Home for the Holidays to have three concerts

“I look forward to it,” comments Adam Moen enthusiastically. “We are doing almost all new pieces this year. It’s been fun to work on new material and I’m excited to share what we’ve come up with with the audience.”

 

Musician Moen is speaking, of course, of the “Home for the Holidays” concert which raises money for the New Richland Area Foundation, a group which donates funds to support local projects.

 

This year’s performances will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, and at 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, at New Richland’s Trinity Lutheran Church located at 204 First Street Northwest. Admission is a free-will donation. 

 

This will be the fourth year of the well-attended performances which feature graduates of the NRHEG school system who have gone on to build decades-long careers in music: the concerts began in 2021, when Adam and fellow musician Gavin Berg brought their talents “home for the holidays.”

 

All proceeds from the concert are donated directly to the New Richland Area Foundation.

 

Also performing again this year are Ellen Johnson and 2023 graduate Eva Wayne.

 

“It's about providing a bright spot in an all too shadow-filled world,” comments Gavin. “Hundreds of people who are connected through our hometown gather together each year and laugh, maybe cry a little, and ultimately make a difference through the funds raised. 

 

“That good spirit radiates far beyond the concerts. And that's a beautiful thing.”

 

Adam says planning for this year’s concert began immediately after the first performance a year ago, when the four performers collaborated about what went well, what should be changed, and what could be added to make everything even better.

 

He says they share ideas regularly all year long and begin with some preliminary practices already in fall.

 

Gavin comments that, despite all that preparation, no two of the three performances will be completely alike. To keep things fresh, there will be some changes to the music performed. The humorous banter among the four performers is completely unplanned, and thus is different every time.

 

He also jokes that, thanks to the “audience challenge” element which has surprised various family members and friends often take their seats with a certain amount of nervousness.

 

“I love how these performances combine nostalgic holiday feelings with an element of fun mixed in,” observes Ellen. “This concert is a wonderful opportunity to embrace the spirit of the holidays while making a positive impact on our community. Along with that, it’s an added bonus to be able to dress up with friends and share our musical gifts with others.”

 

“We hope lots of people will come for the music, the fun, and the holiday spirit,” invites Adam. “People tell us they have a lot of fun each year, and the fact is, we enjoy it, too. It’s been fulfilling from the first year of doing this concert, and an honor to help benefit the community.”

 

Gavin adds, “I recently relocated to Owatonna after living in the Minneapolis area for more than two decades. Being so close to home brings a renewed appreciation for growing up here. Every decision made comes back to wanting to put on the most meaningful show, so in our own small way, we can give back to the town that has given us all so much. 

 

“So as long as people continue to enjoy the show, we'll be there!”