Saddle up for a night of music and fun with HMI's Barn Dance

Historic Mesquite, Inc. (HMI) will host a night of music and toe-tappin' fun with the Barn Dance at Opal Lawrence Historical Park on May 18.

The festivities kick off at 7 p.m. led by country-and-western swing band, The Western Flyers. The award-winning trio specializes in the Texas-style sound popularized by Bob Wills in the 1940s and features Joey McKenzie on archtop guitar and vocals, Ridge Roberts on fiddle and vocals and Matthew Mefford on upright bass.

"The Lawrence Barn is a one-of-a-kind venue like no other you will find in north Texas," said Suanne Toupal, Chair of the HMI Board of Directors. "It's the perfect setting to experience these world-class musicians."

Attendees will be able to enjoy complimentary snacks and purchase concessions. Guests are encouraged to dress comfortably and in layers.

"This is an outdoor event, and the historic 1886 barn is not climate controlled," said Toyia Pointer, Mesquite's Manager of Historic Preservation. "But rest assured that the barn has plenty of air circulation. Historic structures are marvelous systems built for this!"

Tickets are $15 for HMI members and $20 for general admission. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the historic preservation programs and activities of HMI and the City of Mesquite's two historic museums: Florence Ranch Homestead and Opal Lawrence Historical Park.

Tickets and memberships can be purchased online at www.historicmesquite.org. Opal Lawrence Historical Park is located at 711 E. Kearney St.