GREENVILLE - Darke County Center for the Arts joyfully announces that the organization’s popular summer fundraiser “Barbecue and Blues” will return to the Greenville Library Lawn on Friday, July 9. Begun over a decade ago, “Barbecue and Blues” attendance has grown steadily through the years; however, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the cancellation of the highly anticipated event last year. According to DCCA Artistic Director David Warner, in response to the forced hiatus of the music and fun, this year’s “Barbecue and Blues” will be “the best ever,” with an unmatched lineup of outstanding artists and food vendors. The event begins at 6 p.m., and is allied with Downtown Greenville’s First Friday event, held on the second Friday of July due to Independence Day celebrations during the actual first Friday.
Headlining the show will be blues guitarist extraordinaire Noah Wotherspoon, who wowed audiences while still a teenager and in 2015 was named best guitarist at the acclaimed International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Since then, Noah and his band have played festivals and venues around the world to great acclaim; Noah’s trio will be joined by a horn section, adding extra dimension and excitement to their performance. Special guest John Latini, a dynamite live performer who has headlined many blues festivals throughout his career and is a three-time Detroit Blues Champion, will follow opening act, Jeff Rearick, whose soft rock stylings have made him a local favorite with an enthusiastically loyal fan base. “We will have music going at all times, except when the performers are leaving and/or taking the stage,” David promised. “This will be a fun-filled night to relish and remember,” he concluded.
“’Barbecue and Blues’ has always been a fantastic summer party; with the lifting of restrictions due to the pandemic and our return to being able to gather together, this year’s events should be the most exciting ever,” stated DCCA Executive Director Andrea Jordan. “Grab your blanket or lawn chairs and bring your whole family to celebrate summer and music with us,” she said. “Barbecue and Blues” food vendors include Merchant House, Nacho Pig, and Wholly Smokes Barbecue, with Moeller Brew Barn and Heidelberg Distributing providing adult beverages; soft drinks will also be available.
Sponsorship for the musical performances is provided by Matt and Angie Arnold, George and Becky Luce and Gail Overholser. The event venue is provided by Greenville Public Library; other sponsors are Rumpke, Sue Bowman of HER Realtors and the John R. and Miriam H. Knick Fund. 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.
Tickets for the event are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under; food and drink are not included in the ticket price. 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 purchased online at www.darkecountyarts.org and are also on sale at Greenville Public Library, Readmore's Hallmark, and Darke County Welcome Center.