FOLEY, Ala. — The Sandspur Band, proclaimed by the Alabama Legislature as “The Stained Glass Bluegrass Band of Alabama,” will give a benefit concert Aug. 23, with proceeds helping construct a Habitat for Humanity home in Foley.

The concert and build is sponsored by the Baypines District of the United Methodist Church.

The benefit concert will begin at 7 p.m. at Foley United Methodist Church Spirit Center, 915 Pine St. in Foley.

Tickets are a $5 minimum donation and are available at the door, at most Baldwin County United Methodist Churches, by calling Habitat for Humanity at (251) 943-7268 or Daphne United Methodist at (251) 626-2287.

Baked goods and soft drinks will also be available for sale at the event.

“This is a great opportunity to enjoy an evening of gospel bluegrass performed by a group of outstanding musicians who have been recognized statewide, and at the same time help support a very worthwhile ministry,” said Keith Bradford, chairman of the steering committee for the 2009 United Methodist build project.

Bradford said approximately $12,000 is still needed in order to build the Habitat for Humanity home in Foley. More than $34,000 has been raised through donations, Lenten offerings and other projects sponsored by United Methodist churches throughout Baldwin County.

“This is much more than a United Methodist project. It is a community-wide effort that will make a tremendous difference in the life of a very active 83-year-old woman, her daughter and grandson. Jessie Mabon and her family have already done more than 200 hours of the 400 sweat-equity hours required for a Habitat partner. She is providing the property on which the home is to be built and will assume responsibility for the zero-interest loan,” Bradford said.

Kickoff for the build is Sept. 18 and 19. In addition to the church partnership, with funding through the U.S. DOE Building America program, the building will be a high performance, affordable demonstration home, featuring cost-effective improvements delivering 30 percent energy savings over code.

The home will include features such as solar hot water heating, white metal roofing, and high efficiency lights and plumbing.

The Sandspur Band is a nurturing ministry of Gulf Shores United Methodist Church. The band takes gospel music into the homes of shut-ins as well as nursing homes and assisted living facilities, in addition to church and community functions.

Formed in 2002 with three musicians, the band has grown to its current membership of seven. Members are: Mel Middlebrooks (guitar), Clarence Bauer (banjolele), George Hasenbein (autoharp), Susie Davis (vocals), Larry Davis (harmonica), Neil Wade (bass) and Audrey Hasenbein (vocals).

Harmonizing vocally is something that all the band members enjoy while playing what they like to call “Stained Glass Bluegrass” music, according to Middlebrooks.

“Stained Glass Bluegrass Music is a term that one of our band members had previously heard and became the title of our second CD recording. We also host an annual stained glass bluegrass concert in Gulf Shores that has grown in popularity and now draws nearly 2,000 people. Our music is gospel and old-time sacred music performed with a bluegrass twist,” Bauer added.

The Alabama Legislature proclaimed The Sandspur Band as the “official stained glass bluegrass band of Alabama” in May 2009.

The resolution commended the band for its “effective and devout musical ministry” and for meaningful performances “pleasing and cheering countless listeners with its own skillful interpretations and blessings.”

State Rep. Steve McMillan will present the proclamation to band members during the benefit concert.

Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. The organization provides simple, decent housing to qualified families who need a “hand up” in order to achieve the American dream of owning their own home.

Since forming in 1992, Habitat for Humanity of Baldwin County has provided housing to 75 families in Baldwin County.

Anyone interested in volunteering should call Sandy Folan at (251) 943-7268.