Nickel and Dimes to play at Barber Park on June 2

By Brett

The Nickel And Dimes band will help open the Splash Pad at Barber Park in Mahomet on June 2. Their outdoor show from 6:30-8 pm that night will showcase their tight harmonies and wide range of musical influences.

Ten years ago, lead singer Nicole Mohr approached her dad, Gary Collett about working up a few songs in a practice setting, along with Dave Cooper on guitar, who had played in other groups. Mohr says she has been singing practically before she was talking, so her love of music is second nature. After practicing a bit, the three decided it was time to play in public. Their first shows were acoustic sets showcasing those harmonies and doing covers from all genres and eras of music.

The following year, the band put together an album of their fans’ favorite covers and continued playing concerts. The group has since evolved into a band of five, adding Gary “Wally” Wallace on base and Petey Thomas on drums. With five personalities, there are moments when nerves can test their patience, but Mohr says they always work through any differences because at the end of the day, they are all family.

Although Nickel And Dimes plays primarily in the local area, they would play anywhere so long as their schedules allowed. To date, the farthest distance the band have traveled for a show was in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. Despite Mohr being considered the lead vocalist, she actually shares those duties with her dad, Gary Collett and they each sing lead for about half of each concert.

Thus far, the band delivers covers, but Nicole has penned some original material and has some interest in one day recording some of that material. In fact, she says the band toyed with the idea of including originals in their sets, but time constraints have made it challenging for her to gain momentum with songwriting. Another aspect she would find interesting is playing an instrument. Mohr has tinkered with the piano and ukulele but has never taken it any farther. As for her musical influences, she points to Miranda Lambert and Adele, not only for their musical talent and stage presence but also for their strength and use of their music in positive ways.

Friday night’s performance is part of the Mahomet Parks and Recreation’s Neighborhood Night series, which will run through June. The Main Scoop, Mama D’s and Maize will have food trucks there and Barber Park’s new splash pad and playground will also be showcased.

The band has a busy schedule this summer with other shows including a gig at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana on July 26, the Friday Night Live show on Neil and Park on August 18 and an August 31 acoustic show at Houlihan’s Patio. A full list of their shows can be found on the band’s Facebook page.