Author Archives: ZAAC

SimpleGifts — December 5

Crossings brings SimpleGifts with Billy McLaughlin to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Friday, December 5, at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $25 in advance, $28 at the door, and can be purchased online or by calling 507-732-7616. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

With little or no media attention, SimpleGifts has become arguably the most successful holiday project celebrating modern arrangements of traditional hymns and carols in MN. Fueled by passionate grassroots fans since 2001, the 2014 Holiday Tour includes 20 appearances between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Music from all five of the groups critically acclaimed CD releases will be featured including the most recent, Wintergrace, characterized by local music critic Jim Walsh:

"…one of the most elegant and listenable Christmas collections of this or any year — "WinterGrace" from the Billy McLaughlin-led local collective SimpleGifts"

With exceptional set and lighting design and an impeccable sound-system, SimpleGifts puts community celebration ahead of commercialization by pulling the audience into the sublime side of traditional repertoire in a truly meaningful Christmas event. Expect modern arrangements with an Old-World feel highlighting Billy's signature acoustic guitar, angelic three-part harmony vocals, bagpipes, celtic whistles, violin, piano and tasty atmospheric percussion.

There is nothing ordinary about the arrangements this team delivers both in the studio and in concert. Seen by over 20,000 live audience members last season, this group continues to grow in popularity throughout the Upper Midwest and has successfully transitioned from their early days in coffeehouses and small listening rooms to prestigious performing art centers and larger churches.

SimpleGifts

The State Theatre is located at 96 East 4th Street in Zumbrota. For more information call 507-732-5210.

Stay up to date: download a schedule!

Do You Like to Plan Ahead?

Turkey Day is almost here and that means a full court press of Holiday shopping and planning is right around the corner.

With so many great things happening at the theatre, we want to help YOU keep track of what you want to see most.

Now it's easy with a DOWNLOADABLE SCHEDULE.

Just CLICK and PRINT: State Theatre Events 10.13.2014

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Band on the Run: A Tribute to Wings — November 22

Crossings brings Collective Unconscious and Stacy Bauer to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Saturday, November 22, at 7:30 pm for "Band on the Run: A Tribute to Wings." Tickets are $32 in advance, $35 at the door, and can be purchased online or by calling 507-732-7616. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

Collective Unconscious, known for its top-notch tribute concerts, returns to the State Theatre with Stacy Bauer and friends from the Fabulous Armadillos and more to present this tribute to Paul McCartney's band.

After The Beatles, Paul McCartney returned to superstardom in the 1970s with Wings. Wings’ third album, “Band on the Run,” was its most successful and remains the most celebrated of McCartney's post-Beatles albums. It was 1974's top-selling studio album in the United Kingdom and Australia, and revitalized McCartney's critical standing.

Collective Unconscious is well-known to local audiences for their album shows, reproducing the Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds,” and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young’s “Déjà Vu,” albums, and playing the hits of the Eagles with the Fabulous Armadillos. They are joined again with Stacy Bauer, who sang as Janis Joplin for a tribute show to that star.

CU never fails to sell out its Zumbrota shows, just as it packs houses throughout the state.

A mutual love of the music of Paul McCartney and Wings is what brought this show together. Members of Collective Unconscious, Blimp, Kentucky Thunder and others all came together to perform most of the music that was recorded for the 1976 album Wings Over America, plus a few extras.

There’s a smattering of Beatles songs in the mix, among them “The Long And Winding Road,” “Lady Madonna,” and “I've Just Seen a Face.” But mostly, listeners will hear the songs that let Wings rule the airwaves back in the mid-70s, such as “Listen to What The Man Said,” “My Love,” “Silly Love Songs,” and, of course, “Band On The Run.”

For this show, CU has assembled a tremendous group lead by Jeff Engholm, fresh off his amazing performances in both Floydian Slip’s Tribute to Pink Floyd, and The Beach Boys “Pet Sounds” shows. Joining Engholm are many local and regional favorites including:

Muggsy Lauer – Guitar/Vocals (Collective Unconscious, Eagles Tribute, Briefcase Full of Blues Brothers)
Stacy Bauer – Vocals/Percussion (Blimp, Pachanga Society, Janis Joplin Tributes)
Duff Eisenschenk – Drums (BLIMP)
Tom Bard – Vocals/Keyboards (The Bill & Tom Show, Floydian Slip)
Kurt Rodman – Guitar (Guitars, Guitars, Guitars)
Ken Vork, Mike Anderson – horns

Collective Unconsious

The State Theatre is located at 96 East 4th Street in Zumbrota. For more information call 507-732-5210.

Rainy Days & Mondays: The Music of the Carpenters — November 15

Crossings brings Aimée Lee and the Superstars to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Saturday, November 15 at 7:30 pm for "Rainy Days & Mondays: The Music of the Carpenters." Tickets are $32 in advance, $35 at the door, and can be purchased online or by calling 507-732-7616. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

Siblings Karen and Richard Carpenter sang a record-breaking number of hit recordings in the 1970s. During their 14-year career, they recorded 11 albums, some television specials, and a short-lived TV series. The duo had three No. 1 singles and five No. 2 singles on the Billboard Hot 100.

Aimée Lee and the Superstars will treat audiences to all the hits, including “Close to You,” “Yesterday Once More,” “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Superstar” and “For All We Know.”

Lee is the quintessential “Karen,” backed by the Superstars: 12 musicians and back-up singers. Together, they recreate that signature Carpenters sound of beautifully crafted music that an entire generation fell in love with. Audiences will remember Lee from the recent Motown tribute concert headed up by the Fabulous Armadillos, and as a vocalist with The Tex Pistols Band. She and husband Boyd Lee also perform as a duo.

The State Theatre is located at 96 East 4th Street in Zumbrota. For more information call 507-732-5210.

Daydream Believers: The Story of the Monkees — November 8

Crossings brings Justin Ploof & The Throwbacks to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Saturday, November 8, at 7:30 pm with "Daydream Believers: The Story of the Monkees." Tickets are $22 in advance, $25 at the door, and can be purchased online or by calling 507-732-7616. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

This original rockumentary tribute pays homage to the imaginary band that became real: The Monkees. Blending vintage film clips with brief narration and a live music performance, Justin Ploof documents the story of four actors hired to portray a band on a TV series. The resulting success of the show led them to form an actual band that sold 65 million album worldwide.The actor/musicians fought for their artistic freedom, and in the end, emerged as a major force in American pop culture. At their peak, The Monkees outsold The Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

Audiences will witness the rise, fall and re-emergence of America’s favorite pop act!

The Throwbacks tell the story, but they also play the music with passion and authenticity. The audience will hear songs such as, “Last Train to Clarksville,” “I’m A Believer,” “Daydream Believer,” “Pleasant Valley,” and deeper cuts, too.

The Throwbacks have performed a number of wildly popular rockumentary tributes in Zumbrota. Band members believe that behind the music is a story that holds the material for a rockumentary. Justin Ploof and The Throwbacks are the original authors of the rockumentary. Their goal is to have audiences not only rock out, but to also experience a number of “I didn't know that” moments throughout the evening for a complete “blast from the past” concert experience.

Justin Ploof and The Throwbacks

The State Theatre is located at 96 East 4th Street in Zumbrota. For more information call 507-732-5210.

“Cinema” by Cafe Accordion Orchestra — November 1

Crossings brings Dan Newton's Cafe Accordion Orchestra to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Saturday, November 1, at 7:30 pm with "Cinema." Tickets are $20 in advance, $23 at the door, and can be purchased online or by calling 507-732-7616. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

This timeless tribute to music and the movies is complete with film clips, cartoons, and live music for a silent short. "Cinema" features great songs and tunes heard in films from the 1920s to the 21st century, played with the panache of a French Musette band. Film soundtrack tunes ranging from the Marx Brothers to Quentin Tarantino are revised to evoke a Parisian sidewalk during that gilded era between the two world wars.

CAO is led by Dan Newton on accordion and vocals, with Eric Mohring on mandolin, violin and vocals, Erik Lillestol on bass and vocals, Robert Bell on guitar and vocals and Joe Steinger on percussion. CAO has been delighting audiences and dancers alike since 1995. They have appeared in New York at the Lincoln Center's Midsummer Night Swing series, the International Akkordeon Festival in Vienna, Austria, and the Minnesota State Fair, as well as festivals, theaters and dance halls across the United States.

Cafe Accordion Orchestra

The State Theatre is located at 96 East 4th Street in Zumbrota. For more information call 507-732-5210.

His Neighbor Phil — October 25-31 and November 2

Come early to get your treats–we'll keep you entertained with our slideshow of candid shots taken during the production. Fresh hot popcorn, beer, wine, soda and candy are available.

His Neighbor Phil

Regular Showings

2 pm and 7:30 pm — Sunday, October 26

7:30 pm — Monday, October 27 through Friday, October 31

2 pm and 7:30 pm — Sunday, November 2

Tickets are $10 and are available at the door. Doors open one hour before showtime.

Rated PG. *Note–no showing on Saturday, November 1.

His Neighbor Phil is an emotional family drama about Alzheimer's Disease, devotion, music and the power of love starring Daniel Roebuck, Stephanie Zimbalist, Ellen Dolan and Sally Kellerman.

Read about us in the Rochester Post-Bulletin!

Zumbrota was a flurry of activity last March and April as this film was being shot entirely on location in Zumbrota and included many familiar landmarks, businesses, musicians*, and local actors. Don't miss this opportunity to watch the film before it is released to the public!

*Featuring the music of Claudia Schmidt, Becky Shlegel, Ashlee Hewitt, Logan Langley, Tat Erredge, Ray Sands and the Polka Dots, the Zumbrota Community Band, and the Minneapolis based SeVy gospel quartet.

Follow His Neighbor Phil on Facebook to get all the latest updates and DVD purchase information.

More details about the film at http://www.mytownpictures.com/recent-productions.html

The State Theatre is located at 96 East 4th Street in Zumbrota. (507) 732-5210.

Shawn Phillips — October 18

Crossings brings Shawn Phillips to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Saturday, October 18 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $22 in advance, $25 at the door, and can be purchased online or by calling 507-732-7616. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

Critically acclaimed and with a star-studded “played with” list, Shawn Phillips has the goods. Phillips has sung with the Beatles, recorded with Traffic members Steve Winwood, Chris Wood, and Jim Capaldi, taught Joni Mitchell 12-string guitar techniques, and was the first to use an Indian sitar in popular music. He’s recorded four albums that made it on Billboard’s Top 100, and four of his singles have reached Billboard’s Top 40.

His most recently released album is “Perspectives,” a 17-song double CD.

Phillips is the kind of artist who seeks critical acclaim and appreciates his loyal fans – who quietly push his albums into multigold and platinum status in North America and overseas.

Phillips, who is the son of best-selling spy novelist Philip Atlee, traveled the world with his family, and as an adult settled in a small Italian village after spending time in the ’60s culture of San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury and England. Reviewers have expressed awe at Phillips’ ability to play electric and acoustic six- and 12-string guitars (single- and double-necked), the sitar, and at his three-octave vocal range. His lyrics and melodies – running the gamut from folk to pop, classical to jazz – astound.

Music fans won’t want to miss this opportunity to spend an intimate evening with this ought-to-be-a-legend!

The State Theatre is located at 96 East 4th Street in Zumbrota. For more information call 507-732-5210.

The Pines — October 17

Crossings brings The Pines to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Friday, October 17, at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 at the door and can be purchased online or by calling 507-732-7616. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

Rising out of the prairies of the Midwest, The Pines are one of the most distinct and powerful indie-rock/Americana groups to hit the national scene in years. The Aeromatics featuring Jake Armerding will open.

With roots in the folk and blues of the heartland, The Pines craft that music into something new, a sound that wavers on the edge of traditional acoustic music, but embraces the nuances of today’s indie-rock and blues music. Founded by Iowa natives David Huckfelt and Benson Ramsey, The Pines weave together many musical styles to create their own unique sound that is hip and haunting.

Ramsey was reared on folk and blues music and those influences continue to shine through, even on louder electric songs. Huckfelt shares that deep love for traditional music, and together the two craft songs that evoke the ancient, while incorporating newer rock and pop grooves.

The mysterious sound of The Pines fuses Benson’s ethereal, otherworldly, heart-piercing songs with David’s earthy, darkly romantic and rough-hewn visionary tales. With masterful guitar work, beautiful vocals and the graceful keyboard and vocal additions of Benson’s brother Alex Ramsey, the core of The Pines’ sound captivates and elevates with rare intimacy.

The Pines’ devoted cult following and has led them to share the stage with such diverse acts as Bon Iver, Mavis Staples, The Arcade Fire, Iris DeMent, Mason Jennings and Spider John Koerner. A North American tour with Mason Jennings took them to 25 cities, opening for him and playing in his band.

Armed with only an octave violin and a drum set, The Aeromatics (Jake Armerding and Alexander Young) filter their myriad influences (classical, funk, 80's pop, folk songwriting and bluegrass, to name a handful) through the narrow spectrum of their own organically-grown sound. No genre is ignored; no groove avoided; no compression added. Boston-area violinist and singer-songwriter Amerding opened for Storyhill at a Crossings-sponsored concert at the State Theatre in 2008, and appeared at Crossings as part of a duo in 2010.

The Pines

The State Theatre is located at 96 East 4th Street in Zumbrota, MN. (507) 732-5210.

Storyhill — October 3

Crossings brings Storyhill to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Friday, October 3, at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $22 in advance, $25 at the door and can be purchased online or by calling 507-732-7616. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

With harmonies that have been compared to The Everly Brothers and Simon & Garfunkel, melodies that sink into your skin and clever tale telling that sticks with you, it’s no wonder fans demanded the reunion of childhood friends Chris Cunningham and John Hermanson, a duo known as Storyhill.

Audiences can expect infectious melodies, smart story songs and heartbreaking harmonies brought together in one perfect package when they come to hear Storyhill.

Cunningham and Hermanson grew up together in Montana and began playing music as a duo. They’ve performed together and separately ever since, and their sell-out reunion concerts are a testament to how popular their collaborative efforts are. Their latest CD release, “Shade of the Trees,” is their second on the Red House Records label. Mixing old-fashioned storytelling with hauntingly spare acoustic arrangements, they sing about love, war and the many sorrows that accompany them.

In addition to their work with the duo, Cunningham and Hermanson continue their separate pursuits in Montana and Minnesota. Cunningham produces recordings at Basecamp Recording, a studio he built just outside of Bozeman. Hermanson, who attended St. Olaf College, works as a producer in Minneapolis and continues to play with his band Alva Star.

Their 2007 eponymously titled CD led them to win the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Songwriting Contest.

Storyhill

The State Theatre is located at 96 East 4th Street, Zumbrota, MN, 55992. (507) 732-5210.