Natchez — The Bop Beat Band from Natchez will open the entertainment for the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race at 6 p.m. Friday on the grounds of Rosalie Bicentennial Gardens on Broadway Street.

The group of friends have been playing together on and off since high school.

“It makes me reminisce about times before when we played,” said Tommy O’Beirne, vocalist. “We will be playing in member of Glenn Gardner and Butch Baroni.”

The original band featured Glenn Gardener on keyboard, Tommy O’Beirne on vocals, Johnny Miller on drums, Jay Stricker on saxophone, Neil “Butch” Baroni on piano and Paul Klotz on bass. Others who have performed with the Bop Beat Band include Richard Ogle, Steve Shannon, Bob Frazier, Jerry Krouse, Tex Reed, Jim Easterling and Mike Price.

Performing with the other remaining original members will be Byron Carnette on guitar and keyboard, David Paradise on keyboard and guitar, Tim McGivaren on bass and Tom Bell on saxophone.

The band will perform favorites from Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry and Fats Domino.