The Cole Younger Band has rhapsodized about growing up at the beach and American outlaws via their original music. They’ve also mastered the art of the lesser known cover song with Billy Joe Shaver’s “Georgia on a Fast Train” and the Beatles’ “Dear Prudence.” But as successful as the group has been at reeling in listeners, especially at the beach, lead singer John Pollard said audiences shouldn’t expect the usual waterfront fare.

    “We try to do things that are a little more obscure,” he said. “I’m no Buffett band, I just can’t do it.”

    Audiences will get to see the band perform in Pollard’s favorite venue – the great outdoors – at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 20, at Killens Pond State Park.

    “If I could play every gig outside, I would,” he said.

    While playing restaurants or bars, the band often is an afterthought. That’s not so at a venue such as Killens Pond. There, people can hear the music, the message, Pollard said.

    Another bonus to playing outside is that the whole band can come out and be heard. The folksy group includes Steve Hobson on lead guitar, Joe DiGiacomo on keyboards, Glen Walther on bass, Susan Dounce on cello and Pollard on lead vocals and acoustic guitar.

    That combo of instruments and Pollard’s Cat Stevens-esque voice lend themselves to being classified as Americana.

    It’s a fitting title for a group that sings about current personal issues, but also those of Wild West outlaws, including Cole Younger.

    Younger, an infamous Wild West criminal, ran with his equally rebellious brothers and Jesse James’ crew.

    Not a common inspiration for a band name.

    Pollard said when the band formed in the early 1980s, one of the original members was working at a steak house with a “Wanted: Cole Younger” poster hanging in it. He proposed using the rebel’s name for the band and it’s stayed that way since. Pollard has since done some research, though, and fleshed out the connection by writing songs about Younger.

    “He’s just kind of become my alter ego,” he said.

    When he has music in his head but nothing personal to write about, Pollard channels Younger and writes about his life.

    So audiences get a history lesson with their entertainment.

    Pollard loves to blab about Younger’s life, not only for himself but to give the audience background. The band lets him know when it’s gone on too long.

    “I hear a lot of heavy sighs,” he said.

    He’ll also give audiences ideas into what inspired the original music.

    “Horseshoe Curve,” for example, was written about an Altoona, Pa, railroad curve and landmark with family history for Pollard.

    Killens Pond listeners will hear cover songs and originals, including some from Pollard’s two CDs that are in the works.

    Organizers advise attendees to bring blankets or lawn chairs.

If you go:
What: Cole Younger Band at the Friends of Killens Pond Summer Concert Series
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 20
Where: Sports Complex area at Killens Pond State Park, 5025 Killens Pond Road, Felton
Admission: The concert is free, although a park admission will be charged
Information: Call 284-4526 or visit www.destateparks.com/kpsp/sum mer08KPSP.pdf