Hidden Highlands

Welcome to Highlands County, FL. To the outside world it is a destination for northerners to escape the winter months or for race fanatics to come enjoy Race Week or The 12 Hours of Sebring. Ask some locals what there is to do and they’ll point you to the same ol’ spots which can all be found right off Highway 27 for the most part. Did you know there are some hidden gems located right under the noses of those who live and work here? Whole groups of creatives who range in ages and interests who do their best to bring in a different kind of culture. If you’re looking for music sure you can hit up the hot spots and catch the same local bands or DJs play the latest top 40 hits anywhere off 27 but what about something different, unique? Just this month alone several acts will be visiting the area. Each one with their own distinct background and accomplishments. At the moment there’s only one venue brave enough to venture into this world and that venue is Sheila’s Corner Pub and LiquorStore.

              

  Sheila’s is located on the corner of Lime and N Ridgewood Dr. close to downtown Sebring or “The Circle.” They have some musicians coming through this month who have been on tour through the U.S. and a couple who have been through Europe. Genres ranging from folk to blues, rockabilly to punk and even southern rock to metal. There’s bound to be something to wet the pallet of almost everybody.

 S.S. Web, a folk act hailing from Milwaukee, may look like a couple of punks but will appease even the pickier of folk music listeners. They have traveled the U.S. as well as Europe and played several festivals in between the two continents. They hit Sheila’s March 16^th.

The Gladezmen from Belle Mead, FL have perfected their Florida inspired style dubbed swampabilly and have played all up and down the East coast. They have played more notable festivals such as the Everglades Seafood Festival and the Bonita Blues Festival. The Gladezmen will be swinging through March 19^th.

Lone Wolf One Man Band from Miami, FL has been all over the U.S. and Europe not to mention South America as well. His style has been called Psycho Blues for some of his faster passed blues music being from a punk and psychobilly background. He wields not only a 6 string resonator guitar but also a custom built banjo and cigar box guitar which he gracefully uses to produce his one-of-a-kind sound. He’ll be making is way back through (yes, Lone Wolf has been through the area a few times now) March 25^th.

Of course there is also the array of local talent such as The Andeeks Roadshow, Clem McGillicutty and theBurnouts, WoRM FooD and (de)absolve among many more. The point here is there is quite a bit more to do than heading to one of these more “convenient” bar to see the same revolving acts day in and day out. If you want something new or different break out of your shell, find it and experience it. Support these shows and more will come each with their own special something. You might even discover a new favorite song or band better yet meet a whole group of people you’ve been waiting to find.