When Peter Mayer is not playing lead guitar with Jimmy Buffet and the Coral Reefers, he's playing with his own band The Peter Mayer Group.
Spike's Beach Grill and Noa Noa will present The Peter Mayer Group June 24 at 8 p.m. The concert is a benefit for Riley Hospital for Children.
For anyone who has not heard Mayer's own brand of music, he said some reviewers call it anything from sophomore folk to acoustic pop. In a telephone interview Tuesday morning, Mayer said it's pretty eclectic.
His biggest influences include Sting, Paul Simon and James Taylor. His biggest icons are The Beatles. The group released an album last year titled "Goodbye Hello" which reimagines many Beatles music.
Mayer said it's really enjoyable to be in such an engaging band. "It's just a wonderful group of performers," he said.
The "Goodbye Hello" CD is his band's 12th. The first three came out in the late 1980s and early 1990s when Mayer's band, then known as PM, was signed to Warner Bros. Records. The last nine came out under the Peter Mayer Group.
Mayer has always loved Christmas music, even releasing music about the holiday. Each year, Mayer's band does a "Stars & Promises" tour where they do their own rendition of Christmas music.
Mayer grew up in India, being born to Lutheran missionaries. Partly because of that, he had a special affinity to Christmas songs. Eventually, people told him his Christmas music should be released. That led to the Christmas tour each year for the past 10 years.
"It's really the highlight of my year," Mayer said.
He's also known for his involvement with charitable organizations and churches.
"It's one of the most rewarding experiences because you get to do the thing you love, which is play music, and help the community," he said.
When Riley Hospital contacted him and provided him with information on what they do, Mayer said it was his introduction to Riley. Through the benefit concert, Mayer said he is bringing something into town - his music - and he's taking something away - his knowledge about Riley Hospital.
For the June 24 show, Mayer said they will do an array of music. They'll probably play four to five songs from their Beatles album, and some of their group hits. Their hits range from rock and folk to jazz. The band probably also will play some of their songs of faith.
"It should be a really neat mix," Mayer said.
He said he feels fortunate that he gets to play music for a living. He's able to keep the busy schedule he has because of his family's support.
It was his family which helped him become the guitar player he is today.
Mayer started playing when he was 12 years old. His parents gave him a guitar for Christmas.
"I just caught the bug," he said.
Being a shy kid, Mayer said playing the guitar was an outlet for him to meet people. "I felt like I was at home," he said.Music was always playing in his parents' home. In his teen years, he said he really hit playing hard. His brother got him to focus and practice more. In college, in order to get going on his music, he quit school.
Mayer also thanked Jimmy Buffet for the opportunities he's had. Because of his work with Buffet, Mayer has been able to take risks with his own CDs.
The Peter Mayer Group also includes percussionist R. Scott Bryan; bassist Marc Torlina; violin/mandolin player Maggie Estes; and pianist Chris Walters.
"The biggest challenge is we don't get to play enough together," Mayer said.
"This is a totally engaging group of musicians," he said. "Though you may not know the music, it's very engaging. We play a variety of music. Come and have a great night of music and support a great cause."
For will call tickets, call 574-551-2580. For more information, call 574-372-3224.
