On May 28, The Zooks will be the first group to perform for the 2015 Madison Gazebo Concerts series. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – A local band known for its dance music from the heydays of the 1960s through 1980s will launch the 2015 Madison Gazebo Concerts series on May 28.

The Zooks perform classic rock anthems, Motown tunes and rhythm and blues standards. The band members believe that their music will please any crowd.

Members of The Zooks are Ty Bennett on keyboards, vocals, harmonica and guitar; Dave Byrge, drums, vocals and ‘whiskers’; Ray Cutshaw, bass and vocals; Randy Razook, guitar and vocals; Donnie Cox, lead guitar and vocals; and Pat Thompson, acoustic guitar, vocals and ‘glutes.’

The Zooks often surprise their audiences with assorted special guests and honorary members on-stage. Usually, people from the audience join them on stage for a vamp on “Ride, Sally, Ride” from the classic tune, “Mustang Sally.”

The band’s interesting back story dates to 2000 when the group first organized thousands of miles away on Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands. The men forming the band knew each other from their jobs with a contractor for the U.S. Army, spokesperson Randy Razook said.

When they returned to the United States, the band members often got together over the years for jam sessions. Today, they play at numerous venues across the Tennessee Valley.

The Zooks have entertained at Firehouse Pub on Redstone Arsenal and LeaAnn’s watering hole in Huntsville. In 2014, they were featured at Parrots of the Caribbean, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Madison.

Madison Arts Council (MAC) sponsors the Madison Gazebo Concerts. The free events are family-oriented and held at the gazebo off Front Street on the Village Green in downtown Madison on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Food vendors will be on-site selling concessions, such as fresh sandwiches, artisan teas, fruit and snow cones. Each week, a different MAC partner will host a free activity for children, MAC President Beth Ridgeway said.

For more information, email to info@artsmadison.org or visit artsmadison.org.