Strike Up the Band: The Modernaires Playing 'Music for Missions'

The United Methodist Men in Tucker are hosting a ballroom dance as part of the Music for Missions series, created to engage the community through music and arts and to raise funds for charities and missions.

The event is on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall at the United Methodist Church, 3142 Lawrenceville Highway. Music will be provided by The Modernaires swing band, "known all around the southeast as one of the finest big bands for concerts or dances," said Jack Sartain, of Stone Mountain, producer of the series.

The band's Art Farmer said, “this Valentine period is a perfect time to bring your significant other out to a reasonably priced and quality function, dance as much as you like and hear music that the whole world loves.”

Admission is by donation of minimum $25 per couple or $13 for singles. There will be plenty of dance partners and some professional dancers will be available to demonstrate steps and styles. The donations are paid at the door but reservations should be made by calling the church at 770-939-3717.  

The limit is 200 people and was oversubscribed last year so call in early. If there is no answer at non-office hours, leave the guest names and a contact number on the answering service. Email reservations at LRUMC@bellsouth.net. Proceeds will go to the Methodist Children's Home in Decatur.

Sartain thanked patrons of the series for the past 15 years and 186 events. “As we move into our 16th season, we invite the entire community to take advantage of the opportunity to hear and see some of the finest talent in all fields that our region has to offer. The concerts are free but donations are cheerfully accepted." 

Additionally, on Sunday evening March 2 at 7 p.m., the Dutch Valley Stompers, DeKalb’s professional New Orleans style Dixieland band led by Arden Moser, will play a concert at the church.