Three great bands are coming to the stage at Milligan College’s Seeger Chapel beginning at 3 p.m. Nov. 15 for the Annual Songfest Concert to benefit Family Promise of Greater Johnson City. For the first time, thanks to generous sponsorships including a significant gift from Roadrunner Markets, the concert is free (donations are welcome).
Taking the stage at the Mary B. Martin Auditorium will be the East Tennessee State University Old Time Pride Band, Ed Snodderly and Friends, and headlining band this mountain, a collaborative folk-rock band from Johnson City with four original albums to its credit.
All proceeds from the concert benefit FPJC, a ministry that helps homeless families with children retain their self-sufficiency.
“We’re very happy this year to be able to invite people, regardless of ability to pay, to what is always a great concert,” FPJC Executive Director Bob Hall said. “In addition to fantastic music, Songfest provides an opportunity to learn more about how area churches, hundreds of volunteers and our staff help change families’ lives.”
Introducing the bands and helping explain the ministry will be WJHL News Channel 11 anchor Josh Smith, who will emcee the concert. During intermission, concertgoers will be able to watch a video featuring the Nelson family, a Family Promise success story.
Through the support of the more than 40 churches in FPJC’s Interfaith Hospitality Network and the services provided by FPJC’s case managers, families like the Nelsons are able to achieve self-sufficiency and move into homes of their own.
Daniel Boner, director of ETSU’s bluegrass program, brings a band to perform each year and said the event and the cause are well worth the effort.
“The artists are there for the right reasons,” Boner said. “They want to support Family Promise and all the good work that it does. I am particularly proud to be associated with the organization.”
The concert is a month earlier than it has been in previous years to avoid competing with the busy Christmas season. 2015 is Songfest’s second year at Seeger Chapel, the largest venue it’s had with capacity to seat more than 1,000. Increased sponsor giving and the venue size have allowed Family Promise to eliminate required admission fees, which previously were $15.
Tickets – which include a coupon from major sponsor Roadrunner Markets – are available now at Campbell’s Morrell Music, 118 W. Market St., Johnson City, by calling Family Promise at 202-7805, or at the door Nov. 15.
