Visitors to WILLow LeaVes of Hope are in store for a special treat tomorrow when local musician Tim McNamee, accompanied by his guitar, will be debuting songs from his upcoming album release “Hoosier Roots” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday.

“I’m just providing live music behind the lunch scene,” McNamee says. “I sit up there play and talk and tell people about my songs.”

Inspired by a lifetime spent in the Hope area, McNamee says the original songs touch on everything that makes life in Hope special, from early childhood memories to church and characters who aren’t easily forgotten.

Take, for instance, Old Man Wetzel from Clifford.

“He is 89 or 90 years old and he’s been there my whole life,” McNamee says. “He lives over by Clifford and has a big horse stable. Dad would take us kids there all the time to see the horses run and that is a big memory for me.”

McNamee says he visited with Mr. Wetzel recently and although the gentleman doesn’t remember much, McNamee says his memories of him and his horses are as vivid as if it had just happened.

Included on tomorrow’s playlist is the song “Living In A Sun Goin’ Down Kinda Town,” which is a nod to the Hope community, McNamee says.

“It’s about what it’s like living in a sun going down kinda town, which is quiet and peaceful,” he says. “You don’t enjoy the sun going down in a big city, but you do in the small town. In the big city, it brings chaos and strife. In the country, it brings peace. I would rather be living in a sun goin down kinda town.”

McNamee’s debut of new material serves as a teaser for the “Hoosier Roots” album release at the upcoming 6th Annual Blue Tassel Farm Fundraiser at WILLow LeaVes in July, he says.

Blue Tassel Farm was established five years ago when McNamee left the ministry and moved his family to the Hope area. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit works with at-risk populations from children to adults, including women who are rescued from sex trafficking and homelessness.

Open to inner city children ages eight to 18, Blue Tassel Farm works closely with the youth and their counselors to offer weekend retreats and events designed to bring at-risk youth closer to God and nature.

Those who are interested in learning more or would like to make a donation, visit bluetasselfarm.com.