Locals make waves on beach music charts

Charlotte-based quartet Lakeside Drive has spent the summer watching its first single, "Candy Girl," climb "Cashbox Magazine's" Top 40 Beach Music Singles chart. The song currently sits at #13 sandwiched between R&B singer Bayje and Americana songwriter Amy Lavere (this particular chart is pretty eclectic with Kid Rock, Jill Scott & Anthony Hamilton, and Huey Lewis occupying other spots).

Though its members are seasoned players, Lakeside Drive is a fairly new group formed in 2010 to play R&B, beach, pop, oldies, and classic rock covers at area restaurants and bars where they're frequently booked. Keyboardist Mike Howard wrote "Candy Girl" in January. The single was distributed to radio in June and has since picked up speed. It's been climbing "Cashbox's" charts ever since.

Another original track, "I'm Still In Love With You," was released as a single in September through Myrtle Beach-based Shanty's Records, which has signed the group. Gene Pharr of Continental Divide sings lead on the track.

Both songs have been played locally on WSGE and both capture that classic R&B-infused beach music era with a touch of big band. You could easily imagine "Shag's" Annabeth Gish scooting across the dancefloor to "Candy Girl."

Lakeside Drive plays T=Bones at the Lake Friday and Saturday, October 7 and 8. "Cashbox Magazine" was one of "Billboard's" competitors. Although the weekly magazine closed in 1996, it was relaunched 10 years later as an online publication.