O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Old Swedes’ welcomes back the Soggy Bottom Boys in Queen Village’s newest holiday tradition.

By Courtney Hunter-Stangler

Traditions are the heartbeat of the holiday season, and one of Queen Village’s newest is Gloria Dei’s Tribute Show, O Brother, Where Art Thou? This year will mark the fourth run of the production conceptualized by Paula and Jim Minacci of Sexton Sideshow. The source material is the movie of the same name. With a bluegrass soundtrack, it chronicles the story of The Soggy Bottom Boys and creates the perfect celebration, with soulful sounds, atmospheric lighting, and even some dance performances to warm your spirits.

Didn’t have the chance to check it out last year? All are welcome to settle into the sanctuary at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church for the familiar stylings of bluegrass greats like Norman Blake, Harry McClintock, and the Cox Family. Music will be performed by Dan May, Emily Drinker, Emmett Drueding, Eric13, Heather Blakeslee, T.C. Cole, Morgan Pinkstone, Cowmuddy, Jess Ehinger, Jamie Olson, Christopher Davis-Shannon, and more. It’s been such a hit that last year Paula and Jim had to add a second show. The same will go for this year—so join in on December 16 or 17 to be immersed in the world of Ulysses Everett McGill!

And just as traditions are the heartbeat of the holidays, Paula and Jim are the heartbeat at Gloria Dei. The vast list of local talent responsible for bringing this show to life, many of whom play on a national level, is a testament to just how tapped into the local scene they are after 20 years of serving as the sextons at Gloria Dei. The Minaccis are committed to making a difference in the community that surrounds Old Swedes’ with programming like O Brother as well as things like regular flea markets and fundraising.

But it’s more than that. It’s who they are. As someone who has participated in the production of O Brother, I’ve seen firsthand how the Minaccis facilitate connections among the artists involved. It’s magic how quickly they make it all come together and evoke such a distinct sense of time and place within the all-white and placid walls of Old Swedes’ church. If being around good music doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit—though I’m almost certain this is impossible considering the powerhouse voices of the O Brother Tribute Show—being around good people like Paula and Jim certainly will. ■