The Westminster Bells perform during a previous summer music series held at the the First Presbyterian Church of Marietta. (Photo provided)

MARIETTA – Handbell choirs from two downtown churches will come together Friday for a free outdoor concert in Marietta.

The concert will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, June 12, in the Labyrinth area beside First Presbyterian Church, 501 Fourth St. The public is invited to attend and should bring a chair.

The Westminster Bells of First Presbyterian Church will be joined by the Cathedral Handbells from Christ United Methodist Church for the program. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will move indoors to Fellowship Hall.

Denise Holmes, director of the Westminster Bells, said she hopes the concert can be held outdoors this year. Last year’s program was moved inside because of the threat of rain, though the rain did not materialize.

“We’re still hoping to be outside, but we’ll see,” Holmes said.

The concert is part of the Labyrinth Series, held the second Friday of each month during the summer.

Holmes said the two groups will perform together on “The Gather Ring,” a handbell piece by Tammy Waldrop. Holmes said the title includes a play on words, with the “R” capitalized.

“She’s kind of a prankster, so that’s why she gave it that name,” Holmes said.

The Westminster Bells also will perform “Holy Manna” by Judy Phillips. Both groups will combine for a patriotic medley featuring “America the Beautiful” and “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee,” which will be played on Boomwhackers.

“Why not?” Holmes said. “Just for fun.”

Holmes said the collaboration grew out of her connection with Beth Payton, director of music at Christ United Methodist Church and director of the Cathedral Handbells. Holmes said both are involved with the Mid-Ohio Valley Ringers and have filled in with each other’s bell choirs in the past.

When First Presbyterian had the opportunity to hold the concert last year, Holmes said she invited the Christ United Methodist group to participate.

“I know her, I help her out, she helps me out,” Holmes said. “When we had the opportunity to do this concert last year, I invited them to join us, which they said would be great, since they’re next door.”

Holmes said she hopes the joint performance will bring members of both congregations, as well as others in the community, to the concert.

“We’re hoping it increases our audience to get not only Presbyterians but some Methodists there as well,” she said.

Other performances later in the Labyrinth Summer Music Series include: 3M Acoustic Trio, on Jul. 17. 3M is a 3-part vocal group that perform mash-up covers of different tunes. On Aug. 21 Madeline Dunn, a local vocalist, will perform covers of pop, indie and folk songs.

All performances start at 7 p.m. regardless of weather and are free and open to the public.