Whether it’s country, blues, folk, bluegrass or rock, music of all genres eventually find their way to Pine Island. In celebration of the many varied musicians the island has to offer, members of the Greater Pine Island Elks Lodge have put together a new event, “Sounds Like Pine Island.” Everyone is invited to spend an afternoon at the Elks Lodge on Saturday, Feb. 20, from 11 a.m. to sunset, to enjoy live performances from some of the island’s best musicians. Taking the stage will be David Dean, Soapbox, Cindy Walsh and TJ Brown, Gary and Kerri, Burnt Out, Scrambled, Me and the Boys and a special appearance by the Pine Island Pluckers.

“I can’t thank our performers enough. Each of them has agreed to perform at no charge so that we can earn the maximum dollars for our charities,” said event organizer, Charles Messina. “I am always so amazed by the generosity of the people of Pine Island, there has not been one person that I have approached to assist with this event that has turned me down.”

New to the music scene on Pine Island is Me and the Boys. Paying music from country to hard blues, the band members claim they are local boys having local fun. Band members are Gary Maschmidt on guitar, Ed Ivy on drums, Jim Doyle on guitar and vocals, Roger Noss on saxophone and Dean Paren on bass guitar.

Well-known island favorites, Cindy Walsh and TJ Brown will play a variety of music ranging from the early Beatles to today’s modern country as well as some original songs. Walsh describes her style as “tropical rock” while Brown has roots in the blues. Together they have created a new mix of acoustic rhythm highlighted by soulful acoustic and electric leads, combined with strong vocals and perfectly blended harmonies.

Regulars at Bert’s Bar and Miceli’s Restaurant in Matlacha, the group Soapbox is considered one of the best classic and new rock cover bands. The trio includes long-time island resident, Jeff “Stix” Walker who provides vocals and percussion, Dawn “Shredder” Metzner on guitar and vocals and Molly Brown on bass and vocals. Soapbox plays a wide variety of music covering tunes from groups like Cream, Cheap Trick, Uriah Heap, the Eagles, Molly Hatchet, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Green Day, Violet Femms, Nirvana and more.

In addition to an afternoon of music, Sounds Like Pine Island will also feature a Car and Motorcycle Show. Participating in the Car Show will be the Hot Chili Rods as well as many individuals and on the motorcycle lot will be representatives from the Elk Riders. Those attending the event will have an opportunity to cast votes for awards to be presented to the owner of cars and motorcycles in several categories. Those opting to vote will be asked to pay $1 for each selection they make and categories for prizes include Best in Show, People’s Choice and Most Unique for both cars and motorcycles.

Food and beverages also will be available for purchase throughout the event.

“We want to have the air at the lodge filled with the smell of barbecue and the sound of music,” said Messina. “This will be a real Pine Island event and we are looking forward to having the island community join us for an afternoon of fun, good food, great music and spectacular cars and motorcycles.”

Also offered throughout the afternoon will be door prizes, the Elk Races and 50/50 drawings.

Proceeds from this event will benefit Lee County music students. Students in need of assistance with the purchase of an instrument for their use can apply to the Elks for financial help. Proceeds also will benefit other charities supported by the Pine Island Elks including the Veterans Fund, the VA Clinic, Pine Island Little League, the Elk Campership program, Elk’s College Scholarships, Pine Island Elementary DARE program, the Beacon of HOPE, FISH and the Pine Island Food Pantry.

Admission to the event is $10 in advance or $15 at the door and includes free parking. Advance tickets can be purchased at all Century 21 Sunbelt Realty offices, Foster’ Grill in Cape Coral, Pine Island Chamber of Commerce, Miceli’s Restaruant, Froggy’s, TIB Bank, Pine Island Feed and at the Elks Lodge.