Deacons of Dixieland return to Lock Haven’s 2019 Summer Concert Series
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LOCK HAVEN -- The Deacons of Dixieland will be back at Triangle Park for the 2019 Summer Concert Series on Friday, July 26, 2019, beginning at 6 p.m.
The Deacons of Dixieland is an 8-piece traditional jazz band from Central Pennsylvania. They have been supplying lively entertainment for concerts, festivals, parks, retirement homes, clubs, and tailgate parties at Penn State football games since 1988.
The band was formed as a Christian music ministry in 1988 by recently deceased trumpeter and leader, John Kepler. The Deacons continue to play frequent hymn tunes in a Dixieland style, as well as classic Dixieland selections, blues, and country music in a Dixieland style.
The Deacons have played in New Orleans at Fritzel's Tavern on Bourbon Street, the Cafe Pontchatrane, the Cafe Brazil, the Tin Roof Cafe, and at Preservation Hall, where in January 2001 they opened for the nationally renowned Preservation Hall Jazz band.
The band has played for several years at the W.C. Handy Music Festival in Florence, Alabama. They have also played at the James Street Cafe in Pittsburgh and at the Hilton Hotel in Harrisburg.
Some of their Central Pennsylvania engagements include: The Second Mile, Senior Games, Hope for Kids, Lemont Strawberry Festival, Beaver Stadium's July 4th Fireworks Celebration, People's Choice Festival, and the Centre County Grange Fair. Additionally, they have played at nursing homes, retirement centers, political rallies, funerals, and weddings.
The Deacons have entertained for many years at Penn State tailgate parties – both public and private – including a very successful series of three-hour performances outside the Bryce Jordan Center prior to home football games. The Deacons frequently include special vocalists and instrumentalists.
Band members include: Jim Ressler/Cornet, Marty Gillespie/Soprano Sax, Mike Loewen/Trombone, Graham Spanier/Washboard, Ray Dillon/Banjo, Phil Ponish/Bass, and Bill Kawa/Drums. To learn more about the Deacons of Dixieland, visit them on Facebook.
The public is invited to attend this free summer concert. Seating will not be provided; therefore, the public is asked to bring a lawn chair. The rain location for the Friday evening summer concerts is The Elks Club located at 219 East Main Street in Lock Haven.
The 2019 City of Lock Haven's Summer Concert Series is sponsored by Bear Country Radio WQBR, Lock Haven Express, The Record, Anastos Brothers Auto Sales, The Auto Barn, Avis Building Supply, BryerTech Construction, Calico Creek Feed & Pet, Clinton County, Clinton County Community Foundation, Clinton County Economic Partnership & Visitor's Bureau, Dan Hilty's Plumbing & Heating, Diversified Asset Planners, Dotterer Equipment, First Quality, Homestead Pools, Horizon Federal Credit Union, Jersey Shore State Bank, Keller & Munro Pharmacy, Lock Haven Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #4298, Loggio Giosue Carducci Lodge # 146, Murray Motors, Muncy Bank & Trust, Pizza City, River Valley Internet, Stella A's Bar & Grill, UPMC Susquehanna Health
Schedules and magnets are available at the concerts in Triangle Park and every Sunday concert at the floating stage as supplies last. To learn more about the 2019 Summer Concert Series, check the City of Lock Haven's website at www.lockhavenpa.gov.