Tag Archives: concert

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.

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.

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.

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.

SimpleGifts with Billy McLaughlin — December 13

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.

SimpleGifts

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

Pet Sounds — November 23

Crossings brings Collective Unconscious back to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Saturday, November 23, at 7:30 pm for a repeat performance of their wildly popular tribute to the Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds" album. 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.

The Central-Minnesota band delivers an album concert, faithfully reproducing each "Pet Sounds" song. To create that authentic experience, Collective Unconscious will bring along an 18-piece orchestra, plus guest performers. There’s even a Theremin involved – a Russian-invented electronic musical instrument played without physical contact. It’s used on “Good Vibrations.”

While the Beach Boys started out as a lighthearted surfer rock band, their 1966 album, largely composed by Brian Wilson, was groundbreaking at the time and now is considered a classic. “Pet Sounds” includes songs such as “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “God Only Knows” and “Sloop John B,” and features a complex, intricate and multi-layered sound. Unconventional instruments, experimentation, and layers of vocal harmonies permeate the music. The album represented a move to a psychedelic sound for the band, and marked the emergence of psychedelic rock as a musical style.

The Beach Boys have had more than 80 songs chart worldwide; 36 of them were Top 40 hits in the United States, and four of those reached number one on Billboard’s Hot 100.

Collective Unconscious is a group of musicians who have a history of making incredible music together, whether it's their own originals or cover songs. Over the past decade, they have stunned audiences throughout Minnesota with their productions of The Beatles’ “Abbey Road,” Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young’s “Déjà vu,” and Simon & Garfunkel’s "Bridge Over Troubled Water."

Fronted by singer-songwriters Jeff Engholm, Nathan Nesje, and Muggsy Lauer, the band will be joined by jazz pianist George Maurer, vocal quartet The Half Steps, and The Vees.

Collective Unconscious

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

The Daisy Dillman Band — November 2

Crossings brings The Daisy Dillman Band to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Saturday, November 2, 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.

The Daisy Dillman Band holds a well deserved seat at the table in Minnesota music history, with their original blend of driving country-rock and soaring vocals. The band will perform for the first time in Zumbrota.

The band that began to form in 1976 quickly grew in popularity, garnering Minnesota Music Awards in three categories in 1978 with their curious blend of country, full-on rock and electric fiddle. The Daisy Dillman Band recorded their first national release that same year, charting in the Billboard Hot 100 with releases for both United Artists Records and RCA Records.

The original band reunited in 2003 for a series of concerts, and in 2006 were inducted into the Minnesota Rock & Country Hall of Fame. The band performed this year at the Minnesota State Fair to enthusiastic crowds, and just released a new album. This performance brings the full band: Rick Leibold, Pat Frederick, Feagan Solmonson, Stymie Seamans, with Craig Anderson on keyboards.

The Daisy Dillman Band

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

Cheryl Wheeler — October 11

Crossings brings Cheryl Wheeler to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Friday, October 11, at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $24 in advance, $26 at the door, and can be purchased online or by calling 507-732-7616. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

Cheryl Wheeler performances are a two-for-one deal: Audiences will relish her rich, soul-baring alto voice, and the next moment laugh out loud at her storytelling.

While most have undoubtedly heard Wheeler’s songs covered by well-known artists including Garth Brooks, Bette Midler, Kathy Mattea and Peter, Paul and Mary, audiences discover works never recorded anywhere when they attend her show.

Listeners will marvel at the magic of her beautiful voice singing perceptive lyrics – that’s when they meet poet-Cheryl, writer of some of the prettiest, most alluring and intelligent ballads on the modern folk scene. Before long, there’s an appearance by her evil twin, comic-Cheryl, a militant trend defier and savagely funny social critic.

Wheeler’s career started in the Baltimore, Maryland/Washington, D.C. area, where one of her first gigs was at a Steak and Ale restaurant. She released a few independent albums before being signed in 1990 by Capitol's Nashville division. After a short stint in country music, she settled at Philo Records.

Wheeler emerges as a gifted and openhearted songwriter approaching the sure summit of her craft. Her abiding faith in her audience’s ability to find their own life reflected in the sweet spaces of her songs reveals an artist comfortably wearing the austere genius that defines folk music’s best traditions. More confidently and beautifully than ever before, she proves that the poet and the comic are one and the same.

Cheryl Wheeler

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