Pine Island Feed to host Creative Coast concert

Helping to feed the island livestock and family pets, Pine Island Feed will soon be giving something back to the community that has supported it. With the help of singer/songwriter Kip Lawrence, the center will be hosting the next Creative Coast Concert Friday, Oct. 23, beginning at 6 p.m.
This concert is free of charge and all are welcome to attend.
“Pine Island is our home and we are so thankful for the support our island friends and neighbors have shown us,” said Mike Gerner, co-owner of Pine Island Feed and Garden Center. “We are hosting this concert to show how much these folks mean to us and to help support two important charities.”
While this concert is free to attend, Peaches and Mike Gerner will also be collecting donations for two charities. The first is a program called “Hands Up,” which is an organization that provides supplies to quadriplegic and parapeligic patients that are not covered by insurance companies. Another portion of any donations made at the event will go to the Pine Island VFW to support veteran’s charities.
The free concert will feature Gary and Kerri, Cindy Walsh and host, Lawrence.
“It has been my goal to breath new life into the gone-bye days when people would gather at the hardware store to listen to local musicians,” said Lawrence. “Pine Island Feed has been gracious enough to help with this goal and it is my hope that people will come out and enjoy some terrific entertainment just like the old days.”
Gary and Kerri have made a name for themselves on the island and have performed at many venues, including the Ragged Ass Saloon, Bert’s Bar and Grill and Miceli’s, drawing standing-room only crowds.
Kerri Lynn got her start in music when living in New Jersey singing in her church choir. She later sang back-up for Rod Stewart and performed the national anthem for packed arenas. She and Gary have been performing as a duo for four years where she has diversified her abilities and now performs numerous cover songs as well as original songs penned by the two.
Gary Ray Harvey hails from the Lone Star State and has performed, playing his guitar for several entertainers including Jim Morris, the Platters, the Coasters, Jimmy Collins and took the stage at the famed Farm Aid with Willie Nelson.
Gary and Kerri began performing together primarily in Southwest Florida but have played to many audiences throughout the United States.
A solo performer, Cindy Walsh has become one of Southwest Florida’s favorite performers. Her acoustic performances have drawn listeners to both the Ragged Ass Saloon and Bert’s Bar and Grill, as well as numerous other locations in and around Pine Island and Matlacha. Using no pre-recorded background music, Walsh’s performances include over 100 songs covering the gambit from today’s country to classic oldies and offer everything from easy listening to those songs that will drive listeners to their feet.
Lawrence, the emcee for the Creative Coast Concert, is no stranger to island music lovers. Best known for his performances with the Yard Dogs, Lawrence also enjoys a very successful solo career. Lawrence said, however, that his first love is writing music and has made his mark when recently he sold two of his instrumentals to a national recording company. Lawrence can be seen performing his solo act every Monday evening at Miceli’s Restaurant in Matlacha.
Pine Island Feed and Garden Center is located at 8482 Stringfellow Road in St. James City and all are invited to attend the free Creative Coast Concert and coolers and lawnchairs are welcome.