Born of a love for music from the 60s and 70s, The Caramels will present a concert Thursday, Aug. 13, from 6:30-8 p.m. in the parking lot of Cherokee County Public Library in Gaffney. Admission and refreshments are free. An old saying goes that you should never judge a book by its cover.

In his time working at the Cherokee County Public Library, Leonard Pearson knew to expect the unexpected from library public relations and adult program director Kenny Covington. Usually shy in nature, Pearson in January opened up in front of a packed house at the library as part of the library's "Music Sandwiched-In" concert series, belting out classic Motown tunes as well as others from the 1950s and 60s - all after a little convincing by his longtime friend.

"I discovered him singing in the library, and was quite blown away by his talent," Covington said. "He's a natural... like a baby Luther Vandross."

On the other hand, Covington has known about the talent held by Kristine and Katherine Ker, being a longtime family friend of the local twins. The singing duo, who have recorded with Greenville native and wellknown alternative rock singer, songwriter and musician Edwin McCain, also were featured performers in the library's concert series, drawing a standing-room-only crowd in February.

"I've known them for a long time and they are super talented," Covington said, "and they put on a great show."

Neither Pearson nor the Ker twins had any idea of what Covington had up his sleeve for the library's first "Music Sandwiched-In" concert held outdoors.

Usually not a good idea to combine separate acts, Covington's idea has turned gold - well, caramel that is.

Pearson and the Ker twins came together to form '"The Caramels," using their common love for music and work ethic as starting points in their drive toward success.

"Both of us did showcases last year, and (Covington) thought it would be a good idea for us to do something together," Kristine Ker said.

"Of course it was Kenny (Covington)," Pearson said, "but these girls are really sweet, mellow and very talented, making them particularly easy to work with."

The group will take the stage Thursday outside the library's Rutledge Street location. Spending much of the past six months rehearsing and getting used to performing together, the group practices twice a week, much of which is spent in laughter.

"My goodness, our practices are very loose and calm," Pearson said, "I think that's why we mesh so well together."

Most of the songs being performed will take many in the audience back to the 1970s with classic tunes from Marvin Gaye and other Motown legends.

"If you remember Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, The Mamas and Papas and Aretha Franklin among others, you will find yourself transported to a time when the phrase 'outta sight' meant so much to so many people," Covington said.

Backing up the group are Collin Smith and Steven Poteat on guitars; TJ Jeter on the drums and Evan Loretti on bass.

Covington encourages those attending to bring a lawn chair.

The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, with free refreshments being served. For more information, call the library at (864) 487-2711.