(Photo courtesy of Jason Mitchell.)
No one knew Red Reynolds built his own smoker that could fit five turkeys. Nor did anyone know that he played honky tonk every Wednesday night at Adair’s Saloon. When his buddies found out, they rolled his smoker down to Skillman Bible Church for a day of music. The first Day on the Green was born.
“It happened organically out of a conversion with a guy that we love,” organizer Jason Mitchell said. “It was about food, music and a lawn chair.”
The 2019 Day on the Green will stay true to its roots when it occurs from noon to 4 p.m. May 4 at Skillman Bible Church. The festival, which ran from 2007-2011, is back for its second year after a six-year hiatus.
Seven local musicians from the church and the community will perform 30-minute sets while guests chow down on a pot-luck lunch. Reynolds will cook brisket, chicken and sausages in his smoker, while Mitchell and attendees supply the side dishes and desserts.
“I’ve always been a person of faith, but I’ve always been uncomfortable with how the church has become isolated from artists and the general community,” Mitchell said. “We’re doing something in a church setting that incorporates things that are great in the church and in the community. It’s not about proselytizing.”
The lineup for this year’s festival includes Reynolds, Ronnie Fauss, Billy Law, Caleb Brown, Whiterock Bluegrass, Kent Fauss and Rob Mezger.Â
The event is free, and organizers expect it could draw up to 100 people. Neighbors are encouraged to bring their dogs.
“It’s been fun,” Mitchell said. “This nameless church on the corner has become a fun place for people to gather.”
