Union Congregational Church to host “Dixie 6 Plus Stix” concert Oct. 22

The Union Congregational Church in Three Lakes will be welcoming “Dixie 6 Plus Stix” to its sanctuary on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 6:30 p.m. as part of The Psalm 150 Project.

“We are excited about this new community outreach ministry, and to be able to bring the music of Dixieland Jazz to our sanctuary,” states Valeri Snedden, co-event organizer.

Dixieland Jazz was developed in the early 1900s, around the time Union Congregational Church had its early formation. Influenced by ragtime, military bands, the blues and gospel musicals, the genre features the collective improvisation of trumpet, tuba, clarinet, trombone, piano, drums and banjo. 

Two of Dixie’s classic top ten songs are “When the Saints Go Marching In” and “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.”

The “Dixie 6 Plus Stix” traces its origins to the 1970s Rhinelander Heritage Jazz Band and to The Olde Orleans Dixie Six, whose first performance was at Nicolet College. 

The group’s members, who come from Arbor Vitae, Land O’Lakes, McNaughton, Minocqua, Rhinelander and Wausau, include Bob Hanson, plectrum banjo; Randy Augustinak, drums; Dan Scholten, tuba; Dale Osterbrink, trumpet; Kate Rahimzadeh, clarinet; Jim Hall, trombone; Jim Pekol, tenor sax/vocal; and Jim Leschke on keyboard.

“Psalm 150 exhorts us to praise God in His sanctuary with string and brass instruments, dance and cymbals. The goal of The Psalm 150 Project is to provide a venue for local musicians to honor God with a variety of secular and religious genres,” said Snedden.

Admission is free. A free-will offering will be taken and shared with the Three Lakes Food Pantry. For more information, contact Snedden at vsnedden@yahoo.com.

Union Congregational Church is located at 6993 Forest St. in Three Lakes, across from St. Theresa’s Catholic Church.