SCENE AUGUST 2018

AUGUST 2018 - southernminnSCENE.com

Southern minn

Scene

YOUR FREE GET-OUT SOURCE TO SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

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Distributing Craft Brew:

How SoMinn breweries are getting out their product.

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Northfield’s Triumvirate of Breweries

Nominating Ends July 30th go to The Best of SoMinn 2018 at

southernminnscene.com

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SoMinn Brewery map

SHELDON THEATRE

RENEW. REFRESH. REVITALIZE. JOIN US FOR A VERY SPECIAL 2018 – 2019 GRAND REOPENING SEASON. FEATURING The Revolution, Louie Anderson, The Suburbs, Cirque Mechanics, Jeremy Messersmith, Rhythmic Circus, Shawn Colvin and many more!

Tickets on sale NOW.

Learn more about the season at sheldontheatre.org, call at 651-388-8700 or visit 443 W 3rd St, Red Wing, MN.

Outstanding Greater MN Arts Organization Best Place for Live Music & Best Theatre – Greater Rochester Arts and Cultural Trust’s Ardee Awards

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- Southern Minn Scene 2017

A d d y o u r e v e nt f o r F R E E t o t h e T I M E L I N E c a l e n d a r . G O T O w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent

CONTENT

Southern minn

Scene

AUGUST 2018 / VOLUME 6 / ISSUE 7

Features:

COLUMNS:

Cross Country Soaring and Bent River Outfitter.

Quietdrive.

12 Summer Album Roundup

10 Mollywood BLVD

6 Part Two: Extreme Summer Fun

Local and Mainstream releases.

18 Distributors and Craft Breweries

How partnerships are growing between the two.

20 Reaching Out

Winona’s Island City Brewing Company

strategizes for outward growth.

4 Minnesota Music SCENE

My mom has cancer.

From Page to Screen.

46 The Bookworm Sez:

A complete list of the area’s breweries, cideries and distilleries.

28 SoMinn Wineries

HAVE A CALENDAR EVENT?

40 Woldum TV

24 SoMinn Map of Breweries 26 The List

Editor Philip Weyhe - 507-333-3132 editor@southernminnSCENE.com

14 The Tigger SCENE

45 Album Review

Northfield welcomes a triumvirate of local brewers.

Have a story idea?

Minnesota Chic

22 Brewery Bonanza

ABOUT

22

Bebe Rexha - Expectations

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•

•

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Black Klansman: A Memoir Born to Fish: How an Obsessed Angler Became the World’s Greatest Striped Bass Fisherman Tin Man: A Novel Us Against You

A guide to the area’s wineries and vineyards.

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

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32 The TimeLine

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MINNESOTA MUSIC SCENE

RIAN-Dicke MICHELS Rian-Dicke Michels, can be reached at editor@southernminnscene.com.

Quietdrive Facebook.

D

uring my brief time working in radio, I had many experiences that led me to new and old music.

Once, I was searching for a song to feature on a cover special we would be running. I was really on the lookout for musicians that we could use with our target audience, but also something that I felt would speak to who I was as a radio DJ (and maybe impress the boss, since I was not expecting him to honor me with being included).

I’ll admit that I still have a weakness for pop punk and many other alternative bands, so when I ran across Quietdrive, almost 10 years after listening to them last, I had that moment of “How did I forget about these guys?” So, for this month’s spotlight, I decided to take a little trip down memory lane and also introduce my 6-year-old to a teen favorite of mine.

Originating in 2002 as Sneaker2Bombs, the group offered a look at how the Minneapolis music scene was shifting at the time. Members consisted of Kevin Truckenmiller as lead vocals, Droo Hastings on bass, Matt Kirby on rhythmic guitar and vocals, Justin Bonhiver on lead guitar, and Brandon Lanier as the drummer.

They got their real start as Quietdrive entertaining younger crowds at The Garage youth center in Burnsville. From 2002 to 2005, the group released several EPs, their first being a demo as they worked to get picked up by a record label. It wasn’t until 2006 that they were able to release their first album under the Epic Record label, titled When All That’s Left Is You. Personally, this album spoke to me at the age of 14 and contains their cover of Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time. This was the cover song I used for the radio special and I specifically remember making the comment that the original was the prom song of its time, but the Quietdrive version could still pass as the prom song of mine! However, this was the only album released with Epic.

The second album, Deliverance was released in 2008 through the Militia Group label, although there wasn’t a huge change in sound from their first album. I think the song I

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liked listening to the most from that album is Birthday. It has a catchy hook and the solid pop punk sound I loved at 16 years old. After this album, the group went independent from any record labels. Sometime between the 2009 EP Close Your Eyes and 2010 album Quietdrive, Matt Kirby and Droo Hastings both left the band for personal reasons or other opportunities. It was shortly afterwards that Matt became the band manager.

The group sought out a new bassist, lead and rhythmic guitarist from 2010 to 2013.

The transition included members Will Ceasar on rhythmic guitar, Bryce Niehaus on bass, and Brady Trudeau on lead guitar, whom are still existing members of Quietdrive.

Quietdrive released three more albums; Your Record/Our Spin in 2011, Up Or Down in 2012, and The Ghost Of What You Used To Be in 2014. Of these three, Your Record/ Our Spin would be my personal top listening choice. A cover album with a slightly harder sound than that of previous albums, and I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for a good cover.

In order to release this album, the group actually used a Kickstarter to raise the money necessary to reach their goal. It was just two hours before the deadline and it was able to begin recording in the fall of 2011. The album consists of 10 covers and one original song that was only released by digital download to those who contributed to the Kickstarter. The level of money each individual contributed also determined what they received in return, like posters and how much weight their vote carried.

Since their last album release in 2014, there hasn’t been much activity, but their cover of Time After Time still seems to be a tried and true fan fave.

Would I listen to the group the same way I did 10 years ago? I guess it would depend on whether the material had evolved with the times but still remained true to the genre, a fine line to walk, and maybe even a lot to ask.

It seems that Quietdrive was in constant motion for quite some time. Right from the start, moving from one label to another and then going independent, while simultaneously experiencing changes in band members.

From their start in the youth center to the self-sufficient, Kickstarter driven group they became, they’ve certainly seen their share of transitions. Perhaps the group has new and exciting plans brewing, but only time will tell. SMS

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2018

Minnesota

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Cross Country Soaring

Faribault Municipal Airport in Faribault 612-730-3905 www.crosscountrysoaring.com Email: don@crosscountrysoaring.com Facebook: Cross Country Soaring, Inc.

O W T t Par

BY Grace Webb editor@southernminnscene.com

S Fun

ummertime means a lot of great things: baseball, cookouts, camping, water parks… Outdoor activities have become a staple of the season, and for good reason. But while traditional favorites can be a lot of fun, sometimes they get a little… repetitive. How many grilled hot dogs do you really want?

If you’re looking for some extreme fun during these hot summer days, check out these businesses across southern Minnesota that offer pastimes of a different sort. Here’s part two of our guide:

Cross Country Soaring

For anyone who has dreamed about flying through the air like a bird, taking a glider ride is just about as close as you can get to that sensation — and Cross Country Soaring gives you the chance.

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Cross Country Soaring is a one-man operation owned and run by Don Ingraham, who fell in love with gliding after his first ride 35 years ago. Ingraham is a certified glider pilot and instructor with more than 6,000 hours in the air and more than 50 Minnesota state soaring records to his name. About 15 years ago, he opened his own glider business in Faribault, offering about 250-300 rides a year. Besides the rides, he also instructs glider students, rents his two gliders out and tows other gliders up into the air.

Ingraham says glider rides are “surprisingly different” than your typical airplane ride.

“It’s way closer to those fantasy movies where you see young heroes flying through the air on a dragon or something,” he said.

“It’s quiet, and you’re just whooshing around … It’s what our spirits seem to be drawn to.”

Unlike airplanes, which mechanically propel themselves through the air, gliders contain no engine or propeller. Instead, they are towed into the air by another plane and then released, gliding their way back to earth. But the trip is not merely a long descent. Instead, Ingraham finds pockets of warm air that act like water fountains, thrusting the glider higher into the atmosphere.

“Those are gas stations,” he explained. “Our job is to defy gravity. We’re constantly scanning the sky for birds, because they use those [warm air spots]. We can spot them circling and just slide in and join them, and up we go.”

Ingraham said these air pockets can easily lift a glider 8,000

OPEN ART

feet into the air and enable a pilot to stay airborne eight or nine hours straight, covering hundreds of miles.

There are several gliding experiences available at Cross Country Soaring, but Ingraham suggests the “Mile High” ride, which lasts about 40 minutes and literally takes passengers a mile above the earth. During the ride, passengers have the chance to fly the glider themselves and also ask for all those flashy moves like barrel rolls, if they’re daring enough.

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Bent River Outfitter

530 N Riverfront Dr B in Mankato 507-388-2368 www.bentriveroutfitter.com Email: bentriveroutfitter@gmail.com Facebook: Bent River Outfitter

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“It gives people a lot of time to scope out the countryside,” he said. “They can fly the glider, too. There’s nothing to hit up there, so they can just have fun. The little town of Faribault looks really awesome in the setting sun. It really is a pretty sight.”

Ingraham said he takes passengers as young as five or six up, with a whole range of happy customers. For those who want to add a little more thrill to the whole experience, he can pull out the winch — a machine that slings the glider into the air in place of using a tow plane. With the winch, passengers are launched about 2,000 feet in the air in 40 seconds. “[With the tow plane], everything unfolds a little more gracefully, slowly and predictably,” Ingraham said. “The winch is more like a rollercoaster when you start at the top of the first drop.”

Whatever kind of ride a passenger requests, Ingraham said they always leave happy.

“You can’t get the smile off their face for the next couple days,” he said.

Bent River Outfitter With the Blue Earth River flowing right through Mankato, the area is a water sports enthusiast’s dream — and Bent River Outfitter

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has everything you need for a day on the river.

Bent River was started in 2011 by Jason Femrite and Adam Steinke, who wanted to get more people out into nature. They started with a small fleet of about a dozen kayaks, a 15-passenger van and a trailer. But it didn’t take long until they needed to expand.

“It was quite an adventure that first year,” Femrite said. “We were begging, borrowing and stealing boats to bring out some of our groups.”

Since that first year in 2011, the partners have hired employees and expanded their fleet. One of their secrets to success is trying to offer something new every year, including paddle boarding, canoeing and snowshoeing.

You can join a guided excursion or simply rent the equipment to forge ahead into your own adventure. The company offers group events throughout the year, such as snowshoe hikes to Morgan Creek Winery in New Ulm, and corporate team building events. Adventurous souls can take a moonlit kayak ride down the river or join a paddleboard yoga class.

No matter what you try, Steinke recommends looking at the whole activity as a social gathering.

“You’re going to have more fun if you come

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out in a group, or if you come out with an open mind to meet people,” he said. “It’s the social aspect of the Outfitter that I think is the fun part.”

The partners organize more than 1,000 trips a year, working with customers from around the world. They’ve hosted birthday parties, bachelor parties, family reunions, scout groups and even the U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds when they were in town for Mankato’s Air Show Spectacular in 2015.

“It’s an asset to the community that it’s here,”

Steinke said. “People can come to Mankato now and spend a weekend and have enough to do.

They’re not going to get bored.”

Steinke and Femrite work with about 10-15 seasonal employees, and they make an effort to hire college students.

“We see this business as forever changing,” Femrite said. “We’ve never had two years be the same as of yet. I think these students are what will keep the Outfitter new and fresh every year.” SMS

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Mollywood Blvd

A

s summer and fair season ramps up, I thought it appropriate to run down some of the summer fashion trends for 2018 for those of us who are style challenged.

Just under a year ago, when I started my column, I talked about 90s nostalgia. It felt like from fashion, to movies, and even music, the 90s were back in a major way. Well, they aren’t going anywhere. Now it seems we are just going through the individual years of the decade that brought us grunge music and Monica Lewinski. If last year was 1991, this year is totally 1992; from loud floral and striped prints, to off the shoulder everything!

Case in point? Birkenstock sandals are back in a major way!

Yes, the uber 90s leather strapped German sandals with contoured cork foot beds. If they sound uncomfortable, believe me they are, but only at first. It takes about a month for them to mold to your feet. Apparently once they form to your foot, they become the most comfortable and durable sandals you will ever own. And certainly the most expensive, with a price tag at a steep $130. Over a hundred dollars for footwear that screams low fashion and simplicity over style. But those who own them, love them. To me, they are sort of the crocks of sandals. You either love them or hate them.

On the topic of summer footwear, what is happening with these slip-on shower sandals everywhere- some even with fur on the strap? First of all, I said Birkenstocks were the Crocs of sandals, I take it back. These things are. Not a compliment. Not talking about “slides” or whatever. Those athletic slip-on sandals just never go away, but this is a step down from that. Some have metallic straps, some are more simple, but the fur! Pink fur in a lot of cases!? What is that? They seem so impractical and unflattering. If you added a platform sole, maybe Baby Spice would have rocked them, but I feel like even the 90s would have reject-

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MOLLY PENNY Molly Penny is a local radio personality and MSU Mankato alum. It was her love of pop culture that got her interested in doing a morning show gig for KOWZ 100.9. She is now Music and Promotions Director at KOWZ & KRUE Radio in Owatonna and can be heard on various airwaves in Southern Minnesota, including Hot 96.7 in Mankato. She resides in Mankato with her movie buff husband and YouTube obsessed children. Need to contact her?

Shoot her an e-mail mollyp@kowzonline.com or catch her on Twitter at @mollyhoodUSA.

ed this trend. I am trying really hard to bring back platform flip flops, but I polled my Facebook friends and it’s an overwhelming “No.” Off the shoulder shirts and dresses have found their way into fashion for several decades, from the late 60s to the disco era of the 70s, and obviously they were all the rage in the 80s and even stuck around for the early part of the 90s. If it isn’t off the shoulder, it’s peak-a-boo shoulder tops and dresses that are back in a major way in 2018!

This one is hard for me. Maybe I have linebacker shoulders, but also, do people not wear bras? How are you doing this? I’ve noticed them with built in straps, too, but if you ask me, that is just a terribly weird tan line waiting to happen. Hey, just because I can’t pull them off doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. They look cute on most people, actually!

With the off the shoulder trend, I am also noticing a lot of smocked tops and dresses. You know, that stretchy, crinkled tube top material that gives you a total uni-boob? It was pretty popular in 1992, and, well, for whatever its worth someone decided it was fashionable again. The worst thing about the smocked tops, other than being unforgiving and restricting, the fabric isn’t even breathable. It is typically either terry cloth or some polyester blend, woven together with elastic bands. Like C&C Music Factory, it’s gonna make you sweat.

Blame Ariana Grande for this, but you will also notice a lot of bows in fashion this season. Swim suits with bows, shirts with bows, shorts with bows, bows on shoes, bows for your hair – oversized bows, too. It is actually a sickening trend that, thankfully, hasn’t seemed to catch on in Southern Minnesota yet, except maybe, appropriately, for children under the age of 10. Don’t believe me on this bow thing? Just make a trip to River Hills Mall in Mankato and check out Hot Topic or H&M. If you want to look like a My Little Pony, be my guest, go for the bows. I’ll stick with my scrunchies.

I am actually excited about this one. Jumpsuits and rompers are so in right now! People look straight out of the pages of a Laura Ashley catalogue with these things, but it’s great.

I hate to break it to you all, but you are late to the party, I’ve been rocking one piece jumpsuits and rompers for at least 10 years. I love them, especially the ones with pockets. But here is my main gripe: They are super cute and easy … until you need to use the bathroom. Then you are just naked from the knees up, and it feels a bit awkward. Go ahead, buy a trendy

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adorable jumpsuit, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Minnesota gear! Ahh! I don’t know what it is about our state pride, but it has run rampant this year! I literally cannot go on Facebook without seeing ads for Minnesota apparel.

Hats with the state outline, Minnesota hoodies and t-shirts galore. We are totally obsessed with ourselves. But, I mean, other than the Lynx, we can’t wear much professional athletic team apparel proudly, so we might as well just rep the state we are from. Who doesn’t love nine-month winters and humid summers with tons of mosquitos? That being said, I am a proud Minnesotan, and this stuff is pretty cute. JUST TAKE MY MONEY! For guys, I am seeing just more graphic tees and button up shirts with bold prints or weird little quirky patterns like tacos or flamingos on them. And boat shoes galore. They have been regurgitating the same fashion trends for you guys since like 2013, so if you haven’t bought a new summer wardrobe in 5 years, you are probably OK. The best news ? Since it doesn’t seem to be age discriminant, you can probably find a matching outfit for your male baby.

That’s my run down of 2018 Summer Fashion Trends. Head out to local music shows, your county fairs and to the State Fair and “people watch” for some of these styles! I am sure you will see them all, and probably many more that you wish you could un-see. SMS

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Join us the first weekend after Labor Day.

© photo courtesy of Northfield News

© photo courtesy of Northfield News

September 5-9, 2018

Living History! • Fast Action!

Great Entertainment!

Fun for the Whole Family!

Defeat of Jesse James Days Committee, Inc.

© photo courtesy of Northfield News

www.defeatofjessejamesdays.org

Events subject to change without notification

Soap Box Derby • Raid Re-Enactments • Music & Entertainment Center (Great Bands) • PRCA Rodeo • Sunday’s Grand Parade • DJJD Bike Tour • Classic Car Show • Exciting Arts & Crafts Fairs • Kiddie Parade • BINGO on the Square • Great Food • Antique Tractor Pull • Pedal Tractor Pull • Western Steak Fry • Carnival • Northfield Historical Society Bank Site and Museum • 5K Run & Non-competitive Walk • Thursday Night Thunder • Information Booth on Bridge Square

djjd.org

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Local Album Review:

Yam Haus – Stargazer

BY Kelsey O’Hara editor@southernminnscene.com

Y

am Haus could not have picked a more apt title for their debut album.

They’re a Twin Cities band releasing on an indie label with a sound that aspires toward top 40 pop. Their sound is that of a band hoping to rocket into the stratosphere of fame. They are Stargazers. The slick, full production and explosive yet smooth vocals mark this as a pop record, through and

through.

The album opens with the eponymous “Stargazer,” the album’s premier single. It opens with dreamy synths that break into a tight guitar riff. As the track progresses, the production becomes richer and richer. By the end, the singer Lars Pruitt is nearly wailing over frenetic percussion, doo-wop styled background vocals, electric guitars, and a veritable orchestra of synths. The vocal hooks (the endless “ba-da, ba-da”s) give the song away as radio fodder.

Next up is “West Coast,” a track that reveals to the listener that there’s a formula at work. Again, the track opens with with a synth-riff (though this time, it’s big and punchy, evoking

bands like CHVRCHES). The synths give way to a more typical rock instrumentation, that builds into a grand swirl of synths, strings, showy melismas, and, of course, background “oo-oo”s and “woah-oh”s.

The next track “Kingdom” progresses the same way. “Get Somewhere” shakes things up by ditching the synths, but otherwise continues the pattern. Yam Haus knows what makes a good pop song, and they stick with the plan.

“Too Many People” is the first real shift in tone on the album.

The band brings the tempo down for a cheery piano ballad.

The track is truly refreshing after the first four – mostly. Yam Haus keeps the energy down except for occasional bursts of “woah-oh-ohs.”

The true breather comes on the track “Right Now, Forever,” when the band really strips things down. The song features soft, intimate vocals; contemplative acoustic guitar; a tasteful drum machine; and sparse synths. A true standout, it shows the act’s range.

The rest of the album continues to show that Yam Haus can do more than just a particular pop music formula. They abandon the “everything and the kitchen sink” approach to produc-

tion, opting for tighter styles and more limited instrumentation.

“Bad News” settles into a groove, perhaps the catchiest on the album (even more so than the aspirationally named “Groovin’”). “We Are the Storm” sounds a bit like an Oasis song, with Pruitt’s voice soaring.

The weakest point of the album might be the lyrics. The album abounds with ancient hooks like “I wish it were right now, forever.” But this should surprise no one – it’s a pop album. For a record like Stargazer, lyrics are mostly beside the point. They set a tone and give Pruitt some words to sing while he shows off his impressive pipes, nothing more.

Stargazer is full of tracks that beg for the radio. It’s got feel good jams, crooning ballads, and over-the-top pop explosions.

The album suffers from being a bit repetitive at points, but this is perhaps more the fault of pop music than Yam Haus specifically. There are expectations to be fulfilled, after all. Yam Haus keeps the energy high and the fun flowing.

Stargazer is an enjoyable summer album with high aspirations, a worthy debut.

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The Mainstream: Summer Release Roundup

Bad Witch - Nine Inch Nails

Heaven and Earth - Kamasi Washington

Frontman Trent Reznor has still got it. Bad Witch packs a lot of music into six, short songs. The album features everything you’d expect from a Nine Inch Nails album, distorted, cutting vocals, fuzzy yet overwhelming synths, and catchy hooks.

Reznor adds brass into the mix on several tracks, bringing a welcome new dimension to NIN’s instrumentation. Bad Witch is all punch and no filler, a worthwhile listen for any fan of industrial or hard rock.

Heaven and Earth is a solid effort from saxophone sorcerer, Kamasi Washington. The album is big and diverse. He covers a great deal of stylistic ground, from funk, to latin, to hard bop.

The name of the album will never be far from the listener’s mind, as Washington’s tracks evoke other worlds with mysterious harmonies and ghostly choirs. The album suffers from being overlong--it’s not clear how all of the tracks hang together.

Clocking in close to two and a half hours, Heaven and Earth is an exhausting listen. Washington overflows with great ideas, there is a lot of great jazz on this album. But the great jazz is sandwiched between less memorable tracks that tire the listener and drag the album down. Any jazz head should give Heaven and Earth a spin, but be ready to do some skipping on repeat listens.

Both Directions at Once: The Lost Album John Coltrane The world has been blessed with the release of an unheard John Coltrane album. Both Directions at Once features the classic quartet: Coltrane on sax, Jimmy Garrison on bass, McCoy Tyner on piano, and Elvin Jones on drums. By the year of recording (1963), the quartet had gelled completely. This “new” Coltrane album features ‘Trane at his best, combining the innovation that would characterize his later Impulse records with the fire and impact of his early work. Both Directions at Once is required listening for jazz fans, but anyone remotely interested in jazz and the big musical events of the year should check this one out. SMS

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THE Tigger SCENE

TIGGER LUNNEY Tigger Lunney is a writer, talker, veteran of the music industry and Minnesota politics, and the overly opinionated dad of two overly opinionated kids.

Twitter @tiggerlunney.

My Mom has Cancer

M

y mom has cancer, and rock and roll doesn’t make it any easier.

One of the ironies about being a music writer — or whatever you want to call me — is that I’m attempting to find some sort of objective truth about such a subjective art form. It’s the part of popular culture that’s both the most personal and most commodified, the most tied to an individual artist or group of artists and still processed by a committee of producers, managers, publicists, fans, etc. Unlike movies or TV (where even in the era of streaming there’s just only so many places you can access them) or capital A “Art” (which you generally either see in a museum or on a concrete wall) — rock and roll/pop/hip hop/etc. is so accessible yet its popularity is profoundly impacted by revenue streams and how it reflects current events and any other number of X factors.

So outside of the truly good, or truly bad, most of what I do is spent finding some defining insight or meaning in something that’s functionally imperfect, serving multiple masters of Art and Commerce, to try and make an informed argument about the truth of a song or an album or an artist as someone who’s been working in, or writing about, the music industry for almost 30 years. All the while accepting that something may change radically next week that makes me completely re-think what I just said. Tear it all away and sometimes you just need to listen to music that just punches you in the gut.

For me, as a kid in a small town #DownSouth, music was an escape and a soundtrack, a way of plotting the course of my childhood/young adult frustration within the framework of a story where I got out of that one-horse town like a Springsteen song, or else felt stuck in the same one-horse town like a Petty song. And in between Bruce and Tom I listened to plenty of amazing music and probably more terrible music; professional me understands now that a lot of the “alternative” music and hip-hop that was booming when I was a kid was pretty bad, and at the same time, I missed out on some pretty cool stuff because it didn’t fit my definition of taste. But at the time, what mattered more is that a song or a band meant something to me and my friends and whatever story I was creating in my head.

But last week I rolled back into my hometown, driving roads etched so deeply into my muscle memory that I could probably drive them with my eyes closed, and suddenly I wanted that feeling of music almost dictating my actions, like every action and every feeling is choreographed to a beat that’s as driving by instinct and hormones as my rattling ear drums. Like a kid again, even though I’m a dad. I have two kids who needed to spend time with their grandparents. My folks haven’t been able to do yard work in three years and vines were climbing 20 feet high and pulling branches into their roof.

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And, of course, my mom has cancer.

Mom doesn’t have a clear prognosis right now. Hell, by the time this publishes she might be cancer free or dead. I don’t know how to wrap my head around that sentence. So there wasn’t much that I could do except make sure the kids did fun things with her and do whatever my folks needed around the house. And what they needed was the yard work done. Because maybe they’ll have to sell the house soon. Because mom doesn’t have a clear prognosis right now.

So in 100 degree heat I took a variety of weed whackers, chainsaws, and machetes (don’t ask me why I own machetes). I put on my headphones and a playlist I’ve made that might as well be called “Tigger’s Unprofessional Playlist,” which is any song or any band I’ve ever loved indiscriminately mixed with any song that has caught my ear for any reason — from theme songs to TV shows to stuff from movies my kids watch. (You know, stuff I have no reason to think about, just caught my ear.) And so for the next three days I sweated and hacked and let the playlist shuffle and I created a soundtrack out of the old and the new.

Lots of stuff from my beloved hormone-addled teenage years popped up.

“Tangerine” by Led Zeppelin. “Straight Outta Compton” by NWA. “Raising Hell”

by Run DMC. “Fortunate Sun” by Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Angry stuff, like Negative Approach, the greatest 80s hardcore band you’ve never heard. New school hip-hop like “Powdered Cocaine” by Evidence, which has the catchiest and most sweet/sad hook I’ve heard in years. 90s electronic jams like “Teardrop” by Massive Attack, who I never liked back then but I think I only picked up on because it was the House theme song. (Don’t forget, I get paid to do this!)

The entirety of Dillinger Four’s Midwestern Songs Of The Americas which felt just right because that record came out June 23, 1998 and in the 20 years since I was at their record release show on a boat on the Mississippi it hasn’t gotten any less pissed off or inspiring or real or perfect. So much old Public Enemy, because they made hip-hop as dense and scary as Black Sabbath. The New Bomb Turks song where Eric Davidson sings “You can’t go home again/cause it feels like you never left.”

But it wasn’t until as the sun started to go down, and my clothes — shirt, socks, shorts and underwear — were soaked through, surrounded by empty water bottles, clutching a machete in one hand and leaning on a shovel with the other, looking around the waste I’d laid to three years worth of overgrowth, Anna Kendrick belted “Get Back Up Again” from the Trolls soundtrack — a kid pick for the playlist — with tears running down my face because there’s a subjectivity to music and sometimes the most ridiculous thing will punch you in the gut or just tip you over the edge when life is feeling shot to hell anyway.

And Mom has cancer, and rock and roll isn’t making it any easier, but if my nerves are going to be raw, I welcome the little kick music can give me to still be that instinct-driven kid, to stare at the hurt and lean in to it. SMS

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Hurry!

101 Categories

2018 BEST OF

SOUTHERN Minn

Nominating ends July 30th go to The Best of SoMinn 2018 at

southernminnscene.com 16

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Par adise Center for the Arts Main Stage Music Lineup

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BY Kelsey O’Hara editor@southernminnscene.com

I

magine the local bar that you hit every Thursday night. You wave at the bartender as you grab the last stool at the edge of the counter.

You asked for your favorite craft beer and hear the crisp sound of air escaping as you open the bottle.

But how does that bottle of craft beer make it to your favorite bar?

As the craft beer industry grows, brewers are depending on distributors to expand their markets and bring products to stores and bars around the state. Many Southern Minnesota breweries examine the best distribution strategy for their businesses but disagree which strategy is best.

Depending on a particular brewery’s makeup, the best solutions may vary.

The craft brewer Tim Tupy has been a homebrewer for years and was encouraged by friends and family to open a brewery in Mankato. He slowly started the process in 2010 and opened the Mankato Brewery in 2012.

Tupy said the landscape for craft breweries has changed significantly in the last six years.

“Back in 2012, there was about 12 major craft breweries in the state with very little Minnesotabased beer on the market. Obviously, it changed

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quickly with more craft breweries popping up all over Minnesota,” he said.

Mankato Brewery now works with 12 distributors to send their unique products across the state, but distribution was always in the plan for them.

Tupy said each brewery looks into distribution and decides what works best for their business.

“I know craft brewers who focus on minimal distribution or self-distribution, and I know craft brewers who focus on wide distribution,” he said. “It can vary based on the owner and the vision for their business.”

The main benefit of hiring a distributor is relieving some responsibility off the owners’ plate. It allows owners and craft brewers to focus on what they do best, which is to make great tasting beer. To Tupy, it was the main advantage of hiring a distributor at a certain level.

Many breweries start off with self-distribution because of costs and the need for name recognition.

Brewers have to build up their brand and products to a point where a distributor makes financial sense.

For Tupy, distributors are a crucial part of developing connections with bars and restaurants. They also act almost like a brand ambassador for craft breweries since they are the middleman between breweries and stores.

“We always want to drive home the message of supporting communities through our local brewery.

Our distributors help us by enforcing that same message into new market areas,” Tupy said. “Per-

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sonally, we are constantly communicating with distributors to make sure our message is still effective with new customers.”

Since 2012, Mankato Brewery has grown in the craft beer market and has found success in southern Minnesota. They have also expanded distribution in central Minnesota and to surrounding states like Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota.

According to Tupy, distribution is an important component in the business model for Mankato Brewery. However, the key aspect continues to be making great beer and sharing it with community members.

“It’s an important partnership to maintain, and we hope to continue sharing our beer with more people in our communities,” he said.

The middleman Many large-scale breweries work with multiple distributors, which coordinate to the specific markets. Mankato Brewery works with several distributors, including College City Beverage in Dundas.

College City Beverage is a family-owned distributor, operating out of Southern Minnesota, that imports beer and other beverage products. Along with Mankato Brewery, the company represents 50 different suppliers for both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.

Distributors have noticed a shift in their relationship with breweries, especially with smaller businesses. Christopher Sawyer, president of College City Beverage, said a few years ago, distributors relied heavily on marketing themselves to prospective brewers through salesmen and other representatives.

“Now, we are seeing more brewers come to us directly because there are more craft brewers in the state than in previous years,” Sawyer said. “They typically hear of [College City Beverage] through colleagues or friends and approach us about distributing their products.”

Even over the last 10 years, the craft brewery market expanded exponentially in Minnesota. According to the Brewers’ Association, Minnesota had around 35 craft breweries in 2011 and grew to 158 craft breweries in 2017, which means the craft market has grown over 450 percent in last six years.

According to Sawyer, distribution is a crucial component for craft breweries who want to expand their business to new markets. He used an analogy about soda companies to illustrate the current market of craft breweries with mainstream beer companies.

Currently, 90 percent of the soda market is dominated by Pepsi or Coca Cola products. However, the last 10 percent of soda found in local stores are crafted sodas from local or regional companies. The local companies are still competing with mainstream products, like Pepsi, but they offer unique advantages.

“Craft breweries often provide better tasting and unique flavors for their products versus the national corporations,” Sawyer said. “And craft breweries can tailor their

style to specific markets.”

The main disadvantage for small breweries is the lack of resources, especially for distribution. Large beer companies, like Anheuser-Busch or MolsonCoors, can easily adopt more distributors as demand calls. It isn’t the same for craft brewers.

As stated earlier, many breweries start with self-distribution to promote their products to city bars or hometown restaurants. But, as brewer sells more product and transports goods, the more expensive it becomes for self-distribution.

“The expenses between trucks, products and drivers really adds up quickly,” Sawyer said. “And most breweries find that a distributor works best for their finances and business plan in the long run.”

But it’s up to the brewery to decide if they want to incorporate the extra costs for distribution or to hire out a distributor.

GREAT RIVER SHAKESPEARE F E S T I V A L

“AN ABSOLUTE

RIOT”

A partnership The professional relationship between Tupy and Sawyer is one example of the importance in partnerships between craft breweries and local distributors. According to Sawyer, strong connections between distributors and brewers have been apparent since prohibition.

“Bars needed a middleman to prevent breweries from controlling taprooms while still receiving quality products,” he said. “Today, our role has not changed drastically. We are still blocking national brands from controlling the entire process.”

The blocks are an advantage for smaller businesses who want to supply products to local bars or stores. They can remain in competition by collaborating with distributors and focusing on creating new products to sell, like seasonal beers or different flavors.

“Distributors are a great resource to bounce ideas off of and extend your products into new markets,” Tupy said. “They really take charge of keeping their clients relevant and promoting what’s new in the brewery or its products.”

Not every distributor and craft brewer relationship will work as smoothly; it depends on the brewery’s business model and the main goals of the company. According to the Brewers’ Association, there are disadvantages and advantages to selfdistributing or outsourcing distribution.

Self-distribution allows craft breweries to control their brand while choosing what locales they want associated with their products. There is also the hidden benefit of a higher profit when brewers cut out a middleman. However, distributors often provide more cash flow to a small business while providing products in a larger volume. There is also the already emphasized point that brewers are free to focus on what they enjoy, brewing new beer.

Whichever strategy the brewery chooses, the goal always remains the same.

“Share as much product as possible in their markets and grow their business,” Sawyer said.

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Winona’s Island City Brewing Company strategizes for outward growth

BY Samantha Stetzer editor@southernminnscene.com Photos from Island City Brewing Company facebook

D

espite having been open for just a year and a half, Winona’s Island City Brewing Company has a following in its hometown Winona, over to Wisconsin in La Crosse, and even up in

Eau Claire.

The strategy to creating that presence, head brewer Andrewa Haig said, is simple: a big brew system and a good pitch.

The southeastern Minnesota-based brew company sells its brews in bars, restaurants and liquor stores across the local Midwest, offering taps, growlers and crowlers for its faithful and new patrons. The brewery itself is located on Front Street just off of Winona’s newly redesigned levee overlooking the Mississippi River.

As a new brewery, Haig said the company benefits from being able to offer crowlers to interested customers in other parts of

Minnesota and Wisconsin. This way, a new customer can try a can of Island City’s High Forest, Bluff Daddy, Buoylicious, Pool 6 or other brews without the pressure of having to enjoy it with a meal or in an establishment.

“Not only are we in a restaurant and a liquor store,” Haig said, “(They can) try a can of this instead of committing to something with their meal.”

Island City also boasts a large brewing system, Haig said, making it ideal for the company to sell its brews outside of the brewery’s doors.

The hope, Haig said, is that the beer they strive to make memorable will stick with a

customer, growing their Midwestern presence and base.

And it encourages a visit to Winona to Island City’s taps, he added.

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Wednesday: 3:00 – 8:30 | Thursday: 3:00 – 8:30 Friday: 3:00 – 9:30 | Saturday: 2:00 – 9:30 F o l l o w us o n

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“Fresh, local beer of distinct quality. We’re not just trying to brew the same beer that everyone’s got – we want people to remember it … What can we make that will keep people drinking our stuff?” - Andrewa Haig

Giesenbräu Bier Co

Grand Opening

October

21st

this Saturday,12pm!

Through events, like La Crosse’s Between the Bluffs Beer, Wine and Berry Jo Byoloski’s. them motivated to create desirable products.

Cheese Fest, or just old fashioned sales stops, Haig said he and others Up the river in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, northwoods resi “Fresh, local beer of distinct quality,” Haig said. “We’re not just at Island City will promote their brews to owners of various establishtrying to brew the same beer that everyone’s got – we want people dents can get their southeastern Minnesota brew fix at restaurants, ments. bars and even the local Micon Downtown Cinema budget theater. Food to remember it … What and can we make that willbrewed keep people drinking Come enjoy the biergarten and bring the family! trucks, giveaways lots of fresh “We’re local, we’re fresh,” Haig said. “People like our brand.”

Island City also stays local, jumping over to Lewiston and La our stuff?” tasty German and American biers!

Follow on :can enjoy a wide variety of locations Winona residents andus visitors Crosse to sell some of its brews.

Island City Brewing Company is co-owned by Haig, Doug Irwin to find Island City, including liquor stores, bars and cafes, such as The widespread offering between the two states, Haig said, and a board of owners. For more information on the brewery’s hours, 1306 1st St NE, NewCoffee Prague MGM Wine and Spirits of Blue Heron Winona, HouseMN and 56071 spreads out a customer base – and loyal, thirsty customers keep brews and outside locations, visit www.islandcitybrew.com.

SMS

www.giesenbraubierco.com

Giesenbräu Bier Co. Brewery and Biergarten

A German brewery in a Czech town?

Wunderbar!

Enjoy a wide selection of craft biers in our family visit us online to see friendly taproom. food truck schedule, events, We also welcome your current tap list and more four legged friends! www.giesenbraubierco.com Giesenbräu Bier Co October 21stProst!

Grand Opening

Come enjoy the biergarten and bring the family!

Follow us on :

this Saturday,12pm!

Food trucks, giveaways and lots of fresh brewed

and American biers! | Su: 12-8 M-Th: 3-9tasty| German F-Sa: 12-10

www.giesenbraubierco.com

1306 1st St NE, New Prague MN 56071

Giesenbräu Bier Co LLC, 1306 1st Street NE, New Prague, MN 56071 | 952-758-GBCO (4226)

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Photos from Facebook sites.

Northfield Welcomes a Triumvirate of Local Brewers

BY SLinden Smith editor@southernminnscene.com

I

n 2016, Northfield and nearby Dundas had no breweries. Now, there are three. The past few years have seen an eruption of breweries across Southern Minnesota.

Northfield represents a particularly concentrated part of the larger trend.

Imminent Brewing, Tanzenwald Brewing and Chapel Brewing all opened in Northfield/Dundas in 2017. All of them, relatively small-scale, offer something a little different.

Imminent, located in part of an old armory building, boasts large glass garage doors with a beautiful indoor and outdoor seating mix, great for hosting food trucks and music. It’s a gathering place with local brews on offer.

Tanzenwald, just blocks away from Imminent, feels more like a restaurant. With a German-inspired menu boasting a number of locally-sourced ingredients – both in beer and food – it’s a place for small groups to come in and get all their eating and drinking needs taken care of in one place.

Chapel Brewing brings the ultimate cozy pub feel to the table. It’s a small building with a small patio overlooking the Cannon River. It’s a perfect place to just spend some time chatting and drinking with friends.

Laura Meyers, co-owner of Imminent Brewing, describes the

22

decision to open a brewery as “the answer to a need” in the community. This need even inspired the name of the brewery.

Laura said, “Literally, someone even said to us, ‘A brewery in Northfield is imminent.’”

The appeal of Imminent, Tanzenwald, Chapel and similar breweries is that “It isn’t a bar,” Meyers said. “[People] want a place that people can stop in on the way to the grocery store, a place where they can bring their kids, their parents, their grandparents … People are looking for a European model of drinking.” They want to spend time in a space resembling a European pub more than a bar.

This desire for communal spaces and high-quality beer is present nationwide, but Southern Minnesota offers a unique instance of the trend. Because Southern Minnesota is composed of mostly rural communities, it lacks the busy culture and social spaces of metropolitan areas.

Breweries cater to small town life. And, according to Laura, the rural locale of Southern Minnesota’s breweries might start factoring into the brewing itself. One of the most promising things about Southern Minnesota brewing is “the idea that we could eventually get to farm everything locally.” In the future, hops and grain might be grown mere miles from where they’re brewed.

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Between communal need and agricultural potential, Southern Minnesota appears to be a great location for brewing and drinking craft beer.

So let’s go on a tour of some of the options out there, starting in Northfield and Dundas:

Imminent Brewing // Northfield Imminent Brewing sports a stylish, industrial taproom, large enough to accommodate quite the crowd of beer lovers. The brewery features frequent musical guests and an array of community events like yoga and painting classes. Imminent has numerous beers with quirky names like “The Quick and the Red” and “Knockin’ On Hefen’s Door.” At Imminent, personality flows as freely as the beer.

Tanzenwald // Northfield Tanzenwald offers a uniquely German brewery experience.

Many of the beers are twists on traditional German styles. The brewery also provides an extensive food menu, with treats ranging from pretzels to bratwurst. There are even German speaking events every week!

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Chapel Brewing // Dundas Located in an old Dundas church, Chapel Brewing offers a uniquely intimate beer drinking experience. It boasts a cozy taproom and outdoor seating overlooking the Cannon River.

Chapel features a wide variety of brews on tap, with styles rotating regularly.

F-Town Beer Company // Faribault Faribault’s premier brewery. F-Town is housed in the historic Peterson Art Building Complex. F-Town Beer Company features a tap room with a healthy selection--12 beers on tap at any given time! The brewery is a larger scale operation than most others on this list. Their beer is being distributed regionally, and they have plans to open another taproom in St. Paul.

Angry Inch // Lakeville Angry Inch offers an impressive 9 beers on tap, in addition to craft root beer. Located in historic downtown Lakeville, the taproom is industrial yet homey. Angry Inch brews several less-common styles of beer, like Mexican lager and Belgian brandywine.

Come for a great beer selection, and trivia on Tuesday nights!

Lakeville Brewing Company // Lakeville

Grand Rounds Brewing // Rochester

Lakeville Brewing Company is not just a brewery, but a brewpub.

LBC is a restaurant. They have lunch and dinner fare, as well as a full bar for those craving something besides craft beer. In addition to food and drink, the brewpub features live music every Thursday, happy hour on weekdays, and a large outdoor space for lawn games.

Mankato Brewery // Mankato Established in 2012, Mankato Brewery provides quality, creative beer. For example, the “Hopbiscus IPA,” an IPA brewed with hibiscus flowers. Brewery tours are offered on Saturdays, while the taproom is open 7 days a week. Come sample the beer and enjoy regular live music!

Forager Brewery // Rochester Forager is a foodie’s brewery. In addition to their extensive taplist, Forager maintains a restaurant with a full menu of hip dishes made from local ingredients. Even their beers are brewed from local ingredients! Forager spotlights regional hops and grains in their brewing. Come to relax and truly taste Southern Minnesota.

Grand Rounds Brewing features a rotating weekly lineup of beers.

There’s always something new to try! The taproom offers a robust food menu with fare especially appropriate for pairing with beer: wings, burgers, pizza, and more. Grand Rounds even has a full bar for those uninterested in beer.

Kinney Creek Brewery // Rochester The oldest brewery on our tour, Kinney Creek opened just two days after the end of prohibition in 1938. Along with the history, Kinney Creek offers a generous selection of beers from “Limestone Lager” to “Across the Tracks IPA.” The taproom hosts all kinds of events like trivia and mug decoration night.

Island City Brewing Company // Winona Just a few months over a year old, Island City Brewing Company is the first brewery in Winona since the 1960s. On tap, ICBC currently features several fruit focused brews (among more standard beers), like the Cellar Bear Blackberry Saison and the Blood Orange IPA. The taproom puts on unique events like “Metal Mondays” and “Reel Brew Nights” (movie events with beer!).

For a longer list, see pages 26.

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Photos from Facebook sites.

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Northfield Business of the Year • SoMinn Scene Best Microbrewery A d d y o u r e v e n t f o r F R E E t o t h e T I M E L I N E c a l e n d a r . G O TO w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent

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imminentbrewing.com 519 Division Street South - Unit 2 • Northfield, MN 55057

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103 Water St N Northfield tanzenwald.com 507-366-2337

Stagecoach Brewing Mantorville stagecoachbeer.com 651-387-0708

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1411 Old W Main St Red Wing redwingbrewing.com 651-327-2200

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70555 202nd Ave Reads Landing readslanding.com 651-560-4777

22 4th St NE Faribault ftownbeer.com 507-331-7677

15 Hester Street Dundas chapelbrewing.com

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28 4th St NE Faribault 10000drops.com 612-978-7551

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23436 Union Trail Belle Paine u4icbrewing.com

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519 Division St S #2 Northfield imminentbrewing.com

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306 2nd St NW Montgomery montgomerybrewing.com

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1119 Center St N Mankato mankatobrewery.com 507-386-2337

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1860 Schell’s Rd New Ulm schellsbrewery.com 507-354-5528

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2001 32nd Ave NW Rochester ltsbrewing.com 507-226-8280

101 E Southview Dr Marshall baubeer.com 507-929-2337

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1016 7th St NW Rochester kinneycreekbrewery.com 507-282-2739

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111 Elm Ave W Waseca warehousebrewing.com Facebook

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1005 6th St NW Rochester foragerbrewery.com 507-258-7490

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65 E Front St Winona islandcitybrew.com 507-474-2739

1325 Armstrong Rd #165 Northfield loonliquors.com 507-218-9173

4609 135th St E Dundas keepsakecidery.com

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1306 1st St NE New Prague giesenbraubierco.com

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n BREWERIES & CIDERIES n i M o s List of

Angry Inch Brewing angryinchbrewing.com 20841 Holyoke Ave., Lakeville Launched: 2016 Availability: Draft Growlers/crowlers/minis: Yes Taproom: Yes

August Schell’s Brewing Co. schellsbrewery.com 1860 Schell Road, New Ulm Launched: 1860 Availability: Draft, bottles, cans Growlers/crowlers/minis: No Taproom: Sundays Memorial Day through Labor Day. Badger Hill Brewing Co. badgerhillbrewing.com 4571 Valley Industrial Boulevard, Shakopee Launched: 2012 Availability: Draft, bottles, cans Growlers/crowlers/minis: Yes Taproom: Yes Bank Brewing Co. bankbrewing.com 200 & 218 S. Main Street, Hendricks Launched: 2008 Availability: Draft, bottles, cans Growlers/crowlers/minis: Yes Taproom: Yes Brau Brothers Brewing Co. braubeer.com 910 East Main Street, Marshall Launched: 2006 Availability: Draft, bottles Taproom: Yes Chapel Brewing chapelbrewing.com 15 Hester Street, Dundas Launched: 2017 Availability: Draft Growlers/crowlers/minis: Yes Taproom: Yes Forager Brewery foragerbrewery.com 1005 6th Street NW, Rochester Launched: 2015 Availability: Draft, bottles Growlers/crowlers/minis: Yes Taproom: Yes Foxhole Brewhouse foxholebrewhouse.com 313 4th Street Southwest, Willmar Launched: 2015 Availability: Draft Growlers/crowlers/minis: Yes Taproom: Yes

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F-Town Brewing Co. ftownbeer.com 22 4th St NE, Faribault Launched: 2015 Availability: Draft, bottles, cans.

Growlers/crowlers/minis: Yes Taproom: Yes

Giesenbrau Bier Co. giesenbraubierco.com 1306 1st Street NE, New Prague Launching: 2017 Availability: Draft Taproom: Yes Harbo Cidery welshheritagefarm.com 20758 528th Avenue, Lake Crystal Availability: Bottles Taproom: No Imminent Brewing imminentbrewing.com 519 Division Street S, Northfield Availability: Draft Growlers/crowlers/minis: Yes Taproom: Yes Island City Brewing Co. islandcitybrew.com 65 E. Front Street, Winona Launched: 2017 Availability: Draft, growler Taproom: Yes Karst Brewing karstbrewed.com 315 1st Street, Fountain Launched: 2017 Availability: Draft Taproom: Yes Keepsake Cidery mncider.com 4609 135th Street E, Dundas Launched: 2014 Availability: Bottles Taproom: No Kinney Creek Brewery kinneycreekbrewery.com 1016 7th St. NW, Rochester Launched: 2012 Availability: Draft, growlers.

Taproom: Yes Lakeville Brewing Co. lakevillebrewing.com 8790 Upper 208th Street W, Lakeville Launched: 2017 Availability: Draft Taproom: Yes Lazy Loon Brewing lazyloonbrewing.com 209 East Wilson Street, Norwood Young America Launched: 2014 Availability: Cans Growlers/crowlers/minis: Yes Taproom: Lazy Loon Lanes

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Lost Sanity Brewing lostsanitybrewing.com 12 West Main Street, Madelia Launched: 2018 Availability: Draft Taproom: Yes

LTS Brewing Co. ltsbrewing.com 2001 32nd Avenue NW, Rochester Launched: 2014 Availability: Draft Growlers/crowlers/minis: Yes Taproom: Yes Mankato Brewery mankatobrewery.com 1119 Center St, Mankato, MN Launched: 2012 Availability: Draft, cans, bottles Growlers/crowlers/minis: Yes Taproom: Yes Montgomery Brewing Co. montgomerybrewing.com 306 2nd St. NW, Montgomery Launched: 2014 Availability: Draft Growlers/crowlers/minis: Yes Taproom: Yes

Montgomery Harvest Premium Cider montgomeryorchard.com 15953 Hwy. 99, Montgomery Launched: 2017 Availability: Bottle Taproom: No Olvalde Farm and Brewing Company olvalde.com 16557 County Road 25, Rollingstone Launched: 2011 Availability: Bottles, draft Taproom: No Oswald Brewing oswaldbrewingcompany.com 110 South Main St., Blue Earth Launched: 2015 Availability: Draft Growlers/crowlers/minis: Yes Taproom: Yes Reads Landing rlbrewingco.com 70555 202nd Avenue, Reads Landing Launched: 2017 Availability: Draft, bottles Growlers/crowlers/minis: Yes Taproom: Yes Red Wing Brewery redwingbrewing.com 1411 Old West Main Street, Red Wing Launched: 2011 Availability: Draft Growlers/crowlers/minis: Yes Taproom: Yes Roets Jordan Brewery roetsjordanbrewery.com 230 Broadway Street, Jordan Launched: 2016 Availability: Draft Taproom: Yes

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Schram Vineyard Winery & Brewery schramvineyards.com 8785 Airport Road, Waconia Launched: 2014 Availability: Draft Growlers/crowlers/minis: Yes Tours: Ask Taproom: Yes Stagecoach Brewing Co. mantorvillebeer.com 101 East Fifth Street, Mantorville Launched: 1996 Availability: Draft, bottles Growlers/crowlers/minis: Yes Taproom: No Starkeller Brewery schellsbrewery.com 2215 North Garden Street, New Ulm Launched: 2017 Availability: Draft Taproom: Yes Sweetland Orchard sweetlandorchard.com/cider 26205 Fairlawn Ave, Webster Launched: 2012 (started selling cider) Availability: Bottle Taproom: No Take 16 Brewing take16beer.com 509 East Main Street, Luverne Launched: 2014 Availability: Draft Growlers/crowlers/minis: Yes Taproom: Yes Tanzenwald Brewing Co. tanzenwald.com 103 Water Street N, Northfield Launched: 2017 Availability: Draft Growlers/Crowlers/Minis: Yes Taproom: Yes U4IC Brewing u4icbrewing.com 23436 Union Trail, Belle Plaine Launched: 2016 Availability: Draft, bottles Growlers/crowlers/minis: Yes Tours: Ask Taproom: Yes Waconia Brewing Co. waconiabrewing.com 255 West Main Street, Waconia Launched: 2016 Availability: Draft, cans Growlers/crowlers/minis: Yes Tours: Ask. Taproom: Yes

SOUTHERN MINN DISTILLERIES 10,000 Drops – 28 4th Stree NE, Faribault Chankaska Creek distillery – 1179 East Pearl Street, Kasota J. Carver Distillery – 1320 Mill Lane, Waconia Loon Liquors – 1325 Armstrong Road, Northfield Rockfilter Distillery – 113 Maple Drive, Spring Grove

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W

hen people think of wine country, they’re more likely to think of warm and sunny rolling hills of California, France or New Zealand than the snow-covered fields of Minnesota. And yet, the Land of Ten Thousand Lakes is also home to dozens of wineries scattered across the state.

These wineries are more than Napa Valley wannabes.

Ever since the University of Minnesota began developing its cold-hardy grape research program in the 1970s, Minnesota wines have taken on a flavor and personality of their own. Minnesota now boasts seven of its own wine grape varieties, bred to withstand the harsh winters.

The newest is the Itasca grape, released in 2017.

It’s a little too soon to find Itasca wine in wineries or stores, but in a few years, it will result in dry white wine. Other Minnesota-bred white wine grapes include Frontenac blanc, Frontenac gris, La Crescent and Edelweiss. Reds include Frontenac and Marquette.

Many Minnesota wineries also produce and sell ice wine, which is made largely like the name suggests: growers leave grapes on the vine until the temperature drops below freezing for a certain period of time, then harvest and press the grapes while still frozen.

The result is a sweet, rich dessert wine made from real winter cold — not a California freezer.

Southern Minnesota claims its fair share of Minnesota wineries, from Painted Prairie near Sioux Falls to Garvin Heights near the Wisconsin border. These wineries cover all varieties of wine, from the driest reds to the sweetest whites, and since some also double as wedding destinations, cideries, dairy farms and jazz venues, there’s bound to be something for every taste.

The following is a selection of Southern Minnesota vineyards and wineries, listed alphabetically:

Alexis Bailly Vineyard – Hastings

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This familyowned vineyard was the first in Minnesota when it was planted in 1973. The tasting room has been open since 1978, and features the Voyageur red wine, which was voted best wine in Minnesota by Minnesota Monthly magazine and best American-made wine at the Atlanta International wine competition.

More unique offerings include a chocolate-infused red wine and a brandy-infused white wine. Visitors can step outside the tasting room and stroll through the sculpture garden, or enjoy live jazz music every Sunday afternoon in July and August. abvwines.com

Aspelund Winery – Kenyon Aspelund’s owners are peonygrowers turned winemakers who now grow elderberry bushes and apple trees along with grapevines.

Its tasting room offers some unusual selections: tomato wine, licorice wine, pumpkin wine, caramel apple wine, elderberry wine and a wide range of apple wines perfect for autumn tastings. The room

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itself is built right onto the owners’ home, overlooking the gardens. If you go, be sure to look for peacock roosting inside. aspelundwinery.com

Cannon River Winery – Cannon Falls One of Minnesota’s oldest wineries, Cannon River Winery is home to a 20-acre vineyard in Minnesota’s picturesque Sogn Valley in addition to a winery in downtown Cannon Falls. Stop by any time of year to taste wines ranging from balanced dry whites to full-bodied reds – or sign up to join the Harvest Crew, where you can pick grapes by hand, dine in the vineyard and watch experienced winemakers at work while sipping wine made from the vineyard where you just worked. cannonriverwinery.com

Chankaska Creek Ranch & Winery – Kasota Chankaska Creek’s namesake is the creek running through the vineyard, taking its name from the Dakota word for “forest enclosed.” Named best winery by the Star Tribune, it’s the second-largest winery in the state. In June 2018, the winery opened its brand-new event center, which includes an indoor reception area, outdoor patio, private fire area, exclusive lounge and bride/groom suites. Chankaska’s extensive wine list includes nearly 30 red, white and sparkling varieties, as well as dessert “krem” varieties made from apple wine and/or brandy. The winery also doubles as a distillery, producing a variety of brandy, whiskey and gin. chankaskawines.com

Falconer Vineyards – Red Wing Falconer is celebrate its 15year anniversary this year. Located conveniently close to Red Wing, this winery is known for both wine and pizza, including the “Grapes of Wrath” signature pizza with red grapes. The pizzas pair with a variety of wines made from Minnesotaand northern-grown grapes. Sweet whites are a focus on the menu (great with seafood, pizza and more), but Falconer also offers a variety of reds, dessert and port wines. falconervineyards.com

Four Daughters Vineyard – Rochester In addition to a selection of Minnesota-grown and made wines, Four Daughters is also

A d d y o u r e v e nt f o r F R E E t o t h e T I M E L I N E c a l e n d a r . G O T O w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent

home to an event center and restaurant, as well as a cidery for those who would prefer a “Loon Juice” hard cider to a glass of wine. The restaurant came in 3rd in USA Today’s Readers Choice competition in 2017 for best winery restaurant, with a menu that changes based on availability of locally-sourced ingredients. In 2014, the winery released its Sunflake Wines line, featuring up-and-coming Minnesota grapes sold on a national scale. fourdaughtersvineyard.com

Garvin Heights Vineyards – Winona Garvin Heights is owned by the Seppanen family, who visit wineries from the Midwest to Europe to New Zealand in order to bring back tidbits of knowledge to their Winona winery. In 2015, the winery purchased a still from Hungary and will soon begin producing Hungarianstyle “Palinka,” or fruit brandy.

Its cold-climate grape blends are named for St. Urho, the patron saint of Finnish vineyards; the winery celebrates his feast day every year on March 16. ghvwine.com

Morgan Creek Vineyards – New Ulm Morgan Creek, Minnesota’s only underground winery, stores not only its wine cellars, but also its tasting room and gift shop beneath the earth, providing an ideal climate for wine production and aging. Owner Georg Marti is the great-great grandson of the founder of August Schell Brewing Company in New Ulm, now the second-oldest familyowned brewery in the United States. Morgan Creek hit its 20th anniversary this year. It offered the first commercial wine releases in the world of Frontenac Gris and La Crescent grapes developed by the University of Minnesota. Stop by for a range of both European and

American-style wines, or for one of the winery’s many seasonal events, including a winter candlelight wine tasting, Oktoberfest brunch and “Wine Diva Days.” morgancreekvineyards.com

Next Chapter Winery – New Prague Next Chapter’s wines are made from both California grapes and Minnesota hybrid grapes grown onsite. The tasting room is inside a classic red barn, but if you’d prefer not to travel, Next Chapter will bring the wines to you and your group (minimum 10 people) for a private tasting event. The barn and vineyard are a popular wedding destination, and the wines reflect this with names like “Wedded Bliss” (cabernet sauvignon), “MN Dashing Groom” (sweet red) and “MN Blushing Bride” (sweet blush). There’s also a pizzeria five minutes away, serving up the perfect wine and pizza pairings. nextchapterwinery.com

Painted Prairie – Currie Located in the southwestern corner of the state, Painted Prairie is surrounded by the open fields of its namesake, making its patio a prime spot for sipping wine and viewing the landscape. Its latest batch of wines includes six coldhardy blends, plus an apple wine and a cider. Before your tasting, stop by Lake Shetek State Park or Walnut Grove, childhood home of Laura Ingalls Wilder, both within easy reach. paintedprairiewine.com

Salem Glen Winery - Rochester Salem Glen is an old dairy farm turned winery in the Zumbro River valley, growing only Minnesota cold-hardy grapes bred to withstand temperatures of -30 degrees F. Along with a variety of whites, reds and ports, the tasting room serves wine made from cranberries and locally-grown rhubarb. The vineyard is in the process of building an observatory – because who wouldn’t want to gaze at the stars with a glass of wine in hand? salemglenvineyard.com

Vintage Escapes – Kilkenny Vintage Escapes is an honorary mention, since the vineyard and tasting room are currently under construction. There’s no set opening date yet, but owners are hoping for something in the spring of 2019. Check their Facebook page for updates: facebook.com/vintageescapeswinery

Whitewater Wines – Plainview What was once a small piece of land surrounded by corn fields is now six acres of vineyards, ponds, flower gardens and prairies, as well as the winery itself. Many of the tables and chairs were made by local high school students from wood harvested on the property. The wine list includes “233 K” in reference to the -40 F (233 Kelvin) temperature at which these grapes still survive, as well as other European and Minnesotan grape varieties. whitewaterwines. com SMS

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125 S. 3rd St. • St. Peter • 507-931-9051 • www.patrickson3rd.com A d d y o u r e v e nt f o r F R E E t o t h e T I M E L I N E c a l e n d a r . G O T O w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent

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The “Perfect” House...for you Heather Buisman Heather is an interior designer at The Design Element in the Mankato Design Center. She can assist with your design projects from planning to final product selections.

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s designers we are frequently asked things such as…”what is the perfect flooring?”, or “what is the best countertop?”, and “what is the ideal design?” And while these are all valid questions, our answers inevitably come back to answering these questions with a question of our own, as we really need the client to help us define for them what they have in mind when they say “perfect, best, and ideal.” As a designer, defining the “standards of excellence” for the client is a trap I try to avoid, as there are many flaws to the idea that any one product or a single design is perfect.

As we explore this topic, I think you will see that the preferences of the client ultimately determine the products or designs that are most suitable for them.

In my opinion, the art of the design is in facilitating a process that leverages our designer expertise to

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help the client establish their own definitions for “perfect, best, and ideal.” It’s about asking the right questions and helping them better understand the choices they are making by explaining things in terms they understand and informing them of the qualities of materials. For example, the most common household flooring materials used are hardwood, porcelain tile, luxury vinyl and carpet. With those basic options, it’s the designer’s job to help the customer dig deeper and look more closely at the flooring decisions they are about to make.

Hardwood is a timeless product that can provide warmth and sophistication to a home, but requires some maintenance, can scratch and dent easily, and it is susceptible to water damage. Porcelain tile is durable, easy to maintain, and waterproof, but has

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its own downfalls in that it is cold to the touch and can be hard on your joints. Luxury vinyl, whether it is a tile or plank, is also durable, easy to maintain and most are waterproof.

However, some do not prefer the look of it because it is an “imitation” product designed to simulate a wood or tile look. Carpet is a cost effective product that also provides comfort and warmth to many areas in the home, but if you or a family member suffers from allergies, it is often not the most feasible option.

Moving further down the decision path, let’s say your preference is to select the product that is easiest to maintain and you are aging in place, so you may prefer luxury vinyl instead of tile. Or maybe you have pets and small children and are not willing to deal with the maintenance of wood flooring, so you select tile instead. As you can see, there are many branches on the “decision tree” and it is the designer’s job to help the client understand the various pros and cons of each product group so that they can ultimately make the best choices based on personal tastes and lifestyle needs.

One decision begets another and depending on the scope of the project, the designer and client can engage this same decision-making process over and over as they consider hundreds of products, finishes, and styles. Another thing designers are

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asked regularly is “what is in style?”

If you spend a little time perusing the Internet you will find a wide variety of design elements that are trending, but then you must consider whether you want to be a follower of the “latest and greatest” fad du jour or would rather want to create a home that is all about you and which might better stand the test of time.

As is so frequently stated, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Your “ideal” product may differ from the next persons and that doesn’t mean it is right or wrong, it just means it is the right product or material for you. At times, the process can seem overwhelming because of the sheer volume of decisions that must be made, but with good guidance from

an expert designer the “you being you” will lead to a gratifying outcome that is “perfect, best, and ideal” through your own personal lens. The Design Element has designers on staff for this exact purpose! We can point you in the right direction for a single product or finishes for the entire project.

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THE Bavarian Blast New Ulm – July 19-22 New Ulm’s Biggest Festival of the summer, Bavarian Blast, now in its 13th year, takes place July 20-22, 2018, with the Pre-Blast Party on July 19th. A German & American Music Festival, it features all sorts of music, including German-style bands, old-time, rock and country music. Nationally-known musicians as well as local favorites take the stages all weekend long.

After the pre-blast Thursday, multiple stages at Bavarian Blast feature performances Friday through Sunday by: Squeezebox with Mollie B., Church of Cash (Johnny Cash Tribute), Blue Ringers, Alex Meixner, New Odyssey, Wild Angels, Alpensterne, Walter’s Wheelhouse, Concord Singers, Schell’s Hobo Band, Wendinger Band, Leon Olsen Show, Brian Brueggen & The Mississippi Valley Dutchmen, The Bockfest Boys, Larry Olsen, The Original German Band, Malek’s Fishermen, and the New Ulm Municipal Band.

Activities at the Blast include the sauerkraut-eating contest, stein-holding competition, barrel rolling, bounce houses for the children, dog races, a 5K/10K, Sunday morning breakfast and Polka Service, Bavarian Blast Parade, food and souvenir vendors, craft beer and local wines, full bar, on-site camping. The festival offers German food such as bratwurst, pork schnitzel, German potato salad, spätzle, sauerkraut, and apple strudel. www.bavarianblast.com

A d d y o u r e v e nt f o r FREE to the TIMELINE calendar. GO TO w w w. s o u t h ern minn s c ene . c o m / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent

Sat Jul 21, 2018 Keeper Chat - 11:00 am | Free Oxbow Park 5731 County Road 105 Northwest Byron, MN 55920 Listen to the naturalist speak about some of the Zollman Zoo animals and provide natural history information about the zoo residents. Meet int he Nature Center Ann Reed & Dan Chouinard 7:00 pm | $20-$23 Crossings 320 East Ave Zumbrota, MN 55992

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Ann Reed and Dan Chouinard have hosted a monthly community sing-along in St. Anthony Park for five years and counting.

As a fundraising event for their friend, Peter Ostroushka, they are bringing it to Zumbrota!

Stand-Up Comedian Kristin Andersen-Anderson - 8:00 pm | $16.89 Royal Comedy Theatre 809 Mainstreet Hopkins, MN 55343 Kristin Andersen-Anderson, comedian and bells palsy survivor, performs stand up nationwide.

From her opening line, Anderson grabs a huge roar from attendees.

Tue Jul 24, 2018 Square Dancing Jul 24, 31, Aug 7, 2018 1:00 pm | $0-$8.

Free Members/$8 Non-Members

Cannon Falls Wine and Art Festival Hannah’s Bend Park in Cannon Falls – July 21-22 The Southern Minnesota Wine Growers Association is inviting one and all to the 9th annual Cannon Falls Wine & Art Festival to explore the variety and quality of wines produced by regional winemakers.

The festival is situated along the banks of the scenic Cannon River and hosts 70 artists (juried) and over a dozen regional winemakers and cideries. The festival allows you to both sample, and shop, wines, ciders and art all in one place!

125 Live Center for Active Adults 125 Elton Hills Dr NW Rochester, MN 55901 Dancing isn’t just about the steps and music. It’s a perfect combination of physical activity, social interaction, and mental stimulation.

125 LIVE offers Square Dancing as an opportunity to come and experience all the benefits that dance has to offer.

Wed Jul 25, 2018

Berne Wood-Fired Pizza Summer Concert Series Jul 25, Aug 1, 8, 15, 2018 5:00 pm | Free Zwingli United Church of Christ 23148 County Highway 24 West Concord, MN 55985 Free live music every Wednesday night at Berne (West Concord)!

Two live bands each night, beginning at 5 pm and 6:30 pm, on the beautiful grounds of Zwingli United Church of Christ. Pizza and refreshments available for purchase.

Fri Jul 27, 2018

Public reception to meet the artists: Bebe Keith and Charlotte Laxen - 6:30 pm | Free Crossings 320 East Ave Zumbrota, MN 55992 Wine and light appetizers. Come as you are! Stay for the 8 pm concert: Good Morning Bedlam & Marah in the Mainsail

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Next to Normal Jul 27-28, Aug 2, 4, 2018 7:30 pm | $13-$18. $13 - Students/Seniors$18 Adults Northfield Arts Guild Theater 411 W. Third Street Northfield, MN 55057 Next to Normal holds three 2009 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Score and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize. This truly remarkable musical takes audiences into the minds and hearts of the characters with love, sympathy and heart. Book by Brian Yorkey; Music by Tom Kitt; Lyrics by Brian Yorkey.

Little Shop of Horrors Jul 27-28, Aug 2, 4, 2018 7:30 pm | $10-$25 Paradise Center for the Arts 321 Central Ave. Faribault, MN 55021 Little Shop of Horrors is a horror comedy rock musical, by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman, about a hapless florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human blood and flesh.

Stand-Up Comedian John Bush Jul 27, 28, 2018 8:00 pm | $16.89 Royal Comedy Theatre 809 Mainstreet Hopkins, MN 55343 John Bush recently appeared on HULUs Triumphs Election Special 2016, AXS TVs Gotham Comedy Live, and FOX NEWS Channels Red Eye with Tom Shillue. As an

F o l l o w us o n

Wineries include Indian Island Winery, Round Lake Vineyeards, Schram Vineyears, Aspelund Winery, Flower Valley Vineyard, Carlos Creek Winery, River View Winery, Hoch Orchard, Garvin Heights Vineyard, Falconer Vineyards and more. www.cannonfallswineandartfestival.com

actor he has been seen on TVs Spin City, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit and in the film The Thomas Crown Affair.

Sat Jul 28, 2018 Coffee & Cards: Generic Themes with Courtney Armstrong - 9:00 am | $25 Crossings 320 East Ave Zumbrota, MN 55992 Have a fun little painting experience with your girlfriends or sisters on a bright Saturday morning! Crossings is offering a watercolor class with the finished products being five charming cards, for birthday or for thinking of you giving. Coffee will keep your fingers warm and spirits bright as you follow Courtney Armstrongs instructions.

Fleckenstein Brewery Walking Tour and Lunch - 9:30 and 11 am | $15-$17.50 Shattuck-St. Mary’s School 1000 Shumway Ave. Faribault, MN 55021 Building off of previous walking tours, Brian Schmidt will lead a walking tour of the Old Fleckenstein Brewery site where participants will get a chance to look around these hard-to-access ruins. Photos of the Brewery will be presented throughout the site, and Schmidt will help visitors see how the Brewery would have been in its prime.

Fire Starting - 1:00 pm | Free Oxbow Park 5731 County Road 105 Northwest Byron, MN 55920 Meet at the campground to learn how to build the best fire for you needs. The skill of patience will be practiced as you prepare your kindling and wood before lighting it with fire. Different structures and their purposes will be explained in this program. Bring your own s’mores fixings to test our your fire!

Bring us Home: Gallery 24 Fundraiser Kick of - 6:00 pm | $15 Forager Brewery 1005 6th St NW Rochester, MN 55901 GALLERY 24 WILL BE OUT OF DOWNTOWN AT THE END OF AUGUST WE NEED YOU NOW MORE THAN EVER Gallery 24 started their journey to finding their forever home last June. We started a go fund me to raise the initial funds needed to secure a space. Unfortunately we did not meet our goal of $10,000.

Alice Peacock - 7:30 pm | $20-$23 Crossings 320 East Ave Zumbrota, MN 55992 Alice Peacock focuses her energy on love, music, family and friends. Her belief that music heals is reflected in the music she writes and during the concerts she performs.

Sun Jul 29, 2018 Next to Normal Jul 29, Aug 5, 2018 2:00 pm | $13-$18. $13 Students/Seniors$18 - Adults Northfield Arts Guild Theater 411 W. Third Street Northfield, MN 55057 Next to Normal holds three 2009 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Score and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize. This truly remarkable musical takes audiences into the minds and hearts of the characters with love, sympathy and heart.

Little Shop of Horrors Jul 29, Aug 5, 2018 2:00 pm | $10-$25 Paradise Center for the Arts 321 Central Ave. Faribault, MN 55021 Little Shop of Horrors is a horror comedy rock musical, by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman, about a hapless florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human blood and flesh.

On Your Feet! - 7:00 pm | $30 Pantages Theatre 710 Hennepin Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55403 For all fans of the Grammy-award winning duo Gloria Estefan and Emilio Estefan, here is a musical tailor-made for you On Your Feet!, the theatrical production based on the story of the hugely successful romantic and musical partners.

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Minnesota Garlic Festival McCleod County Fairgrounds in Hutchinson – August 11

Art on the Hills Owatonna Arts Center and Orphanage Museum – July 28-29

The Owatonna Arts Center and the Orphanage Museum invite you to “Art on the Hills”, a weekend of art and history. The weekend begins on Saturday July 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and continues thru Sunday July 29, from 10 AM to 4 PM. The featured artist is Sandy Dinse, watercolorist.

Thirty-five plus artists will be showing and selling their creations. Live music, food concessions, art demonstrations and art activities for children will also be part of the festivities. There will be paintings, pottery, jewelry and glass items to purchase for yourself or as a gift for a friend.

The Orphanage Museum and Cottage 11 will have reenactment characters and the documentary “The Children Remembered” can be viewed. www.oacarts.org

SATURDAY JULY 28

Minnesota Garlic Festival is the premier event for lovers of garlic, great local foods and good times! Family friendly, fun filled and fragrant, this festival features fantastic foods, celebrity chefs, marvelous music, area artisans, goofy games… and lots of GARLIC – all in support of a healthy environment, sustainable farms and vital rural communities in Minnesota.

Minnesota garlic growers will have the first of their fresh gourmet garlic crop at the festival,

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Tue Jul 31, 2018 Downtown Rochester Noon Day Organ Recitals Jul 31, Aug 7, 14, 2018 12:00 pm | Free Trinity Lutheran Church Rochester 222 6th AV SW Rochester, MN 55901 Enjoy a noon day organ recital, every Tuesday throughout the summer.

9am New Prague Community Band

Chicago Jul 31, Aug 1, 4, 2018 7:00 pm | $17 general admission, $9 for students Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland Community College 1900 8th Ave NW Austin, MN 55912 A Summerset Theatre production. Don Browning, a middle-aged writer, returns home and decides to finally take his fathers ashes to his childhood home, as requested.

10am Mariachi Mi Tierra

Wed Aug 1, 2018

11am Sheldon Theater Brass Band

Footwear with Experts from TerraLocco - 9:00 am | $0-$10. Free Members/$10 Non-Members 125 Live Center for Active Adults 125 Elton Hills Dr NW Rochester, MN 55901 Overwhelmed by shoe options? Join footwear expert & owner of TerraLoco, Tiffany Piotrowicz, for a brief presentation on proper footwear, followed by one-on-one gait analysis and personal footwear recommendations. Wednesday, June 6, 9-10 am Members free/Nonmembers $10

9am to 10 pm - Bridge Square

12pm Southside Aces 1pm Ameriikan Poijat 2pm Minnesota State Band 3pm Twin Cities Brass Band 4pm Brio Brass 5pm Metro Brass 6:30pm Copper Street Brass 8:30pm Buddy Koopmans Orchestra This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Vintage Band Festival

@vintagebandfest

VintageBandFestival.org

Oil Painting Workshops with Jeanne Licari - 9:30 am | $60-$70. $60 Members/$70 Non-Members 125 Live Center for Active Adults 125 Elton Hills Dr NW Rochester, MN 55901 Join us for a day of oil painting. We will continue to learn how to become better oil painters through demonstrations, exercises and hands-on painting. Some oil painting experience is helpful, but not required. Odorless mineral spirits are used in this class. Wear your painting clothes.

and it can keep in your kitchen for up to a year!

There are over 100 varieties of the country’s finest garlic grown here, all planted in the fall, harvested in July, and cured to perfection just in time for the festival. Other than the great taste, it is well documented that garlic is one of the healthiest foods you can eat. www.sfa-mn.org/garlicfest

Beginning Pottery Wheel with Emily Wartsbaugh Aug 1, 8, 15, 2018 6:30 pm | $148 Crossings 320 East Ave Zumbrota, MN 55992 Want to learn the art of making functional pottery on the potters wheel? Pottery Wheel Instructor Emily Wartsbaugh will teach participants to center on the wheel, shape and trim pots, and more.

Fri Aug 3, 2018 Our Next Fabulous Adventure Markets - 4:00 pm | Free Our Next Fabulous Adventure Markets 61437 235th Ave Mantorville, MN 55955 Begun in 2017, NFA outdoor markets feature a variety of artists, makers, growers, bakers selling their unique works.

Family & pet friendly, rural setting outside of Mantorville on County 12.

Sat Aug 4, 2018 Our Next Fabulous Adventure Markets - 10:00 am | Free Our Next Fabulous Adventure Markets 61437 235th Ave Mantorville, MN 55955 Begun in 2017, NFA outdoor markets feature a variety of artists, makers, growers, bakers selling their unique works.

Family & pet friendly, rural setting outside of Mantorville on County 12.

Just follow the big yellow signs. Live music & refreshments Friday evenings.

BYOB. MetroDemic Scavenger Hunt in Saint Paul Aug 4, 11, 2018 1:00 pm | $35 Landmark Center 75 5th Street West St. Paul, MN 55102 A massive epidemic has hit Saint Paul and it us to you to save the city! In MetroDemic, your team of 2-4 people will compete to save the most lives from a deadly epidemic in 90 minutes. The game is played outside on the streets of Saint Paul. Lives are saved by finding secret outbreak location questions and answering pub-style trivia questions at each stop.

A d d y o u r e v e nt f o r FREE to the TIMELINE calendar. GO TO w w w. s o u t h ern minn s c ene . c o m / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent

Sun Aug 5, 2018 Chicago - 2:00 pm | $17 general admission, $9 for students Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland Community College 1900 8th Ave NW Austin, MN 55912 A Summerset Theatre production. Don Browning, a middle-aged writer, returns home and decides to finally take his fathers ashes to his childhood home, as requested. But when Don discovers Grandmas house is now a grocery store, he begins traveling across Iowa in search of a proper resting place.

Tue Aug 7, 2018 Play with Clay on Tuesday - 9:30 am | $5-$10. $5 Member/$10 NonMember 125 Live , Center for Active Adults 125 Elton Hills Drive NW Rochester, MN 55901 Join clay connoisseur Kate Bauman in the state-of-the art 125 LIVE pottery studio to mess with some mud. Now is your chance to try your hands at pottery.

Absolutely no prior mud knowledge is necessary.

Fri Aug 10, 2018 Pinch Pots - 1:00 pm | $10-$15. $10 Member/$15 Non-Member 125 Live Center for Active Adults 125 Elton Hills Dr NW Rochester, MN 55901 This one-off class will cover the basics of pinching clay between your fingers to form a bowl perfect for your odds and ends.

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vintagebandfestival@gmail.com | 204 W 7th St., #130 · Northfield, MN 55057

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RibFest Vetter Stone Amphitheater in Mankato – August 2-5

While RibFest’s name screams ‘Food festival!’, its lineup screams ‘Music, too!’ For 2018, the

21st edition of the celebration now held at the beautiful Vetter Stone Amphitheater, organizers are bringing in John Michael Montgomery, Bret Michaels, Tonic, Sugar Ray, Free Fallin and more.

The ribbers, meanwhile, come in from across the United States, offering award-winning entrees.

And best of all, you get to judge. The People’s Choice award allows attendees to choose their favorite pork. Some experts will also dish out awards for ‘Best Ribs’ and ‘Best Pulled-Pork.’

All in all, it’s a good time in (generally) nice weather and some music to match the catering. www.mankatoribfest.com

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Sat Aug 11, 2018

Brain & Body Connection (Brain Games) - 1:00 pm | $0-$10. Free Members/$10 Non-Members 125 Live Center for Active Adults 125 Elton Hills Dr NW Rochester, MN 55901 A game show-like experience that will challenge your mind and body. Working as teams and as individuals, complete simple to complex puzzles, answer general knowledge questions, and perform physical challenges. Designed to be entertaining and to keep your brain firing on all cylinders.

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Skull Run Austin - 6:00 pm | $50 Downtown Austin Main Street and around Austin, MN 55912 The Skull Run: FantasyAndFear The World of StarGazers collides with the Army of The UNDEAD at sunset. A tribe of Diamond faced runners will battle The Skulls under moonlight. Register today! 2018 Race Information: The Fantasy And Fear Skull Run 5K goes on sale Tuesday, February 27, 2018.

World of StarGazers will March on The UNDEAD at sunset.

Food Truck Festival Eagan Festival Grounds – August 11 Enjoy the Twin Cities tastiest food truck fare, local craft beers and entertainment at the Eagan Food Truck Festival. The event promises to be a salty and sweet Saturday evening with more than 20 trucks representing tastes from across the globe.

Food Types to Expect: vegetarian items, nachos, tacos, quesadillas, burritos, shrimp cocktail, ceviche, jibarito, tripleta, sweet burger, potato balls, empanadas, egg rolls, wontons, gyoza, vermicelli, sesame chicken, lemongrass chicken, banh mi, firecracker shrimp, chicken

tikka, lamb, spinach paneer, vegan chana, vegan aloo gobi, fries, kabobs, falafel, hummus, cheese curds, macaroni & cheese varieties, grilled cheese varieties, pizza, pulled pork sandwiches, pasties, BBQ, tater tots, jerk chicken, curry chicken, jerk hot dogs, jerk wraps, sausage patty sandwiches, bacon products, soups, sandwiches, sliders, salads, wraps, gyros, and more.

Matchbox Theatre presents “Stuart Little - 7:00 pm | $6-$10 The Historic Paramount Theatre 125 4th Ave NE Austin, MN 55912 This is the heartwarming classic tale about a mouse named Stuart Little who is born into an ordinary New York family. All the charm wisdom and joy of EB. White’s famous book are captured in the stage adaptation by Joseph Robinette.

Outdoor Movie - 9:00 pm | Free Byron city Hall Lawn 680 Byron Main Court NE Byron, MN 55920 Outdoor Movie on the Big Screen! Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Visit website for movie being shown. In case of bad weather, movie will be moved indoors to the Byron Primary School.

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Dragons Zombies Skulls Austin 6:00 pm | $50 Downtown Austin Main Street and around Austin, MN 55912 DRAGON, ZOMBIES AND SKULLS Fantasy and Fear Presents, DRAGONS, ZOMBIES AND SKULLS RUN Explore this fantastic planet where beautiful mysterious 3D creatures collapse into a terrifying place filled with 4D mammoth gorgeous beasts! Be a part of the scenery after all its your world!

Fri Aug 17, 2018

Disney’s The Lion King, Jr. - 7:00 pm | $5-$25 Paradise Center for the Arts 321 Central Ave. Faribault, MN 55021 Disneys The Lion King has captivated the imagination of audiences around the world. The African Savannah comes to life on the Paradise Center for the Arts stage with Simba, Rafiki, Timon, and an unforgettable cast of characters that journey from Pride Rock to the jungleand back again in this inspiring, coming-of-age tale.

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101 Categories Nominating ends July 30th go to The Best of SoMinn 2018 at

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• Born and raised in Steele County • Heartfelt memories of a disappearing era of farming history are preserved through many of my watercolors • Commissioned watercolors has always been a source of satisfaction in my paintings • Being a nostalgic artist compelled me

to design and construct metal and wood sculptures from charred ruins of three area churches destroyed by fire; one being mine • Retirement years have brought a continued interest in the land, church, community and my love of painting

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WOLDUM TV

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

From Page to Screen

I

just turned 31, and while it’s too soon to say definitively, I feel like I’m entering into a sort of limbo period as a woman.

I’m beyond the mini-skirt and bar-hopping days (which, to be honest, were limited to a few forgettable nights), but have not yet entered the world of either marriage or motherhood. Nor is it accurate to say that I’m a career woman (I have a BA and a master’s, yet work for an hourly wage as a barista and bartender). I guess I’m just truck-truckin’ along as a human, some days thriving, some days barely making it, trying to enjoy a life made up of reading, watching, napping, eating, drinking, laughing, complaining, hanging, and occasionally exercising. If I had to put on paper what about my life most excites me right now, it would be the shows I’ve been watching and the books I’ve been reading.

So thank goodness for two stories that have been making the rounds lately, both on the page and on screen: Big Little Lies and Sharp Objects.

Both started as books by (now) best-selling authors (Liane Moriarty and Gillian Flynn), and both have been adapted for TV by Jean-Marc Vallee. And what’s more, both feature female protagonists over 30, portrayed as complicated, interesting, and relevant. I’m not

Gar Olson Artist

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• Has been painting for over a decade • Started drawing as a child and grew into Oil and Watercolor “Art is great relaxation and therapy for me. I never sit down with anything in mind, I just look at the canvas and follow my heart.” - Gar Olson

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telling you what to do, but you should probably suggest both for your book club, stat, and then watch the shows to augment your discussions.

Big Little Lies is the story of three women — mothers and wives, but many other things too — each navigating very different sets of problems while raising their 6 year-old children.

Madeline (played in television series by Reese Witherspoon) must deal with her lackluster marriage, and the fact that her rebellious teenage daughter seems to be connecting more with her hip stepmother than her own mom. Celeste (Nicole Kidman), the beautiful and seemingly serene mother of twins, is secretly dealing with the private horrors of domestic abuse. New to town single mother Jane (Shailene Woodley) is reeling from the trauma of a past rape, as well as dealing with accusations that her son is a classroom bully. If this isn’t enough to pique your interest, there’s also a murder in there somewhere, and the resulting combination of these characters and their dilemmas is equal parts pulpy, humorous, and emotionally resonant.

Sharp Objects was the debut novel of Gillian Flynn, who catapulted to fame after the release of her third novel, Gone Girl. (She later wrote the script for a film adaptation, starring Ben Affleck and directed by David Fincher). Sharp Objects centers on Camille Preaker (Amy Adams), a Chicago journalist and functioning alcoholic who is trying to get back on her feet after a recent stint in a psychiatric hospital. When her editor learns that two young girls have disappeared in the small town where she grew up, he sends her home to get the story.

Unfortunately for Camille, this means reconnecting with her estranged mother (Patricia Clarkson), and confronting the lingering unrest surrounding the mysterious death of her younger sister. As it turns out, unlocking the secrets of her own tumultuous past might be the only way to solve the town’s current troubles.

It’s rare to find a book that functions as both a page-turner/vacation read, and as an insightful look into the psychology of the human condition. And it’s even more rare that such a book could be adapted successfully as a television show, while retaining the integrity of the source material. Lucky for us, Jean Marc Vallee seems to have succeeded not just once, but twice. His adaptations of Big Little Lies and Sharp Objects are not only faithful but

stylistically innovative — he successfully uses the medium of television to enhance these stories rather than merely recreate them, resulting in two shows that are impeccably acted and highly evocative.

So whether you’re looking for a late summer read or a bed-time binge-watch, these are the stories for you. Find the books just about anywhere (Target! The airport! Half Price Books!) and the show on HBO. SMS

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rfire Gr a t S e h t t parties a e t rve our a e v s i e r r p o g t n i w book Call now o . s n y your e a r e d t a s a e e e n r W c d e o t hef Jay ays and W C d h s t e i u w T k n r o wo rience. e d p n x a e g m n o i o private r sonal din r e p d n a unique JM Photography

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204 2nd Street SW, Waseca, MN 507.833.8756

A d d y o u r e v e nt f o r F R E E t o t h e T I M E L I N E c a l e n d a r . G O T O w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent

Call for information & Reservations: 507.835.1146 After 4pm: 507.837.9848

F o l l o w us o n

204 2nd Street South West, Waseca, MN 507.833.4700

206 2nd Ave. SW For Reservations: 507.461.1387

204 2nd Street South West, Waseca, MN 507.833.7540

w w w. s o ut h e r N m I N n SCENE. c o m

Call for information & Reservations: 507.835.1146 After 4pm: 507.837.9848

| AUGUST 2018

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BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Let’s get

Thursday October 18 5:00 - 7:00pm - Vendor Show 7:00 - 9:00pm - Cooking Show

SHOW & EXPO with

Faribault High School 330 9th Ave SW - Faribault, MN

Chef Guy Klinzing

DISCOVER Easy-to-Make Recipes, Meal Ideas, and Creative Cooking Tips

MEET People Like You Who Love to Cook

COLLECT A Free Gift Bag with Valuable Coupons and Goodies!

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Purchase tickets now at the Faribault Daily News 514 Central Avenue, Faribault or Online at

www.letsgetcookingmn.com General Admission - $15, VIP - $30, Premium VIP - $50 Tickets purchased online or by phone will be mailed to the address provided and will be charged an extra $1 per ticket processing fee.

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A d d y o u r e v e nt f o r F R E E t o t h e T I M E L I N E c a l e n d a r . G O T O w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent

Over 70 Years of Pappas Family Ownership!

Minnesota Restaurant Association’s 2012 Restaurant of the Year

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Superb Cuisine since 1854

Nominate us for BEST DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT BEST FINE DINING, BEST PLACE FOR A STEAK and BEST SUPPER CLUB!

ADMISSION classic cars polka band giveaways

Bit

2018 Senior expo

Save the Date

Saturday

Sept 29 - 11AM-3pM Michaelson Funeral Home 1930 Austin Rd., Owatonna brought to you by:

sponsored by:

502 North Main Street, Mantorville, MN | 507.635.2331 (25 Miles East on HWY 14, to Kasson Exit, then 2 miles North on HWY 57)

Reservations Recommended | www.hubbellhouserestaurant.com

RICE COUNTY RELAY FOR LIFE

SAVE THE DATE! MUSIC • FOOD • GAMES • FUN • JUST FOR KIX PERFORMANCE • SILENT AUCTION LUMINARIA LIGHTING CEREMONY • RAFFLE FOR KID’S PLAYHOUSE SPONSORED BY EDINA REALTY • & MORE!

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, AUGUST 3RD & 4TH

26th Annual

Relay for Life of Rice County At the Rice County Fairgrounds SIGN UP ONLINE TODAY! ACSEVENTS.ORG A d d y o u r e v e nt f o r F R E E t o t h e T I M E L I N E c a l e n d a r . G O T O w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent

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Join us at the 157th Goodhue County Fair in Zumbrota, Minnesota!

Visit goodhuecountyfair.com for more info

August 7-11, 2018 GRAND STAND EVENTS

FREE EVENTS EVERY DAY!

All American Lumberjack show

Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at 7 p.m.

LAwn Mower Derby AnD KiD’s Power wheeLs Derby Free show!

Join us each day for action-packed lumberjack competitions, intricate wood carvings and kid’s lumberjack camps!

wednesday, August 8, 2018 at 7 p.m.

DeMoLiTion Derby Adults - $12.00, Under 12 - $6.00

Wednesday, August 8 at noon and 5 p.m.

Thursday, August 9 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Friday, August 10 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Saturday, August 11 at noon, 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Kid’s lumberjack camps will follow the Wednesday noon show, and Thursday/Friday/Saturday 3 p.m shows.

Thursday, August 9, 2018 at 6:30 p.m.

TrAcTor AnD TrUcK PULL Adults - $10.00, Under 12 - $5.00 Friday, August 10, 2018 at 7 p.m.

AUTocross rAcing Adults - $12.00, Under 12 - $8.00 saturday, August 11, 2018 at 5 p.m.

DeMoLiTion Derby Adults - $15.00, Under 12 - $10.00 44

• granpa

cratchet’s Puppet show - Daily shows Tuesday-Saturday • FFA children’s barnyard - Open Tuesday-Saturday • goodhue county historical society - Open noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesday-Friday

LiVe MUsic in The beer gArDen eVery nighT! wednesday, August 8: 6 p.m. - Dave carpenter & Friends, country music Thursday, August 9: 5:30 p.m. - Troy Aron Johnson Friday, August 10: 5 p.m. - ray sands band, polka music, 8 p.m. - Troy Aron Johnson saturday, August 11: band TbD

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A d d y o u r e v e nt f o r F R E E t o t h e T I M E L I N E c a l e n d a r . G O T O w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent

ALBUM REVIEW

By Daniel G. Moir editor@southernminnscene.com

O

Bebe Rexha Expectations

n her debut album, songwriter Bebe Rexha rises to the challenge in a catchy skillfully assembled Pop Music release.

Album Grade: B+ Professional songwriters who found success writing for other artists have a dubious track record when it comes to recording their own albums. Largely unknown to the public, these skilled artisans are the backbone of a music industry built on big chart-toppers.

After penning multiple hits for Tina Turner, Pat Benatar, Rod Stewart, Heart, and Aerosmith among others, Grammy winning songsmith Holly Knight formed a band and released her debut album. Her band, Device, released their 1986 album to great industry expectations and was met with a resounding thud on the charts and at radio. The problem was in the songs. They were simply horrible. They were bland, paint-by-numbers compositions devoid of personality. The songs failed because they lacked a clear vision of what the artist at the center was all about.

Fortunately, that is clearly not the case for songwriter Bebe Rexha. Her album explodes and sizzles with attitude, personality and vision. Since 2009, Rexha has authored hits for Iggy Azalea, Nick Jonas, Selena Gomez as well as Eminem and Rihanna’s huge 2013 single “The Monster.” Along the way, she has been careful to establish her own artistic vision through collaborations with G-Eazy on “Me, Myself & I” and recent turns as the opening act for Bruno Mars and Katy Perry.

Expectations begins with the oddly haunting “Ferrari.” The track’s tentative guitar sounds in the beginning set up the powerful chorus to follow. Rexha’s confident, well executed pop vocals blend brilliantly with the background harmonies as she uses the metaphor of the speedy luxury car to express the lost moments and missed opportunities of a life lived in a hurry. While the metaphor and the sentiment may not break new ground, it is her vocal delivery, musical setting, and quality of the writing that bring an energetic freshness.

Rexha writes most self-deprecatingly in “I’m a Mess” while shading the song’s clever lyrics with a sense of optimism. This celebration of imperfections and insecurities in a quest for self-improvement is filled with melodic hooks and a lively sense

of vigor. It is self-reflective in order to determine the broken parts that need fixing and catchy enough to convey confidence. Rexha’s musical interpolation of Meredith Brooks 1997 single “Bitch” in the chorus shows a writer who has clearly studied her art. It is also a tribute to her songwriting code of ethics that Rexha extended a cowriting credit to Shelly Pieken, the writer of the Brooks hit.

Admittedly, Rexha’s voice is not technically “great” in the way generally attributed to artists like Ariana Grande; it is perfect on this collection of songs. Bursting with attitude and drive, Rexha makes best use of what she does have. For this kind of music, nothing could be better. Much like the songs that fit the personality of the artist, the voice also fits the songs themselves.

Lyrical themes of sadness, lust, loneliness, and jealousy are common staples of the songwriter’s arsenal. Rexha’s attention to detail as she marries these tools with catchy melodies and instrumentation make this album a delight. Unique melodies are not just found in the vocals, but in the instruments that accompany them as well. Expectations is a pop album leveraged with hooks and ear-worms from top to bottom with new details revealing themselves over multiple plays.

Musically, Expectations is the sound of now. While her songwriting craft is timeless, the production levels and attitude reflect the current sensibilities of radio and the charts. “Self Control” mixes electronic beats with a calypso/samba flavor as bright synth horns accent the rhythmic phrasing of Rexha’s voice. Motifs of desire and romantic longing may be common in songs, but rarely are they displayed in such a joyful way.

Over the span of Expectation’s 44-minute running time, the 14 tracks play more like a “Greatest Hits” album than a debut. Stuffed with catchy melodic hooks, danceable beats and tempos, Rexha plays the part of the Pop Star on the verge of exploding to perfection. It will be a pleasure to see what her next set of expectations will lead to.

Bottom Line: This is what a pop album assembled by a truly self-aware songwriting craftsman sounds like. Pop music that is refreshing, clever and catchy. A winning debut for the summer of 2018 from an artist poised to be around for a very, very long time. SMS Daniel G. Moir has forgotten more about music than all the rest of us know combined. Reach him at editor@southernminnscene.com

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THE BOOKWORM SEZ By Terri Schlichenmeyer

Black Klansman: A Memoir

by Ron Stallworth

Born to Fish:

How an Obsessed Angler Became the World’s Greatest Striped Bass Fisherman

by Tim Gallagher & Greg Myerson

Tin Man: A Novel

by Sarah Winman

Us Against You

by Fredrik Backman

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

You want no part of that.

In fact, the farther away you are from whatever-it-is, the happier you’ll be. Nope, some things are not your friend. Some things are not good for you at all. And as you’ll see in the new book “Black Klansman: A Memoir” by Ron Stallworth, some people can’t resist some things like that.

He saw the ad during an idle scan of the local Colorado Springs newspapers: “Ku Klux Klan, For Information Contact….”

As the department’s first black detective, Ron Stallworth thought it might be interesting to see what would come from answering that ad. Figuring on a few pamphlets, maybe a brochure or leaflet, he wrote a note to the P.O. Box, using his real name and asking for promised information. To this day, he’s still not sure why he used his name, and not one of his undercover aliases.

On November 1, 1978, he received a call on the

department’s undercover line.

The caller identified himself as a “local organizer” of the Ku Klux Klan who was trying to raise membership there in Colorado Springs. He asked Stallworth several questions, then invited him to meet in person; they agreed upon a time and, once they hung up, Stallworth swung into action.

He asked for permission to proceed and for a colleague’s help, but was denied; sure that this could be a major matter, he went to higher authorities. He already had in mind a sharp colleague who was white and could “be” Stallworth when Stallworth needed to attend Klan events… because the real Ron Stallworth, remember, is a black man.

For the next ten weeks or so, Stallworth and his codetective, Chuck, worked their way into and through the Klan. They attended rallies and meetings, thwarted crossburnings, and Stallworth spoke many times with Grand Wizard David Duke. There was certainly danger in what he’d done but mostly, because of the amateurishness of the organization he’d infiltrated and the mistaken tenants its leaders held, it was a lesson in absurdity.

“It was,” says Stallworth, “as if Dennis the Menace were running a hate group.”

And that pretty much sums up what you’re going to find inside “Black Klansman”: a little danger, a lot of audacity, and plenty of intended-unintended laughs.

Even so, this book isn’t a comedy. The seriousness of what author Ron Stallworth did becomes apparent as he writes about hate groups in 1978 Colorado which, presumably, could be Any State: the tentacles of those organizations reached far and were verging on joining forces when his investigation was shut down. There were obviously different methods of word-spreading forty years ago, but in today’s world of internet and cell phone, readers can easily conclude chilling parallels.

This is in the forefront of the story, but there’s no denying the humor here, too. It’s going to make for a great movie this August.

Before you head for theatres, be sure you’ve seen “Black Klansman” first. You’ll want the back-story. You’ll want the nuances. You’ll want every part of this book.

It was not your typical romance.

She fell for the first line you fed her and she played hard-to-get, but she was a beauty and she was worth every ounce of effort.

A catch like her doesn’t come along every day, and in the new book “Born to Fish” by Tim Gallagher & Greg Myerson, you had her for sure, hook, line, and sinker.

By the time he was two years old, Greg Myerson was already fascinated by fishing. As the story goes, he was caught more than once with his toy rod and reel, trying to make a catch in the drainage ditch in front of his parents’ Connecticut home.

Not long after that, though he was barely old enough for school, Myerson understood that his soul needed the outdoors to thrive and he spent hours alone, exploring the woods just beyond his back yard. He was never good with

a classroom, but he got by; the best thing he gained from school were friends who taught him better ways to hunt and fish, and they showed Myerson the fine art of trapping.

At age eight, he was already determined to have a skiff of his own so that he could fish for striped bass in the ocean near his home; trapping muskrats and selling pelts would get him to that goal within two years. His parents were wise to what he was doing by then but, despite their wishes and that of the Coast Guard, ten-year-old Myerson began taking his new boat asea, into dangerous parts of the water. His fascination with fishing had become a full-blown obsession that only grew.

The summer after his first year at college, the obsession finally paid off when Myerson, who’d been ruminating on an idea, had a breakthrough that led to the catching of a record-smashing fish of epic size.

And that fish led to a fisherman’s change-of-heart…

First, this: “Born to Fish” can be a struggle to read.

To start, there seems to be a lot of repetition. That may be because, unlike most other biographies that offer a little more surrounding backstory, this book is almost completely

about co-author Greg Myerson. You’ll read about his life in fishing, but also about a lot of fights and disregard for rules and laws, and that gets pretty stale. We’re also offered tales of elementary-school children alone on boats, and with guns.

And yet, there’s the fishing.

Co-author Tim Gallagher tells heart-pounding stories of landing the biggest of the big ones, tales that will thrill even the most neophyte of fishermen. Those parts of this book are like sitting around in the bait shop, ears open to tales of lures, equipment, boats and motors, and long battles with water monsters.

In the end, what you want from a book will determine how much you’ll like this one: if you come for the sport, then “Born to Fish” will hook you easy enough. If you’re looking for biography, though, let this book be the One That Got Away.

The picture reminds you of a thousand things.

You recall the day it was taken: the smell of the air, the background sounds, food and drink, laughter and the sense that this was forever.

You’ve seen that photo many times throughout the years, but it never fails to remind you of the best of times. Or, as in the new book “Tin Man” by Sarah Winman, it may represent the worst.

Ellis Judd rarely thought of reading anymore, though there were books piled around his apartment. They were Annie’s, so he ignored them. He mostly ignored the picture sitting among them, too, and he tried not to think about the people in it.

But, of course, that was impossible; his face was one of the three in the photograph. And there was Annie, his wife and the love of his life, five years dead from an automobile accident. And Michael, his best childhood friend.

He’d never forget the day he and Michael met: Ellis was visiting Mabel, an older woman and the local greengrocer, when Michael arrived to stay. Both twelve years old, they’d become on-the-spot friends. Years later, Michael was the reason Ellis met Annie, and she instantly loved him, too. Ellis was glad for it.

But then, not too long after Annie and Ellis were married, Michael seemed to disappear and Annie pestered Ellis on and off. Didn’t he wonder where Michael had gone? Didn’t he want him back in his life? Didn’t Ellis miss his best friend?

He did – and one day, Michael walked back in, as if nothing had happened and things seemed to pick up where they left off. Ellis was content again with his day-to-day until the car accident, and his entire world died.

It took awhile to heal – as if that would ever fully happen – but his losses made distant memories keener and Ellis began thinking about a painting that his mother and Michael had particularly loved. Having it would mean a lot so, knowing that it was stored in his father’s attic, Ellis fetched it.

That’s when he found a boxful of Michael’s things, including a notebook…

There are a thousand emotions that you’ll feel when you read “Tin Man,” starting with a melancholy sense of foreboding. Don’t beat yourself up for it, though. Every character here has reason to feel that life is no good.

That alone might make you not want to read this book – why try something when you know it’s going to depress you, right? Wrong: author Sarah Winman also repeatedly offers a most persistent flame of hope in her story, from Ellis’ mother, who finds beauty in a booby-prize painting; to Annie, who happily understands Michael’s needs; and Ellis himself, who learns again what he already knew.

Truth be known, readers will know it, too, long before they get to the pinnacle of this book – but the love-storynot-love-story that pulses to the lingering end is worth the journey, times two. And that makes “Tin Man’ a book you should picture yourself reading.

You’re going down.

Down, defeated, beaten, and sent home. You’re losing, not winning, and you need to know how it happened so it won’t happen again. Winners are champs, losers are chumps, and the latter is no fun. Besides, as in the new book “Us Against You” by Fredrik Backman, losing can take an entire town down with you.

Hockey was everything for Beartown.

Until it wasn’t.

Back when the Bears were about to launch their team onto a national stage, Beartowners were riding high. Nobody could talk about anything but hockey, until Kevin Erdahl was arrested for raping Maya Andersson. Maya lost her childhood, the Bears lost the game, Coach lost his job, the town lost their team. Beartown hockey would be absorbed

by Hed, the next town over and Beartown’s most hated rival.

Peter Andersson knew that everyone in Beartown blamed him for this – everyone, except the few who stood up for Maya and those who understood that he was a father before he was a coach. Now Peter watched everything fall around him, including his daughter, who seldom came home anymore; and his son, who carried anger around like an oxygen tank. Peter’s call to the police that night last winter ended a lot of things: friendships, futures, businesses, relationships. But what else could he do?

Not much, until he was given a lifeline.

Richard Theo always got what he wanted. And what he wanted was political office, power, and money from Beartown, without being blamed for anything that might happen while he achieved it. Years before, he’d learned that if he could determine someone’s deepest wishes, he could manipulate them for his own gain. Theo had become good at it, and Peter wore his wishes on his sleeve.

But, though Theo demanded it, could a lesbian coach, a few uncontrollable players, and some “hooligans” finish what Peter had been unable to do? What price was he willing to pay for himself, his family, and his town to get his club back?

Okay. Just so we’re clear on “Us Against You”: this is what it’s like to have your heart torn from your chest, tied with a string, and played with like a yo-yo.

This is what it’s like to be amused and teased, hurt and prodded and dangled by a narrator that will remind you of a red-nosed reindeer’s snowman. And you’re going to love every second of it because author Fredrik Backman has you on that string: pull up, and you’re laughing at a razor-keen observation on one of the characters. Spin down, and you’re so inside that character that you feel the sharpness of their pain.

The space between the two is where you’ll find one of the better novels you’ll read this year.

“Us Against You” is a sequel to last years’ “Beartown,” and while Backman gets readers up-to-speed pretty quickly, you’ll be happier if you read the first book first. Do that, then come back quick because once you’ve got this book in-hand, it’s not going down.

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F o l l o w us o n

Black Klansman: A Memoir by Ron Stallworth c.2018, Flatiron Books $25.95 / $33.99 in Canada 208 pages

Born to Fish: How an Obsessed Angler Became the World’s Greatest Striped Bass Fisherman by Tim Gallagher & Greg Myerson c.2018, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt $26.00 / Higher in Canada 205 pages

Tin Man: A Novel by Sarah Winman c.2018, Putnam $23.00 hardcover / $22.95 paperback in Canada 214 pages

Us Against You by Fredrik Backman c.2018, Atria $28.95 435 pages

A d d y o u r e v e nt f o r F R E E t o t h e T I M E L I N E c a l e n d a r . G O T O w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent

t l u a b i r a F A T O S E MINN

NIGHTS

h

Ann

iver

sA

! ry

10 t

Making American Stories

Thursday September 20th American Legion

september 21 Downtown Faribault Car Club Showdown august 17 Faribault Harley Davidson

Voted Best Music Festival

5:30 - 8PM

in Southern Minnesota 2017

Winterfest

October 13th

Noon to 3Pm Downtown Faribault Costume Parade Chili Contest kids Games SPooky basement Tours

Saturday, August 11th Downtown Faribault

1st Weekend of December

Downtown Faribault

like us on facebook facebook.com/faribaulttourism/

visitfaribault.com

Thursday, November 29

Window Decorating Contest and horse drawn wagon rides

Saturday, December 1 Parade of Lights, Fireworks and Street dance

Faribault [fair-uh-boh] French n 1852 translates; great people, incredible fun.

A d d y o u r e v e nt f o r F R E E t o t h e T I M E L I N E c a l e n d a r . G O T O w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent

F o l l o w us o n

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