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Entertainment

Much to pick from on musical menu

Look for classic rock in the Courthouse Square in Inverness, an acoustic mix in Dunnellon and mariachi in Inverness.

By JORGE SANCHEZ
Published April 8, 2005

Classic rock will fill the Courthouse Square tonight, as the Concert on the Square series brings back Flashpoint.

Flashpoint has an extensive repertoire of classic rock and country. The band features Neil Shaw on guitar, vocals and keyboards and Eve Shaw on vocals, percussion and harmonica.

The Concert on the Square series is basically a street dance, with the band playing on the lawn of the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum. Audience members can bring their own chairs and blankets, or show up early and grab a seat on the few city benches available around the square.

The Courthouse Square, with its pedestrian-friendly layout, also features restaurants such as the Art Deco Cafe, Stumpknockers and Coach's. Expect these to be quite busy during the concert. Parking is free on the square and also at several adjoining city lots about one to two blocks from the concert site.

Acoustic music fans have one last show in the Sunday Sampler series at Dunnellon before the concerts take a summer hiatus.

The featured guest is Mindy Simmons, who will perform at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Lions Club building, at the corner of Cedar and Walnut streets in Dunnellon's historic downtown.

Simmons, known in folk circles as the Sarasota Songbird, covers a wide range of musical styles including folk, country, blues, and jazz. Her voice ranges from smooth to bluesy.

She leads workshops in vocal technique, songwriting, and promotion. She is music director of New Thought Family Church in Sarasota. Simmons sings at venues throughout Florida and the East Coast. In addition, she is one of the state's foremost songwriters.

Music begins at 2:30 p.m., continuing until 4:45 p.m. Complimentary refreshments are served at intermission. Admission is $8 at the door. Early arrival is recommended, since seating is limited. For information, call 352 489-2181 or 352-489-3766. Visit Simmons' Web site at www.mindysimmons.com

Another talented acoustic musician, Justina, performs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays at Los Lomas Mexican Restaurant, 724 U.S. 41 S, Inverness. Justina performs mariachi music, the centuries old folk music of Mexico. Although many of her songs are in Spanish, her smooth delivery and pleasing voice transcend the language barrier, meaning most people can relate to the romance of the songs. A gifted guitarist, Justina uses a drum machine to give the music a mariachi rhythm. She also throws in contemporary favorites from American artists such as the Eagles and Jimmy Buffett. Free admission. The restaurant is at U.S. 41 and Eden Drive.

Jorge Sanchez covers arts and entertainment in Citrus County. Call 860-7313 or e-mail sanchez@sptimes.com

[Last modified April 8, 2005, 00:33:18]