SAXONBURG — The holidays will arrive a few months early on Saturday with Christmas in September, a concert performed by the Monongahela Duck Club Band at St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church.

The concert is meant to coincide with the Saxonburg Festival of the Arts on Saturday and Sunday, said church member and organizer Susan Beatty.

"We like to participate and be a part of the community," she said.

The Monongahela Duck Club Band will play a Christmas show originally produced and performed for several years at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulfur Springs, W.Va.

When Christmas comes in December, people are often too distracted to fully enjoy the season, Beatty said.

"They're rushing around, they're buying gifts and doing everything it takes," she said. "Sometimes the true meaning of Christmas is lost in that hustle and bustle."

Beatty said she hopes to take people by surprise by celebrating Christmas in September.

"They can just come in and sit down and enjoy a Christmas program without all the craziness," she said.

Beatty, a hairstylist, scheduled the gig after she connected with band member Colleen Gray of Sarver, when styling Gray's mother's hair.

"We always love to perform for the local areas, for our friends and family," said Gray, an associate professor of music at Slippery Rock University.

The concert at St. Luke's is only the second time the program will be performed away from the Greenbrier, Gray said.

The group is led by Frank Cappelli, who is best known for his children's television program "Cappelli and Company."

Gray and Cappelli, who also plays guitar, will serve as primary vocalists, and Joe Lege of Saxonburg will join them on the accordion.

Gray describes the band as "eclectic" in its style, playing a mix of light rock and folk music with some classical influences.

On Saturday, they will play Christmas carols and arrangements of well-known holiday songs.

If a large group of children is present, the group will modify its performance to reach out to them, Gray said.

"Frank of course has a long history of working with children," Gray said. "He's kind of magical with them."

Beatty agreed, adding she has high hopes for the performance.

"I feel very honored to have this quality of entertainment coming to our church," she said.

The music will continue Sunday when St. Luke's hosts Voices in Praise, a show featuring choirs, soloists and musicians from local churches.

Participating congregations include Zion United Methodist Church, Summit Presbyterian Church and St. Luke's, said the Rev. Roger Keller, pastor of St. Luke's.

"It's been really wonderful to experience some of the local talent that's right in our backyard," Keller said. "To have the opportunity to hear them in a community setting is really a great opportunity."

<B>WHAT: </B>Christmas in September concert performed by the Monongahela Duck Club Band<B>WHEN: </B>4 p.m. Saturday<B>WHERE: </B>St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 310 W. Main St., Saxonburg<B>INFO: </B>Call the church at 724-352-2333.———<B>WHAT: </B>Voices in Praise inspirational gospel concert<B>WHEN: </B>2 to 3 p.m. Sunday<B>WHERE: </B>St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 310 W. Main St., Saxonburg<B>INFO: </B>Call the church at 724-352-2333.