In the liner notes from Hillbilly Idol’s first album, it’s written that “It ain’t your Grandpa’s country music, but he’d probably approve.”  It’s likely you’ll approve, too, should you attend the country band’s performance this Friday, Aug. 12, as part of LakewoodAlive’s Front Porch Concert Series.

LakewoodAlive Front Porch Concert Series

Hillbilly Idol takes the stage in Downtown Lakewood this Friday, Aug. 12, at 7 p.m.

Sponsored by Bentley Wealth Management of Raymond James, the Front Porch Concert Series features free, live music on the front porch of Lakewood Public Library (15425 Detroit Avenue) in Downtown Lakewood for 12 consecutive Fridays.  The series, which aims to foster and sustain Lakewood’s vibrancy while providing a family-friendly summer entertainment option, runs through September 16.

Week 7 of the series brings to the stage Hillbilly Idol – a country and blue grass band renowned for its harmony and longevity.  Since forming in 1991, Hillbilly Idol has played consistently and produced three critically-acclaimed studio CDs, offering its audience country music with an adventurous spirit.  The band consists of Paul Kovac (singer, guitar, banjo, mandolin) Al Moss (pedal steel, guitar, singer), Brian Davidson (electric & acoustic guitar, singer), Gary Naherny (drums) and Lakewood’s own Mike Pella (bass, singer).

“The band has a love of classic country music, so if folks need a last name attached to the first names ‘Hank,’ ‘Lefty,’ ‘George,’ ‘Willie’ and ‘Merle,’ then maybe they’ll be getting freshly acquainted with the cats that we admire,” said Moss.  “We enjoy watering the roots of country music by playing the tunes of our ‘hillbilly’ idols and we write and play our own tunes in that same spirit.”

Added Moss: “We really enjoy playing together, and we’re looking forward to sharing that when we’re up on the library steps on Friday evening.  Hillbilly Idol is happy to be included in LakewoodAlive’s summer series, and we find it great that the folks of Lakewood and beyond embrace the fine selection of diverse musical styles.  In some kind of way, that seems to celebrate the diversity of Lakewood, itself.”

Now in its sixth year, the popular Front Porch Concert Series adds vibrancy and an enhanced sense of community to Lakewood’s urban core, drawing several thousand attendees annually.  Each week showcases a different style of music while Lakewoodites and visitors enjoy an entertaining evening at an open-air venue.  Attendees are encouraged to bring family, friends, snacks, blankets and chairs.

The Front Porch Concert Series is generously supported by the following sponsors: Bentley Wealth Management of Raymond James, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, City of Lakewood, Cox Communications, Discount Drug Mart, Lakewood Public Library, Lion & Blue, Paisley Monkey, Pillars of Lakewood and Vance Music Studios.