Favorite Returning To Sunset Beach Concert Series

A perennial favorite of the Sunset Beach concerts in Tarpon Springs is set to get the toes a-tappin'.

Lil' Pearl and the Big Boys will offer a musical menu of blues, rock, funk and a little Americana at the Sunset Concert next Thursday, Nov. 13. It will be the last Sunset Beach concert of the season.

"We just keep it rocking," said Stephanie Anderson, who is the band's Lil' Pearl.

"Rocking" includes getting audience members moving to the music. "We do a lot of music people can dance to. A lot of kids get up and dance," Anderson said.

The audience this year will be in for a special treat. The band will perform some of Anderson's original songs. Her debut album of original music will be released shortly. "I write and sing from my heart, and that comes through," she said.

The band has been playing at the beach concerts for several years. It is in its second incarnation. It started out in 2000 as Lil' Pearl and Fat Daddy but changed to its present name when members decided the name Fat Daddy was too popular on the entertainment circuit.

Anderson's stage name Lil' Pearl came from the pearly finish of the mauve electric guitar she owned at the time.

Anderson, guitarist Delaware Dave Helm and drummer Taylor Canfield are all original members of the group. Newcomers Pat Sweeney plays bass and Ed Collins keyboards.

In addition to the band, members have separate performing lives. As the Big Boys, the four men concentrate on rock, blues, country and swing. As a solo performer and regular at Chic-a-Boom Room, in Dunedin, Anderson does "rock to reggae" that includes 400 cover songs from the '50s to the present. Additionally, she performs her original music.

Band members are looking forward to returning to Sunset Beach. The spot holds a special memory for Anderson, who was married there. "We love playing on the beach and watching the sun set as we play," she said.

The last concert will include a bonfire and marshmallow roast.

Concert-goers can expect "happy, good times," said Anderson. "Our music makes them feel good."

The lowdown

Lil' Pearl and the Big Boys will perform a free concert 7 - 9 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13, at Sunset Beach. The beach is at the western end of Gulf Road. Many concert-goers bring chairs, blankets and picnic dinners. Alcohol is not allowed at Sunset Beach, a municipal park.