SPANISH FORT, Ala. — The heat was turned up — and so was the music — Friday night at the Eastern Shore Centre.

 Marcus and Ebony brought a crowd to its feet during a concert at the fountain, part of the summer night’s concert series.

“They are absolutely great and chose the best songs,” Jodie Gentry, of Spanish Fort, said while watching the band. “It’s so nice the Eastern Shore Centre is introducing all of these bands to the public on Fridays; I love it.”

The band played crowd favorites such as “I’m the Only One” by Melissa Etheridge, “Who Will Save Your Souls” by Jewel, “She Talks to Angels” by Black Crowes and “Under the Bridge” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

“We all love it out here on Fridays,” Jessica Scott, of Malbis, said. “We always plan to bring the kids out to play and enjoy some excellent music while we have some grown-up time.”

Marcus Elizondo, originally from Louisiana, and Ebony Nicholson, originally from Tennessee, began playing music together in 1996.

“I used to do a solo act at the Port City Brewery and Ebony walked in and wanted to know if she could sing with me — and she could very well, so that’s that,” Elizondo said. “She’s awesome.”

The band has worked together for 12 years playing local gigs. When trying to get songs together for a new set list, the two suggest songs to each other and go from there, they said.

“We just kinda bring it up and if we both agree on the song we’ll do it,” Elizondo said. “It’s been a while since we learned some new material, but that’s something we’re about to start working on.”

The band’s musical inspirations include Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Tori Amos, Pearl Jam and James Taylor.

“There’s never a set list for our show — ever, ever, ever,” Elizondo said. “We just call it on the spot.”

Elizondo added that he observes the crowd at each show and goes from there depending on the ages in the crowd.

“We go from Patsy Cline to whatever it takes to please whoever is there,” Elizondo said.

When not playing local gigs around the Mobile area, Marcus and Ebony also play private events such as weddings and birthdays.

The Pirate, local Mobile radio station at 106.5 FM, was also at the event. They passed out free hot sauce, Frisbees and stickers to those in attendance.

“The show was great; I loved the harmonies,” Leslie Foster, of Mobile, said.

Marcus and Ebony will be back to Spanish Fort tomorrow at 6 p.m. at the Blue Gill Restaurant, 3775 Battleship Parkway.

They will also return to the Blue Gill Aug. 8 and 9; both shows are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

Hyde Project will play tomorrow at the Eastern Shore Centre,continuing the free summer night’s concert series.

The shows are from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Those who plan on attending are welcome to a bring chair or towel to sit and enjoy the show.