Agency News

Michael Savors the Flavors at Roots N Blues

January 7, 2019

Avid music fan and individual served by the Boone County Family Resources Supported Living Program, Michael “Mike” Marvel, got the opportunity to sing and sway alongside thousands of concert goers after winning tickets to the 12th Annual Roots N Blues N BBQ festival this past September.

BCFR individuals at Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival.
Micheal Marvel (right) and his neighbor Robert Eyestone (left) pose for a picture at the 2018 Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival at Stephens Lake Park in September.

Mike applied to receive free tickets to the 2018 festival through a program offered by Columbia Parks and Recreation and the festival coordinators, Thumper Entertainment. His name was randomly drawn to receive the free pass and his Supported Living Site Supervisor, Hadyn Bailey, intends to help him keep attending this event for years to come.

“It was a great surprise when Columbia Parks and Recreation called to say Mike had been selected for a free entry voucher. I asked Mike if he still wanted to go, he said he did. We went and picked up his voucher for a wrist band. He attended with Elizabeth Gordon, Direct Support Specialist, and his neighbor Robert. He received his wrist band at the gate with his printed ticket voucher,” said Hadyn.

Mike has always been a fan of country, bluegrass, and jazz music and is a guitar player, himself, taking lessons weekly for the past several years. His favorite part of attending the festival was the food and music, and he was especially fond of the brisket nachos. He enjoyed listening to The Mighty Pines as well as the bass player from the Kay Brothers.

“I really liked all of it … that was my first time and I really want to go back again next year,” Mike said. And to the Columbia Parks and Recreation and Roots N Blues N BBQ program that selected him for the free ticket, Mike says, “Thank you for letting me go. I had a great time.”

Indulging in sweet and savory BBQ while listening to cool jazz is what draws in the large crowds each year, and Mike enjoyed all the festival had to offer.