The Second Congregational Church located at 51 Main St., Newcastle has long been a bastion of community spirit, a place where people gather not only to worship but also to celebrate the arts. In the spirit of fostering a deeper connection to music and culture, the church proudly presents its fifth community concert to be held Sunday, June 8 at 3 p.m. featuring Eric LaPerna with extraordinary Middle Eastern Music with the Tarab Trio.

Eric LaPerna has been a performing musician for over 25 years. He is well versed in many different styles of percussion but Middle Eastern hand drums and rhythmic systems are his specialty. He is a founding member of Okbari Middle Eastern Ensemble and Zapion and has played with some of Maine’s most prestigious ensembles and performers including the Daponte String Quartet and the late Udi Alan Shavarsh Bardezbanian.

Eric is the Director of the Bowdoin College Middle Eastern Music Ensemble, and is a member of the Applied Music Faculty at Bates College as well as adjunct instructor of hand percussion at Bowdoin College. He also teaches private lessons and workshops on Middle Eastern hand drums and music throughout New England.

There are no advance ticket sales for these concerts. Admission will be at the door, with a suggested donation of $20 for adults, $10 for students, and children 10 and under attend at no charge.

For additional information: www.secondcongo.org, https://www.facebook.com/secondcongo/ or 563-3379.

The Second Sunday Concert Series runs through July. Ticket sales will help raise funds to achieve fuller access to the historic building for members and visitors to the community.