Salvation Army to Provide Free Concert at Carco Theater

Interested in inexpensive, family-friendly events? Appreciate choirs and music that is pleasing to the entire family? Enjoy supporting local, charitable causes?

If this sounds like your family, the Salvation Army Songsters and Brass Band Concert on Thursday, May 4 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Carco Theatre will fit the bill. Although  it is free, a donation to the Salvation Army will be greatly appreciated.

The mission of the , if you haven't heard it in a while, is to "Save Souls, Grow Saints, and Serve Suffering Humanity." Our local Renton corps has been doing a great job, and is now embarking on its second mission trip to Zimbabwe. This benefit concert will, in part, help to fund those efforts.

The Seattle Temple songsters aren't your typical church choir. They are a 40-piece choral group that sings gospel, hymns, and even modern music from the likes of Coldplay. That will please your younger set.

The travelling choir, under the direction of Ken Lyons, will even go to Chicago later this month to promote the mission of the Salvation Army. They have plans to play in a wide variety of venues, including farmer's markets and shopping centers. And, of course, local churches.

The Seattle Temple Band, the second act at the concert, is the band the Salvation Army is more closely associated with; it has been providing music for the past 100 years.

The music they play is steeped in providing their mission of sharing God's love for the world, sharing their musical gifts, and embracing the gospel.

Stefan Wennstig, originally from Sweden,  leads the group as he has since 1991. He is the divisional financial secretary at the Salvation Army Northwest Division. Also playing in the band, on baritone, is John Magnenat, who led the band from 1961-1991.

"We are looking forward to this opportunity to share the musical heritage of the The Salvation Army as well as the gospel," Wennstig said. 

"Although this heritage, somewhat unknown to many people, is still very relevant today. It engages and inspires both young and old," he said.

Wennstig promises that "No one coming to the concert will go home disappointed as it will be an evening of uplifting and encouraging music. As the leader of the band, I am very much looking forward to perform at the Carco Theater."