BakBeatz from the Joplin area performed Thursday night in the Seaton Family Pavilion in Forest Park to kick off the free summer Music in the Park concert series as well as the 25th annual Katy Days festival. The BakBeatz, which included Todd East (left) on keyboards and vocals and Matt Bennett (right) on guitar and vocals, played a selection of classic FM rock tunes sprinkled with arrangements of soul, funk, blues and R&B tunes. Other band members are Ryan Allen on bass, Chris Goddard on synthesizer, trombone and vocals, and Chase Hunter on drums and vocals. Katy Days opened Friday night and because of an early deadline for this edition, the Sun’s coverage of the festival will be in the Friday, May 30, edition. Ray Nolting/Sun photos
