October 12, 2011

 

Contacts:

The Rev. Kim Woeste, United Campus Ministry, 657-2165
Dan Carter, University Relations, 657-2269

 

’44 and Feelin’ Groovy’ features food, fun, concert on Oct. 18

 

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — United Campus Ministry at Montana State University Billings will take a trip back in time next week to celebrate more than 40 years of ministry and raise funds for current work.

 

“44 and Feelin’ Groovy” will be an occasion to enjoy great music and delicious food while also celebrating ministry in higher education and honoring extraordinary persons and churches who have made the ministry possible through continued support and contributions, said the Rev. Kim Woeste, the director of United Campus Ministry.

 

“44 and Feelin’ Groovy” is set for Tuesday, Oct. 18 at the MSU Billings Student Union Building. It celebrates 44 years of work by MSU Billings and Eastern Montana College ministry work as well as continued partnership with local congregations.  The evening — filled with food, friendship and music — culminates with a 7 p.m. Simon and Garfunkel tribute concert by Dave Oltrogge and Tim Hathaway.

 

The evening begins at 5 p.m. with a VIP pre-concert party in the SUB ballroom. Guests can enjoy a delicious array of tapas and heavy hors d’oeuvres and a preview performance by the musicians. The event also features live and silent auction items, including jewelry from Montague’s, tickets for Venture Theatre, a guided fly-fishing trip on the Big Horn River, a catered dinner for six, and gift baskets from Good Earth Market, Ciao Mambo, Gainans, and City Brew.

 

Exceptional students and campus ministry volunteers will also be recognized.

 

The Simon and Garfunkel tribute concert at 7 p.m. features nostalgic and classic hits performed by noted local musicians Oltrogge and Hathaway. They are among the “boomers” who remember, and re-visit songs like “Sounds of Silence” or “Cecilia” and are careful to preserve as they best can, the essence of those two “Old Friends.” With their vocal styling backed up by the talents of Trevor Krieger, Alex Nauman and Parker Brown, the duo has assembled an evening of the best of the Simon and Garfunkel catalog from 1965-1975. This show delighted over 3,000 as the headline act for an outdoor show in Billings and has been enthusiastically received at a variety of venues.

 

Tickets for the combined VIP pre-concert party and concert are $40. Concert-only tickets are $15 and student concert-only tickets are $5 with a student ID.

 

Woeste said the event is a way to celebrate powerful partnerships that have had positive effects on college students for more than 44 years. But it will also help meet financial needs that are ongoing.

 

Historically, United Campus Ministry has been funded through denominational giving from United Methodists and Presbyterians, with additional help from the United Church of Christ, Lutheran (ELCA), Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Episcopal, and American Baptist churches. However, with denominational giving at an all-time low, it is particularly important to both increase awareness about United Campus Ministry and to raise additional financial backing, she said. 

 

A portion of each ticket purchased will go directly to fund the important work of United Campus Ministry.

 

For tickets or for more information, please contact Woeste at 657-2165 or kwoeste@msubillings.edu.  Tickets also available at the door.

 

SEE ALSO: ’44 and Feelin’ Groovy’ poster