West Central Connection Barber Shop Chorus performs in German Park for the last Music in Park concert of the 2023 season.

NEW ULM — Monday Music in the Park closed out the 2023 summer season with a performance from the West Central Connection Barber Shop Chorus.

West Central Connection is a regional chorus of Willmar featuring 20 singers from the region. The chorus includes members from Willmar, Hector, Litchfield and Fairfax. This was West Central Connection’s first performance in New Ulm.

The group performs in a variety of musical styles including old standards, country, gospel and rock and roll. They opened with a rendition of “World on a String,” followed by a cover of Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl.”

In addition, to the musical performance, volunteers with Thrivent Financial served hot dogs for a free-will donation to State Street Theater Company.

Tim Reinke of Thrivent said all donations for the food would go to State Street Theater to benefit their latest capital campaign. A special QR code was available for those who wished to donate online. Reinke said any donations made using the QR code would be matched by Thrivent.

Mary Ellen Domeier, representing State Street Theater, said the donations would go to replacing the old seating in the auditorium of the theater. It would also be used to purchase safety equipment such as railings and wheelchair seating.

Domeier said the theater is 80% funded.