Dixieland band will have toes tappin' at Shell Point church

Barbary Coast Dixieland COURTESY PHOTO The 2008-2009 Season of Praise Concert Series continues at The Village Church at Shell Point Retirement Community with a visit from the Barbary Coast Dixieland Band. The band will offer audience members a chance to hear old-time gospel jazz on Sunday, March 29, at 6:15 p.m.

The Barbary Coast Dixieland Band has been together since 1967. Elected to the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame in 2001 and rated among the finest entertainers in the Midwest, the band has played everywhere — from the Mississippi paddlewheel boats and the Minnesota State Fair, to Nagasaki, Japan.

The band is made up of six talented musicians who play 18 instruments. Led by left-handed banjo/guitar player Dick Petersen, the band includes Tom Andrews on drums, clarinet, and vocals; Jim ten Bensel on trombone, cornet, drums, and vocals; Russ Peterson on trumpet, trombone, sax, clarinet,

flute, bass, and vocals; Steve Pikal on bass, trombone, and piano; and, finally, Dick Ramberg on piano and clarinet.

"The Barbary Coast Dixieland Band is a favorite among the residents and visitors of the Season of Praise Concert Series. They have performed in past concert series with us, and are always requested by residents to return," says Randy Woods, minister of worship and music for The Village Church. "This group of versatile musicians, who occasionally swap instruments on stage without missing a note, will have your feet tappin' from their very first set!"

Tickets are available for purchase and are $10 each. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.shellpoint.org/ villagechurch/events.htm or call 454- 2147.

The Village Church at Shell Point is a ministry of the Christian and Missionary Alliance and serves a congregation of more than 600. The Village Church is located near the entrance to the Island at Shell Point and seats 1,000 people. Shell Point Retirement Community is a continuing care retirement community located in Fort Myers.