AUBURN — Concerts for a Cause will host Scott Ainslie at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 2, at the First Universalist Church of Auburn. The show will benefit the church, as well as the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society.

Ainslie is a masterful historian, storyteller and musician who explores the African and European roots of American music and culture. He has studied with elder musicians on both sides of the color line – in the old-time Southern Appalachian fiddle and banjo traditions, as well as Black Gospel and Blues. He plays the music with affection, authority and power.

Armed with a variety of instruments – vintage guitars, a fretless gourd banjo, a one-string, homemade “diddley bow” (aka cigar box guitar) and personal anecdotes of his encounters with senior musicians across the South – Ainslie brings the history, roots music and sounds of America alive.

Concerts for a Cause brings special concerts to the L-A community while raising money for area charities. The series is produced by local musician and church choir director Dave Rowe, along with a group of church members.

The First Universalist Church of Auburn is located at 169 Pleasant St., across from Dairy Joy. There is parking, and the church is handicapped-accessible.

Tickets are $15 at the door. For more information, visit uuconcerts.org or call 207-783-0461.

Scott Ainslie