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Entertainment

Believing in magic

Tribute bands should take a back seat to an original at this weekend's Harbor Sounds Seafood and Music Festival.

By TERRI BRYCE REEVES
Published March 4, 2005

SAFETY HARBOR - It won't be just the baby boomers who will recognize the '60s pop hit Do You Believe in Magic. The bouncy tune by the Lovin' Spoonful has been used in dozens of advertising campaigns over the past 40 years and has even shown up in a few movies.

Just last week, toymaker Hasbro announced it would launch a new musical toothbrush in September called "Tooth Tunes," which plays the jingle for two minutes while you brush.

But why wait until fall?

You can hear the nostalgic ditty performed live by the Lovin' Spoonful this Sunday - no brushing required.

The band headlines this weekend's 13th annual Harbor Sounds Seafood and Music Festival at the Safety Harbor Marina Park, 131 S Bayshore Blvd. The two-day festival is a veritable gumbo of music, food and art.

"We've never brought a band of that caliber here before," said Rachel Saul, marketing coordinator for the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce. "Last year's event drew about 10,000, but we're expecting even more this year with the Lovin' Spoonful and the other bands."

Nine bands are scheduled to perform at the fish fest.

Saturday's musical lineup includes jazz, swing, funk and Motown acts. A choreographed dance band called Pocket Change headlines at 9 p.m.

Sunday is considered classic rock day and includes two tribute bands, which play the songs of Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones. Lovin' Spoonful performs at 7 p.m.

The Spoonful will stir up some memories of drive-ins and hot August nights with hits like Daydream, Nashville Cats, You Didn't Have to Be So Nice and Summer in the City.

As the 1960s ended, band members went their separate ways. Three of the original members - Joe Butler, Steve Boone and Jerry Yester - struck up the band again in 1991.

Since then, they have visited over 150 cities and countries worldwide.

Boone, now 61 and living in Fort Lauderdale, says he was surprised and extremely pleased at the band's longevity.

"I never thought 40 years ago, we'd still be playing these songs," he said. "It's been a lot of fun. Our audience looks to hearing songs from that era again. It might take them back to a first date or first love."

While patrons reminisce, they will have enough seafood options to ensure they can stuff themselves to the gills if they wish.

"Seafood will be served fried, grilled, blackened, on a bun, in a basket or a bowl, or any which way," Saul said. Other offerings include alligator, frog legs, turkey legs, gyros, lasagna and jambalaya.

Beer and wine will be served throughout the event.

For those with a sweet tooth, there will be ice cream, smoothies, slush puppies, root beer floats and funnel cakes.

Patrons also can peruse a gallery of artists and crafters who will be selling their wares.

Children will be able to slide, jump, bump and bounce in the expanded play area that includes a giant inflatable slide, two inflatable bouncing tents, a gyroscope and small rides. Prices range from $3 to $5.

Admission is $3 per person per day, and children under 12 are admitted free.

Saul said lucky patrons might see even more than musicians and art.

"We've spotted some manatees roving around the pier," she said, "It is a beautiful place for the whole family to enjoy the outdoors and spend some time together. Of course, the weather will be perfect, too. We do like to think positive."

The 13th annual Harbor Sounds Seafood and Music festival is this weekend at Safety Harbor Marina Park, 131 S Bayshore Blvd., next to the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa. Hours are Saturday from 1 to 11 p.m.; Sunday from 1 to 9 p.m. Admission is $3 per person per day; children under 12 admitted free. Parking available throughout the city at designated sites. Dogs and coolers are prohibited.

Saturday

Tom Patten & Velvet: 1 to 2:30 p.m. A piano, guitar and vocal trio, which performs jazz and rhythm and blues.

The Venturas: 3 to 4:30 p.m. The group has an eclectic repertoire including jazz, rockabilly and surf.

The Vodkanauts: 5 to 6:30 p.m. A tribute group that salutes surf, lounge and rock 'n' roll.

Cigar Store Indians: 7 to 8:30 p.m. More rock than billy, this band pays tribute to our American roots.

Pocket Change: 9 to 10:30 p.m. A high-energy dance band that performs hits from the '60s through the '90s.

Sunday

JBLB with Otis Velt: 1 to 2:30 p.m. A local favorite, which has opened concerts for the likes of B.B. King, the Monkees and James Brown.

The Crunge: 3 to 4:30 p.m. A tribute to Led Zeppelin.

Satisfaction: 5 to 6:30 p.m. A Rolling Stones tribute band.

Lovin' Spoonful: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Popular '60s band.

[Last modified March 4, 2005, 00:31:15]