Algonquin shoppers treated to a TubaChristmas

Shoppers at Algonquin Commons were treated to the soothing baritone notes of 18 tubas and euphoniums during the second annual TubaChristmas concert hosted by Cambridge Music Outreach on Saturday.

A constant ebb and flow of about 50 people stopped to listen to the free performance while taking a break from their shopping. The brass instruments performed more than a dozen traditional Christmas songs such as "Deck the Halls" and "Silent Night," which were arranged especially for tubas.

The concert was planned in conjunction with the 41st annual International TubaChristmas celebration, during which concerts take place in more than 275 cities throughout the United States and other countries.

Professional tuba player Andrew Geiger of Algonquin was one of the only three tubas who showed up for the inaugural Algonquin event last year. He said he enjoys the "rich tradition of TubaChristmas" and added, "It's a great time for fellowship among tuba players."

Willard Dulabaum of Elgin brought his tuba to the event for the first time, but he's played in TubaChristmas concerts in Chicago, Naperville and Wisconsin for the past 10 years. And for the last three years, his son, Nevin Dulabaum and grandson Nathaniel Bohrer, 15, both of Elgin, have joined him playing their euphoniums.

"It's very special to have the family involved," said the elder Dulabaum.

More information is at tubachristmas.com/participate.htm.