Brown Bag Special is a locally grown classic-rock band integrating old-school rock with a contemporary feel.

“We were inspired by the whole Classic Rock genre,” said Austin Brown, drums, “everything from Lynard Skynard to AC/DC and everything in between -anything with good guitar.”

The band produces rock with what some might call 21st-century appeal that creates a sound setting it apart from a majority of the local music scene.

The group has an old school undertone when many bands are now more influenced by punk, hardcore rock, rap or reggae.

The band members said they seem to have grabbed a hold of southern hospitality at its finest with kind words with a southern touch and a laid back way about them.

The band has be considered a reincarnation of 70s music because it is all about good times and rock-n-roll.

“Classic Rock sums it all up,” said Nathan Brown, guitar and vocals. “There are a lot of bands that influenced us. We like to mix it up with some modern rock. Basically, we’re rock-n-roll.”

Brown Bag Specials, also known as BBS, upcoming schedule includes a show at 7:30 p.m. May 6 at Foxtown in Pittsburg, another show at 8:00 p.m. May 10 at Southernpalooza, and one at 8 p.m. May 13 at Pierce City High School and another at 8 p.m. May 15 at East Newton High School.

The band has recently put the finishing touches on its new graduation song written specifically for the class of 2006 called “Movin’ On.”

It was a special request from the members’ high schools and the CDs of the single will be selling for $5 on graduation night.

“We’ve played at Kitchen Pass, The Bridge and a few others in Joplin,” Austin said. “The Rockwell and Nathan P. Murphy’s in Springfield. If someone calls we’ll play.”

Lead vocals is shared between Caleb Buck and Nathan. Aaron Marion is on guitar.

There are no CDs for sale right now, but the band plans on recording new songs next month. Until then, the band can be heard on its Web sites at http://www.myspace.com/bbsrock or purevolume.com/brownbagspecialmo.