A couple that plays together, stays together. As evidence, Artie and Gwen Schmidt. Even after 66 years of wedded bliss, these two are still making people get on their feet and move to the music. But if you're a dancer and you live within about a hundred mile radius of Wisner, you probably already know all about the sweet sounds of the Schmidt Duo.

Whenever you see the signature red blazers, there's a good chance people are having a ball. Artie says, "It's a happy time, I always think everybody is usually has a good time and that's what we like."

They both come from musical families. Artie's career got started in 1927. He started playing the violin in Pender when he was 8. And he still to this day can't read one note of sheet music....but you wouldn't know it by listening to him.

Gwen learned to play the saxophone near Wisner at the tender age of 5 and in the late 30's, Gwen and her brother joined Artie and his two brothers to form the "Rhythm Swingsters." Gwen says, "We played all over. We'd play 10, 11 night straight, they danced every night of the week."

Artie and Gwen's only child Marty made the group a trio in the 60's and 70's. But now, these former farmers have been a duo for the past 17 years and they aren't about to shut it down any time soon. Artie turned 90 years old in August, "And we talked about we should quit but after his birthday we decided heck, we'll keep goin' as long as we can," Gwen remarked

The Schmidt Duo has a large and loyal following in Northeast Nebraska. Their fans say that once Gwen and Artie start playing the music it's hard not to hit the dance floor. Jack Kohler from Stanton says, "You can't keep your feet from movin' you know. With their kind of music, I tell you, you go, go, go." Artie says, "If they're dancing that's what I really like." Gwen adds, "He never wants to quit, he never tires out."

A highlight these days for the Schmidt Duo is when they get the opportunity to take a ride in their time machine. Artie and Gwen are now getting the chance to perform at 50th and 60th anniversary parties for couples that had them play at their wedding reception. A jam packed schedule of December performances includes:

Dec. 4, Sioux City Seniors
Dec. 5 Plainview, 2:30 pm
Dec. 9 Wakefield, 2:30 pm
Dec. 10 Pender, 6 pm
Dec. 12 West Point VFW, 7:30 pm
Dec. 13 Scribner Villa, 2 pm
Dec. 15 Wayne Oaks, 5 pm
Dec. 17 Emerson, 2:30 pm
Dec. 22 Fremont Seniors, 10:30 am
Dec. 29 West Point, 2 pm
Dec. 31 West Point VFW, 8 pm