Thornton Park's new The Veranda Live will host their first official show as a community venue on February 22nd. The Central Florida band Life on Mars will perform at this free event. Life on Mars is a collaboration of local Orlando musicians organized by band member David Schweizer.

We spoke to Schweizer and he told us he loves The Veranda LIVE at Thornton Park and thinks "it's going to be a great venue for the community." He appreciates that the space has an outdoor stage and is putting together free shows. Schweizer has a deep connection to the Orlando music community. He has been performing for 35 years and for the past 20 has had his own studio in Central Florida, Richter Records.

David Schweizer Headlines Orlando Concert Series In Thornton Park 

Life on Mars is a collaboration between Schweizer and four other artists. Bob Shiles is on drums, Kevin Stever is a bass player who occasionally rocks the accordion, Gary Hibbard (who is also known as Doc) is fire on fiddle, mandolin & guitar, and Bunky Garrabrant spices things up with the trumpet and melodica. The best part? All five band members sing. Schweizer tells us that Life on Mars has some very lush harmonies. 

Life on Mars plays a combination of covers and original tunes and their shows are upbeat and engaging. "When there's a lot of people having a great time the room lights up," Schweizer tells us. He loves lighting up a room. This is why he's been in a local trio every Monday at the House of Blues Orlando for years. Schweizer also has an established dinner show the first Wednesday of every month at Dexter's | Winter Park

Life on Mars is a new project of Schweizer's. The band has a lot of classic rock influence but is also inspired by contemporary artists and singer/songwriters. They play a huge range -- from Johnny Cash to the Lumineers -- and there is really something for everyone. Our favorite thing about the band? The name is a tribute to Bowie. "We are not a David Bowie cover band," says Schweizer, "but it's a David Bowie reference."

Check out Life on Mars March 22nd at The Veranda Live 111 N. Summerlin Ave. The event starts at 6 PM with free beer and whiskey from 7 to 8 PM.  If you can't make it on February 22nd, David Schweizer Life On Mars will be back at the Veranda Live on April 12th. 

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