Champaign-Urbana Harpist ~ Holiday Party at the IHotel

For my first holiday music outing of the year, I played for the employees of Yahoo! at their December 1st party.  The event was held at the IHotel, right on the University of Illinois campus.

The attendees were serenaded by harp music, played with props in a photo booth, enjoyed dinner & drinks, and were entertained by a magician.  Their planning team put together an unforgettable night!

At holiday parties, I play a variety of seasonal music ranging from traditional Christmas carols to popular songs like "Frosty the Snowman."

If you'd like to add harp music to your company party, family gathering, or church service, please contact me!  You'll find more information on having a harpist at your event on my website:  Champaign-Urbana Harpist.  Happy holidays!

Harpists for New Year's Day at Four Winds Casino, New Buffalo

Happy New Year!  We welcomed in 2012 by playing for a private brunch at the Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, Michigan.  Guests were divided between the Copper Rock Steakhouse and the adjacent Player's Lounge for a New Year's Day buffet.

Copper Rock Steakhouse, from the harpist's point of view

We set up the Classic harp in the Copper Rock, and the Penti in the Player's Lounge to match it's more contemporary decor.  Jeff and I alternated the restaurants in which we played, so guests in each venue could hear both of us! 

Four Winds Casino Player's Lounge

The guests loved listening to the harp music, especially the popular pieces that you might not expect to hear on the harp (imagine "Walk the Line" or "Come Sail Away").  It was a nice, relaxing way for them to recover after a late night on New Year's Eve.

As professional harpists, we play for corporate events, private parties, and weddings throughout the year.  Contact us at 1-877-HARP-578 or visit our website ~ New Buffalo Harpist ~ for information on including harp music in your plans!

Harpist in Mattoon ~ Christmas Eve Service Harp Music

On Christmas Eve, I was invited to play for the service at the First Christian Church in Mattoon, Illinois.  Once again, it was a clear and (relatively) pleasant evening.  We managed to make it through an entire Christmas season without having to shovel the harp out of the house!

Although the prelude wasn't scheduled to begin until 6:30 pm, the sanctuary was already filling up shortly after 6:00, so I started a little earlier.  As people arrived, they were greeted with the sound of the harp playing some traditional Christmas carols, along with a few classical works associated with the holiday and a few less familiar Christmas pieces from France, England, and Austria.

The service of lessons and carols alternated between scripture, congregational singing, and special musical selections.  The other musicians included a handbell choir, pianist, organist, and several vocal solos and duets.  For the harp solo, I played "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming."  It might not make the top of most people's favorites list, but it has always been one of mine!  During communion, I played the Appalachian carol "I Wonder as I Wander."

As candles were lit at the conclusion of the service, everyone joined in singing "Silent Night," followed by "Joy to the World."  After the service, we loaded up and were off to South Dakota to visit our family.  Since it was too cold to leave the harp in the car, we had to take it into our hotel room when we stopped for the night in Columbia, Missouri.  We always get some strange looks in the lobby!

I'm putting up my Christmas music for this year, but it's never too early to book for your parties and church services for 2012!  Visit my website ~ Christmas Harp Music ~ or call 1-877-HARP-578 for information on having a harpist for your holiday event.


From both of us, happy holidays and a blessed new year!


Devon and Jeff Haupt, harpists

Terre Haute Harpist ~ Christmas Music at Riley Bible Church

The joy of Christmas always calls for special music ~ and having a harpist for a Sunday morning church service is always memorable and enjoyed by everyone!  The Sunday before Christmas, I was invited to provide the music for Riley Bible Church near Terre Haute, Indiana.

I began with a 15 minute prelude of traditional Christmas carols as everyone arrived.  During the service, I played "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" for the offertory and "O Holy Night" for an instrumental interlude.  The words of both pieces were printed in the bulletin so people could follow along and know the meaning of the less-familiar carol.  "Angels We Have Heard on High" was the perfect way to close the service!

If you are planning a wedding, party, or church service in the Terre Haute area, please contact me about playing harp music for the event!  You can find more information on my site ~ Terre Haute Harpist ~ or call 1-877-HARP-578.

Granger Harpist ~ Christmas Harp Music at Harris Library

I've really been making the rounds performing at libraries this holiday season!  My last concert of 2011 was at the Harris Branch of the Mishawaka Public Library in Granger, Indiana.  Set up in front of the fireplace, it was a beautiful setting - with just a touch of snow outside to remind us that it's actually winter!

Along with the Christmas favorites I played to begin the program, I again took requests from the audience.  This time, they included "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and "O Holy Night."

Live harp music can enhance any gathering!  With holiday music ranging from traditional to contemporary; Christmas carols to Hanukkah songs, having a harpist play for your guests, customers, or family is the perfect way to celebrate.  Give me a call at 1-877-HARP-578 or visit my website ~ Granger Harpist ~ for details!

South Bend Harpist ~ Christmas Music at German Township Library

After I played for an event last April at the main branch of the St. Joseph County library, the director of the German Township branch booked me for a holiday concert for her patrons.  It was a lovely Thursday evening to play for the people browsing the books and relaxing listening to harp music.

I played a variety of traditional and contemporary Christmas songs, and took a few requests from the audience that gathered (including "Pretty Paper" by Willie Nelson!).

Throughout South Bend and Northern Indiana, I am available as a harpist for holiday events, parties, and concerts.  For more information, call 1-877-HARP-578 or visit my website ~ South Bend Harpist.  Happy holidays!
 

Elkhart Harpist ~ Open House at the Midwest Museum of American Art

I've had the pleasure of playing for this holiday open house every year since 2006!  This year will always be memorable for the lack of snow.  We had rain, but the turnout was wonderful and the guests enjoyed the unusually mild December weather.

Hosted by the Elkhart branch of a law office, they invite their clients to celebrate the holidays at the Midwest Museum of American Art in Elkhart, Indiana.  The event offers hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, desserts, a coffee bar, and harp music! 

This art gallery is a hidden gem in a former bank building.  They are able to host private events, so you should consider it for your next gathering!  Having harp music completes the upscale ambiance.  You can contact me at 1-877-HARP-578 or visit my website ~ Elkhart Harpist ~ for details.  Happy holidays!

Harp Player in Columbia City ~ Concert at the Peabody Library

This year marked the second Christmas concert I've given at the Peabody Library in Columbia City.  Last year, the show went on, even through a blizzard.  This time, we were blessed with a beautiful day and much better attendance.  Throughout the holiday season, the library brings in several different performers to give free concerts, so be sure to check them out! 

I began with a set of old English Christmas carols, including "Holly and the Ivy" and "The Cherry Tree Carol."  Although they might not be the most familiar songs of the season, they are beautiful!  After that, I proceeded to a wide variety of traditional carols.  Some favorites requested by the audience were "O Holy Night" and "Away in a Manger."  I also included some uptempo popular songs ~ "Frosty the Snowman" and "Jingle Bells."

Planning a holiday party or gathering?  Entertain your guests with harp music!  If you visit my website ~ Northern Indiana Harpist ~ you'll find more information about the various types of music I perform and hiring me for your event.

South Bend Harp Player ~ Open House Music

When you want to create an elegant atmosphere, the harp is the perfect choice to provide the background music for your event!  A law firm was holding a holiday open house for its clients, and hired me to be their harpist for the evening.

The event was held on the top floor of the Key Bank building in downtown South Bend.  The views over the city and Notre Dame campus were beautiful, and it was even better to watch the sun setting!  As the guests gathered and enjoyed cocktails and an hors d'oeuvre buffet, I played a variety of seasonal favorites.  With the harp, it's easy to go from "Silent Night" to "Silver Bells."

A holiday gathering is never complete without hearing everyone's favorite Christmas pieces.  I am available for holiday events and weddings anywhere in the Midwest, and would love to work with you and make yours one to remember!  Visit my website, The Classic Harpist, for information on including harp music in your plans.  Happy Holidays!

Kalamazoo Harpist ~ Christmas Music at the Comstock Library

The first event of the year when I get to bring out my holiday music is always an exciting time!  This year, it was for a holiday open house at the Comstock Township Library near Kalamazoo, Michigan.  The library staff went all out to make this a memorable occasion for their patrons of all ages.

As I played a variety of Christmas and Chanukah songs, people gathered around to listen.  Some kids even gave me special requests for their favorites!  There were also cookies, cider, a visit from Mrs. Claus, and my favorite - reindeer!  They might have upstaged me a little, but I didn't mind!

This was also the first time I tried out using the sheet music I've stored on my iPad instead of a binder full of music.  It took some getting used to (I only tried to flip it over to turn the page once), but I loved having so much music available in such a small package.  When you're moving a huge harp around, it's a benefit to downsize everything else whenever possible!

For holiday events, the harp can provide for all of your musical needs.  From traditional Christmas carols to modern popular pieces and Chanukah selections, even a sing-along is possible!  Visit my website, Kalamazoo Harpist, for more information on having a harpist for your celebration.

Harp Music for the Holidays

During the month of December, we always have several performances that are open to the public.  If you'd like a change to hear the harp in person, this is a wonderful opportunity! 

Everything listed is free and open to the public.  If you need any more information about attending one of these events, please call us at 1-877-HARP-578 or send us an email.  We'd love to meet you and share some of our favorite Christmas, Chanukah, and other seasonal music with you!

• December 3rd:  1:00-3:00 pm, Comstock Township Library, Comstock, Michigan

• December 11th:  2:00-3:00 pm, Peabody Public Library, Columbia City, Indiana

• December 15th:  5:00-6:00 pm, German Township Library, South Bend, Indiana

• December 17th:  2:00-3:00 pm, Harris Branch Library, Granger, Indiana

• December 24th:  7:00 pm (pre-service music starts at 6:30), Christmas Eve Service, First Christian Church, Mattoon, Illinois

We also have openings for bookings for private events, so contact us or visit our website to find out about having a harpist for your family or company party!

Harp music for a Christmas Open House at the Embassy Theatre, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Northern Indiana Harpist ~ Goshen College Wedding & Plymouth Church

I love December weddings!  Our last wedding ceremony of the year was on December 19th - a Sunday afternoon.  When all of the students have left for the semester, college campuses are so peaceful, and even more so when they are covered with a light blanket of snow.

This ceremony was held in Rieth Recital Hall in the Goshen College Music Center.  You can't ask for better acoustics than that!  I was set up in the balcony above the stage where the ceremony took place, on the same level as the organ.   

They had the stage decorated with white draping, candles, and vases filled with silver branches.

During the prelude as the guests arrived, I played a variety of classical and Celtic songs, including Bach's "Sheep May Safely Graze", "Down by the Salley Gardens", and "Carolan's Welcome", a song by the blind Irish harper Turlough O'Carolan.

As soon as the groom and groomsmen entered, I began playing the traditional "Canon in D", which served as the entrance music for the families of the bride and groom as well as for the wedding party.  For the bride's processional, she chose "All I Ask of You" from Phantom of the Opera.

During the lighting of the unity candle, I played a song made famous by Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli - "Con te partiro" (Time to Say Goodbye).  For the recessional, "Fields of Gold" by Sting.  You might be surpirsed how well that one fits the sound of the harp!

Once the ceremony was complete, the guests headed to the reception in the lobby of the Goshen College Music Center.  With the floor to ceiling windows, it was the perfect location to look out over the winter landscape.  Their colors were royal blue, purple and silver, and the centerpieces were magnificent ~ purple orchids and hanging crystals! 

That morning, Jeff was in Plymouth, Indiana, playing harp at the New Song Community Church.  They have a coffee/cafe hour before and after their service in a separate part of the building, so people had a chance to sit, relax, and enjoy some Christmas harp music!



Planning a wedding or event in Northern Indiana? Contact us for information about live harp music: Northern Indiana Harpist

Northern Indiana & Chicago Harpists

On December 12th, I was scheduled to play a Christmas concert on the harp at the Peabody Public Library in Columbia City, Indiana.  A winter storm threatened to drop two feet of snow on Northern Indiana, but the show went on!  It never got quite as bad as predicted, and a little bad weather never bothered me - we spend Christmas in South Dakota! 

It was a slim crowd, so I asked for requests from the audience.  I love playing stump the band!  The program started with a set of old English carols, followed by more traditional songs, and ended with uptempo popular tunes.  In between, it was audience favorites.  We covered everything from Boar's Heads to Rudolph!

If you missed the concert, I'll be back at the Peabody Library (Columbia City, IN) for the open house and dedication of the new auditorium.  I'll be providing background music from 2-4 pm on Sunday, January 16th.  There will also be crafts for the kids and refreshments served.  If you are looking for a musician for your wedding or event, this would be the perfect opportunity to stop by and hear the harp!

While I was playing the concert, Jeff was headed west to Lake Forest, Illinois.  This was for a combination adult birthday party and an infant's baptism celebration.  It was held at the home of the grandparents of the child, and Jeff played a variety of Christmas songs, Classical selections, and lullabies. 

Not everything we do is for weddings!  We love being a part of all of life's celebrations, from christenings to birthday parties, from engagement parties to retirements.  The music of the harp adds elegance to any event!  Please contact us if you are interested in having a harpist for your celebration.

Chicago Harpist & Northern Indiana Harpist

Christmas Harp Music ~ Elkhart & Mishawaka Indiana

During the holiday season, even weeknights are popular for parties!  There is one law office whose party I've played for since 2006, and it's always a good time!  Each year, it's been held on a Tuesday evening at the Midwest Museum of American Art in Elkhart, IN. 

They set up a beautiful buffet of appetizers, a dessert station, and two top-shelf bars.  The harp is set up in the center of the room, right in front of a bronze sculpture. 

Later that week, I played for a candlelight Christmas dinner at the Waterford at Edison Lakes in Mishawaka, IN.  Jeff & I have provided harp music for several of their events this year, from open houses to a Mother's Day dinner.  This was a lovely evening, when families & residents could enjoy a good meal and their favorite holiday songs on the harp. 

It's never too early to start planning your 2011 holiday events!  Contact us if you are interested in having a harpist for your party or family gathering.

Notre Dame Christmas Party

While I was playing for the wedding in New Paris, Jeff was providing music for a Christmas party at Notre Dame. The harp is the perfect instrument for holiday music, and it's some of our favorite music to play!

Events on the Notre Dame campus are always exciting! This party was for the finance department of the university, and was held in the Main Administration Building - also known as the Golden Dome. It was built in 1879, and is located in the center of campus. Jeff played during the cocktail hour that followed the Mass and preceded dinner.

We are available to provide harp music for weddings, parties and events anywhere on the Notre Dame and St. Mary's campuses - contact us for details!

South Bend Harpist | Chicory Cafe

On December 3rd, Jeff & I participated in a South Bend tradition - downtown First Fridays!  This month was a holiday open house theme with many local businesses offering specials, refreshments, and entertainment.  We were set up in the Chicory Cafe (a French Quarter Style Coffee House), and played harp duets of Christmas and contemporary popular songs. 

Lots of people stopped by after the Christmas tree lighting in front of the Football Hall of Fame.  It's always fun for us to see how children react to the harp.  They are never afraid to ask questions, and will sit and watch us - fascinated - for ages! 

Thanks to Jill for the picture!

South Bend Harpist

Fort Wayne Harpist ~ Embassy Theatre Christmas Party

The 2010 holiday season started off with a great party at an amazing venue - the Embassy Theatre in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  One of my favorite things about playing the harp is that I get to see such beautiful places, and when they are all decorated for Christmas, it's even more impressive!

The lobby of the theatre was filled with Christmas trees that had been decorated by area businesses.  The guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres accompanied by traditional carols and popular Christmas tunes on the harp. 

Although I was planning on playing all Christmas music, when a guest asks for "the craziest thing you can play", I'm happy to oblige with a little Led Zeppelin.  He was happy to join along in singing "Stairway to Heaven", too!

Looking for a harpist in Fort Wayne?  I play for weddings and other events throughout the area - contact me for more information!

Christmas Harp Concerts

The final two performances of 2009 were back-to-back library concerts of Christmas music. In spite of the cold weather, both were very well attended. The afternoon performance was at the Peabody Public Library in Columbia City, Indiana. This photo is from the evening concert at the Carnegie Public Library in Angola, Indiana.

It is never too early to book harp music for the 2010 holiday season! December is a very busy time for harpists, and even weeknights fill up on my calendar months in advance. Please contact me if you are looking to add a touch of elegance to your corporate or family holiday festivities!

Harp Music for a Christmas Open House

Harp Music for a Christmas Open House
Originally uploaded by devonhaupt

Another picture from the December 2009 holiday season. This is an open house that the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce hosts ever year. This is my third year providing harp music for the occasion, and I finally got a picture!

Tis the Season!

Even though there are fewer weddings as the weather gets colder, December is always whirlwind of corporate parties and other Christmas celebrations.

So far this year, I have played for two law office open house events, one chamber of commerce party, and two mini-concerts at a shopping mall.  This picture is from an open house held at the Midwest Museum of Art in Elkhart, Indiana.  I've been the harpist for this even for the past four years, and love sitting in front of the giant head!

On Monday, December 14th, I will be presenting two more concerts of Christmas music on the harp:

1:00-2:00 pm at the Peabody Public Library in Columbia City, Indiana
6:30-7:30 pm at the Carnegie Public Library in Angola, Indiana

That wraps up the Christmas season performances, and things will slow down the first few months of the year.  This is prime time for bookings for weddings taking place in 2010 and 2011, so reserve your date now!