Tag Archives: crossings

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.

“Dylan, Under the Covers” with Justin Ploof & the Throwbacks — October 19

Crossings brings "Dylan, Under the Covers" — another fabulous Rockumentary by Justin Ploof and the Throwbacks — to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Saturday, October 19, 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.

Crossings first brought in the tribute band to perform Creedence Clearwater Revival songs last November, to a rousing response. The group presents its signature “rockumentary” show, complete with vintage footage and brief narration to accompany the music of legendary artists.

One of the most prolific songwriters in history, Dylan would craft some of the most iconic anthems of the 20th Century. From his songbook, countless groups and artists would transform one poet's vision into some of pop music's most beloved and timeless classics.

Many of Dylan’s most widely known songs date from the 1960s and seemed not only to chronicle, but sometimes presage the events of the revolutionary decade. While he performed with his strangely compelling nasal tone, many of Dylan’s songs became hits for other groups. The Throwbacks remain true to that tradition and will bring numerous guest artists onstage to perform as The Byrds, Manfred Mann, The Turtles, Johnny Cash, Peter, Paul & Mary, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, George Harrison and more.

The core group, Justin Ploof, Jason Ploof, and Dan Ploof, have a long history 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.

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

Six Mile Grove — October 12

Crossings brings Six Mile Grove with The Dovetailers to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Saturday, October 12, at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $14 in advance, $16 at the door, and can be purchased online or by calling 507-732-7616. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

Six Mile Grove’s performance will feature songs from their latest album “Secret Life in a Quiet Town,” released in 2012. The band was founded in 1997 in Lyle, Minnesota, by brothers Brandon and Brian Sampson, Barry Nelson and Dezi Wallace. “Secret Life” is their sixth album. They harken most to the genre of Americana, with a classic country bent.

In “Secret,” the band sticks to their signature sounds, from plaintive, contemplative vocals and lyrics to good old rockin’ out. They have weathered the music scene as a primarily self-managed, self-produced, and self-recorded band. Audiences will hear the influences of Minnesota music’s founding fathers – from Bob Dylan to the Jayhawks. Six Mile Grove honors their roots, but also has managed to forge their own sound and space on a stage without compromise.

The Dovetailers is a duo of Brandon Sampson and his wife, Heather Sampson. A dovetail joint, in woodworking terms, is a simple, but strong way of binding two pieces of wood together, making them nearly impossible to separate. It also is defined as a way to “connect or combine precisely or harmoniously.” The songs of the Dovetailers reflect upon the indestructible bonds of marriage, as well as the beautiful ironies of love, life and family, with voices that fit together like a hand and a glove.

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.

Tannahill Weavers — October 5

Crossings brings Tannahill Weavers to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Saturday, September 28, at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $26 in advance, $28 at the door, and can be purchased online or by calling 507-732-7616. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

Embracing both the mystical quality of Highland Celtic music and the rollicking, even brawling qualities of Lowland Anglo-Scots tunes, Tannahill Weavers add powerful modern rhythms and the penetrating sound of the Highland bagpipes like a thread of ancient memory running through it all.

Tannahill Weavers play music pulled straight from traditional Scottish reels and jigs. But they remake the songs, bringing them into the 21st Century with driving guitar playing and the energy of modern rock.

One of Scotland's premier traditional bands, Tannahill Weavers play a diverse repertoire that spans the centuries and demonstrates the rich and varied musical heritage of the Celtic people. These versatile musicians have received worldwide accolades for their exuberant performances.

Named for Paisley, Scotland’s historic weaving industry and local poet laureate Robert Tannahill, the group first attracted attention back in the 1970s when founding members Roy Gullane and Phil Smillie added the full-sized highland bagpipes to stage performances. The combination of the powerful pipe solos, Gullane's driving guitar backing and lead vocals, and Smillie's ethereal flute playing breathed new life into Scotland's vast repertoire of traditional melodies and songs.

Gullane and Smillie are joined by John Martin on fiddle, cello and viola (as well as bass vocals) and Colin Melville, one of Scotland’s most exciting young pipers. Together, the foursome promise an electrifying performance audiences won’t soon forget.

Tannahill Weavers

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

David Church — October 4

Crossings brings David Church to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Friday, October 4, 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.

“True Country Fans” Flock to Church
With an uncanny ability to sound like Hank Williams, David Church is a proponent and practitioner of what he calls “true country music.”

Church is a singer/songwriter and Nashville recording artist who, though best known for his ability to “sound like Hank,” also performs and records his originals and other traditional country music. He was surrounded by country and bluegrass music from his birth in Lancaster, Ohio – a small town on the outskirts of Columbus. He began playing banjo at the age of 5, and eventually was heavily influenced by Williams’ vocal style.

Remarkably, Church has many devoted fans despite his lack of mainstream hits. He has chosen to remain true to traditional country music and has become a standard-bearer of that sound for all those who long for it but rarely hear it on the radio.

Church has been featured on RFD-TV’s popular show, “Midwest Country” for more than seven years. His popularity continues to soar as he makes regular appearances on the show and tours throughout the world.

Fans of early country music will revel in Church’s music!

David Church

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

The Pines — September 28

Crossings brings The Pines to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Saturday, September 28, 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.

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. They'll be joined on stage this night by Alex Ramsey on keys and backup vocals and bassist James Buckley.

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. Both strong writers, singers and instrumentalists, Huckfelt and Ramsey have distinct voices that complement each other; audiences and critics alike tout them as a powerful young force in American roots music.

Showcasing their distinct blend of dark atmospheric indie-folk, rock and blues, The Pines cook up a diverse palette of musical flavors and songs that reflect on cold days, dark nights and the hope that shines in between.

The Pines

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

The Shadows Band — September 14

Crossings brings The Shadows Band to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Saturday, September 14, at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $19 in advance, $23 at the door, and can be purchased online or by calling 507-732-7616. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

The Shadows, with 15-year-old lead singer Bobby Vee, made history February 3, 1959, by replacing Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper at the Moorhead Armory after the three stars were killed in a plane crash. Now, The Shadows Band, with original Shadows member Dick Dunkirk, pays tribute to hit bands of the 1950s.

You will hear the four mega hits that Bobby Vee and the Shadows had in the early 1960s, including “Take Good Care of My Baby.” In fact audiences will hear all their favorites from the doo wop era! Singer Wayne Luchau’s three-octave range and spot-on sound brings to life Roy Orbison’s hits like “Pretty Woman” and “Only the Lonely."

Songs by Gene Pitney (with whom the Shadows worked in the ’60s), the Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Bopper are performed with violins and a full rhythm section.

The Shadows Tribute Show was elected to the Mid-America Music Hall of Fame in 2005.

The Shadows Band

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

The Forger’s Apprentice — August 9

THE FORGER’S APPRENTICE

FREE presentation at 8 PM at the State Theatre, Friday, August 9

In the late 1960s Elmyr de Hory was the world’s most talented and successful art forger. In 1967 his chicanery ended in a scandal that rocked the art world, although this monocle-wearing charmer’s artful deception did not end there. Join Mark Forgy, de Hory’s former personal assistant, for a showing of the BBC documentary, “Elmyr: The True Picture?” followed by a Q&A with Forgy. The event takes place immediately following the opening reception for “Stolen Goods,” the August art exhibit at Crossings.

“Stolen Goods,” is a group show featuring artwork inspired by Old Masters, but modified to reveal the actual artist’s own truth. The opening reception is Friday, August 9, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Both the reception and the de Hory presentation next door at the State Theatre are free and open to the public.

For more than 20 years de Hory’s bogus masterpieces filtered into prestigious collections on five continents. He seduced almost everyone he met, counting Marilyn Monroe, Liz Taylor, Montgomery Clift, Rita Hayworth, and Orson Welles among his friends. As a young American Midwesterner, Forgy fell under his spell when he met de Hory in 1969 on the Mediterranean island of Ibiza, becoming his personal assistant while de Hory became Forgy’s mentor and closest friend.

Forgy’s book, The Forger’s Apprentice, is a coming-of-age journey of discovery providing the most personal account of this “famously infamous” faker, through the eyes of his protégé—the Forger’s Apprentice. His book is available at Crossings.

Crossings’ August exhibit in conjunction with this presentation takes a wry look at artistic appropriation. Artists were invited to express what fakery means to them or to “fudge the truth” visually. The exhibit is on display through the month of August and may be seen free of charge during regular open hours.

Elmyr de Hory: The Official Website by Mark Forgy

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