FOOD AND FUN AT DCCA'S “BARBECUE AND BLUES”

Darke County Center for the Arts will host “Barbecue and Blues,” a fun-filled fundraiser at Turtle Creek Golf Course on Friday, July 14. The Thirsty Turtle will have food and a full range of drinks available for purchase throughout the evening, with a special menu featuring BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, pulled chicken, cole slaw, baked beans, and kettle chips from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The music begins at 6:30 p.m., with local favorites Higgins-Madewell providing their unique blend of strong vocals and amazing acoustic guitar work. Modern-day blues virtuoso Jay Jesse Johnson will be the headlining music act; known for “setting the blues on fire from both ends,” Johnson plays smoking slow blues as well as fast-paced rocking boogie. Tickets for the event are $10; food and drink are not included in the ticket price.

According to DCCA Artistic director Keith Rawlins, DCCA’s “Barbecue and Blues” will offer attendees an opportunity to enjoy two of the best guitarists in the country. “Combining Jeff Madewell's incredible guitar chops with Erin Higgins’ melodic voice creates a musical experience worth traveling miles to hear. Add to that Jay Jesse Johnson, known as the cream of the crop in contemporary blues, and you are assured an exciting evening of outstanding music,” Rawlins stated. Sponsorship for the musical performances is provided by Matt and Angie Arnold, George and Becky Luce, and the Jordan Insurance Agency.

DCCA Executive Director Andrea Jordan says that “Barbecue and Blues” has become an extremely popular summertime event. “This is a great opportunity to celebrate the season with lively, listenable music in a lovely setting,” Ms. Jordan said. The proceeds from “Barbecue and Blues” support DCCA programming, helping make possible DCCA's Arts In Education program as well as the Family Theatre Series and a summer theatre residency by Missoula Children's Theatre. “Without fundraisers such as these, DCCA could not provide AIE at no charge to students, Family Theatre tickets for $5, or hands-on theatre experience with MCT at no cost to participants. DCCA is grateful to Turtle Creek for hosting this fantastic event,” Ms. Jordan concluded.

In case of inclement weather, “Barbecue and Blues” will move inside. Although tickets will be available at the gate, DCCA strongly recommends purchasing them in advance. Tickets can be reserved by contacting DCCA at 937-547-0908 or dcca@centerforarts.net or ordered online at www.centerforarts.net. Tickets are also available at Greenville Public Library, Readmore's Hallmark, and Darke County Welcome Center, as well as at Turtle Creek Golf Course, 6545 U.S. Route 36 East, Greenville.