SCENE MARCH 2022

MARCH 2022

YOUR GUIDE FOR

SOUTHERN MINN

PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

MARCH CALENDAR OF EVENTS PAGE 20

.COM

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| MARCH 2022

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Season Packages have reopened for a limited time!

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More in MARCH & APRIL March 18 Nobuntu: a cappella from Zimbabwe March 25 Phoenix Theatre presents: to April 3 Fuddy Meers April 8 Colleen Raye W/ St Croix Orchestra April 9 Freddy Jones Band April 15 The New Standards SCORE! April 23 Trinity Irish Dance April 28 Call of the Wild: Illustrated Edition April 30 VocalEssence: Music of Bob Dylan

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Sheldon Theatre | 443 W. 3rd St | Red Wing, MN | 651-388-8700 | sheldontheater.org 2

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YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

CONTENT

FEATURES:

6 Bringing Back Nightlife Gigs are returning.

8 Local Movie industry on the rebound Area theaters look to rebound in 2022.

12 Bowling Strikes Back

Bowling is back throughout Southern Minnesota.

20 The SCENE Calendar

SoMinn’s most comprehensive calendar of things to be SCENE.

MARCH 2022 / VOLUME 10 / ISSUE 3

COLUMNS:

28 WOLDUM TV

26 From the MUSIC SIDE

The agony and ecstasy of euphoria.

More than metal.

4 Mollywood BLVD

27 SoMinn THE BOOKWORM SEZ

What the wordle needs to now.

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- Admissions - Nailing It - The Fields - Circus of Wonders

Rants & RAVES

Embarrassing personal secret No. 217

5 Sarah SELECTS

30 Through a SoMinn LENS

Profile of Minn musician Becky Kapell.

A place called Hope.

18 SoMinn FASHION

34 SoMinn FOOD & DRINK Review

The resurgence of 70’s fashion.

The Ole Store Restaurant.

14 SoMinn STYLE

Packing for that early spring vacation.

Southern minn

Scene

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Editor Philip Weyhe - 507-931-8579 editor@southernminnSCENE.com

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Deanna Walters - 507-333-3117 deanna.walters@apgsomn.com

“INTERVI

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©SouthernMinnSCENE.com retains the publication rights to all content produced or supplied to SCENE. Use of said materials without the written consent of SouthernMinnSCENE.com is prohibited. Content copyrighted; all rights reserved. 2022

ON” APRIL ISS UE DEADLIN E IS MAR CH 18

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VISIT FARIBAULT’S ORIGINAL HOMETOWN BAR AND GRILL Often imitated, never duplicated

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Mollywood BLVD

MOLLY PENNY Molly Penny is a local radio personality and MNSU alum. It was her love of pop culture that got her interested in doing a radio show for KOWZ 100.9, and she is now the music and promotions director at KOWZ & KRUE Radio in Owatonna. She resides in Mankato with her movie buff husband and YouTube obsessed children. Catch her on Twitter at @ mollyhoodUSA.

What the W O R D L E needs now

W

hat in the world is Wordle? From Farmville to Trivia Crack, social media has propelled many games to popularity. You may have noticed your friends forming a secret social media society with symbolism containing colored boxes of grey green and yellow along with numbers like “Wordle 241 4/6.”

If you never bothered to ask or investigate, let me explain: Wordle is a new app game that is taking the internet by storm. We saw the trend creeping up early this year and its popularity is still rising.

It went from dozens of players to hundreds of thousands in a few short months. Remember Words With Friends? It’s kind of like that, but without the friends.

The basic premise of the online game, created by software engineer Josh Wardle and now hosted by the New York Times, is that each day a new word puzzle is presented.

Every 24 hours, users have a chance to guess the 5-letter word. You start by taking a shot in the dark and typing a guess word.

If a letter is in the word but in the incorrect place, that box turns yellow. If the letter is the correct letter in the correct place, the box will turn green. Any letters not contained in the word of the day are grayed out. Wordle players get 6 chances to guess the word correctly. Each trial word entered gets you closer to uncovering the correct word.

If you play the game, you already know all this, but what you may not know is that while your Wordle posts may be annoying to your social media followers, it is actually very good for your brain.

Research shows that word games in general, like crossword or Sudoku, improve your cognitive skills. Those who have been taking

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a daily stab at Wordle may experience increased focus, memory and more! I will admit my FOMO kicked into high gear with this but as of now I am in the control group, aka those who have yet to download the game that is sweeping the internet.

Wordle now touts around 10 million participants. By now, those of us on Facebook have certainly been exposed to the game. In

fact, those of us in the Midwest have been inundated by it.

An education site, Schoolauthority.com, compiled Twitter data and after studying more than 2 million tweets about Wordle found that Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes, is the No. 1 state for the viral game! You can chalk that up to the fact that we live in

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an arctic tundra (or perhaps our superior mental aptitude). The second and third Wordle obsessed states according to the data are Wisconsin and Iowa.

There have already been a few fun spin-offs to the Wordle fad.

If you are having trouble getting on the Wordle bandwagon, there is a version geared towards potty mouths. This alternative is called Lewdle. It is played exactly the same as Wordle but contains only x-rated words.

When you guess the correct word, the game offers praise like, “You’d get detention for that one!” We have embarked on Lewdle here at the office and it is extremely entertaining. Not to brag but I got one in two tries. If foul language is not your thing, there is yet another game that mimics Wordle for the mathletes among us: Nerdle.

Instead of words, it is a daily numbers game that contains math problems — count me out on that one; math is definitely not my strong suit.

I think that one of the most interesting things about it is that nowhere in the sea of Facebook and Twitter posts about the day’s word have I seen a spoiler. In fact, one Twitter user, Sarah Bessey, exclaimed, “The social contract we are all upholding not to spoil the day’s Wordle has slightly restored my faith in humanity.”

Perfectly stated, Sarah! It really is an unspoken rule that you do not spoil the game for others, and I am shocked that we have managed to keep this up for so long. Spoilers are rampant when it comes to just about everything else from binge watched television shows to movie reviews. In fact, there was a Wordle spoiling bot able to get into the game’s source code to retrieve the answers that was taken down by Twitter immediately.

I wonder how long this anomaly of Wordle non-spoiler solidarity will last? I have already noticed a few of my friends making clever puns along with their Wordle of the day posts, which, while they are not overt spoilers, could potentially tip-off the word of the day if people are paying close attention.

It has been enough to make me contemplate playing the game, but so far, I have managed to hold out. Heck, I don’t even have Tik Tok on my phone. Plus, I am already annoying enough on social media, the last thing I need to subject my followers to is me bragging about how little tries it took for me to guess the word of the day. The good thing about this is once you have guessed the word, you must wait 24 hours to play again, so it’s not the time suck that many games and entertainment apps tend to be.

I can only imagine what the future holds for Wordle. This is America… Is it even a real trend if we don’t capitalize on it to the max? I foresee board games, apparel, slap bracelets, maybe a song and most definitely some sort of show or movie. Remember when they made an Angry Birds movie, and the Emoji movie? By my lights, it is just a matter of time before someone makes a Wordle movie or at least a limited run Netflix mini-series.

Mark my words, it will happen. Maybe I should have my film director husband write a screenplay and pitch it! BRB, ‘bout to strike it rich! 

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

Sarah SELECTS

Photo by Mary Gibney

PROFILE OF A MINN MUSICIAN:

No time limit on the path Becky Kapell is forging

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“

ge is a funny thing. It’s definitely part of my story that [playing music] came to me later in life, but I forget that I’m that age. I think I’m 12.”

Becky Kapell was 42 when she picked up her son’s guitar as a way to fill the quiet space she finally had post divorce. She had no plans of forming a band or writing songs, only to play and find joy in music again. She knew that if she learned how to play C, D and G chords she could play most songs — and once she did that the songs “just started pouring out of [her].”

She sees it not as something she did but rather “something that just happened to [her].”

Raised in Minnesota with a one-year stint at college in Madison, Becky decided school and Wisconsin were not for her. On a whim, and with some encouragement from a friend who lived there, she packed up and moved to Portland.

Subsequently, that same friend moved away from the area soon after Becky arrived but she was not deterred.

She met some folks who were in a band and upon hearing her sing casually, they asked her to sing back up. It was a psychedelic rock band that did a lot of four-part harmony, something Becky was drawn to. By performing with the band, she

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SARAH OSTERBAUER Sarah Osterbauer is a die-hard music lover. When she does her budget each month, food comes after concert tickets. Find her on twitter @SarahOwrites.

tunes, Becky finds that melody typically comes not only realized that harmony was a talent few have, but that it was something she was good at. to her first and then she works on lyrics, though The roots of music were laid but eventually they she would not describe herself as a lyrical person: took a backseat to domestic life. Becky met her “that’s poetry, not music!” While some may con(now ex) husband in Portland where they had sider her lack of lyrical consideration a setback, it two children. gives her songs an honest simplicity, easy on the The 90s found Becky returning home to Minears and easier on the heartstrings. nesota to work for her brother who had invented Stylistically similar to Lucinda Williams, Becky Magnetic Poetry, a job she still has today. After doesn’t shy away from life’s truths and her own teaching herself to play guitar and discovering shortcomings. With over 50 years of life’s ups and her ability to craft songs, she felt the need to downs, she has plenty of material to draw from. share them more broadly. She played them for Her journal provides the source for most of her some friends and they agreed to help her record lyrics, a practice she’s employed long before she them. Over the course wrote songs. of two years and many All it takes is one trips back and forth story, one phrase or from Minnesota to Portquip to spark the fires of land, Becky recorded a future song. Once the her first album, “For melody and words are Now”. set, she leaves the rest Armed with her up to her trusted band. completed first album To record some of the and a desire to get into songs on “In It…”, the Minnesota music which Paul Bergen (her scene, Becky set out partner in all respects) to network with other also produced, they musicians. At the time recorded them live she didn’t know anyto tape to achieve an one, so she attended organic feel. shows alone patiently They declined waiting for a window to to share the songs approach the musicians with the musicians who played. in advance, opting “One problem I to capitalize on their have is that I don’t spontaneity in the smoke cigarettes” she studio. For consummate says, chuckling at the performers like Erik memories of awkwardly Koskinen and Jeremy approaching musicians Johnson, this was busiafter their set or during Photo by Larry Hutchinson ness as usual, as they their smoke break. She added their magic to would mention that Becky’s solid tracks. she, too, was a musician and hand them her CD. “Idle Down,” one the first singles off “In It To Erik Koskinen, her now friend and frequent colWin It”, is a fun, rockabilly ear worm, worthy of laborator, remembers their encounter well. any dusty two step or summer night cruise with He confessed to Becky that other musicians the top down. It seems Becky has always been share music with him often and it’s rare that he high energy, as the phrase “idle down” was takes the time to listen to it, however the night something her dad said to her a lot growing up. they met, he happened to pop her CD in the car When you talk to Becky, it’s clear she’s not on the way home and was pleasantly surprised playing music to get rich or famous, or win a by her talent. bunch of awards. For her, it’s the pure joy of Another musician Becky had been a fan of and playing and satisfying the itch in her bones that wanted to work with was Paul Bergen. After concalls her to play. On the day they recorded three necting with Paul, she asked if he would play in songs for the album, they followed the session up her band. He said yes and she was floored. Paul by playing a three hour set at Dusty’s in Northbecame her regular guitar player and produced east Minneapolis. her second album, “That Certain Ache”, which When Becky plays, she often ends up in the solidified Becky as a standout on the local Amerired from a financial standpoint, letting her band cana scene. take the pay, leaving none for herself — the For “In It To Win It”, Becky approached the one person still working full time elsewhere. It’s project as she does everything, one part purpose abundantly clear Becky is in it to win it, and that and intention, and two parts trust and letting go. To compose her brand of gritty, no nonsense winning means spreading her joy.  W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M

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MUSIC AND MORE:

By JANE TURPIN MOORE Guest Contributor

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cross southern Minnesota, the gig is up.

Actually, gigs are returning—a most welcome switch after COVID-19 hit an indefinite pause button and upset the area’s music-and-drinks culture.

Here’s how a few area venues have met the pandemic challenge and are looking ahead.

The Contented Cow, 302 Division St. South, Northfield “It’s been quite devastating for the music scene,” said Norman Butler, owner of the Contented Cow pub in downtown Northfield.

“Organizing and scheduling bands has been very difficult, because when something [with health guidelines] changed or a band member tested positive for COVID, the gig was over. It’s been hard to come up with a reliable scheduling process.”

Butler, who created a British pub setting at his business commonly known as “the Cow,” had been getting along quite nicely

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since opening in 1999.

“We have craft beers and ciders, with 18 or 19 taps, and a full bar as well,” said Butler, naming the one domestic beer he carries: Michelob Golden Draft Light.

“In our heyday, we had live music [rock ’n roll, jazz, blues and original music] every Friday and Saturday night, a weekly jam session with Scandinavian music and a Tuesday night acoustic jam session,” said Butler.

“We’re open to the public all the time with no cover charge, and most of our bands are from the surrounding area.”

Butler’s customer traffic was down 50% in January 2022 over a “normal January,” as he put it—and that was understandably discouraging.

“I’m not by nature pessimistic, but it wears you down,” said Butler.

Still, spring is on the horizon. Come April 1, Butler intends to reopen seven days a week (he shuttered the Cow on Mondays and Tuesdays during the winter) and is eagerly anticipating bringing music and customers to his two-level outdoor deck and stage over-

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looking the Cannon River as soon as the weather allows.

“The outdoor season last summer was very good, but it all came to a crushing halt in the winter,” said Butler.

“We had one [music] festival each month then, and I’ve had a lot of inquiries from bands that want to play this year. In another month I’ll start scheduling bands from mid-May to the end of September, but I’m trying to keep my powder dry until then.”

Blue Moon Bar & Grill, 300 S. Webster St., Kasota Bret Haslip, proprietor of Kasota’s Blue Moon Bar & Grill for over six years, is ready to kick the pandemic to the curb.

“COVID put a damper on things, but we survived and now we’re flourishing,” he said.

In fact, despite Blue Moon’s location in a town of 700 and its need to draw customers from larger communities in the vicinity, business is booming.

“We’ve seen an uptick from what we had pre-COVID,” said Haslip. “We’ve got the small-town flavor and are like a family here.”

Haslip is doing his part to keep the good times rolling.

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

Besides continuing with a Thursday night pork chop special (including baked potato, candied carrots and dinner roll) and discounted burger baskets on Wednesday evenings, Haslip schedules karaoke with Christian Sohmer from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. every third Saturday.

During the weekend of March 11-12, pool sharks can compete in a pool tournament.

And on March 26, Blue Moon is hosting the Everett Smithson band, a Zydeco, swamp-rock blues group with a Creole flavor, as Haslip describes them.

“They have a big bass, a washboard, squeeze box and harmonica,” said Haslip. “They’re really fun.”

Humor arrives at Blue Moon on April 2 in the form of comedian Kevin Craft.

“I try to program comedians here two or three times a year,” said Haslip.

By May 20, Haslip hopes to have his Friday bike night rolling—a regular weekly feature that typically continues into September.

“Periodically we’ll have acoustic entertainment on the patio,” Haslip said. “And I always check out bands in advance so whenever there’s one here, you know it’s going to be good.”

With no cover charge, Haslip invites customers to relax and soak in the friendly local dive bar ambience while enjoying drinks and food.

“We’re planning music,” said Haslip. “It’s full speed ahead.”

Armory Square Event Center, 519 Division St. South, Northfield If listening to music performed on an outdoor stage in a grassy square with a cold craft brew in hand sounds appealing, then you’ll want to spend a summer Friday evening at Northfield’s Armory Square.

You might hear Fred the Bear, a classic rock/alt band with rich harmonies, or a solo acoustic act like Mark Kreitzer or Randall Ferguson. Alternately, the cool sounds of Occasional Jazz might be the ticket, “Summer is a great time at Armory Square,” said Liz Reppe, co-owner of the venue with her husband

A sampling of upcoming music/ entertainment in the area: 2/27, 4 - 6 p.m., Todd Thompson Band, The Contented Cow, 302 Division St., Northfield 3/4, 6 p.m., Amanda Perry,

Chankaska Creek Ranch & Winery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota

3/11, 6 p.m., Billy Johnson, Chankaska Creek Ranch & Winery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota 3/17, 6:30 p.m., Jeremy Poland Band at Westwood Marina Bar & Grill, 1400 Lake Washington Access Road, Kasota 3/17, 9 p.m., Cowaroke at The Contented Cow, 302 Division St., Northfield The Cactus Blossoms performed for an energized crowd at the Armory Square Event Center, Northfield, in November 2021. Owner Liz Reppe hopes to book another two to three similar concerts in 2022.

Jonathan Reppe.

“People walk or ride bikes here, bring their dogs or little kids—it’s so fun.”

The Reppes purchased the 15,000 square-foot decommissioned Northfield Armory from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in August 2016.

They fashioned the space into an event center that is

The Cactus Blossoms played to an enthusiastic audience at the Armory Square Event Center, Northfield, on Nov. 21, 2021. Owner Liz Reppe is eager to book other similar gigs for 2022.

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now a popular wedding site. “”Weddings are always fun because everybody is happy,” said Reppe, noting their Saturday dance card is nearly filled with nuptial celebrations through 2022.

The building’s lower level has a full commercial kitchen that is rented by seven different caterers, including a Mexican favorite, Little Frida’s. A wellappointed gathering space on that level, known as the Low Down, is also available for rental and is nicely suited for smaller events.

From 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday evenings from midMay through the early fall, affiliated caterer Shawnee Langworthy of Cafe Shawn serves up pizzas and salads in Armory Square’s grassy outdoor space, perfectly complementing the music and six taps featuring local craft beer options.

“But we have a full liquor license and stock almost everything,” said Reppe, explaining that the scope of their alcoholic offerings differentiates them from breweries with more limited choices.

A glimpse of “normal” occurred when Armory Square hosted a long-postponed concert (originally scheduled for March 2020) featuring the popular Cactus Blossoms in late November.

“We’d like to schedule three to four bigger concerts like that annually inside the Armory,” said Reppe. “When the Cactus Blossoms played, the feeling in the space was so positive and energy-filled.

“People had really been waiting for it and they were excited to hear a great band again in the company of other people. And that’s what we’re looking forward to: Having the Armory packed with people listening to good music.” 

3/19, 9 p.m., Karaoke with Christian Sohmer, Blue Moon Bar & Grill, 300 S. Webster St., Kasota 3/26, 9 p.m., Everett Smith Band at Blue Moon Bar & Grill, 300 S. Webster St., Kasota 3/26, 6 p.m., Matthew Browne Chankaska Creek Ranch & Winery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota 4/2, 9 p.m., Comedian Kevin Kraft at Blue Moon Bar & Grill, 300 S. Webster St., Kasota

Sundays, 1 -3 p.m., Sunday Funday Bingo, Circle Inn Bar, 232 Belgrade Ave., North Mankato

Sundays, 7 p.m., Weekly

Comedy Open Mic, Circle Inn Bar, 232 Belgrade Ave., North Mankato

Freelance writer/collaborative pianist Jane Turpin Moore grew up in the Mankato area and is now based in Northfield. She blogs at timeformoore566445504.wordpress.com and fields emails at jturpinmoore@ gmail.com.

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Local movie industry

on the

By TOM NELSON Guest Contributor

T

wo years ago, the motion picture industry was rocked by COVID as the pandemic forced the closure of theaters across the nation and halted the production of movies.

When the theaters did reopen later in 2020, the release of new movies was significantly limited. Many theaters survived by showing classic movies or just did not open at all.

Fast forward to 2022 and the movie industry appears to be on the rebound thanks to the increased number of new releases, major blockbusters and a renewed confidence in moviegoers as they return to the theater.

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rebound

“We are probably at 60-70 percent of where we were pre-pandemic,” said Chris Brown, co-owner of the Cannon Valley Cinema 10 in Dundas and the Red Wing Cinema 8 in Red Wing, Minn. “It really helped having Spider-Man (Spider-Man: No Way Home)…that was wonderful. We also had some great movies over the holidays and that gave us a nice boost. The good news is that people still want to come out to the movies and have a great experience.”

Tony Tillemans, a Vice President with CEC Theaters (which owns the Northwoods Cinema 10 in Owatonna) added, “As far as the business goes, it has been tough the last couple years, but it certainly has improved significantly since the beginning of the pandemic.

“When we have had product, we have done fine. It has been more of a product issue for us

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and we do expect to see a more steady release of movies in the coming year. Batman will be a very significant movie opening on March 4 and there will be a lot of movies opening in April.

So the rest of the year looks quite strong and I think we are going to A variety of fa get back to some sense Valley Cinem vorite candies are av ailable at th a 10 conce of normalcy as far as e Cannon ssion stand . the release schedule of movies.” screens The area’s theaters offer fans top-flight opshowing the latest offertions for their movie viewing experience. Both ings from Hollywood. In addition, both facilities the Owatonna and Dundas theaters feature 10 provide luxury leather recliners for seating and a

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

wide range of options at their concessions stands.

“We installed the recliners when the theater was built in 2017 and our customers absolutely love it,” Brown said about the seating arrangements at the theater in Dundas.

“We are probably at 60-70 percent of where we were pre-pandemic.

It really helped having Spider-Man (Spider-Man: No Way Home)…that was wonderful. We also had some great movies over the holidays and that gave us a nice boost. The good news is that people still want to come out to the movies and have a great experience.”

Chris Brown, owner of Cannon Valley Cinema 10 and Red Wing Cinema 8 The Cannon Valley Cinema 10 added beer and wine to its concession menu three years ago and the option has been a positive addition.

“It has been wonderful,” Brown said. “It is just another add on to the movie going experience for people. People just enjoy another choice, much like our food offerings with pizza and chicken fingers. It is another choice for people to have besides popcorn. You can have a glass or wine or get a fun tap beer and watch a great flick

Cannon Valley Cinema 10 and Red Wing Cinema 8 owner Chris Brown poses at the concession stand. … it’s a neat thing to do.”

In an effort to attract customers, the North-

Beer, wine and hard seltzer drink options are now available at many theaters in the area.

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woods Cinema 10 and Cannon Valley Cinema 10 avoid lines at the box office. In addition, the theboth offer $5 admission to movies on Tuesdays. aters provide customers with the ability to select Special matiand reserve nee prices their seats in are offered advance. daily at both COtheaters VID concerns along with and state discounts mandates for children have created and seniors. enhanced The Cannon cleaning and Valley Cinsanitizing in ema 10 also the industry offers military and both local discounts theaters have and free strived to junior sized provide a safe popcorn on environment Mondays. for their cusOf note, tomers and the Cannon employees.

A kiosk at the entry to the Cannon Valley Cinema 10 in Valley Cinema Dundas allows movie goers to purchase tickets online and “As offers theater COVID proprint them at the entrance to the theater. rentals for gressed and groups and we learned has a separate party room available to use for what protocols needed to be in place, we just birthday parties as another feature. followed all of those things and have also tried to Both theaters have online ticketing available put in our own safety touches too,” Brown said. that allow fans to purchase tickets in advance and

CONTINUED page 10

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Popcorn is still a traditional favorite but many area theaters now offer a wide range of concession stand items including pizza, chicken tenders, nachos and assorted candies.

Cannon Valley Cinema’s Chris Brown prepares another batch of popcorn for that day’s movie fans.

CONTINUED from page 9 Tillemans noted that the introduction of the luxury seating helps meet some of the social distancing guidelines, as recliner seats have rows that are over six feet apart.

Brown added on the topic of COVID precautions, “The other great thing about theaters is that you’re in these massive rooms and every single theater has its own air conditioning and heating units. So you are not breathing any air from the other theaters. They are such large auditoriums with their own air exchangers and that air is pushed out of there continuously.

“Having said that, going to the theater is one of the safest things you can do as an activity when

A complete listing of area movie theaters are listed below. Please call or check the movie theaters’ websites for current movies being offered and showtimes.

THEATERS IN THE AREA: Cannon Valley Cinema 10

404 Schilling Drive, Dundas Phone: 507-366-3456 Facts: 10 screens, concessions, beer and wine served, luxury recliner seating in all theaters, party room available for rental

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you go out.”

Brown and his wife also own the Red Wing Cinema 8 in Red Wing, Minn. and expanded their business when the building in Dundas became available in 2017.

“We looked at several locations for our second site and then the K-Mart building became available, it was within the price range we were looking,” Brown said. “There was no theater in Faribault or Northfield, so there was a very large swath of people not being serviced by a theater.”

As the world slowly comes out of the COVID pandemic, the movie industry also appears to be making a recovery. In fact, Spider-Man: No Way Home released in late 2021 has already grossed over $1.75 billion at the box office and ranks

among the top four highest grossing films of all time in the United States and Canada.

Some of those anticipated movies slated for release in the upcoming months include the much anticipated The Batman (Mar. 4) that features Robert Pattison as Bruce Wayne, Colin Farrell as The Penguin and Paul Dano as The Riddler.

One of the last big box office hits before the pandemic was Sonic the Hedgehog, and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will release on April 8. Moribus starring Jared Leto is schedule to debut on April 1 and Harry Potter fans will want to mark April 15 for the release of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore starring Eddie Redmayne and Jude Law of The Road to Perdition fame.

Movies to watch for in May include Benedict

Northwoods Cinema 10

Mankato Cinema 4

AMC Classic Mankato 6

CineMagic Hollywood 12 Theater

300 Allan Avenue, Owatonna Phone: 507-451-1410 Facts: 10 screens, concessions, luxury recliner seating in all theaters

1600 Warren Street, Mankato Phone: 507-625-1763

Cinemark River Hills Movies 8

1850 Adams Street, Mankato Phone: 507-625-1929 Facts: Luxury recliner seats in all theaters

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12 Civic Center Plaza #1640, Mankato Phone: 507-779-7309

2171 Superior Drive NW, Rochester Phone: 507-536-7469

CMX Cinemas Chateau

3450 East Circle Drive NE, Rochester Phone: 507-483-3335 Facts: Luxury recliner seats, currently closed on Monday through Thursday

Cumberbatch and Elizabeth OIsen in Doctor Stange in the Multiverse of Madness (May 6) along with the return of Tom Cruise after more than 30 years in Top Gun: Maverick (May 27).

Summer releases to focus on include another chapter in the Jurassic Park franchise - Jurassic World Dominion (June 10) and Lightyear (June 1), which follows the further adventures of Toy Story’s beloved Buzz Lightyear. Marvel will add another must-see to the summer blockbuster list with the release of Thor: Love and Thunder on July 8. Thor’s all-star cast includes Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Christian Bale and Chris Pratt.

Notable releases later during the upcoming holiday season in 2022 include: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Nov. 11), Aquaman and the

Kasson State Theater

221 W. Main Street, Kasson Phone: 507-634-6300 Facts: Classic theater first opened in 1937 that closed in 1967. After many years being used as a church, the State Theater returned to the movie business in 1998. The theater currently has one screen.

Red Wing Cinema 8

140 Tyler Road N., Red Wing Phone: 651-385-8856 Facts: Eight screens

Winona 7

70 W 2nd Street., Winona Phone: 507-452-4172

Marcus Rochester Cinema and IMAX

4340 Maine Ave. SE, Rochester Phone: 507-529-1753 Facts: IMAX screen, Super Seven DLX, luxury recliners, some theaters feature heated Dream Loungers

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

Movie theaters, like Northwoods Cinema in Owatonna, have needed to adjust during the pandemic.

Lost Kingdom (Dec. 16) and Avatar 2 (Dec. 16).

As evident by the growing list of new features, movie theaters are once again becoming a top entertainment choice for area residents.

“Families are getting out, kids are getting out and adults are getting out again,” Brown said. “Everybody is getting out again to the movies and it is so nice to see.”  Tom Nelson is a resident of Northfield. Prior to his move to this area in 2021, Nelson worked as an intercollegiate athletics professional for over 30 years. A graduate of North Central College in Naperville, Ill., Nelson began his writing career as a reporter for newspapers in the Chicago suburbs including the West Chicago Press, Wheaton Daily Journal, Naperville/Bolingbrook SUN and the Aurora Beacon News.

Luxury recliner seating is quickly becoming an industry standard at many local movie theaters.

9th Annual

Faribault Bridal Fair Sunday, March 6th, 2022 Noon-3:30pm Cake Dive 2:30pm

Faribo West Mall 200 Western Ave NW Faribault MN 55021 Brides get a free gift for preregistering at faribaultbridalfair@gmail.com. Brides include name, address, phone#, and wedding date to preregister.

Vendors looking to participate can request info at faribaultbridalfair@gmail.com

Mizuki Fusion

Order Online! japanese & thai Restaurant

VESELI, MN

GREAT BURGERS GREATER PIZZA

Stop by in a car, truck, RZR, side-by-side, bicycle, motorcycle or snowmobile

WE’D LOVE TO SEE YOU!

Mondays 5 pm - 1 am • Tuesday-Saturday 11:30 am - 1:00 am HAPPY HOUR M-F // 3 pm - 6 pm

OPEN FOR CARRY OUT ONLY

Summer Fun: Volleyball Court • Bean Bags • Horseshoes Cozy Deck with a Fenced in Yard Winter Fun: Meat Raffle Second Friday of the Month • Bingo Thursdays

119 W Bridge St, Owatonna | 507-214-3131 | www.mizukifusion.com

507-744-2370 | 9856 50th St. W, Veseli

bento box • sashimi • teriyaki • hibachi • tempura soup and salad • sushi • maki • desserts

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On/Off Sale Available

W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M

| MARCH 2022

11

By TOM NELSON Guest Contributor

T

he COVID pandemic may have caused a few open frames in 2020 and early 2021, but the sport of bowling is back rolling strikes at lanes throughout Southern Minnesota in 2022.

Thanks to a variety of new promotional concepts, technology enhancements, the return of leagues and diligent sanitation practices, bowling has been able to make a strong recovery from mandated shutdowns during the COVID crisis.

“We are absolutely packed on Fridays and Saturdays now,” said Teri Haugh, who is the Games Manager at Spare Time Entertainment located at 333 18th Street SE in Owatonna. “You pretty much have to make a reservation to get on the lanes on those evenings.”

At the Faribowl, owner Don Clayton has also experience a similar return of his customers in recent months.

“As far as the number of bowlers, we are doing pretty well and almost back to pre-COVID numbers,” Clayton said of his facility that features 16 lanes and is located at 1802 Fourth St. NW in Faribault.

At Flaherty’s Northfield Lanes (1700 MN-3 in Northfield), Adam Flaherty, who recently purchased the bowling center previously known as Jesse James Lanes, said, “I have nothing to compare

it to since we didn’t own it last year at this time, but when I do talk with the staff, they say it is busier now than it was when they reopened after COVID.” A legacy in the bowling business, Flaherty’s family has been in the industry for more than 80 years. His great-grandfather opened the bowling center in Arden Hills and his father continues to run those lanes to this day, making it the longest family owned and operated bowling center in the United States.

“We made it through World War II and other pandemics, but we’ve never seen something like this where we were forced to shutdown in the 83 years we’ve been running the business. This one is definitely different but we will get through this too.” Flaherty said.

The one area in the industry that seems to have taken a slight hit during COVID has been business and corporate functions at the bowling centers.

“We have noticed a decrease in those types of parties at our two locations and I have asked other bowling center proprietors and they all say the same thing. To make up for that loss, open bowling is up from previous years.” Flaherty said. “A lot of families felt the brunt of COVID on many levels, and I think one of the silver linings of COVID is that it may have brought families close together again and we are happy to be part of that by hosting those types of connections with bowling.”

In addition to the strong interest in open bowling, participation in leagues has also been on the increase and Flaherty said numbers in the leagues in Northfield are comparable to where they were before the COVID shutdowns of 2020.

Local bowling centers have been very diligent about following proper protocols during this time of COVID along with following

TOP: Aaron Arndt faces the pins on lane 14 of Spare Time Entertainment in Owatonna during a practice game. (File photo/southernminn.com)

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YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

Flaherty’s Northfield Lanes is owned by a multigenerational bowling alley family.

The Faribowl offers 16 lanes for bowling. necessary state guidelines - all in an effort to insure their customers safety.

“With our Association, we are on Zoom calls about once every two weeks with the state commissioners in order to discuss how we can stay healthy…and we watch that very closely,” Haugh said. “We make sure we sanitize as much as we can and keep people a lane apart when we can.”

Flaherty added, “We prided ourselves on the cleanliness of this location and the one in Arden Hills.

We do take care of our center.”

Clayton has also strives to have an open lane between bowlers when possible and continues to emphasis proper cleaning throughout the day.

“We sanitize the lanes as soon as someone is done in order to get it ready for the next group,” Clayton Key pads for the electronic scoring system at the Faribowl in Faribault. said. “We try to keep it safe, sanitized and clean.”

The return of the sport has also the scoring animation on the overhead screens for that game. been assisted by innovative promotions and marketing efforts at Spare Time Entertainment offers nightly promotions during the area bowling center along with continued facility and equipment week on its 18 lanes in Owatonna. On Mondays, the center offers enhancements.

Buck Night with $1 per game bowling from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. TuesIn recent years, most area bowling centers have moved away day night is an all ages and any abilities league and on Wednesday from the old pencil and paper or overhead projectors for scorthere is a Wine and Women League that features bowling along ing. Technology such as the QUBICA systems offer computerized with food and drink specials. Thursday night is the Men’s League scoring on overhead screens. Some of these system even allow for night at Spare Time and the weekend puts the spotlight on Cosmic bowlers to download images of you face that then becomes part of Bowling.

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This popular promo includes special lighting, music and games on Friday and Saturday evenings. The Spare Time Cosmic Bowling includes an early session from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for families and a late session from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for adults.

New promotions have also helped Flaherty’s Northfield Lanes make the rebound.

“We introduced something they had not done here before and it is called All You Can Bowl,” Flaherty said. “For $8 on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, you can bowl as many games as you want from 9:00 p.m. until we close at 11:00 p.m.”

Flaherty’s is also featuring a “Strike It Rich” promotion on Friday and Saturday evenings.

“It includes Cosmic Bowling, some special challenging shots that we announce during the night and you can win some prizes,” Flaherty said. “It is fun and mostly directed toward the college crowd, but it seems to be catching on.”

The bowling centers in the area also make a perfect place to host birthday parties and other celebrations, while offering a fun activity for all to participate in during the event.

To meet those party needs, Spare Time offers three different kinds of birthday party packages.

“We offer a Bowling Bash, which is on the lane, we offer Games Galore and that is a combination of laser tag and arcade games and we offer an Ultimate Birthday package that is a combination of all three of those,” Haugh said.

Arcades and laser tag are just two examples of other fun activities found at bowling centers around the area. Spare Time has a three level laser tag area along with a large arcade and regularly scheduled live music in its lounge.

“If you can’t find fun here, you are not going to find it anywhere,” Haugh said about the multitude of activities available at Spare Time Entertainment.

A new and improved arcade are also in the works at Flaherty’s Northfield Lanes along with other changes in the near future. One change already made was the addition of tap beer lines in the bar at Flaherty’s.

“Over the next few months we are remodeling the old banquet space that was used as a dinner club back in the 1990s,” Flaherty said. “We will be turning that into a sports bar and adding a patio.

“We do have an arcade and we are expanding that as part of the remodeling project. We are bumping out a wall and more than

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CONTINUED page 14 | MARCH 2022

13

Bashers is a good place to learn how to bowl, with a number of bumper options.

CONTINUED from page 13 doubling the size of the arcade. We are also revitalizing our menu and expanding the kitchen…so it is going to be an exciting four or five months here coming up.

Flaherty added, “With the arcade and restaurant improvements, I want to make this a place that families can come and stay…not just bowl and leave.”

Promotions are also a key marketing tool at the Faribowl throughout the year.

“We do specials all the time,” Clayton said. “Sometimes we throw a special out on the weekend just to try and get people in here.”

A few of those current specials at the Faribowl Beau Horejsi include a Monday night special for $15, which shows good includes unlimited bowling and shoes from form on his 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and it is all about the delivery at two’s on Thursday nights with $2 games, $2 Flaherty’s shoes and $2 domestic beers in the bar.

Northfield Clayton said he plans to have a summer Lanes.

Bunkies Grille and Lanes The following is a list of bowling centers located throughout the Southern Minnesota Scene readership area.

Borough Bowl and Prairie Grille Facts: 8 lanes, bar, restaurant, arcade 235 S. Ash Street, Belle Plaine Phone: 952-873-2204

14

Facts: 4 lanes, restaurant and bar 311 Main Street E., Blooming Prairie Phone: 507-583-2321

Fairbowl Facts: 16 lanes, restaurant, bar and arcade 1802 4th Street NW, Faribault Phone: 507-334-3262

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league at the Faribowl in 2022 and is offering a Youth League on Saturdays this year. The Faribowl is also home to the Faribault High School bowling program and Clayton has served as a coach over the year for the Falcons. The Faribowl also books birthday parties for children (and adults).

“One of my goals is to try and get more younger bowlers in here,” Clayton said. “Obviously, I am not going to be around forever and I have my kids, who I am thinking will take over when I am done, and I would like to build that base for them.”

In the summer months, the Faribowl compliments its bowling offerings with outdoor volleyball leagues and most recently added two outdoor axe throwing lanes in 2021.

The majority of bowling centers in the area offer food service and bars on site and some, like Spare Time, provides food and beverage service on the lanes.

Known for its ribs, Bashers Sports Bar and Grill at the Faribowl offers a wide ranging menu that includes homemade soups and desserts along with a Friday fish fry that is especially popular during Lent.

Another common feature in bowling centers throughout southern Minnesota is bumper bowling, which provides a great learning environment for people new to the sport - especially young children.

A leader in bowling education, Spare Time houses the U.S. Bowling Academy that provides training to bowlers, coaches and also runs tournaments. The Academy is run by Haugh, who also teaches classes for the United States Bowling and Spare Time offers state of the art technology tools and classroom space for teaching

Flaherty’s Northfield Lanes

Pla Mor Lanes Recreational Center

Facts: 16 lanes, restaurant, bar and arcade 1700 MN-3, Northfield Phone: 507-645-8322

Facts: Restaurant and Bar 304 First Street South, Montgomery Phone: 507-364-7762

Hoot Lanes

Spare Time Entertainment

Facts: Six lanes, beer and wine, pizzas 204 Highway 13 N., Waterville Phone: 507-330-4176

Facts: 18 lanes, restaurant, bar, arcade, laser tag 333 18th Street SE, Owatonna Phone: 507-451-2524

Janesville Bowl Facts: 8 lanes, restaurant, bar 307 N. Main Street, Janesville Phone: 507-231-5247

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

FOOD. DRINK. FUN.

BUy ONe

and training.

Spare Time is also home to the Champions Pro Shop, which is managed by two-time USA Team member Briley Haugh.

“We have a fully staffed bowling pro shop here and Briley Haugh is the owner of the pro shop,” Teri Haugh said of her son who has been drilling bowling balls since he was 13 years old.

“He has a huge knowledge and has bowled all the major tournaments.”

Of note, Briley Haugh most recently competed at the United State Bowling Congress’ U.S. Open in Indianapolis during the first week of February and also competed in the Team USA Amateur event in Las Vegas during January.

If you are interested in trying out any of the area’s bowling centers, please remember to call in advance or check online for open bowling hours and availability. Lanes are often booked due to league play, so it is best to call ahead for open bowling opportunities and other promotions available at the bowling centers.

Bowlers interested in participating in a league should also call their local bowling center to find out more about league availability and schedules.  Tom Nelson is a resident of Northfield. Prior to his move to this area in 2021, Nelson worked as an intercollegiate athletics professional for over 30 years. A graduate of North Central College in Naperville, Ill., Nelson began his writing career as a reporter for newspapers in the Chicago suburbs including the West Chicago Press, Wheaton Daily Journal, Naperville/Bolingbrook SUN and the Aurora Beacon News.

laser tag,

get 2ND ½ OFF Bowler Bonnie Fuller ton at Flaherty’s No rthfield Lanes.

Strike Force Bowl

Victory Bowl

Facts: 8 lanes, restaurant and bar 309 Main Street W., New Prague Phone: 952-758-5170

Facts: 12 lanes, restaurant, bar 203 South Victory Drive, Mankato Phone: 507-387-7991

Uncle Mony’s Spare Time Lanes

Wescon Lanes

Facts: 8 lanes, restaurant, bar, arcade 18 2nd Street NE, Hayfield Phone: 507-477-3492

Facts: 6 lanes, restaurant and bar 234 Main Street, West Concord Phone: 507-527-2455

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Present this coupon at time of purchase.

Limitations may apply.

WOW! Zone Family Entertainment Center Facts: 24 lanes, restaurant, bar, arcade, laser tag 2030 Adams Street, Mankato Phone: 507-625-2695

300 Club Facts: 8 lanes, restaurant and bar 504 N. Main Street, Le Sueur Phone: 507-665-6015

Monday - Wednesday open at 1:00pm & Thursday - Sunday open at 11:00am.

www.wowzonefec.com

2030 Adams Street Mankato, MN, 56001

507-625-2695

W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M

| MARCH 2022

15

ELENA MERCURIO

SoMINN STYLE

C

an you feel it? Is that spring around the corner? Is it time to put the layers away? Well not quite yet for us Minnesotans.

Every year on Feb. 2 I excitedly watch the groundhog declare either an early spring or six more weeks of winter, knowing full well I live in Minnesota, and a May blizzard is disappointing but not so surprising. At least we can get excited about it around the corner, even if the corner is a little further away.

Maybe you are lucky enough to be heading out on a spring break getaway this month and will get a taste of some warm weather and sunshine! I thought it would be fun to share some of my must have items to bring on a spring vacation. Here is what I like to pack when I’m heading south:

Women’s Clothing from Small to Plus Size Unique Jewelry & Select Variety of Fashionable Shoes 142 Bridge Street, Owatonna Monday - Friday 10-6 Saturday 10-3 Shop Online at HiddenRoseBoutique.com

16

Elena Mercurio is a Mankato native and a Twin Cities resident. She has a love for fashion and went to school for it. She also enjoys concerts, festivals, new restaurants and good deals. Reach her at elenamercurio@gmail.com.

• A hat. Not only is it a way to add in some personal style, it also helps protect your face and keep you cool. A straw wide brimmed hat is my favorite for a tropical

vacation. If I’m doing something more active like hiking, I go for a baseball cap.

• Sunglasses. Also a style statement, as well as a very necessary item. Squinting the whole vacation is not ideal, especially for those selfies to friends and family. Sticking to a classic style like aviators, cat -eye, or the “Ray-ban” style in a neutral color of black or brown will always be a timeless look. wear • Swim cover up. This can be a simple dress that is easy to at a throw on over a suit and makes you look put together on your way surf shop to the beach or pool. You could also go for a button-down shirt that only and shorts for nice thoughtful look. has bright • A light cardigan or sweater. The sun might feel great in colored t-shirts with the city name I’m currently in as my only the day, but many places can still feel very cool at night so grab clothing store option in the area. Learn from my mistakes and have that light sweater as a laying option. A sweater will be nicer than that outfit ready, just in case. a sweatshirt if you go • Extra bags. I alstraight from the beach to ways try to bring along a a restaurant that might be tote bag, which will work in a nicer beach hotel. great for a simple beach • A raincoat or umbag, shopping at the local brella. Plan for rain, even market or finding souveif it doesn’t say in the forenirs. Even if my souvenirs cast because it can always are just shells I found on pop up. A bright color or the beach! It’s a great printed umbrella can make way to protect them in a great fashion statement my suitcase on the way and even provide some home, and it generally shade on the beach if it looks nicer and is more ends up being all sunshine environmentally friendly on your trip. than carrying around a • A nicer pair of plastic bag. If you know shoes. Tennis shoes and you will be doing a lot of flip-flops are great for shopping while on your beach, workouts, or walktrip, I also suggest bringing around but a nice pair Tote bags are a great extra item to bring on a trip, serving as a ing an empty foldable of shoes can really elevate smaller transportation item while you’re out and about at your duffle bag you can have the rest of your outfit destination, while also providing an extra bag for souvenirs to take as your second carry on when going out for dinner home. item for the way home, or a show in the evening. rather than trying to cram Its those little details that all your new finds into your suitcase. If you don’t end up using it, it make the difference. stays folded in your suitcase and didn’t take up much space.

• One nice outfit. Even if you plan to be in a swimsuit the And as Baz Luhrmann suggested to us in his song, don’t forget whole time, it’s nice to have a backup, in case you get invited to the sunscreen. May your spring travels, be fun, safe and filled with something fun. I have been scrambling to find something nice to a little more style along the way. 

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YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

MARY CLOSNER

Rants & RAVES

Mary Closner lives in Northfield, making bad decisions so you don’t have to! Reach her at 1964minx@gmail.com.

Embarrassing Personal Secret

I

don’t measure. Nope.

Not at all. I grew up in a construction family filled with architects, engineers, roofers, masons, fix-it/buildit/make-it-yourself types and I can’t measure. I’m like the secret mutant child they hide in the attic and no one ever talks about. My disability is a deep source of shame among my tribe.

While my family members are all constructing their own garages and decks, I’m the one who brought all my used kitchen blinds to a big box store. I jammed a shopping cart full of those greasy, dusty, once-white-now-gray blinds and pushed them right into the home décor department. I had also made the unfortunate decision to ask my sister to meet me there and help me figure out what I needed.

Upon my arrival, my horrorstricken, saucer-eyed sister (the architect) yelled, “What the hell are you doing?” as I strolled my filthy prizes down the aisle. “I brought these to show the guy what I need”, I replied. “Why didn’t you just write down the measurements?” she queried.

She was unaware until this particular episode that this is how I operate.

I bring the broken thing to

No. 217

the hardware store, hand it to the first person I see, stand by the register, and clean out my purse. Then young, energetic people adorned with magical measuring tools wander off on a quest for my holy grail. If I look helpless enough, they’ll even wheel the item right to the register for me. All I have to do is mention my lack of upper body strength and I can even get them to load the car.

Once my sister witnessed this unfortunate incident, she began to understand why my vehicle is always filled with old light bulbs, dead batteries, scraps of wood, bent heating vents and miscellaneous pieces of conduit.

I don’t know the gene that’s necessary to bestow upon a person the ability to size things. All I know is, I didn’t inherit it. This was all made crystal clear when I took my first written drivers test.

Question No. 36 - When driving in heavy traffic, you should be the following safe stopping distance from the car in front of you:

meters, 5 miles … in my mind, it’s all the same. I’m basically just thrilled that the car is still in front of me and I haven’t hit it yet. How do people know this crap? God help me when I have to order envelopes for my holiday cards. I basically just order every size they make and hope for the best.

This deficiency also ruins my chances as a crack eye-witness for the police. I already know how that scenario is gonna go down. “How tall was the axe murderer, ma’am?” I will start waving my arms and gesticulating madly to demonstrate. ”Short, maybe, or kinda tallish.

He looked really teeny next to that building.”

I have no sense for this sort of

in the backseat of the station wagon without seatbelts while they chain-smoked probably ruined my measuring skills.

Suffice to say, I have multiple holes in the wall under every picture I’ve ever hung. Most of my artwork is at an unusual angle, which people assume is because I’m “artsy.” Actually, it’s just because my decorating style is, “eye it up and hope for the best.”

So, if you see me at the hardware store with an industrial trash bag full of filthy furnace filters and a broken piece of glass from my bookshelf doors, don’t be concerned.

I’m just fine … just doin’ a little shop-

5 feet 10 feet 15 feet 50 feet Five feet, 5 yards, 5 inches, 5

thing, and I assume it’s my parent’s fault. All those years of rolling around

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ping. I’d be a lot more nervous if you were unlucky enough to be parked close to me in the parking lot. 

W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M

| MARCH 2022

17

ELLEN EIDE

SoMINN FASHION

Ellen Eide is a 25-year-old fashion enthusiast from Le Sueur. With a background in atmospheric science, Ellen now works as the brand manager for Her Happy Place Boutique in St. Peter.

The

Resurgence of

A great starting point to jumping on a new trend is to try bold new accessories. Weather you prefer neutrals or bold colors, an oversized pair of tinted sunglasses will keep your style chic and on trend. Silk scarves with bold patterns will also help you transition your style.

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F

rom good vibes to great music the 1970’s were all about artistic expression and cultural shifts, especially in fashion. We can easily see the parallels between our current economic climate and the hardships of the 1970’s in the antiwar movement, fight for equality among marginalized people, crusade to protect the environment, shortages of resources, and economic recession.

While it would be easy to look back at this tumultuous time in a negative scope, it is often said that the 70’s were the best time in history to be a teenager. As an employee in a southern MN boutique, I regularly get to hear customers reminisce on carefree times with booming pop culture, music festivals, 8-track tapes, and Farah Fawcett hair. Regular people who took matters into their own hands were able to make the decade a great one. As we struggle today to end a pandemic and get back to normal life, whatever that may look like, we need a shock factor to break us out of what is beginning to feel like an eternal funk.

The new trend of dopamine dressing could not have surfaced at a more opportune time.

Dopamine is one of your brain’s “feel good” hormones that supplies a feeling of pleasure.

We are able to produce dopamine naturally

through proper sleep, regular exercise, listening to music, meditation and a good diet.

New research has found that the clothing we choose to wear can boost our brains’ dopamine levels through use of color, texture, and shape. Current trends in dopamine dressing are backed by the idea that color can influence your mood.

Wearing bold colors such as fuchsia, lavender, and emerald from head to toe are believed to bring you more happiness. Color blocking bold textures and colors have a similar effect. We hold the power to dress for the day we want to have. Traditionally, we see fashion cycles repeat every 30 years, but those cycles have been moving much faster these days. In the 1990’s and early 2000’s we saw a resurgence of 60’s and 70’s fashion in the form of Y2K style. These trends brought back the bell bottom jeans, tube tops, embroidery, and bold patterns.

Today we are seeing the bold styles of the 1970’s make yet another comeback with a modern interpretation. In 2022, we are setting aside the skinny jeans as this year will be all about flare pants and wide leg trousers.

There are endless styles to choose from, so as always, it is important to find the style that flatters your body and makes you feel your

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

best.

Some iconic 70’s styles to add to your collection include anything and everything fringe, statement collars, sweater vests, overalls, and denim dresses. It is said in fashion that nothing is truly new anymore, but simply a variation of past styles. A great starting point to jumping on a new trend is to try bold new accessories. With sunshine filled summer days on the horizon, new sunglasses could dramatically update your look.

Weather you prefer neutrals or bold colors, an oversized pair of tinted sunglasses will keep your style chic and on trend. Silk scarves with bold patterns will also help you transition your style. Scarves can be tied on purses to just add a touch of color or can elevate an outfit when worn as a neck scarf, headpiece, or even tied into a blouse. Finish off your look with platform shoes, and bold jewelry made from acrylic and natural materials.

As fashion is cyclical, we often hear people say that they shouldn’t wear clothing that they wore the first time they were in style. Harnessing the carefree spirit of the 70’s, it is refreshing to watch this rhetoric fade into the past. Working in a boutique, I have had the opportunity to learn from many women who were my age in 1970. It has been exciting watch these women lead the charge on these resurfacing trends.

In 2022, we are setting aside the skinny If a trend you once loved is back in fashjeans as this year will be all about flare ion, and still flatters your body, why not give pants and wide leg trousers. it another try? For many women, revisiting styles they once loved wearing has sparked a also regenerate a feeling of youthfulness and of long-lost passion for fashion and style. It can course get the nostalgia flowing! 

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SOUTHERN MINN

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

.COM

25-FEB REO Speedwagon -- 7:30 p.m.,

Mayo Civic Center Auditorium, 30 Civic Center Drive SE., Rochester. -. Tickets $36.50-$225.

25-FEB

Ledfoot Larry -8:30-11 p.m., The Doublewide, 421 Saint Joseph St., Elko New Market.

An evening with Ledfoot Larry, a Saint Paul-based band, combining Tex-Mex and early styles of country music to create a neotraditional sound.

26-FEB

Sleigh and Cutter Closing Day -- 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Waseca. Vintage snowmobile show 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Boat House; Vintage snowmobile ice drags starting at noon at Boat House; and fireworks display (largest show ever) on Clear Lake, just after 5 p.m.

CHECK OUT THE SCENE CALENDAR ONLINE FOR ADDITIONAL HAPPENINGS!

26-FEB Johnny Cash Tribute Show -- 7-10

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3-MAR Film Series at Home -- 7-8 p.m., Saint Peter, Street Peter. The Nicollet County Historical Society and St. Peter Community and Family Education present our 13th season of documentary films. The March film is The Man Who Tried to Feed the World.

p.m., The Grand Event Center of Northfield, 316 Washington St., Northfield. What better way to celebrate Johnny Cashs birthday than to hear his music played live by the best tribute band in the land, Mitchell Hall and the Tennessee Trio live in Northfield. Tickets online.

27-FEB Voctave: Red Wing, MN -- 3-7 p.m.,

26-FEB The Ring of Kerry -- 7-10 p.m.,

Sheldon Theatre, 443 W. Third St., Red Wing. A cappella sensation Voctave shot to prominence after garnering over 100 million online views of their videos in just two years. Formed in 2015 by producer and arranger Jamey Ray, the voices that bring their arrangements to life represent a wealth of diverse backgrounds and musical experiences hailing from Central Florida, the eleven members of Voctave have performed across the globe and appear on countless recordings.

4-MAR Blue Ringers Band and Chili Cook-Off -- 5:30-10 p.m., The Mill Event Center, 310 Second Ave. SW., Waseca. Doors open at 4. Chili cook-off starts at 5:30, followed

by Blue Ringers at 8. There is a $7 cover charge and all proceeds will go to the Waseca Area Special Olympics. Anyone can enter the cookoff.

State St. Theater Co., 1 N. State St., New Ulm. The Ring of Kerry is a bursting-with-energy Irish music group that captures the hearts of listeners.

All five of its engaging musicians sing and play several instruments. Tickets online.

3-MAR Diali Cissokho -- 6:30-9 p.m., Northfield Public Library, 210 Washington St., Northfield. Diali Cissokho ecstatically explores the spiritual songs, stories, and rhythms of Senegal’s millennia-old Mandé culture. Cissokho comes from a long line of prominent griots.

26FEB

Cabin Fever Party -9 a.m.-5 p.m., Faribault Harley-Davidson, 2704 W. Airport Drive, Faribault. Beat the winter blues. Party includes a clearance on end-of-season apparel, gift card giveaway and a free nacho bar.

SEE MORE @ SouthernMinnSCENE.com

26-FEB Mardi Gras Masquerade Party

-- 8-11:59 p.m., Blue Moon Bar and Grill, 300 S. Webster St., Kasota. Join for a night of music and dancing celebrating Mardi Gras at the Blue Moon, featuring The Everett Smithson Band, bringing their hot movin music from up and down the Mississippi River.

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4-MAR Hometown Sampler -- 7-9:30 p.m., Little Theatre of Owatonna, 560 Dunnell Drive, Owatonna. The Sampler is back! Join for a weekend of incredible music while coming together to support the needs of the community.

Shows Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

4-MAR Bright Star -- 7:30-10 p.m.,

4-MAR Everett Smithson -- 7-9:30 p.m.,

The Grand Center for Arts & Culture, 210 N. Minnesota St., New Ulm. The band was formed in 2005 and included Everett Smithson on harp and vocals, Phil Schmid on guitar, Jeremy Johnson on drums and Bill Black on stand up bass. Originals and covers.

Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 Third St. W., Northfield. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a soldier just home from WWII, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Directed

by Mishia Edwards. Tickets online. Shows March 4-6, 11-13, 18-20.

5-MAR Children’s Dream Catcher Bingo Fundraiser -- 2-5 p.m., Starfire Event Center, 206 Second Ave. SW., Waseca. Auction, meat raffles and Bingo. Under 18 can play Bingo with an adult.

5-MAR 4-MAR Beethovenfest -- 7-8:03 p.m.,

Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 W. College Ave., Saint Peter. Mankato Symphony Orchestra’s Symphonic Series concludes with a festival-concert celebrating the music of one of our greatest composers, Ludwig van Beethoven. Tickets online.

5-MAR Schell’s Bock Fest -- 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m., August Schell Brewing Co, 1860 Schell’s Road, New Ulm. While the beer doesn’t always speed the arrival of Spring, it will at least keep you warm. Come beckon warmer weather with a mug full of Bock, dancing and food. Tickets cost $21.

21-plus event.

Something For the City -- 4-10 p.m., Mayo Civic Center, 30 Civic Center Drive SE., Rochester. This is a Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball formal event for all sides of the community.

Pop up shop from local vendors, Mardi Gras celebration dance hosted by University of Minnesota jazz band.

5-MAR Kid Dakota -- 5-9 p.m., Montgomery Brewing, 306 Second St. NW., Montgomery.

Solo acoustic performance. Kid Dakota is the musical moniker of Darren Jackson. Formed in 1999, Kid Dakota has released two albums on LOW’s Chairkicker’s Union - So Pretty (2002), and The West is the Future (2004) - and four albums on Graveface Records - A Winner’s Shadow (2008), Listen to the Crows As They Take Flight (2011), Denervation (2018), and most recently, Age of Roaches (2020). Darren is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, engineer, teacher, and producer. He owns and operates Homesteader Studio in Minneapolis, MN. CONTINUED page 22

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7-MAR

5-MAR

Gangstagrass -- 7-11 p.m., Sheldon Theatre, Central Park Band Shell\nbetween East and West Avenues, Fourth and Fifth Streets, Red Wing.

Gangstagrass is a collective of musicians who demolish every preconception you have about country music and hip-hop music. The boundaries are gone and Gangstagrass is out there doing things nobody thought would work but when you hear it you know, down in your soul, that it does work. We bring the thump of the boom bap and the twang of the high lonesome and make something new. We are Gangstagrass, deal with it.

5-MAR PK Mayo -- 7:30-10 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave. N., Faribault.

Paul Kennedy Mayasich originally from Eveleth Minnesota on the Iron Range is a Minnesota Rock and Country Hall Hall of Fame inductee whose career has spanned 35 years. Tickets from $15-25.

6-MAR Flags for Vets - Ruck of Hope -8:30-10 a.m., Clear Lake Park, 1000 Eighth Ave. NE., Waseca. Event to support service and veteran families who have lost a member to suicide. Walk travels north around Clear Lake and continues south. 507-835-5267.

The Secret Science of Ice Cream -10 a.m.-noon, Waseca Le Sueur Library, 408 N. State St., Waseca.

Why doesn’t ice cream sink in a root beer float? Why are some ice creams creamier? Learn this and more while you sample the treat.

11-MAR

Specialty Grade Local Roaster Holiday Flavored Sample Packs Around the World in 12 Coffees Coffee Brewing Equipment, Subscriptions and Gift Cards

Pick up in store, Local Delivery, or Shipped

Do you want to submit an event to this calendar?

Send details to editor@ southernminnscene.com.

Did we miss something?

Let us know! We may still be able to get an important event on one of our weekly pages that run in the newspapers on the back page of the B section.

6-MAR

The Mill Bridal Show -- 11 a.m.-2 p.m., The Mill Event Center, 310 Second Ave. SW., Waseca. All the latest in weddings from vendors all over.

6-MAR Owatonna Students Show -- 1-5 p.m., Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna. March is National Youth Art Month. In celebration, the Arts Center is honored to proudly display the works of Owatonna Public Schools k-12 students.

Locally Owned and Operated Mon & Thur 10 AM - 6 PM Saturday 9 AM - NOON

435 26th St NE, Owatonna 507-413-0814

straightrivercoffee.com 22

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6-MAR Family Sing-a-Long -- 3-6 p.m., Paramount Theatre, 125 Fourth Ave. NE., Austin.

Sing along to the classic film, Sound of Music (1965). $5 ticket for this family-friendly event.

The Jimmys -- 7:30-10 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave. N., Faribault. Over the past twelve years, The Jimmys have solidified their brand of Blues and R&B across the Midwest, Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean.

A festival favorite in numerous reviews. Tickets online.

12-MAR

Relativity -- 5:30-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18018 631st Ave., Janesville.

The band combines outstanding vocals, guitar, mandolin and blazing fiddle to create a fun and eclectic evening.

A request list of a couple hundred songs from acoustic top 40 to classic and folk rock.

12-MAR The Lonely Ones -- 7-11 p.m., The What’s Up Lounge, 118 E. Rock St., Mankato. Formed in the summer of 2019, The Lonely Ones are a four piece vocal-oriented hard rock band with an ear for melody and a taste for success. No strangers to the hardships of the music industry, The Lonely Ones know what they want and know how to get it. The first singles “Eternal Sadness” and “The Lonely One” debuted in March of 2020.

The Lonely Ones are: Marty McCoy - guitar / vocals Tommy Johnson - drums Jymmy Tolland bass / vocals Jake Earley - guitar / vocals.

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

17-MAR Local Foods Tradeshow -- 8 a.m.-7 p.m., The Grand O2 Event Center, 32057 64th Ave., Cannon Falls.

The FEAST! tradeshow day includes a Buyers’ Expo, Lunch and Awards Presentation, and Makers’ Forum panel discussions. It’s all about local foods. Tickets are $50 for attendees.

17-MAR

St. Patrick’s Day Parade -- 5:30-7 p.m., South Third Street, S Third Street South Third Street, Saint Peter.

Annual family friendly parade runs along Third Street in St. Peter.

Everyone encouraged to wear green. Buy a raffle ticket for a chances at prizes - up to $500 in St. Peter Chamber bucks.

12-MAR Rock the Legion -- 7-11 p.m., American Legion, 137 W. Broadway St., Owatonna. Great tunes on the menu along with plenty of Live-a-tion. Rocking the place with classic hit music from the 70s to the 90s. Great place to meet up with good friends and to kick back and enjoy.

17-MAR

17-MAR Farm and Power Show -- 9 a.m.5 p.m., Steele County Four Seasons Centre, 1525 S. Elm Ave., Owatonna. Bringing the industry’s leading innovators in agriculture technology, equipment, and science to the front step of America’s farming heartland. Featuring vendors, seminars and more. Free admission.

12-MAR IV Play at St. Patrick’s Celebration -- 9:15-11:59 p.m., American Legion, 97 S. Park Ave., Le Center. Part of the festivities in Le Center for St. Patrick’s Day, IV Play rocks the legion.

St. Patrick’s at the NaKato -- 7-11:59 p.m., NaKato Bar & Grill, 253 Belgrade Ave., Mankato.

Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with music from Bonnie Drunken Lad, a folk band playing an assortment of traditional and modernl Irish, Scottish, Sea Shanties, and drinkin songs.

18-MAR

Michael Shynes: ‘Thinking Songs and Drinking Songs’ at Chankaska Event Center (St Pattys Show) -- 7-11 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch & Winery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. Over the last several months I have become friends with the legend that is Chris Kroeze. He is one of the best vocalists and guitar players I have come across and he almost won The Voice. We have been writing songs together, hanging out a good bit, and we get along great so its probably time to put this thing on stage.

Chankaska is a venue I used to play for years and I’m hopeful you all haven’t forgot about me and would like to bring back the magic in their beautiful new event center.

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FESLER-LAMPERT | PERFORMING ARTS SERIES

SHAPESHIFT

THURSDAY, MARCH 24

2 0 21 - 2 0 2 2

ODA VOLTERSVIK THURSDAY, MARCH 31

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

MONDAY, APRIL 25

Newhall Auditorium | Shattuck-St. Mary’s School To purchase tickets, please visit: www.s-sm.org/tickets

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19-MAR Faribault Flannel Formal -- 5-10

p.m., 10,000 Drops Craft Distillers, 28 Fourth St. NE., Faribault. Your $20 ticket gets you full access to live music and a commemorative glass! Plus Lumberjack games! Finest flannel wins a prize.

Hotdish contest for $100. 21-plus event.

18-MAR Quince at Carleton College -- 7:30-11:30 p.m., Carleton College, Sayles Hill Campus Center, Northfield. We will be giving the world premieres of Asuka Kakitani’s “Songs of One’s Own” and Evan Williams’ “Dust Bowl” as well as performing works by Courtney Bryan, Carrie Henneman Shaw, Eliza Brown, and Michael Miller.

19-MAR Luck of the Irish 7K -- 8 a.m.-noon, 1801 Broadway Ave., 1801 Broadway Ave., Saint Peter.

Luck of The Irish Fun Run was started to help promote and raise funds for John Ireland Catholic School in St. Peter.

Walk up registration on the day of.

Shirts guaranteed through March 4.

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Women Composers Festival -- 2-5 p.m., Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna. The fourth biennial festival presents Katy Abbott, Molly Joyce, Missy Mazzoli, Angelica Negron, Cassie Weiland. $10 cover charge.

26-MAR

Church Basement Ladies -- 2-5 p.m., Mayo Civic Center, 30 Civic Center Drive SE., Rochester. A celebration of the church basement kitchen and the women who work there features 4 distinct characters and their relationships as they organize the food and the problems of a rural Minnesota church.

25-MAR Home & Recreation Show -- 3-7 p.m., Steele County Four Seasons Centre, 1525 S. Elm Ave., Owatonna. The KOWZ & KRUE Home and Recreation Show features a plethora of vendors scattered through the center March 25-27.

19-MAR The Cactus Blossoms -- 7-11 p.m., Anderson Center at Tower View, 163 Tower View Drive, Red Wing. Blood Harmony. Whether it’s The Beach Boys, Bee Gees or First Aid Kit, that sibling vocal blend is the secret sauce in some of the most spine-tingling moments in popular music. The Cactus Blossoms – Minneapolis-based brothers Page Burkum and Jack Torrey – offer compelling evidence that this tradition is alive and well, with a deceptively unadorned musical approach that offers “creative turns of phrase, gorgeous harmonies, and an ageless sound.”

19-MAR 19-MAR Meet the Author -- 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Fair Trade Books Red Wing, 320 Bush St., Red Wing. Meet the authors of You Can’t Make This Story Up. 19 Authors collaborated to present this text.

20-MAR

Wildflower -- 7:30-10 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave. N., Faribault. A talented female folk quartet formed in Winona, Wildflower creates a fresh, effervescent sound. The group offers smooth harmonies and plays duo keyboards, guitars, cello and flute.

Tickets online.

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25-MAR Machinery Hill -- 7-9:30 p.m., The Grand Center for Arts & Culture, 210 N. Minnesota St., New Ulm. Machinery Hill is a Minneapolis based band that blends ska, klezmer, celtic, rock, American folk & many other colors into their own style. Enjoy the music of this talented and well loved group.

25-MAR Joe Stamm Band: The Doublewide -- 8 p.m.- March 26, 12 a.m., The Doublewide, 421 St. Joseph St., Elko New Market. Full band show.

No tickets necessary.

Joe Stamm Band’s newest country-rock album is as brutally authentic as the Midwestern plains and people that inspire these songs. A year-round working musician, Stamm has become something of an anthropologist of the tiny towns dotting middle America. Thanks to his fondness for this socalled flyover country, and his crew of down-home troubadours, Stamm has created the soundtrack to the heart of America: Midwest Town.

26-MAR Cole Swindell’s Down To The Bar Tour -- 7-11 p.m., Verizon Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato. ACM’s reigning New Artist of The Year Cole Swindell’s brand new single “You Should Be Here,” the debut track from his forthcoming album due out this year, was released and it was most-added at country radio the first day it dropped. The song, written

by Swindell and Ashley Gorley, shot to No. 1 on iTunes Country chart and Top 10 overall.

Do you want to submit an event to this calendar?

Send details to editor@ southernminnscene.com.

Did we miss something?

Let us know! We may still be able to get an important event on one of our weekly pages that run in the newspapers on the back page of the B section.

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

26-MAR

Ali Sultan - Funny First -- 7:3010 p.m., Paramount Theatre, 125 Fourth Ave. NE., Austin. A recent guest on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” Ali Sultan headlines this comedy night with host Drew Heir, special guest Simon Tizon and featuring Abenezer Merdassa.

Tickets online.

26-MAR Travis Denning -- 7-11 p.m., Verizon Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato.

Born out of Middle Georgia, Travis Denning has been crafting his skills as a musician and as a songwriter for close to 10 years now. With a powerful voice and a mature musicianship beyond his years, Travis has proven himself as a must see live performer.

29-MAR Jon Cleary -- 7:30-11:30 p.m., Minnesota State University, Mankato, Minnesota State University, Mankato. Jon Cleary’s love and affinity for New Orleans music goes back to the rural British village of Cranbrook, Kent, where he was raised in a musical family. Cleary’s maternal grandparents performed in London in the 1940s, under the respective stage names Sweet Dolly Daydream and Frank Neville, The Little Fellow With The Educated Feet – she as a singer, and he as a crooner and tap dancer.

Beat the Winter Blues with Starfire Event Center’s Golf Simulators!

• Multiple Course Selection • Bar Service • $35 per hour

56th Season

Call or Text 507-461-1387 to set up your Tee Time!

2021-2022

For tickets and more information visit littletheatreofowatonna.org ADD YOUR EVENT FOR FREE TO THE SOMINN SCENE CALENDAR. GO TO W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N . C O M / S O U T H E R N _ M I N N _ S C E N E / & C L I C K + P R O M O T E Y O U R E V E N T

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From the MUSIC SIDE

MEGAN ROLLOFF Megan Rolloff is an interior designer in Mankato, who lives in New Ulm with her doting husband Tom. She loves music, especially of the Minnesota variety, and now she writes about it. Reach her at megankrolloff@gmail.com.

M

usic is important. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that if you are reading this column, you probably share in that opinion.

It has the power to influence, instigate, and initiate all kinds of decisions and events in our lives.

Presumably because it hits all our feels. And as much as we’d like to think we use our “heads” to move our lives forward, our “hearts” can rarely be ignored.

What’s more, the kind of music we listen to can say a lot about us. Why else would we wear band t-shirts and hang posters on our walls if not to express something about ourselves by showing our support for one artist or another?

A while back I received an article suggestion from a reader. In his email, he described himself as a “metalhead.” Though his proposed topic was a good one (maybe for a future piece), the question going round-and-round in my head was “What really is a metalhead?”

I like to think that I have a fairly broad approach to music and like, or at least appreciate, a lot of different sounds. But I definitely have one or two specific sweet spots that really feel like home. And while I do like a bit of hard rock now and then, I can say, with confidence, that metal, heavy or otherwise, is not in my wheelhouse. So, I thought, what better way to get an answer to my question than to ask the man who inspired it in the first place?

Ladies and gentlemen! I bring you Metalhead Ed! Metal-Ed, if you will. Ed Kinsel is a 65-year-old dude who now resides in St. Peter with his wife, Julie (who also answered my questions to provide a woman’s perspective).

Ed grew up, primarily, in Northeast Minneapolis.

He started guitar lessons at age 12 (this comes in to play later). Julie is 66, and, as previously indicated, lives in St. Peter. She grew up in Mankato and attended Mankato West High School.

When did you start listening to metal music?

Ed: I was a late bloomer, I had always liked harder rock, but I was in my 30’s when I joined my first metal band. I took some bass lessons from Nick St. Nicholas, from Steppenwolf, when he lived in South Minneapolis. I was then, as they say, hooked.

Julie: I started listening to metal around 1973 (around age 17).

What bands were you listening to back then?

Ed: Guns n’ Roses was one when they came out (but kinda sick of ‘em anymore). They were more “hard rock” than “metal,” I guess. Judas Priest, Manowar, and T-N-T. Crue, Metallica and Anthrax were popular back then as well.

Julie: There wasn’t much metal around that I was aware of at that time, but I listened to Uriah Heep, Black Sabbath and Judas Priest.

Generally speaking, did your friends listen to the same music that you did?

26

Ed: I dunno about identity, but I’ve spent years in various weekend bands, travelling the tri-state area.

I had bills, man.

Julie: Music has been and still is a big part of my life. I really come alive when I’m listening to music I enjoy.

What are three identifying characteristics of a metal band?

Ed: High voiced singer, shredding guitar solo, double-kick drums.

Julie: Fast guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and a dense bass/drum sound to produce the “heavy.”

What makes someone a metalhead?

Ed: Anyone who likes good, driving music that’s LOUD.

More than

metal

Ed Kinsel at Minnetonka High School doing some rehearsal/recording in 1985. Kinsel is now a certified metalhead, along with his wife Julie.

Ed: A few did. I knew a lot of people back then, and I would have to say that they would tolerate some of it, lol.

What are your top five favorite bands/ artists of all time?

Have the bands/music you listen to ever influenced any “life” decisions (ex. who you’ve dated, your hobbies, your travel plans, etc.)?

Ed: Megadeth, Slash and Miles, Alice in Chains (Grunge), Warrant. I like Dream Theater, since you really have to “woodshed” to learn their stuff to do it justice, but I digress …

Julie: I would have to say listening to metal influenced who I dated. In fact, I met my husband by hanging out with local musicians. One of the people I worked with at the time was a guitar player, and my husband was the bass player in the band they had going.

Julie: My top five metal artists would be Guns ‘N’ Roses, Judas Priest, Metallica, Motley Crue and AC/ DC.

What brought you to listen to this kind of music? Why do you still listen to it?

What are the top three concerts you’ve ever been to?

Ed: Aerosmith, Van Halen (with Dave), Blue Oyster Cult is a fav from long ago. They had the inflatable Godzilla and were the first to use lasers.

Julie: Metallica, Motley Crue and Megadeth.

Megadeth was at the Myth in Maplewood.

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Ed: Started with the band I joined at the time, and I REALLY liked it and started looking for more.

Julie: I was drawn to metal because of its harddriving, energetic sound and the rebellious vibe. I still listen to it for those same reasons.

Julie: A metalhead would be a fan of the genre. It means you attend the concerts, wear black a lot; men have longer hair and maybe a few tattoos. I have felt it necessary to downplay my “metalness” sometimes, because I feel it’s not looked on favorably by some.

While Ed and Julie came to the metal scene for different reasons (Ed because of playing music and Julie for the way it made her feel), they found each other there. And I don’t think they are alone in this.

Attending a concert, listening to a certain radio station, or shopping in a specific section of a record store can make you part of a community of likeminded people, even if just for a moment. Despite all the other differences between us, you at least know that you and the person standing next to you at that show have at least one thing in common.

If you are interested in seeing what you have in common with the local metal community, a good place to start would be the radio station Rock95, found at 95.7 on your radio dial. Or you can listen live via streaming at mankatosrock.com.

Or, if you are in the mood to really feel and experience the music with those like-minded folks, The What’s Up? Lounge on North Riverfront Drive in Old Town Mankato is the place to find it (above the Oleander Saloon). Though considering the current COVID-ness of it all, you will want to call ahead to any venue before you make the trek.

I, myself have many happy college memories centering around The What’s Up? Lounge, including my one and only stage dive. My interest was primarily a local punk band of the time comprised of several good friends.

Just another example of the music that you listen to bringing you together with “your people”.

Whatever the genre, the story seems to remain the same: music is a connector. And if I have learned anything over the last two years, connections are just as important as music. 

Would you say that music in general has been a major part of your life and your own personal identity?

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

TERRI SCHILCHENMEYER

SoMinn THE BOOKWORM SEZ Admissions: A Memoir of Surviving Boarding School

Nailing It: How History’s

Terri Schlichenmeyer is a book reviewer based just across the river from SoMinn in LaCrosse, WI. She can be contacted at bookwormsez@gmail.com

The Fields:

Circus of Wonders: A Novel

by Kendra James

Awesome Twentysomethings Got It Together

c.2022, Grand Central Publishing $29.00 304 pages

by Robert L. Dilenschneider

c.2022, Flatiron Books $27.99 352 pages

c.2022, Kensington $16.95 272 pages

Have you taken your meds yet today?

Everybody, it seems, is on something or other: pills for blood pressure, heart health, asthma, or chemo. Pills for your eyes. Pills for your bones. Pink ones for aches, red ones for sinus issues, purple ones for stomach problems, and in the new book “The Fields” by Erin Young, some white ones for murder.

She smelled the body long before she saw it.

As Sheriff of Black Hawk County, Iowa, Riley Fisher had seen corpses before but this one really shook her.

The dead woman had been nearly ripped apart before she died in an Iowa cornfield, but what bothered Fisher more was that she knew the deceased.

Years before, Riley Fisher had been best friends with Chloe Clark and her little sister, Mia. The girls had been like sisters when the older two had been in high school, but a secret blew them apart and ruined their childhoods. And now, Fisher was looking at her friend, dead.

Who would kill someone as nice as Chloe Clark Miller? And what was she doing in the middle of a cornfield that she didn’t own? Those were two questions that Sheriff Fisher had to know, but others at her workplace had reservations: could Fisher keep her long-ago friendship with the dead woman out of the equation?

And then another body was found nearby, mutilated in a way that was similar, and with a few more clues.

It was unlikely that the two dead women knew one another, but Chloe’s husband might’ve known more than he was telling. Some down-on-their-luck local addicts talked about a white van that had been seen snatching people off the street, while others whispered about a “terrorist” organization that was working against an incumbent politician with ties to a powerful corporate seed company. Then a teenage girl went missing, her mother disappeared, and the sister of a Black Hawk County farmer couldn’t be found.

And neither could Sheriff Fisher’s niece...

For fans of thrillers, “The Fields” has everything you want: some twists and switches, a little angst, a couple of McGuffins, and some perfectly gruesome corpses.

But there are some things that are going to rankle you, too.

First, there are too many characters inside this book – at least twenty names to remember, some of which are just outside the main circle but are nonetheless important. The “secret” that riles Riley Fisher ekes out slower than an ice melt in January, and once it’s (finally!) revealed, it’s pretty tame – especially when that thread is up against the four much bigger plots that weave inside this one book. All that leaves readers with the feeling of being surrounded by five stages, different plays, same characters. You scarcely know where to look next.

You can look for “The Fields” – indeed, author Erin Young adds authenticity to her location and the solving – but the tornado of plots and characters are really pretty overwhelming. You might enjoy the excitement of this book, or it might be too much to swallow.

You had three minutes to get to class.

A hundred-eighty seconds to rush from room to room, always on the opposite sides of campus – doable, as long as you didn’t have to fetch something from a locker or another spot. Do-able, if you could run fast, leap over crouching freshmen, and dodge slowmoving teachers. Do-able, as in the new book “Admissions” by Kendra James, if you didn’t have other frustrations to deal with.

For three years after college, Kendra James’ Saturday mornings were set: she spent them speaking to low-income parents and prospective students at a private high school on the upper east side of Manhattan, talking about the benefits of private school and the “golden tickets” that would pay for this opportunity. She spoke from experience: James had graduated from Taft, a private high school in Connecticut.

That had been a natural conclusion: after the school began accepting African Americans, James’ father was of the first Black graduates. This made James a legacy student, and she was used to being at Taft, she even knew some of the teachers.

Even so, private school was an adjustment. Making friends was difficult for James then, partly because she was a Black goth nerd who loved Harry Potter and Xena: Warrior Princess, and partly because she’d been raised with incorrect perceptions about other Black people. She didn’t know that rap music and intelligence could exist together, or how to “code switch.” It even u took awhile for her to understand that not all insults were really insults.

By the beginning of her second year, her “mid” or sophomore year, James had a string of friends and plenty of confidence. Her nerdiness had a place at Taft, she’d learned to fit in, and she was mostly happy there with a new best friend and dreams of romance.

But there were things that bothered her, that she didn’t quite have the words for yet. There was quiet racism sometimes, and “microaggressions” that James absolutely noticed – just as she saw the racism in a huge, life-changing accusation for a crime she didn’t do...

Please don’t give “Admissions” an eye-roll. Author Kendra James concedes, many times and in many ways, that she knew then how privileged she was – an acknowledgment that sometimes appears as guilt. Still, she admits to familial wealth, social blindness, a life of ease, and that sometimes she didn’t know what she didn’t know.

The acceptance of that aside, this book is really quite fun: though she graduated not so long ago, reading James’ book is like stepping back in time to fumble with the combination on your locker between classes. It’s like wishing for an invite to the Cool Kids table in the lunchroom. It’s a love story to that perfect teacher, the ill-conceived “it’ll go on your permanent record” caper, and a BFF you never see again after graduation.

There’s an urgent message inside this book that’s essential reading for educators, but it’s also just plain enjoyable to have. Find “Admissions.” It’s a class act.

You hit it square on the head.

You said you didn’t think you’d be able to overcome all the awful things you’ve endured in your life, every setback, every naysayer, every tragedy. But then your strengths took over and look, you’re succeeding! Now in “Nailing It” by Robert L. Dilenschneider, get more of the inspiration you need to hit the marks you’ve set.

It’s been a rough two years for most of us. For you, it’s seems longer but you’ve put one foot in front of the other anyhow because what else could you do? Robert Dilenschneider says: a lot. Our lives would be the lesser without the contributions of people who have come through fire and then turned up the heat. No matter what your age, you can enhance the world and here, he profiles twenty-five people to prove it.

Take Mozart, for example.

He was born a sickly child and never really shook that off. His father, also a musician, pushed young Mozart to excel. His mother gave him the room to explore, though that cost a lot of money. Still, despite those ongoing health issues, both physically and mentally, Mozart wrote more than 600 musical works in his lifetime.

Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin was just 10 days old when her mother died. Her father married again a few years later, but Mary didn’t get along with her stepmother. Pregnant by a married man whose wife committed suicide over the indiscretion, Mary wed Percy Shelley but their baby died soon afterward. Even with all this loss, Mary managed to write a masterpiece novel. You know it as Frankenstein.

Ulysses Grant’s “accomplishments came in middle age...” Albert Einstein was a poor student and worked at a clerk’s desk, processing patent applications when he was a young man, which gave him a chance to think. Elizabeth Kenney developed a treatment for polio as a young woman, at a time when doctors were mostly only men. Branch Rickey helped Jackie Robinson break the color barrier in baseball. And it took Maria Tallchief, a Native American dancer, twenty-one years to realize her ballet dreams...

You have lots of excuses and even more reasons. Now what you need is a boost to forget those things and reach for the top bunk instead. “Nailing It” will help you find that oomph.

There’s plenty of it to be had here, and each of the stories offers a different kind of roadblock, ending in varying types of inspiration. Author Robert L. Dilenschneider, who reminds readers that he’s an adult white man, also mixes up the profiles well, representing many different races and nationalities so that readers can easily find fully-relatable tales. Though this books’ subtitle indicates “twentysomethings,” there’s a wide variety of ages represented here, too.

Best of all, you don’t have to be in a doleful state to enjoy this book; it offers great biographies and plenty of interesting side-bars to hold a reader’s attention for a long time. Whether you want something breezy or boosting, “Nailing It” hammers both home.

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A Novel

by Elizabeth Macneal

by Erin Young

c.2022, Emily Bestler Books, Atria $27.99 368 pages You want what he got.

It’s only fair, right? Things should be equal, and you both know it. Unilateralism, tit for tat, totally equitability, and no favoritism, that’ll all keep the Green-Eyed Monster at bay. Jealousy is no fun but you want what he got, and in the new novel “Circus of Wonders” by Elizabeth Macneal, you’ll have it – or else.

Jasper Brown always got his deepest desires.

Whether it was a microscope when he was a boy, war as a young man, a new name, women, monsters, a Circus of Wonders, or his brother’s complete fealty, it was his for the asking. And that included the woman Toby had seen in the dirty little coastal village. The woman that, with the proper costume and a name to match the celestial birthmarks on her body, would get Jasper the invitation to London, and a performance for the Queen.

The first time Toby saw her, she had dived from a cliff into the ocean and he thought she was dead. He’d never seen a creature more captivating than the woman with speckles all up and down her body and her face; she confused him and he knew he wouldn’t speak of her to Jasper. If Toby dared tell his brother about the girl, the magic of her would disappear.

She knew what the villagers thought about her. Even her own father said Nell was a monster, that it was her fault the sea had risen and ruined the crop of flowers a season or two ago. They all thought it, though she might consider some of the townspeople as friends and she had her beloved brother to lean on.

She wondered what he’d said when he learned that their father had sold Nell to the showman named Jasper. And why didn’t he look for Nell, locked away in a carriage smelling of manure and sweat? Could she ever find her way back home?

Would she even want to, after she’d learned to love the art of the performance?

Don’t expect a lot of abracadabra inside “Circus of Wonders.” It’s not there, not in plot nor setting and it’s missing in each tormented character. Instead, there’s an irresistible authenticity in this book, a bit of circus history, romance, constant damp, and a dark, troubled soul. Come to this novel for that, and stay.

Author Elizabeth Macneal keeps you guessing: many bad things can happen to her characters, but references to fairy tales hold hope that goodness might prevail.

Still, multiple obsessions let you know that Happily Ever After is highly unlikely; add a bearded bird-caller, a blind albino child, a booming ringmaster who leans into insanity, mix it with a steampunk vibe, and you’ve got a tale that clinks and hisses and soars toward an ending that’s like a spear to your heart.

Fans of the three rings will enjoy this book, but readers who are captivated by shaded Victoriana will be happiest with it. If that’s you, then get “Circus of Wonders.” You want what it’s got.

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| MARCH 2022

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WOLDUM TV

RACHEL WOLDUM Rachel Woldum is a former television snob who has embraced the medium as it entered its Golden Age. Contact her at woldumr@gmail.com.

The agony and ecstasy of and the responsibility of art

I

f you read about TV, you’ve probably read about Euphoria on HBO Max. Featuring a young, largely unknown cast led by the well known Zendaya, Euphoria follows a group of high schoolers as they navigate an intense world of drugs, addiction, sex, love, friendship, and family trauma.

The show has garnered a lot of attention, both for its unflinching, usually graphic depiction of these subjects, and for its stellar performances and artistic production.

Before I watched Season 1, I assumed it was going to be like a teen CW show — hot teens, hot parents, and lots of drama — but sexed way up for HBO. So, I was pleasantly surprised (though nothing about watching Euphoria is “pleasant”) by how good it was. It’s not just that it’s well-acted and wellwritten, but that each episode is a dazzling feat of creative storytelling.

The often-frenetic pace and dreamy, surrealist montages capture what it feels like to be a teenager – impulsive, invincible, and like everything that happens is of infinite importance. I ended up binging the entire season and took the opportunity to mention to anyone who would listen that it was worth watching.

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Now, over two years have passed, and I’ve since become a wife and a mother. Currently, Season 2 is still airing, but this time around I’ve been watching reluctantly. I’ve found I can no longer watch intense TV with the ease I once did. My heart is more vulnerable — it’s harder for me to

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watch people in pain, be it physical or emotional.

I worry ten times as much and project the woes of every character onto my own child and family.

Parenthood has also forced me to think more seriously about entertainment and what I will and will not let my kids be exposed to someday.

I always imagined I would let quality reign over content — if the show (or movie/album/novel/ etc.) was well-made and artful, I would let them watch it, even if the content was intense or dark.

In short, I would’ve let my hypothetical future high schooler watch Euphoria, a show about high schoolers. But now, each new episode has me thinking about all the teenagers watching and wondering if they’re being negatively affected.

To the show’s credit, none of the problems depicted in Euphoria are sugarcoated. Ugly things appear ugly, and the repercussions of poor decisions are bleak. Creator Sam Levinson does a fantastic job of depicting the brutality of addiction and the impact it has on friends and family members. What’s more (and what is most powerful about the show) is that it’s overall thematic aim is to foster empathy among its viewers.

Levinson himself said his goal was to “provide more context about why someone is the way they are.”

Characters are introduced, we see their behavior and witness their actions and judge them accordingly. But before our opinions can set, the show dives, one episode at a time, into their pasts. We see the wounds created by their parents. We observe the little moments of hurt that still influence their actions a decade later.

We watch them navigate their environments and build their defenses against them. And as a result, we start to empathize, even with the most deplorable characters.

One such character, Nate Jacobs, is the epitome of white male privilege — tall, rich, attractive, popular — and one of the most terrifying fictitious villains I’ve ever witnessed. I couldn’t imagine any backstory that would render him sympathetic. But after getting an inside look at the family disfunction created by his father, I felt

sad for him, which is a true testament to the show’s writing.

So what, then, are my qualms about the youth of today watching Euphoria? I’m not so naïve as to believe that there aren’t kids out there who must deal with this stuff. And for those who are going through it — addiction, questions around gender and sexuality, generational trauma — the show is probably comforting. My worry is that Euphoria is so good that it will actually cause teens to idealize the very problems it means to critique.

Each episode is so beautifully shot, the music so evocative, the cast so attractive and Gen Z and of-the-now, that it’s impossible not to be swept up in this world. I’m thirty-four, pregnant, and haven’t indulged in more than a White Claw in almost two years, and even I found myself watching one of Zendaya’s euphoric drug trips a little wistfully.

And so my newfound motherly worry has me fearing that teenage viewers will romanticize the behaviors shown, and what’s worse, be tempted to try them. Is it Euphoria’s job to make sure kids stay clean and sober, or it’s fault if they don’t? No. But the thought that it could cause even one kid the same kind of pain depicted on the show is enough to make me hope teens aren’t watching.

If you’d asked me two years ago if art bore any moral responsibility, I would’ve said that its only responsibility is to tell the truth. It is not the duty of art to teach us how to be or to show us what to do and not do. However, I’m starting to realize that I’m more careful about what I consume.

My mom used to say, “Protect your heart” and I would roll my eyes at her dismissively.

Now I get it. We need to protect our hearts, and our kids’ hearts, from the irresponsible consumption of art — like seeing too much, too soon— not because art is dangerous, but precisely because it is so powerful. 

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

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Through a SOMINN LENS

AUDREY KLETSCHER HELBLING A native of the southwestern Minnesota prairie, Audrey Kletscher Helbling creates from Faribault, her home of 39 years. She’s grown to love this region and encourages locals to explore what’s right here in their backyard. You can find more of her writing and photography on her blog at mnprairieroots.com.

The building on the right houses Hopefull Treasures.

This aged building, home to Hopefull Treasures, holds treasures awaiting discovery.

A place called HOPE

I

n many ways, I consider myself a documentarian of small towns, of rural character, of those places often passed by, overlooked.

Hope, an unincorporated community a dozen miles south of Owatonna and just west of Interstate 35, first drew my interest in July 2011. I remember well that visit, particularly photographing two cats lounging outside Hopefull Treasures. The scene seemed idyllic, peaceful, Americana. It was.

Revisiting this town 10 years later, the tabby and the longhaired orange cat were not to be seen at the antique shop.

Instead, I spotted a black-and-white feline inside while perusing merchandise.

Much can change in a small town in 10 years. Even a year. And especially during a pandemic. Bars and other businesses come and go.

Yet, the essence of these places remains in a sense of community. In a definitive rural-ness. The local grain elevator still towers along the train tracks in Hope, defining the area’s ag-based economy. Krause Feeds & Supply, an agricultural cooperative/gas station/convenience store on the south edge of town meets local

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needs with gas, pet food, bird seed, farm store and feed supplies, Hope butter, cold pop and other merchandise. You can even order chicks here for spring pick-up.

The post office remains open. Hope, MN. Zip code 56046.

Across the street, Dale Wilker opens on Fridays and Saturdays (or by chance) to those interested in record albums, books and countless antiques, collectibles and treasures at Hopefull Treasures.

A bit north, skilled butter makers craft small batches of butter using fresh cream sourced from area farmers, just as they have done in this same building for 102 years. Award-winning Hope Creamery butter is coveted by metro restaurants and so many others in a world of automated, mass-produced butter.

This is Hope. A community many pass by while traveling at 70 mph along I-35 in Somerset Township. Hope, just down Steele County Road 4. A place which, by name alone, draws me in—to explore, to document, to appreciate. To experience a bit of Americana in rural southern Minnesota. 

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On a summer Sunday in July 2011, a pair of cats laze outside Hopefull Treasures.

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

Photographed in 2021 in a storefront window in Ellendale.

Glassware for sale includes a glass from The Flying Monkey in Hayfield.

BOTTOM: Merchandise crams shelves and floor space inside Hopefull Treasures.

Music in a massive record collection and also in a vintage radio, for sale at Hopefull Treasures

Hope Creamery, as photographed in July 2011. Skilled butter makers have crafted butter in this building since 1919.

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Vintage signage banners a building in Hope in 2011.

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A vintage Pepsi-elevator sign spotted in 2011 on a building.

“The butter that betters the bread!” themes a Hope Creamery mug photographed in Ellendale in 2021.

Filling up with gas at Krause Feeds & Supplies in 2021.

FAR LEFT: Book lovers will find a large selection of books inside Hopeful Treasures.

LEFT: Hope School Park, a Steele County park in Hope.

Custom paint and artistry showcased outside The Shop in July 2011.

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Visible through a front window at Krause Feeds & Supplies in July 2011.

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Grain elevators break the horizontal landscape in July 2011.

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

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Set in the midst of farm land, Hope centers on agriculture.

A vintage Pepsi-elevator sign spotted in 2011 on a building.

Interesting signage on a vacant building.

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TOP: Hope calendars are among items for sale.

MIDDLE: Spurgy’s Bar & Grill closed in April 2020.

BOTTOM: Finch’s Pub closed during the pandemic in June 2020.

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| MARCH 2022

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SoMinn FOOD & DRINK

PAT GARRY

Review

JOURNALIST – COPYWRITER – EDITOR – FEATURE WRITER Journalist-Copywriter-Editor-Feature Writer. My experience spans over 20 years, and I will apply my skills to help beef up any lifeless copy within your website, brochure, press release, catalog, etc. Reach out at patgarry@charter.net.

The Ole Store Restaurant

T

he Ole Store Restaurant, formerly The Ole Store, was established in 1889, first as a general store. Since then, it’s been a cafe, restaurant, coffee shop and more.

Through the years, it has always been a food establishment and community gathering space. Now, Alliya Lovestrand is the owner and general manager of the establishment. Food vision comes from owner Lovestrand and Kitchen Manager Joe Tutewohl.

The restaurant is open for dinner Monday through Saturday and brunch Saturday and Sunday. Lovestrand’s signature items are: Ole Roll - a decadent cinnamon roll topped with caramel & pecans; Swedish Meatballs; Potato Puree - pan gravy, lingonberry sauce, and chilled fennel salad; Fish Fry - Fried Walleye, hand-cut fries, lemon, malt vinegar aioli.

Nestled in a quiet Northfield neighborhood, The Ole Store Restaurant boasts a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere, with food that highlights local ingredients.

“On our menu, you’ll find something for everyone — new American & Scandinavian-inspired food, with twists on church basement classics,” said Lovestrand.

In summer 2020, Alliya added outside dining, dubbed Lena’s Lawn.

As one of the responses to the COVID crisis, The Ole Store in Northfield began offering curbside pick up for take-out orders in 2020. (Photo courtesy of Barbara Nickel)

It’s a fun spot to gather with friends to enjoy food and drinks. Also, to enhance the evening milieu, the area is adorned with string lights, for some extra magic.

This restaurant is filled with history and stories from many generations.

“We are proud to follow in the footsteps of people before us; so our community can continue to gather in this restaurant. Our menu is designed so folks can enjoy both casual weekday meals or special celebration evenings,” Lovestrand added.

The Ole Store Restaurant is a go-to spot during celebration weekends in Northfield (college graduations, St. Olaf College Christmas Concert, Defeat of Jesse James Days, etc). Alliya also loves to host rehearsal dinners, retirement celebrations and holiday parties.

“I have dreamed of owning a restaurant for most of my life. At a young age, I was drawn to kitchens, dinner tables, and events where people came together over food. Seeing this vision come to life has been an incredible experience.

I couldn’t ask for a more supportive & welcoming team at The Ole Store and community in Northfield. I look forward to many years of sharing great food & service with everyone,” she said.

The Ole Store Restaurant / 1011 St. Olaf Avenue / Northfield, MN / 507786-9400 / olestorerestaurant.com 

Popular Ole Rolls at The Ole Store in Northfield. (Photo courtesy of Barbara Nickel)

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YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

1711 Premier Drive Mankato, MN 56001 (507) 345-8708 info@thedesignelement.net

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1711 Premier Drive Mankato, MN 56001 (507) 720-6053 info@cabinetlab.net

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| MARCH 2022

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SPRING LINE-UP AT THE PARADISE PRESENTED BY:

The Boy Who Talked to Whales

STUDENT GALLERY OPENING Friday, March 4 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

PK Mayo

The Jimmys

Saturday, March 5 7:30 PM

Friday, March 11 7:30 PM

Wildflower

GALLERY OPENING

The Jensen Sisters

Saturday, March 19 7:30 PM

Friday, March 25 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Saturday, March 26 7:30 PM

February 24, 25, 26 • 7:30 PM Sunday, February 27 2:00 PM

Boeing Boeing April 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 at 7:30 PM April 3 at 2 PM

For more information & tickets:

www.paradisecenterforthearts.org

(507) 332-7372

GALLERY OPENING Friday, May 13 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Her Crooked Heart (Residency) Featuring Rachel Ries Friday, May 20 7:30 PM

321 Central Avenue North, Faribault, MN

These activities are 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 fund.

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YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.