Photo Provided The Ron Retzer Trio has been selected to perform at the White House for a holiday open house. Preparing for the big day are group members, from left, Bob Wolfe, of Bethlehem; Jennifer Galownia, of Bridgeport; and Ron Retzer, of Brilliant.

WHEELING — The Ron Retzer Trio, a popular area band, has been invited to perform at the White House for a holiday open house on Dec. 20.

Participating in the festive occasion will be the trio’s original members: founder Ron Retzer, of Brilliant; Jennifer Galownia, of Bridgeport; and Bob Wolfe, of Bethlehem. Galownia said Dan Saulk, a bass player from Washington, Pennsylvania, who joined the group a few years ago, won’t be able to attend the special performance.

The trio has been asked to appear at the seasonal party from 3-5 p.m. Dec. 20.

“It’s amazing,” Retzer said. “I am really looking forward to it.”

Because of security requirements, the trio is not allowed to take instruments, microphones or any other equipment into the presidential residence. As a result, Retzer said, “I will use the grand piano in the White House and we will sing around the grand piano.”

“I really want Ron to play the White House piano,” she said. “It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We’re pretty excited.”

Retzer credits Galownia with securing their invitation to participate in the event.

Galownia said she saw a press release, issued Aug. 3 by first lady Melania Trump’s office, inviting groups to apply. She submitted an application with a brief biographical statement and two video clips. She received an email message a month ago confirming the group’s selection.

“We were actually selected. As the oldest member, I did not believe it. And I still have a hard time believing it,” Retzer quipped. “I told Jennifer, ‘When I cross the threshold of the White House, I will give you the most sincere apology. Then I probably will just pass out.'”

Asked for his reaction, Wolfe said, “We are always blessed to sing together and privileged to perform all over the tri-state area, but this is a great honor to represent the Ohio Valley in Washington, D.C.”

“I thought this would be a wonderful opportunity not only for us individually but as a group,” Galownia said, explaining why she pursued the application. “We’re really good friends. Our families are close.”

The trio members have not been told who will be attending the first lady’s event.

“It is a formal occasion. They did get specific for what is expected in terms of dress,” Galownia said, adding, “So I have to buy a dress, a nice dress.”

A week before the group’s performance in the nation’s capital, the trio will appear at Wheeling’s Capitol Theatre to present “A Family Christmas.”

The Christmas show, also featuring the 1170 Band, will begin at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 and will be a fundraiser for Family Service-Upper Ohio Valley.