Bands on the Bayou

article by LIZ BIGGS, BELLA MAGAZINE

The origin story for Bands on the Bayou is rather humble: A birthday party canceled by the COVID19 pandemic. Since indoor events were deemed unsafe, the party was rescheduled as a socially-distanced boat anchor-up, with a band playing on the host’s dock in Bayou Texar. No one expected much. Perhaps a couple of boats. Maybe some folks on kayaks. Some guy on a jet ski. But the pent-up desire to get out of the house and do something made it A Big Thing. Over 50 boats—many full of revelers wanting to get out of the house in the middle of a pandemic— showed up. The hosts thought dozens might show up to the party. Instead, hundreds came to see a local band play on the Bayou Texar dock on a hot latesummer night.

Steven Shelley, a lifelong East Hill resident, thought to himself—this should be a regularly scheduled event for all to enjoy. Bayview Park would be the perfect place for a neighborhood concert series. It’s one of the few places people can walk, bike, golf cart, kayak or boat-up to enjoy music. On behalf of the East Hill Neighborhood Association, Shelley called Mayor Grover Robinson with his idea. Robinson liked the concept. Shelley formed a committee with Donna Dickey as co-chair. Dickey brought in an amazing team of volunteers and the Bands on the Bayou concert series was born.

Pensacola’s Mayor, Grover Robinson, is a fan. “I’m excited to see the East Hill Neighborhood Association bringing people together for events like Bands on the Bayou, offering an opportunity to enjoy music while appreciating the views at beautiful Bayview Park. It is great to see active neighborhood associations in the City of Pensacola, which are so important to maintaining a thriving community. While it is great to have a thriving downtown, it’s important to have opportunities to come together in all areas of our incredible city, including the East Hill neighborhood. The City of Pensacola is very happy to be a partner in this series to enhance the quality of life in our community,” said Robinson.

The inaugural Bands on the Bayou concert in July 2021 featured local rockers “DLP” (Doctors, Lawyers & Politicians). The concert wasn’t heavily advertised but still drew a crowd of over 500 people. Efforts were ramped up in 2022 to promote the events more widely, including on social media, radio, and good old-fashioned yard signs. Thousands showed up to each of the three 2022 concerts, which featured local singer-songwriter Tyler Mac Band (April 16), Nashville artist Abby Kasch Band (July 30), and of course we proudly brought back local legends DLP Rock Band once again (October 1).

Attendees came by car, by bike, by golf cart, on foot—and, yes, by boat to enjoy the music and familyfriendly fun, including vendor tents, games, and food, with vendors including Stacked Racks BBQ, Lone Star Kitchen, Two Birds Street Food, SUT SHI, Alene’s BBQ & Grill, Jordan Valley, LE DOUGH, Pops of Pensacola, Le Petit Pecan, and Whim Cotton Candy.

Bands on the Bayou is now a nonprofit with the purpose: “To bring the East Hill residents together and support local nonprofit organizations through a community-centric concert series.” Although the concerts are free to the public, thanks to sponsorships and donations, money is raised for local charities. The first event in July 2021 raised over $4000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters, O. J. Semmes Elementary School, and a scholarship fund for children to attend a city camp at Bayview Park.

In 2022, a total of six nonprofit organizations, two for each concert, became recipients of the proceeds. A total of $24,000 was raised, evenly distributed to these local nonprofits:

• Environmental/April 16/Earth Day Celebration: Recipients included Emerald Coast Keepers and Ocean Hour

• Childhood Development/July 30/Back to School Edition: Gulf Coast Kid’s House and O.J. Semmes Elementary School

• Art, Music and Culture/October 1/Arts Extravaganza: PenArts and Pensacola Little Theatre

Charity nominations, donation information, and sponsorship perks are available online at bandsonthebayou.com. To get the ball rolling for 2023, Adam Medley, owner of East Hill Automotive Center and Seville Power Equipment in East Hill, has already stepped up to the plate to be the Series Sponsor yet again. But there are plenty of other sponsorship slots available!

SAVE THE DATE: 2023 CONCERT SERIES

April 15 - John Hart & The Prince Brothers

July 22 - Ben Loftin & Family

October 7 - DLP

To learn more about the event details, sponsorship opportunities, and nonprofit beneficiaries, visit our website at: bandsonthebayou.com