POWNAL – Wren and Jamie Pearson, the husband-and-wife team behind the Pownal arts organization Fuego Diablo, will host what they’re calling a Dog Days & Salad Days of Summer Dance Party, Saturday Aug. 17, starting at 5:30 p.m. at their home on Loring Lane.

The outside event, free to all comers, is an extension of the couple’s monthly music nights described as part hootenanny, part potluck supper, and part community meeting, said Wren Pearson.

“This will be our ninth event and we figured since it’s summer, we should have it outside,” said Pearson. “The music will be upbeat and perfect for young people.”

The summer dance party will also feature acoustic performances from all genres, storytellers, poets, and other surprises.

“It’s really cool because you never know who is going to show up,’ said Pearson. “What’s great is the quality of the performers.”

Performance slots will be open for individual acts plus a jam session will occur for those dropping by with an instrument.

“We encourage everyone and anyone with whatever talent to stop by,” said Pearson.

A hallmark of the Fuego Diablo gatherings has been the food, primarily provided by the Pearsons, but offerings are welcome, and the menu this month will feature an eclectic variety of salads from around the world made with vegetables from the garden out back of the couple’s home.

The idea for the monthly music night was hatched this past winter after the couple moved to Maine from Austin, Texas. Jamie Pearson, native of Thirsk, a small town located in the Hambleton district of North Yorkshire, England, was a touring musician in his native United Kingdom and wanted to continue his music career in Maine. Hoping to meet creative people and provide a space for performers of all stripes, the couple opened their doors in December 2012.

“It has been a fantastic experience,” said Wren Pearson. “The community has so many diverse and wonderful artists. We do have people who travel here from Portland and even as far north as Georgetown.”