Bands on the Beach always draws a big crowd. On Saturday, May 1, step back into the music scene of the 1960s, as Robert Foster, known as "the best guitar talent in Pensacola,” will be joined by a group of past band members to celebrate the musical movement that consumed Pensacola in the 60s for a special concert on Pensacola Beach.

Foster & Friends: Rhythm and Blues Revival is free and open to the public from 7-9 p.m. at the Gulfside Pavilion. This musical extravaganza will also serve as a kick-off to the Bands on the Beach music series, which begins May 4 with Tim Jackson’s Mr. Big band.

With close to 1,000 years of experience combined, Foster & Friends will bring true rhythm and blues to Pensacola Beach, the way it was 50 years ago. With tunes ranging from “Stand By Me” and “Mustang Sally” to “You Better Move On” and “Watermelon Man,” the bands will entertain crowds with heart and soul cover tunes, America's musical fabric of those days.

"This is an event no one will want to miss," stated Tommy Ratchford, member of Foster & Friends. "It's going to be like Woodstock. Ten years from now, people will be talking about being there. And if they weren't there, they will still say they were."

Foster & Friends band members are traveling from Texas to North Carolina to participate in this special event. Currently, members include Robert Foster, keyboard and trombone; Ronnie Baisden, Saxophone; George Emmanuel, a variety of instruments; Chip Mayes, bass; Tommy Ratchford, vocals and keyboard; Alan Hinrichs, keyboard; Jeff Byrd, lead and rhythm guitar; Dick Boyden, lead and rhythm guitar; Robert Lewis, bass; Andreé Byrd, backup vocals; Buddy Fish, drums and percussion; and John Phillips, drums.

Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to the pavilion area. No pets are allowed and glass is prohibited. Concerts are provided and organized by the Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA).

For more information, call the SRIA at (850) 932-2257, go to www.visitpensacolabeach.com or tune to Cat Country 98.7 for the latest updates.

Bands on the Beach May Schedule

All Bands on the Beach performances are on Tuesday night, from 7-9 p.m. at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach.

May 4

Tim Jackson's Mr. Big

Get ready for high-energy dance music, as Tim Jackson's Mr. Big rouses the crowd out of their seats. This Bands on the Beach favorite will entertain music fans with popular covers from the 50s- 70s.

May 11

A Touch of Gray

Bands on the Beach keeps truckin' in Week 2 with Touch of Gray. The band, affectionately named for their hair color, will play a set filled with “oldies but goodies,” current songs by groups such as the Los Lonely Boys, and even a few country hits.

May 18

Big Muddy

Get ready to get a little mud on the tires as Big Muddy blends rock 'n' roll and country into their blues music and features a few famous blues classics and finely crafted original compositions. May 25 Kyle Parker Band

Kyle Parker of the Kyle Parker Band began his career at age 13 as a drummer for soul legend Bobby Purify and has played with many great musicians. Look forward to such great hits as "Born on the Bayou" and "Hard to Handle."