One of the most wonderful things about living here in northwest Indiana is the many and varied ways that local businesses find to connect with and provide enjoyment to the community they serve.
The First Friday in the Chapel series is a long-standing musical event, held the first Friday of each month in the chapel of La Porte Hospital, as its name implies. The event, which began several years ago, offers a showcase for local musicians to come in, display their talents and provide entertainment for members of the community.
This year’s concert series also marks the debut of a new director in Mike Gillock, who took over the reins as First Friday Coordinator for the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte last December.
“I’ve coordinated many things in my life, but this... this was a challenge,” Gillock says with a smile.
Gillock has worked hard since taking over the job, scheduling a variety of musicians to feature in each of the coming months.
“We have been blessed to find a variety of talented musicians from throughout the city and surrounding areas. Each month will be different. Next month will feature Tom Coe from the local high school, backed by a thirty-voice choir. We’ll have a harpist in April, and the organist and pianist from the Presbyterian and Episcopal Churches here in La Porte will be presenting a concert in March.”
“We do this for the enjoyment of the community,” said Gillock.
Kicking off the series for 2017 was the duo of Sue and Roger Smith of La Porte, who performed on the clarinet and violin. Roger retired from the high school, where he taught science before becoming a counselor, and Sue taught violin and piano for over forty years. Childhood sweethearts, they have been married for fifty-seven years, and have seven children. Roger entertained the audience with his quick wit and light-hearted presentation.
“Mike Gillock approached us about participating in the concert back in November. We were hesitant at first, but quickly changed our minds,” said Sue.
Roger and Sue presented a variety of music, from religious to secular pieces, such as “Music of the Night” and “Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella.” They even tossed in some holiday tunes, for good measure.
“If you listen closely, you may hear a few bars of another song sprinkled in with the main piece,” said Roger with a wink to the audience. “She’s sneaky like that – likes to keep you on your toes.”
Nancy Pearish 71 and Rachel Anderson, both from La Porte, know Roger and Sue from their church and are big fans of the couple's music.
“When we heard they would be playing here, we had to come check it out. They play such wonderful music,” said Anderson.
If you would like to come check out a concert yourself, or for more information regarding upcoming concerts, you can visit the La Porte County Hospital website here
