Renowned Ocracoke musicians and The Blind Center of North Carolina will team up next week for fundraiser that appeals to the senses.

The second-annual Concert in the Dark will be held Feb. 21 at the Turnage Theatre, and making a repeat performance are favorite musical islanders Molasses Creek.

“We wanted to have Molasses Creek because we were hoping that would be encouraging for Ocracoke Island, also. We wanted to support Ocracoke,” said Christie Moler, director of the Blind Center. “They did a wonderful job last year.”

Featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres by Carryout by Chrislyn, several auction items and a 50/50 cash drawing, the doors open at 6 p.m.; the concert starts at 7 p.m.

According to Moler, Molasses Creek’s performance last year made an impression on the many listeners in the audience.

“I had one woman recently tell me, ‘I’ve been to lots of fundraisers in Washington, but I never left one feeling as relaxed as I did at last year’s  concert,’” Moler laughed.

For the concert, patrons are given a blindfold and the option to wear it as the band plays its mix of bluegrass, blues and folk songs, complete with seamless harmonies backed by guitar, mandolin, fiddle and bass.

“We’re going to have blindfolds for the audience to put on and listen to the music and get a feel for what it’s like to be visually impaired,” Moler said.

Last year, Molasses Creek members joined in and played one number blindfolded, a testament to their musical abilities.

“They really got into last year, so that was really fun,” Moler said.

Concert in the Dark is one of the Blind Center’s major fundraisers of the year. All funds raised will be used for the center’s operational expenses, including programming and the always challenging issue of transportation — helping Blind Center clients get to and from the community center.

Tickets to Concert in the Dark are $40 each and available at The Blind Center and Stewart’s Jewelry Store in downtown Washington. They can also be purchased from the Blind Center website by visiting theblindcenter.org and following the events link.

The Blind Center is located at 221 N. Harvey St., Washington. For more information call 252-946-6208 or email director@theblindcenter.org.