Sister Hazel returns to its Florida roots

National act Sister Hazel is no stranger to playing Florida venues — the popular rock band got its start twelve years ago in Gainesville, and three of the group's five members still call Florida home, the others having strayed only as far as Atlanta.

"We love it here," says lead singer and guitarist Ken Block from his Gainesville home. "We've always kind of felt like ambassadors for the state. By growing up here, (Florida) really shaped who we are — as artists, as people, as parents, as real-live grown-ups!" he adds, laughing.

So it's no surprise that the loyal-to-their-roots Sister Hazel — which besides front man Block includes Jett Beres on bass, Andrew Copeland on rhythm guitar, lead guitarist Ryan Newell, and drummer Mark Trojanowski — readily agreed to come to Fort Myers for the Light up the Town block party when they were "shortlisted as being a favorite," according to Naples booking agent Paul Easton.

You'll know a Sister Hazel song the minute you hear it: hits like "All for You," "Happy," and "Change Your Mind" all feature Block's instantly identifiable lead vocals; precise, layered harmonies; and the band's unique blend of musical styles that include pop, alternative, Southern rock, and folk.

It's that versatility and accessible sound that accounts for their popularity among a wide range of fans, from younger kids to the college set to more mature audiences.

"It's been nice to bridge the gap between people from different walks of life and different ages," Block reflects when asked about Sister Hazel's widespread appeal. "I love it when I look out there and see parents with their kids."

In fact, Sister Hazel's lasting success and longevity in an industry known for quick career arcs has long been a largely fan-driven phenomenon. Devotees, calling themselves Hazelnuts, follow them on tour, record live performances, and have not only created a demand for reissues of the band's hard-to-find or out-of-print CDs, but created a "cooperative promotion scheme" with the band through their official Web site to help sell CDs.

"It's mind-boggling when we go to these shows and people are singing along to every song, not just the ones on the radio," Block marvels.

And Sister Hazel is renowned for showing their appreciation: Every year the band sponsors Rock Boat and Rock Slope concerts (on a Caribbean cruise ship and in Steamboat, Colorado, respectively) that include intimate performances by Sister Hazel as well as other top national recording acts like Edwin McCain, Shawn Mullins and Gavin DeGraw.

"I think it's important to remember the people who have helped you along the way," says Block. To that end they try to play not just midsize or larger venues, but also smaller stages and festival-type events. "We'd always rather play to a packed (crowd) with a lot of energy."

The prolific band — who often have anywhere from 50 to 75 original songs to cull from when recording each new album — is currently finishing up their latest CD, not yet titled, due out sometime this summer.

Between studio sessions, they keep their touring schedule busy as well, while simultaneously juggling their home lives. "It's a very bizarre existence," Block, the father of three, reflects with amusement: "changing diapers in the morning, singing sold-out shows at night."