Praise bands to play in Port Royal. Don’t miss the 100-year-old special guest
Everybody’s welcome at a concert Saturday in Port Royal that will feature five area praise bands and one special musician: a 100-year-old woman who plays the washtub.
The event will combine great music with good causes. Each band will be collecting funds for their favorite charity, said Tammy Szucs and Beth Brittman, members of Port Royal United Methodist Church, which is hosting the concert.
For example, Rock Solid, one of the featured bands, is raising money for Lowcountry Hope House, a long-term drug- and alcohol-recovery home for men and women. Szucs and Brittman are members of Rock Solid.
Other bands are The Bluffton Worship Band, The Mildred Daniels Singers of Beaufort, Forgiven and Living Grace, who will play Christian rock, praise and Southern gospel music.
“It’s not just old church hymns,” Brittman said.
The location is Live Oak Park behind the Port Royal Elementary School. Two stages will be set up with bands alternating play between the two from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Food trucks will be on site, and there are restroom facilities. Admission is free.
Port Royal United Methodist held a similar concert a few years ago, but that was indoors at the church. Organizers are hoping “Concert for a Cause — 2.0” draws a larger crowd and strikes a chord with people.
“They’re looking to find God; they need something right now,” Brittman said. “It’s a scary world out there with everything going on. And people that are believers, good for them. They want to come and enjoy and praise God. And even the non-believers, we want them to come, too.”
Everybody loves good music, Brittman added, especially in the Town of Port Royal, which is known for its annual street music concerts.
Special guest planned
There will be a special guest you won’t want to miss.
Port Royal’s Ruthie Coates, who will turn 101 March 30, will take the stage when Rock Solid performs, probably at around 5:30 p.m. Rock Solid is the praise band at Port Royal United Methodist, where Coates is a member. Coates plays a bright red washtub base, the old-style stringed instrument used in American folk music.
“Where else can you see a 101-year-old lady standing and singing with a praise band,” the Rev. Ann Bridgers, who refers to Coates as the “Queen of Port of Royal,” told members of the Town Council last week.
Organizers expect Coates’ appearance to bring the house down. She’ll play during a performance of “I’ll Fly Away.”
For more information, contact Port Royal United Methodist Church at 843-524-2005 or prumc@embarqmail.com.
