Benefit concert will go toward utility bill

Wally Zick had more than a religious congregation in mind when he bought the old Moravian Church and relocated it in rural Stockholm.

"The area needed a community center," he said.

Although another place, the Widespot Performing Arts Center in downtown Stockholm, has now opened for community use, Zick still makes St. Sophia's Liberal Catholic Church available for groups that need a place to meet.

The Hot Flashes are among the regulars.

"Wally turns the heat on, at no charge," said Eve Stone of Red Wing, one of the founding members of the Hot Flashes, a women's vocal group that grew out of the Travelin' Shoes Gospel Choir.

Every Tuesday night during the cold-weather months, about 20 women from throughout the Lake Pepin region gather in the cozy church basement to rehearse with their director/accompanist, Travelin' Shoes founder Dave Zahn.

"We plan a fundraiser at the church to raise money for the church and its mission, and to pay for some of the heat we've used and the lights," Stone said.

Everyone is invited to search out the little country church at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19. Take Highway 35 to downtown Stockholm, then turn left on County Road J and stay on J about 4 1/2 miles. You'll see the church on the right.

"Seating is limited, dancing room even more so," according to a press release. "But there will be plenty of energy and heat expended at this event - enough to melt the ice in the parking lot and get you a little closer to spring."

Hot Flashes is a group of "seasoned" women who began singing together less than two years ago. They perform a lively repertoire of songs made famous by the "girl groups" of the 1950s and '60s. They've recently expanded their program list to include works performed by Wilson Pickett and James Brown, with saxophone interludes and horn riffs.

They'll be passing the plate for donations. All proceeds will go the church. Everyone is invited to stay after the concert for treats.

Tags: local news, church news, arts and entertainment, benefits and fundraisers, red wing, news, stockholm, wisconsin, entertainment