St Armands Key Lutheran Church swings into summer

The Swing Sisters played the first concert in a summer series held in the church's garden.

By Lesley Dwyer
| 8:40 p.m. July 3, 2022

Longboat Key
Neighbors

It was a swinging Sunday at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church on July 3. The church hosted its first concert of the summer. The patriotic trio, the Swing Sisters, headlined.

Clad in red, white and blue matching dresses, the trio sang Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and took a moment to recognize the veterans in the audience. They also added a swing-style twist to popular favorites like I Will Survive by Donna Summers. John Westerberg was having so much fun, he joined the group on stage to dance to One Fine Day.

Congregation President Steve Gunderson said it was an experiment to have a concert on a holiday weekend and that it wasn’t as big of a turnout as usual. Still, about 60 people gathered in the garden. The stage was set under a pergola topped with Bougainvillea. Concertgoers brought their own chairs and were spread across the lawn. Sonny’s BBQ had a booth — $10 a plate, and it was piled high.

The Island Swing Band is playing the next concert at 4 p.m. July 31. Call 388-1234 for more information.

The Swing Sisters perform in the garden of St. Armands Key Lutheran Church.

About 60 people gather on the lawn for the first concert of the summer at SAKLC.

Sarah Hanie and Ethan Ngo man the concession stands as attendees line up for Sonny's BBQ.

Hannah Pawlak, Madison Zavitz and Madeline Regier make up the trio, The Swing Sisters.

Madison Zavitz and John Westerberg dance to One Fine Day.

John Westerberg dips Madison Zavitz at the end of One Fine Day.

Leaf Wanless, Ange Wise, Donna Schaeffer, and John Kestly

Bill Beckmeyer, Marie Watts, Zoey Zakovec, and Jim Zakovec

author

Lesley Dwyer

Lesley Dwyer is a staff writer for East County and a graduate of the University of South Florida. After earning a bachelor’s degree in professional and technical writing, she freelanced for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Lesley has lived in the Sarasota area for over 25 years.