Patrons of local performances got a taste of Southern Dixieland jazz recently at the annual Evening of Music, a free event held by the Lititz Historical Foundation behind the Johannes Mueller Home. Almost 200 people toted their lawn chairs to the serene Mary Oehme Garden for what proved to be an entertaining outdoor concert.

“This is probably the biggest crowd we’ve ever had,” said Cory Van Brookhoven, president of the foundation. The event, which raises both awareness and funds for the preservation of the historic sites managed by the foundation, was underwritten by Luthercare.

This year’s concert featured the return of the popular Lancaster-based Dixieland Express, a six-member band led by Mike Ober on trombone. The group played a one-hour set in the secluded setting on a beautiful summer evening. The event has, for some, become a musical tradition in the ideal location.

“This spot is the best spot,” said Inge Mountz. She and husband Hal come to the concert every year. Hal spotted the announcement in the Lititz Record Express, so the couple came to listen to the Dixieland tunes. They ended up with a front-row seat.

The toe-tapping tunes were a hit with the mostly senior crowd, who recognized not only the melodies but the virtuosity of the musicians. Throughout the performance, numerous instrumental solos were recognized with applause.

Tuba player and LCBC Church worship leader Matt Goss twice transitioned from blowing a bass line to providing smooth vocal solos on “Stars Fell on Alabama,” which he fittingly modified to Pennsylvania, and a Louis Armstrong classic.

Between songs, Ober shared lighthearted stories of the start of the band, the improvisational nature of their Dixieland stylings, and personnel updates. Talented trumpeter Ben Mauger, it was announced, will be departing the group for the warmer climes of sunny Florida, but not before leaving the Lititz audience with memorable performance.

The Dixieland Express closed out the planned portion of their show with a rip-roaring rendition of Dixieland standard “When the Saints Come Marching Home.”

“That’s what I came to hear,” said Hal Mountz.

But even that wasn’t enough to satisfy the crowd, which called for an encore. The band obliged with a final number before the audience dispersed. If the dollar-laden donation baskets at the exits were any indication of success, the night appeared to go well. But for the Lititz Historical Foundation, the concert was not just about collecting donations.

“It’s good exposure for us,” said Van Brookhoven. “People who live in Lititz don’t even know that we’re here.” He is eager to raise awareness that the lovely gardens are free and open to the community, and that weddings are also held there.

Van Brookhoven attributed the high attendance to favorable weather conditions, familiar faces, and loyal fans of the Dixieland Express. He was also pleased to see a lot of new faces in the crowd.

As for Mr. and Mrs. Mountz, they hope to return again next year to the concert which is always held the Sunday after the Lititz Craft Show.

“We’re so blessed to have all of this,” said Inge Mountz. “What a perfect night we had.”