Tag Archives: concert

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.

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.

Cantus — September 12

Crossings brings Cantus' "Anthem" to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Friday, September 12, at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 at the door, $8 for ages 18 and under, and can be purchased online or by calling 507-732-7616. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

Hailed as “the premier men’s vocal ensemble in the United States” (Fanfare) and winner of the prestigious Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence from Chorus America, Cantus is known worldwide for its trademark warmth and blend and its engaging performances of music ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century.

“Anthem” explores the traditions and customs of singing around the world and specifically when and why people sing together. Anthems help people express their identity and create a way for communities to show support for a cause, a heritage or even a sports team. From Latvia’s beautiful unofficial national anthem “Mūžam zili” to the African American work song, “Rainbow ’Round my Shoulder” and even the lively Cuban folk tune “Arroz con Leche,” Cantus asks the question: When we gather together, how does singing help us celebrate, help us inspire, or help us heal?

“Anthem” includes the premier of a new work by composer Rosephanye Powell.

The Washington Post has praised the ensemble’s sound as having both “exalting finesse” and “expressive power” and refers to its music making as “spontaneous grace.” Cantus performs more than 70 concerts each year both in national and international touring, as well as in its home of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. Past performances have brought Cantus to the stages of the Kennedy Center, UCLA, San Francisco Performances, Atlanta’s Spivey Hall, Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival and New York’s Merkin Concert Hall, to name just a few.

As one of the nation’s few full-time men’s ensembles, Cantus has grown in prominence with its distinctive approach to creating music. Working without a conductor, the members of Cantus rehearse and perform as chamber musicians, each contributing to the entirety of the artistic process.

Committed to the expansion of the vocal music repertoire, Cantus actively commissions new music for men’s voices including work from Nico Muhly, Lee Hoiby, Steven Sametz, Kenneth Jennings, Peter Hamlin, Edie Hill and Robert Kyr. Cantus has received commissioning grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, American Composers Forum and Chamber Music America.

Cantus has released 15 albums on its own self-titled label, each to considerable acclaim. Of That Eternal Day (2010) The New York Times said, “the Cantus recording offers many satisfactions, none greater than a touching, ineffably simple performance of The 23rd Psalm (dedicated to my mother) by Bobby McFerrin.” The latest Cantus recording, On the Shoulders of Giants was released in October 2012.

Cantus

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

John Gorka & Michael Johnson — June 28

Crossings brings John Gorka and Michael Johnson to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Saturday, June 28, at 8 pm. Tickets are $25 in advance, $28 at the door, and can be purchased online or by calling 507-732-7616. Doors open at 7 pm.

These two Folk music legends will take the stage at the State Theatre, playing their own sets, but don't be surprised if they perform a couple of duets!

With a brand-new album out, “Bright Side of Down,” John Gorka is widely regarded as “one of contemporary folk music’s leading talents” (Vintage Guitar). It’s the first studio album in more than four years for the singer/songwriter known for his wry take on the human condition.

His unique sound and lyrical insight have earned him generations of devoted fans and a career that’s found him gracing the stages of PBS’ Austin City Limits, NPR’s Mountain Stage and venues worldwide. His music tells stories, expresses deep emotion, and invites listeners to reflect. The audience is drawn right in to the heart of the music by Gorka’s remarkable baritone voice and the clear tones of his guitar.

Michael Johnson, who incidentally lent his vocals to Gorka’s latest album, will perform his music the same night. Johnson’s latest album, “Moonlit Déjà Vu” came out in 2012.

Johnson’s music is more varied than those who know him only from his pop music – “Bluer than Blue,” and “That’s That,” for example – might guess. He also has had number one hits in country and R&B, all graced by the warmth in his voice even as his style evolved. The singer and fingerstyle guitarist delivers acoustic masterpieces in every performance.

John Gorka

Michael Johnson

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

Lorie Line — May 9

Crossings brings Lorie Line and Her Fab Five to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Friday, May 9 at 7:30 pm.

The 2014 Intimate Evening Series

All tickets are $39. Groups of ten or more are $34 each. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 507-732-7616. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

This 20-city series marks Line’s 25th year of touring. This spring she’s bringing her young, hip and cool “Fab Five” with her to share music celebrating her quarter-century as a touring musician. Besides sharing all her favorites from the past 25 years, Line will perform solo piano arrangements from her brand new book, “The Early Years.”

Line’s band includes Robbie Nordstrom on violin; Drew Moore on bass; Marcus Farrow on drums; Mike Linden on guitar and Derek Bromme on trombone and euphonium.

Line noted, “Surrounding myself with the best players possible makes making music so much more fun, and after touring all these years, I know how important that is . . . I'm now doing it these days to have fun.”

Known mainly for her holiday extravaganza, she has been branching out these past eight years and developing her intimate series.

Line’s CDs have sold more than 6 million copies. She’s the owner of one of the largest independent record labels, Lorie Line Music. She’s published over 30 books of music so others can play her arrangements of popular pieces as well as her original works.

Line and her husband/tour manager, Tim Line, live in Orono, Minnesota. but tour year-round, playing to 100,000 people on more than 85 stages annually. Lorie Line puts her personal stamp on everything, from color themes and graphic design to the one-of-a-kind breathtaking gowns and costumes she wears and set design.

Lorie Line

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

Monroe Crossing — April 11

Crossings brings Monroe Crossing to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Friday, April 11, 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.

Monroe Crossing dazzles audiences with an electrifying blend of classic bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, and heartfelt originals. Audiences will delight in their airtight harmonies, razor sharp arrangements, and on-stage rapport.

The Minnesota-based band plays an average of 125 shows a year at major venues and festivals, and in 2013 played at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The band, named in honor of Bill Monroe, “the Father of Bluegrass,” sounds fresh as a new day but true to the authentic bluegrass of Bill Monroe’s day.

Monroe Crossing is made up of five very distinct personalities with differing musical backgrounds and tastes, combining for a very unique ensemble sound. They are Derek Johnson: guitar, lead & harmony vocals; Lisa Fuglie: fiddle, mandolin, lead and harmony vocals; Matt Thompson: mandolin, fiddle, baritone vocals; Mark Anderson: bass and bass vocals; and David Robinson: banjo. Their paths crossed through the music of Bill Monroe so they like to say they had a “Monroe Crossing.”

Among many honors, Monroe Crossing showcased at the International Bluegrass Music Association Convention and was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. The only bluegrass band ever nominated as “Artist of the Year” by the Minnesota Music Academy (MMA), Monroe Crossing has won an MMA “Bluegrass Album of the Year” award.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Monroe Crossing

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

The Beatles, Part 2: A Rockumentary — April 5

Crossings brings Justin Ploof and the Throwbacks to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Saturday, April 5 at 7:30 pm for "The Beatles, Part 2: 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’ “Sgt. Pepper’s” years at “The Beatles: Part 2,” a concert and “rockumentary” by Justin Ploof and the Throwbacks.

Crossings is bringing the band back for this second installment of a Beatles tribute concert. Most importantly, the Throwbacks authentically reproduce the music of The Beatles, this time covering the time span when the band stopped touring and devoted themselves entirely to the studio. They released the legendary masterpiece “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and ushered in a new form of record making.

Beyond the music, the audience will “Witness the End of an Era,” through stories, anecdotes and fascinating facts chronicled on vintage footage and other media.

The Beatles would continue in their dominance of the Billboard Charts through this era, posting another 10 number one hits, as well as continue to change pop’s musical landscape with five chart-topping albums. In the end, they would leave a music catalogue that started a revolution and that still influences pop and rock music today.

The Throwbacks performed “The Beatles: Part 1” in Zumbrota the first of March. The core group is comprised of Justin Ploof, Jason Ploof, and Dan Ploof. They 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