Courtesy Photo Lucas Winslow-King is seen performing on stage at the 2024 Alpena Barley, BBQ & Beats. Winslow-King will perform at this year’s event on Sept. 19.

ALPENA — The third and final Alpena Barley, BBQ & Beats fundraiser for Hospice of Michigan will be held on Friday, Sept. 19 at the APlex.

Melissa McDonald-Reed, director of philanthropy for Hospice of Michigan, said the Barley, BBQ, and Beats event builds awareness around hospice services in the community while also fundraising for those who cannot afford end-of-life support.

“All the funds raised stay here, but this also supplements our Open Access Program,” McDonald-Reed said.

She explained that the Open Access Program funds services for families who are unable to afford the cost of end-of-life support.

“We never say no to patients and families that need our care,” McDonald-Reed said.

She explained that hospice care is crucial for end-of-life care because it provides support for families in an “already delicate time.”

“It allows our patients to pass peacefully with dignity and having their family by their side,” she added. “It’s an extra layer of support so that we can get a patient home … whether it’s in a facility, a hospital, or their own home.”

McDonald-Reed stated that Hospice is meant to make dying individuals comfortable so that they can “pass peacefully with their loved ones nearby.”

Though the Barley, BBQ & Beats fundraisers have been successful for Hospice of Michigan, McDonald-Reed explained that the event has been held annually for 10 years, three of which have been hosted in Alpena. However, it is now more expensive to put together, and Hospice of Michigan wants to be more cautious of their expenses.

Michigan native and traveling musician Lucas Winslow-King said he’s been working with Hospice in various ways since 2002. Winslow-King will perform at the Barley, BBQ & Beats event on Sept. 19, providing entertainment for the evening.

Winslow-King said that Barely, BBQ & Beats is a “great event” and a “really fun way to raise money for Hospice.”

Winslow-King told The News that he has also worked with Hospice to provide music to patients in their homes and at nursing facilities.

“You can only be so prepared for one of those visits,” Winslow-King said.

He added that you are either greeted with silence or engagement from patients, depending on their level of awareness in the last moments or days of their lives.

Winslow-King said that he and his band find great meaning from partnering with Hospice as it gives new life and purpose to their music.

“Events like these are a great way to celebrate Hospice … these are the people on the front lines,” Winslow-King said. “They do the work people in our society don’t want to face. These people are true warriors … I have a tremendous amount of respect for people that do this work.”

Tickets purchased before the event are $65 and include three servings of BBQ and three cocktails. Tickets purchased on the day of the event are $75. Attendees must be 21 and older.

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.