On May 3rd, 2024, the MIA Academy of Rock opened the Jammin’ In The Park concert at Marco Island’s Veteran’s Park. The concert was a free event consisting of the Academy of Rock, Ryan Sullivan, Batteries Not Included, Big Mountain Hodge, and Charlie Pace.

MIA Academy of Rock: The MIA Academy of Rock opened the festival with a set consisting of classics such as “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osborn and “Sweet Child of Mine” by Guns ‘n’ Roses. With outstanding guitar solos provided by Aiden Schmittauer and Nathan Nemper, the band provided an unforgettable performance.

“It was fun for The [MIA] Academy of Rock to do something outside of MIA; being able to go into the community. And I think it’s a great opportunity for local businesses… to come out and, like, show what their businesses are about.” – Jac Lamb, MIA junior

Ryan Sullivan, who graduated from MIA in 2020, followed their act. Just him, his trusty harmonica, and his guitar. Sullivan played some heartfelt acoustic hits to the crowd for about an hour.The lifelong Beatles fan’s solo act included many of their most famous songs, along with some of his own original works.

His act opened with “Yellow Submarine” and included other iconic Beatles’s songs such as “Let It Be” and “Something”. Sullivan also performed more contemporaryoriginal songs such as “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron and “Twin Sized Bed”, an original.

“It was phenomenal. I’ve never played to that many people before… I know in, like, three days I’ll be thinking back on this as one of the greatest experiences of my life.” -Ryan Sullivan

After a brief rest period, Ryan Sullivan was joined by his band

mates Wes Hertgers and Joe Byrnes. Sullivan and Hertgers are both MIA graduates. They played some highly anticipated hits, such as “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, but also played some crowd favorites like “Margaritaville” in homage to Jimmy Buffett.

“I was insanely worried about it to begin with because I’d only practiced with Batteries Not Included as a whole band once… but the crowd was really good. Everybody seemed so appreciative.” -Ryan Sullivan

While they had little practice together, the on-stage chemistry between all of the performers showed through in their music.

With Sullivan on harmonica and slide guitar, Byrnes on acoustic guitar and vocals, and Hertgers on bass, the trio played to the steadily growing crowd through sunset. The band was also accompanied by the next act, Big Mountain Hodge, who played as a guest percussionist.

Tight harmonies, complex cords, and harmonica solos were all held together by the steady pound of the drums and plucking of the bass guitar, proving just how skilled and talented the performing musicians really are.

A naturally peaceful and relaxed individual, Big Mountain Hodge performed many keyboard-oriented tunes to the crowd. Hodge is a relatively popular local performer on the island and frequently plays in many restaurants. With his signature Hawiian shirt, fedora, and soulful voice, Hodge’s performance allowed for a very tropical atmosphere, perfect for the Marco Island park. Some audience members even danced in front of the stage to his infectious tunes.

Hodge’s set consisted of many piano freestyles, something that is a staple of his abundant performances. He kept the crowd entertained and the energy up with his set. Like many of the other performers, Hodge directed the audience’s attention to the vendors located behind the crowd.

There were both food and drink vendors in attendance at the event, including The Bean. This coffee and donut shop makes frequent appearances across the island, including the Farmer’s Market and at Marco Island Academy in the mornings.

By this point in the night, the crowd had grown considerably larger since the opening acts as the sun set over the west side of the park, casting the field in a glowing gold light.

People from all ages were in attendance, as the concert was very family-friendly. Many Marco Island Academy students and alumni alike attended, some in support of specific performs and others just to enjoy the show.

Local musician Charlie Pace closed the night with a performance consisting of a mix of original and iconic songs. Pace is a rising star on the southwest Florida scene and is well known for her powerful vocals and iconic stage presence. The seasoned performer has experience performing for outdoor venues such as this, as she was the main musical host for the 2024 Everglades Seafood Festival.

“It was so much fun jamming in the park. Lots of friends and lots of fun, where yo could do no wrong.” -Charlie Pace

Pace was accompanied by Wes Hertgers from Batteries Not Included, again playing the bass guitar. With her new take on classics like “Psycho Killer” by Talking Heads and original songs like “Buzzcut Season”, her performance ended the night with a bang.

Overall, it is safe to say that all of the performances were a smashing success and incredibly well received by the community of Marco Island.