SCENE APRIL 2026

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CONTENTS APRIL 2026 / VOLUME 14 / ISSUE 4

Q&A with fine art portrait photographer Debbie Vosejpka.

Q&A with SoMinn arts administrator and pianist Bethel Balge.

10 Jason Lennox

Q&A with Owatonna’s Jason Lennox on walking 1,776 miles for youth mental health.

Q&A with multi-faceted photographer Aramis Wells focuses on land, sky, fire & water.

COLUMNS:

of

SoMINN

O

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12 Aramis Wells

Best 2026

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Best Of nominating will open on April 15 and run through May 4.

DERS

8 Bethel Balge

It’s that time of year again. Time to make your nominations for the 2026 SoMINN BEST OF SCENE!

REA

FEATURES: 6 Debbie Vosejpka

It’s Coming...

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23 SoMinn THE BOOKWORM SEZ

- After the Fall - Playmakers - I’m Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home - Kids, Wait Till You Hear This! My Memoir

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LISA EIDE

SoMINN STYLE

Lisa Eide is the owner of Her Happy Place in St. Peter, a style curator and lover of all things beautiful.

Tailoring adds strength to spring. A structured vest and grounded olive palette bring polish and intention to lighter seasonal fabrics.

Soft florals feel refined when balanced with structure. A fitted vest and deeper-toned accessories keep spring feminine — without losing sophistication.

Where spring gets sophisticated

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very spring, we’re told it’s time to pack away the darker colors. Bring in pastels. Lighten everything up. Start fresh.

And yes, spring 2026 is full of softness.

Runway reports are highlighting crisp whites, blush tones, and clean neutrals layered with confident color. It’s a season that feels optimistic and bright.

But sophistication rarely lives in excess. It lives in contrast.

While walking the trade shows in Las Vegas, I noticed the higher-end brands weren’t abandoning depth. They were anchoring their lighter pieces with it. Cream paired with olive. White grounded by deep wine. Florals structured with tailoring.

That contrast is what makes an outfit feel intentional — and

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A crisp white shirt and camel trouser feel timeless, but it’s the burgundy belt and flat that anchor the look. Depth transforms simple into sophisticated.

ultimately more sophisticated.

Take a simple white button-up with a camel trouser. On its own, it’s classic. Add a burgundy belt and a deep wine flat, and suddenly the look feels grounded and elevated. The darker accents steady the lightness and give the outfit structure.

The same principle applies to olive. A tailored vest layered over a soft neutral base feels strong and modern. Paired with matching trousers, it reads polished without feeling heavy.

Even a soft floral skirt becomes refined when balanced with structure and a deeper-toned bag.

This is something brands like Ralph Lauren have long mastered — pairing crisp white with olive or burgundy to create richness. The light feels lighter because something deeper is anchoring it.

Rather than thinking of spring as a season that requires abandoning depth, it helps to think of it as a season that

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refines it. Depth doesn’t make your look heavy. It makes it thoughtful.

And that thoughtfulness often mirrors the world around us.

When the day is bright and sunlit, lighter tones naturally feel aligned and fresh, with darker accents playing a supporting role — a belt, a shoe, a bag. On overcast days, building from a slightly deeper base and layering softness on top feels grounded and relevant. Matching the mood of the weather isn’t about rules; it’s about awareness. It allows an outfit to feel connected, rather than forced.

The most sophisticated wardrobes don’t restart every season — they refine. They evolve. They balance softness with strength.

This is where spring gets sophisticated — not in more color, but in more intention..

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(Debbie Vosejpka Photography)

Q&A with fine art portrait photographer

Debbie Vosejpka

C

By JANE TURPIN MOORE Guest Contributor reative, entrepreneurial, fearless, experimental and engaging are all descriptors for Lonsdale-based fine art photographer Debbie Vosejpka, 64.

Having developed Cherished Moments Photography into a thriving studio and gained considerable skills over the past three decades, Vosejpka brings all her experience to bear in capturing keepsake photos of infants, children, seniors and families. The treasured images she creates prompt multiple generations to return to her personally designed studio in rural Lonsdale for more of the magic-making she’s uniquely able to provide.

Read on to learn how Vosejpka — known as Debbie Little in her youth — has combined her artistic abilities with entrepreneurial flair to become an artistic giant in her field.

childhood sweetheart, Lloyd Vosejpka, very young and we started our family right away.

Q: Debbie, where were you raised?

Q: Do you have a favorite medium?

A: I grew up on a farm outside of Dundas, graduating from Northfield High School in 1979. I married my

A: Anything to do with painting and drawing, which I still love. But my main creative outlets now are set

Q: You were Debbie Little and became Debbie Vosejpka; that’s a lot of consonants to manage. Any trouble spelling that initially?

A: [Laughs] When we first started dating, I had to keep practicing it!

Q: What are your creative origins?

A: My mother was a very creative person, really into arts and crafts, and she loved going to craft fairs. She made wreaths, floral arrangements and garden art and always had projects for me and my four siblings; I was the middle child. So I think I got my creative genes from her.

Art was among my favorite subjects in school. I’ve always enjoyed arts, crafting and photography.

Vosejpka

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design and building, and then photoshop work.

Q: When did you found Cherished Moments Photography?

A: I started the studio 26 years ago in my basement. When the youngest of my four children was around 10 or 11, I went to Dakota County Technical College to study graphic design. As part of that program, I had to take a photography course.

Once I got that camera in my hand, I was hooked. I switched from graphic design to photography and I was only a year into it when I was like, “Okay, this is a lot of fun. I want to do this for a living.” It felt so natural to me.

Now I’m a veteran in the business, but there’s always more to learn. I love to keep learning, and I do it non-stop. I’ve taken courses in photo editing and lighting techniques and some years ago I went to Texas to take a specific class in Santa photography.

Q: How has your studio changed over time?

A: I outgrew my basement and built a 1,500 squarefoot space on our property [about two miles east of Lonsdale]. It’s nice to have room to build and store my sets, props and backdrops.

them to explore and touch the props because I want to get their genuine expressions. They forget I’m there taking pictures, especially with the Santa sessions, because they’re so totally immersed with Santa and the activities they don’t even pay attention to me.

Setting up something that encourages kids’ exploratory nature allows their true personalities and expressions to shine through.

My sets are so elaborate that children are drawn to them right away when they arrive. It’s fun to see them react, and fun for parents too, almost like they’re reliving their childhoods as they see their children get excited about certain things.

Q: You describe yourself as a fine art photographer on your website. How so?

A: It starts with the sets. I really add a lot with set design, which I make come to life by physically building them myself. We have a shop and I’ve learned how to use power tools! I put up a barn wood wall in the studio, I’ve created ponds—even large ponds—in there, made a dock—I’m building things for my sets all the time.

And then it’s the lighting. I light my subjects to ensure a fine art portrait, and the magic really comes in (Debbie Vosejpka Photography) with my editing Q: What differentiates you as a style. I can give pictures an almost painterly photographer? look. People often ask me if it’s a portrait or a painting.

A: I make themed sets that are designs of my own inspiration. I love anything Norman Rockwell-like, and I want the photos to become Q: And you specialize in photographing children? something people will hang on their walls for years to come — something to truly cherish.

A: Yes. I also photograph pets, high school seniors, families and I do dance and sports I don’t just hang a backdrop and put a child in front of it; I create immersive sets that allow portraits.

(Debbie Vosejpka Photography) I have four adult children and seven grandchildren.

I enjoy working with young people and can interact with them well.

Q: Where do your clients come from, typically?

A: Most live in the surrounding area—Faribault, Northfield, Lonsdale, Montgomery, Elko New Market.

(Debbie Vosejpka Photography) Q: What makes your work rewarding?

Q: How many times a year do you offer themed photo sessions?

A: Typically once a month. April’s theme is “fairies,” which is my second most popular theme. I’ve made a forest fairies set with lots of greens, and I’ve done fall fairies. I’ve also learned to sew and make my own [fairy] dresses and wings. This April will feature a “spring fairy” theme on an all-new set, with flowers hanging from the ceiling and a tiny pond filled with water and rocks.

Q: What’s the trick to photographing newborns?

A: Those are the longest sessions, very relaxed, often two to three hours, because we go according to their schedules. We have to stop to let them feed, to settle down the babies so they can do the cute poses when they’re not squirming or crying. You have to take it slow.

Parents can choose various props and hats and we start with their favorites.

Q: After 26 years, maybe you’re seeing subsequent generations of clients?

A: Yes, some of my former child subjects have brought in their own newborns. And recently I took sports photos for an 11th grader and his mom showed me a picture I’d taken of him when he was younger. She said, “I still love it all these years later.” It’s fun to see that.

Q: Is your family impressed by your efforts and ingenuity?

Debbie Vosejpka designs and builds her own sets to achieve these surreal but lifelike photos. (Debbie Vosejpka Photography)

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A: My kids love the amazing pictures I’ve taken of their own kids. And they’re all very supportive of what I do.

A: Creating lasting memories and valued possessions for other families is special. I love knowing how much they cherish these portraits.

Q: This seems like an ideal profession for you.

A: It’s a perfect marriage of my skills and interests. I see myself as a creative personality, and I like interacting with people. I don’t ever want to do anything that’s like someone else’s product.

Q: What’s key to your success?

A: Being open-minded helps me keep learning and adapting. Photography has changed quite a bit over the years, so I have to adapt.

And I want the “wow factor,” to have people be totally amazed when they walk in my studio and see Santa’s sleigh flying through the sky or a beautiful fairy garden brought to life.

I feel grateful to do what I do, to lend my creativity to give something memorable to families. Children grow up so fast, and this helps preserve that fleeting stage and provides heirloom portraits they can cherish for years to come.  Cherished Moments Photography, 9726 Fertile Ave., Lonsdale. cherishedmomentsbydeb.com 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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M

By JANE TURPIN MOORE Guest Contributor

anaging the multiple moving pieces associated with a 60-plusmember regional orchestra isn’t for the faint of heart.

But Bethel Balge, a New Ulm resident since 1995, capably balances her full-time position as executive director of Mankato Symphony Orchestra with an active performance career as a classical pianist while keeping pace with a bustling family life that includes her husband Daniel, five adult children and two grandsons.

Prepare to meet — and be inspired by — this talented, calm, multi-tasking woman whose impressive organizational skills and self-discipline are matched by her intelligence and artistic drive.

Q: To begin, please share the correct pronunciation of your last name, Balge.

A: It’s like “ballgame,” but just “ball-gee,” with a hard “g.”

Q: What’s your main job at present?

A: My primary role is executive director of Mankato Symphony Orchestra (MSO). I’m also an adjunct professor at Bethany Lutheran College and a very part-time adjunct professor at Martin Luther College, where I currently have five [piano] students.

Before the pandemic, I taught music history and piano at both colleges.

Q: And you’re married?

A: My husband, Daniel, and I will celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary in 2027; he’s seven years older than me. When I was in high school [at Northwestern Preparatory School, now Luther Preparatory School, in Watertown, Wis.], Dan arrived there as an emergency instructor for my Latin professor who’d become ill.

No, we didn’t date right away (laughs). I went to Michigan State University, and during my junior year, we reconnected.

Dan teaches classical languages and German at Martin Luther College. We’ve lived in New Ulm since 1995 and have two daughters and three sons [ranging in age from 19 to 33].

Q: Tell me about your formal education.

A: I earned a bachelor of music at Michigan State in piano performance, then a master of music with an emphasis on piano performance from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. While living in Germany in the early 1990s, I earned a Diplommusik at the Hochschule für Musik und Darsttellende Kunst at the University of Frankfurt. In 2012, I returned for a doctor of musical arts degree at the University of Minnesota, where I studied with noted pianist Lydia Artymiw. Lydia had an impressive career, including as a soloist with Minnesota Orchestra. She still judges [piano] at Juilliard and for international piano competitions.

Q: How has your own performance career evolved?

A: My passion is with chamber music, and after completing my DMA, I founded ProMusica Minnesota in 2016. Next year will be our 10th season. I realized there was nothing like it in southern Minnesota, and I believed the New Ulm area had a good audience for chamber music.

Primarily, I perform with different musicians who are associated with Minnesota Orchestra and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, including violinists Susie Park and Maureen Nelson and cellists Tony Ross, Silver Ainomäe and Richard Belcher. Richard is also artistic director of Mankato Symphony’s “Music on the Hill” series.

Q: How often does ProMusica Minnesota perform?

Q&A with SoMinn arts administrator and pianist

Bethel Balge

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A: We have four performances annually; three in New Ulm and an early June festival in Mankato. Starting next year, we’ll have all four in New Ulm, where we tend to have bigger audiences. With New Ulm being the Brown County seat, plus two colleges and private high schools in the area, there are a lot of people here who are interested in and appreciative of what we do.

Our next concert is at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 29, at Martin Luther’s Chapel of the Christ and has the theme “American Mosaic.” That concert will include four of my five Martin Luther piano students playing an eight-handed version of “The Stars & Stripes Forever” on two Steinway grands, and other pieces by American composers. “Mosaics of Time” is the theme of our June 12-13 festival at Bethany Lutheran College.

Q: Does ProMusica Minnesota appear elsewhere in the state?

A: A blessing for our organization is that Michael Barone, longtime host of MPR’s “Pipedreams,” is a ProMusica Minnesota supporter in a very nice way and has featured our recordings on

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American Public Media’s “Performance Today.”

Michael founded the Chamber Music Society of St. Cloud and we’ve performed for them the last five years. He’s such a wonderful person to know and so encouraging to young artists, and to me. And we’ll travel to Canada in April to play with a string quartet.

Q: Do you have a favorite composer?

A: I can’t name just one. It seems to be whatever piece I happen to be working on, and I like all types and styles of music. At our March 29 concert, we’ll perform Paul Schoenfeld’s “Cafe Music for Piano Trio,” which is very jazzy.

And I’ve been loving Brahms’ “Piano Quintet in F Minor.” I love, love, love Beethoven, and 2027 is an anniversary year for him. And of course, Mozart. No, I can’t narrow it down to one.

Q: Do you practice daily?

A: Practice has become a refined process for me because I don’t have a lot of [spare] time. I get up early and typically practice between 7 and 9 a.m., then another hour or two in the afternoon if I need it. It depends on where I am with a program and whether I’m working on a new piece, but two hours is my usual goal. I love to practice for hours, and I hope I never get to the point when I can’t physically play for some reason.

Q: How do you relax?

A: I like to run, and I listen to books on tape when I’m working around the house. Running is something I picked up in the last 10 to 15 years; I still try to get out once or twice a week.

And I enjoy cooking and trying new dishes.

Food is like music for me; I like it all! When [MSO conductor] Ernesto Estigarribia Mussi and his wife, MSO principal violinist Sabrina Tabby, are in town, we often go to Yu’s Chinese Cuisine because they’re vegan, and I’ve learned to understand why they like that.

At home, I often experiment with new recipes—Italian, Thai, Chinese. I’m not a sweets person, but I like creme brûlée—and I do love chocolate.

Q: What makes heading Mankato Symphony Orchestra satisfying?

A: Involving the community in collaborative ways. Besides the core group of our orchestra instrumentalists being from Mankato, St. Peter and the surrounding area, we also involve choirs, guest artists, the Mankato Ballet Company and musicians from the Twin Cities.

This is MSO’s 75th anniversary season; we have very deep roots here and have produced performing opportunities for Mankato and surrounding communities for a long time.

MSO’s May 9 concert is titled, “A 250th Anniversary Celebration” and will feature music of American composers; Joan Tower’s “Made in

America,” Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” and Leonard Bernstein’s “Symphonic Dances from West Side Story.”

Q: What would your life be without music?

A: I can’t imagine living without music. It’s my number one passion. Playing with high-level musicians is stimulating, and the best part of that is rehearsing and feeding off each other’s musicality. My 60s will be my best decade yet because I’m doing everything I really love.

Q: Any final thoughts?

A: I’m very proud to lead MSO. MSO is a blessing to audiences and performers in Mankato and south-central Minnesota. An MSO board member who was introduced to orchestral music later in life talks vividly about the visceral reaction he experiences when attending concerts. He’s said, “Our goal is to get people to come, just once.” Because once they do, they want to return.  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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9

Q&A with Owatonna’s

Jason Lennox

on walking 1,776 miles for youth mental health

A

By MOLLY PENNY Guest Contributor

few years ago for the Scene interview edition, I spotlighted local author, speaker, entrepreneur, and recovery advocate Jason Lennox, of Owatonna, about his recently published memoir.

The end of his book was a call to action. What are we doing to make a difference in the world? Clearly Lennox challenges himself every day to be able to answer that assertively.

I managed to catch up with him for coffee and breakfast at Chill-Aqui in Owatonna to discuss his latest ventures. I enjoyed a very fancy caramel macchiato while Jason had decaf espresso and a relaxed smile, despite the fact the

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guy does not slow down for one minute. After recapping life and his recent family trip to Vietnam, we settled down for business. This one is all about taking it back to the beginning. But before we get into why Jason is walking, on foot, around the entire border of Minnesota, let’s acknowledge that it isn’t his first time pulling such a stunt!

Lennox, founder of One Arrow Group and One Arrow Foundation, just took to Appalachia last fall on foot walking 307 miles in honor of the 307,000 people we had lost in the past year to drug overdose and suicide.

On his Recovery Road 307 he walked from West Virginia to Nashville Tennessee, often joined along the way by friends and even celebrities. When Lennox hit the 10- mile mark on day five, he was joined with former Minnesota Viking defensive end and fellow recovery advocate Everson

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Griffen. Along the way, Lennox documented the journey, asking folks to pitch in for his campaign, or commit to walking 307 miles themselves. The team came short of their goal in funding, but the lessons learned along the way were invaluable as he continues his mission of saving lives.

In honor of our nation’s 250th birthday and to address the rising youth mental health crisis in our country, Lennox and his team plan to walk 1,776 miles — around the entire border of the state of Minnesota. I pressed him on this and he laughed and admitted that when they get up “toward the boundary waters, they will have to cut some corners.”

Lennox said part of his reasoning for embarking on this campaign is the “fact that youth mental health conditions have seen a 35% increase in recent years.” To put that in perspective, more than 5.3 million adolescents ages 12-17 in the U.S. have current diagnosed or behavioral health conditions.

Lennox and his One Arrow Foundation, along with pal Luke Wendlandt, founder and CEO of Cadr, a social platform and app for mental health, and his Cadre van, which is an “amazon runner van,” as well as a driveable RV for supplies, plan to embark on a journey late June through October, starting and ending in Stillwater, the birthplace of Minnesota, walking through America’s 250th birthday. Veering from his usual focus of addiction, this walk is geared toward youth mental health awareness. “You think about addiction, where does it start?”

Candidly, Jason and I were residents of the same coed halfway house in Owatonna early in our respective recovery journeys, and we agreed, “childhood.” Lennox has been open about his struggles, including suicidal ideations as early as age ten.

Undiagnosed mental health is one thing, but even of the nearly 20% of children with diagnosed mental or behavioral disorders, roughly 50& to 80% do not receive appropriate care.

Why kids’ mental health, I asked.

“For one, it is something everyone can, or should, be able to get behind,” Lennox asserted. He admitted that Road to Recovery 307 fell short of fundraising goals, but was still worthwhile. The plan this go around is to raise $250,000. 100% of proceeds will go toward youth mental health support efforts through the One Arrow Foundation.

“It is about prevention; we have to go back to the beginning.

That is what this is all about. Starting and ending in Stillwater, Minnesota’s birthplace, back to the beginning of the US where division was born, back to youth, back to the beginning with travel — on our feet.”

I asked what he was doing to prepare. “You just do it,” he said.

“It is 22 miles a day, 10 hours of just walking. You can’t really prepare for something like that.” Lennox is in great physical shape and has a fitness challenge coming up in April.

But at the end of the day, this endeavor is going to be about endurance. In a very real sense, that alone ties in with the theme of our Nation’s birthday, and in that respect, a chance for reflection and a call to action. What are we doing to make this world better? Lennox and team are walking the border to break

the stigma on mental health.

They will be documenting along the way. Join Lennox for a leg or follow along on his journey at recoveryroad250.com.  Molly Penny is a beloved radio personality & social media influencer in Southern Minnesota with a knack for all things music, politics and pop culture.

It was her love of Pop culture that started her 15-year stint on a local radio morning show!

Find her on Instagram & TikTok: @mollywoodUSA.

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Milky Way rising on the eastern horizon of the North Shore near Grand Marais. Photo by Aramis Wells, Flashover Photo.

Q&A with multi-faceted photographer Aramis Wells focuses on land, sky, fire & water

By AUDREY KLETSCHER HELBLING Minnesota Prairie Roots

W

hen I met photographer Aramis Wells of Dundas at the Straight River Art Festival in Faribault last spring, I knew immediately that I wanted to interview him.

His photos are nothing short of spectacular. He specializes in landscape, astro and fire photography, excelling at all of them.

In viewing Wells’ work, I could see he’s mastered his camera gear and the technological and other skills required to craft creatively-compelling images.

This comes from a self-taught photographer who works as a full-time machinist at an aerospace company, Technical Methods, Inc. in Lonsdale, and follows his passion for photography on the side.

As a photographer who shoots photos from a journalistic perspective, focusing on capturing an image to tell a story rather than on technical aspects, I was curious to learn more about Wells’ approach to his photography.

I was also curious about the name of his photography endeavor, Flashover Photo. The name connects to his experiences as a volunteer firefighter. “Flashover is a firefighting term used when the smoke and gases of a structure fire get so hot, around 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, that they simultaneously ignite into fire,” Wells said. “I thought it was a clever play on words for the business.” He’s right. It is.

Profile photo of Aramis Wells just after he got his gear set up for the 2024 total solar eclipse. Photo by Aramis Wells, Flashover Photo.

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In Minnesota there are a million reasons to stay indoors—mosquitoes, rain, snow, cold, humidity, to name a few. Photography forces me outside when sometimes it’s more comfortable to stay inside.

I love sharing the stories behind my images. I hope my excitement inspires others to get out and enjoy nature and the night sky.

Q. You seem to be drawn to the North Shore, Split Rock Lighthouse especially.

But local sites such as the Cannon River in Northfield, Valley Grove churches near Nerstrand and even Falls Creek Park just outside Faribault are among your photographic subjects. What leads you to photograph a particular place, sometimes repeatedly?

ABOVE: A seven-shot panorama of the Milky Way at Split Rock Lighthouse as the sun begins to light up the horizon.

Photo by Aramis Wells, Flashover Photo.

LEFT: Star trails photographed looking through the old Waterford Bridge north of Northfield using a 65-minute long exposure. Photo by Aramis Wells, Flashover Photo.

the great American eclipse of 2017, I was looking for things to photograph that would give me that same high. That’s how I found astrophotography.

Shooting the Milky Way, star trails, ISS transits and northern lights has been my go-to while I wait 18 years for the next total solar eclipse in the lower 48.

Q. What drew you into photography? A moment? An experience? I’d love to hear your backstory.

A. When I was in third grade, I traveled with my grandparents to Colorado to visit my aunts.

I was given a Kodak Instamatic 110 and shot several rolls of film on that trip. I thought it was magical to be able to capture a moment in time.

About a year later the department paid someone to put together a slide show for our annual banquet. That turned into an open invitation to make my own photos and video for the next year’s banquet and I’ve done that for the department every year since.

I bought my first real camera right after high school, but never really got into photography.

It cost too much to develop the film and I forgot all the camera settings by the time the prints came back.

Q. Let’s move on to astrophotography.

Is the night sky something that’s always interested you? I guess I’m asking what led you into astrophotography, which seems technically-difficult to me. Tell me a bit about what you’ve photographed and the challenges you’ve faced. Any standout moments?

It was after I went digital that I really appreciated the art. I could learn from the instant feedback. And it cost me nothing to fill a memory card.

A. My fascination with the sky goes back as long as I can remember. I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of “what else is out there.”

Q. Many photographers often find a particular niche to hone their craft.

Yours is multi-faceted from landscape to astro to fire photography. Let’s talk “fire” first because few photographers focus on fire and firefighting. Why that particular subject?

A. I was hired on the Northfield Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter in December 1999. After 9/11, many people dropped off flowers at the fire hall. I took one photo of the memorial in front of our rescue truck and it was so impactful to me that I realized there might be something to firefighting photography.

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Q. Landscape photography is another area in which you excel. I love the quote from naturalist and environmentalist John Muir featured on your website: “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” How does that quote relate to your landscape and nature photography?

A. Much like John Muir, my health, specifically my mental health, is not good if I don’t spend time outside soaking in nature’s beauty.

A. I know I just got done telling you all the reasons why you wouldn’t want to go out and explore. But Minnesota is full of reasons why you should. We are surrounded by so much natural beauty here and all of it is accessible if you have a few hours to drive. Not only that but, because of our seasons, the same location can look completely different based on the time of day or time of year.

I gravitate to areas with interesting or unique subjects to put in the foreground. After I’ve explored a great location, let’s say the Ames Mill in downtown Northfield, I pin the location in Google Maps and make notes such as too much light pollution for astro, good views to the north and west, bright lights that make night shots difficult, etc. Then when events like northern lights, comets, fall colors, sunrises happen, I have a map full of pins for reference when I want to go out and shoot.

Q. I consider photography to be visual storytelling. I’d like to hear your thoughts on that.

A. Photography is an interesting skill. You can read books and take classes to learn all the rules of photography and the thing everyone will tell you is the rules are meant to be broken.

You use the phrase “visual storytelling.” What is interesting with photography is that one image may tell you a story, yet does nothing for the next guy. I like to think of images not as storytelling, but as a view through a new set of eyes.

Our eyes view the world much like a video camera, 1/30th of a second at 40-50mm and roughly four to five feet off the ground.

Changing any one of those three things will

CONTINUED page 14

I had seen partial solar eclipses and was amazed that you could see such a phenomenon. But even more, I was amazed that the time and location of a solar eclipse could be precisely predicted.

As the internet became more of a resource for me, I learned of the summer 2017 total solar eclipse. The path of totality was only 30 miles wide and predicted years in advance. Our family started planning a trip to Yellowstone a year before the eclipse, which would pass just south of the park in Grand Teton.

Those 2 minutes and 16 seconds in totality changed me. The images I took on that trip lured me into photography for life. After

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Northern lights photographed in downtown Hastings as a train crosses the historic rail lift bridge on November 11, 2025. Photo by Aramis Wells, Flashover Photo.

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UPPER LEFT: Crews advance toward a propane fire with two hose lines on fog pattern during a Northfield Fire Department Open House demonstration. Photo by Aramis Wells, Flashover Photo.

TOP RIGHT: Composite image of the annular eclipse from within Monument Valley, Arizona, on October 14, 2023. Photo by Aramis Wells, Flashover Photo.

ABOVE RIGHT: Diamond ring shot of the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, near Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Photo by Aramis Wells, Flashover Photo.

LEFT: Selfie taken at the Lake Mazaska public access near Faribault during an October 2024 northern light substorm.

Photo by Aramis Wells, Flashover Photo.

Q. What factors into creating a great photo? Sure, good equipment helps, but it’s about much more than that. Any tips?

And, because I have to ask, what type of camera equipment do you use?

CONTINUED from page 13 make an image stand out since it’s not what we’re used to seeing with our own eyes.

Take an incredibly long exposure and you can make things that we perceive as still, like clouds and stars, and give them motion. Change your

focal length and you can view a grand overlook without turning your head or see the details in the feathers of a bird from across a wide river.

Even setting your camera on the ground when taking a photo gives the image such a different perspective that people will do a double take while looking at the photo.

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A. Good equipment definitely helps, but I would narrow it down to two things: understanding the light and your equipment.

Knowing when and where to be to get the light you are looking for is the first part of the equation. There are so many resources for this now. Apps like PhotoPills almost make it so easy it’s cheating.

The second thing, and probably the reason people give up on photography, is knowing your gear. If you don’t take the time to

understand all the aspects of your camera system and its limits, the whole experience can be frustrating. That’s especially true now that the iPhone in our pocket can give us the results we are looking for 90 percent of the time.

I shoot with an Olympus/OM System. But that should be the last thing anyone asks of a photographer. I typically don’t like people to know my brand until they’ve seen my photos first. All the cameras made in the last 10 years will give you incredible images if you know your light and know your gear.

Q. Are you self-taught? I’d like to hear how your photographic skills evolved.

A. I am self-taught. In 2007, my wife and I took our first real vacation. Up until that point, I just enjoyed taking pictures. But I bought “The Digital Photography Book” by Scott Kelby, to read on the flight. In my excitement, I didn’t read the book on the way to Hawaii, but instead used it to kill time on the flight back.

I realized how bad all my photos were when I got home.

After that a switch flipped. I vowed never

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to waste an opportunity like that again.

Photography got serious for me from that day on. I read books, found online resources, and practiced whenever I found time.

Q. You’re developing a reputation in Minnesota with honors such as Artist of the Month at Split Rock Lighthouse and Tettegouche State Park and through gallery exhibits and arts festivals.

What goals have you set for your photography? Where can people see your photos in the next few months?

A. Not sure a reputation is a good thing or a bad thing? Doing this interview in mid-March, I have a gallery up at Northfield City Hall through the spring and am Artist of the Month at the Split Rock Lighthouse Visitor Center for the rest of the month.

Right now, the only thing on my calendar is Tettegouche Visitor Center for the month of October.

Last year was my first full year of selling prints.

It was a successful year, but I learned from the first year to choose carefully how to spend my time. I would rather be behind my camera than a cash register. So I will be very selective with the shows I do in the future and right now there are none on the calendar.  FYI: Check out Wells’ work on his website: flashoverphoto.com.

Audrey Kletscher Helbling of Faribault captures people, places and events via her detail-rich writing and photography. Find more of her work at mnprairieroots.com.

She also writes award-winning poetry, short stories and creative nonfiction.

TOP RIGHT: Long exposure of the Ames Mill along the Cannon River in Northfield.

Photo by Aramis Wells, Flashover Photo.

RIGHT: Fire crews look on during July 4 fireworks in Northfield. Photo by Aramis Wells, Flashover Photo.

FAR RIGHT: Comet C:2023 A3 Tsuchinshan streaks across the sky behind Skinner Chapel at Carleton College, Northfield.

Photo by Aramis Wells, Flashover Photo.

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SOUTHERN MINN

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PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO. THURSDAY, MAR 26 Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts - Owatonna-- 7-10 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owatonna. One of the most talented bands active today. Led by free-wheeling frontman Nielsen, they’ve been wowing audiences for years with the diversity of their sound, the tightness of their four-part harmonies, and the quality of their songcraft. Equally comfortable in a compact three-minute pop song and an epic 10-minute jam, the band has toured incessantly since their inception in 2011.

FRIDAY, MAR 27 Chris Bertrand - St. Peter-- 6-9 p.m., Flame Bar and Grill, 225 Nassau St., St. Peter. A seasoned singer/songwriter from Southern Minnesota who dedicates his life to music. Deeply rooted in folk and unafraid to stomp and howl.

Adult Prom Waseca-6:30-11 p.m., Starfire Event Center, 206 2nd Ave SW, Waseca.

Put on by Waseca Rotary, the theme is Dancing Through the Decades, featuring The Silver Alchemist, playing everything from Benny Goodman to Beyonce. Tickets online.

Ilan Bustin - Henderson-- 7 p.m., River Bottom Tavern & Brewhouse, 510 Main St., Henderson. A rancher and country singer based in southern Minnesota, where the rolling farmland and open skies inspire his timeless sound. With a voice as deep and steady as the prairie wind, Ilan channels the spirit of legends like Colter Wall and Johnny Cash, delivering classic country songs rooted in hard work, heartache, and the rugged beauty of rural life.

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SATURDAY, MAR 28 Winter Farmers Market Waseca-- 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Farmamerica, 7367 360th Ave, Waseca. Browse a variety of locally grown and handmade goods, from fresh produce and baked treats to artisan crafts and unique gifts. Support local growers, makers, and businesses all season long.

Succulent Sip & Paint - Le Sueur County-- 1 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. Brandt Gardens will provide a wide variety of containers ranging from vintage to modern, along with a gorgeous selection of succulents and cacti to choose from. All planting supplies are included, so you can simply relax, sip, and create. Tickets online.

Isaiah Muller Le Sueur County-1-4 p.m., Union Trail Brewing, 23436 Union Trail, Belle Plaine. Playing all your favorites from the 90s, 00s, southern rock, and modern country.

WAC Exhibit Opening Waseca-- 2-4 p.m., Waseca Art Center, 200 N. State St. Natalie Reynolds Wolff at the Harguth Gallery and the high school sow at the Beckmann Gallery.

Student Gallery Opening Waseca-- 2-4 p.m., Waseca Art Center, 200 N. State St. The exhibit opening reception for the Waseca area high school show featuring talented students from at least five local schools in the Beckmann Gallery, plus oil painter Natalie Reynolds-Wolff in the Harguth Gallery. Refreshments are provided. The exhibits continues through April.

Crista Bohlmann Kasota-- 2-5 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. Performing in bands for

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over 20 years, Crista Bohlmann is now accompanying herself on guitar, fiddle, and Ukulele playing an eclectic variety of music including rock, country, folk and bluegrass.

Lucia Singers - St. Peter-4-5:30 p.m., Christ Chapel, Gustavus, St. Peter. The Lucia Singers and the Choir of Christ Chapel, both conducted by Dr. Andrew Kendall ‘16, will present their combined spring concert. The concert is free, open to the public, and will be livestreamed on the Gustavus Music YouTube page.

Wendt Sisters - Janesville-5:30-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville.

Performing all your favorites.

The Zillionaires - Northfield-- 6-9 p.m., Imminent Brewing, 519 Division Street South Unit 2.

This self-styled alt-variety band performs compelling original songs

by Wendy Smith and covers from a diverse catalogue of Americana, country, roots, rock, and blues. Entertaining music lovers with their skilled musicianship and well-honed sense of fun.

Margo and Troy - Le Sueur-- 6-9 p.m., The Bar & Grill, 130 S. Main St., Le Sueur. Some acoustic tunes with your food and drink.

HickTown Mafia - Waterville-- 7 p.m., Classic’s Pub, 125 3rd St. S., Waterville.

Playing classic and current country hits and classic 70s, 80s, and 90s rock, HickTown Mafia’s members boast a combined 100+ years of stage experience covering everything from Johnny Cash to AC/DC. Add some southern rock to the mix, and you have a night of great music.

The Book Club Play Northfield-7:30 p.m., Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 Third Street West. When devoted book club members become the subjects of a

documentary filmmaker and accept a provocative new member, their long-standing group dynamics take a hilarious turn. A comedy by Karen Zacarias.

Directed by Julianna Skluzacek. Shows at 7:30 p.m.

March 27-28, plus 2 p.m. March 29.

Church of Cash - Faribault-- 7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. The Johnny Cash tribute show performed by singer Jay Ernest and his band is an unforgettable experience that brings the music of the Man in Black to life. Jay Ernest’s deep, resonant voice sounds remarkably like Cash’s, and he captures the essence of the legendary performer with his dynamic stage presence.

Tickets online.

Metal Night - St. Peter-8 p.m., Tremendous Brewing Co., 228 W. Mulberry St., St. Peter.

Local bands Kalopsya (melodic-metal), SLDG (alt-core) and Accepting Fate (metalcore) take the stage.

Radio Edit - Owatonna-- 8:30 p.m., Reggie’s Brewhouse, 220 N. Cedar Ave., Owatonna. Radio Edit is a band based out of Rochester. The band plays rock and alternative hits from the 90s.

Smokescreen - Kasota-- 9 p.m., The Blue Moon Bar & Grill, 300 S. Webster St., Kasota. A lively three-piece covering a rich blend of rock and country favorites across multiple decades. Though rooted in Southern rock, their repertoire spans everything from classic rock anthems to country-tinged hits — making their shows engaging and genre-spanning.

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SUNDAY, MAR 29 Christopher Atzinger and Catherine Ramiez - Owatonna-- 2 p.m., Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Ln, Owatonna.

Pianist Christopher Atzinger on piano and Catherine Ramiez, flutist. The program will feature works by Dovrak, Bruch, Jolivet Loggins-Hull, and Coleman.

The Quantum Mechanics - St. Peter-- 4-7 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter.

A kickoff to the Minnesota Original Music Festival.

Pseudoscience jazz fusion band from this dimension.

Rafi Dworsky - Northfield-- 5:30-7 p.m., Imminent Brewing, 519 Division Street South Unit 2. Renowned cantor Rafi Dworsky will take the stage to play a few of your favorite gospel hymns. Plus, he’ll serenade us with a few other folk songs you may know but will certainly love.

MONDAY, MAR 30 Peep Houses - Le Sueur-- 4 p.m., Le Sueur Public Library, 118 Ferry St. Build a sweet little house using graham crackers, candy, and marshmallow Peeps. Participants will design and decorate their own edible creations — no baking required, just imagination (and a little frosting). A family event geared for ages 6-12.

THURSDAY, APR 02

Lukas Graff - St. Peter-- 6-9 p.m., Flame Bar and Grill, 225 Nassau St., St. Peter. Some acoustic tunes to enjoy.

Jigsaw Jam Waseca-- 6 p.m., The Mill Event Center, 310 2nd Ave SW, Waseca.

Teams of four with no age requirement.

Includes 500-piece puzzle to keep and four drink tickets. Prize awarded to fastest team. Register online.

D.C. Leonhardt Henderson-- 7 p.m., River Bottom Tavern & Brewhouse, 510 Main St., Henderson.

A Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter, poet, and bookbinder focused on creating honest, craft-driven folk and Americana music. Influenced by artists like Townes Van Zandt and Greg Brown, Leonhardt released a debut album in 2024, emphasizing emotional honesty over technical perfection.

Severio Mancieri - St. Peter-- 7-10 p.m., Tremendous Brewing Co., 228 W. Mulberry St., St. Peter. A traveling troubadour from Duluth.

Currently traveling the country in a minivan.

Born 3 months early and only two pounds at birth, he’s been playing piano since 6 and guitar since 10. 175 shows a year, he’s released an EP “Can I”, a music video to accompany it, and a full length album “A Thousand Feet From The Sun”.

SATURDAY, APR 04 Easter Farmers Market Waseca-- 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Farmamerica, 7367 360th Ave, Waseca.

Come shop from local makers, bakers, and growers at this bonus Waseca County Winter Farmers Market.

Mary Cutrufello - Northfield-- 6-8 p.m., Imminent Brewing, 519 Division Street South Unit 2. Mary Cutrufello solo. Songs old and new, mostly hers. Also whatever she thinks she can get through a verse and a chorus of.

FRIDAY, APR 03 Convocation with Andrew Little - Northfield-- 10:50-11:50 a.m., Skinner Memorial Chapel, 405 1st St. E. Associate Professor of Political Science at UC Berkeley. Most of his current research asks how people form beliefs about the political world, when these beliefs have systematic biases, and how this affects the functioning of democracy.

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Geocaching for Bunny Baskets Henderson-10 a.m.-1 p.m., Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson.

Celebrate the spring with one of our favorite animals, the rabbit. We will have themed bunny baskets hidden throughout the park for your family to discover and enjoy. At the beginning of your session, we will send GPS coordinates where your basket is located. Staff will be available on-site, but this is designed to be an “on-your-own-adventure”. Takes place 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 4 and 5.

Register online.

Community Egg Hunts - Southern Minn Scene Region-- 10:30 a.m., There are numerous community egg hunts across the Southern Minn Scene region. Keep up with local organizers for full details.Faribault - 10:30 a.m. April 4 at Shattuck; Waseca - 11 a.m. April 4 at Clear Lake Park; Le Sueur - 9:45 a.m. April 4 at American Legion Park; Northfield - 10 a.m. April 4 at Windy Willow Farm; St. Peter - 9 a.m. April 4 at the Gorman Park; Cleveland - 10 a.m. April 4 at the public school; Owatonna - 8 a.m. April 4 at Christian Family Church; Kenyon - 11 a.m. April 4 at Depot Park; Le Center - 12:45 p.m. April at West Park.

Boozy Easter Hunt - Le Sueur County-- 1-4 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. Tickets grant access to Barrel Room, Vineyard, and Pavilion, where mini bottles of flavored vodka and Easter eggs are hidden throughout the grounds and spring games abound. Eggs come with various prizes. Tickets online.

Dearest the Duo - Kasota-2-5 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota.

Dearest is a music duo based out of San Diego & Minnesota. They perform acoustic covers ranging from 60s classics to contemporary pop, appealing to all ages. Dearest’s music consists of two uniquely blended voices, keyboard, guitar, and a little bit of percussion.

Spring Craft Show - Waseca-- 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Starfire Event Center, 206 2nd Ave SW, Waseca.

Shop spring crafts among a host of vendors. A special appearance by the Easter Bunny.

Keg Hunt - St. Peter-- 10 a.m., Paddlefish Brewing, 108 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Think Easter egg hunt, but bigger, better and beer related.

Teams of four with prizes up for grabs. Tickets online.

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Tim Cheesebrow - Kilkenny-- 2-4 p.m., Vintage Escapes Winery & Vineyard, 8950 Dodd Rd., Kilkenny. Bringing a great mix of acoustic favorites and feel-good tunes that pair perfectly with a glass of wine and a laid-back afternoon at the winery.

Jared Graff Le Sueur County-2-5 p.m., Union Trail Brewing, 23436 Union Trail, Belle Plaine.

Country covers and originals.

Murmurations Art Reception - St. Peter-- 3-5 p.m., Arts Center of Saint Peter, 315 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter.

Works from Mary Beth Magyar and Logan Guo. Mary Beth draws great inspiration from gatherings of birds and how they represent community.

Murmurations is comprised of ceramics and sketches reflecting her contemplation of and reverence for the air-borne creatures. Logan Guo turns the mundane of everyday life and architecture into riveting illustrations full of color and personality.

Megan McDonald Author Talk - Northfield-3 p.m., Grand Event Center, 316 Washington St., Northfield. A special reading from the beloved children’s author. Her latest is “Bunny and Clyde on the Lam”: They couldn’t be outlaws when they tried, but now they’re being framed as fall guys?

Judy Moody creator Megan McDonald and illustrator Scott Nash bring back the lovable pair Bunny and Clyde for a comedy full of mischief, magic tricks, and misperceptions.

Johnny Frost and the Heatseekers - Janesville-- 5:30-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Performing seven decades of music.

Travis Thamert - Owatonna-- 6:308:30 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owatonna.

Travis was nominated as New Artist of the year in 2020 at the MWCMO’s.

He’d also climbed through a few key audition rounds on NBC The Voice back in 2014.

John Denver Tribute - Faribault-- 7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. Headlined by Dennis Curley, Country Roads is a tribute show to one of America’s bestloved performers and draws deeply on Curley’s

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Backed by a fantastic 6-piece band, Curley’s renditions are sure to bring a smile to audiences of all ages.

Smokescreen - Waseca-- 9 p.m., Boxcar Bar, 202 W. Elm Ave, Waseca. A lively three-piece covering a rich blend of rock and country favorites across multiple decades. Though rooted in Southern rock, their repertoire spans everything from classic rock anthems to country-tinged hits — making their shows engaging and genre-spanning.

TUESDAY, APR 07 WCHS Exhibit Waseca-- 9 a.m.5 p.m., Waseca Co. Historical Society, 315 2nd Ave NE. In this surprise exhibit, History Center curators have picked out four imporant objects that help tell the story of Waseca County. No spoilers. Find out in person. The exhibit runs through April.

OAC Exhibit - Owatonna-- 1-5 p.m., Owatonna Arts Center.

Jerry Deuschle will present clay works.

He and wife Kathy own and operate a home-based studio and art gallery. It is their goal to offer fine art for everyone’s budget and style. Mercedes “Marcie” Hyuanga will present paintings. She grew up on a farm in southeast Waseca, the oldest of seven. Farm life taught her a deep appreciation for nature and wildlife.

Renee Wendinger - Waseca-- 6 p.m., Waseca Public Library, 408 N. State ST. Wendinger reveals the life story of orphaned, half-orphaned and runaway children of immigrant parents in 19th-century New York. Wendinger will share her collection of stories detailing little known details about children who faced near insurmountable odds and discuss Minnesota’s orphan train history.

THURSDAY, APR 09

Mussels of Minnesota - Henderson-- 12-1:30 p.m., Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson. Freshwater mussels are amazing creatures who had a large impact on the button industry here in Minnesota. Learn about these hidden wonders, where you might find them, and why they are so important to our aquatic ecosystems.

Kelly Ann Street Author Talk - Northfield-- 7 p.m., Content Bookstore, 314 Division St. S, Northfield. A book launch event for Street’s “Embrace the Dark: Heal and Find Balance in Life’s Deepest Shadows.” Sharing inspiring stories, psychological insights, and hands-on practices, therapist Kelly Ann Street, MS, shows you how to pull back the parts of yourself that were cast aside and use them to heal and better understand yourself.

Bards in the Arb - St. Peter-7-8:30 p.m., The Arboretum at Gustavus, 800 W. College Ave., St. Peter. Sun Yung Shin will read from her award-winning writing and participate in a brief Q&A. Sun Yung Shin was born in Seoul, Korea and was raised in the Chicago area. She is a poet, writer, and cultural worker.

Two for One - Janesville-- 6-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. A music duo playing all your favorites.

Dan Engsberg - Henderson-- 7 p.m., River Bottom Tavern & Brewhouse, 510 Main St., Henderson.

A Twin Cities–based singer, guitarist, and emerging songwriter rooted in Minneapolis’ vibrant music scene. Known for soulful solo performances at local venues, Dan blends original material with compelling covers, showcasing his skills on guitar and vocal versatility while connecting intimately with audiences.

SATURDAY, APR 11

KillinTime - Le Sueur County-- 1-4 p.m., Union Trail Brewing, 23436 Union Trail, Belle Plaine. Anne and Randy are celebrating their years together with some music and fun.

FRIDAY, APR 10 Just Crista - St. Peter-6-9 p.m., Flame Bar and Grill, 225 Nassau St., St. Peter.

A girl, a guitar, a fiddle, a ukulele and a song. Enjoy an evening listening to the incredibly talented Crista.

The Wendt Sisters - Kilkenny-- 3-6 p.m., Vintage Escapes Winery & Vineyard, 8950 Dodd Rd., Kilkenny. Singing together most of their lives and bring beautiful harmonies and great energy to every performance. Their setlist spans multiple decades and genres, featuring favorites from the 1950s through the 1990s, along with some gospel classics and well-loved hits that everyone can sing along to.

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Ash St. John - Kasota-- 6-9 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. A St. Paul–based singer-songwriter, violinist, and looping multi-instrumentalist whose music blends indie folk, pop, country, and hip-hop influences. Classically trained on violin, he brings a unique musical range and thoughtful experimentation to both his songwriting and live performances.

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Lakelanders Barbershop Quartet Northfield-- 4-8 p.m., Grand Event Center, 316 Washington St., Northfield. Men’s a cappella ensemble, sharing rich four-part barbershop harmony throughout southern Minnesota. A group of local men who love great music, strong harmony, and good fellowship.

Hops for Habitat - Owatonna-- 5 p.m., Steele County Four Seasons Centre, 1525 S. Elm Ave., Owatonna. Come sample local and statewide beers, seltzers, ciders and wines. Live music, food truck and corn hole will be back by popular demand.

Shasta Kings - Owatonna-6:30-8:30 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owatonna.

The Shasta Kings are Scott Rogness (guitar/lead vocals) and Bruce Watts (guitars/ vocals) playing a wide variety of songs from classic rock to new country.

Jivin Ivan and the Kings of Swing Faribault-7-10 p.m., Signature Bar & Grill, 201 Central Ave. N, Faribault.

Vintage tunes with a timeless beat.

Swinging times will be had with one of the hottest bands around.

Chris Bertrand - Kasota-- 7-10 p.m., Prairie Saloon & Grill, 140 N. Webster St., Kasota. The perfect mix of acoustic soul, modern country, pop, and feel-good originals, including music from his upcoming album “By The Pour.” Smooth vocals, killer guitar talent, and chill, high-energy bar vibe.

AZBY - Owatonna-- 7:30-11 p.m., Owatonna Eagles 1791, 141 E. Rose St., Owatonna. 70s classic rock and 90s alternative, and they’ll be gearing this show around the holiday season.

Category 5 - Waseca-- 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m., Boxcar Bar, 202 W. Elm Ave, Waseca.

Favorites in a variety of music.

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YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

Rock Godz - Owatonna-- 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m., Reggie’s Brewhouse, 220 N. Cedar Ave., Owatonna.

Takes you on an over-the-top, wildly fun trip through the era of 80s rock and more. Their arena rock production, combined with classic 80s rock, creates an instant party where friends raise their glasses and sing along to their favorite hits.

acoustic guitar and blues harmonica, weaving tales of folk-spun humor and hard luck times throughout his sets of all-original music.

Big Blue Moon - Northfield-- 5-7 p.m., Imminent Brewing, 519 Division Street South Unit 2.

A modern jazz trio from south Minneapolis that is in constant motion of creation and improvisation, without worrying too much about what jazz should be. This trio draws from several decades of jazz history to create sounds that are both traditional and modern, and the group features a flexible lineup built around St. Olaf Graduate Nick Bhalla’s piano.

TUESDAY, APR 14 HickTown Mafia - Kasota-- 9 p.m., The Blue Moon Bar & Grill, Kastoa. Playing classic and current country hits and classic 70s, 80s, and 90s rock, HickTown Mafia’s members boast a combined 100+ years of stage experience covering everything from Johnny Cash to AC/DC. Add some southern rock to the mix, and you have a night of great music

SUNDAY, APR 12

Cake Decorating Night - Owatonna-- 6 p.m., Grapeful Wine Bar, 306 N. Cedar Ave., Suite 2, Owatonna. Pairing a glass of Marie Antoinette Wine with a hands-on cake decorating experience, where each guest will create and decorate their own beautiful mini cake. Tickets online.

THURSDAY, APR 16

Bridal Show - Waseca-- 11 a.m., The Mill Event Center, 310 2nd Ave SW, Waseca. Vendors from all around the southern Minnesota area. Swag bags will be given to the first 25 brides through the door. If you RSVP ‘going’ (on this event page) prior to the event your name will go in a second time to the door prize drawings.

Spring Market - St. Peter-- 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Tremendous Brewing Co., 228 W. Mulberry St., St. Peter. Featuring a number of local vendors on the patio, plus a food truck.

Spring Concert - Northfield-3:30 p.m., Boe Memorial Chapel, 1500 St Olaf Ave., Northfield. The St. Olaf Chapel Choir with Conductor Joseph Kemper and the St. Olaf Orchestra with Conductor Chang Park. They will perform “The Promised Land: Commemorating 250 Years of American Struggle and Hope.”

Ben Scruggs St. Peter-- 4-7 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. An original folk/blues/ americana musician from Mankato. He accompanies himself with

CHECK OUT THE

FRIDAY, APR 17 Convocation with Joel Simon - Northfield-10:50-11:50 a.m., Skinner Memorial Chapel, 405 1st St. E. Simon has worked tirelessly as a champion of press freedom around the world.

For 15 years between 2006 and 2021, he served as the executive director of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). He traveled the world defending the rights of journalists, effectively saving lives and getting innumerable people out of harm’s way.

Mark Kreitzer Northfield-- 5-7 p.m., Reunion, 501 Division St. S., Northfield.

Mark has been playing music on stage since almost before there were two Germanys. He has played in rock, country, bluegrass, folk, traditional jazz and gypsy jazz bands, as well as being involved in theatrical and classical music.

Sohmer and Dale - St. Peter-- 6-9 p.m., Flame Bar and Grill, 225 Nassau St., St. Peter. A captivating acoustic duo whose harmonious blend of vocals and instrumental prowess create an unforgettable musical experience.

Deuces Wild - Kasota-- 7-10 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. Join Dave Eichholz and Ted Manderfeld, the duo behind Deuces Wild, for an unforgettable evening of music, comedy, and audience participation. Their unique blend of crowd-requested songs, quick-witted humor, and interactive performance creates a show where the audience becomes part of the entertainment. Expect to sing along, clap along, laugh along, and maybe even take part in the show yourself. Tickets online.

Bobby Jo Valentine - Owatonna-- 7 p.m., Associated Church, 800 Havana Road, Owatonna.

Bobby Jo Valentine’s music exists outside the lines of any genre, but the music’s thoughtful, spirit focused lyrics and catchy melodies reach listeners across all walks of life. The poetic nature and spiritual focus of his stories and songs has resulted in notable awards and a growing, loyal following around the country. He’s found a voice with original, hopeful songs about the gentle everyday spiritual awakenings of an openhearted life.

County Line Trio - Kasota-- 7-10 p.m., Prairie Saloon & Grill, 140 N. Webster St., Kasota. Outlaw country, 90s hits, and all the modern favorites.

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Intro to Somali Culture - Faribault-- 6 p.m., Rice County Historical Society, 1814 NW 2nd Ave., Faribault. Ibrahim Khalif, Executive Director of Faribault Youth Empowerment, will give a talk on building bridges in a diverse environment. He will share information and insights that help us foster mutual respect and understanding. Call 507-3322121 to pre-register.

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Poetry Night with Emily Bright - Northfield-7 p.m., Content Bookstore, 314 Division St. S, Northfield. These spirited poems travel the globe before landing in the American Midwest. Gathered from nearly 20 years of writing, the poems in This Ground Beneath Our Feet sail from the Atlantic crossings of her ancestors to the forests of New England, to the Mississippi River Valley, to the world contained within a neighborhood backyard. Emily Bright is a weekend host for Minnesota Public Radio news, where she also produces “Ask a Bookseller” and “Art Hounds.”

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CONTINUED from page 19 This trio brings the kind of music that fills the bar, gets people tapping boots, and turns a regular night into a damn good memory. Guitar, drums, bass, cold drinks, and that small-town energy we all love.

Hunter Evenson Henderson-- 7 p.m., River Bottom Tavern & Brewhouse, 510 Main St., Henderson.

Evenson has been singing since he was 4 years old, having the privilege of singing in touring boy choirs, show choirs, acapella groups, vocal jazz ensembles, operas and musicals. One of his proudest moments was singing at the National Anthem at a Green Bay Packers game in 2023.

SATURDAY, APR 18

Rosemaling Workshop - Owatonna-- 10 a.m.-3 p.m., This workshop is open to anyone who is

interested in Norwegian Rosemaling and would like to learn the techniques of this art form. The workshop will be taught by Lyn Rein, from Faribault, owner of MOD Nordic Arts and a third generation Rosemaler. Lyn and her mother, Donna Johnson, have been asked back to SCHS by popular demand for this workshop. Call 507-451-1420 to sign up.

Sourdough for Beginners - Faribault-- 1-3:30 p.m., Viaduct Park, Faribault. If sourdough has been sitting on your “someday” list, this is your sign. Join for a hands-on beginner sourdough class led by Ten Acre Baker, where you’ll mix, stretch, and prep your very first loaf from scratch, with expert guidance every step of the way.

Wind Orchestra & Symphony Concert St. Peter-4:30-6 p.m., Jussi Björling Recital Hall, Gustavus Adolphus College. Conducted by John Clemons, the Gustavus wind orchestra and symphony present their season finale concert.

Amy Manette Janesville-5:30-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Performing jazz music.

Dermatology & Cosmetic Care Clinic Wendy Bongers, M.D.

At One Bread One Body MD, we do more than treat skin – we care for the whole person.

Our practice blends expert medical dermatology, advanced cosmetic treatments, and holistic wellness coaching to restore balance to your body, mind, and spirit.

Led by Wendy Bongers, M.D. our clinic is rooted in the belief that healing happens best when joy, restoration, and compassion are part of the journey. Whether you’re coming in for a skin check, aesthetic care, or a moment of peace in our dedicated wellness room, you’ll find a space that uplifts, encourages, and treats you like family.

Offering:

Aesthetic and cosmetic services designed to help you look and feel your best - Botox - Go & Glow Peel - Benign Lesion Removal - Skin Tags - Wisdom Spots - Cherry Spots - Small Blood Vessel - Calluses - Other skin concerns

Dancing with Our Steele County Stars - Owatnna-- 6 p.m., Owatonna High School, 1455 SE 18th Street, Owatonna.

The 14th annual event from Healthy Seniors of Steele County. Eight couples compete under the instruction of April Dahl of Dahl Dance. Tickets online.

Luke Richards - Le Sueur County-- 6-9 p.m., Union Trail Brewing, 23436 Union Trail, Belle Plaine. A small town musician chasing a big dream.

Comedy Under The Bridge Faribault-- 7-10 p.m., 10,000 Drops, 28 4th St NE, Faribault.

Why not come out and enjoy some comedy? Multiple headliners on tap. Tickets online.

Jake’s Women - Faribault-7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. America’s premier comic playwright makes another hilarious foray into the world of modern relationships.

Jake, a novelist who is more successful with fiction than with life, faces a marital crisis by daydreaming about the women in his life. Tickets online.

Shows 7:30 p.m. April 17-18 and 24-25, plus 2 p.m. April 19 and 26.

SUNDAY, APR 19

Comprehensive medical dermatology visits for all ages - Skin Cancer Checks - Acne / Rosacea - Warts / Cryotherapy - Biopsies / Excisions - Any Skin Concerns

507.301.7602 • 513 Central Avenue N • Faribault, MN www.onebreadonebodymd.com

Barefoot Winos Owatonna-- 6-8 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owatonna. Playing their own distinctive brand of blues. There energetic, soulful, live performances has captivated their audiences all over the Midwest.

It’s blues with an attitude. What makes the band so unique is their depth of talent, blend of musical influences, and the ability to tie it all together.

Schedule your skin check today

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Community Mural - St. Peter-- 1-3 p.m., Paddlefish Brewing, 108 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter.

Bring friends, bring family, and enjoy an afternoon of creativity, color, and great beer. Let’s paint something amazing together. Pre-registration online is required to secure your painting in the mural.

Nicholas David - St. Peter-4-7 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter.

You can hear the nurturing root sounds of American R&B, New Orleans Rock ‘n’ Roll, Country-Driven Gospel and the Soul Music of the Spirit and the Church in Nicholas David aka the Feelin. And if you’re really listening, you can hear how David is reshaping the music’s past for the ever-present day. Welcome to the guy who magically turned the old school into the new school.

Pageant & Singalong Nation - St. Peter-- 4:30 p.m., The Capitol Room, 419 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Singers at all levels, from expert to timid, are welcome to join in the fun, as the group spends the fall and winter getting acquainted with the music, appointing soloists, and experiencing all the benefits that come with making music in community.

The theme this year is Punks, Poets & Protest.

MONDAY, APR 20 Ellie Palmer Author Talk - Le Sueur-- 6 p.m., Le Sueur Public Library, 118 Ferry St. Palmer is known for her witty Minnesota romcoms.

TUESDAY, APR 21

Beginner Line Dancing - Le Sueur County-6-8 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. Our instructor will break everything down step-by-step, so you can dance with confidence and have a great time. Grab some friends, slip on your comfy boots (or just your regular shoes), and enjoy a fun, welcoming night at the winery. Jane Breeggemann will lead the session.

WEDNESDAY, APR 22

Earth Day Celebration - Waseca-- 5-7 p.m., Waseca County East Annex, 300 N. State St. Come and bring your school-aged youth to celebrate Earth Day with fun activities, games, and crafts.

Community organizations will be on hand to provide activities and information about their programs.

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

Another Time Around - St. Peter-6-9 p.m., Flame Bar and Grill, 225 Nassau St., St. Peter.

Duo playing classic rock songs.

THURSDAY, APR 23 Bill Litzau Duo - Le Sueur-5:30-8:30 p.m., The Bar & Grill, 130 S. Main St., Le Sueur. Some acoustic tunes to enjoy.

Guild Members Showcase Northfield-- 6-8 p.m., Northfield Arts Guild, 304 Division St. S., Northfield. Features work from dozens of members. An open house gallery experience. Show runs through May 9.

tonna. An unforgettable night of high-energy rock ‘n’ roll as the Midwest’s premier roots-rock artist.

Led by the incendiary Brian Leighton, this band has spent nearly three decades captivating fans with a “man of the people” spirit that channels the blue-collar heart of legends like Springsteen and Mellencamp.

On The Cover - Janesville-- 6-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Harrison and Jon playing acoustic covers of your favorite hits from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s.

Sourdough 101 - Kasota-- 6-8 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. You will leave with dough to bake at home and your very own, 106-yearold sourdough starter. Sign up online.

Mr. Burns - St. Peter-- 7:30 p.m., Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 West College Ave, St. Peter.

After the end of contemporary America, in a future without power, what survives? Mr. Burns, by Anne Washburn, investigates how theatre and storytelling tell us who we are and who we’ve been, explores pop culture’s survival and evolution under stress, and imagines a future for TV’s most enduring family. Tickets online.

FRIDAY, APR 24

An Evening of History Through Fiction Northfield-- 7 p.m., Content Bookstore, 314 Division St. S, Northfield. Winners of the History Through Fiction Short Story Contest, “The Blood of Englishmen” uncovers the hidden histories that shape us all. Across continents and centuries, the stories in the anthology illuminate lives lived at the margins of official history — moments of crisis, courage, and quiet transformation that ripple outward through families, communities, and nations.

GB Leighton - Owatonna-- 7-10 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owa-

Pioneer Power Swap Meet - Le Sueur County-6 a.m.-5 p.m., Pioneer Power Showgrounds, 34605 265th Ave., Le Sueur. A fun-filled weekend of vintage finds, farm favorites, and handmade goods. Runs April 24-26.

Forrest Hunter - Henderson-- 7 p.m., River Bottom Tavern & Brewhouse, 510 Main St., Henderson.

A full-time Southern Minnesota truck driver and part time recording artist. His debut album was released in late November 2024. His tales are true and unassuming. He sings of love, pain, wonder

and confusion, all with the inevitable acceptance that everything is as it should be.

SATURDAY, APR 25 Spring Market - Owatonna-9 a.m.-2 p.m., Owatonna Eagles 1791, 141 E. Rose St., Owatonna. Fresh finds and spring vibes.

Local crafters and artisans. Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, handmade treasures, sweets or just a fun day out.

Spring Craft Fair - St. Peter-- 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Nicolette County Fairgrounds, 400 Union St., St. Peter. Shop local artists, vendors, businesses and crafters all in one space. Food served on site.

Barnyard Babies - Waseca-- 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Farmamerica, 7367 360th Ave, Waseca. Take a tram ride to our historic 1930s barnyard, where adorable

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Be Independent

Shop Locally Owned Business

One-stOp BOOk shOp

Books • magazines • comics • cards • games LOOkIng fOr sOmethIng specIaL? specIaL Orders are never a prOBLem fOr LIttLe prOfessOr. LITTLE PROFESSOR

BOOK CENTER

110 West Park Square, Owatonna, MN • 507-455-0969

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that will bring a party atmosphere to any show they play. baby farm animals await. Meet a variety of farm animals and enjoy up close, hands-on interactions the whole family will love.

Mike & Possum - Le Center-- 7-10 p.m., Le Center Municipal Liquors, 20 N Waterville Ave. High-voltage acoustic covers of your favorite classic rock anthems, channeling the power of a full-blown rock show into the cozy corners of clubs, breweries, and wineries. Fueled by a love for live music and a flair for the theatrical, this duo delivers shows as thrilling as a midnight ghost chase — and just as hard to forget.

Everett Smithson Band - Kasota-- 8 p.m.-12 a.m., The Blue Moon Bar & Grill, 300 S. Webster St., Kasota. Always a local favorite bringing their hot movin’ music from up and down the Mississippi River. Zydeco (swamp rock), blues and funky roots of all kinds. This band has soulful Creole flavor

Glow and Behold - St. Peter-- 2 p.m., Paddlefish Brewing, 108 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. An interactive program of science, wonder, and fun as we explore the science of light.

EZ Jazz - St. Peter-- 4-7 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. An afternoon of great live music with some of the finest players around.

ArtMakers Singalong - Northfield-- 5:30-7 p.m., Imminent Brewing, 519 Division Street South Unit 2. A joyful, Gospel-inspired singalong. Whether you’re clapping, singing along, or just soaking it all in, you’re a part of it. Celebrating inclusion, creativity, and the art of being together.

ArtMakers brings together artists with disabilities and local, professional and student artists to create art and build community.

2026

O

H

The Sunshine Boys - Owatonna-- 6-7:30 p.m., Little Theatre of Owatonna, 560 Dunnell Dr # A, Owatonna. Al and Willie as “Lewis and Clark” were top-billed vaudevillians for over forty years. Now they aren’t even speaking. When CBS requests them for a “History of Comedy” retrospective, a grudging reunion brings the two back together, along with a flood of memories, miseries, and laughs. The story follows the attempt by a young theatrical agent to re-unite his elderly uncle, a former vaudevillian great, with his long-time stage partner for a TV reunion. Shows 6 p.m. April 24-25 and May 1-2, plus 12:30 p.m. April 26 and May 3.

Baby Goat Day - Le Sueur County-- 12-5 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. Spend the afternoon snuggling, playing, and taking fun photos with adorable baby goats from Four Seasons Farm (FSF) dairy goats in Jordan while sipping on drinks, plus Ofelia’s Fresh Mexican Food and Just In Time Concessions.

C

Grady Kruse - Le Sueur County-1-4 p.m., Union Trail Brewing, 23436 Union Trail, Belle Plaine.

Playing all the best country music.

Spring Clothing Swap St. Peter-- 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Tremendous Brewing Co., 228 W. Mulberry St., St. Peter. Adult clothing only; accessories are welcome; take as much as you bring; swap, hang out and have some beers.

’ R E A DERS

Earth Day - Northfield-- 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Armory Square Event Center, 519 Division St., Northfield.

Featuring an eco fair with exhibitors and a farmers market, the contra dance, workshops on environmental topics, and more.

SUNDAY, APR 26

It’s Coming...

IC

E AWA R DS

Nominating starts April 15

MONDAY, APR 27 Ellie Palmer Author Talk Waseca-- 6 p.m., Waseca Public Library, 408 N. State ST. Palmer is known for her witty Minnesota romcoms.

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southernminnscene.com YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

SoMinn THE BOOKWORM SEZ

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

‘After the Fall,’ ‘Playmakers,’ Liza Minnelli memoir After the Fall

by Edward Ashton c.2026, St. Martin’s Press $29.00 279 pages Sit. Sit. Sit. There are days when you can give your dog a command a hundred times, and he’ll act like you’re speaking foreign words.

Come, down, off, speak, he’s got his own mind and sometimes it’s made up contrary to yours. Still, you love him and, as in the new novel, “After the Fall” by Edward Ashton, you can’t imagine life without him.

When Martok told John that he had exciting news, John was concerned.

For twelve years, ever since Mortok adopted him from the crèche, John did his best to make wherever they were a home. John was a good bondsman; at the crèche, he’d learned to do all the things that bondsmen do for grays. to sit quietly, cook, clean, and be silent Especially to be silent. Not that Martok ever mistreated John, but all grays had that right.

No, Martok was never anything but kind – except when he underestimated what it took to keep John warm and comfortable, but that wasn’t his fault. Considering where they came from after The Fall, after humans all but disappeared, grays were accustomed to ignoring things that didn’t directly affect them.

Even with Martok’s forward-thinking manner, though, his news shocked John.

Martok had made a deal for a large estate just outside Farhome, one that he intended to make a vacation destination for grays.

Grays didn’t understand vacations or luxury, but Martok was about to show them.

He had sixty days to pay for the property or he lost his collateral.

His collateral was John.

This was a very bad thing, but John had nothing to say about it. Martok Barden nee Black Hand was his gray, his patron, his owner. He couldn’t contradict Martok about the estate or his intentions or the fact that Martok adopted another bondsman. With her along, there was another mouth to feed, but John couldn’t say that.

Nor could he admit to talking to thieving grays and spinning a protective story, which could’ve gotten him killed but what was the alternative? Were there worse sins of omission?

Sit. Part dystopian, part allegory, part science fiction, “After the Fall” is pure enjoyment, the kind of novel that makes you look at your pet and the news in a whole different way.

If you’ve ever wondered what your dog really thinks of you, step into author Edward Ashton’s world and meet John, a reduced-sized being whose life is all shadows. Readers will have a lot of imagining to do and blanks to fill about him, which makes him a very tantalizing presence. Add to that, the second bondsman and a benevolent “gray” with a secret all his own, and you won’t be able to put this book aside for long. Reading it, in fact, will make your mind whirl with what-if-what-if-what-if for days after you reluctantly close the back cover.

How can you resist a fantastical book that makes you laugh and gasp and tense, all in the same chapter? You can’t, that’s how, so find “After the Fall.”

And sit.

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Playmakers:

The Jewish Entrepreneurs Who Created the Toy Industry in America

by Michael Kimmel c.2026, W.W. Norton $32.99 418 pages The answer is easy: when you were small, what was your favorite toy?

You can remember the feel of it in your hand, can’t you, and all the ways you played with it?

Do you know where that toy ended up, once you outgrew it – or, as in “Playmakers,” a new book

by Michael Kimmel, did you ever wonder where it came from?

Back when Michael Kimmel was a kid, a picture of his great-granduncle Morris and a certain 1930s child star sat on his parents’ piano. It was a family treasure, passed down, and important: Morris was the founder of the Ideal Toy Corporation and inventor of the Shirley Temple doll. His wife, Rose, also created the first teddy bear at the turn of the last century.

Morris and Rose were both children of Jewish immigrants.

Intrigued by what his ancestors had done, Kimmel set out to explore their stories, and what he found surprised him. They weren’t “the only Jewish toymaker[s] to follow such a path. In fact, it’s astonishing, and not coincidental, that there were so many others…”

Entrepreneurship didn’t come easy in 1902.

In the past, Jewish immigrants often came to America to escape something, racism, political troubles, violence, even death. Their children, then-future toymakers, dealt with poverty and the trauma of their elders as they fought to succeed.

Factory-made toys and games, Kimmel says, were innovative then because the very idea of childhood was new. For centuries, the mortality rate for children was high and parenting was often generally hands-off. As more kids began to survive childhood, parents’ investment in them increased and that made the time ripe for success-hungry creators like Kimmel’s Uncle Morris, Ruth and Elliot Handler, the Hassenfeld brothers, Louis Marx, and Joshua Lionel Cowan to seize opportunity.

Says Kimmel, “The business of playmaking, it turned out, provided a safe haven and a place to find work.”

Did you ever come across a hidden-history book that’s so surprising, you can’t seem to put it down? Yep, that’s what you’ll find here, inside “Playmakers.”

They say that toys are a way for children to practice being adults but what author Michael Kimmel says here is nothing to toy with. The story he shares of toy inventors is astounding, in that it’s focused but also much wider than most readers might think it’d be. And then Kimmel piles on an overview of toys themselves, while he explains the history of American childhood to make it tie together – and then he injects a good layer of nostalgia for anyone who was once a kid, especially if that happened in the last century.

Chances are, the toys you loved, the ones your parents loved, the ones your grandparents loved appear in this fascinating book and you won’t be able to stop reading about them.

If you ever gazed longingly into a toy store window, spent Saturday mornings consuming TV ads, or pored over every page of a toy catalog at Christmastime, you know what to do. Picking “Playmakers” is an easy choice.

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I’m Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home

Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!

My Memoir

You are one-of-a-kind.

There’s nobody in the world quite like you, nobody who has your insight or your experiences. Out of more than eight billion people on Earth today, you are unique. You stand out – and as in the new mystery, “I’m Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home”

by Fergus Craig, you’re not alone.

Sheldon Oaks was supposed to be a great place to live.

That’s why Carol Quinn chose it.

Seventy-five years old, squat and sassy, Carol had purchased her apartment in the retirement community with cash that she’d stolen from one of the seven (or was it eight?) people she’d killed. She loved the amenities, the balcony, and the quiet was a nice touch after all those years spent in prison. As for the other Sheldon Oakers, it might be nice to have friends.

But when Carol’s new neighbors found out about her murderous past, well, they weren’t so friendly anymore. She scared them but for goodness sakes, if she murdered everyone she ever met, she wouldn’t have time to enjoy retirement, would she? No, and she figured they’d eventually see that she was no threat, until someone pushed ex-policeman Desmond off the roof of Sheldon Oaks and everyone pointed their fingers at her.

But Carol was upstairs on her balcony when Desmond was poisoned, strangled, bludgeoned, and tossed. She heard him fall on the flagstones below. Yes, she carried around a packet of strychnine for old times’ sake and yes, she had killed eight (or was it seven?) people, but she didn’t kill Desmond.

But who, among Sheldon Oaks’ staff and residents, did?

With the help of three very suspicious, semi-trusting, highly-skeptical pals Geoffrey, Catherine, and Margaret – who had each worked in some manner of police work before retirement - Carol began poking around. She had enough experience at murder to observe what had been done to Desmond, and she refused to take the rap for it. The best way she knew to exonerate herself was to figure out who’d killed him…

Tis the season to start thinking about spring, lunch outside, enjoying the outdoors, and good patio reading. You really can’t go wrong if you choose “I’m Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home.”

Generally, when you grab a mystery, you expect lots of creative murder in it, and this book has that in burial spades. Not to be a spoiler here, but it’s not just that Sheldon Oaks is a hotbed of mayhem – because it is, and then author Fergus Craig tops it with spit-out-yourcoffee, sharp-as-a-murder-weapon humor that lands in just-right places. That makes this story enjoyable, plus a good old-fashioned comical whodunit that you’ll have fun solving. Or not.

“I’m Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home” has the tiniest bit of spice to it, in the form of profanity and a chaste bedroom scene. Still, it’s appropriate for anyone of any age who wants some funny with their mystery, or mystery in their humor novel.

It’s one of those kinds of books you’ll like.

At 16, she had a growing career of her own – one that her mother tried to stop. But, she says, “In her own way, Mama was wonderful to me. Try understanding – she was my mother, not a movie star…. I knew her as the person who loved me and always would.”

At 19, Minnelli was working, happy, and madly in love with the man who’d become her first husband, and life was wonderful - until she came home one day to find him in their bed with another man. Before they were divorced, she lost her beloved mother, and became “engaged” to two other men simultaneously, neither of which made it to the altar with her.

She married her second husband, the son of one of her mother’s former costars, in 1974 but her love affairs and addictions led to a second divorce.

Her third husband was a stage manager.

She doesn’t have much good to say about her fourth, and last, husband.

Overall, she says, “You gotta play the comedy for all it’s worth and leave ‘em laughing. Even when your heart is breaking.”

Are you expecting bluntness, sass, or attitude here? Good, because that’s what you get inside “Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!”

It’s strong on honesty and don’t-give-a-flip.

It’s wonderfully edited, so it moves fast. It’s eye-opening and funny and a pleasant surprise for a first, and only (so far), memoir.

Even better, author Liza Minnelli (with best friend, Michael Feinstein) is really quite candid and nicely gossipy, starting from the beginning.

There are some Hollywood folks, in fact, who are feeling edgy tonight, because of what’s inside this book and the secrets spilled. Minnelli and Feinstein seemed to have fun telling her story, and they comfortably lure readers in.

That’s not to say that it’s all a cabaret. Minnelli tells about her addictions and recoveries, her marriages and why she wed two gay men, and the losses she endured, including miscarriages, deaths, and broken relationships. The bad balances well with the good for a tale that’s several notches above most celebrity memoirs. “Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!” is, in fact, a real joy to read, a genuine bright spot. 

by Fergus Craig c.2026, Berkley $30.00 264 pages

by Liza Minnelli, as told to Michael Feinstein c.2026, Grand Central $36.00 421 pages Twenty feet in front of you, and you can’t see a thing.

Even the closest faces are in shadow – lit, but not quite enough for you to see for sure what the people there are thinking. Still, you can hear them, their gasps, their laughter, and applause. Such is life, on-stage. Now read “Kids, Wait Till You Hear This! My Memoir” by Liza Minnelli, as told to Michael Feinstein, and read about it beyond the spotlight.

Almost from the moment she was born, Liza Minnelli was famous.

It was inevitable: her mother was Judy Garland. Her father was director Vincente Minnelli. Her godparents were Hollywood glitterati, her neighbors were famous, her playmates would be famous someday, too.

But her life wasn’t all starlight and happiness.

She made her stage debut as a toddler. She became her “mother’s caretaker” at age 13.

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COUNTRY ROADS: A TRIBUTE TO JOHN DENVER APRIL 4TH AT 7:30 PM

For more information & tickets: www.paradisecenterforthearts.org 507.332.7372 321 Central Avenue North, Faribault, MN

GALLERY OPENING RECEPTION: APRIL 17TH, FROM 5PM TO 7PM Rocky Casillas Aguirre, Ivete Vas, PCA Members Show, and Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Students.

Exhibition Dates: April 17th to June 13th.

Sponsored by Southern Heights Dental Group and K&M Heating and Air Conditioning.

Join us for the Paradise Center for the Arts Annual Meeting on Monday, April 13th at 5:30 PM to review the mission, goals, advocacy priorities, finances of the Corporation, and to consider any other business that may properly be brought before the meeting.

Headlined by Dennis Curley, Country Roads is a tribute show to one of America’s best-loved performers and draws deeply on Curley’s own love of John Denver’s music.

Backed by a fantastic 6-piece band, Curley’s renditions are sure to bring a smile to audiences of all ages!

MEMBER: $24.50 / NON-MEMBER: $28.50 / STUDENT: $18.50 (INCLUDES A $1.50 PROCESSING FEE) SPONSORED BY RICHIE EYE CLINIC & LASIK CENTER.

PARADISE COMMUNITY THEATRE PRESENTS: JAKE’S WOMEN

BY NEIL SIMON DIRECTED BY PALMER HUFF APRIL 17, 18, 24* & 25 AT 7:30 PM APRIL 19 & 26 AT 2:00 PM

*ASL Interpreted.

Performance America’s premier comic playwright makes another hilarious foray into the world of modern relationships.

Jake, a novelist who is more successful with fiction than with life, faces a marital crisis by daydreaming about the women in his life. The wildly comic and sometimes moving flashbacks played in his mind are interrupted by visitations from actual females.

PCT Season Sponsor: The Bahl Foundation

MEMBER: $19.50 / NON-MEMBER: $21.50 / STUDENT: $15.50 (INCLUDES A $1.50 PROCESSING FEE)

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

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