Folk Legend Sparks To Perform Benefit For Groups

People who missed Randy Sparks' concert in 2008 will have two chances to see the folk legend when he returns next week.

Sparks will perform at Tims Memorial Presbyterian Church, 601 Sunset Lane, Lutz, on Friday and Feb. 7. The concerts will benefit Christian Social Services of Land O' Lakes and Habitat for Humanity of Central Pasco.

Although best known as the founder of The New Christy Minstrels, Sparks will appear with the Cockamamie Quartet, Minus One.

The New Christy Minstrels were a popular act during the 1960s and beyond and recorded more than a dozen albums. Made famous by songs such as "Ramblin'," "This Land Is Your Land" and "Green Green," the group launched the career of Kenny Rogers.

Sparks' first appearance in Lutz to benefit the two charities sprang out of a friendship the musician formed with Tims Memorial Folk Group member Dan Johnson.

During a South Florida show last year, Sparks offered to do a scaled-back show in Lutz.

"In four weeks, we put together this concert for Randy Sparks and friends, and 175 to 180 people showed up," said Johnson, who has played with Sparks on several occasions.

Johnson also was invited to take part in a reunion concert.

Johnson has led Tims Memorial's folk group for the past 18 years and plays banjo. His group will open for Sparks on Feb. 7, and the Twang Gang will open Friday.

For Charlie Reese, a board member of Habitat for Humanity of Central Pasco, Sparks' return is great news.

The concert is a big boost to the group's funding, he said. "It's critical to us in terms of getting another home built for another local family."

The show also will be a help to Christian Social Services, which provides food and other assistance to people in central Pasco and northern Hillsborough County.

"It's important to us," spokeswoman Jacquie Petet said. "The number of people we serve is on the rise, and who knows what the future will hold. We certainly do need the money, and what a fun way to get it."

Tickets for the concerts, which start at 7 p.m., are on sale for $20. To reserve tickets, call Christian Social Services at (813) 995-0088, Johnson at (813) 949-7335 or Reese at (813) 949-1331.

Sponsorships are still available. Call Johnson for information.