Category Archives: State Theatre

Doobie Brothers Tribute — March 29

Crossings brings The Fabulous Armadillos & Collective Unconscious to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Saturday, March 29, at 7:30 pm for "Takin' It to the Streets: A Doobie Brothers Tribute". Tickets are $34 in advance, $38 at the door, and can be purchased online or by calling 507-732-7616. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

Early ticket purchases for this show are strongly recommended.

The Fabulous Armadillos and Collective Unconscious, the same group that sold out both performances of their much talked about Eagles tribute, are uniting once again to bring you the unique vocals, soul and power of the Doobie Brothers in “Takin It To The Streets: A Doobie Brothers Tribute.”

The audience will hear hits like “Black Water,” “Minute By Minute,” “What A Fool Believes,” “Takin It To The Streets,” and many more. The Doobie Brothers continue to make music, releasing “World Gone Crazy,” in 2010.

The band started playing around northern California in 1970, and quickly became a favorite of local Hells Angels chapters. Over the next five years, they often performed at a favorite biker venue, the Chateau Liberté in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Their second album, “Toulouse Street,” included hits, “Listen to the Music,” and “Jesus Is Just Alright,” and brought the band their breakthrough success after its release in July 1972.

Crossings concert-goers know “The Dillos” and Collective Unconscious from their collaborative tribute to The Eagles, as well as concerts each band has performed on their own. The Fabulous Armadillos put on a wildly successful Motown show, while CU has brought “album concerts” featuring the music of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, The Beach Boys, Simon & Garfunkel, and The Beatles.

Seeing these bands in the vintage 270-seat State Theatre, surrounded by enthusiastic fans, is an experience music-lovers won’t soon forget. Concert-goers should plan on getting up out of their seats to dance through the concert, and for the ovations at the end of the show!

The Fabulous Armadillos

Collective Unconscious

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

Movie: To Kill A Mockingbird — March 28

ZUMBROTA READS!

To celebrate this year's Zumbrota Reads selection, the State Theatre is showing

TO KILL A Mockingbird

Friday, March 28

FREE Admission made possible by a generous donation from Z-Theatre

Doors open at 6:15 pm

6:30 pm Special presentation by the Diversity Council of Rochester

7:30 pm Showtime

Not Rated

Atticus Finch, a lawyer in the Depression-era South, defends a black man against an undeserved rape charge, and his kids against prejudice.

We have the best popcorn around and all our treats are at family friendly prices!

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

Peter Ostroushko & Dean Magraw — March 22

Crossings brings Peter Ostroushko and Dean Magraw to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Saturday, March 22, 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.

Peter Ostroushko, one of the finest mandolin and fiddle players in acoustic music, and guitarist, composer, arranger and producer Dean Magraw reunite once again. The two legendary musicians played as a duo for 15 years. Both known for bringing together many musical styles, their concerts will leave audiences astounded and with a new appreciation for the similarities among musical traditions.

Because their musical interests roam so widely, each man has teamed up with other musicians for performances and recordings in every style from punk-folk to jazz, Celtic to country.

Ostroushko’s tours have taken him to clubs, performing arts centers, music festivals and theatres across North America and Europe, and he has earned an international reputation as a versatile and dazzling musician and composer. He is at his most passionate playing a rich ethnic mix of music, at the heart of which is his Ukrainian heritage. His term for his mixture of musical styles is “sluz duz,” a phrase roughly meaning “over the edge” or “off his rocker.”

He has recorded with artists such as Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Greg Brown, and Taj Mahal. His first recording session was contributing the mandolin parts for Bob Dylan’s epochal Blood on the Tracks. As a composer, Ostroushko has written works that have been performed by the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Minnesota Sinfonia, the Rochester (Minnesota) Symphony Orchestra, and more.

Magraw’s 30-year career in music has seen him teamed up with the well-known Irish group Altan, Japanese shamisen prodigy Nitta Masahiro, classical violinist Nigel Kennedy, singers Claudia Schmidt and Ruth MacKenzie, and Boiled in Lead. He leads his own jazz trio and quintet, and has recorded with Celtic, Indian and Hungarian musicians as well.

Peter Ostroushko

Dean Magraw

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

Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole — March 8

Crossings brings Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Saturday, March 8, at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $18 in advance, $21 at the door, and can be purchased online or by calling 507-732-7616. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole resurrect the ancient sounds of the French and Spanish contra dance and bourré alongside the spiritual rhythms of the Congo tribes of West Africa, and are counted among the brightest talents emerging in Cajun, Creole and Zydeco music.

Watson plays fiddle and accordion, writes songs and sings. While he once performed French music, he has turned to traditional roots and incorporated Native American and African Congo ceremonial rhythms and sounds. His own diverse ancestry (African, Native American, French and Spanish) seems to drive his interest in the music of ancient cultures in far-flung places.

The four-time Grammy nominated artist and his band put on an incredible performance every time, rich in rhythm and poetry. With an apparently bottomless repertoire of songs at his fingertips, Cedric plays everything from forgotten Creole melodies and obscure Dennis McGee reels to more modern Cajun and Zydeco songs, even occasionally throwing in a bluegrass fiddle tune or an old string band number.

Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole

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

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.

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.

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.