Dean’s List performance to aid Rice Lake Music Boosters

The Dean’s List Orchestra has partnered with the local Elks Lodge to bring the big band sound to Elk members and their guests on Thursday, July 11, from 6-9 p.m. The event is for listening as well as dancing and will take place in the banquet hall, with a summertime buffet dinner served. A cash bar will also be available. Doors open at 5 p.m., and food is available from 5:30-8 p.m.

There is no cover charge; however, a free will donation is encouraged to benefit Rice Lake Music Boosters to defray the cost of bringing the Kids From Wisconsin’s show, Larger Than Life: The Great Entertainers, to Rice Lake Veteran’s Memorial Park on July 18 at no cost to those who attend.

Call 715-234-2951 to make reservations for the Deans List performance. Rice Lake Elks #1441 members are happy to share the facility with area residents for this Community Outreach Event.

The Dean’s List was formed as an ad hoc ensemble in 1966 under the direction of Dr. John Meggers for the dedication of the Barron County Campus of Stout State University, now known as UW-Eau Claire — Barron County. The group continues today as an 18-piece Big Band playing the original swing tunes of the 30s, 40s and more.

Musicians come from Duluth, Chetek, Cable, Clear Lake, Rice Lake, and points in between and donate their talent and time for others to enjoy. Monies received from performances as a rule go toward scholarships and equipment for the UWEC-BC music department in Rice Lake; however this performance is a benefit to enable the Kids concert to take place in Rice Lake.

The Dean’s List often plays for private venues. The event at the Elks Lodge is a partnership formed to provide community members the chance to enjoy this type of music at no cost with the opportunity of fellowship, camaraderie and practicing goodwill, as a community outreach initiative of the local Elks Leadership team as well as the members of the Dean’s List.

Recent performances have taken place in Eau Claire, Shell Lake and Hayward. Upcoming concerts will be announced on the band’s Facebook page or in area media outlets, including a performance in Clear Lake on July 25 and Music in the Park performance in Rice Lake on Aug. 13.

Joe Erickson serves as the Dean’s List performance coordinator and can be reached at joseph.erickson@gmail.com or by calling 715-296-1248. Anne Gallagher coordinates the performances of the Dean’s List for the Elks Lodge and can be reached by calling 715-234-2951.