Lee Hawkins Takes the Stage Sunday

The Lee Hawkins Band takes the stage this Sunday at the for its annual return to the city's summer concert series. It's also become a regular stop home for lead singer Leo Rizzotti, who founded the band in 2005.

Rizzotti grew up in Peabody -- his mother Jane actually worked at years ago -- and he now lives in Beverly. Rizzotti has been playing guitar since he was 14 and attributes most of his talent now to long hours of practice then.

He began playing on the North Shore music scene in 1988 and was with the band Kaos before establishing the Lee Hawkins crew.

Much of the band's material are cover songs of hits from different eras and styles -- a lot of dance and R&B -- but the band is recording some of Rizzotti's original material as well at Briola Studios. Rizzotti says the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, Aerosmith, the Allman Brothers, Gary Moore, Jim Croce and Carol King are among his biggest influences.

Other band members include singer Bob Peabody of Haverhill, drummer John Zorzonello of Peabody and bass player Tim Ryan of Salisbury.

You can find more information on the band on their Facebook page.

The concert Sunday is 6-8 p.m. and will be held over at City Hall in the event of rain. There is no cost for admission. Free parking is available along Railroad Avenue.