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.
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
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.”
The State Theatre is located at 96 East 4th Street in Zumbrota. For more information call 507-732-5210.
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 State Theatre is located at 96 East 4th Street in Zumbrota. For more information call 507-732-5210.
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.
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 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 4th Street in Zumbrota. 507-732-5210.
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.
The State Theatre is located at 96 East 4th Street in Zumbrota. For more information call 507-732-5210.
The Hometown Holiday Show is back! Join us on Saturday, December 21, at 7:30 PM for another delightful evening of music and storytelling. Adult tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. Student tickets for ages 18 and under are $5. Add $4 per ticket and you can reserve your seat! Tickets can be purchased at Crossings, as well as online or by calling 507-732-7616. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
Pianist/accordionist Dan Chouinard and fiddle/mandolin player Peter Ostroushko headline a performance that also features a multitude of talented local performers.
This community-wide variety show and sing-along will feature performances by the Zumbrota-Mazeppa High School Jazz Band, a flute and cello duet, Irish soft shoe dancers from the Zumbrota Dance Studio, Rochester's Choral Arts Ensemble, and other fabulous acts by your neighbors! Concert goers will be greeted by carolers from Our Saviour's Lutheran Church.
This concert is a joint production between Crossings at Carnegie and the Zumbrota Area Arts Council to raise funds for improvements to the historic State Theatre. The theatre is an intimate venue whose vintage atmosphere is praised by audiences and performers alike. Planned renovations include weatherizing the exterior, restoration of interior finishes, upgrades in sound and lighting equipment, seating improvements, and an addition to the building for handicapped accessible restrooms, a larger lobby and dressing rooms.
Chouinard turns up regularly in Zumbrota playing a supporting role for performers like Ostroushko, Prudence Johnson, Ann Reed and others. Both he and Ostroushko are regular contributors to Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion radio show.
Chouinard has hosted similar community-based holiday shows in Lanesboro every year since 2007, drawing on local talent to fill most of the show's roster of musicians and storytellers and always featuring a performer friend from the Twin Cities as a special guest. He regularly creates special programs which blend storytelling, interview and music, many of these for Minnesota Public Radio. He has dubbed Crossings “my favorite SE Minnesota haunt.”
Ostroushko, one of the finest mandolin and fiddle players in acoustic music, plays a rich ethnic mix of music, at the heart of which is his Ukrainian heritage. It’s a mixture of musical styles he calls “sluz duz,” a phrase roughly meaning “over the edge” or “off his rocker.” He has earned an international reputation as a versatile and dazzling musician and composer.
The State Theatre is located at 96 East 4th Street in Zumbrota.
Crossings brings SimpleGifts with Billy McLaughlin to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Friday, December 13, 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.
SimpleGifts with Billy McLaughlin combines violin, celtic whistle, piano, acoustic guitar and percussion with angelic three-part female vocals to deliver a “modern Old World” sound in Christmas carols and hymns.
SimpleGifts, the six-member ensemble led by award-winning musician Billy McLaughlin, stays close to the heart of Christmas by avoiding commercial and pop holiday repertoire and instead balances sacred Christmas songs with warm, sentimental favorites. Children will enjoy hearing holiday classics, while adults are taken back to a quieter, simpler time with traditional songs and hymns.
With a new album, “WinterGrace,” the group continues to prove there is nothing ordinary about the arrangements they deliver both in the studio and in concert. Seen by more than 20,000 live audience members last season, SimpleGifts 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.
Familiar classics on the new CD include “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” and “Little Drummer Boy,” while the lesser-known title track provides a fresh but timeless melody from the hills of Appalachia.
New members Ashleigh Still, Torie Redpath and Amy Courts join returning members Heather Garborg, Billy O., Laura MacKenzie and Billy McLaughlin in a rotating sextet line-up for the 2013 “WinterGrace” Tour.
“SimpleGifts … has that special celestial sound that captures the magic, spirit and meditation of the Christmas season. Think of a Courier and Ives holiday setting: the music you hear playing is SimpleGifts with its richly woven tapestry of vocal harmonies and perfect instrumentation,” said McLaughlin.
The State Theatre is located at 96 East 4th Street in Zumbrota. For more information call 507-732-5210.
Crossings brings Alison Scott and her six-piece band to Zumbrota to perform, “A Soulful Christmas,” at the State Theatre on Saturday, December 7 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $18 in advance, $22 at the door, and can be purchased online or by calling 507-732-7616. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
Special guests include the Zumbrota-Mazeppa High School Choir, Tommy Barbarella and Andy Dee. Scott aims to raise awareness and funding for local choirs during her Christmas tour.
Scott, who has sold out the Dakota Jazz Club more than a dozen shows in a row, has a soulful sound that perfectly suits the seasonal music – some traditional, some original. Audiences also will hear a few of the band’s favorite all-year-round songs.
It’s not just a concert series though: Fans are finally getting the Christmas CD they’ve been asking for.
Even though she’s been preparing for this since May, Scott hasn’t lost her holiday spirit. “Christmas is my favorite holiday. Give me an apron, some flour and sugar, and I’ll be baking for weeks, only coming up for air to listen to my favorite Christmas tunes and buy way too many stocking stuffers,” she said.
Involving young choirs is her way of reaching out to those who want a future in music.
The goal is to reach out to some up and coming musicians and spend time sharing the experience of being a professional musician, hopefully inspiring some of them to pursue a career in music while bringing awareness to the importance of youth music programs.
As far as the show goes, the band’s got everything from Charlie Brown’s “Christmas Time is Here” and “Oh Holy Night,” both of which will feature the choirs. Then Scott and her band will branch out to some holiday originals, a few more well known faves, and a rendition of “Little Drummer Boy” gone funky, that may or may not include a rap section because if Dessa can sing, Ali can rap. It's only fair.
This concert series is sponsored by 96.3 K-TWIN, McNally Smith College of Music, PeopleNet and Vusion, and people like you.
The State Theatre is located at 96 East 4th Street in Zumbrota. For more information call 507-732-5210.