Cape church to hold concert today featuring patriotic music

Patriotic music and favorite American songs will be showcased today in a free Memorial Day weekend concert at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau.

"The concert will be uplifting," said Clay Hahs, vocalist for St. Andrew's contemporary worship band Jericho. "Almost every song is well known and should bring back a lot of memories."

The concert will feature 60 musicians from St. Andrew's choir, bell choir and contemporary worship band to perform a variety of music including patriotic songs, service hymns and traditional American songs. The songs will be accompanied by piano, bells, a full band and more. Music minister Eric Coomer said the concert will showcase musical ensembles and different musical elements from American culture.

"There's a good mix of songs and something everyone can get into," Coomer said.

Hahs said attendees can expect "everything from military service hymns, pop songs and everything in between."

A few of the songs that will be performed include patriotic numbers including "The Star Spangled Banner" and "My Country Tis of Thee," as well as favorite American folk songs like Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" and Woody Gutherie's "This Land is Your Land, This Land is My Land." Coomer said American standards that are not necessarily patriotic but recognizable, like Neil Diamond's "Coming to America," will also be sung. Another one will be a bell choir arrangement of the children's song "Bingo."

"Expect a lot of music," Coomer said. "Expect to sing along and have a good time."

According to Coomer, the concert will be a somber reflection, but joyful. Part of the performance will be dedicated to thanking veterans.

"We're looking forward to thanking those who serve," Coomer said. "We hope the audience gains a recognition of what sacrifices have been made."

Hahs said there will be a slideshow running to show pictures of anyone in the church who has served in the military, past and present.

"It is special to see everyone who's gone before us," he said.

Coomer said the concert celebrates Memorial Day traditions. This year marks his third patriotic concert.

Hahs grew up singing in St. Andrew. He said the songs will "get everyone in the right spirit and a good mood."

"There's a strong sense of nostalgia with these songs," Hahs said. "I'm looking forward to seeing everyone turn out."

The concert is free and open to the public and begins at 3 p.m. at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 804 North Cape Rock Drive. A light reception will be held afterward. For more information, visit standrewcape.org or call 334-3200.

Pertinent address: 804 North Cape Rock Drive, Cape Girardeau, Mo.