May 31 the City of Red Bay will feature the Southern gospel band Purpose in Heritage Park, beginning at 6 p.m.

“Since 2012, we usually have a couple of musical events in the summer,” said Red Bay Mayor Charlene Fancher. “The bands can take up an offering, but we don’t charge admission.”

Fancher said Purpose will be the first music event in the park for 2019. “We are very excited to have them in Red Bay,” she added. “We have tried for some time, but they are a popular group. We expect them to draw a big crowd, and we invite everyone to attend. Make sure to bring your own lawn chairs.”

Band member Paula McDougle received the 2017 Songwriter of the Year award at the Mississippi Quartet Convention, and the group won the 2016 Talent Search at the Vernon Gospel Weekend.

Band members include soprano Paula McDougle, tenor/lead singer Tim Williams and baritone Byron Gann.

McDougle said the group formed July 30, 2011. She said they sing approximately 45-47 weekends a year, traveling extensively – especially to Texas, South Carolina, Georgia and Mississippi. Purpose is scheduled to perform in Chicago later in the summer.

Fancher said the City of Red Bay will have more music events later in the year. The group Resound will perform in June on a date to be announced, and the FFA String Band will also perform, probably in July.