ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — While the salty, sea air, white sand between the toes and the gentle whir of ocean waves may seem like heaven on earth, Orange Beach will seem even more so on Oct. 23 when notes from the Baldwin Pops orchestra join the scene.

Music director and former conductor Joe Riemer said he and the Baldwin Pops have spent numerous years perfecting their musical performances — a craft held dear to each musician’s heart.

Riemer has been with the group for 14 years, and acted as primary conductor for 10 of those years until he retired and assumed the position of music director, he said. The 65-member, symphonic concert band now begins its 15th concert season.

“It’s a wonderful group of people and it’s all volunteers,” he spoke with a gracious tone. “It’s people everywhere from doctorate degrees in music, to people who didn’t start playing ‘til they were 60 years old, to people who played in high school and haven’t played in 10 years who’ve decided to brush off their old instruments and start practicing again. It’s a great outlet for anyone who wants to play an instrument.”

And the show will shower the audience with music as varied as the musicians themselves.

“We play a lot of different styles,” Riemer explained. “Since the theme of the show is ‘Americana: Made in the USA,’ the lineup includes one that  is called ‘American River Songs,’ ‘American Barn Dance,’ a clarinet solo ‘Stardust,’ a march or two, a flag march where we give all the children an American flag and they march around the park, classical, (Henry) Mancini. It’s an eclectic style of music so something should appeal to almost everyone.”

He said instruments include brass, woodwinds and percussion, and the group can’t wait to share their love of music with others.

“It’s very relaxed, it’s a really nice family event,” he explained. “Bring a picnic, set up your lawn chair — just sit back and have a good time.”

The Baldwin Pops always elicit responses from the crowd with their music choices and performance, according to Jeanne Fitzgibbons, office manager at city of Orange Beach Parks and Recreation.

“The Pops are all volunteers and they love to perform. They’ve been together for 15 years and since they all come from varied backgrounds, you can feel their love for the music,” she explained. “When they do a patriotic march tune you just have to get to your feet, you just can’t help yourself.”

The concert and family fun event, with a best picnic contest a much more, will once again fill Waterfront Park, according to a news release from the city of Orange Beach.

“Waterfront Park is located on Wolf Bay, and provides a beautiful setting for this outdoor event. With the stage set up under the trees and the band with their backs to the water, the crowd is enjoying great music while watching passing boats and enjoying the setting sun,” she spoke with enthusiasm. “People bring picnic spreads and enjoy the evening with their friends. We’ve even had folks set up tables with candelabras. The Pops give an award for the best picnic set-up so it’s a lot of fun the see what people will do each year. It’s laid-back and fun for any music lover.”

Fitzgibbons said the third annual event gives families an economical option for families to spend leisure time together.

“It’s a free concert so it’s a perfect opportunity to bring the kids, grandparents, friends and whole family and have some fun in a beautiful park,” she said.

The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnics and drinks, according to the news release. Be prepared for the “Checkered Tablecloth Award” for the group judged to have the most interesting picnic setup.

The event is sponsored by the city of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism.

For more, call the Orange Beach Parks and Recreation Department at 251-981-6039.

The event will take place 4:30-6 p.m. at Waterfront Park, located at 26425 Canal Road.