When Graham Spanier went to see the Deacons of Dixieland play at Pennsylvania State University 13 years ago, he wasn't expecting to become part of the band.
The Deacons of Dixieland perform on the steps of the Mountville Church of the Brethren on Sunday eveni
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Graham Spanier, president of Penn State University, works his "turbo washboard," which has 25 instrume
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But the group's leader pulled him on stage and asked him to play the washboard.
The deacons, surprised by Spanier's talent, quickly asked him to join.
"I never would have predicted it," said Spanier, the university's president. "It's been a very nice hobby."
The Deacons of Dixieland played on the lawn of the Mountville Church of the Brethren, 60 Clay St., on Sunday night.
Spanier played the "turbo washboard." His washboard has an additional 25 instruments attached to it — everything from bicycle horns, to whistles and cowbells.
Spanier said that when he's not playing in the band or working, he finds himself scrounging through antique stores and music stores looking for other objects to add to his collection.
Spanier said that, because he frequently changes the instruments on his washboard, the music is "usually a little different every time." But it always maintains a "dixieland jazz" feel.
The group's current leader, Jim Ressler, said the deacons' music is "happy." It differs from today's music in that the lyrics are easy to understand and the melodies are catchy.
"You can whistle it today, tomorrow and next week," Ressler told the audience.
Many of the concert's attendees seemed to agree. The vast majority of them either tapped their feet or clapped along to the band's music. Some danced.
"They're wonderful," said Bob Fleming of Willow Valley. "I've been to New Orleans three times, and I enjoy what they're doing."
Pearl Geesey of Witmer said she "got a kick out of that washboard. I never seen anything like it."
The deacons' concert was the second in a series of summer lawn concerts held at the church and sponsored by the Mountville Welfare Association.
The concerts are meant "to encourage local musicians," said John Hess, the series' founder.
"It'd be a place for them to showcase their talents," he added.
The concerts are held every Sunday at 7 p.m. on the church's lawn, except for Sunday, July 6, when there is no concert. The last concert, Sunday, Aug. 24, will break form and begin at 6 p.m.
All concerts are free and open to the public.
Local community organizations, such as the Lions Club and the Mountville Police Department, take their turns scooping up free ice cream during the intermissions.
The summer's remaining schedule is as follows:
• June 15 — The Sacred Orchestra with Dave Stahl
• June 22 — Ministers of Music
• June 29 — Chesapeake Silver Cornet Brass Band
• July 13 — Lancaster Pops Orchestra
• July 20 — The Perseverance Band of Lebanon
• July 27 — Amy Banks
• Aug. 3 — Bob Clay Septet
• Aug. 10 — Neil Wright Band
• Aug. 17 — The Herm Miller Orchestra
• Aug. 24 — New Holland Band (6 p.m.)
Staff writer Liz Navratil can be reached at lnavratil@LNPnews.com or 481-6014.
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