Tropical Audubon Society’s 10th Anniversary Conservation Concert series returns on Mar. 30 with Been There Done That plugging back into the Doc Thomas House stage by popular demand. The musically gifted Classic Rock cover band is known for its hard-driving delivery of enduring ’70s hits leavened by the occasional ’60s Oldie.
Concert goers will likely know one or more of the band members: Educator Denise Margolesky (lead vocals) of The Falls, Gables resident and attorney Phil Allen (lead guitar and vocals), retired ocean cargo executive Jose Arencibia of Miami (drums), attorney and Grovite Burt Bruton (bass and vocals), psychologist and Coral Springer Steve Cassel (percussion), entrepreneur Jerry Cohn of Boca (guitar and vocals) and investment adviser and North Miami Beach denizen Fred Kettler (keyboards). Expect to hear Margolesky’s powerful vocals and harmonies showcased.
Been There Done That’s genesis dates to 1995 when Margolesky and Allen joined Cohn in the original band. (Its driving force and spiritual leader, Dr. Ron Chassner, died in 2013.)
Over the course of its evolution, Been There Done That has played some memorable gigs, including a Greynolds Park Love-In date with The Grass Roots and Jefferson Starship. For many years running, the group also played regularly at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Little Hoolies, the Sports Page and the Mutineer. Been There Done That presently gigs privately and for charity.
“We feel strongly about the conservation work that Tropical Audubon Society does for all of South Florida’s inhabitants. We’re proud to contribute to that Mission,” noted Allen, the band’s current-day organizer.
In addition to volunteering to play every March, Allen and bandmate Burt Bruton return in April to orchestrate the sound and manage the playbill for Birdstock, the Conservation Concert series annual finale event. (This year, the two also will play a set with a formidable pop-up band TBA!)
Proceeds benefit capital improvements to the Steinberg Nature Center grounds and historic buildings.
Also on the Mar. 30 Playbill are Taco Fresh Food Truck, and the donation Bird Bar featuring wines and beer courtesy of Republic National Distributing Co.
Picnic tables available on a first-come basis. Gates open at 7 p.m.; music begins at 7:30 p.m.; lights out at 10 p.m. Admission at the door is $10 cash donation per person, children 12 and under are free.
Limited free parking via the 55th Avenue auto gate and along 56th Avenue; metered parking on Sunset Drive; various garage and valet parking options located within 1-3 blocks; Metrorail service to South Miami Station.
Tropical Audubon Society is located at 5530 Sunset Dr.; call 305-667-7337 or visit www.tropicalaudubon.org.
