BREWER – It was more than a decade ago that a young football player at John Bapst Memorial High School asked singer-songwriter Bill Morrissey to come to Bangor to do a benefit to keep the program going. Morrissey and several local musicians said yes.

Ben Pratt, now a state representative from Eddington, even took the stage with the Grammy-nominated singer to perform a song about Delta bluesman Robert Johnson.

Bill Morrissey has done other concerts in the area – for Brewer Youth Theatre, for example – and he always drew packed houses to the Left Bank in Blue Hill. The musician also is an author of novels and short stories.

Next week, he’ll join Maine’s own David Mallett for the eighth annual Solidarity Celebration, 5:30-9 p.m. Friday, July 4, at 20 Ivers St., Brewer.

The event will feature guest speakers, including U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud, labor movement leaders and the Bush Legacy Bus.

Food will be served, including local organic lamb, homemade vegetarian dishes and a union chili cook-off.

Tickets are $10, $20 family. Proceeds will benefit laid-off workers and the Eastern Maine Labor Council. For information, call 989-5860, or visit www.foodandmedicine.org.