Christmas at the Clubhouse concert to return to Sweet Arrow Lake County Park

Nov. 30—After a two-year hiatus, the Christmas at the Clubhouse concert will make its return to Sweet Arrow Lake County Park.

The event, slated for 2 p.m. Dec. 10 in the Clubhouse, will feature a bevy of holiday and jazz-inflected tunes from the M&J Jazz Combo, an offshoot of M&J Big Band.

John Shoener, who plays trumpet for the group, said the setlist will include a combination of Christmas classics, such as "Christmas Time Is Here" and "The Christmas Song," in addition to jazz standards such as "Take the 'A' Train."

The event is free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be available.

Since 2015, the M&J Jazz Combo has enthralled audiences at the Clubhouse with its quality musical talent and colorful renditions of classic songs.

This will be the band's fourth time performing at the event, following appearances in 2015, 2016 and 2018.

The event will be sponsored by the Sweet Arrow Lake Conservation Association, a volunteer group associated with the park, and further assisted by a grant from the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation.

Christmas at the Clubhouse was canceled the last two years because of the pandemic, but it will continue to be held on an annual basis moving forward, according to Denise Donmoyer, association president.

The Clubhouse, an indoor venue, is used for many year-round events, including parties, meetings and concerts. During its last event, an expansive rock 'n' roll performance on Nov. 18 by the Route 61 Band, more than 100 people turned out to dance and sing along to their favorite classic rock tunes.

The M&J Jazz Combo is composed of Shoener on trumpet; Bob Nowak on drums; Kieffer Quandel on piano; and Josh Kovich on bass guitar, all also members of M&J Big Band.

Shoener said the smaller lineup allows the musicians to showcase their "small-group" skills, feeding off one another and improvising during performances.

"It gives us more of a solo opportunity, and helps us grow as musicians," he said.

He added that seeing the audience members enjoying the music is the "best part" of the Clubhouse performances.

Donmoyer said the event will feature a new band or ensemble each year. For next year's performance, the association is considering the Hershey Handbell Ensemble, a 16-member group that performs on Malmark Handbells, Schulmerich Silver Melody Bells and other instruments.

"We hope that everyone will come out and listen and have a good time," Donmoyer said.

Contact the writer: hlee@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6085