Author Archives: ZAAC

Movie: Sign Painters — March 6

As a special feature of the Mazeppa Mardi Gras Sign Painters Meet, Mike Meyer is bringing this documentary to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Thursday, March 6 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $7 for adults, $4 ages 3-18. Doors open at 6:45 pm. Mike Meyer will introduce the film and host a Question and Answer session.

There was a time, as recently as the 1980s, when storefronts, murals, banners, barn signs, billboards, and even street signs were all handlettered with brush and paint. But, like many skilled trades, the sign industry has been overrun by the technofueled promise of quicker and cheaper. The resulting proliferation of computer designed, diecut vinyl lettering and inkjet printers has ushered a creeping sameness into our landscape. Fortunately, there is a growing trend to seek out traditional sign painters and a renaissance in the trade. In 2010 filmmakers Faythe Levine, coauthor of Handmade Nation, and Sam Macon began documenting these dedicated practitioners, their time honored methods, and their appreciation for quality and craftsmanship. Sign Painters, the first anecdotal history of the craft, features stories and photographs of more than two dozen sign painters working in cities throughout the United States. With a foreword by legendary artist (and former sign painter) Ed Ruscha, this vibrant book profiles sign painters young and old, from the new vanguard working solo to collaborative shops such as San Francisco’s New Bohemia Signs and New York’s Colossal Media’s Sky High Murals.

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

Art In East Park — June 21, 2014

Applications now being accepted for Art In East Park 2014

Download the form here: 2014 Art Entry Form

A major attraction at Zumbrota's Annual Covered Bridge Festival, Art in East Park is held the third Saturday in June at Zumbrota's East Park. Due to major road construction on East Avenue this summer, the event has temporarily been moved to the Covered Bridge Park. Activities include artist booths, a youth art display area, music and food.

More information at https://zaac.org/art-2/art-in-east-park

The Beatles: A Rockumentary — March 1

Crossings brings Justin Ploof and the Throwbacks to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Saturday, March 1 at 7:30 pm for "The Beatles, Part 1: A Rockumentary." 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.

Hear the music of The Beatles while enjoying news and film clips about the groups’ meteoric rise to become the biggest name in rock music history at “The Beatles: Part I,” a concert and “rockumentary” by Justin Ploof and the Throwbacks.

Unmatched and unsurpassed, The Beatles became the greatest rock band the world has ever seen. From 1964 to 1966 the “Lads from Liverpool” would boast 27 songs in the Top 40, with 12 of those singles reaching the top of the Billboard Charts. They would star in two feature films, all the while conquering the hearts and radios of teenagers the world over. From the Cavern to Candlestick Park, witness the rise and evolution of The Beatles.

The Throwbacks have previously brought the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival and Bob Dylan to Zumbrota in their rockumentary format. The core group, Justin Ploof, Jason Ploof, and Dan Ploof have a multitude of professional music experience and have shared the stage with the likes of Soul Asylum, Bobby Vee, Joan Jett, and Jessie Lang. Their incredible attention to detail and quality of musicianship will wow audiences from the first chord. They work to emulate the songs the way the artists meant for them to be performed.

Justin Ploof & the Throwbacks

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

DEADLINE EXTENDED for 2014 ART on MAIN

The submission deadline for ART on MAIN has been extended to March 28.

THINK SPRING!

ART on MAIN is back.

This is your chance to beautify Main Street Zumbrota. 28 original pieces of art will be printed on banners and hung from the downtown lamp posts. Then banners and original art will be auctioned off to raise money for the State Theatre. More information at Art On Main .

Download the application here: 2014 ART ON MAIN call for artisits

The new application deadline is March 28.

Calling All Grouse Hunters!

Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 22

A Gathering of Grouse Hunters

We have nationally known keynote speakers Tom Davis, Larry Brown, and Tom Prawdzik, as well as wildlife artists Noel Dunn and Dave Moore, and a screening of the 2013 National Championship Field Trial at the Ames Plantation. Tickets are $25. Proceeds benefit State Theatre renovations. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to https://zaac.org/a-gathering-of-grouse-hunters

The Love Show — February 15

Crossings brings a Valentine Treat to the State Theatre on Saturday, February 15:

The Love Show

Starring Kevin Kling, Dan Chouinard, Claudia Schmidt, Prudence Johnson, Simone Perrin and Dane Stauffer.

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. Show starts at 7:30 pm.

Few storytellers can take you from the brink of tears to a belly laugh as adeptly and delightfully as storyteller and playwright Kevin Kling. Joined by talented singers and actors Claudia Schmidt, Simone Perrin, Dane Stauffer and Prudence Johnson, along with pianist and accordionist Dan Chouinard, Kling explores the ups and down, thrills and spills of love.

Whether for a first — or 50th — Valentine’s date, “The Love Show” promises to be an evening of fun for sweethearts and friends alike!

National Public Radio commentator Kling and friends create a night of extraordinary storytelling and music. Schmidt, Perrin and Johnson are known for their silky-smooth vocals expertly applied to a wide range of genres. Schmidt’s a virtuoso of the 12-string guitar, and Perrin is a self-taught accordionist. As a teen, Stauffer studied at the Minneapolis Children’s Theatre, and is known as “Hugh” from San Diego’s longest running show ever, “Triple Espresso.”

Chouinard is a Minneapolis native whose special programs blending storytelling, interview and music have been heard on Minnesota Public Radio, with some shows also playing on Twin Cities public television.

Kling himself is best-known for his commentaries on NPR’s All Things Considered. He also is the creator of several books and CDs of recorded storytelling. He dubs himself “author, playwright, teller of tales.”

Kevin Kling

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

The Whitesidewalls’ Love Potion #10 — January 25

Crossings brings The Whitesidewalls and Michael Patrick "Records" Ryan performing "Love Potion #10" to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Saturday, January 25 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $24 in advance, $27 at the door and can be purchased online or by calling 507-732-7616. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

“Love Potion #10” is a musical telling the story of six days in 1964 at a small-town high school, through the eyes and ears of the popular local AM radio disc jockey. The story lends itself to the doo-wop, rockabilly and rock and roll gold of the ’50s and ’60s, while offering plenty of comedy, intrigue and romance to boot.

Both Ryan and The Whitesidewalls Rock ’n’ Roll Revue are fixtures in the Twin Cities music scene.

While Ryan pursues the girl of his dreams during a 40-year class reunion of the Northeast Southwestern High School, The Whitesidewalls Rock n Roll Revue touch all the bases on a run through the great music of 1954-1964. Audiences will hear “Rock Around the Clock,” popularized by Bill Haley and His Comets, “Great Balls of Fire,” made a hit by Jerry Lee Lewis, and “Chantilly Lace,” co-written and sung by The Big Bopper. There’s plenty more where those came from!

The Whitesidewalls first formed in 1971 and played for many years – they played a series of full summer shows at Valleyfair amusement park in Shakopee for 10 years, and in 1985 were named the Minnesota Ballroom Operator's Association's Act of the Year. Then they disbanded for 20 years. One of the early members, Dave “Swannee” Swanson, brought the group back together in 2007. Founder of the group, Pat Brown (“Hound Dog”), continues to play guitar, drums, and bass as well as sing, and is the band's musical director.

Other performers are band members Rocky Beaumont on drums, bass, guitar and vocals, Gino Gambucci on bass, keyboards, guitar and vocals, and Bobby Maestro on keyboards, bass, and vocals. Sharron Nelson plays dream girl Lenora.

The Whitesidewalls

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

Fargo — January 17

Ya. Sure. You betcha. It's that time of year when we're all freezing our youknowwhat's off. Time for a little dark comedy. So buff up that thick up nort accent and haul your kiester over to the State Theatre to watch this Cohen brothers' classic.

Potluck starts at 6:30. Bring yer favorite hotdish or jello mold. Dress for the occasion in plaid flannels, carhartts and sorels.

FARGO

See if Marge and the boys can figure out what Jerry Lundegaard has been up to.

No wood chippers allowed.

Rated R — people under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Tickets (When purchasing online, please print and bring your receipt as proof of purchase. All sales are final.)

$5 Adults

$4 Ages 18 and under

Doors open at 6:30. Wine and beer bar, popcorn, soda and candy are available.

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

Fascinating Rhythm: A Gershwin Tribute — January 12

“Fascinating Rhythm: A Tribute to the Gershwin Brothers” is Sunday, January 12 at 2 pm at Zumbrota’s historic State Theatre. Doors open at 1:15 pm.

Admission is FREE thanks to a grant from the Zumbrota Community Trust.

"Fascinating Rhythm" is a narrated musical tribute to George and Ira Gershwin, the 20th century composer-lyricist brothers who changed, shaped and defined American music more than any other musical team in America's history. Their work was featured in more than 20 films including “Porgy and Bess,” “An American in Paris,” and “A Star is Born.” They had dozens of Broadway shows to their credit, including the 1992 Tony Winner “Crazy For You.”

The hour-long show will have five short sets featuring patriotic tunes like "Strike Up the Band"; swing tunes like "Nice Work if You Can Get It"; folk opera tunes from "Porgy and Bess" like "Summertime"; jazz tunes like "Fascinating Rhythm"; and love songs like "Someone to Watch Over Me." In addition, an excerpt from the beloved piano concerto "Rhapsody in Blue" will be played. Musical selections will be performed by an outstanding group of highly regarded artists from southeast Minnesota. The music will be intertwined with a narration of interesting facts and anecdotes about the Gershwins' personal and professional lives. The program is written to be both educational and entertaining for audience members of all ages and backgrounds.

Originally performed last winter at the Mayo Clinic as part of the Harmony for Mayo concert series, most of the original artists are appearing for this presentation. Vocals will be provided by Laurie Helmers and Tom Overlie. Laurie is a private voice and piano teacher in Stewartville. She has a long resume as a soloist, writer, director and stage performer throughout the Upper Midwest. She is a familiar face on the Rochester stage with recent roles in “Chicago” and “Young Frankenstein.” Tom Overlie is well known as the Emmy-Award winning news anchor for KTTC-TV in Rochester. Music is a large part of his life with many guest appearances as a soloist for Rochester Civic Music concerts. He is also the co-host of the KTTC Eagles Cancer Telethon. Jan Matson is a professional pianist and accompanist in the Rochester area. She has been involved in more than 75 theater productions in southeast Minnesota, most recently with “Les Mis” at the Rochester Civic Theatre. Narration for the program will be provided by John Helmers, who also has extensive behind the scenes and onstage experience in the Rochester area. In his professional life, he is a respected presenter at national conferences and a spokesperson to the media.

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

The Music and Magic of Patsy Cline — January 11

Crossings brings Cassie & the Bobs to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Saturday, January 11, at 7:30 pm. Fans of that early Nashville sound won’t want to miss “The Music and Magic of Patsy Cline,” back by popular demand. You won't just hear Patsy's music–you'll swear she's there in person!

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.

Cassie Wiesner’s powerful portrayal of Patsy Cline takes audiences on a trip down memory lane as she sings “Crazy,” “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “I Fall To Pieces,” and many more of the songs that made Cline famous and admired. No one comes closer to sounding like Cline than Wiesner, and the Bobs are a full group of accomplished musicians, dedicated to sounding as true-to-the-spirit of the original recordings as possible.

Cline was a pioneer of the 1960s Nashville sound and as a female headline performer. She had attained great success by age 30, when she died in a private plane crash. She remains a major influence for many singers and is one of the most acclaimed female vocalists of the 20th Century. She was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame – the first female soloist to receive that honor.

In addition to Wiesner, the Bobs feature many talented musicians, including current or former members of bands like Silverado, Oh Aces, The Salty Dogs, Skilly and Duff, Patty and the Pinetones, The Waybacks and Little Henry.

Cassie and the Bobs have been touring Minnesota and the Dakotas for more than five years and have gathered rave reviews wherever they play. The group continues to draw hundreds of people to their performances, a testimony to the quality of their show and the enduring popularity of Patsy Cline, 50 years after her death.

Cassie and The Bobs

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