Orchard Hills experienced live music again for the first time since COVID-19 hit. The residents heard gospel, oldies and country music form Steve Rewtizer on concertina, Jeff Anderson on guitar, Gary Schraeder on bass, Marie Hort on keyboard and Lynn Zimanski on drums.

NEW ULM — Music returned to Orchard Hills Wednesday night. A local band called The Misfits and a few fellow musicians joined up to entertain the residents.

Orchard Hills activity director Kari Apitz said usually Orchard Hills has live music twice a week, but since the COVID-19 outbreak, there has been no music. With the arrival of warm weather, it was decided to hold an outdoor concert.

Concertina player Steve Rewitzer was asked if he wanted to play. Rewtizer agreed and was able to bring back The Misfits and a few other musicians.

Rewitzer was joined by Jeff Anderson on guitar, Gary Schraeder on bass, Marie Hort on keyboard and Lynn Zimanski on drums.

“The residents needed this,” Rewitzer said. “They have been without music for two months.”

Anderson said it was nice to get out and play because most of the musicians have been unable to perform since COVID-19 hit.

The residents were glad to see the band and shouted they would listen to anything the band wanted to play, whether it was gospel, oldies or country.

Apitz said Orchard Hills was trying to keep life as normal as possible with the lockdown. Activities continue inside Orchard Hills and now outdoor concerts are part of the mix.