'It's a musical camaraderie': The Lineup brings musicians together in unrehearsed format

Paul Catala
·4 min read
Mickenzie Peisher, a Winter Haven-based guitarist for the band The Free Whiskey Band and organizer of The Lineup, said what makes the show stand out is on-the-spot appeal – musicians just doing what comes up unrehearsed and in the moment
Mickenzie Peisher, a Winter Haven-based guitarist for the band The Free Whiskey Band and organizer of The Lineup, said what makes the show stand out is on-the-spot appeal – musicians just doing what comes up unrehearsed and in the moment

LAKELAND – The idea behind the music is to make it sonically organic.

Each month on a Thursday, “The Lineup” at Haines City's Balmoral Event Center features area musicians chosen by coordinator Mickenzie Peisher. They come together in an unrehearsed and “unscripted” format and just make music.

The free event began in late 2018, but in 2020 it went on hiatus because of the COVID pandemic. It returned in March.

From 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, guitarist Joe Pascual of Lakeland’s funk, soul and reggae band Phoenix 5 and drummer and guitarist Toney Rocks, part of the Winter Haven band Magik Toast, a touring theater musician who’s opened for guitarist Robben Ford, will join Peisher to make the music happen. In the events center, 116 Kenny Blvd., the trio will play on-the-spot cover songs, improvise and perform some of their original pieces.

Joe Pascual, a guitarist with Lakeland’s funk, soul and reggae band Phoenix 5, will perform Thursday with Mickenzie Peisher and Toney Rocks in The Lineup in Haines City.
Joe Pascual, a guitarist with Lakeland’s funk, soul and reggae band Phoenix 5, will perform Thursday with Mickenzie Peisher and Toney Rocks in The Lineup in Haines City.

“My plan was to get the two of them in the same room and see what we could make happen,” said Peisher, who plays guitar, sings and “plays kazoo from time to time.”

Peisher, who’s a Winter Haven-based guitarist for the band The Free Whiskey Band, said what makes “The Lineup” stand out among other live music shows across Polk County is on-the-spot appeal – musicians just doing what comes up unrehearsed and in the moment.

Toney Rocks is a drummer and guitarist with the Winter Haven band Magik Toast. As a touring theater musician, he's opened for guitarist Robben Ford.
Toney Rocks is a drummer and guitarist with the Winter Haven band Magik Toast. As a touring theater musician, he's opened for guitarist Robben Ford.

“Most other shows are rehearsed, planned, songs played before or are requested songs. What I think is nice about this is that it’s a musical camaraderie up on stage, right there, organically in front of your eyes and ears,” he said.

For information, see www.balmoraleventcenter.com/event/the-lineup-hosted-by-mickenzie-peisher or call 863-225-2665.

Neighborhood Story Time

Polk County Parks and Recreation sponsors this series of free interactive literacy events where costumed characters read stories from a noted children’s book for children 3 to 6 years old, with hands-on activities afterward. Characters from “Hello, World! Reptiles” by Jill McDonald will come to life from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Thursday, May 16, in the Medulla Resource Center, 1049 Parker Road, Lakeland. To attend, e-mail Cherry Alston at cherryalston@polk-county.net. For information, call 863-647-4035.

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Board Gamers at the Library

Get board at the Lakeland Public Library’s free board game day each third Saturday of the month. The next edition in the library’s Lakeland History Room, 100 Lake Morton Drive, starts at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 18, and features classic board games – from “Apples to Apples” to “Zombie Dice.” Children younger than 15 must be accompanied by an adult, registration not required. For information, see www.lakelandgov.net/departments/library/locations-hours/lakeland-public-library-main/ or call 863-834-4263.

King of the Ranch 2024 Vendor Market & Car Show

One of the largest vendor and car shows in Central Florida, the King of the Ranch car show, parks at Maddox Ranch, 2511 W. Bella Vista St., Lakeland, on Saturday, May 18. From noon to 7 p.m., car owners and spectators can see an array of vehicles and motorcycles competing for trophies in various categories. Entry is $20, free for children younger than 12. For information or to show a car, call or text 863-969-2797 or 321-441-6701.

Les Dudek Acoustic Show

One of Polk County’s renowned homegrown musicians, guitarist Les Dudek, takes the stage Saturday, May 18, in Gram Parsons Derry Down, 297 5th St. N.W., Winter Haven. Dudek has a string of acclaimed solo albums and has performed and recorded with The Steve Miller Band, Boz Scaggs, The Allman Brothers Band, Dave Mason, Stevie Nicks, Maria Muldaur, Cher and others. Tickets are $25. Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. For information, see www.gpderrydown.com/products/les-dudek-acoustic-show-4 or call 863-295-9422.

Coming up at The Polk Theatre

Movies at the Polk Theatre, 121 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland, 863-682-7553:

  • "American Graffiti," 7:30 p.m., Friday, May 17, rated R. $5.

  • "FernGully: The Last Rainforest," 4 p.m., Saturday, May 18, rated G. $5.

  • "Dr. Strangelove," 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 18, rated PG. $5.

  • "101 Dalmations," 4 p.m., Sunday, May 19, rated G. $5.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: The Lineup brings musicians together in organic, unrehearsed format