Capps visits Pensacola to help a longtime fan

The last time I saw Grayson Capps perform in Pensacola, the Alabama musician made the leap from roadhouse rocker to Dr. Frank-N-Furter in two seconds flat. While his band kicked into its cover of “Sweet Transvestite” from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” Capps strutted and played with the crowd as Kelly Harville danced front-and-center, loving every minute of it.

The transition from Southern soulful rock to cult classic camp is one example of the versatility and playfulness of Capps, who will jump into action for his friend when he plays the free benefit show for Harville on Saturday at Ozone Pizza Pub, 1010 N. 12th Avenue, Suite 111.

“She’s done so much for us,” Capps said of the friendship that began when he asked the vintage clothing store owner to help costume his band for a special Halloween show.

“He told me that he wanted me to dress them all up,” said Harville, who opened Years A Go-Go in 1995 and operated the popular store for 16 years. “But not tell them what they were going to be wearing for Halloween until I got there. So I went around and got a bunch of vintage, crazy stuff and I dressed them as ‘Rock N’ Roll through the Ages.’ ”

As Harville dressed Capps in the school boy attire of AC/DC guitarist Angus Young and the rest of the band as iconic rock stars ranging from Buddy Holly to Jim Morrison, one defiant band member threw a wrench into their plans.

“The keyboardist, I had an outfit for him, but he decided to go with Danger Mouse,” Harville said. “I had him all ready to be dressed as Kurt Cobain. So he kind of ruined the whole picture just a little.”

Undeterred, Harville completed her mission and the band rocked the show where Capps and company performed “Sweet Transvestite” for the first time. Capps even stole bandmate Corky Hughes’ David Lee Roth yellow, spandex fishnet shirt to wear during the number.

“It was hysterical,” Harville said. “Perfect in every way.”

“She did it for fun,” Capps added. “She’s been such an avid fan, and giving so much, that when she said she was going through this stuff, I was like, we had the weekend off and I’m not too far away, (I) figured that’s the least I could do.”

Proceeds from the benefit will go towards Harville’s surgery to combat PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). For details, go to ozonepizza.wordpress.com.

Hard rock at the Handlebar

Tonight, local groups Scream Out Loud and Drayton Sawyer play The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for ages 21 and older and $7 for ages 20 and younger. For details, visit www.pensacolahandlebar.com.

Return of the Revivalists

New Orleans rock group The Revivalists returns to Pensacola on Saturday to perform at the Marine Aviation Memorial Concert at Seville Quarter. Celebrating 100 Years of Marine Aviation, the event is a fundraiser for the Marine Aviation Memorial Bell Tower. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20. For details, visit www.honorourmarines.org.