Although its official centennial celebration isn/t until August, St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Santa Maria has already begun to honor 100 years of religious perseverance and fortitude.

Two events, sponsored by the church/s Hispanic and Filipino parishioners, have been held as part of the yearlong celebration, and more are scheduled in the coming months.

There/s no better way to continue such homage than with a concert by internationally reknowned guitarist Tony Melendez, who will perform at the church Feb. 5.

"We decided to bring him here because he has touched so many hearts," said Rosalie Marquez, church business manager.

For more than 20 years, Melendez, who calls his management company Toe Jam Music, has inspired others not only through his music, but also through his determined pursuit of music, despite being born without arms.

The disability was the result of his mother being prescribed thalidomide, a medication to relieve morning sickness, while pregnant.

At that time, said Melendez, now 43, doctors weren/t aware of the drug/s harm to a developing fetus.

Throughout his life, Melendez has triumphed over his physical challenge, learning to write, drive a car, play a guitar, and do other tasks with his feet and toes.

"I didn/t want people to help me," said Melendez by phone from his home in Branson, Mo., where he lives with his wife, Lynn, and their two children. "I think that/s what got me through. And, of course, God. He never let me alone."

This faith and resiliency struck a chord with the parish pastoral council, who decided to invite Melendez to perform at the church for its centennial fund-raiser.

When she heard about Melendez, "I just got so excited," Marquez said, noting the values Melendez has are similar to those held among the St. Mary congregation.

In addition to giving concerts, Melendez also is invited to visit schools and organizations to give presentations on the subjects of drug abuse, the importance of self-esteem, disability awareness, cultural awareness and family support.

As a child, Melendez was brought from Nicaragua to the Los Angeles area to be fitted with artifical arms, which he wore until he was 10.

"I didn/t feel comfortable," he said. "I could use my feet so much more."

And Melendez plays the guitar with his toes better than most people can ever hope to play with their fingers.

Over the years, he has performed in a variety of venues and for a diverse number of audiences, including Pope John Paul II.

That performance in Los Angeles in 1987 garnered Melendez a kiss from the Pope 77 and a significant rise in attention from the media and fans alike.

Melendez has opened for Amy Grant and Jose Jose. His television appearances include "The Today Show," "Good Morning America," "700 Club" and various prime-time network specials. He sang the National Anthem at the World Series in 1989, and released his first album, a collection of contemporary Christian songs, also in 1989.

"I fit in everywhere," he said.

Melendez first learned to play the guitar with his toes in high school.

His father, who had a guitar, which he played by ear, was instrumental in creating Melendez/ desire to play. "He just let me put my feet all over it," said Melendez.

Along the way in his career, Melendez said, people started calling him "Toe Jam Tony."

The name stuck, and when he later formed his management company with his brother Jose, they called it Toe Jam Music.

Marquez said she hopes others in the community besides members of St. Mary/s will attend the concert.

Melendez said concert-goers can expect to hear a repertoire of songs, including hymns such as the "Lord/s Prayer," some of his originals, and also some audience favorites like "La Bamba."

"People like to sing along," he said.

Melendez will perform with drummer Tim Pope, who has played with Tony Orlando and Ray Charles, and guitarist Mitch Keirsey.

For more information about Melendez, visit www.tonymelen dez.com.

Information:

Guitarist Tony Melendez will perform in concert at 7 p.m. Feb. 5 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 207 S. School St. Tickets for adults are ,20. Tickets for children younger than 14 years old are ,10. The concert is a fund-raiser for the church/s centennial celebration, which will be Aug. 20. For tickets or more information, phone Rosalie Marquez at 922-5826 or Maria Elena Sandoval at 925-1334.

* Staff Writer Britt Fairchild can be reached at 739-2220 or by e-mail at bfairchild@pulitzer.net.

Jan. 29, 2005