Concerts on the Coast at Ocean Isle Beach kick off this weekend with 'Band of Oz'

OCEAN ISLE BEACH—Ocean Isle Beach’s Concerts on the Coast begins this Friday and continues through the end of August. The Band of Oz will play this Friday at 6:30 p.m., kicking off the 2008 concert series.

Ocean Isle Beach’s Concerts on the Coast are in the parking lot of the Museum of Coastal Carolina every Friday from May 23-Aug. 29. Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m.

The Concerts on the Coast events have been organized every summer since 2002 when the Ocean Isle Beach Property Owners Association provided sponsorship to jump-start the event.

Coordinator Peggy Hughes said Brunswick County Parks and Recreation previously sponsored it, and other local beach towns had similar events.

“The idea was to have these concerts open to the public, something that would be a good family event where everybody can just come and have a good time,” Hughes said.

Concerts on the Coast began with one band. Now in its eighth season, it has 12 bands in its lineup. The first on the list, Band of Oz, is a beach music band that claims they have been “makin’ it groovy since 1970.”

Hughes said the band is “a biggie for us.”

“People around here just love the Band of Oz,” she said.

Also in this year’s lineup are The Imitations.

“Their voices are wonderful,” Hughes said. “They get out there and dance and get the crowd all worked up. Everybody just loves them.”

Hughes said to “bring your dancin’ shoes,” as many often shag to the beach music.

“They get up and dance and have a good time,” Hughes said of past concert attendees.

Concert-goers are also encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

Sunset Slush will be on hand, serving Italian ice. Hughes said the company is one of the event’s sponsors, and they donate a percentage of their sales back to the concert fund every Saturday night. No other food will be served, but attendees may bring their own picnic baskets or food from home.

While the concerts and parking are free, nonperishable food items and monetary donations will be collected at every concert to help benefit local food pantries in Brunswick County.

Concerts on the Coast 2008 Schedule

May 23

Band of Oz

May 30

GB4 Band

June 6

Flatt City Bluegrass

June 13

The Imitations

June 20

Northern Border Bluegrass

June 27

Billy Scott & The Party Prophets

July 4

The Imitations

July 11

Sea Cruz

July 18

The Attractions

July 25

Craig Woolard Band

August 1

The Imitations

August 8

Andrew Thielen Big Band

August 15

Pantastic Steel

August 22

Goldrush

August 29

Sea Cruz