Rochester First Congregational Church, UCC, Hosts River Strings of St. Clair County in Concert

First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Rochester is hosting a concert by a local mountain dulcimer group, the River Strings of St. Clair County, on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 7 p.m.

The concert's program is eclectic, with a playlist of pop, Irish, Tin Pan Alley, old time, gospel and Stephen Foster tunes. Some of highlights include "Isle of Innisfree," a popular Irish song, "Ashokan Farewell," which Ken Burns popularized with his Civil War documentary series, and a wonderful arrangement of Stephen Foster's "My Old Kentucky Home.”

The concert is free – freewill offerings will be collected during intermission and after the concert to support the church’s music program. The church is located at 1315 N. Pine Street, Rochester, MI, 48307.

The River Strings of St. Clair County group was established in 2007 in Algonac, Michigan by Bernie Hughes. Initially formed as a mountain dulcimer group, they soon began to add other instruments such as guitar, banjo and fiddles, and now perform with a variety of instruments including penny whistle, conga drum, ukulele, wooden spoons, washboard, harmonica and marimbula, an African bass thumb drum. The group enjoys performing various genres of music including folk, gospel, pop, rock, Celtic, calypso, Cajun, Tin Pan Alley, rags, waltzes and classical. They have performed over 150 times at senior centers, nursing homes, churches, art fairs, folk festivals, and restaurants.

“We’re always delighted to have the River Strings of St. Clair County performing here,” commented Pastor Scott Cunningham. “Their concerts are joyful and fun for all ages.”

About First Congregational Church, UCC, Rochester

Founded in 1827, First Congregational Church of Rochester is an open and affirming local church of the United Church of Christ. We welcome all in love, as Jesus Christ welcomes us all. We are an inclusive community that embraces all people, regardless of race, ethnic background, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, social or economic situation, marital or family status, biblical interpretation, or political persuasion. Worship services are typically Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. and are also available online via YouTube and Facebook. Childcare is available and children are always welcome to remain in worship in our Pray Ground for structured play and coloring, as we value their presence. A “wiggle room” is also available. The church is located at 1315 N. Pine Street, Rochester. For more information, visit, http://fccrochester.org/.

About River Strings of St. Clair County

The River Strings of St. Clair County is made up of seniors who enjoy playing and sharing their music. They meet weekly at the Washington Life Center in Marine City, Michigan. Members come from many different communities including Rochester Hills, Algonac, Marine City, China Township, Clay Township, Shelby Township, Romeo, Richmond, and Memphis. Visitors are welcome to drop in any Tuesday morning to enjoy listening to the group as they rehearse. For information or to request a performance, email Bernie Hughes at bernieehughes@yahoo.com.