O Brother, Where Art Thou? Tribute Returns to Old Swedes'

by Heather Shayne Blakeslee

For the past 20 years as the sextons of Gloria Dei Church, known to the neighborhood as “Old Swedes’,” Jim and Paula Minacci have been welcoming the entire Queen Village community with music and other programming: flea markets, music brunches, a Memorial Day picnic and music festival, Fringe shows, Halloween events, a yearly one-man tribute to Jesus Christ Superstar, and more.

“We saw an opportunity to use our natural abilities for the benefit of this church and the greater community,” says Jim Minacci. “We have a great space to share with people and the best friends who happen to play music.”

Last year, the Minaccis hit on one of their most successful programs to date: a tribute to the wildly popular Coen brothers film O Brother, Where Art Thou?, which is loosely based on the story of Odysseus and chronicles the period that marked the beginning of the recording industry in America. It’s a favorite of the Minaccis’, and the 120 showgoers who packed every pew in the church proved that others agree.

Songs such as “Keep on the Sunnyside,” made popular by the Carter Family, are part of the soundtrack that has devoted fans to the movie. On December 13, you can see local musicians (the author included), perform all the songs from the show.

Photo by Brian Light

“This year’s O Brother show allows up to 30 people to shine their talents upon us in the church sanctuary,” Minacci says. “Our performers range in age from 60 years down to little Ruby Rose at 6 years old.”

Performers are drawn from Queen Village as well as popular regional acts such as River Bones Band, Cowmuddy, Torn and Ironic, Swedeland, Sweetbriar Rose, and Dirty Soap. “Americana and roots music is in their blood,” Minacci says.

As sextons, Jim and Paula keep the cobwebs from the windows, tend the grounds, and generally manage the property, but it’s their faithful dedication to the community that makes the programming at Old Swedes’ shine. As performers at last year’s concert gathered in a circle to hold hands and give thanks before the show, the Minaccis told every person in the room that they were there for them, no matter what, always, which generated more than a few tears.

“Paula and I love being part of the ether,” says Minacci. “We love working for the betterment of the community. We want to show support for all the artists and artistry all around us.” ■

Old Swedes’ is located at 916 S. Swanson St. Doors open at 7 for the 8 p.m. December 13 performance. Tickets are $15 cash at the door. Concertgoers are encouraged by the sextons to “come early to eat and drink, and stay late to sing and dance.”