VALDOSTA – As the county celebrates its bicentennial with the Lunch on the Lawn event on Friday, a group of musicians will take the stage to deliver a setlist unlike any other.

The trio of Rob Evans, Zane Ally, and Leslie Smith will perform, bringing their unique style and deep musical experience to the event. Evans primarily plays a 12-string guitar and was in a band for over 20 years. Zane Ally, a talented bassist, joined the lineup during its final gigs. 

The two musicians initially met years ago at The Bleu Café, where they began playing together, only to discover later that they were from the same town in Ohio and even had mutual family connections. Leslie Smith, a remarkable drummer, plays with many bands in Valdosta, and Evans believes that Smith will enhance the event significantly.

The group has built a reputation with its interpretive covers, offering fresh takes on popular songs. Their performances are filled with nostalgia, yet they also bring unexpected selections that set them apart.

“We like to play songs that no one else plays,” one of the performers explained. “We try to play some neat songs that people may have forgotten, but when you hear a few chords, you immediately remember.”

Evans draws inspiration from legendary artists like Joni Mitchell, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and obscure artistic bands. Their setlist fuses folk influences with classic rock elements. 

Their music spans many decades, from the jazz-infused sounds of the 1920s to modern hits, ensuring there’s something for everyone in the audience. A few crowd favorites often make their way into their performances, with frequent requests for “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel’s hits, and “White Iverson” by Post Malone. 

Evans says that the group does not know what they will get up to until they perform but is confident it will be entertaining with Ally and Smith by his side.