Blue River Big Band presents beloved Christmas show
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
The tenth annual Blue River Big Band holiday show welcomed a warm crowd of music lovers Thursday at First Church of God in Columbia City.
The band, comprised of an ever-changing lineup of 14 members, entertained the audience with holiday favorites, trivia and comedic exchange. The show began around 7:30 p.m.
Dawn Ward provided vocals and keyboard. Mike Rush played trumpet and keyboard during Ward’s vocal pieces. Other trumpet players included James Zanker, Matt Murdock and Todd Ward. Phil Zent, Jason Klingaman and Micah Roddy played trombone. Matt Rentschler, Rolly Stellhorn, Mark Fritz and Andy Hogue played saxophone, while Casey Stanzifer was on bass. Notably, drummer Doug Laughlin of Fort Wayne had been with the band for just two performances -- and didn't miss a beat!
The annual and much-anticipated show is truly a gift to the community – in more ways than one.
Again this year, proceeds from a freewill offering, were donated to the local Delta Theta Tau sorority.
In the past ten years, the show has raised more than $6,000 for the community’s benefit.
According to a representative of Delta Theta Tau, all of the money given to them has stayed in the community – through clothing donations to the Lighthouse homeless shelter and support to Helpline, the FCCLA program at Columbia City High School and food banks in the county.
Members of Delta Theta Tau provided refreshments to guests following the program in the church’s lobby.