Faith Presbyterian Church will be hosting Jim McGaw, a bluegrass musician from Savannah, and his dulcimer, as well as a host of other local musicians May 15 at 2 p.m.

Rincon United Methodist Church worship director Ralph Long will join McGaw on the program with several solo piano pieces, as well as a performance by the Rincon UMC church choir. The Journeymen of Praise will add their a cappella music to the mix. The program will be rounded out by audience participation, led by recent Oktoberfest “Battle of the Bands” winner Jimmy Reeseman. Several local soloists will join in the festival of song.

“Additional musicians would still be welcome,” said Rev. Mary Beene, pastor of Faith Presbyterian. “The program is amazing with the great musicians we have, but what we really want is a chance for the whole community to join together in making a beautiful noise.”

She says the project was started as a fundraiser idea for two air conditioning units that the church has had to replace in the last six months. Faith is a small congregation, but very active in the community.

The church could hold worship services without every air conditioning and heating unit working, but it affected its ability to host homeless families through Family Promise.

“We decided to bite the bullet and just pay for the new units, knowing that somehow God would provide,” Beene said.

Faith’s musician, Paula Hemby, suggested Beene speak with some other congregations in town about a small benefit show. Faith partners every year during Lent, the church season before Easter, with other congregations in Rincon for a Wednesday study and supper. Hemby thought some of their church musicians might be able to play.

“Getting that message from Ralph (Long) that he could help really made it seem possible,” she said.

McGaw is a Presbyterian connection in Savannah. His bluegrass/jazz/country crossover group, known for short as the Frogwhompers, were featured in the nationally syndicated PBS series, “Hocking Valley Bluegrass,” and have been highlighted in Bluegrass Magazine. Now in his solo career he plays the six and twelve string guitars, autoharp, hammered and mountain dulcimers, and the banjo. His mountain music performances are lively because of the music and because he is able to share the history of his music and the instruments.

“We are delighted to have Jim with us this weekend and hope many people will join us as we enjoy all the great music,” Beene said.

The event will be held at Faith Presbyterian at 2000 Lexington Ave., near Macomber Park in Rincon. Entrance is completely free and a free-will offering will be collected for the A/C units.

“Don’t stay away if you can’t afford to give anything,” said Beene. “This has grown so far beyond a fundraiser now. It’s a chance to meet our neighbors and share some wonderful music with the community. We hope there will be many more ‘afternoons of music’ to come.”

For more information contact Rev. Beene at 856-2806 or faithpresbyterianchurch@windstream.com.