By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

The Second Annual Shelby County Shindig BBQ Cook-off will be Saturday, July 18 from 1-7 p.m. on the property between Mildred and East College streets behind Davis Drug in Columbiana.

Sponsored by the Shelby County Arts Council and South Shelby Chamber of Commerce, the food feast and music festival will raise much-needed funds for these two civic non-profits.

Park at the Shelby County Courthouse and take the trolley to the Shindig.

Tasting tickets are $10/advance and $15/day of event.

Bring your lawn chair, wear your shorts, hat and sunscreen, but don’t bring your coolers. Beverages will be available from brews to tea; food vendors will offer tasty treats; and specialty and artist vendors will sell their wares.

Music will be continuous from 1-6:30 p.m.

From 2:30-3:30 p.m. John Scalici will return with his “Get Rhythm” community drum circle. Last year’s circle was a hit!

“John Scalici is an award winning teaching artist, internationally recognized facilitator, musician and a member of the John C. Maxwell Team of certified speakers, coaches and trainers. His ‘Rhythm of Leadership’ and ‘Unity of Rhythm’ programs are in high demand and highly regarded in leading corporations, college campuses, elementary, middle and high schools across the U.S. and in Japan.” (Getrhythmprograms.com)

Scalici grew up in Birmingham and has been drumming all his life.

He toured with the bands “Gravy” and “The junkyardmen” around the U.S.

“I got tired of the road,” said Scalici. “And more than that, I needed to make a difference in life, to add value to people in my own way. I have always drummed with groups and like the way drumming brings people together. I decided to add my own twist to seek out interactive groups, a drum circle program that teaches communication and teamwork with me as a facilitator. Rhythm brings people together. At the Shindig, I will facilitate a community drum circle where anyone is welcome, no experience necessary.”

Scalici started “Get Rhythm” 14 years ago whose mission is to “Inspire, Motivate and Empower” all people through the universal language of rhythm.

He won the 2010 “Making a Difference” award by the Alabama Alliance for Arts Education for his strong advocacy of arts in education.

Married to a dancer, the Scalicis have one 4-year-old son who drums with his dad.