The “2nd Street” band plays Bridgeport City Park this evening, part of Bridgeport Arts Council's "Summer Jams" series. Live music will start at 7 p.m. and wind up around 9 p.m. There is no charge to attend. Park visitors are welcome to bring chairs and blankets. 

 

Specializing in classic rock and roll, infused with a bit of soul and jazz, the band's sound features bass, guitar, drums and horns. Locals attending Tuesday's National Night Out heard the band in action. The 2nd Street Band has been playing in the area for about 35 years. 

 

Through the years, the group has played at weddings, clubs, fairs, family reunions, corporate events and fundraisers. Several instrumentalists and a handful of vocalists have been part of the 2nd Street family. In the beginning, 2nd Street played mostly top 40 tunes, said one of its founding members Terry Hotsinpiller.

 

“It’s basically transformed into soul, classic rock and roll with a little bit of jazz – when we can get by with it,” he said. “And when we do concerts, we slide in more Steely Dan and music which groups don’t play much anymore.”

 

The band currently consists of Hotsinpiller and fellow founding members Larry Virtue, Bob Workman and Phil Wyatt, along with Mark Krall, Chuck Koukoulis and Dave Nuzum, with Evan Jones serving as sound engineer. Davin Seamon has contributed recent percussion talents from time to time.

 

Hotsinpiller said the group cpntinues to enjoy each other’s company.

 

"We enjoy playing together – and we usually play well," he said. "It’s just a gas to play with a big group of people who all love the music and each other. We’re still playing rock and roll at our age – so that’s good, I guess.”

 

"Friend of the band" and local longtime music educator Randall Hall had been invited to join the band for a few numbers this evening. Hall was instrumental in the band’s formation back in the early 1980s.As of earlier today, he wasn't sure if he was going to be able to make that happen. He hopes to be present for at least part of the band's performance, he said. 

 

Editor's Note: Photo taken during Tuesday's National Night Out at Bridgeport Pool.