Tag Archives: State Theatre

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.

“Cinema” by Cafe Accordion Orchestra — November 1

Crossings brings Dan Newton's Cafe Accordion Orchestra to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Saturday, November 1, at 7:30 pm with "Cinema." Tickets are $20 in advance, $23 at the door, and can be purchased online or by calling 507-732-7616. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

This timeless tribute to music and the movies is complete with film clips, cartoons, and live music for a silent short. "Cinema" features great songs and tunes heard in films from the 1920s to the 21st century, played with the panache of a French Musette band. Film soundtrack tunes ranging from the Marx Brothers to Quentin Tarantino are revised to evoke a Parisian sidewalk during that gilded era between the two world wars.

CAO is led by Dan Newton on accordion and vocals, with Eric Mohring on mandolin, violin and vocals, Erik Lillestol on bass and vocals, Robert Bell on guitar and vocals and Joe Steinger on percussion. CAO has been delighting audiences and dancers alike since 1995. They have appeared in New York at the Lincoln Center's Midsummer Night Swing series, the International Akkordeon Festival in Vienna, Austria, and the Minnesota State Fair, as well as festivals, theaters and dance halls across the United States.

Cafe Accordion Orchestra

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.

Art On Main Closing Reception — September 26, 2014

Annual Art On Main Closing Reception and Live Auction

Friday, September 26 at 6:30 pm at the VFW Banquet Hall in Zumbrota

The streets of Zumbrota have been a public art gallery all summer long. Local artists have donated their work to help raise money for the renovation of ZAAC's State Theatre, a historic landmark that serves as a center for concerts, plays and film. Twenty-five colorful banners pepper the downtown, while the original works are also on display in the sponsoring businesses. Online bidding is still underway for both the banners and the original art work. Go to ART ON MAIN to see all the items. Then join us for refreshments and the final bidding frenzy on these beautiful works of art!

7:30 pm Bidding ends for Original Artwork

8:00 pm Bidding ends on Banners

8:15 pm Live Auction on a limited number of Artful Experiences

Appetizers and desserts provided by local restaurants. To view and bid on art work and banners go to www.zaac.org/art-2/art-on-main

All of the banners and original work will be on display for viewing and bidding. The event will feature live music by the 40's CBB Jazz Group, dancing, food and a cash bar. Meet the artists and sponsors who made this project possible. Attendees will be able to bid on Artful Experiences as well as on the Art On Main pieces.

Tickets for the event at the VFW are $18 and are available in Zumbrota at Wild Ginger, All in Stitches and Crossings.

Can't be there in person? You can bid online until 7:30 pm for the original artwork and 8 pm for the banners. Everything will be sold to the highest bidder — no reserve prices. For tickets or information about bidding online, please call 507-732-7616.

A special thanks to the Zumbrota business community. With their generous support, ZAAC was able to bring art to the streets of Zumbrota for all to enjoy.

Proceeds from this project go to support renovation of Zumbrota's State Theatre.

Artwork pictured above by Pat Swanson.

In The Company of Legends — September 20 & 21

The Zumbrota Area Arts Council is pleased to present

In The Company of Legends

A story about men you should remember, told in a way you will never forget.

7:30 PM Saturday, September 20

2:00 PM Sunday, September 21

Reporter Elliot Longfellow has been sent west to dig up the dirt on the famous showman Buffalo Bill Cody. When Cody's friends Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson show up and give their twist, Longfellow's reporting skills are put to the test to find the truth or make a new residence on Boot Hill. Then Pecos Bill arrives to set the record straight and all hell-arity breaks loose! Starring Adam Lindquist, Tom Doroff, David Stuve, Scott McNurlin and Rick Stuve.

Tickets: $18 in advance, $20 at the door, $15 Seniors

This show has played to sold-out audiences across the midwest, so make sure you get your tickets now!

Available online at http://legendsplaywordpress.ticketleap.com/zumbrota/

More info at In The Company of Legends

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

Spotlight on Art — September 20 and 26, 2014

Don't miss two Big ART Events in September!

The 9th Annual Zumbro River Art Splash

Saturday, September 20, 10 am to 4 pm

Discover our area’s rich art, literature and history on a self-guided tour of artist studios in the Zumbro River Valley area. Brochures, including a map to all the studios, events, and a list of artists, are available below and at area merchants.

View and download a PDF brochure of the 2014 Art Splash.

The 2nd Annual Art On Main Event

The streets of Zumbrota have been a public art gallery all summer long. Local artists have donated their work to help raise money for the renovation of ZAAC's State Theatre, a historic landmark that serves as a center for concerts, plays and film. Twenty-five colorful banners pepper the downtown, while the original works are also on display in the sponsoring businesses. Online bidding is currently underway for both the banners and the original art work. Go to ART ON MAIN to see all the items. Then join us for refreshments and the final bidding frenzy on these beautiful works of art at the

Art On Main Closing Reception and Live Auction

Friday, September 26 at 6:30 pm at the VFW Banquet Hall

All of the banners and original work will be on display for viewing and bidding. The event will feature live music by the 40's CBB Jazz Group, dancing, food and wine. Attendees will be able to bid on Artful Experiences as well as on the Art On Main pieces. Tickets for the event at the VFW are $18 and are available in Zumbrota at Wild Ginger, All in Stitches and Crossings.

A special thanks to the Zumbrota business community. With their generous support, ZAAC was able to bring art to the streets of Zumbrota for all to enjoy.

Participating artists for this year’s Art on Main project include:

Zumbrota: Beth Aylsworth, Nancy Ellison, Linda Ruddle, Jeanie Wilcox, Ben Parrish, Marie Marvin, Sarah Kenyon Nygaard, Deb Klug, Marit Lomen, Linda Smith.

Rochester: Corene Bernatz, Francie Ginocchio, Terrie Jacobson, Chuck LaRue, Vickie Ronnenberg, HeeJune Shin, Connie Simonson, Susan Waughtal.

Other: Judi Alme, Minneapolis; Connie Ludwig, Goodhue; Aimee B. Radman, Hampton; Pat Swanson, Lake City; Cathy White, Hager City, Wis.; Kathleen Yennie, Byron; Gayle Dahl, Byron.

To view all the works in slideshow format, go to https://zaac.org/art-2/2014-art-on-main-slideshow

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.

Mike Doughty — September 6

Crossings brings Mike Doughty's Renowned, Award Winning "Question Jar Show" to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Saturday, September 6, at 8 pm. Tickets are $20 in advance, $23 at the door, and can be purchased online or by calling 507-732-7616. Doors open at 7 pm.

Mike Doughty contains multitudes: Singer. Songwriter. Guitar player. Poet. Author. Playwright. Photographer. Most Improved Camper, West Point Youth Camp, 1982. He’s released five solo albums, some EPs, a covers album, a couple of live albums, a bunch of EDM tracks and remixes, a poetry book, and a memoir about that time he was in a band called Soul Coughing and didn’t like it and took a lot of drugs. Now, he performs in a duo with Andrew “Scrap” Livingston.

The show, also the name of a two-disk live album by Doughty and Livingston, who plays cello and electric guitar, features not only music, but the answers to questions placed in a jar by the audience before the show starts. “Questions on any topic–obscure, weird, or esoteric questions accepted happily,” Doughty says on his website. So far, audiences have proven themselves capable of coming up with some doozies.

Doughty most recently released “Circles Super Bon Bon…,” an album of re-imagined Soul Coughing songs recorded with the hip-hop/house DJ Good Goose, in September 2013. Two new albums are slated for release in fall 2014: an album produced by Good Goose, “Stellar Motel,” and a live album called “Live at Ken’s House.”

It's in this kind of setting where Doughty thrives, with the sparse arrangement putting the focus on his twisting, poetic lyrics while the time between songs gives the singer the opportunity to draw audiences in with his laid-back charm. Songs like “Madeline and Nine,” and “Down on the River by the Sugar Plant,” really shine when they're stripped down to their most basic elements, allowing their yearning to take center stage in the absence of a full band.

– Gregory Heaney, AllMusic.com

MIke Doughty

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

The Tex Pistols Band — September 5

$Tex-Pistols$

Crossings brings The Tex Pistols Band to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Friday, September 5, at 8 pm. Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 at the door, and can be purchased online or by calling 507-732-7616. Doors open at 7 pm.

"The Tex Pistols aren't from the Lone Star State, don't pack anything but gear, and have nothing to do with punk or even cowpunk. But you have to love their name – and their experience in so many diverse combos (Daisy Dillman Band, Mary Jane Alm Band, Judd, et al.)" -Surowicz, Minneapolis Star Tribune

Four good friends become a great quartet of smoking hot guitars, emotive vocals and tight harmonies when The Tex Pistols Band take the stage.

Audiences will hear an Americana sound that’s classic yet unexpected. The Tex Pistols evoke shades of Neil Young and John Hiatt, Steve Earle and Steve Winwood, with some Eagles and Beatles thrown in for good measure.

Brian C. Peters, Dik Shopteau and Scott “Scooter” Nelson started sharing their country-influenced Americana sound in 1986, when they began touring extensively as The Tex Pistols. After four years, they hung up their hats on the band, but after a long hiatus the three reunited and added Boyd Lee.

The band released its second CD, “Hold On,” in 2011. Its first CD was "Fully Loaded," released in 2008.

All four members make their living in the music business, performing and recording with a variety of groups and artists in the Twin Cites and the national music scene. Members of the foursome have played with the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Beach Boys, Prince, Tina Turner, The Judds, Bob Weir, Clint Black, David Grisman, Reba McEntire, Charlie Daniels, The Neville Brothers, Average White Band, Hank Williams Jr., Spirit, Todd Rundgren, Sammy Hagar and Ronny Milsap.

“It’s like we all try to impress each other both live and in the studio, and it’s that pushing of the envelope every time that makes it fun for us and I think the audience as well,” says Lee.

The Tex Pistols

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