Tropical Audubon Society’s 10th Anniversary Conservation Concert series rolls this month with Plan B returning to its Doc Thomas House Keystone Stage perch, 5530 Dunset Dr., on Saturday, Feb. 23.
Its last gig in 2014 rocked “The Doc,” but the stars did not align for a return appearance until this season, so anticipation is high among regular ConCon-goers and the band’s loyal fan base.
Plan B’s genesis is traced to three popular rock cover bands: The Members, Melted Vinyl and The Vibe. Select members from each disbanded group formed a new ensemble in 2012 to play the very best of classic and contemporary Rock & Roll spiked with a dash of the unexpected.
Concert goers may recognize their musical neighbors: Pinecrest residents Dr. Scott Kenward (guitar and vocals) and Al Roque (drums), South Miamian Alex Leeds (vocals, percussion, guitar), High Piner Al Larcada (bass) and east Kendallite Alvaro Gomez (keyboards, guitar, vocals).
The Birding organization’s “ConCon” fundraising series holds sway with Plan B.
“There’s something really special about playing outside in a beautiful tropical setting this time of year, and it’s always been a meaningful event for our band and a fun venue,” Kenward said. “Plus, I grew up in Pinecrest next to the old Parrot Jungle and we had macaws roosting in our yard, so I have a special affection for bird sanctuaries.”
It was Scott’s former Members band-mate Steve Chavoustie (now of Take Sixx) who planted the seed for the concert series. While attending a memorial service held on the near-native 2.2-acre campus in 2009 for a family friend, he noticed the then-bare chickee for which there were no funds for repair. He piped right up, “Let’s hold concerts here and raise money for a new thatch!”
The following January he, Kenward and their Members mates inaugurated the first Conservation Concert. In the interim, the chickee has been re-thatched twice and countless other needed repairs and improvements have been made to the house and grounds.
Also on the Feb. 23 playbill: Taco Fresh Food Truck, and the donation Bird Bar featuring wines and beer courtesy of Republic National Distributing Co.
2019 ConCon schedule includes Saturday, Mar. 31, Been There, Done That, and Saturday, Apr. 27, Birdstock Picnic tables available on a first-come basis. Gates open at 7 p.m.; music begins at 7:30 p.m. Cash door: $10 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 within 1-3 blocks; Metrorail service to South Miami Station.
Proceeds benefit capital improvements to the grounds and historic buildings.
