), a flashlight, lawn chairs or blankets and your dancing shoes. Mark your calendars now for October 4th and the “California Toe Jam Band.” It will be a great, fun time, plus you’ll be helping support the park! Funds raised during this year’s concert series will be used to help fund the renovation of the main campground restroom. Hope to see you at the concert, out here in “the Real Florida.”
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