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| The Deacons were formed by John Kepler in
1988 in State College, Pennsylvania. "Bill Bailey", "Sweet Georgia
Brown", and "When the Saints Go Marching In" are a few of their
standards. They also play hymns, blues, waltzes, polkas, and
even a few Country tunes-in a happy Dixieland style. The audience is
welcome to participate in some of the Deacons' tunes by playing
washboards and parading with colorful Mardi Gras style umbrellas. The Deacons have played in New Orleans at Fritzel's Tavern on Bourbon Street, the Cafe Pontchartrain, the Cafe Brazil, the Tin Roof Cafe, and at Preservation Hall, where in January, 2001 they opened for the nationally renowned Preservation Hall Jazz Band. The band has played for several years at the W.C. Handy Music Festival in Florence, Alabama. They have also played at the James Street Cafe in Pittsburgh and at the Hilton Hotel in Harrisburg. Some of their Central Pennsylvania engagements include: |
| Charities: The Second Mile, Senior Games, Hope for Kids, PSU Thon, and various fund-raisers. Parks: DelGrosso Park, Lakemont Park, Knoebels Amusement Resort, Derry Township Park, Valley View Park, Penn's Cave, Victory Park in Lewistown, and Raystown Amphitheater. Fairs and Festivals: Lemont Strawberry Festival, Beaver Stadium's July 4th Fireworks Celebration, People's Choice Festival, Coleman Park in Lebanon, Mt. Gretna, and the Centre County Grange Fair. Additionally, they have played at nursing homes, retirement centers, political rallies, funerals, and weddings. The Deacons have entertained for many years at Penn State tailgate parties-both public and private-including a very successful series of three-hour performances outside The Student Book Store prior to home football games. |