DCCA announces “Barbecue and Blues”
June 17, 2013 

Darke County Center for the Arts will host “Barbecue and Blues,” a family-friendly fundraiser featuring music by Cincinnati-based Amy McFarland and The Blues Merchants, at Turtle Creek Golf Course on Friday, July 12. The music begins at 6:30 p.m. with local musicians Aaron Frohna and David Warner performing their version of rock favorites. Tickets for the event are $10. Turtle Creek will have food and a full range of drinks available for purchase throughout the evening. 

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. We invite the community to bring their lawn chairs and blankets and head on out to Turtle Creek for a good time that can be enjoyed by the whole family,” Ms. Jordan said. “Turtle Creek will be offering barbecue with all the trimmings to appropriately accompany the festivities, making for an almost perfect evening for all concerned,” she concluded. 

Matt and Angie Arnold, Tom and Jennifer Bish, George and Becky Luce, and Bob and Jean McLear are sponsors of the musical performances by Frohna and Warner and Amy McFarland and the Blues Merchants. According to DCCA Artistic Director Keith Rawlins, Amy McFarland has been nominated twice as the best rock vocalist in Cincinnati. “Amy's music is labeled 'sassy and classy, soft and serene, and a bit of everything in between,'” stated Mr. Rawlins. “And The Blues Merchants are way more than just a backup band; these outstanding musicians played their first gig together in 2006; each member comes with solid credentials spanning several decades,” the DCCA spokesman explained. The Blues Merchants consists of guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Chris Kepes , drummer Dave Koenig, bassist Marc Hoffman, and keyboardist/vocalist Bob Nave, who have all toured nationally with a variety of artists. 

In case of inclement weather, “Barbecue and Blues” will move into Turtle Creek's comfortable clubhouse. Although tickets will be available at the gate, DCCA strongly recommends purchasing tickets in advance. To reserve tickets, contact DCCA at 937-547-0908 or dcca@centerforarts.net. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.centerforarts.net.