I hope you will agree that there are always a variety of activities happening in Austin. Music, theater, sports, dining, and shopping-we may be a small town but I feel we have a lot to offer for recreation.

Next weekend is no exception as a great majority of the musicians in our area will perform at one venue or another.

Musical leaders from the school system are preparing for their 2nd annual Christmas At Home event to be held at the Paramount on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16-17. This event benefits the schools’ musical programming which is certainly a worthy cause. Tickets for the Christmas At Home events are available at the Austin ArtWorks Center.

On Saturday, between the matinee and evening performances, the HHH will host the Austin Big Band in a concert giving people a chance to extend their holiday concert experience even longer. This 17-piece area favorite will fill the event center with classic holiday music from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dance instruction will be offered, and snacks will be provided. Tickets are $12 each and may be purchased in advance at www.hormelhistorichome.org or at the door. If you attend any of the Christmas At Home events you will receive $2 off the show at the HHH. Just present your ticket stub at the door.

Why are we doing this? Because bringing music to Austin is a part of our mission, and, in this case, we just want to keep the holidays going with one more musical opportunity.

The Austin Daily Herald printed on May 12, 1910, an editorial by a member of the Band Committee that described the impact a concert can have on a community. The author said:

“In helping civic improvement and the increase in our census population, is it not proper to so entertain, as other cities do, those who come within our midst that they will feel Austin is the dear old town. Make them want to stay with us. Then our population will be double. What kind of an entertainment could be brought forth that could beat the band concert in bringing out the people, when at the same time they are getting acquainted with each other?”

There is a long history of band performances in Austin and area residents in 1910 experienced the sound of a well-known group led by Bohumir Kryl. On June 10, 1910, the Austin Daily Herald announced his upcoming performance.

“One of the great attractions at Chautauqua this year is to be Kryl’s Band. Kryl himself is probably the greatest cornet soloist in the world and he will personally conduct the band in addition to appearing in cornet solo work each program.”

On July 12, 1910, the ADH wrote:

“Tomorrow comes the Kryl band, one of the greatest, if not the greatest, band, in the country. The entire band of 28 pieces is expected and the platform will be increased in size to accommodate it. Tomorrow night this band will give the ‘Anvil Chorus,’ in which eight real anvils and hammers are used. The anvils, being connected with electric batteries, will give forth sparkle like the real thing. During the selection the lights will be turned off from the tent. This will be a rare treat.”

So whether you believe a band concert will increase the population of Austin or just add to the myriad of activities available, we want to continue Austin’s great history of appreciating music and producing musicians. Join us on the 17th to celebrate this tradition and enhance your holiday activities.

History Happy Hour

5:30 p.m. Social., 6 p.m. Presentation, Dec. 12

Holiday Stories and Songs, and the history behind them.
Presented by Lisa Deyo, owner of Sweet Reads Book and Candy Store and Morgan Dickman, President of the Austin Symphony. This event will take place in the historic living room and space is limited. Free for members of the Mower County Historical Society, Friends of the Library, and the HHH. $5 for non-members

Big Band Holiday Swing

4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Dec. 17

Enjoy music, dancing (optional), snacks by 3B Catering, and fun. $12 in advance at www.hormelhistorichome.org or at the door.

Hearth & Home: Holiday Memories and Traditions

10 a.m., Dec. 20

Presented by a variety of community member who will share stories and treats from their past. Stories from the German, Pennsylvania Dutch, Hispanic and Minnesota cultures will entertain and bring memories to life. Free