Island-Style Music & Merriment

Julian Hagen

The Hagen family will once again delight audiences at Third Avenue Playhouse this weekend with their beloved annual holiday concert, Hagen Family Christmas.

The “evening of music and merriment, Washington Island style” has been a Door County favorite since its inception almost 15 years ago. It was built on the family’s love of singing and performing – a love instilled in them by their late father, Jack Hagen, who until his passing in 2008 led his children (Leila, Linda and Julian) and their families on stage.

Since then, the number of Hagen family members has grown to 30, including husbands, wives, children and three more on the way. The night consists of songs, jokes, costumes, stories and what Julian warmly refers to as “the working out of unfinished family business.”

In the years since their Washington Island upbringing, the Hagens have spread near and far but still try to return for the annual show which TAP has continued to make room for in its busy December calendar.

“We are very grateful to TAP for having us back every year,” said Julian, himself a well-known Door County folk musician.

While there are plenty of shows spreading warmth and cheer during the holiday season, the Hagen Family Christmas is not just a concert – it’s the family’s Christmas celebration.

“It has become our way of spending Christmas together, with much of it doing what we love to do together, being on stage and singing,” Julian said. “Then after the show, we go out to eat and visit. This year we will be going to the Door County Fire Company, a restaurant that is staying open just for us and whomever would like to join us!”

The show will begin at 7:30pm on Saturday, Dec. 20 at Third Avenue Playhouse, 239 N. Third Ave. in Sturgeon Bay. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, $10 for students ages 12-24, and $5 for ages 11 and younger. Advance purchase is recommended, as the show tends to sell out. For more information visit thirdavenueplayhouse.com.