DCCA News: Count on a good time

0

Darke County Center for the Arts’ annual “Barbecue and Blues” fundraiser kicks off the arts organization’s new season on Friday, July 14 at Turtle Creek Golf Course; the music starts at 6:30 p.m. Barbecue and Blues will be a great party; everybody will be there.And the festive event fits right into DCCA’s “Arts Count” numerical theme in—well—numerous ways.

For one, the featured musicians include two of the area’s most highly regarded guitar players. Jeff Madewell, half of the Higgins-Madewell duo that opens the show and includes the powerfully melodic voice of Erin Higgins, has made a career demonstrating his incredible guitar chops around the country; headliner Jay Jesse Johnson has won wide acclaim for his smoking slow blues as well as his fast-paced rocking boogie, setting the blues on fire from both ends. And for two, the infectious spirit of the blues will equate to a good time for one and all, because “ain’t nobody don’t like the blues.”

In addition to the music, numerous factors contribute to the continuing popularity of “Barbecue and Blues,” including the verdant setting at Turtle Creek. Sitting outdoors with like-minded friends and neighbors on a lovely summer night while listening to excellent and energizing music should be at or near number one on your summertime to-do list. And of course, The Thirsty Turtle will offer food and drink for purchase which can only add to your good time; a special menu featuring BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, pulled chicken, cole slaw, baked beans, and kettle chips will be available at additional cost from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The Turtle’s regular menu will be served from 9:30 till 11 p.m.

But the basis for DCCA hosting this fun-filled event is to fulfill its mission to encourage cultural enrichment, another way of stating that the organization works to make the Arts count throughout our community. Proceeds from ticket sales to Barbecue and Blues help make possible all DCCA activities, including the upcoming Missoula Children’s Theatre residency, the Arts In Education programming that takes professional artists to perform for students in every grade of all local public schools, and the Family Theatre Series which introduces youngsters to the magic of theatre at a very economical cost.

By providing a summer theatre residency that offers the opportunity for local youth to enjoy hands-on experience with the arts, DCCA makes the arts count. By presenting artists in the schools who provide exposure to wonders that many youngsters would not otherwise experience, DCCA makes the arts count. By keeping ticket prices as low as possible so that families are able to attend professional theatre productions, usually based on classic children’s literature and thus not only expanding world views but also encouraging reading, DCCA makes the arts count. However you figure the equation, the advantages add up to a very good thing for all concerned. And to think—you can help support these important and meaningful programs by going to a great party and enjoying the blues!

Admission to “Barbecue and Blues” costs just $10; food and drink are not included in the ticket price. The fun and the music will take place even if it rains; “Barbecue and Blues” will move inside if inclement weather tries to dampen the fun. To reserve your tickets, contact DCCA at 937-547-0908 or [email protected] or order them 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.

http://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/34/2017/07/web1_delkcolumnPRINT.jpg

By Marilyn Delk

DCCA News

Marilyn Delk is a director of the Darke County Center for the Arts and can be reached at [email protected]. Viewpoints expressed in the article are the work of the author. The Daily Advocate does not endorse these viewpoints or the independent activities of the author.

No posts to display