Press Release
Contact:
Jamie Lang-Rodean, Event Chair
OR
The Rev. Diane Peterson Seaborn, Senior Minister
860-429-9382
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—Aug. 12, 2026
WELCOME BACK CELEBRATION AND CARILLON CONCERT
STORRS—Storrs Congregational Church will host a Welcome Back celebration heralding the return of area students to the classroom, followed by a carillon concert on the church’s historic carillon.
The celebration will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, with the free concert from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Both events will be held on the church lawn at 2 N. Eagleville Road, adjacent to the University of Connecticut campus
The annual celebration offers an opportunity for students and the wider community to greet friends and learn about community resources. This year’s event will feature musical performances by singer/guitarist Chris McLean and the band AshBABY, founded by a group of UConn students.Local organizations will host table displays, and the church will distribute free baked goods and other treats to students.
The concert will include popular music by renownedcarillonneur Margaret Angelini, who will perform on the church’s Austin Cornelius Dunham Carillon. Housed high in the steeple of the church, the carillon has been serenading the Storrs-Mansfield community since 1931. Angelini will play works from a trio of contemporary American composers, the Beatles, songs from the movies and works from the church’s own backyard—"The UConn Husky Fight Song” and “Old Connecticut.”
“Guests are invited to bring a picnic, settle down on the church lawn and experience music and community as the church gives students a joyful, ringing welcome back,” said Dr. Trisha Snyder, the congregation’s Director of Music Ministry.
The festivities will be held rain or shine. All are welcome.