Pasco: A stylish send-off

A stylish send-off

Each year the students at Gulfside Elementary get into the spring break mood at a musical "beaching it'' event the music teacher says is designed to show students the value of music.

By MICHELE MILLER

Each year the students at Gulfside Elementary get into the spring break mood at a musical "beaching it" event the music teacher says is designed to show students the value of music.

HOLIDAY -- When it comes time for spring break, Lisa O'Keefe knows how to send her students off in style. She encourages them all to don some tropical attire and get in the mood for "beaching it." Then she brings in the band -- "The Jamtastiks" to be exact.

It's a tradition that has spanned the nine years O'Keefe has served as music teacher at Gulfside Elementary -- one that students, teachers, families and the band all look forward to.

"I want them (students) to see the value of music -- that you can make a living at it," said O'Keefe, "And I want them to have fun with it."

Last week they were at it again, boogying down on the outdoor basketball court to songs such as Jimmy Buffets' "Cheeseburger in Paradise" and Santana's "Smooth." A few hip-swaying island tunes -- delightfully heavy on the kettle drums -- proved to be good for shaking those paper plate tambourines the kids crafted in Christina McKinny's art classes. An added touch of southern country fiddling got teachers Robert Bosrki and Chris Bellomy up on their feet and into a little impromptu country square dancing -- well, at least the "swinging your partner" bit.

"Sometimes you just have to let go," said a breathless Bellomy. "We're ready for spring break."

"This is so cool," said third-grader Ashley Fender, who was looking forward to the upcoming Congo along with her friend, Magan Leonard. "Everybody has different instruments and they can do what they want -- they just have to have the rhythm."

It's the best time we've had," said fifth-grader Whitney Weisner adding that she been partaking in the event since she first started school.

"This is as good a day that you can ask for," said Jamtastiks band leader, Terrel Lovett who was signing autographs for third-graders Amber Moody and Mandy Jones after most of the students had danced back to their classrooms.

Usually the Jamtastiks can be found in the Tikki Room at the Adams Mark Hotel in Clearwater Beach, but Lovett confesses the gig at Gulfside is definitely one of the best for the band that has been together 13 years.

"It's all about the energy cycle here," said Lovett. "We play for tourists all year round, but this is the best crowd."