By Joan Claire Graham, Special to the Tribune

Music lovers once dined at Radisson Hotel’s Flame Room in downtown Minneapolis, where they enjoyed the romantic luxury of a dinner serenade by the Golden Strings.

The Flame Room closed several years ago, but for a $65 cover charge, plus the cost of food, driving and parking, nostalgia buffs and music lovers

this week have booked reservations at Jax Cafe in northeast Minneapolis, where Cliff Brunzell and the Golden Strings are scheduled to perform Dec. 13.

Lucky local music lovers packed the house to hear the Golden Strings concert Sunday at Albert Lea’s United Methodist Church.

To say that the low-cost, low-hassle availability of this caliber of

entertainment in our community is a gift seems to be an understatement. Ample

parking is free, admission is free, snacks are provided afterwards, and the quality of entertainment at the Robert L. Myers Art Series is first rate. When the hat is passed at intermission, concert goers put in whatever they can afford or whatever they feel is fair. In most cases an individual’s donation is far less than the cover charge at Jax. How did local audiences get so lucky?

More than 300 people braved Sunday’s light snow flurries and high winds to hear Cliff Brunzell and the Golden Strings. A light program of songs included classics such as &uot;Ode to Joy&uot; and &uot;The Hallelujah Chorus,&uot; a few pop pieces, a Latin piece, a march, and traditional holiday favorites, &uot;Sleigh Ride&uot; &uot;White Christmas,&uot; and &uot;Joy to the World.&uot;

Four violinists, a percussionist, a string bass player and an accordionist comprised Sunday’s group. Their program included a variety of styles from John Lennon to John Phillip Sousa, and the violinists occasionally strolled the aisles as they played. Charmin Michelle, a vocalist whose uncomplicated style and velvety lower register sound evokes memories of Karen Carpenter, sang

several songs and invited the audience to join in from time to time.

These musicians have impressive resumes, but even more impressive is that after so many years in the business, they still seem to enjoy their work and they convey that enjoyment to their audience. Brunzell asked if anyone had memories of the Golden Strings at the Flame Room, and dozens of people raised their hands. During intermission I heard stories of marriage proposals and engagement dinners with Golden Strings musical background.

Sunday’s audience gave the Golden Strings a warm reception, despite the blustery weather outside. Another warm response went to Margaret Myers when she announced that the Robert L. Myers Art Series will continue into its 19th season next fall.

Thanks to the generosity of approximately 80 sponsors, friends, contributors and patrons, the sponsorship of the United Methodist Church, which provides a comfortable and acoustically pleasant venue, and to freewill donations from audience members, the show will go on for another year. This is a fitting way to honor the memory of Robert L. Myers, who for 32 years taught

Albert Lea kids how to sing.