Picture going to an old-fashioned neighborhood barbecue, complete with wonderful food, live music, and fun-filled activities for all ages.
Join your neighbors and invite your friends to the 2012 Barbecue and Music Festival, sponsored by Red Mountain United Methodist Church, in Northeast Mesa, on Sunday, March 25, from noon to 2:30 p.m.
“This is our gift to the community,” said Senior Pastor Mary Bullis. “It will be a fun-filled day, and is free to all our guests.”
The picnic-style lunch will be from Waldo’s BBQ, and will include barbecue sandwiches, hot dogs, cowboy beans, coleslaw, potato chips, beverages, and dessert.
There will be music throughout the afternoon. Margie Mays, an accomplished steel guitarist, will be one of the featured musicians. She began playing this unique instrument when she was just 10 years old, and went on to play with a band, featuring the actor John Agar, called the Freedom Train. Margie also was a part of the warm-up band for the Gatlin Brothers. She has performed in England and throughout the United States, including Hawaii. She now teaches students how to play the pedal and non-pedal steel guitars.
Margie will display her many talents at the Barbecue and Music Festival when she plays the steel guitar as part of a guitar and vocal trio. The performance, featuring both Christian and country music, will take place during two 45-minute sets in Madsen Hall. According to Margie, this music appeals to all ages, but especially to those who love old-style country music.
The opening act will be in the big tent behind the church, featuring Jim Moses, an accomplished singer and acoustic guitarist who is well known for his classic folk music and ballads. Also featured will be the Shining Star band, a professional group composed of musicians, who have entertained locally, nationally and internationally. They have performed at many of the leading resorts in Arizona, as well as at half-time shows for the Phoenix Suns and the AZ Rattlers. They are known for offering a wide variety of music, which includes pop and rhythm and blues.
In addition to many other activities, there will be face painting and bounce houses for children.
More information is available by calling the church at (480) 981-3833, or visit the Web site at rmumc.com. The church is located just north of McDowell Road on the west side of Power Road.