Scene february 2017

FEBRUARY 2017 - southernminnSCENE.com

YOUR FREE GET-OUT SOURCE TO SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

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The Queen ofMollyKOWZ Penny has turned herself into SoMinn’s favorite radio personality

Does airplay matter?

For local artists, getting their music played on the radio is still a big deal.

Same station, better sound

Moving to ‘The One’

jobs!

SouthernMinn

PAGES 32-33

FEBRUARY

2 0 1 7

CALENDER of EVENTS

TRADITIONS Timeless styles and big-name stars you love.

GREAT SOUNDS Find your groove with exceptional music-makers.

FAMILY & YOUTH Fun and fresh just for kids...and their adults.

This show’s for you.

They come to see you. Exceptional artists from all over the world in a breathtaking setting create unforgettable performance experiences. Get your tickets today.

Tom Papa

February 4, 7:30 p.m.

One of the top U.S. comedic voices, Papa looks at marriage, kids, and getting older with remarkable honesty.

Tout à Trac in Alice in Wonderland February 10, 7:00 p.m.

A spectacular re-imagination of the classic tale set in a library full of pop-up books, each leading to new adventure!

Kids Play Free – free child admission, 12 and under, with the purchase of a regular priced adult.

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble February 24, 7:30 p.m.

A boisterous blend of traditional jazz brass band, hip hop, soul and funk.

Vienna Boys Choir: Smile TO BUY TICKETS:

February 26, 7:00 p.m.

Online 24/7 at sheldontheatre.org By phone: 651-388-8700 or 800-899-5759 In person: 443 W. 3rd Street, Red Wing, MN

Celebrated worldwide for their celestial voices, rapturous harmonies, pure tone, and wide-ranging repertoire.

Order tickets for your unforgettable experience NOW. Tickets on sale 24/7 at sheldontheatre.org 2

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CONTENT FEBRUARY 2017 / VOLUME 5 / ISSUE 2

4 So It Goes In SoMinn

12 Does airplay still matter?

7 SoMinn SOUND

14 Moving to ‘The One’

The people in charge of Wendy’s Twitter feed should be an

example to us all.

It’s a new year! In 2017, we can expect great things to happen in the local music scene and a few visits from some really spectacular artists.

8 The Queen of KOWZ

Molly Penny has turned herself

from single-mom working in a

pizza joint into Southern Minnesota’s favorite radio personality.

10 Put the morning on ‘Shuffle’

Tim Lind and Shelley Pierce have

served Mankato radio listeners as The Shuffle Function every morning

for 15 years.

28 The Bookworm Sez:

For local artists, getting their music played on the radio is still very much a big deal.

• Maurice White says goodbye to those who loved him most with My Life with Earth, Wind & Fire.

• While leaving some readers wanting more, Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s My Own Words, is an interesting collection of letters, essays and remembrances of and by the Supreme Court Justice.

• ‘Game Changers’ puts the spotlight on unsung women in sports.

• ‘Now for the Disappointing Part’ is a bit of an aimless, rambling journey, very much like today’s job searches.

Same station, better sound.

16 Immigrant Song

The official debut of the new SCENE

political column.

18 Woldum TV

The OA is not perfect, but the Netflix series is definitely an original.

19 Kate’s Cut

31 CD Reviews:

• The Rolling Stones give us a vision and admiration of their long passed youth in one confident summation of hard lessons learned.

• Miranda Lambert’s daring new double(!) album is everything we’d expect from a master songwriter with a wounded heart.

jobs!

SouthernMinn

30 Sportsball

A tribute to the gifts from Hollywood that made you want

to shoot your radio.

PAGES 32-33

Which state has the best NHL Team/ Starting Professional Quarterback combo?

20 The TimeLine

38 The Bearded Life

The SoMinn’s most comprehensive

calendar of things to be SCENE.

Conjuring The Sex Demon.

ABOUT

Southern minn

Scene

Publisher & Editor: Rich Larson, 507.645.1104, rlarson@southernminnSCENE.com Calendar listings: 507.333.3130, editor@southernminnSCENE.com Advertising: Faribault & Kenyon - Mark Nelson, 507.333.3109, mnelson@faribault.com LeSueur & Waseca Counties - Chad Hjellming, 507.645.1110, chjellming@northfieldnews.com Lonsdale - Lori Nickel, 507.744.2551, lnickel@lonsdalenewsreview.com Northfield & South Metro - Jay Petsche, 507.645.1120, jpetsche@northfieldnews.com Steele County - Ginny Bergerson, 507.444.2386, gbergerson@owatonna.com

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Business Belgrade on

Historic & Unique

Celebrate Valentine’s Evening at the Kernel Tuesday, February 14 • 4:00-8:00 p.m.

Strawberry Pecan Grilled Chicken Salad “Light and Delicious” $8.99 Garlic Butter Sirloin “Tender & Savory” $9.99

Coconut Shrimp “Tropical Delight” $9.99

Shrimp Fettuccini Alfredo “Italian Flavors Married” $8.99 White Chocolate Raspberry Cheese Cake Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Chocolate Covered Strawberry Skewers ALL $2.99

1101 Hoffman Drive, Owatonna

507-451-2585

Beautiful Lower North Mankato, MN

A 501(c) 4 Non-Profit Corporation

Presents the Upcoming Community Events

BOOKIN’ ON BELGRADE

NEARLY 5K FAMILY FUN RUN (AND WALK)

June 3rd, 2017 | bookinonbelgrade.wordpress.com Bookin’ on Belgrade: This event is a nearly 5K family Fun Run and “walk” brought to you by The Business on Belgrade Association, The Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic PA; and the Mayo Health Systems. Our mission is to promote public health and well being of our community. There will be a small charge for this event. If you need financial assistance and would like to participate please contact the North Mankato Taylor Library.

507-345-5120

Blues On Belgrade

July 22nd, 2017 | www.businessonbelgrade.org Blues on Belgrade: Concert began in 2009 as the Belgrade Ave. Blues and Jazz Festival on a small gravel parking lot just off of the 200 block of Belgrade Ave. In 2010 the concert was moved to the East end of Belgrade Ave. and in 2011, the stage was located at the intersection of Range St. and Belgrade Ave. In 2012 the Belgrade Ave. Blues and Jazz Festival became the Blues on Belgrade Concert. The Business on Belgrade Association strives to bring you the finest of entertainment for the Blues on Belgrade Concert free of charge to you our customers.

September 23rd, 2017 | www.businessonbelgrade.org Bier on Belgrade: (Oktoberfest) Business on Belgrade present our miniature version of German heritage and fun. Join us for our 5th Annual Bier on Belgrade located in the Central Business District of Historic and Unique, Beautiful Lower North Mankato.

We will have a fun filled day of activities, food vendors, live music, Bier sampling and 18 beers on tap from local and world renown brewery’s. Ceremonial first beer with city officials, bean bag toss, and keg bowling. Wear your Lederhosen or St. Paulie Girl outfit and receive and extra free beverage ticket with $10.00 admission. Must be 21 years of age to attend.

December 2nd, 2017 | www.businessonbelgrade.org Bells on Belgrade: “Holiday fun event for the entire family”.

Trolley Rides along Belgrade Ave., Medallion Hunt, Santa & Elves, Local Caroling Groups, Winter Wonderland Parade and more. Join us on Belgrade Ave. In Beautiful Lower North on Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Winter Wonderland Parade is set for 6:30 p.m. on Belgrade Ave. This event is for THE CHILDREN and brought to you, FREE of charge by the Business on Belgrade Association, and The City of North Mankato. Please visit the Belgrade Ave. Local merchants for Holiday specials. MERRY CHRISTMAS

Business on Belgrade Association’s mission is to promote, enhance and preserve Beautiful Lower North Mankato as a diverse business, cultural and residential destination for the benefit of the entire community. If anyone would like to volunteer for the events please contact us at: Web: businessonbelgrade.org • Email: businessonbelgrade@gmail.com

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So it goes in SoMinn

AUTUMN VAN RAVENhorst Autumn Van Ravenhorst is a staff writer and columnist for SouthernMinn Scene. If you live in the Owatonna area, she’d also be happy to sell you an ad in this wonderful magazine. Drop her a line at AVanRavenhorst@ owatonna.com

Speak your mind, just like Wendy’s

T

here has been a Twitter exchange that has gone viral as of late by the fast-food chain Wendy’s and I love it. In fact, a lot of people love it. It is refreshing.

I am not referring to the photo of a pale frog with a red wig that Wendy’s regrettably tweeted in response to a user who was asking Wendy’s if they had any memes. My guess is they chose this because it looked like the Wendy’s girl, but as a frog. Turns out, this image has been used as a white nationalist symbol. Who the hell would have thought that?

No, I am talking about the many witty exchanges between Wendy’s social media manager in response to everyone else’s bullshit.

I personally don’t care for Wendy’s food and there isn’t any particular reason why (I’m probably going to get roasted for that). Okay, let me back up—forget the Shamrock Shake because a Wendy’s chocolate frosty is where it’s at. And I will say that I have disagreed with the whole square hamburger patty business since I saw that nonsense on a commercial. Pizza squares I am okay with, but for the longest time I thought Wendy’s did this because they wanted to be “different.” They kind of did, but turns out, there is also a damn good reason why those corners aren’t cut.

I would like to note that since many people like myself were opposed to the square, Wendy’s conducted some surveys and decided to make it less square. Call it a “natural square,” if you will. I am not that picky after all.

Many of us like to take to Twitter, Facebook or any other social media platform for that matter and blast our personal ideologies, argue with those who offend us, get offended by those who are offended and to just attack any brand possible. Wendy’s is no exception to these lame attacks so here are a few interactions that, despite my being unimpressed with their food, make

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me want to eat there: Twitter user: @Wendys I’m at McDonald’s, what do I get?!

fresh beef since we were founded in 1969.

Thuggy-D: So you deliver it raw on a hot truck?

Wendy’s: You should get out of there as quickly as possible

Wendy’s: Where do you store cold things that aren’t frozen?

Twitter user: @Wendys can you find me the nearest McDonalds?

Thuggy-D: Y’all should give up. @McDonalds got you guys beat with their dope ass breakfast

Wendy’s: *Posts picture of a garbage can* Twitter user: @Wendys My friend wants to go McDonalds, what should I tell him?

Wendy’s: Find new friends.

Twitter user: Waiting for @Wendys roast to happen to me Wendy’s: Turn your hat around, you aren’t Bart Simpson, and it isn’t 1997. *sunglasses emoji* Twitter user: @Wendys you’re food is trash Wendy’s: No, your opinion is though.

I will have you know that typing out painfully obvious grammatical errors kills me. This is when you kind of have to believe those people who relentlessly tell us that smart technology is dumbing down the human race. Just something to think about.

Anyway, the tweets that really got the world cheering for Wendy’s was between the restaurant chain and user Thuggy-D. Wendy’s posted a photo of a meal with the words “Our beef is way too cool to ever be frozen” and the final results were ThuggyD went on a bit of a hiatus from Twitter.

Thuggy-D: Your beef is frozen and we all know it. Y’all know we laugh at your slogan “fresh, never frozen” right? Like you’re really a joke.

Wendy’s: Sorry to hear you think that!

But you’re wrong, we’ve only ever used

Wendy’s: You don’t have to bring them into this just because you forgot refrigerators existed for a second there.

Thuggy-D left Twitter, and when he returned, posted a picture of what looked to be him about ready to eat a Wendy’s meal with the hashtag #respect.

It is all funny, but it may be something we want to reflect on. I am not the kind of person to walk on eggshells around others.

Not gonna lie, sometimes I overstep some boundaries and that tells me that I need to be more self-aware. But since having just started saying what is on my mind, I feel great. Now, I am not walking around telling everyone who acts like a dick that they are one, there is a friendly way to come back on people like Wendy’s is clearly demonstrating in front of the millions. And guess what? No one hates them for it.

James Altucher once wrote in a pretty comical column about honesty, “’Before, during and even AFTER you say something, make sure it doesn’t hurt anyone.’ But even despite that rule, people will stop speaking to you because not every hurt you can control.”

That among other things like people will stop speaking to you, people will be scared of you and people might even deem you a bit crazy. Some might tell you that diplomacy is the way to go and we should “lie for the right reasons.” Fine. But if you need to call someone out for being a narcissistic creep, do it. Don’t stoop down to their level, instead give them a little push.

It feels good. SMS

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FEBRUARY 28 • 7:30pm

Tickets available at the Verizon Center Ticket Office and all Ticketmaster locations.

Charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com.

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67 Annual th

JAN. 27 to FEB. 25 & MAR. 25, 2017

Parade & Attractions

$1,750 FROSTY Contest sponsored by Culligan, Latham Place, iWealth - Brad Connors, Dominos, Mediacom, Lake Shore Inn & Melcher’s Power Vac

$1,750 Medallion Hunt

sponsored by Waseca Hy-Vee, Charlie’s Hardware, Waseca County News, First National Bank, KOWZ/KRUE Radio, Waseca VFW Club Post 1642 & Danes Bodyworks

PARADE: Feb 11

Downtown Waseca Starts at noon: Open to sleighs, cutters, bobsleds, wagons, buggies and riders; animal units only.

NEW! FIREWORKS: Feb 25 Clear Lake, starts at 6:15 p.m.

Events

PeeWee Hockey Tournament Western Entertainment Ice Sculpting Ice Golf Ice Curling Family Movie Night Card Tournaments Snowmobile Events Kruger Memorial Vintage Snowmobile Race Bean Bag Tournament Tundra Golf

Dinner & Dance

Dinner: Feb 10, 5-7:30 p.m. - $14 at VFW Todd Utpadel & Snowy River Band 8:30 - Close

Sleigh & Cutter

Festival Supporters: Area businesses & individuals The City of Waseca Waseca Area Foundation Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce Discover Waseca Tourism

Check out the website for date and times:

Children’s Dream Catcher Annual Fundraiser March 25th

2: 00 PM at Starfire Event Center.

Bingo, meat raffles, silent and live auctions

www.sleighandcutterfestival.org

Festival continues to focus on family winter fun! Most events free!

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S.O. Minn SOUND

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

#NowPlaying

Most Anticipated Musical Things in

Simga - For all the EDM’s and EDM’s at heart, there are groups like Sigma.

Equal parts epic pop builds paired with drum and bass beats, Sigma delivers all the ingredients you need for a stellar dance party at the club or the front seat of your Toyota. Blink your inside car lights for extra effect.

2017

E

ven if 2016 didn’t give us a slew of reasons to celebrate its demise, looking ahead there are a number of musical moments, some local even, to be amped for in this year. Aside from new music, there are new venues and festivals on the horizon. Will we escape 2017 with less musical legend casualties? Who knows? But at least there will be new places and new music to help us mourn our losses and mend our wounds.

Rock the Garden

the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Groucho Marx, reopened under First Avenue management in December catering to bands who can fill its 2800 capacity limit. While the venue can hold the same amount of people as Northop, the difference with the Palace is the standing room only floor. This will service bigger rock and rap acts who don’t want to play to a seated crowd. First up to officially play the venue is Regina Spektor who will break in the space accordingly. It is expected that other heavy indie, rock and rap acts will follow suit. If anyone was looking for a legit reason to cross the river, here it is.

Go See The Ericksons Not sure what to do for Valentine’s Day? We’ve got you covered! Southern Minnesota’s folk gems, The Ericksons will serenade you and your love(s) at the Arts Center of Saint Peter.

and Springsteen, that said, the ones I’m most looking forward to most are not them.

HAIM, the sister trio out of LA who write infectious 80’s throwback jams (and whose member Este Haim is an avid Prince fan) are returning with a follow up to their debut album Days Are Gone. These women are fierce performers who lay everything out on the stage.

I could not be more excited to hear what they come out with next.

The xx, the syrupy sexy electropop band who put a spell on all they encounter will release their third full length album this year. After seeing what Jamie xx could do solo last year, it’s undeniable that the full group must have some fire in their belt.

The ever prolific Ryan Adams, fresh off his divorce from Mandy Moore, will put out his 16th studio album this year. Instead of using T. Swift’s words this time, he went back to his own. The second single “Do You Still Love Me?” is a heartbreaker capable of bringing a tear to the eye of any man.

It’s been 4 years since The National released Trouble Will Find Me and after much touring and festivaling (namely helping Justin Vernon out with Eaux Claires), the band is finally ready to share new material.

You may not recognize the name Zack De La Rocha right off the bat, but his voice is unmistakable. As the frontman for the (mostly) defunct Rage Against the Machine, Zack’s vocals have been one of the defining sounds of young people’s angst for a system they constantly felt was failing them. What better time, than at the start of a Trump presidency for him to drop a long awaited solo album? If the country shines or burns, there’s no better soundtrack for it, than his.

Dead Man Winter The aforementioned album’s release show is February 10th in the First Ave mainroom.

Supported by other SoMinn favs, The Pines and Erik Koskinen.

Not to be missed.

Poliça - Celebrating their 5 year anniversary, Polica will grace the main stage the day after DMW at First Ave. Always politically and socially conscious, their performance is sure to set fire to your winter blues.

This Happened RIP Carrie Fisher, George Michael, Debbie Reynolds We couldn’t escape 2016 without saying goodbye to more legends. George Michael, whose career faced many ups and downs (leaving Wham to go solo, coming out, that “incident” in the park etc) but whose music ultimately became iconic 80’s pop, and was recently immortalized in the movie Keanu. He left this world 53 years young due to heart failure, found by his partner on Christmas Day. Shortly after we learned of the death of everyone’s favorite princess, Carrie Fisher. Also leaving us too soon, she was 60. Then only a day later, we were rattled to learn Carrie’s mother, Debbie Reynolds (of Singin in the Rain) followed her in death at the age of 84.

SMS

After temporarily moving to Hall’s Island last year while the sculpture garden gets a revamp, the classically indie rock festival will return to ‘the garden”. The festival, which is typically the third weekend in June, moves this year to July. The motivation behind the schedule change having to do both with the timing of completion of the garden but also to accommodate the tour schedule of recently announced headliner, Bon Iver. After releasing their new album in September and performing only a handful of shows following, this performance is surely not to be missed. For anyone who cannot make June’s Eaux Claires festival, this is the perfect opportunity to catch the stunners close to home. The rest of lineup will be announced in April but be assured the headliner alone makes the ticket price worth it.

Dead Man Winter

Palace Theater in St Paul

HAIM, The xx, Ryan Adams, The National, Zach De La Rocha

While the doors to downtown Minneapolis Mill City Nights closed, the doors to the 100 year old Palace Theater in downtown St Paul found themselves re-opened. The theater, which back in the day saw

ZAYN & T Swift “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” - The 50 Shades trilogy soundtrack strikes again with this song by Zayn and T Swizz. As much as we wanted to quit her after her blatant lies (caught red handed by none other than Kim K) it’s impossible not to like this song.

Somehow amongst the massive success of Trampled

by Turtles, Dave Simonett’s electric project Dead Man Winter has remained somewhat of a Twin Cities secret. Trampled would be selling out First Ave for 3 nights while DMW (which shares 3 of TBT’s members) would only wouldn’t fill the Cedar. Come February, that may change. Dave and co recorded a follow up to Dead Man’s first album (at Southern MN’s own Pachyderm Studios) and it’s set for release. In the wake of his divorce, Dave set his mind to his music. If the first two singles, “Destroyer” and “This House is On Fire” are any indication of the upcoming album, we’ll all be in a Simonett induced frosty trance that only a Minnesota artist can produce.

In 2016 we saw new music from Beyonce, Bon Iver, Leonard Cohen and Bowie. And in 2017 we’ll see new music from T. Swift, Drake, My Morning Jacket

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The Queen of KOWZ

I

By Autumn Van Ravenhorst AVanRavenhorst@owatonna.com

t can be tough being twenty-something and not quite sure what you are destined to be doing. Throw a child in the mix and already a couple failed attempts at a passionate route in life and voila—you have radio personality extraordinaire Molly Penny.

And me.

And most people trying to figure their life out.

Molly is relatable. She is friendly. You can hear it in her voice that streams the many airwaves, specifically KOWZ/KRUE radio located right here in southern Minnesota.

Molly grew up in Vienna, Virginia—a suburb of Washington, D.C. and did some moving around as a child of a father who was in the political arena.

Eventually ending up in Minnesota, Molly graduated from Waseca High School in 2000. She left her small town and set off to St. Paul to attend a private art college, later switching her course to St. Paul Technical College where she studied about a year of American Sign Language. She eventually left and after the birth of her daughter moved back to Waseca.

So, she did what anyone would have done—participated in a life planning workshop (duh).

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“You took a quiz to find out what you should be, and mine was a librarian or elementary school teacher,” said Molly. “I am the loudest person I know, so there is no way I should be in a library setting. Then I thought, I could be a great teacher. For me, teachers have been some of the most influential people in my life.”

And so it goes, Molly started school in Mankato to become a social studies teacher.

As she was finishing up, she wound up in Owatonna and tried to get a job with the school district.

“I was actually hired on, but then later found out it wasn’t going to be available so I was stuck,” she said. “I was a single mom with now two kids so at that point I was just looking for something to make ends meet. I started at Papa Murphy’s working for minimum wage. It was a humbling experience, but I would actually sort of pray and meditate while doing the dishes, telling myself I had talents beyond what I was doing there. We could only get one radio station at the pizza place and that was KOWZ 100.9. Then one day, I had turned the dish water off just in time to hear an ad for females who were interested in working with the morning show and had experience with pop culture, current events and stuff like that. I submitted my resume. I tweaked it to showcase my personality so I would get noticed. Witty, charming, fast-thinker. I wrote the whole thing in a comical way to get their attention and it did.”

She applied for a position she was told received approximately 100 applications.

Out of those 100, 20 were interviewed. And from that pool of 20 candidates, it was narrowed down to the final three who were to audition live on the air, and one of

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those three was Molly.

“I was nervous, but I loved it,” she said. “I wanted to grow in that position. I thought it was a long shot for me to land that job, but it would have been a dream come true. And then two weeks after the audition they called and offered me the morning show job on the spot. It was extremely part-time so I had to keep my stupid job at Papa Murphy’s and pick up another at Family Video. But I made it here every morning on time. I was dedicated.”

Dedicated enough to recruit the help of high schoolers so her kids could get to daycare and she to work on her bicycle. In case you didn’t catch that, Molly was without a vehicle. Why wouldn’t she be? Every individual who has experienced some hardships knows that not being able to independently get where you need to go is just part of it.

It’s like a requirement when you are trying to get your shit together. And if any of you are wondering how Molly made it home with her kids, she strapped a Burley to the back of her bike.

Three jobs and struggling to raise two kids, but Molly made it work. Molly started her career with the part-time position on KRUE, but with her vibrant personality was offered a sales position that had opened up within the radio station. She pursued that for about 10 months, but a full-time on-air personality position was where she belonged. When one became available, Molly swooped in and couldn’t have been happier. Happiness much similar to the horse who found friendship with a squeaky rubber chicken. Yeah, that kind of happy.

She began her full-time gig on the air in October of 2012. Molly reflected on her childhood and how where she is now in life is where she was always meant to be.

“I thought the results of that life workshop was what I supposed to be doing,” said Molly. “My family thought I was supposed to be a teacher. But growing up, I actually loved radio. I listened to it religiously, everything from NPR, Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 and Casey Kasem American Top 40 countdown. And I loved music. That was my thing.

Going to punk shows as a teen, collecting music and vinyl records. I actually used to record songs off the radio on to a cassette and then I would record over with the ‘Molly Penny Radio Show’. I had guests, funny bits and my brothers would get involved.”

Life does a really good job of kicking you in the wrong direction, but what screws us up the most is this picture in our head of what life should be. It happens to most of us. So where is the girl who was raising two kids on her own, working minimum wage and ruminating over a kitchen sink?

To start, she finished up her final credits at MSU and achieved her BS in social studies with a history concentration while working full-time.

“My employers were gracious enough to let me finish up my final 12 credits. I did this during a split shift so I would work the morning in Owatonna, go to school, then be back to Owatonna and on the air by 1 p.m. It’s funny, I was running late one day so I was speeding and got pulled over. I told him why I was speeding and he knew who I was. It was super cool to receive that kind of recognition.”

And she got herself a vehicle—a red 1988 Buick Oldsmobile, which she will attest was the best car she has ever had.

While being at KOWZ/KRUE, she has also took on the responsibilities as the director of social media, music and promotions. She is the cohost of the Morning Mix with Andy Gott, and she definitely isn’t the typical female assistant you hear on other radio programs.

“We are friends first so it is easy to get along with each other on the air,” Molly explained.

“We split hosting duties 50/50.

I am not the sidekick. I am a feminist. Like, fuck yeah I was here first!”

She is on the air in the morning on KOWZ 100.9, KRUE 92.1 in the afternoon and can also be heard on Mankato’s Hot 96.7 and Q102 out of Willmar. Adding to her glorious resume, Molly received recognition for the Best Morning Show in 2015 by our very own SCENE magazine and won another title in 2016 as Best Radio Personality. She has been on the panel of judges for the Steele County Battle of the Bands and spends much of her time volunteering or MCing events across the region.

Molly is recently married to an Owatonna native, Wes Johnson, whose proposal was so grandiose it got picked up by The Daily Mail out of London with a story titled, “So romantic! Boyfriend makes epic, blood-soaked six-minute movie proposal.” They live in Mankato with their three kids, one of which I admire dearly with her hot pink hair and Totoro leggings. And her plans for the future?

“Being a teacher is still a possible goal of mine. I could see myself retiring from this business to get a master’s to teach. I could go and teach about broadcast.”

Either way, Molly loves what she does and grants quite a bit of credit to her supportive family, husband and employers.

To all of you who are on the track of never-ending letdown like the band Nickelback, hang tight. You may have a really great story to tell someday. SMS

Wedding Day courtesy of Makayla Rae Photography

Autumn Van Ravenhorst is a staff writer and columnist for SouthernMinn Scene. If you live in the Owatonna area, she’d also be happy to sell you an ad in this wonderful magazine. Drop her a line at AVanRavenhorst@owatonna. com

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(photo courtesy of shufflefunction.blogspot.com) – Lind & Pierce

Put the morning on ‘Shuffle’

I

Story & Photos By Amanda Dyslin

amandadyslin@gmail.com

t wasn’t so long ago, in downtown Mankato, when Tim Lind found himself designated as the wrangler responsible for luring the then 62-year-old Legendary Stardust Cowboy (born Norman Carl Odam) back into the club he’d just performed in.

There he stood on South Front Street, wearing only blue underwear, cowboy boots with spurs, knee pads on bare legs, and a white scarf draped down his bare chest, having stripped off most of his cowboy gear on stage. It’s a moment that proudly sits near the top of Lind’s list of opportunities he never thought a radio career would afford both him and co-host Shelley

Pierce.

“That night was a biggy,” Pierce said.

Fifteen years ago, when Lind and Pierce were invited to co-host their radio show, called “Shuffle Function,” on independent station KMSU 89.7 “The Maverick,” they never imagined that the show would allow them to bring Odam to perform in Mankato, the same night as The Fleshtones, both of which were on the duo’s “Unobtainable Goals List.” But that night in 2010 has been one of the many great surprises that have come with the thought, “I wonder if we could …” and then letting the airwaves float their wishes to fruition.

In 2001, the two had just known each other for a month, working together at Barnes and Noble and bonding over music, when Pierce floated the idea of doing a radio show together.

“Those were words I’d wanted to hear my whole life,” said Lind, who was obsessed with his dad’s record collection and “WKRP in Cincinnati” as a kid.

A connection at KMSU resulted in an hour-long nighttime show once a week, and their only goal was to play stuff that no one else was playing.

“It was always going to be free form. Just a lot of music. Whatever feels right. Music we felt was great,” Lind said.

“The first show, we maybe talked two minutes and the rest was music,” Pierce said. “We were terrified. We didn’t

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The co-hosts have been on the air at KMSU for about 15 years. know what to do.”

With time came experience, and Pierce and Lind got used to casually talking back and forth on the air, while still keeping the almost completely non-commercial music choices at the forefront.

That format garnered an audience. A dedicated one.

And just two years after starting at the station, “Shuffle Function” became KMSU’s morning show and, according to many, its flagship program. The morning show is now three hours long, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. weekdays.

Fifteen hours of radio so early in the mornings, plus a bonus hour Thursdays at 6 p.m., might seem like a big commitment to some, but not to Lind and Pierce.

“It isn’t when it’s your favorite three hours of the day,” Lind said.

The two have learned and experienced a great deal over the past 15 years.

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Both Lind and Pierce say they don’t do the streaming music services; they’d feel like frauds playing a record they love on the air that they didn’t own in physical form.

“We had to figure out a lot,” Lind said. “We had to figure out how to do a show after 9/11, or how to do a show after a hero dies.”

They’ve also experimented a great deal, and taking chances has paid off.

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Tim Lind and Shelley Pierce are co-hosts of KMSU “The Maverick” Radio’s morning show, “Shuffle Function.”

Many years ago they began the annual “24-hour Pledge-Drive-A-Go-Go” to raise money for the station during the Spring Pledge Drive. They stay on the air 24 hours straight and do Radio Roulette, where coin flips and dice rolls determine the songs to be played. They have all-vinyl hours, and they also play a long, solid block of obscure (and arguably strange) Jandek music in the middle of the night.

“We wanted to come up with something fun, get some publicity,” Lind said.

When Lind and Pierce first started helping with the Spring Pledge Drives, the fundraising goal was $10,000.

Now it’s about $40,000. Both said they’re more than happy to support the station.

“We get a lot of creative freedom for what we do,” Lind said. “I would never want to do radio where they tell you what to play.”

The pay-off from this freedom has manifested in numerous ways – unusual ways. When the two have dedi-

cated a day to playing only They Might Be Giants, the band’s fans from all over the world have hopped on the bandwagon. Thanks to online streaming, requests came in from all 50 states and 14 countries.

The duo’s dedication to Jandek resulted in the artist playing his first show ever in Minnesota, at Elias J. Halling Recital Hall in Mankato.

They also hosted his second performance here at The Cedar in Minneapolis.

They also pretty much consider Odam to be family at this point, and every year they put a call out to the general population to send Christmas cards to him in California. As Pierce and Lind told their listeners over the holiday season, “The Ledge” is known for responding to the greetings by mailing back things like takeout menus, utility bills, Lind’s and Pierce’s eclectic music tastes have purposefully alienated mainheadshots and, stream commercial radio fans, while rallying a dedicated fan base of likeminded music-lovers. sometimes, even way, the day-to-day joys of creating good radio is plenty Christmas cards. reward.

“We’re his family, the KMSU “I hope this goes on until we can’t do it anymore,” listening area,” Lind said.

Lind said.

Lind and Pierce say Paul Wester For more information, visit Shufflefunction.blogspot. berg is currently the bright, shincom. To stream, visit KMSU.org. SMS ing star on top of their “UnobtainAmanda Dyslin is a freelance writer in Mankato. She can be reached at able Goals List,” and they expect amandadyslin@gmail.com. he’ll remain there. But either The Legendary Stardust Cowboy performed a few years ago in downtown Mankato, having been brought to town by “Shuffle Function” co-hosts Tim Lind and Shelley Pierce. “The Ledge” stripped down to his underwear and strolled down the street before being coaxed back inside by Lind.

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Ann Kliszcz live in the KQAL Studios (courtesy The Winonan)

Does airplay still matter?

T

By Jordan Osterman

editor@southernminnscene.com

here’s a scene in the 1996 film, That Thing You Do, where the protagonists, an up-and-coming band called The Oneders, hear their song on the radio for the first time in 1964.

The lead singer’s girlfriend freezes mid-stamp lick as she hears “That Thing You Do” begin on a local station, immediately starting a screaming run through Erie, Pennsylvania’s downtown. Along the way she spots the band’s bassist, crashing into him with a, “We’re on the radio!”

They continue their screaming-run together to the appliance store where the band’s drummer is working, and as the three freak out together and turn on all the store’s radios on to blast their song, bewildered customers and workers just stop and stare. Soon the lead singer and guitarist come to a screeching stop in a car on the street outside, bolting into the store to celebrate, too. At one point the guitarist scoops up a cardboard cutout in the store’s window and kisses it. The scene ends with the drummer pumping his arms and yelling, “I am Spartacus!”

It’s a fictional band’s first time on the radio, but the moment it depicts is incredibly real for many Minnesota musicians. For those who experience it, there’s something deeply validating about hearing your music on the radio the first, or really any, time.

“It’s very satisfying,” said Daniel Groll, lead singer of

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the Northfield-based band The Counterfactuals. “Any art, you’re in your head a lot or talking to each other a lot. You think what you’re doing is good and (you) like it, but when it gets played on the radio it’s like, ‘OK, It’s not just us, our spouses and friends that say it’s good.

Someone has affirmed us.’”

Cobey Rouse of the Lakeville-based band batteryboy was told ahead of time a song of theirs would be played on The Local Show on Minnesota Public Radio’s The Current’s, but the excitement of that first experience and others still sticks with him.

“There was one time, recently, I was driving my daughter to my friend’s house and our song came on the radio, which was the one time I’ve been surprised by it. That was fucking cool,” Rouse said. “Your teenage daughter is in the car and your song comes on the radio, you’re like instantly cool dad.”

“No one can deny the magic of that moment (of hearing your music on the radio),” said Jessica Paxton, a DJ at KYMN radio in Northfield.

Radio, it turns out, is alive and well.

With so many digital platforms now available for music sharing, from public streaming services like Spotify or Pandora, or artist-centric online services like Bandcamp, it’s worth considering for every up-and-coming artist whether radio remains the pinnacle of getting your music out to audiences.

“The first thing to say is that radio just has a very basic appeal to someone making music. It’s very exciting to hear something you’ve done on the radio,” Groll said.

“That’s before you have any thought about how you get music out to people … it’s just a real thrill to be on the radio.”

That thrill of hearing your music over the airwaves is built up over decades of radio being the premier spot for artists to catch their break, and that can very much

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Jessica Paxton of KYMN radio still be the case. A large part of radio’s continued significance in validating music as “good” is the fact human

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Shattuck-St.Mary’s

Faribault, MN

Fesler-lampert perForming arts series

Daniel Groll of The Counterfactuals

beings still find the music, listen to it and decide whether it’s the kind of thing they want on their airwaves.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Our review process is the same, still music coming in and people trying to make the best decisions possible about quality music,” said Teri Tenseth Market, program director for KQAL in Winona, an FM station run through Winona State University.

Those Cobey Rouse of batteryboy decision-makers represent an was by undertaking a huge, cross-country important role, both to the artists trying to radio campaign completely on their own. get their attention and to the listeners who Most station employees Emerson spoke with understand the music they’re hearing was couldn’t believe she was doing all her proput on air intentionally. motional work herself, Emerson said, but as “What’s rewarding is the fact that someshe gained stations’ attention and climbed one else saw value in your art to share with the Americana Airplay chart, the momentum other people. The internet, you choose to took over and she started being played all put it there,” Rouse said. “Whenever someover. one else chooses to place it out there, that’s “Sometimes for an artist, the most impormore meaningful to you as an artist.” tant thing is to get an ally from a radio sta “There’s definitely still a gatekeeping tion. That can change everything for them,” function to radio. It’s exciting to make it Emerson said. “That seems so outdated and through the gate,” Groll said. “The streamold school, but it’s exactly right. It doesn’t ing services don’t have that; literally anyone take much to have someone stand out can upload onto Spotify.” above the fray when you have an ally at a Of course, that radio gateway looks differprominent radio station. That makes a huge ent and has different protocol depending on difference.” what kind of station it is – independent or For the music-loving DJs who get to becommercial – and what size it is. Most FM come those allies, the excitement of playing stations are run by large corporations (think music by artists they enjoy is mutual.

Clear Channel) and choose what music “I love getting to do that. I can’t tell you they play based on a complicated system of how many times, especially someone live in charts, promoter relationships and playlists studio … that I find myself with this huge created for stations across the country. For grin on my face. I’m so excited about the the vast majority of artists in Minnesota, fact I’m sitting here in the studio hearing college radio and independent stations like this live inches from me, and I’m broadcastKYMN, KQAL and The Current in St. Paul are ing out to the masses. … I’m presenting the gateways they’re looking to clear. That them live, right there, and local audiences means having to get your music in front of are getting to hear that. The first time I their programmers, which can come in any hear it is the first time they’re hearing it,” number of forms: putting your music on Paxton said. “I’m not a musician myself, Bandcamp, social media and on stage and but I get that same thrill when I can get a hoping to be found; subscribing to distribumusician whose music I really love come tion services that send your music to college and perform. It’s just magic. It’s absolutely radio and independent stations around the incredible. There’s no better experience state and country; paying promoters to than that.” SMS in general do what their name implies; or personally making relationships or sending Jordan Osterman is a freelance writer who once claimed music to DJs. the title of SouthernMinn Scene Beer Correspondent.

We’re thrilled to have him back in the fold. Contact him For Minneapolis artists Vicki Emerson and at editor@southernminnscene.com Sarah Morris, the path to on-air success

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*tHurgooD presented by

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

This powerful, one-man play tracks Thurgood Marshall’s life from childhood in the back alleys of Baltimore to the position of Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. THURGOOD is an eye-opening, humorous, and uplifting portrait of a true American hero.

Adults $15 • Students $9

acoustic roots music series

liVingston taYlor thursday, march 16, 2017

Livingston Taylor’s musical knowledge has inspired a varied repertoire including—folk, pop, gospel, jazz—and goes from upbeat storytelling to touching ballads. His top forty hits include “I Will Be in Love with You” and “I’ll Come Running” among others. His songs “I Can Dream of You” and “Boatman” were both recorded by his brother James.

Adults $20 • Students $12

SSM Box Office: 507-333-1620 • www.s-sm.org • feslerlampert@s-sm.org * “This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota State Arts Board through the arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the Legacy Amendment vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.” w w w. s o u t h e r N m I N n SCENE. c o m

All Performances at 7:30pm in Historic Newhall Auditorium

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13

Jeff Johnson and the new 95.1 ‘The One’ Logo

Moving to ‘The One’

By Renee Brown

editor@southernminnscene.com

KYMN

Radio has carved a niche for itself in a world of new media, and it just got a lot bigger with the addition of an FM radio frequency. Since 1968, KYMN has been keeping the Northfield area informed on local events and happenings on 1080 AM, but it’s range was limited due to only having the AM station.

With the acquisition of an FM frequency, KYMN radio will now be able to broadcast clearer sound to a 20 mile radius around the station. And having FM will allow the signal to be heard in homes and buildings, whereas before it had a limited range.

Owner Jeff Johnson and his wife, Teri Knight, have waited a long time for this moment. Johnson has owned KYMN since 2009 and has worked there since 1987. It was one of his goals to be able to broadcast on FM. “There was talk about this in the late 90s, opening up some small low powered FMs, make them available to AM stations that are limited with their time,” said Johnson.

For years, smaller stations like KYMN were unable to purchase an FM station due to regulations that made it only accessible to nonprofits, schools and church groups.

“Who decided that, I have no idea, they pulled the mat out from underneath us way back then, which was really a disappointment”.

In the early 2010s, AM revitalization became a hot topic again and it was later announced that small commercial stations would be allowed to purchase existing FM stations from nonprofits, if they can find one.

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Jeff Johnson and Teri Knight Johnson explained how in recent years the radio spectrum has been getting full between the Twin Cities and Rochester. Since the big stations have all of the spots on the dial, there is less bandwidth left for smaller stations.

Then, for the first half of 2016, the Federal Commu-

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nications Commission (FCC) opened up the opportunity for AM stations to acquire a “translator,” a low powered FM compared to some of the larger stations. With that, stations like KYMN that go to low power at night will be able to produce 24 hour broadcasting without interfering with the Metro or Rochester.

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TWO GREAT EXPERIENCES, ONE GREAT LOCATION! Eddy and Johnson Johnson and Knight filed to purchase a signal and were fortunate enough to get one.

“I just got a piece of paper that says ‘I can broadcast this,’ that’s all I got out of that deal, we had to buy all of the equipment and transmitters ourselves, but we were very grateful that that day finally came,” added Johnson.

They moved the translator here and found a spot on the dial, an extremely complicated process, and after years of waiting, KYMN found a spot on 95.1 and will be rebranding itself as “The One.” “There’s some different connotations to The One,” Knight pointed out. “Locally there are other 95s on the dial right in our area, so we wanted to use that, and also, The One because truly it’s single ownership, which is so rare.”

She noted that most of the other small town radio stations are owned by corporations, and though they may not be large, they could have three of four radio stations that are programmed by some single source.

The translator will allow all of the things that are heard on AM to be heard on FM, but it has to be simulcast and they cannot separate the two signals. This means that all of the music and programming will be broadcast at the same time for both AM and FM. Johnson and Knight both acknowledged the value of having the FM station, adding that it will open them up for new listeners and that those who have been listening already will notice a difference in sound quality for programs and music.

“The music, especially with the FM, that’s one of the main driving forces behind getting the FM signal - it loses a lot in translation with AM, it loses the fidelity, with FM the signal is now so much clearer,” Johnson added.

According to Knight, the music is very much “adult eclectic,” which is a term that Johnson came up with.

“We do some pop and classic oldies and such, mix those in with junk blues in the 1940s and 50s, modern blues, a lot of jazz, R&B soul, funk,” he said. “We really pride ourselves on being different, that was one of my missions when I bought the radio station, I get so tired of canned music from these corporate radio stations, there’s no really true variety in any of them and they’re all songs you’ve heard before and didn’t like the first time.”

Knight pointed out that Johnson programs all of the music, which is unusual for radio stations to do on their own, especially for a single owner radio station.

“He’s got 4000-5000 songs in the library and the average large corporate station might have 300.”

It is Johnson’s care and commitment to the music he selects that creates a unique feel to the station.

“People are now discovering a music format they haven’t before - we do a lot of different genres that we combine into one music soup and most of it is stuff that you would normally never hear on a radio station in Minnesota that I’m aware of,” he said.

Along with their funky fresh beats, Johnson and Knight give most of the credit for the success of the station to local programming.

When asked how KYMN has maintained its standing as a known and respected form of media in a world filled with screens, both noted that it is the local ties to Northfield and Rice County that keep it going.

“We try to reflect the community and the diversity within the community, not just in Northfield but the surrounding area as well,” said Johnson.

They support a variety of shows, including “Fine Tune” with Wendy Nordquist, “Art Zany” with Paula Granquist, “El Super Barrio Latino,” a Spanish language program, and others that are all locally produced.

Both Knight and Johnson also wanted to acknowledge and thank several people who have been integral to KYMN’s success.

Jessica Paxton, host of “All Wheel Drive” from 4-6 p.m. on weekdays, has had an important influence on the music they play with her connections as a board member of the Minnesota Music Coalition, and Tim McNiff, former KARE-11 anchor featured on “News, with a side of Sports, with Tim McNiff” at 7:40 a.m. on weekdays, brings a fresh perspective to news and sports.

And, of course, Wayne Eddy, former station owner and host of “The Wayne Eddy Affair” from 9-11 a.m. on weekdays.

“It wouldn’t be an article about KYMN without mentioning Wayne Eddy,” Johnson added. “Having the founder of KYMN, and a Minnesota Broadcasting Hall of Famer, working with us everyday gives the staff a solid understanding of where we came from.”

Eddy, the longtime owner of KYMN before Johnson, originally put the station on the air in 1968 and has been integral to its success ever since. He continues to be an iconic voice for the Northfield area and has an in-depth history with the station and the community.

In order to continue growing and reaching as many listeners as possible, KYMN plans to finish rebranding itself in early 2017.

As 95.1 The One, KYMN will keep producing local, community hosted programs that will be available to a wider range of audiences with the addition of new media platforms to listen on. Along with AM and FM, KYMN allows listeners to stream from their website and they now have TuneIn, a radio app for mobile devices.

“Hopefully I can reach just about everyone so there’s no reason to not listen anymore,” Johnson joked.

So far, feedback from the community on the high quality of the FM station has proved it to be a good investment. Johnson and Knight look forward to bringing more news, information and music to the station and will continue to serve the Northfield area as 95.1 The One. Johnson’s final word on the positive changes for his station was simply: “Listen to us - we’re different.” SMS Renee Brown is a staff writer for both the Northfield News and the Faribault Daily News and a frequent contributor to SouthernMinn Scene.

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IMMIGRANT SONG

RYAN OLDHAM Ryan Oldham qualifies as a moderate liberal in America, which makes him a right-wing conservative in his hometown of Manchester, England. Contact him at editor@southernminnscene.com

Attorney General Jeff Sessions

HHS Secretary Tom Price

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin

W

hile we may have just gone through the least expected and most idiotic presidential transition periods in the history of politics, it seems the dust is finally settling to reveal what is well and truly the least expected and most idiotic presidential cabinet in the history of politics.

Donald Trump, President of the United States of America (yup), not only failed in his bid to “drain the swamp,” but he quite simply lied to the American people. Something more than 65 million people predicted happened. Donald Trump lied. He lied his way to the Oval Office, and here we are, with 17 of his cabinet-level picks richer than a third of American households combined.

Quite the swamp you’ve drained, Mr. Trump.

Let’s start with none other than Rick Perry. Remember him? He was the complete idiot that wanted to abolish three departments if he became President in 2012. What were those again Rick?

“Commerce, education and ummm………” The Department of Energy, of course, was the third department he was seeking to abolish. Maybe if he’d have educated himself in debate prep, he’d have been President, but fortunately for all of us it wasn’t meant to be.

So, you might ask, which department has Donald Trump chosen for Rick Perry to run? You guessed it! The Department of Energy, of course. One theory is that President Trump saw Perry perform “Ice Ice Baby,” with Vanilla Ice on Dancing with the Stars and thought “well, that was pretty energetic.” Either way, it’s good to know that despite the majority of American voters not even wanting one reality television star in the White House, we’ve got ourselves two. It’s almost as if Donald Trump doesn’t know what he’s doing! Oh, wait.

Moving on to the Department of Justice. Trump has chosen

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Secretary of Energy Rick Perry

Alabama senator, Jeff Sessions as Attorney General. It will come as no surprise that Sessions, one of Trump’s stronSecretary gest campaign supporters, has of Housing come under fire and Urban in the past for saying some Development, pretty shockDr. Ben Carson Secretary of ing comments about LGBT citiLabor Andrew zens, Muslims ment of Justice.

Puzder and basically A lesser known name heads up the Department of Treaanybody who sury. Steven Mnuchin served as the finance chief for the isn’t white and Trump campaign, so it would make sense that he would doesn’t speak English. step in to the role once the campaign was over. This is where Sessions called the NAACP “communist inspired,” and “unTrump really backs down on his promise to “drain the swamp,” American,” for “trying to force civil rights down the throats of though. You see, Mnuchin is a former Goldman Sachs partner, people.” This is coming from America’s next top cop. Wait, do senior manager and hedge fund investor. According to Fox Busiwe have another reality show on our hands here? ness, he’s worth $40 million. This makes him one of the poorest Sessions, when asked whether he thought a white lawyer in Trump’s cabinet. Can you imagine that? Having $40 million, was “a disgrace to his race,” for representing a black client said and still being considered poor at your new job? Welcome to the “maybe he is.” world of Donald Trump as President.

He has also been accused of using racially insensitive language Mnuchin has never held public office (surprise, surprise), and on several occasions, apparently referring to a black local governa subprime lender he owned was fined over “dubious foreclosure ment official as “the n***er.” practices,” so it looks like we’ve got ourselves a real good egg In a time of complete discord between people of color and law here. enforcement, this is not the person we need leading the Depart Elizabeth Warren called Mnuchin “the Forest Gump of poli-

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tics,” in November, continuing to say he “managed to participate in all the worst practices on Wall Street.”

Say it with me people. DRAIN THAT SWAMP, DRAIN THAT SWAMP. The next one is a doozy. Remember for a few months in 2016, when political debate centered around minimum wage, specifically for fast-food workers? McDonalds workers were asking for a minimum wage of $15 so they could support their families, pay for their schooling, rent etc.

Well who better to run the Department of Labor than fast-food executive Andrew Puzder?!

Puzder is the CEO of Carls Jr. and Hardee’s, is vehemently against raising the minimum wage and blames the Affordable Care Act for a “government-mandated restaurant recession,” which has been proven as unequivocally false. A simple search will show that restaurant spending has risen sharply since the Affordable Care Act’s major provisions took effect in 2014.

Puzder also said in an interview with Business Insider that he is investing in machines because the government is making it harder to afford employees. Again, false, as along with restaurant spending being at its highest point ever, so are restaurant employee numbers.

Of robot workers, Puzder said “they’re always polite, they always upsell, they never take a vacation, they never show up late, there’s never an age, sex, or race discrimination case.” So not only does it look like the head of the Department of Labor is completely against a raise in the minimum wage, he might just replace you anyway before you can complain too much.

The secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services is Tom Price. Price wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act, despite the fact that the Republican Party were unable to come up with any alternative in the six years that the ACA has been in place. Price also wants to defund Planned Parenthood and stop insurers and employers from providing women with free birth-control. Tom Price is also in his 30’s and is a black guy! Just kidding, he’s old, white and an asshole. Moving on.

I think my favorite cabinet pick has to be that of secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. I just wish I could have been a fly on the wall when Trump chose Dr.

Ben Carson, a black man, to head this department.

I’d imagine it went a little something like this.

“Mr. Trump I think we need to find a spot for Dr. Ben Carson. He was a neurosurgeon who was the lead on the first ever surgery separating conjoined twins who were attached at the head, was the youngest physician to ever head a major division at Johns Hopkins and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2008. I think he could do an excellent job as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services or even a nomination for the next Surgeon General.”

“Yes, but he’s black, right?”

“Yes, but I don’t see what that has to do wi……”

“URBAN DEVELOPMENT!” It’s hard to see what impact, if any, Carson will have on this department, but this appointment does scream “Ben needs a job give him whatever is open,” and that’s a real shame, because despite Carson’s archaic views on a lot of topics, he also seems like the crazy uncle. Let him say what he wants, he’s no harm to anybody. Now he’s in a position of power, one that he is vastly under-qualified for, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he was to mess that up somehow.

This list is, of course, not the full Donald Trump cabinet, but just a taster of what’s to come over the next four years. The full list is far too depressing to write down while trying to stay sane (Betsy DeVos, anyone?), and some of the positions are yet to be filled at the time of writing, but don’t hold your breath for anybody worthy of a position. You could potentially be waiting until 2024.

I never thought I’d say this, but in all honesty I feel sorry for anybody who voted for Donald Trump under the impression that he would “drain the swamp.” They were led to believe that Trump would remove money from politics, and they were lied to. Lied to by a man who has lied before and will lie again, and again and again. Donald Trump never has, and never will be in it for the little guy, and it is with no pleasure that I can say I told you so.

Donald Trump has not only failed in draining the swamp, he’s effectively turned the tap back on. SMS

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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

‘The OA’:

N

Do I like this? etflix has done it again, and by that I mean they’ve released an original show that has people talking. This time around, it’s The OA, and it’s worth a watch, albeit with some caveats.

I first heard about The OA from Netflix itself, advertised on their homepage, and before ever reading the premise, I was turned off.

The banner looked vague and sci-fi, and with it being film awards season, I had a lot of moviewatching to do. I didn’t have the time to invest in another new TV show. But then my roommate watched it, and my other friends watched it, and started telling me to watch it, and pretty soon it felt like I was hearing snippets about it everywhere. My curiosity was piqued, and so on my day-off, I snuggled up and gave it a chance.

The premise is this—Prairie Johnson, a woman who’s been missing for seven years, suddenly returns. When she disappeared, she was blind; now she can see. She has strange scars on her back, and is either unable or unwilling to tell anyone where she’s been or what happened to her. And that’s about all I can say.

What unfolds over eight episodes is strange and unexpected, will require a lot of suspension of disbelief, and will have you starting the next episode even as you scratch your head.

The OA is far from perfect, but it’s original and it’s ambitious, two qualities I appreciate in art. It’s also high-concept, but (to me at least) there was a growing emotional urgency that kept the plot from feeling too impersonal.

Much of this is due to star and co-creator Brit Marling, who plays Prairie with an endearing

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mix of sincerity, wonder, and determination.

The supporting cast is also fantastic, though perhaps underutilized, and you’ll recognize a lot of faces even if you can’t quite place them.

Emory Cohen, seen most recently as the love interest in last year’s Academy Award nominated film Brooklyn, plays Prairie’s friend

and confidant, Homer. Indie singer Sharon Van Etten has a small part (and a memorable singing scene) in a number of Prairie’s flashbacks.

Phyllis Smith, as in Phyllis from The Office, is heart-wrenching and full of compassion as a local schoolteacher. Riz Ahmed, who starred in both HBO’s The Night Of and the most recent Star Wars film, Rogue One, seems to be having his moment, and plays Prairie’s therapist. And

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finally, there’s Jason Isaacs, probably most well-known for playing Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, as Hap, an evil and very punchable scientist. In addition to the cast, the show boasts a beautiful score, a desolate setting (many of the scenes take place in an abandoned suburban housing development), and a mood that is paradoxically bleak and uplifting. It doesn’t feel like anything else I’ve seen.

Apparently, The OA has drawn comparisons to another recent Netflix Original, Stranger Things, and in some reviews has been criticized for its similarity. This I don’t see. Other than the fact that they both benefit from ensemble casts and include elements of fantasy and sci-fi, they have little in common, either tonally or thematically.

I’ve also heard comparisons between the char-

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acters of Prairie and Jessica Jones (yes, the Marvel, Netflix Jessica Jones) because of their shared complicated captor/captive relationships, and their one-woman crusades. If this comparison is expressed as negative redundancy, I also take issue with it. Networks have churned out dozens of redundant cop/hospital/detective/lawyer shows, and suddenly Netflix gives us two shows within five years that share a female protagonist with a past, and people say “too much of the same thing”? I’m not accepting it. Sure, if you liked Stranger Things and Jessica Jones, you’ll probably like The OA, but all that means is that you have good taste and a desire for original storytelling.

The OA isn’t perfect. If there isn’t a Season 2, I’ll be left disgruntled and with a lot of unanswered questions. To some, the finale will feel totally out of left field, almost as if it’s the payoff for a different show. And the supernatural elements (like angels and the afterlife and a set of mystical movements that can heal people) might be too much for some people. (My father would almost certainly use the word “hokie”).

But The OA, like its main character Prairie, has something to say, if only you’ll overlook it’s weirdness long enough to listen. And in 2017, can’t we all benefit from some open-minded listening? SMS

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kate’s CUT

kate pEhrson Got a favorite movie earworm? I’d love to know about it on Twitter @K8pehrson.

fOOTLOOSE i WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU

The movie songs that radio loved

M

y children are now of an age where the music station playing in the car is not up to me. Technically, the rule is that the driver gets to choose, but since I listen to music I’m not ready to introduce my pre-teen daughters to…

Top 40 pop station it is. Not that it’s always appropriate either, at least most of the time they haven’t quite caught on to the metaphors and innuendoes. At least that’s what I’m telling myself.

Having listened to my own music on mp3 devices, iTunes and CDs, or choosing public and alternative radio for so long, I’d honestly forgotten just how many times in a day a Top 40 station will play the latest chart toppers.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard Justin Timberlake’s latest “Can’t Stop the Feelin’”, driving to and from school, errands and practices in the last two months, but it’s at least every 45 minutes. It’s a song from the latest family-oriented animation feature from Dreamworks, Trolls, and I think it should have been called “Can’t Stop the Earworm”.

Come to think of it, I blame the movies for many of the earworms in my life.

Movies have depended on radio to promote their films through soundtracks and singles for at least my lifetime. But, while constant radio play is one thing, constant radio play of a movie track with a catchy hook is another. My childhood, teen years and young adulthood are full of movie earworms.

Let’s try an experiment: 1. I say: “Ah, Ah, Ah, Ah, Stayin’ Alive, Stayin’ Alive”, and you try not to flip into your falsetto to sing “Staying ALIIIIIIII-ih-ey-ey-iiiiiiiiii– iiiiiiive…hooooooooooo!”

2. I say: “It’s the eye of the tiger it’s the thrill of the fight” and you try to not sing the next phrase even though you really don’t know the words: “it’s the dah dah daah blah dah something rivals!”

3. I say: “Who ya gonna call?” and you say.

Well, you know.

Tell you what. You name a year and I’ll give you a movie earworm. I was still an infant when 1969’s “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was popular, and I swear I remember cursing the radio from my crib.

A decade later (and drug-addled movie plot aside), every elementary-school-aged girl trying out for the talent show sang Bette Midler’s The Rose. Ask your 40-something wife, mother or girlfriend and I bet she still knows most of the words. In fact, 1979 and 80 were particularly rife with earworms.

9 to 5 was a 1980 comedy starring the bighearted blonde from Pigeon Ford, Tennessee – Dolly Parton - along with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. The title track song held my head hostage weeks. On the other end of the musical spectrum in 1980, Olivia Newton-John blessed satin-jacketed roller-kids everywhere with her fantasy/musical Xanadu and the eponymous title track, as well as “Magic”. And let’s not forget the soft-rock movie-synopsis-in-a-song from Arthur. (For the rest of the day, I gift you this: “If you get lost between the moon and New York Ciiihhhh-ih-TEE”.) And we can’t leave without mentioning Kenny Loggins, because I am NOT alright.

DOOT-doot-doot-doot, doot-doot. I. Boom boom boom.

Which leads me to the mid-1980s. Just 4 years later, Kenny Loggins did it to me again.

I’d just like to say that no less than three (3!) boom boxes in the locker room at the state synchronized swimming meet that year in St. Paul were blasting the soundtrack to “Footloose”. I can’t think of a song on there that I like, but I know the words to every damn one.

And strangely they all smell vaguely of chlorine.

But I digress.

Okay, another test.

I say: “legwarmers” or “off-the shoulder”, and I dare you not to you jump off your chair and start quickstepping while singing “She’s a maniac, MAAAY-nee-ack on the floor.”

I say: “oversize vintage trench coat” and you throw your fist in the air and sing “Don’t you forget about me”, or hold your old boom box

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

IN YOUR EYES

over your head and stand in the kitchen blasting Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes”.

But now ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for DRUNK KARAOKE EARWORM BALLAD HOUR! First up, “For Your Eyes Only” from the 1981 007 film franchise offering of the same name. Brought to you by the wee Scottish lassie Sheena Easton in her short hair and big 80s eye makeup. Bette Midler came through for talent-show-tryouts again in 1988 with – and I almost can’t type it without collapsing my head into my workstation – “Wind Beneath My Wings”. 1992’s The Bodyguard burst the vocal acrobatics of Whitney Houston into the national eardrum by reworking Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You”. And finally, last but never least, everyone’s in-the-shower singalong favorite “My Heart Will Go On.” OOOOOOOHHHHHH THE FEEEEEELS. I bet Celine Dion thanks her lucky Quebecois stars every time for James Cameron. Or at least she should.

But you know who I feel the worst for? I’ll tell you.

When you wake up this February 2, think of poor Phil Connors. In the 1993 comedy Groundhog Day, it is estimated that the weatherman played by Bill Murray endured 12,403 days waking up to Sonny and Cher’s “I Got You Babe”, at precisely 6:00 am. At just under 34 years, that is one helluva earworm. “I got you” is right. SMS

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i’M aLRIGHT

MY HEART WILL GO ON

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THE Add your event for FREE to the TIMELINE c a l e n d a r . G O TO w w w. s o u t h ern minn . c o mm / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent

WEEK of Jan 20-28 4000 Miles A Dramatic Comedy by Amy Herzog: 20-Jan, 7:30 PM, Rochester Repertory Theatre, 103 Seventh Street NE, Rochester, $22 . After suffering a major loss while on a cross-country bike trip, 21-year-old Leo seeks solace with his feisty 91-year-old grandmother Vera in her West Village apartment. Over the course of a month these unlikely roommates infuriate, bewilder, and ultimately teach each other. 4,000 Miles looks at how two outsiders find their way in todays world. Humor, honesty and narrative subtlety make this play a rarity a family drama that will really stick with you.

The Art of Meditation: A Way of Contemplative Prayer: 21-Jan, 9:00 AM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, $10. Meditation is a prayer in the form of moving beyond thoughts, words and images. It is an exercise of finding God’s mysterious presence in our most silent self. Join others who sit together in silent meditation.

Vex Robotics Tournament: 21-Jan, 10:00 AM, Austin Public School gymnasiums, 301 3rd St NW, Austin, Free. Statewide high school robotics teams compete against each other in this amazing event, working towards a place at the state competition. For more information, call 507-437-4563.

Exhibit Opening: 21-Jan, 10:00 AM, Blue Earth County Historical Society History Center, Free. Join 424 Warren Street, Mankato us for the opening of our latest temporary exhibit, Winter Wonderland: Frozen Fun in Blue Earth County. This exhibit is fun for all ages. Join us at the opening for kids activities, refreshments and more! The weather outside may be frightful, but inside a look at winters past is so delightful. Explore local winter sports and fashions with a special look back at the 1920 Mankato Winter Carnival. This exhibit is free and open to the public!

WinterFest: 21-Jan, 1:00 PM, River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Road, Faribault, $5-$7. $7/person (limit $25/family) $5/River Bend member (limit $20/member family).

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides Blizzard Mini Golf Live Animal Shows Winter Games Kick Sledding Indoor Nature Crafts S’mores to roast over the campfire Franciscan Art Tour: 21-Jan, 1:30 PM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, $10. Visit Franciscan Sisters’ art collection covering over 100 years of fine artistry. The tour begins with needlepoint of the congregational crest designed by the early Sisters. We will view oil, watercolor, calligraphy, needlepoint, copper enameling, photography, pottery, weaving, and learn the process of Iconography. This tour highlights a portion of the religious and cultural artwork produced by the Sisters of St. Francis of Rochester, MN. Please no photography allowed.

Registration required.

Candlelight Snowshoe: 21-Jan, 5:00 PM, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, 28097 Goodview Dr, Lanesboro, $10. Stroll along a lighted trail on a beautiful winter evening. Gaze at the stars, listen to the wind over prairie, explore the nighttime woods then stop by a campfire to warm up. Snowshoes provided. An illuminated hike will take place in case of no snow. Reservations required.

Eagle Bluff Skills School - Partner Yoga Massage: 21-Jan, 6:00 PM, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, 28097

Goodview Dr, Lanesboro, $50. This innovative workshop provides you with a playful, enriching and fun way to enjoy yoga, connect with a partner, and together support and stretch each other. In this workshop, Amanda Griggs will guide you and your partner through a flowing sequence of stress-releasing partner stretches, assisted yoga poses, and rhythmic deep tissue massage. Youll work with a partner in both giving and receiving a Thai Massage. This is a nurturing, effortless yoga practice in which your partner moves your body in and out of postures, enticing your muscles into gentle stretches and your mind into deep relaxation.

Combined with mindful breath and meditation, you will leave this unique experience feeling relaxed, energized and more balanced. Bring along a friend, significant other, sibling, Mom, Pop, or just someone who downright deserves it! Be sure to wear warm comfortable clothing and prepare for an evening of bliss. No experience is necessary. Note: Each pair needs to bring one yoga mat to class. A limited number of mats are available upon request.

Mayo Music Recital: 21-Jan, 7:00 PM, Gonda Building, Landow Atrium (Lower Level), 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, Free. All are welcome to attend this free event featuring the amazing talents of medical students and other performers in vocal and instrumental pieces.

4000 Miles A Dramatic Comedy by Amy Herzog: 21-Jan, 7:30 PM, Rochester Repertory Theatre, 103 Seventh Street NE, Rochester, $22. After suffering a major loss while on a cross-country bike trip, 21-year-old Leo seeks solace with his feisty 91-year-old grandmother Vera in her West Village apartment. Over the course of a month these unlikely roommates infuriate, bewilder, and ultimately teach each other. 4,000 Miles looks at how two outsiders find their way in todays world. Humor, honesty and narrative subtlety make this play a rarity a family drama that will really stick with you.

Reason to Believe: A Night of Vintage Rod Stewart, with Mick Sterling: 21-Jan, 7:30 PM, State Theater, 96 E 4th St, Zumbrota, $28-$32. Both Stewarts early solo songs and his work with The Faces were a perfect example of reckless rock and roll. At the same time, the unmistakable, beautiful harmony of guitars and strings fueled his unique soulfulness. Hear Stay with Me, Hot Legs, Every Picture Tells a Story, Maggie Mae, Mandolin Wind, and Gasoline Alley. Crossings brings Mick Sterling back by popular demand after shows paying tribute to Van Morrison and Bruce Springsteen. More at www.crossingsatcarnegie.com or 507-732-7616.

Art Exhibit - A Witch Bows to No Man: 21-Jan, All Day, Blue Earth County Historical Society History Center, 424 Warren Street, Mankato, Free. Rachel James is an artist and illustrator living in Mankato, MN, originally from rural Southeast Kansas. She received a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Minnesota in 2011 and a Bachelor’s in 2007 from the University of Kansas. She works in traditional print media, zines, drawing, and painting. James work looks at the intersection of botanical knowledge and its link to womens work during the Middle Ages and the present.

Her research on the history of plants and womens work is paired with a visual exploration of traditional categories including printmaking, drawing, painting and comic book art. These fanciful, colorful images are reminiscent of old fairy tales which speak to all ages. ‘This activity is made possible by an Artist Grant provided by the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council with funds provided by the McKnight Foundation.’ This exhibit is open January 21 through March 31, 2017.

Escape The City Brewery Tour!: 22-Jan, 12:00 PM, 10,000 Lakes Limo, Main St Waconia, $49.95. Ever want to go on a brewery tour but, can’t round up enough people to rent a limo or a bus? We are excited to announce that we are offering brewery tours at a per

person rate which will include lunch and water.

The tours can run between 11am-6pm. They are five hour tours. Each tour will include 4 or more stops. Lunch will be provided by 10,000 Lakes Limo and catered through Pangea Cafe in Waconia, MN The discounted rate is $49.95 per person, which includes transportation and lunch. It does not include tasting fees, wine, beer or the driver’s gratuity. These breweries are the options that could be visited on the tour, not all of these locations will be visited. Waconia Brewing-Waconia, MN Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery-Waconia, MN Excelsior Brewing Company-Excelsior, MN Enki Brewing Company-Victoria, MN Lupine Brewing Company-Delano, MN Call 612-564-LIMO www.10000LakesLimo. com Classic Movie Sunday Matinee: Road To Bali: 22-Jan, 2:00 PM, Zumbrota State Theatre, 88 E 4th St., Zumbrota, Free. The Historic State Theatre in Zumbrota invites everyone to step back in time to cinemas Golden Age with Classic Movie Sundays. The State will feature a different movie every Sunday at 2:00 pm. While admission to the films are free, free will donations are encouraged and gladly accepted, with all proceeds from Classic Movie Sundays funding continued restoration and operation of the Historic State Theatre building. (1952) In the only color Road picture, Hope and Crosby star as two out-of-work Vaudeville performers who are on the lam. They are hired by a South Seas prince to deep-sea dive for a treasure and soon meet beautiful princess Lamour and vie for her affections. 507-732-5210 God Wants You Well Bible Study: 23Jan, 6:30 PM, Inspirational Technologies, Inc. Building, 1100 N. 4th Street, Le Sueur, Free.

DVD series with Andrew Wommack, healing miracle testimonies, Bible study lessons, discussion, communion, prayer. Everyone invited. Led by Dorothy Von Lehe. Contact Dorothy at dvonlehe@mchsi.com or 507-6656965 Beginning T’ai Chi Chih - Winter 2017: 24-Jan, 10:00 AM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, $50.

Do you desire less stress in your daily life?

Consider circulating and balancing your inner energy of ‘chi’ in the peacefulness of Assisi Heights. The form is composed of 19 easy, slow moving meditative movements and one pose; a practice done around the world. T’ai Chi Chih is adaptable and it benefits persons with any physical condition or at any age. It can be done standing or seated and requires no special equipment or dress. Other benefits include greater flexibility , better health, evident serenity and increased joy. In the beginner’s class, you will learn and practice all 19 movements and the final pose in 8 weeks.

This workshop is an 8 session series not a drop-in class. Registration Required Happiness - A Book Discussion: 25-Jan, 2:00 PM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW Rochester, $20. We all yearn for happiness and some search for it in fame and fortune. Others look for it in job success.

Still others are driven to possessions both expensive and numerous, all to find happiness elusive. Sister Joan Chittister suggests, in her book Happiness, that it is a personal quality to be learned and mastered. She rummages through sociology, biology, neurology, philosophy and world history to explore the meaning of happiness. This book is meant for both discussion and reflection. This workshop is a 5 session series, not a drop-in class.

Registration required Prenatal Yoga: 25-Jan, 6:30 PM, Olmsted Medical Center Sports Medicine and Athletic Performance, 5155 55th St. NW, Rochester, $40. *This is a 1x/week, six week program beginning Jan. 25th - March 1st. Prenatal yoga is designed for women during pregnancy and the focus is to nurture yourself, connect to your baby, and interact with other moms-to-

Gladys Knight 8 p.m., February 11 - Mystic Lake Casino and Hotel, Prior Lake I don’t know exactly when it happened, but I was definitely on the older side of my twenties. In fact I may well have been 30 years old when it became clear to me that I had missed my calling in life. Watching an old clip of Gladys Knight performing “I’ve Got to Use My Imagination” it hit me all at once: I want to be a Pip. Those guys were cool as hell. The classic lineup, which included Gladys’ brother Bubba Knight, William Guest and Edward Patten, could sing well, if not great.

They could dance okay, but they weren’t exactly Astaire, Kelly and Travolta. What they were, however, was the perfect compliment to Gladys Knight: three guys who stood behind one of the greatest soul singers of all time, with big smiles on their faces, shuffling around, having a great time and never forgetting that they had the best jobs in the world.

How good would it be to stand back there, every night, listening to Empress Gladys testify while you got to smile, sing along and every now and then raise up your arm to pretend your pulling on a train whistle. It would be as good as it gets.

Of course, Gladys Knight was, and is, the main attraction, just as it should be. In the pantheon of great singers the highest echelon includes names like Franklin, Ross, Redding, Cooke. The name Knight belongs in that company.

Gladys wasn’t gifted with the natural vocal range of

be. The focus of this class is to support your body during pregnancy and to mentally and physically prepare your body for birth. One class will be focused on prenatal nutrition.

During this class you will: Perform yoga sequences that will help alleviate common discomforts experienced during pregnancy such as back pain, nausea, swelling, and varicose veins. Learn meditative and breathing techniques to calmly guide you through the birth process. Beginners are welcome and no previous yoga experience is required. Please bring two pillows and a blanket from home for

added comfort during the class.

Religion’s Influence on the Issue of Suicide: 26-Jan, 6:30 PM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, $10. Suicide remains a societal issue in Minnesota. It is complex, therefore difficult to understand and also difficult to prevent. It is the 9th leading cause of death in Minnesota.

Religion and the practice of faith is a support to individuals considering suicide, but to others it has also been a source of division and confusion. Please join us for a rich dialogue with leaders of various faith traditions. It will

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Aretha or the easy sensuality of Diana, so Gladys had to do it with feel. Nobody ever got so much emotion out of a growl or created more goose bumps with an extended note. And for what she may have lacked in vocal expanse, she more than made it up in power and exuberance. When Gladys Knight gets going and starts to really feel what she’s singing, it’s a wonder the walls don’t crumble around her. And, short of Stevie Wonder, you’ll never find a performer happier to be singing.

Whether she’s breaking hearts singing “Neither One of Us (Wants to be the First to Say Goodbye),” or belting out her own vision of paradise in “Where Peaceful Waters Flow,” there has never been a performer who glowed with joy more than her. You can pick your preacher and your church. For my money, there is no bigger religious experience than watching Gladys Knight sing “The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me.” Of course time has taken its toll on her erstwhile backing group. The Pips are no longer a thing, leaving guys like me to simply daydream and pine for what could have been. Gladys Knight, however, is still going strong, and she’ll be at Mystic Lake on February 11 to prove it. If she did nothing but walk on stage, give us one of those classic beam-of-light smiles and sing “Midnight Train to Georgia,” this show would be worth the price of admission. Don’t miss it..

– Rich Larson is the publisher and editor of SouthernMinn Scene. You can reach him at rlarson@southernminnscene.com.

be a time where questions such as: What are the beliefs of various faith groups concerning suicide? How do different religions view their role in today’s findings of neuroscience? What are the positive and negative effects of religion and suicide? Faith leaders will offer their religious understandings/doctrinal stances, and how their faith or theology interacts with suicide. There will be a time for interaction with the goal of deepening the awareness of how religions influence suicide. Registration Required.

4000 Miles A Dramatic Comedy by

Amy Herzog: 26-Jan, 7:30 PM, Rochester Repertory Theatre, 103 Seventh Street NE, Rochester, $22. After suffering a major loss while on a cross-country bike trip, 21-year-old Leo seeks solace with his feisty 91-year-old grandmother Vera in her West Village apartment. Over the course of a month these unlikely roommates infuriate, bewilder, and ultimately teach each other. 4,000 Miles looks at how two outsiders find their way in todays world. Humor, honesty and narrative subtlety make this play a rarity a family drama that will really stick with you.

• 301 Division St. S • • Downtown Northfield • • www.MrJST.com • • 507-786-9578 • Like us on at Facebook.com/MrJSTTech 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

Project Community Connect: 27-Jan, 10:00 AM, Mayo High School, 1420 11th Ave, Rochester, Free. Features services and resources for people who are homeless or struggling to make ends meet. Individuals and families can get help with legal, medical, and veterans services, housing, employment, and photo identification. Free haircuts and lunch will be provided at the event. Too many people in our community are living on too little and do not have essential resources available to them. This event will give them an opportunity to access many resources at one time in one convenient location. The Homeless Community Network is a coalition of County public and private human service agencies as well as interested individuals who meet regularly to facilitate communication about the needs of the homeless, to monitor resources available, and to foster cooperation and coordination of activities designed to reduce the number of homeless families and individuals in the county. Project Community Connect (PCC) has been an annual event since 2009.

voice and poignant lyrics tie it all together for a sound that is both surprising and universal.

Arch Family Dinner / Banquet: 27-Jan, 6:00 PM, Canadian Honker Apache, 1517 16th St. SW, Rochester, $25. Friday, January 27, 2017. 6:00 - 10:00 pm *Dinner 6:30 pm Meal Choice: New York Steak, Boursin Chicken, Parmesan Walleye, Vegetarian *Presentation: 7:30 - 8:00 pm The Mystique of Flowers and Plants in the Poetry of Rumi Speaker: Dr. Bharam Grami *Entertainment: 8:00 -10:00 pm Rochester Big Band / dance floor with dance instructor www.canadianhonkerevents. com Admission: $25 per person at the door Please RSVP by January 22, 2017 to matthew. fatehi@archcharity.org 507-261-0209 Please join us for a good cause! Canadian Honker Event Center at Apache 1517 16th St. SW, Rochester, MN 55901 Cinderella: 27-Jan, 7:00 PM, The Historic Paramount Theatre, 125 4th Ave NE, Austin, $10 for adults, $6 for youth 14 years and under. A Matchbox Children’s Theatre production. Look forward to the funniest and most enchanting version of the magical fairytale - an encore performance due to enthusiastic audience response in the past. Tickets: $10 for adults, $6 for youth 14 and under. For more information, go to www.matchboxchildrenstheatre.org or call 507-437-9078.

4000 Miles A Dramatic Comedy by Amy Herzog: 27-Jan, 7:30 PM, Rochester Repertory Theatre, 103 Seventh Street NE, Rochester, $22. After suffering a major loss while on a cross-country bike trip, 21-year-old Leo seeks solace with his feisty 91-year-old grandmother Vera in her West Village apartment. Over the course of a month these unlikely roommates infuriate, bewilder, and ultimately teach each other. 4,000 Miles looks at how two outsiders find their way in todays world. Humor, honesty and narrative subtlety make this play a rarity a family drama that will really stick with you.

Accordion-O-Rama: 27-Jan, 7:30 PM, Crossings, 320 East Ave, Zumbrota, $18-$20.

An event that never fails to delight sell-out audiences, Accordion-O-Rama returns to Crossings. Daddy Squeeze enjoys mixing up styles and genres that don’t generally seem compatible. Ethno-clectic Bop is the result of his genre-bending experiments with Celtic, Tex-Mex, Creole, Blues, Jazz, Scandinavian, Polka and pop music. Ray is a young musician who plays a Russian accordion called the bayan. He has studied classical accordion and Balkan folk music with Dee Langley and has performed at festivals as well as having appeared at Accordion-O-Rama in the past.

Hobert describes himself as a soul who plays, sings and dances while exploring lifes mysteries. His genre-blending piano, accordion and vocal music has been described as delightful, innovative and viscerally inspiring music that dazzles audiences with sincerity and playfulness to open up hearts and fire imaginations.

507-732-7616 or www.crossingsatcarnegie. com Dammen Cross Country Ski Race Fundraiser: 28-Jan, 8:00 AM, Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, 1304 21st Street Northeast, Austin, go to www.hormelnaturecenter.org/ ski-race for more information. Annual cross country ski race with beginner’s/kid race, classical, and freestyle races. Register by Jan 20 for discounted entry fee - go to www. hormelnaturecenter.org/ski-race. For more information, call 507-437-7519.

Bad Bad Hats: 28-Jan, 7:30 AM, Sheldon Theatre, 443 west third street, Red Wing, $13-$20. carefree indie-rock fun. - NPR This up-and-coming indie rock group from Minneapolis is an important new voice in the current music scene. Described by MPRs The Current as surf-rock riffs that married your favorite pop star, the Bad Bad Hats combine folk-pop influences with playful garage-rock styles.

Vocalist and songwriter Kerry Alexanders pure

ChillFest 2017: 28-Jan, 9:00 AM, Mill Creek Park, Chatfield, Chatfield, Free. The 14th annual ‘Chatfield Chill Fest’ celebration will once again be held on Saturday, January 28th in Chatfield. This year’s Chill Fest is being hosted by the Chosen Valley Community Foundation. The celebration will have the Polar Plunge in Mill Creek Park along with other events occurring throughout Chatfield.

Come and get rid of the winter blues and cabin fever and have a good time. The whole family will enjoy the day with many fun events. One of the highlights of the ‘Chill Fest’ Celebration is the annual Polar Plunge to be held at Mill Creek Park. The Plunge will take place at 2:00pm sharp at the Mill Creek Bridge on County Road 2. Potential Plungers are to simply show up and take the Plunge! A Health Fair is being sponsored by Olmsted medical Center and Help Our Neighbors with 30 vendors and lunch will be served. This event will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and all are encouraged to attend. Habitat for Humanity will have a Rummage Sale from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Chatfield United Methodist Church, 124 Winona St. SE The day will also include a Bunco Party sponsored by the Women’s Community Club at 3:00 PM at the Thurber Building. There will be a Chili Supper at the Presbyterian Church from 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM The Bluff Country Hiking Club will be hosting a Candlelight Snow Shoe Walk from 5:30 - 6:30 PM. Those interested in taking the Snow Shoe Walk should meet at the Groen Park shelter at 5:30 PM. The Chosen Bean Concert series will feature the Lonely Knees at 7:30 PM at the Chatfield Center for the Arts - Legion Room. Doors open at 6:45 PM. Further information on this concert can be obtained at the Chosen Bean Concert website.

The ‘Chill Fest’ Celebration will once again be fun for the entire family, sp plan now to attend all or some of the events on Saturday, January 28th. This is a great way to alleviate ‘Cabin Fever’ for a day!

Hosanna’s Pantry: 28-Jan, 9:00 AM, Hosanna Lutheran Church, 2815 57th St NW, Rochester, Free. Hosanna’s Pantry is a satellite food shelf of Channel One food bank in Rochester. A photo ID is required. Coffee and treats are served while you wait to shop.

Pine Island Winter Fest: 28-Jan, 10:00 AM, Pine Island Winter Fest, 920 8th St. SE, Pine Island, Free. Join Pine Island in celebrating all things winter in Minnesota at the 4th annual Winter Fest. Fun for the whole family includes groomed and lighted cross country ski and snowshoe trails, ice skating, kids ice fishing, bonfires, storytelling and games for kids of all ages, a movie and magic show and more! Hot soup, chili and hot drinks will be available to help you thaw out.

Presentations by the Eagle Bluff Environmental Center include Winter Survival Skills and Skiing Lessons. For information Pine Island Image Committee page on Facebook or email pineislandimagecommittee@gmail.com.

Small Dog Meet & Greet Play Group: 28-Jan 1:00 PM, Rochester Pet & Country Store - North, 3155 Wellner Drive NE, Rochester Free, Come in out of the cold, bring your dog, and join us for Small Dog Meet & Greet Play Group from 1-2 pm on Saturday, January 14 and Saturday, January 28. Bring your dog (25 lbs and under) to Rochester Pet & Country Store North for some play time with other dogs. Address is: 3155 Wellner Drive NE in Rochester. Adults need to be in the training center with the dog. There is no charge, and no reservation is needed. Please bring vaccination records Be prepared to have fun with others as the dogs make new friends and have fun playing together. If you cannot make the session on January 14, be sure to come on January 28. Or, feel free to come to both!

Cinderella: 28-Jan, 2:00 PM, The Historic Paramount Theatre, 125 4th Ave NE, Austin, $10 for adults, $6 for youth 14 years and under. A Matchbox Children’s Theatre production. Look forward to the funniest and most enchanting version of the magical fairytale - an encore performance due to enthusiastic audience response in the past. Tickets: $10 for adults, $6 for youth 14 and under. For more information, go to www.matchboxchildrenstheatre.org or call 507-437-9078.

Rochester 2017 General Aviation Rochester Banquest: 28-Jan, 4:00 PM International Event Center, 7333 Airport View Dr SW, Rochester, $25 . On Saturday January 28, 2017, The Rochester General Aviation Action Team is sponsoring their annual banquet. The banquet will be held at the Rochester International Event Center, and is open to anyone interested in aviation. The evening will feature the unveiling and ability to get up-close-and-personal with the brand

Add your event for FREE to the TIMELINE c a l e n d a r . G O TO w w w. s o u t h ern minn . c o mm / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent new 2017 Cirrus G6 the smartest, safest and most advanced models ever of the best-selling SR22T, SR22 and SR20 piston airplanes. The keynote address for the evening will be ‘Pilot Situational Awareness and Escape from the Taj Hotel Siege’ given by Lt Col Ravi Dharnidharka USMCR’. Doors will open at 4:00pm so that enthusiasts can view the display and speak with Cirrus representatives. Social hour will be from 5:30-6:30pm. Dinner and the official program will begin at 6:30pm. The cost to attend is $25.00 if paid before January 15, and $30.00 at the door. RSVP is required and the last day to register is January 21st. More details, including a link to make reservations can be found at http://rstga.44rf.com/ . Questions can be directed to Scott Koon at SEMFC. secretary@gmail.com.651-388-8700.

Wine & Craft Beer Tasting: 28-Jan, 5:00 PM, Colfax Health & Rehabilitation Center, 110 Park Drive, Colfax, $25. This annual event includes wine and beer provided by the Barrel Room out of Menomonie, hors d’oeuvres and desserts, raffles and drawings, as well as live music. Tickets are available now! $20 in advance or $25 at the door! Each ticket automatically enters you into a drawing for the $500 cash grand prize! We hope to see you there! This is an annual fundraiser for our non-profit organization. The money raised from this event is used to provide local and affordable transportation services to our residents and community members.

January Thaw with Buddy Koopman’s Orchestra: 28-Jan, 7:30 PM, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave., Faribault, $10-$20. Member: $15 | Non Member $20 | Student: $10. Featuring 16 live musicians, live swing dancers and that familiar big band swing music thats been heating up audiences and warming hearts in Faribault and the region since 1948. SPECIAL: Stay overnight at Faribault’s 5-Star, Historic Hutchinson House B&B, and receive two free tickets to this event!

Call for details: 507-384-3291.

4000 Miles A Dramatic Comedy by Amy Herzog: 28-Jan, 7:30 PM, Rochester Repertory Theatre, 103 Seventh Street NE, Rochester, $22 . After suffering a major loss while on a cross-country bike trip, 21-year-old Leo seeks solace with his feisty 91-year-old grandmother Vera in her West Village apartment. Over the course of a month these unlikely roommates infuriate, bewilder, and ultimately teach each other. 4,000 Miles looks at how two outsiders find their way in todays world. Humor, honesty and narrative subtlety make this play a rarity a family drama that will really stick with you.

John Gorka: 28-Jan, 7:30 PM, Crossings, 320 East Ave, Zumbrota, $24-$27. John Gorka delivers everything a folk musician should: His music tells stories, expresses deep emotion, and invites listeners to reflect. The audience is drawn right in to the heart of the music by Gorkas remarkable baritone voice and the clear tones of his guitar. Gorka who is widely regarded as one of contemporary folk musics leading talents (Vintage Guitar), released a CD, ‘Before Beginning’ in 2016.

More at www.crossingsatcarnegie.com or 507-732-7616.

WEEK of Jan 29-Feb 4 Cinderella: 29-Jan, 2:00 PM, The Historic Paramount Theatre, 125 4th Ave NE, Austin, $10 for adults, $6 for youth 14 and under. A Matchbox Children’s Theatre production. Look forward to the funniest and most enchanting version of the magical fairytale - an encore performance due to enthusiastic audience response in the past. Tickets: $10 for adults, $6 for youth 14 and under. For more information, go to www.matchboxchildrenstheatre.org or call 507-437-9078.

4000 Miles A Dramatic Comedy by Amy Herzog: 29-Jan, 2:00 PM, Rochester Repertory Theatre, 103 Seventh Street NE, Rochester, $22 . After suffering a major loss while on a cross-country bike trip, 21-year-old Leo seeks solace with his feisty 91-year-old grandmother Vera in her West Village apartment. Over the course of a month these unlikely roommates infuriate, bewilder, and ultimately teach each other. 4,000 Miles looks at how two outsiders find their way in todays world. Humor, honesty and narrative subtlety make this play a rarity a family drama that will really stick with you.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo 7:30 p.m., February 3 - Mayo Civic Center, Rochester Ladysmith Black Mambazo is coming back to Southern Minnesota. In February. I have to say, SoMinn, we very clearly are doing something right.

A couple years ago my jaw hit the floor when I saw that this amazing group of South African singers was coming to perform at the Sheldon Theatre in Red Wing.

It was, as I recall, during a particularly cold stretch of February (which, I know, isn’t difficult to find) and I remember thinking “Really? Minnesota in February?

Whay couldn’t they come in May? Now they’ll never come back.”

However, in typical middle-class American fashion, I underestimated the ability of a black man from South Africa to endure a little bit of hardship. When you grow up under the draconian rule of Apartheid, singing when it’s below zero outside probably doesn’t take a lot of effort.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo is one of the premier singing ensembles in the world. They are a dozen or so men who perform a style of folk music called isicathamiya that came from the poor, nearly enslaved workers in the mines of South Africa. Just as the songs that came from the cotton and tobacco fields of the American South in the 19th century developed into

Classic Movie Sunday Matinee: Private Buckaroo: 29-Jan, 2:00 PM, Zumbrota State Theatre, 88 E 4th St., Zumbrota, Free. The Historic State Theatre in Zumbrota invites everyone to step back in time to cinemas Golden Age with Classic Movie Sundays. The State will feature a different movie every Sunday at 2:00 pm. While admission to the films are free, free will donations are encouraged and gladly accepted, with all proceeds from Classic Movie Sundays funding continued restoration and operation of the Historic State Theatre building. (1942) This WWII musical comedy tells a story of a young inductee who has trouble fitting into the military lifestyle.

The inductee changes his ways after meeting a retired officer’s lovely daughter. Harry James is also drafted and his band decides to enlist to stay with their leader. James and his group decide to entertain the groups by putting on a show. Along for the ride in this film are The Andrew Sisters, Shemp Howard, Joe E. Lewis, Huntz Hall and a young Donald O’Connor.

507-732-5210.

God Wants You Well Bible Study: 30-Jan, 7:00 PM, Inspirational Technologies, Inc. Building, 1100 N. 4th Street, Le Sueur, Free. DVD series with Andrew Wommack, healing miracle testimonies, Bible study lessons, discussion, communion, prayer.

Everyone invited. Led by Dorothy Von Lehe.

Contact Dorothy at dvonlehe@mchsi.com or 507-665-6965.

Beginning T’ai Chi Chih - Winter 2017: 31-Jan, 10:00 AM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, $50.

Do you desire less stress in your daily life?

Consider circulating and balancing your inner energy of ‘chi’ in the peacefulness of Assisi Heights. The form is composed of 19 easy,

slow moving meditative movements and one pose; a practice done by people around the world. T’ai Chi Chih is adaptable and it benefits persons with any physical condition at any age. It can be done standing or seated and requires no special equipment or dress.

Other benefits include greater flexibility, better health, evident serenity and increased joy. In the beginner’s class, you will learn and practice all 19 movementsand the final pose in 8 weeks. This workshop is an 8 session series, not a drop-in class. Registration Required.

Julian of Norwich - Mystic 2017: 31-Jan, 6:30 PM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, $10. Julian of Norwich is a fourteenth century recluse whose writings are considered one of the most authentic voices from the Middle Ages. Her career encompassed roles as a spiritual advisor, a mystic, an unlettered writer and finally an anchoress. This class will examine her life and he influence that her sixteen ‘shrewings’ had on medieval religious thought. The class will conclude with participants reading and discussing her writings. Registration Required.

3rd Annual Harry Potter Book Night: 31-Jan, 6:30 PM, Rochester Public Library, 101 SE 2nd Street, Rochester, Free. Wizards of all ages are invited to join RPL’s Teen Library Council and the Professors of Hogwarts for the 3rd Annual Harry Potter Book Night! Test your knowledge of muggle studies, search for Fantastic Beasts, and more! Costumes encouraged.

Ragamala Dance Company: Written in Water: 31-Jan, 6:30 PM, Mayo Clinic - Siebens Building, 100 Second Ave SE, Rochester, Free. Under the direction of Ranee and Aparna Ramaswamy, Ragamala Dance Company engages the dynamic tension

gospel, jazz and blues, these songs have become a gorgeous reminder of a horrible past. The music is triumph out of tragedy and it is incredibly beautiful.

I, like most of the Western World, first became aware of them when they collaborated with Paul Simon on his landmark 1986 landmark album Graceland. Dust off your copy of that album and listen to songs like “Homeless” or “Gumboots.” Better yet, YouTube “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes.” It’s incredible.

I use the word legendary quite a bit, but there isn’t another word that would better describe these guys. Like I pointed out before, many of them grew up under Apartheid, and sang in utter defiance of the governmental system that refused to accept them as human beings. The passion that comes through their voices and shows in their performance was forged by the idea that, despite labels, laws, guns and poverty, there is nothing more powerful than a group of voices working together.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo is coming to Rochester on February 3 to sing for us. Please plan accordingly.

– Rich Larson is the publisher and editor of SouthernMinn Scene. You can reach him at rlarson@southernminnscene.com.

between the ancestral and the personal. In ‘Written in Water,’ the dancers activate the space by negotiating snakes and ladders which represent the heights of ecstasy and depths of longing in Hindu and Sufi thought to connect the human with the transcendent and reveal mysteries within the self. Forging new artistic paradigms, Ragamala brings together internationally-celebrated musicians: composer Amir ElSaffar leads a musical ensemble with a distinct alchemy of Iraqi, jazz, and Carnatic instruments; and V. Keshavs lush paintings are projected onto the stage to create a mythic. Sponsored by Mayo Clinic Dolores Jean Lavins Center for Humanities in Medicine with generous support from the Fuad Mansour fund. RSVP to: humanitiesrochester@mayo.edu

forgiveness and compassion forged in its wake. ‘Extraordinary... compelling... the play is also a remarkable piece of writing.’ The New York Times Feb, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 2017 NOTE: Strong language and mature themes, including descriptions of violence.

Happiness - A Book Discussion: 1-Feb, 2:00 PM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, $20. We all yearn for happiness and some search for it in fame and fortune. Others look for it in job success.

Still others are driven to possessions both expensive and numerous, all to find happiness elusive. Sister Joan Chittister suggests, in her book Happiness, that it is a personal quality to be learned and mastered. She rummages through sociology, biology, neurology, philosophy and world history to explore the meaning of happiness. This book is meant for both discussion and reflection. This workshop is a 5 session series, not a drop-in class.

Registration required.

55th Owatonna Eagles Cancer Auction: 3-Feb 6:00 PM, Eagles Club Owatonna, 141 E Rose St, Owatonna, Free. Come on down to the Owatonna Eagles Club for the 55th Annual Cancer Auction! Our two-day event features amazing items all sold at live auction to the highest bidder. From gift certificates to gift baskets, there is something for everyone! All items are donated and ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE AUCTION ARE DONATED TO CANCER RESEARCH at the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, the U of M Cancer Center, or the Hormel Institute. Last year, thanks to the generosity of Owatonna residents and businesses, the Owatonna Eagles raised over $41,000 for our two-day auction! Come help us break that record at our upcoming cancer auction!

If you wish to donate an item to the auction, please let us know. Food and drink available for purchase!

Absolute Theatre’s The Amish Project: 2-Feb, 7:00 PM, Christ United Methodist Church, 400 5th Ave SW, Rochester, $20.

The Amish Project is a fictional exploration of the Nickel Mines schoolhouse shooting in an Amish community, and the path of

St. Blaise: 3-Feb, 2:00 PM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, Donations Appreciated. Blaise was a bishop who worked hard to encourage spiritual and physical health in his native Armenia.

Though fact and fiction prevail in his life story, the afternoon will highlight his history, vocal interludes, hymn sing and the blessing of the throats. He is the patron of wool combers and wool trading and animals. February 3, the Feast of St. Blaise, is observed as a holy day in some Eastern Churches.

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January at the Arts Guild

Martin Zellar

Storied Design

7:30 p.m., February 24 - Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault

January 5 - February 4, 2017 featuring Timothy Schacker & The Jewell Wolk Quilt Project presented by Jean Wakely

Artist Reception: Friday, Jan 6 | 6:30-9 pm Storied Design Exhibit Sponsor: Cannon Pointe Chiropractic

2016-17 Gallery Season Sponsor: First National Bank of Northfield

2017 Winter / Spring Classes start January 2!

Register online, over the phone, or in person at the Arts Guild

Coming in February

Northern Minnesota claims Bob Dylan.

The Twin Cities claim Prince.

Southern Minnesota claims… well, Eddie Cochran. But if there ever was room for an honorable mention in the category of Favorite Son Rock Star/Most Influential Songwriter it would be for Southern Minnesota to also claim Martin Zellar.

The native of Austin (Minnesota, not Texas) is best known as the gravelly voiced singer and songwriter of the Gear Daddies, whom we have anointed in the pages of SouthernMinn Scene to be the Best Southern Minnesota Rock Band Ever (or something like that – we still need to settle on the official title.) His boyish good looks and wise-but-tongue-in-cheek lyrics are the charm and polish behind the band’s infectious music. Songs like “Wear Your Crown,” “Statue of Jesus,” “Stupid Boy,” “She’s Happy,” and “Sonic Boom” perfectly captured the experience of growing up and coming of age in the small-towns of the Midwest. And his ice-arena anthem “I Wanna Drive the Zamboni” has articulated the dreams of every Minnesota kid who has ever been to a hockey game. It is our opinion that Zellar should walk the streets of SoMinn as a conquering hero, never having to pay for a drink at any saloon between Sioux falls, South Dakota and LaCrosse, Wisconsin.

While Zellar and the band ceased full time operations more

TREAT YOUR

E

IN VALENT

HOM E BA TO A K M EAL ED SPECIAL

Dinner for your

by Frederick Knott

February 17 - 26*, 2017 Fri & Sat performances at 7:30 pm Sunday performances at 2 pm *ASL interpreted performance. Please request by February 12.

Arts Guild Theater

SUGAR COOKIE CUT-OUTS

411 Third Street West Tickets: $17 Adults, $12 Students and Seniors Performance Sponsors: Pat Johnson Group, Professional Pride Realty & The Hideaway Coffeehouse and Winebar

200 Schilling Drive, Northfield/Dundas, MN 304 Division Street S. Northfield, MN 55057

ON ANY FROZEN DOUGH ITEM OR LASAGNA

(Next to Menards)

Open Daily 10am - 6pm Sun-Wed • 10am - 7pm Thurs-Sat

507-645-2253

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• Over 50 Co ok • Cinnamon ie Doughs Rolls • Pastries, Turnovers & Strudels • Over 100 Spices A-Z • Soup Mixe s & Ready To Eat Soup • Dip Mixe s & Dressin gs • Nostalgic Candies & Sn • Gluten Fr acks ee Unique Selection • Gourmet Take-N-Bak e Pizza • Jellies, Ja ms & Salsa • Cake Deco rating Supp lie • Chocolat e Shoppe Go s urmet Ice • Bulk Bakin Cream g Supplies

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2016-17 Theater Season Sponsors: Neuger Communications Group, Engage Print, & Andrew J Gray, Financial Wealth Advisor

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Tonic Sol Fa: 3-Feb, 7:30 PM, The Historic Paramount Theatre, 125 4th Ave NE, Austin, $20 in advance, $25 at the door, $15 for students. Emmyaward winning a capella group with an international following. Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door, $15 for students. For more information, call 507-434-0934.

Quarry Hill Bird Walk: 4-Feb, 9:00 AM, Quarry Hill Nature Center, 701 Silver Creek Rd NE, Rochester, Free.

Join us on a casual walk through Quarry Hill Park.

Bring binoculars if you have them, some are available to borrow from the nature center. Dress for the weather.

Families and children are welcome. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last about one hour. Free and open to the public - no registration required.

Over 50 cookie dough flavors PLUS Valentine cookie sprinkles!

Take-n-Bake Lasagna available in 3 sizes: 1lb Dinner for Two 3lb 2 Hefty Eaters or Family Dinner 6lb Dinner for the Extended Family

– Rich Larson is the publisher and editor of SouthernMinn Scene. You can reach him at rlarson@southernminnscene.com.

Absolute Theatre’s The Amish Project: 3-Feb, 7:00 PM, Christ United Methodist Church, 400 5th Ave SW, Rochester, $20. The Amish Project is a fictional exploration of the Nickel Mines schoolhouse shooting in an Amish community, and the path of forgiveness and compassion forged in its wake. ‘Extraordinary... compelling... the play is also a remarkable piece of writing.’ The New York Times Feb, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 2017 NOTE: Strong language and mature themes, including descriptions of violence.

Take-n-Bake Lasagna and Garlic Bread Sticks

Dial M for Murder

than twenty years ago, only playing a handful of shows each year, Zellar has continued to write and record music. Since 1994, he’s released a number of albums and toured the country with his band The Hard Ways. On February 24, he pulls into Faribault armed only with an acoustic guitar for an intimate solo show at the Paradise Center for the Arts.

You’ll be hard pressed to find an easier going performer than Zellar, especially when he’s playing on his home turf. The stories behind the songs come so easily from him that they can start to feel like inside jokes and the deep dimples brought out by his grin never seem to disappear.

Every music loving citizen of Southern Minnesota should take the time to catch a Zellar show, or a Gear Daddies show (preferably both) every year. The comfort and familiarity of his songs make them feel like old friends, even if you’ve never heard them before. This will be a really fun night in Faribault. Go see the show and then track him down afterwards so you can by him a beer.

Bagels and Birds: 4-Feb, 9:30 AM, River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Road, Faribault, Free. Open to all ages. Cost: Free! Enjoy coffee and bagels in a relaxed atmosphere while watching the antics of wildlife.

We’ll meet in the comfort of the building to observe the birds and other visitors to the newly refurbished Windows on the Wild backyard habitat feeding area.

Help with identification, fun facts, binoculars, guide books, and conversation will make this a great way to start the day.

2017 Winterfest at the History Center of Olmsted County: 4-Feb, 10:00 AM, History Center of Olmsted County, 1195 West Circle Drive SW Rochester, $5 per child, adults & chaperones are free.

We will be hosting indoor, hands-on activities again this year. Sleigh rides for the whole family are on our beautiful grounds. Cost: $5 per child.

55th Owatonna Eagles Cancer Auction: 4-Feb, 4:00 PM, Eagles Club Owatonna, 141 E Rose St, Owatonna, Free. Come on down to the Owatonna Eagles Club for the 55th Annual Cancer Auction! Our two-day event features amazing items all sold at live auction to the highest bidder. From gift certificates to gift baskets, there is something for everyone! All items are donated and ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE AUCTION ARE DONATED TO CANCER RESEARCH at the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, the U of M Cancer Center, or the Hormel Institute. Last year, thanks to the generosity of Owatonna residents and businesses, the Owatonna Eagles raised over $41,000 for our two-day auction!

Come help us break that record at our upcoming cancer auction! If you wish to donate an item to the auction, please let us know. Food and drink available for purchase!

Absolute Theatre’s The Amish Project: 4-Feb, 7:00 PM, Christ United Methodist Church, 400 5th Ave

Add y o u r e v e n t f o r FREE to the TIMELINE c a l e nd a r . G O TO w w w. s o u t h ern minn . c o mm / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent SW, Rochester, $20. The Amish Project is a fictional exploration of the Nickel Mines schoolhouse shooting in an Amish community, and the path of forgiveness and compassion forged in its wake. ‘Extraordinary... compelling... the play is also a remarkable piece of writing.’ The New York Times Feb, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 2017 NOTE: Strong language and mature themes, including descriptions of violence.

Rochester Symphony Orchestra & Chorale: 4-Feb, 7:30 PM, Lourdes High School, 2800 19th St. NW, Rochester, $5-$30. Adults $20-$30, 18 & Under $5. Featuring pianist Andrew StaupeLiszt Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat Strauss Death and Transfiguration Liszt Totentanz Beethoven Leonore Overture No. 3 Explore the triumphant and tragic pathways between life and death as pianist Andrew Staupe joins us for an unconventional program filled with lifes deepest emotions. Liszt, Strauss and Beethoven impart on us chants of death, celebrations of life and reflections on heavenly encounters.

Davina & the Vagabonds: 4-Feb, 7:30 PM, State Theater, 96 E 4th St, Zumbrota, $20-$23. A highenergy quintet whose lead vocalist has been likened to Adele, Bessie Smith, Etta James and Amy Winehouse, Davina & the Vagabonds bring their fresh-but-retro sound to the State Theatre stage. Davina Sowers and the Vagabonds have created a stir on the national blues scene with their high-energy live shows, sharp-dressed professionalism, and Sowers commanding stage presence. With influences ranging from Fats Domino and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to Aretha Franklin and Tom Waits. More at www.crossingsatcarnegie.com or 507-732-7616.

WEEK of Feb 5 - 11 Rochester Symphony Orchestra & Chorale: 5-Feb, 2:00 PM, Lourdes High School, 2800 19th St. NW, Rochester, $5-$30. Adults $20-$30, 18 & Under $5. Featuring pianist Andrew StaupeLiszt Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat Strauss Death and Transfiguration Liszt Totentanz Beethoven Leonore Overture No. 3 Explore the triumphant and tragic pathways between life and death as pianist Andrew Staupe joins us for an unconventional program filled with lifes deepest emotions. Liszt, Strauss and Beethoven impart on us chants of death, celebrations of life and reflections on heavenly encounters.

Classic Movie Sunday Matinee: His Girl Friday: 5-Feb, 2:00 PM, Zumbrota State Theatre, 88 E 4th St., Zumbrota, Free. The Historic State Theatre in Zumbrota invites everyone to step back in time to cinemas

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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

9 T 3 H S ’ A N N O N Y UAL N E K Carriage & Cutter Day

SATURDAY, FEB 25 ALL HORSE PARADE • 1:3OPM

Hundreds of horses & ponies of all breeds!

FOR PARADE REGISTRATION AND MORE INFO GO TO WWW.CITYOFKENYON.COM

Special Attractions, located on Main Street starting at 10:00 am, Include: o 10am t 1:30pm

FREE PETTING ZOO & PONY RIDES FREE HORSE-DRAWN WAGON RIDES

Medallion hunt starts Feb 1st Snowball tournament 8am Alumni Basketball tournament 8 am 5k 10 am registration VFW- Live Music 7pm MUNI- DJ 9pm And other various events throughout the day.

Fun for the whole family!

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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| F E B RU A R Y 2 0 1 7

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events in his life. Come to some or all in the series and learn the influences that shaped his life and many who came after, including today’s followers. Journey with Francis to the Carceri - the caves on Mt. Subasio, above Assisi. On this mountain Francis spent long periods of time in solitude and contemplation, discerning his unique vocation and growing intimacy with his God. Registration Required.

Fred, Ginger and the Winter Blahs!: 8-Feb, 2:00 PM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, $10. Let’s travel to Rio, Paris, and other exotic places with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. We will temporarily escape the winter doldrums as we enjoy their dancing, the likes of which we do not see today, and learn why their movies were so important to the American culture.

Registration Required.

Endemic Birds of Cuba: 8-Feb, 6:30 PM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, Donations Appreciated.

Cuba is an island nation 75 miles off the Florida coast. Despite travel restrictions, eight bird enthusiasts were allowed to visit with an authorized touring company. Cuba has exceptional bird life, and the rural areas have undeveloped landscape allowing birds to flourish in the available habitat. There are 28 endemic species on the island, found nowhere else on earth. Jerry Pruitt is an active bird watcher locally and abroad. He has traveled much of North America and visited 15 countries on birding adventures in his pursuit to see and enjoy the incredible array of bird life in the world. Registration Required.

Absolute Theatre’s The Amish Project: 9-Feb, 7:00 PM, Christ United Methodist Church, 400 5th Ave SW, Rochester, $20.

The Amish Project is a fictional exploration of the Nickel Mines schoolhouse shooting in an Amish community, and the path of forgiveness and compassion forged in its wake. ‘Extraordinary... compelling... the play is also a remarkable piece of writing.’ The New York Times Feb, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 2017 NOTE: Strong language and mature themes, including descriptions of violence.

Dial ‘M’ for Murder 7:30 p.m., February 17 Northfield Arts Guild Theater

Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery: 10-Feb, 7:30 PM, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave., Faribault,$10-$16.

Member $14/ Non-Member $16/ Student $10.

Get your deerstalker cap onthe plays afoot!

From the award-winning mastermind of mayhem, Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor), comes a fast-paced comedy about everyones favorite detective solving his most notorious case.

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson must crack the mystery of The Hound of the Baskerville before a family curse dooms its newest heir.

This small cast of shifting characters will keep you in suspense! Stay overnight at the Historic Hutchinson House B&B and receive two free tickets to this event!

Way, way back when you had to go to the TV and turn the dial to change the channel, I remember being really bored one Saturday afternoon when I was a kid.

You couldn’t really channel surf in those days, because there were only five channels to choose from (in the Twin Cities we had the three big network affiliate stations, the PBS affiliate and the independent television station). It seems to me I had just turned the dial to Channel 11 (which was the independent station at that point) when I was immediately taken by the black-and-white scene in front of me.

A beautiful woman, whom I years later learned was Grace Kelly, was on the phone as a mysterious figure emerged from the curtains covering the window behind her, clearly intending her harm. He attacked her and tried to strangle her. In her struggle she was able to grab a pair of scissors and jam it into her assailants back, killing him.

My young boy’s mind thought that was cool, but then they went to a commercial and I turned the channel.

I didn’t know it at the time, but I had stumbled onto the iconic scene from Alfred Hitchock’s Dial ‘M’ for Murder. Before it was a classic film thriller, of course, Dial M was a play written by Frederick Knott. And now the Northfield Arts Guild is returning all that suspense to the stage when they present it for a two-weekend run beginning February 17.

Directed by veteran Northfield thespian Brandon Etter, the cast includes Elin Odegaard in the role Kelly made famous as Margot Wendice, Bryan Reed as her murderous, jealous husband Tony, and Dave Flynn as the tenacious Inspector Hubbard. Directing a story made famous by the greatest master of suspense in history would be an intimidating challenge to any director, but this is far from Etter’s first rodeo. An accomplished actor and playwright himself, Etter has developed his own sensibilities and style. Working with a quality cast like this, as is always the case with a NAG production, he’ll have deep resources to explore and examine a complicated, twisting story. We look forward to seeing a fresh take on a classic piece of work.

Absolute Theatre’s The Amish Project: 10-Feb, 7:00 PM, Christ United Methodist Church, 400 5th Ave SW, Rochester, $20.

The Amish Project is a fictional exploration of the Nickel Mines schoolhouse shooting in an Amish community, and the path of forgiveness and compassion forged in its wake. ‘Extraordinary... compelling... the play is also a remarkable piece of writing.’ The New York Times Feb, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 2017 NOTE: Strong language and mature themes, including descriptions of violence.

Charlie Parr: 10-Feb, 7:30 PM, State Theater, 96 E 4th St, Zumbrota, $16-$19. Charlie Parr’s heartfelt and plaintive original folk blues and traditional spirituals don’t strive for authenticity: They are authentic. It’s the music of a self-taught guitarist and banjo player who grew up without a TV but with his dad’s recordings of America’s musical founding fathers, including Charley Patton and Lightnin’ Hopkins, Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly. For tickets go to www.crossingsatcarnegie.com or call 507-732-7616.

– Rich Larson is the publisher and editor of SouthernMinn Scene. You can reach him at rlarson@southernminnscene. com.

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Golden Age with Classic Movie Sundays. The State will feature a different movie every Sunday at 2:00 pm. While admission to the films are free, free will donations are encouraged and gladly accepted, with all proceeds from Classic Movie Sundays funding continued restoration and operation of the Historic State Theatre building. (1940) Splendid comedy remake of ‘The Front Page’(1931) with Cary Grant as the conniving newspaper editor and Rosalind Russell as his star reporter and former wife who wants to get married and settle down after one last news scoop - a sensational hanging. 507-732-5210.

Luther College Nordic Choir In Concert: 5-Feb, 2:30 PM, St. John the Evangelist, 11 4th AVE SW, Rochester, Free. LUTHER COLLEGE NORDIC CHOIR, one of the top college choirs in the nation, will offer a magnificent concert at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017.

The concert is part of Nordic Choir’s 2017 tour of the Midwest.

God Wants You Well Bible Study: 6-Feb, 6:30 PM, Inspirational Technologies, Inc. Building, 1100 N. 4th Street, Le Sueur, Free. DVD series with Andrew Wommack, healing miracle testimonies, Bible study lessons, discussion, communion, prayer.

Everyone invited. Led by Dorothy Von Lehe.

Contact Dorothy at dvonlehe@mchsi.com or 507-665-6965.

A Slice of Life! Peace Corps: 6-Feb 6:30 PM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, Donations Appreciated. A Slice of Life is a series defined as that sliver or wedge that brought growth, or added dimension to one’s everyday experiences. It is the incident, episode or trial that brings wisdom or maturity to life learning.

The idea for the Peace Corps was developed at a precinct caucus in Minnesota. U.S.

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Senator and former Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey introduced the first bill to create the organization. President Kennedy founded the Peace Corps in 1961 to promote world peace and friendship! This grassroots, short-term volunteer organization attracts experienced professionals to take on assignments of service in communities around the world.

50+ years later, hear panelists tell stories of how these experiences shaped their lives and influenced their decisions today. Panelists include: Susan Scherers, Angela Smith, and Jason Meier. Registration Suggested.

Life Living Series: 6-Feb, 7:00 PM, New Ulm Community Center, 600 North German St., New Ulm, Free. The United Way of the Brown County Area, New Ulm Community Education, New Ulm Park & Rec, and New Ulm Public Library announce the 2017 Life Living Series Living Life. All programs begin at 7 p.m. at the New Ulm Community Center, 600 N. German in New Ulm. On Monday, January 23, Renee Turgeon, MSU Women’s Center Assistant Director, will talk about challenging ourselves to live ethically within the reality of everyday life. On Monday, January 30, Gloria Englund, founder of Recovering u., will talk about ‘One Family’s Journey to Recovery.’ On Monday, February 6, Jil Fiemeyer will talk about her journey through her child, Jane’s, illness and death. All programs are free and open to the public. Seating is first come, first served. Call 507.359.8334 for more information.

Remember When Coffee Club: 7-Feb, 10:00 AM, Blue Earth County Historical Society History Center, 424 Warren Street, Mankato, Free. Love History? Love talking about the past with others? Join us at the Blue Earth County Historical Society for the Remember When Coffee Club where you can do just that! This month’s topic is favorite toys. Was your favorite childhood toy a doll or a train set? Do you remember when you received it? Bring your memories of your favorite play things and plan on having a grand

time reminiscing. Coffee and tea provided.

Beginning T’ai Chi Chih - Winter 2017: 7-Feb, 10:00 AM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, $50.

Do you desire less stress in your daily life?

Consider circulating and balancing your inner energy of ‘chi’ in the peacefulness of Assisi Heights. The form is composed of 19 easy, slow moving meditative movements and one pose; a practice done by people around the world. T’ai Chi Chih is adaptable and it benefits persons with any physical condition at any age. It can be done standing or seated and requires no special equipment or dress.

Other benefits include greater flexibility, better health, evident serenity and increased joy. In the beginner’s class, you will learn and practice all 19 movementsand the final pose in 8 weeks. This workshop is an 8 session series, not a drop-in class. Registration Required.

Beginning T’ai Chi Chih - Winter 2017: 7-Feb, 10:00 AM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, $50.

Do you desire less stress in your daily life?

Consider circulating and balancing your inner energy of ‘chi’ in the peacefulness of Assisi Heights. The form is composed of 19 easy, slow moving meditative movements and one pose; a practice done around the world. T’ai Chi Chih is adaptable and it benefits persons with any physical condition or at any age. It can be done standing or seated and requires no special equipment or dress. Other benefits include greater flexibility , better health, evident serenity and increased joy. In the beginner’s class, you will learn and practice all 19 movements and the final pose in 8 weeks.

This workshop is an 8 session series not a drop-in class. Registration Required.

Franciscan Enrichment - The Carceri: 7-Feb, 2:30 PM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, Donations Appreciated. Join us for the history and story of the man, Francis of Assisi and some of the important places/sites of significant

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2017 Harris Piano Competition: 11-Feb, 9:00 AM, Austin, MN - various locations, contact Holly at 507-433-4243 for more information, Austin,, for more information, go to www. hormelhistorichome.org. The Harris Piano Competition, named after MarySue Hormel Harris, was created as a way to further music appreciation and education for area youth. The competition is for youth ages 6-18 who live in the Minnesota counties of Dodge, Freeborn, Mower, Steele or Waseca, or the Iowa counties of Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Mitchell or Worth.

Concert & Awards Ceremony featuring eight top performers at the Paramount Theater at 4 p.m. Honorable Mentions will also be recognized at afternoon contest. Reception to follow the Concert and Awards Ceremony.

Those interested in competing should contact Holly Johnson at 507-433-4243 or via email at holly@hormelhistorichome.org. For more information, go to www.hormelhistorichome. org.

Eagle Bluff Skills School - Amish Experience: Bread Making: 11-Feb, 9:00 AM, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, 28097 Goodview Dr, Lanesboro, $50.

Ever wondered what it would be like to live without electricity and modern appliances?

This is an opportunity to visit an Amish home, to get to know an Amish family and to learn how to bake bread in a wood fired stove. After the bread is baked and the butter is made, you will get to enjoy these freshly made foods with a pot of herbal tea. Take home a loaf of fresh baked bread and get to know our local Amish community. The class meets at Eagle Bluff and travels via Eagle Bluff van to the Amish home.

Note: A half hour of travel time is included at the beginning and end of class.

Eagle Bluff Skills School - The Art of Cheese Making: 11-Feb, 9:00 AM, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, 28097 Goodview Dr, Lanesboro, $45. Join award winning cheese maker, Dave Sefton, for a morning of cheese creation. In this 3.5 hour class, you will be introduced to the art of cheese making and help in cooking up 3 kinds

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of cheese, including a farmers cheese, a soft cheese and Colby/Monterey Jack. Take your newly learned skills home to create these wonderful and tasty creations on your stove top. All ingredients will be provided along with suggestions and guidelines as to when you should get ingredients for you future cheese making endeavors.

Mitchell County Deer & Turkey Expo: 11-Feb, 9:00 AM, Milton R. Owen Nature Center, 1879 Hwy 9, Osage, $5 - 15 & under are free. Join the Mitchell County Conservation Center for their Annual Deer & Turkey Expo on Saturday February 11th from 9am4pm. Cost is $5 General Admission, $5 for Contest Entry, 15 and Under are Free. There will be a Trail Camera Photo Gallery, Gun & Bow Raffle, Contests, booths, and much more! For more information contact Daniele at 641-732-5204.

Scheels Bat Test Demo Day: 11-Feb, 12:00 PM, Olmsted Medical Center Sports Medicine and Athletic Performance, 5155 55th Street NW, Rochester, Free. Join Scheels and Olmsted Medical Center Sports Medicine and Athletic Performance to try out the newest bats of the season. Receive 20% off all bats purchased or special ordered during the demo.

Try bats from Rawling, Wilson, Louisville Slugger and Easton! This event is FREE and No Registration is required! All athletes under 18 will need to have a consent signed by a parent/guardian before trying out the bats with our certified baseball training staff!

Palentine’s Day: 11-Feb, 1:00 PM, Rochester Pet & Country Store - North, 3155 Wellner Drive NE, Rochester, Free. Celebrate your best pal on PALentine’s Day! Pets and people of all ages are invited to share the love! - FREE Nail Trims from the folks at Groomingtails - Puppy Love photos - Ask the Trainer - free training advice from Paws Abilities Dog Training Sales on your furry friend’s favorites from Rochester Pet & Country Store - Decorate a cookie for your dog.

Meditating with Mandalas: 11-Feb, 1:00 PM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, $20. Explore mandalas by using watercolor paints. Mandala is a Sanskrit word meaning circle. You can customize your individual circle by incorporating your inner reflection in an artistic way. Creating a mandala can be a stress reducer involving quiet, music and meditation. Bring your own watercolors, brushes and colored pens. All other materials will be provided. No previous art experience is necessary. Registration required.

Absolute Theatre’s The Amish Project: 11-Feb, 7:00 PM, Christ United Methodist Church, 400 5th Ave SW, Rochester, $20.

The Amish Project is a fictional exploration of the Nickel Mines schoolhouse shooting in an Amish community, and the path of forgiveness and compassion forged in its wake. ‘Extraordinary... compelling... the play is also a remarkable piece of writing.’ The New York Times Feb, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 2017 NOTE: Strong language and mature themes, including descriptions of violence.

Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery: 11-Feb, 7:30 PM, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave.,Faribault, $10-$16.

Member $14/ Non-Member $16/ Student $10.

Get your deerstalker cap onthe plays afoot!

From the award-winning mastermind of mayhem, Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor), comes a fast-paced comedy about everyones favorite detective solving his most notorious case.

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson must crack the mystery of The Hound of the Baskerville before a family curse dooms its newest heir.

This small cast of shifting characters will keep you in suspense! Stay overnight at the Historic Hutchinson House B&B and receive two free tickets to this event! nd The Kings of Swing: 11-Feb, 7:30 PM, Signature Bar and Grill, 201 Central Ave N, Faribault, Free. Ready, Get Set, Swing!

Bring your dancing shoes or dine, drink, and listen to a great swing combo. Featuring Paul Ousley, Mark Whillock, Michael Hildebrandt, Doug Madow, Dallas Musselman and Jivin’ Ivan Whillock.

Songs of Light for the Winter Solstice: Ann Reed with Joan Griffith: 11-Feb, 7:30 PM, Crossings, 320 East Ave, Zumbrota, $16$18. Old favorites and new songs from Reeds upcoming CD (release scheduled for fall 2017) will welcome the return of light. Reed has been performing and creating community for more than 35 years with songs that find a permanent place in the heart. Of course, some of her songs and stories might end up closer to your funny bone a little irreverence never hurt anyone.

WEEK of Feb 12-18 Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery: 12-Feb, 2:00 PM, Paradise Center for the Arts 321 Central Ave., Faribault, $10-$16. Member $14/ Non-Member $16/ Student $10. Get your deerstalker cap onthe plays afoot! From the award-winning mastermind of mayhem, Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor), comes a fast-paced comedy about everyones favorite detective solving his most notorious case. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson must crack the mystery of The Hound of the Baskerville before a family curse dooms its newest heir. This small cast of shifting characters will keep you in suspense! Stay overnight at the Historic Hutchinson House B&B and receive two free tickets to this event!

Classic Movie Sunday Matinee: My Favorite Brunette: 12-Feb, 2:00 PM, Zumbrota State Theatre, 88 E 4th St., Zumbrota, Free. The State Theatre in Zumbrota Announces Classic Movie Sundays! The Historic State Theatre in Zumbrota invites everyone to step back in time to cinemas Golden Age with Classic Movie Sundays. The State will feature a different movie every Sunday at 2:00

pm. While admission to the films are free, free will donations are encouraged and gladly accepted, with all proceeds from Classic Movie Sundays funding continued restoration and operation of the Historic State Theatre building. (1947) Hilarious Bob Hope comedy.

Baby photographer Ronnie Jackson, on death row in San Quentin, tells reporters how he got there: taking care of his private-eye neighbor’s office, Ronnie is asked by the irresistible Baroness Montay to find the missing Baron.

There fellow confusing but sinister doings in a gloomy mansion and a private sanatorium, with every plot twist a parody of thriller cliches. 507-732-5210.

God Wants You Well Bible Study: 13-Feb, 6:30 PM, Inspirational Technologies, Inc. Building, 1100 N. 4th Street, Le Sueur, Free. DVD series with Andrew Wommack, healing miracle testimonies, Bible study lessons, discussion, communion, prayer.

Everyone invited. Led by Dorothy Von Lehe.

Contact Dorothy at dvonlehe@mchsi.com or 507-665-6965 Beginning T’ai Chi Chih - Winter 2017: 14-Feb, 10:00 AM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, $50.

Do you desire less stress in your daily life?

Consider circulating and balancing your inner energy of ‘chi’ in the peacefulness of Assisi Heights. The form is composed of 19 easy, slow moving meditative movements and one pose; a practice done by people around the world. T’ai Chi Chih is adaptable and it benefits persons with any physical condition at any age. It can be done standing or seated and requires no special equipment or dress.

Other benefits include greater flexibility, better health, evident serenity and increased joy. In the beginner’s class, you will learn and practice all 19 movementsand the final pose in 8 weeks. This workshop is an 8 session series, not a drop-in class. Registration Required.

New Ulm Film Society -- Famous Actor/ Director Partnerships: 14-Feb, 6:00 PM, New Ulm Public Library, 17 N. Broadway, New Ulm, Free. The New Ulm Film Society, headed

by Steven Sherman, Jack Beranek, and Clay Schuldt, will facilitate film screenings and discussions of films. The film screenings are made possible with a grant from the Optimist Club of New Ulm. The new theme is ‘Famous Director/Actor Partnerships.’ The series will begin with a film from 1994 starring Johnny Depp and Martin Landau, directed by Tim Burton. For more information about this program and other library programs, please call the library at 507.359.8334.

Danzig’s Comedy Hypnosis Show: 14-Feb, 7:00 PM, State Theater, 96 E 4th St, Zumbrota $8-$14. The Zumbrota State Theatre will be jumping with fun, laughter and excitement as Master Hypnotist David Danzig electrifies the audience with his Valentine’s Day special Comedy Hypnosis Show! During the show, volunteers will undergo a complete transformation. The pandemonium is all great fun and will have the audience laughing nonstop from start to finish during this special appearance. Bring your special someone and watch your sweetheart up on stage! More at www.crossingsatcarnegie.com or 507-7327616.

Happiness - A Book Discussion: 15-Feb, 2:00 PM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, $20. We all yearn for happiness and some search for it in fame and fortune. Others look for it in job success. Still others are driven to possessions both expensive and numerous, all to find happiness elusive. Sister Joan Chittister suggests, in her book Happiness, that it is a personal quality to be learned and mastered.

She rummages through sociology, biology, neurology, philosophy and world history to explore the meaning of happiness. This book is meant for both discussion and reflection.

This workshop is a 5 session series, not a drop-in class. Registration required.

Thurgood: 15-Feb, 7:30 PM, Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, 1000 Shumway Ave., Faribault $9-$15, This powerful play follows Thurgood Marshalls life from childhood in the back alleys of Baltimore to the position of Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States. Along the way, this larger-than-life figure became one of the key architects of the American Civil Rights Movement that included the landmark Brown v. Board of Education cases as well as other key voting-rights cases. Tracking a journey of epic proportions, THURGOOD is an eye-opening, humorous, and uplifting portrait of a true American hero.

Frozen River Film Festival: 15-Feb, 7:00 PM, Winona State University, 151 West Winona, $12-$120. The Sanborn St. Frozen River Film Festival offers documentary films and programming that engage, educate and activate our community to become involved in the world. For more information, visit www.frff.org.

SocialICE: 16-Feb, 5:00 PM, Peace Plaza, 1st Ave SW & 1st St SW, Rochester, Free.

SocialICE Rochester Minnesota’s Ice Bar transforms the Peace Plaza in the heart of downtown Rochester to an outdoor ice bar experience. At SocialICE, you’ll experience seven 12-foot uniquely designed and themed ice bars each with signature drinks lighting effects, music, ice sculptures, a wide selection of beer and wine, and more. This event is FREE to attend and open to the public. Event begins on Thursday, February 16th and runs through Saturday, February 18th. Times: Thursday 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm and Friday & Saturday 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm.

A Slice of Life! Adoption Woes: 16-Feb, 6:30 PM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, Donations Appreciated. Meet Nicole and Nels Pierson, Sonja and Nels IV and their adopted son, Mardochel. Bringing the family together has stretched the skill and the ‘dream’ in this journey. Now, a year later, the Pierson family includes a grinning 11 year old from the

Add y o u r e v e n t f o r FREE to the TIMELINE c a l e nd a r . G O TO w w w. s o u t h ern minn . c o mm / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent Democratic Republic of Congo who calls Minnesota home. Learn about transitions, hope, perseverance, and faith that knits this family together.

Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery: 16-Feb, 7:30 PM, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave., Faribault, $10-$16. Member $14/ Non-Member $16/ Student $10. Get your deerstalker cap onthe plays afoot! From the award-winning mastermind of mayhem, Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor), comes a fast-paced comedy about everyones favorite detective solving his most notorious case. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson must crack the mystery of The Hound of the Baskerville before a family curse dooms its newest heir. This small cast of shifting characters will keep you in suspense! Stay overnight at the Historic Hutchinson House B&B and receive two free tickets to this event!

Frozen River Film Festival: 16-Feb, 7:00 PM, Winona State University, 151 West Sanborn St., Winona, $12-$120. The Frozen River Film Festival offers documentary films and programming that engage, educate and activate our community to become involved in the world. For more information, visit www.frff.org.

River Hills Home & Lifestyles Show: 17-Feb, 10:00 AM, RIVER HILLS MALL, 1850 ADAMS STREET, Mankato, Free. One Of The Largest Attended Events In The Midwest The success of the River Hills Home & Lifestyles Show over the last 24 years, has been the Face to Face connection with new customers attending the show, as well as the malls retail customers with products and services.

Attendance in 2016 was in excess of 71,000 visitors. This event features a variety of the region’s top home professionals. These area and regional experts, will be exhibiting products and services not only for the interior and exterior of your home but for your lawn and lifestyles as well. More information on this and future events can be obtained by visiting www.mankatomnshows.com or by contacting B & J Promotions at (507) 3877469 or by email at mankatomnshows@gmail. com FREE ADMISSION FREE PARKING B & J Promotions PO Box 1926 North Mankato MN 56002-1926 Contact Brad Hansen mankatomnshows@gmail.com Telephone (507) 387-7469 Fax (612) 564-7259.

Frozen River Film Festival: 17-Feb, 12:00 PM, Winona State University, 151 West Sanborn St., Winona, $12-$120. The Frozen River Film Festival offers documentary films and programming that engage, educate and activate our community to become involved in the world. For more information, visit www.frff.org.

SocialICE: 17-Feb, 4:00 PM, Peace Plaza, 1st Ave SW & 1st St SW, Rochester, Free.

SocialICE Rochester Minnesota’s Ice Bar transforms the Peace Plaza in the heart of downtown Rochester to an outdoor ice bar experience. At SocialICE, you’ll experience seven 12-foot uniquely designed and themed ice bars each with signature drinks lighting effects, music, ice sculptures, a wide selection of beer and wine, and more. This event is FREE to attend and open to the public.

D & R Star 3-Man Pool Tournament: 17-Feb, 7:00 PM, Holiday Inn Austin Conference Center, 1701 4th Street N.W., Austin, Go to http://dnrstar.com/leagues/pool-league/ events-entry-forms.php for more information.

Entry deadline Feb 13 - go to http://dnrstar. com/leagues/pool-league/events-entry-forms. php for registration form. For more information, call 507-433-8000.

Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery: 17-Feb, 7:30 PM, Paradise Center 321 Central Ave., Faribault, for the Arts $10-$16. Member $14/ Non-Member $16/ Student $10. Get your deerstalker cap onthe plays afoot! From the award-winning mastermind of mayhem, Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor), comes a fast-paced comedy about everyones favorite detective solving his most notorious case. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson must crack the mystery of The Hound of the Baskerville before a family curse dooms its newest heir. This small cast of shifting characters will keep you in suspense! Stay overnight at the Historic Hutchinson House B&B and receive two free tickets to this event!

Peter Ostroushko with Dan Chouinard: 17-Feb, 7:30 PM, Crossings, 320 East Ave, Zumbrota, $18-$22. Peter Ostroushko, one of the finest mandolin and fiddle players in acoustic music, returns! He’s bringing special guest Dan Chouinard to perform with him.

Ostroushkos tours have taken him to clubs, performing arts centers, music festivals and theatres across North America and Europe, and he has earned an international reputation as a versatile and dazzling musician and composer. He is at his most passionate playing a rich ethnic mix of music, at the heart of which is his Ukrainian heritage. More at www. crossingsatcarnegie.com or 507-732-7616.

Cole Swindell: 17-Feb, 8:00 PM, Treasure Island Resort & Casino, 5734 Strugeon Lake Road, Welch. $35-$55. Don’t miss Cole Swindell live at Treasure Island Resort & Casino!

D & R Star 3-Man Pool Tournament: 18-Feb, 10:00 AM, Holiday Inn Austin Conference Center, 1701 4th Street N.W., Austin, Go to http://dnrstar.com/leagues/pool-league/ events-entry-forms.php for more information.

Entry deadline Feb 13 - go to http://dnrstar. com/leagues/pool-league/events-entry-forms. php for registration form. For more information, call 507-433-8000.

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The Concert Club in Owatonna presents Dusty Heart 7:30 p.m., February 24 Jefts Hall, Pillsbury College Prep and Camp, Owatonna Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome The Concert Club in Owatonna to Southern Minnesota.

Raise your hand if this sounds like you… You’re a huge fan of music, and you love going to see great bands. You love living in Southern Minnesota, if for no other reason than it’s a great place to raise your family. You have more than one kid. You keep reading about all these amazing shows that are happening in and around Southern Minnesota, but you don’t live within twenty miles of the great SoMinn venues like the Oak Center General Store, Ed’s (no name) Bar in Winona, the Vetter Stone Amphitheater in Mankato or the Northfield Arts Guild Theater. You long to see Charlie Parr, Dave Simonett, Chastity Brown or The Pines, but you have familial responsibilities, so you stay home.

Sound familiar?

It sure did to Owatonna real-estate agent Mark Woodrich.

Despite the activity in Owatonna’s art scene, Woodrich was getting frustrated by his lack of opportunity to see great music close to home. Yes, Owatonna does have a couple very good concert series’, particularly the Steele County History Center’s Americana Showcase, but those dates were few and far between. So, Mark has taken matters into his own hands by forming The Concert Club in Owatonna. Working in partnership with Owatonna’s Pillsbury College Prep school, Woodrich has already scheduled a number of interesting shows for the early part of 2017, including The Pines with Fox & Coyote on April 28 and Sam Llanas (formerly of the BoDeans) on March 24.

River Hills Home & Lifestyles Show: 18-Feb, 10:00 AM, RIVER HILLS MALL, 1850 ADAMS STREET, Mankato, Free.

One Of The Largest Attended Events In The Midwest The success of the River Hills Home & Lifestyles Show over the last 24 years, has been the Face to Face connection with new customers attending the show, as well as the malls retail customers with products and services. Attendance in 2016 was in excess of 71,000 visitors. This event features a variety of the region’s top home professionals.

These area and regional experts, will be exhibiting products and services not only for the interior and exterior of your home but for your lawn and lifestyles as well. More information on this and future events can be obtained by visiting www. mankatomnshows.com or by contacting B & J Promotions at (507) 387-7469 or by email at mankatomnshows@gmail.com FREE ADMISSION FREE PARKING B & J Promotions PO Box 1926 North Mankato MN 56002-1926 Contact Brad Hansen mankatomnshows@gmail.com Telephone (507) 387-7469 Fax (612) 564-7259.

Frozen River Film Festival: 18-Feb, 10:00 AM, Winona State University, 151 West Sanborn St., Winona. $12-$120.

The Frozen River Film Festival offers documentary films and programming that engage, educate and activate our community to become involved in the world. For more information, visit www.frff.org.

Lake City Ice Fishing Contest: 18Feb, 11:00 AM, The Lake City Sportsman’s Club, 2200 South Oak Street, Lake City, Free. Come and join us for the 49th Annual Lake City Sportsman’s Club Ice Fishing Contest, Bingo, Raffles, Auctions, Food, and Fun on Saturday, February 18th, 2017. Please see our website for more information.

SocialICE: 18-Feb, 4:00 PM, Peace Plaza, 1st Ave SW & 1st St SW, Rochester, Free. SocialICE Rochester Minnesota’s Ice Bar transforms the Peace Plaza in the heart of downtown Rochester to an outdoor ice bar experience. At SocialICE, you’ll experience seven 12-foot uniquely designed and themed ice bars each with signature drinks lighting effects, music, ice sculptures, a wide selection of beer and wine, and more. This event is FREE to attend and open to the public.

6th Annual Foodie Throwdown: 18Feb, 5:00 PM, Hormel Historic Home, 208 4th Ave NW, Austin, For more information, call 507-433-4243. Annual event featuring local chefs preparing foods to a specific theme, with guests being the judges. For more information, call 507-433-4243.

6th Annual Foodie Throwdown: 18Feb, 5:00 PM, Hormel Historic Home, 208 4th Ave NW, Austin, For more information, call 507-433-4243. Annual event featuring local chefs preparing foods to a specific theme, with guests being the judges. For more information, call 507-433-4243.

Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery: 18-Feb, 7:30 PM, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave. Faribault, $10-$16. Member $14/ Non-Member $16/ Student $10. Get your deerstalker cap onthe plays afoot!

From the award-winning mastermind of mayhem, Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor), comes a fast-paced comedy about everyones favorite detective solving his most notorious case. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson must crack the mystery of The Hound of the Baskerville before a family curse dooms its newest heir. This small cast of shifting characters will keep you in suspense! Stay overnight at the Historic Hutchinson House B&B and receive two free tickets to this event!

Good Morning Bedlam: 18-Feb, 9:00 PM, Broken World Records, 265 E 3rd St, Winona, Free. Good Morning Bedlam is coming back to Winona for another exciting performance. Good Morning Bedlam is a quartet from Minneapolis, MN. Although they are classified as a folk band, Good Morning Bedlams music is influenced by many different genres, including bluegrass, jazz, rock and Traditional Gypsy music. Doors at 9pm All ages/No cover.

WEEK of Feb 19-28 Cabin Fever Craft & Gift Show: 19-Feb, 10:00 AM, Oak Glen Golf and Event Center, 1599 McKusick Road N, Stillwater, Free. Got Cabin Fever?! Like to shop?! Get out and about and stop in at our Craft & Gift Show! Our quality crafters and vendors have so much to offer and the venue is absolutely gorgeous - Oak Glen

The whole thing starts with a bang, however, on February 24, when Woodrich presents Dusty Heart and John Magnuson on February 24. Regular readers of this space will recognize Dusty Heart as a favorite among the crack staff of SouthernMinn Scene. The teaming of Molly Dean and Barbara Jean, both long-established veterans of the Minnesota Music Scene has produced some breathtaking results, and that’s before they’ve even released an album. The two have incredible skills which naturally complement each other. Dean is the guitar and piano player, while Barbara Jean opts for the banjo and fiddle. Their voices produce an incredible blend that is shockingly rare for two people who don’t share DNA. Both write beautiful, melodic songs that wrap around intelligent, creative lyrics. This sort of pairing doesn’t come around very often. Rest assured you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see and hear them in the future, but there will be very few as close and intimate as this show.

John Magnuson, formerly of the groundbreaking Twin Cities trio The Carpetbaggers will open the show. Magnuson is not far from gaining “elder statesman” status among Minnesota musicians, especially as the Americana scene continues to grow and thrive.

This is a strong bill. What a great way to launch Woodrich’s vision. If you’re a fan of music in the Owatonna area, or really anywhere in Southern Minnesota, we strongly encourage you to support this project.

THURSDAYS

BEER BATTERED WALLEYE LUNCH & DINNER

FRIDAYS

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19.99

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– Rich Larson is the publisher and editor of SouthernMinn Scene. You can reach him at

Golf & Event Center in Stillwater. Enjoy coffee and treats and a cash bar while you shop! Get your friends together and make a day of it in the beautiful St. Croix River Valley! Like our facebook page - Stillwater Flea Market - to see all our upcoming events including our popular Stillwater Flea & Crafters Market! Contact Shari with RSG Development & Promotions for info: (715) 557-1785, Email: info@ rsgdevelopment.com.

Frozen River Film Festival: 19-Feb, 10:00 AM, Winona State University, 151 West Sanborn St., Winona, $12-$120.

The Frozen River Film Festival offers documentary films and programming that engage, educate and activate our community to become involved in the world. For more information, visit www.frff.org.

D & R Star 3-Man Pool Tournament: 19-Feb, 11:00 AM, Holiday Inn Austin Conference Center, 1701 4th Street N.W., Austin, Go to http://dnrstar.com/leagues/ pool-league/events-entry-forms.php for more information. Entry deadline Feb 13 - go to http://dnrstar.com/leagues/ pool-league/events-entry-forms.php for registration form. For more information, call 507-433-8000.

River Hills Home & Lifestyles Show: 19-Feb, 11:00 AM, RIVER HILLS MALL, 1850 ADAMS STREET, Mankato, Free.

One Of The Largest Attended Events In The Midwest The success of the River Hills Home & Lifestyles Show over the last 24 years, has been the Face to Face connection with new customers attending the show, as well as the malls retail customers with products and services. Attendance in 2016 was in excess of 71,000 visitors. This event features a variety of the region’s top home professionals.

These area and regional experts, will be exhibiting products and services not only for the interior and exterior of your home but for your lawn and lifestyles as well. More information on this and future events can be obtained by visiting www. mankatomnshows.com or by contacting B & J Promotions at (507) 387-7469 or by email at mankatomnshows@gmail.com FREE ADMISSION FREE PARKING B & J Promotions PO Box 1926 North Mankato MN 56002-1926 Contact Brad Hansen mankatomnshows@gmail.com Telephone (507) 387-7469 Fax (612) 564-7259

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

Classic Movie Sunday Matinee: Love Affair: 19-Feb, 2:00 PM, Zumbrota State Theatre, 88 E 4th St., Zumbrota, Free. The State Theatre in Zumbrota Announces Classic Movie Sundays! The Historic State Theatre in Zumbrota invites everyone to step back in time to cinemas Golden Age with Classic Movie Sundays.

The State will feature a different movie every Sunday at 2:00 pm. While admission to the films are free, free will donations are encouraged and gladly accepted, with all proceeds from Classic Movie Sundays funding continued restoration and operation of the Historic State Theatre building. An engaged playboy and a beautiful woman have a chance meeting aboard a luxury liner and fall in love with each other. Hoping to prove to each other that this isn’t just a passing romance, the two agree to meet at the top of the Empire State Building if they truly love each other.

A terrible accident prevents the woman from meeting the playboy and a chance of fate eventually bring the two together.

Remade by director McCarey as ‘An Affair to Remember’. 507-732-5210.

God Wants You Well Bible Study: 20-Feb, 6:30 PM, Inspirational Technologies, Inc. Building, 1100 N. 4th Street, Le Sueur, Free. DVD series with Andrew Wommack, healing miracle testimonies, Bible study lessons, discussion, communion, prayer. Everyone invited. Led by Dorothy Von Lehe. Contact Dorothy at dvonlehe@mchsi.com or 507-665-6965.

Beginning T’ai Chi Chih - Winter 2017: 21-Feb, 10:00 AM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, $50. Do you desire less stress in your daily life? Consider circulating and balancing your inner energy of ‘chi’ in the peacefulness of Assisi Heights. The form is composed of 19 easy, slow moving meditative movements and one pose; a practice done by people around the world.

T’ai Chi Chih is adaptable and it benefits persons with any physical condition at any age. It can be done standing or seated and requires no special equipment or dress. Other benefits include greater flexibility, better health, evident serenity and increased joy. In the beginner’s class, you will learn and practice all 19 movementsand the final pose in 8 weeks.

This workshop is an 8 session series, not

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A dd y o u r e v e n t f o r FREE to the TIMELINE c a l e nda r . G O TO w w w. s o u t h ern minn . c o mm / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent a drop-in class. Registration Required.

Johnny Holm Band: 24-Feb, 7:00 PM, Holiday Inn Austin Conference Center, 1701 4th Street N.W., Austin, For more information, call 507-433-8000. Enjoy one of the most well-known, widely traveled, entertaining bands in America. For more information, call 507-433-8000.

Martin Zellar Friday: 24-Feb, 7:30 PM, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave., Faribault, $15-$25. Member: $20/ Non Member: $25/ Student: $15. Frontman for the Gear Daddies performs his Evening with Martin Zellar acoustic show, featuring his amazing guitar picking, and that famous and familiar gravelly, countryrock sound and original songs Minnesotans know and love. Stay overnight at the Historic Hutchinson House B&B and receive two free tickets to this event!

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble: 24-Feb, 7:30 PM, Sheldon Theatre, 443 west third street, Red Wing, $18-$35. The worlds funkiest marching band one minute, an unhinged New Orleans funeral procession the next. Los Angeles Times Seven blood brothers from the south side of Chicago were raised in an extraordinary musical family, learning their craft from their father, cosmic-jazz trumpeter Phil Cohran. The band freely mix the brass band tradition with generous doses of hip hop, soul and funk, creating an intoxicating and boisterous blend that is just barely contained.

From Lincoln Center to Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House, they have toured the world, backed up Prince, and their song, War, was featured in the blockbuster movie, Hunger Game. 651-388-8700 Hosanna’s Pantry: 25-Feb, 9:00 AM, Hosanna Lutheran Church, 2815 57th St NW, Rochester, Free. Hosanna’s Pantry is a satellite food shelf of Channel One food

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bank in Rochester. A photo ID is required.

Coffee and treats are served while you wait to shop.

Birthday Bash: 25-Feb, 9:00 AM, Hastings Armory, 3050 Hwy 316, Hastings, Free. **Join us on February 25th 2017 at the Hastings Armory for a Craft and Vendor event with up to 55 vendors. ***Enjoy FREE ADMISSION and once inside you will find, upcycled and handmade items from talented artists as well as many Direct Sales Representatives to choose from. So bring your friends, bring your family. Tell everyone you know.

WE CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU!!!! ** First 50 Attendees to visit our event will receive a surprise gift bag . https://www.facebook.com/ events/1076669282431726/ Kenyon’s 38th Annual Carriage & Cutter Day: 25-Feb, 10:00 AM, Kenyon, Minnesota, Kenyon, Free. 10 a.m. 1:30 p.m. Free Events: Pony Rides, Petting Zoo and Wagon Rides on the main street.Local food vendors on the street and in some businesses.Lunch at the VFW from 10:30 am - 3:00 pmSilent Auction at the VFW from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. tours of the historic M.T. Gunderson House every half hour.1:30 p.m. 38th annual Carriage & Cutter Parade featuring hundreds of horses and ponies of all breeds! Bonfire after the Parade9 p.m.-1 a.m.

DJ Music at the Kenyon Muni.

‘Sing Me Back Home: The Definitive Merle Haggard Tribute’: 25-Feb, 7:30 PM, State Theater, 96 E 4th St, Zumbrota, $28-$32. Five-time Gold/Platinum record

recipient Bobby Vandell steps out from behind the drum set to pay tribute to country great Merle Haggard. St. Cloud native Vandell has enjoyed a long, successful career as a drummer for artists ranging from Prince to Lipps, Inc., from Bonnie Raitt to Chuck Berry.

For tickets go to www.crossingsatcarnegie. com or call 507-732-7616.

Austin Symphony Orchestra: Remembrance: 26-Feb, 2:00 PM, St. Olaf’s Lutheran Church, 306 2nd St NW, Austin, $12. This concert is performed in memory of our orchestral forebearers, with Richard Roberts, the Violin Cncertmaster of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. Season tickets available (senior and college student rates too); contact Sonia Larson at 507-433-8719 or email sonial@charter.net, or Sue Radloff at 507396-2613 or email fiddlesue@yahoo.com, or go to www.austinmnsymphony.org.

Beginning T’ai Chi Chih - Winter 2017: 28-Feb 10:00 AM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, $50.

Do you desire less stress in your daily life?

Consider circulating and balancing your inner energy of ‘chi’ in the peacefulness of Assisi Heights. The form is composed of 19 easy, slow moving meditative movements and one pose; a practice done by people around the world. T’ai Chi Chih is adaptable and it benefits persons with any physical condition at any age. It can be done standing or seated and requires no special equipment or dress.

Other benefits include greater flexibility, better health, evident serenity and increased joy. In

the beginner’s class, you will learn and practice all 19 movementsand the final pose in 8 weeks. This workshop is an 8 session series, not a drop-in class. Registration Required.

Classic Movie Sunday Matinee: And Then There Were None: 26-Feb, 2:00 PM, Zumbrota State Theatre, 88 E 4th St., Zumbrota, Free. The State Theatre in Zumbrota Announces Classic Movie Sundays! Zumbrota The Historic State Theatre in Zumbrota invites everyone to step back in time to cinemas Golden Age with Classic Movie Sundays.

Beginning on January 15th with Laurel and Hardys 1939 comedy The Flying Deuces, The State will feature a different movie every Sunday at 2:00 pm. While admission to the films are free, free will donations are encouraged and gladly accepted, with all proceeds from Classic Movie Sundays funding continued restoration and operation of the Historic State Theatre building. The full list of dates are movies for Classic Movie Sundays are: January 15: Flying Deuces (1939, starring Laurel and Hardy) Sponsored by: Fi rebrick Bread January 22: Road To Bali (1952, starring Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Dorothy Lamour) Sponsored by: Feine Tune Motorsports January 29: Private Buckaroo (1942, featuring The Andrews Sisters) Sponsored by: Zumbrota Partners In Prevention February 5: His Girl Friday (1940, starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell) Sponsored by: Grimsrud Publishing February 12: My Favorite Brunette (1947, starring Bob Hope, Dorothy Lamour) Sponsored by: Olia Richter

February 19: Love Affair (1939, starring Irene Dunne and Charles Boyer) Sponsored by: Sale on 2nd February 26: And Then There Were None (1945, based on Agatha Christies novel) Sponsored by: Allison Emslie-Smith March 5:Bells of San Angelo (1947, with Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, and Trigger) Sponsored by: Ellison Sheep Farm (1947) Western with Roy Rogers, Dale Evans and Andy Devine.

Along the Mexican border, Roy joins Western novelist Dale in a search for smugglers.

They discover a silver mine. Songs include the title song, ‘Hot Lead,’ and ‘I Like to Get Up Early in the Morning.’ Bonus: (1939) Zorro’s Fighting Legion- Chapter #12 (1956) Sgt. Preston: ‘Crime at Wounded Moose’ An ex-con is accused of stealing gold and it’s up to Preston to clear him. All of the movies will be shown in their original, unedited format, with a pre-show news reel or cartoon from the same era. Concessions will also be available for purchase at these shows. The movies are sponsored by individuals, businesses and

by ZAAC. Originally built in 1921, The State Theatre has hosted movies and vaudeville acts for 95 years. The Zumbrota Area Arts Council purchased the building in 2011, and hosts movies, concerts, live theatre, and educational events in the facility. Renovations have been ongoing since 2013, when supporters of The State began the Encore Campaign to raise the funds needed to restore the building and make it accessible to a 21st century audience by adding handicapped accessible bathrooms, a new concession area, and improving the lobby area. Plans for

the next renovation phase include additional restoration work and stage improvements.

The Historic State Theatre is a community based, non-profit organization. As part of the Zumbrota Area Arts Council, its mission is to inspire participation in the arts and cultural experiences to enrich and expand Zumbrotas community life. A complete list of events and Classic Movie Sunday details can be found at www.ZAAC.org. Programming 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.

sessions, all focused on the importance of compassion today. Session 1: Suffering and compassion (including insights from various Spiritual and secular traditions) Session 2: Compassion and flourishing (as related especially to virtue and education, but also to self-compassion) Session 3: Compassion connected (wide-ranging, from arts to economics, from service industries to media) This workshop is a 3 session series, not a drop-in class. Steve Juenemann teaches courses in English, Philosophy, and Humanities at Rochester Community and Technical College. Registration Required.

Rich And Brandon Ridenour In Concert: 26-Feb, 4:00 PM, St. John the Evangelist, 11 4th AVE SW, Rochester, Free. TRUMPET AND PIANO DUO RICH AND BRANDON RIDENOUR will offer a fun recital at St. John the Evangelist on Sunday, February 26, 2017 at 4:00 pm. Rich Ridenour is an international Steinway Artist, while his son Brandon Ridenour became the youngest member to ever join the prestigious Canadian Brass. 507-732-5210.

God Wants You Well Bible Study: 27-Feb, 7:00 PM, Inspirational Technologies, Inc. Building, 1100 N. 4th Street, Le Sueur, Free. DVD series with Andrew Wommack, healing miracle testimonies, Bible study lessons, discussion, communion, prayer.

Everyone invited. Led by Dorothy Von Lehe.

Contact Dorothy at dvonlehe@mchsi.com or 507-665-696

The Importance of Compassion Today: 27-Feb, 6:30 PM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, $30. In The Art of Happiness, the Dalai Lama claims, ‘Love and compassion are necessities not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.’ What is the nature of compassion?

Can it and should it be taught? To what areas of our lives is compassion connected? Address these questions and more in interactive

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BOOK REVIEWS The Bookworm Sez:

Maurice White’s last words are for the real fans

The Bookworm Sez:

RBG’s ‘My Own Words’ is a fine book with a misleading title

By Terri Schlichenmeyer Your needs are very simple.

Food, shelter, water.

Those are the essentials, but then there are the things you need for yourself: family, good friends, a warm bed, a good book, and a place of welcome. You wouldn’t die without them, but those things spice your life. And if you were Maurice White, author of My Life with Earth, Wind & Fire (with Herb Powell), you’d add one more: music.

Born in Memphis at a time when Jim Crow ruled the south, Maurice White was four years old when his mother told him that she needed to go to Chicago to find a job.

She left him with a friend who became White’s “Mama,” and who raised him with strength and wisdom.

By Terri Schlichenmeyer Please and Thank You. Those were The Magic Words you learned at your mother’s knee, the ones that opened doors and gained favors.

That was also when you learned something important, as you’ll see in My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsburg (with Mary Hartnett and Wendy W. Williams): letters, when properly collected, can move mountains.

Born in working-class Brooklyn in 1933, Joan Ruth Bader was her parents’ second daughter; sadly, their eldest died of meningitis just fourteen months later.

Theirs was a close-knit neighborhood, and the family had many of the luxuries of the day. Bader attended public school a block from her home; there, because of other girls in her class who shared her first name, she started using her middle name “for more official purposes.” She was raised to be independent and was

He was a quiet boy, a born introvert, but Mama taught him by example to love God, Mahalia, and Ray Charles, though he was in junior high when he fell “deep under the spell of music.” White and his best friend pulled together a band then, and one of the members encouraged White to find his spiritual core and think in different ways. eighteen, not long before his Mama died of cancer, White headed for Chicago to live with his “Mother Dear,” his birth mother, who’d remarried and was raising six children. She offered him a place to stay, but he wanted to be his own man; he also wanted to emulate his stepfather and attend medical school, but music had such an allure that he told “Dad” that he’d been called to a different vocation. White became “a sponge” to soak up all he could learn about the music business. early 1970, he knew what kind of music he wanted to play. He’d been a bandleader before, and he was eager to do it again. An astrologer had even handed him a “piece to my puzzle,” an astrological chart was filled with “‘only fire, air, and earth signs’.”

Which brings us to page 77, almost the quarter-point of this memoir. That means My Life with Earth, Wind & Fire is one very wordy book. an avid reader, a notably talented storyteller, and she loved gymnastics but “was not… especially fond of math.” And since she grew up in the shadow of World War II and was Jewish, she was fully aware of antiSemitism.

Even as a child, in fact, young Bader chafed at inequality and “hypocritical rules.” She was also eloquent in her writing and was first published (in a Jewish Center newsletter) at age 13. Her leadership skills apparent, she entered CornellUniversity the fall after graduation from high school; there, she was greatly influenced by two teachers, novelist and European lit professor Vladimir Nabokov, and constitutional scholar Robert E. Cushman. The latter man “encouraged Ruth to go to law school.”

In mid-2003, co-authors Williams and Hartnett approached Bader Ginsburg and pointed out that it was time for her to tell her story, before someone else did. She had known both Williams and Hartnett for years through mutual interests and similar work, so “Without hesitation, I said yes to their proposal.”

In her preface, author and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg says that My Own Words was meant to be written after a planned biography but her co-authors “thought it best” to wait on the biography until her “Court years neared completion.” They

That’s not to say it’s bad – at least not the first half of it, anyhow. The late author Maurice White (with Herb Powell) tells of Jim Crow from the point of view of a child, of the Civil Rights movement, and what it was like in the early days of Motown, Chess Records, and a new kind of rock & roll. Because White and Powell are so casual in their storytelling, those memories feel like a conversation with readers.

At roughly the part where White switches gears musically, so does the book. There’s where we get a lot of detail about the band, players, gigs, and such – valuable info if you can follow along. Musical mud, if you can’t.

Therefore, the audience for this book, I think, is with a professional musician or a die-hard EW&F fan. Pass on it, if you’re not – but if you are, My Life with Earth, Wind & Fire could be elemental.

My Life with Earth Wind & Fire by Maurice White with Herb Powell c.2016, Amistad $27.99 / $34.99 Canada 385 pages.

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

“flipped the projected publication order…”

I wish they hadn’t.

I hung onto every word of Ginsburg’s life story. It’s everything you’d expect from her, and it surely won’t disappoint readers. What will, though, is that My Own Words aren’t always her own words. Yes, you’ll read transcripts of speeches by Ginsburg, legal briefs, bench announcements, introductions, and law review articles. Yes, you’ll see her fierce strength in that which she firmly believes. But a good amount of this book consists of essays, speeches, and articles written by others about Ginsburg, including things written by her co-authors. That disappointed me greatly; the written speeches and judgments were okay, but I wanted that biography. I’ll wait for it.

This Is. Not. A bad book. It’s just not what you might expect, so be warned. If you want more biography, fewer essays, be patient; it’s coming. But if you like extraneous works with your bio, then My Own Words will please you.

My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsburg with Mary Hartnett and Wendy W. Williams c.2016, Simon & Schuster $30.00 / $39.99 Canada 374 pages Terri Schlichenmeyer is a book reviewer based just across the river from SoMinn in LaCrosse, WI. She can be contacted at bookwormsez@gmail.com

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BOOK REVIEWS The Bookworm Sez:

‘Game Changers’ puts the spotlight on unsung women in sports

The Bookworm Sez:

‘Now for the Disappointing Part’ is all about the Millennial experience in the workforce

By Terri Schlichenmeyer You can’t bear to look at the score.

Whatever it is, it’s going to be close. Both sides are playing well today, and they’re all very talented. Your team might win. They might lose. Or, as in the new book Game Changers by Molly Schiot, they might alter the way the whole thing’s played.

Growing up, Schiot says, “I thought only men could be champions.” Most popular sports-themed movies indicated as much; so did TV before cable.

Few tales of women in sports were widely known, so Schiot, a Hollywood director, searched until she found a “treasure trove of images” that “inspired me to pull theses stories out of the dark.”

Take the story of Alice Marble.

Marble was a Grand Slam championship tennis winner many times over, but her “post-tennis life”

By Terri Schlichenmeyer Your father always told you to get a job.

He never let you wile away a summer, lying abed until noon. No, he usually rousted you before the birds got up.

Time’s a-wastin’, he said, you’ve missed the best part of the day. Get a job.

Find some work. Make your own money. But in the new book Now for the Disappointing Part by Steven Barker, it wasn’t quite that easy.

The realization came like a bolt from above: when Steven Barker’s dad was thirty-six years old, he had a family, a mortgage, and a high-paying job. A decade out of college, Barker, at thirty-six, was still working as a temp.

That hadn’t been the plan: Barker graduated with a degree in creative writing, and he longed to make a living from it. His dad had been a Company Man

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was equally remarkable: shortly after losing both her husband and her baby, Marble became a spy for the Allies during World War II. Althea Gibson was the first tennis player to break the color barrier at the U.S. Open. But did you know that there were a lot of African American women who fought on the courts before her: Ruth Harris, Lillian Hardy, Alfreda Jackson, Clementine Redmond…?

Of course, this book includes athletes like Billie Jean King, Babe Didrikson Zaharaias, Nadia Comaneci, Renée Richards, and Diana Nyad. You’ve heard about them, but you may not know that Olympian Abby Hoffman masqueraded as a boy when she was nine years old, in order to play hockey in Canada. You may not know about the abuse the first female probaseball umpire got during ump school, the jeers the first female Boston Marathon runner endured, or the record snatched from Kitty O’Neil. You might have seen an in-your-face move by skater Surya Bonaly, but you don’t know what bullfighter Conchita Cintrón did, or that Negro League baseballer Toni Stone cheekily befriended prostitutes while on the road. Because of what an autopsy revealed, you might not know about Stella Walsh at all. And there’s a chance that many of these women couldn’t have reached their goals or made history without the efforts of Bernice Sandler and who’d moved the family from Toronto to America while he moved up the corporate ladder, and he set an example. He supported Barker’s dreams and he sometimes supported him financially, though Barker hated to ask for help.

Instead, Barker “committed to nothing,” and accepted jobs he hated while honing his writing skills on his off-time. Each job had a finite ending – some eagerly anticipated, some not – and he assumed that if something didn’t work out, the next thing might.

Meanwhile, he procrastinated, stayed out too late, drank too much, and lost two girlfriends.

For a time, he lived in California, and worked at a medical supply warehouse. He moved to Seattle and got a job writing online travel descriptions.

He accepted several positions with a major online company, and checked out a delivery position at another business. He turned down a pay-for-click writing gig, labeled mittens for pay, delivered pizzas, and collected a lot of unemployment.

He wanted a job. A real, permanent job.

Or was this a better road to his dream?

As much as I loved reading Now for the Disappointing Part, and entertaining as it is, I kept wondering where it was going. It’s compelling and hard to put down, but what is its point?

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Edith Green.

Wow, are there a lot of surprises inside Game Changers.

Even rabid sports fans will find something new hiding here, in part because author Molly Schiot includes mini-chapters on women athletes in a huge variety of sports. Fans will find everything from the archery to zooming race cars, balls to boats, journalism, hiking, climbing, skating, and coaching. Nearly half of this book consists of photos of women athletes in action or in peril; many of them embraced dangerous feats and many were the target of men who thought they didn’t belong on the field. Schiot also treats readers to a few interviews with and by pro female athletes.

In addition to sharing it with any young girl or teen in your life, this large coffee-table-sized book is one you’ll be proud to own and display. The minute you’ve got Game Changers in your hand, you’ll know you’ve scored.

Game Changers: The Unsung Heroines of Sports History by Molly Schiot c.2016, Simon & Schuster $25.00 / $34.00 Canada 310 pages.

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

I finally deduced that the answer was “not much,” unless you’re in one of two camps: Millennials (of which author Steven Barker says he is / is not), and the people who’ll be hiring tomorrow’s employees.

Barker’s experiences, he indicates, are not unusual for his generation. He and his peers have noted what their parents achieved – indeed, he often compares his circumstances to his father’s success – but their own career paths don’t parallel that of their elders. Barker, who says his work history was “based on choice,” can be flippant as he describes his attitude toward former employers and co-workers. He’s blunt, and he certainly can be profane but his tales may speak volumes to HR managers or business owners.

If you are not in management, you’ll be entertained nonetheless by this author’s behind-the-scenes tales, and you’ll laugh. If you are hiring, however, Now for the Disappointing Part is full of lessons, but it ain’t your father’s HR book.

Now for the Disappointing Part by Steven Barker c.2016, Skyhorse Press $15.99 / $24.99 Canada 256 pages.

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

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Sports BALL

KARLEE KANZ Karlee Kanz is a freelance writer in Southern Minnesota. Contact her at editor@southernminnscene.com.

Devan Dubnyk

Mikael Granlund Charlie Coyle

How about them Minnesota Wild, eh?

Something very special happened on December 31st, 2016. No, it being the last day of this agonizing and very unfair year isn’t it, even though that in itself was special, and much needed, amirite? Something else happened that’s NEVER happened in any of the major sports, like, ever. Since NHL’s founding in 1917, the game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Minnesota Wild was the first time in not only the history of the NHL, but also the other three major North American sports, that both teams playing against each other were on an active win streak of at least 12 games.

Seeing two teams riding high and doing their best work in years, showcasing their badassery as they kick ass and take names was a sight to see. The Wild’s 12 game winning streak ended that night, the Blue Jackets winning 4-2, but it highlighted just how great they’ve been this year. Prior to this game, the last time the Wild lost in regulation was November 29th. One whole month, wow, now that is a feat in itself. Out of the 12 games they won, the Wild have beaten five teams currently holding playoff spots and six times on the road. Holy heck, they mean serious business.

If you’re still upset that they lost, here are some fun facts that’ll keep you warm at night, my sweet and lovely readers: The Wild have allowed only 70 regulation/non shoot out goals this season, tied with Columbus (of course, it has to be them) for the league lead, though Minnesota has played more than one game than them. Dooooooooooooooobs!

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Devan Dubnyk is the goalie we’ve dreamt of, well, at least I have. And no, not in THAT way, gosh you guys. Good ol Devy (I can call him that, right?), as of January 10, owns (literally, he’s such a bad ass) the lowest goals against average, best save percentage, and highest shutout total (five).

People say defense wins games, and they are damn right.

Seven of the Wild’s nine regulation losses have been by only one goal. And ya know what? Everyone is a team player, with that I mean fifteen players scored points against the Columbus Blue Jackets, which is a franchise record. Fif-frickin-teen. Oh, it gets better. In all of the NHL, Mikael Granlund (2), Mikko Koivu (4), and Jason Zucker (5) are in the top 5 in best Pos. +/- because of course. In my humble opinion, I believe we are seeing the best the Wild has ever been, and it looks like they have no plans of slowing down, fingers crossed they don’t wind up in the January doldrums like they tend to do. So cheers to the New Year, and GO WILD! Extra fun side-note: Sam Bradford, ya know the guy that kind of looks like Ryan Reynolds but not really? The QB for the Minnesota Vikings? Well THAT GUY set the all-time record for completion percentage in a season (71.6) during the last game of the year (in where we pummeled the Chicago Bears, since it’s a tradition and all, winning 38-10), pushing Drew Brees out of the top spot. He also set a franchise record for most completed passes in a single season. So If you aren’t on that slightly less attractive Ryan Reynolds bandwagon, or for some reason think he’s a bad QB, we can’t be friends. Bye Felicia. SMS

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Eric Staal

Sam Bradford

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CD REVIEWS

By By Daniel G. Moir editor@southernminnscene.com

a whole step above Richards that adds a spine-tingling chill to the proceedings.

More than a forceful blues vocalist, Jagger’s harp playing elevates him among the likes of James Cotton and Junior Wells as one of the greatest players in the genre.

One of the hallmarks of Blues & Jazz music is that the more life lived by a player, the better their skills. Whereas age may lead to a deterioration of the Rock player’s skills, here life experience will give way to a greater emotional feel that not just makes up for losses in physical dexterity, but adds depth of passion to the music played. “Little Rain” is rough, and thoroughly lived in by both Jagger and Richards. You can sense the hardship that both these men have weathered. With wounds often self-inflicted in their experience, their playing on this track in particular draws you into the intimacy of lives lived and dirty roads travelled.

Little Walters’ “Hate To See You Go” is unabashed, simple fun. A jump-blues style reminiscent of early Stones songs like “I Just Want To Make Love To You,” the band sounds both familiar and mature. Richards and Woods guitars play off each other with seamless interplay as Charlie Watts provides the steady, but loose drumbeat that only he can deliver.

Producer Don Was does a masterful job by just staying out of the way and letting the band go. Largely assembled as first or second takes with no discernible overdubs, the recording has a rawness rarely found in recent major label recordings. Was keeps the band on the path that it is often better to sound “right” than to sound “perfect.”

Through their many past attempts in the genre, the Rolling Stones have been almost too respectful of the form. That isn’t the case here. With Blues & Lonesome, the 55-year group breathes a comfortable new light into the music that both formed and informed them to earn them a place shoulder-to-shoulder with their Chicago Blues forbears. It is all of us who reap the rewards.

B

The Rolling Stones finally make a real blues album

lue & Lonesome is the best Rolling Stones album since 1978’s Some Girls. It is also the most honest and direct performance the venerable British band has ever committed to tape. Recorded in a mere three days, this first studio Stones album in eleven years finds the quartet fresh and energized by the opportunity to re-cast the Chicago Blues of their heroes in exciting new territory, revealing new shades to songs that pre-date the band.

American Blues music has its origin in the Country Acoustic Delta Blues born in Clarksdale, Mississippi and best epitomized in the recordings of Willie Brown, Robert Johnson, and Junior Kimbrough. It was from there that the Blues moved North and settled in Chicago, electrifying itself through artists as varied as Willie Dixon, Howlin’ Wolf and Little Walter.

With Blue & Lonesome The Stones, guided as usual by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, focus on the streetwise, grittier side of the blues. With the Glimmer Twins, this will come as little surprise to any one familiar with their long-standing reputation as the “bad boys of Rock & Roll.”

“Everybody Knows About My Good Thing” begins with guest Eric Clapton’s sliding lead instantly conveying the intimacy of closing time at an urban bar on the wrong side of town as Jagger remorsefully pleads for someone to “call the plumber darling, there must be a leak in my drain.” This slyly winking blues about jealousy takes on new life in the spontaneous phrasing of the players. The intuitive communication in this track, one of the six songs captured on a single day, reveals a band with shared experience that transcends time.

The most remarkable thing about Blue & Lonesome’s sound comes from Jagger’s extraordinary harmonica performance. Long vastly underrated, his playing on “All Your Love” is breathtaking. Initially playing along with Richards’ sleepy riff, he adds an exciting new dimension to the song by naturally adding a note

Daniel G. Moir has forgotten more about music than all the rest of us know combined. Reach him at editor@southernminnscene.com

By Sarah Osterbauer editor@southernminnscene.com

love that I’m chasin’, but I’m runnin’ just in case” simply and concisely expressing that feeling of being alone but not lonely. This is just one of many examples of Lambert’s expertise with words, bending and blending in a way that is both backwoods and poetic.

On “We Should Be Friends” Lambert outlines the kind of people she likes to call hers, cleverly and specifically. “If you paint your nails, while you cut your loss, if you like actin like you’re the boss” are just some of the criteria to be one of hers. It’s cheeky fun, set to island vibey guitars and “ooh ooh oohs”. Even if you don’t fit the criteria, you’ll want to be her friend by the end.

The first disc is filled with tales of a vagabond nightlife where regrets and YOLO moments collide. It’s about living life by winging it and being comfortable with not having a plan. On the second disc, things turn to more serious matters of the heart. On “Tin Man” she brilliantly frames the condition of her heart as a conversation with L. Frank Baum’s famous fictional character. She gives him the painful truth about hearts, suggesting he may not want one. It’s a beautiful lament bordered by gentle guitar picking and the light whir of dreamy keys. The heart condition conversation continues on slow dances “Well Rested” and “To Learn Her”.

The music on these songs goes back to country’s earlier days, where pedal steel ruled. There’s no one layering weird talky-rap verses over these choruses or horns appearing where they shouldn’t. These songs aren’t pop country, they’re country straight, smelling of leather and cigarettes. This album is real life laid out in all its sadness and ugliness. Here Miranda reminds us that she’s so much more than tabloid fodder, but not so much that couldn’t – or wouldn’t want to – relate to her.

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Miranda Lambert’s Weighty ‘Wings’

or a big name like Miranda Lambert, she released The Weight of These Wings so quietly the press for it hasn’t risen above a whisper. And in the land of streaming service where singles are king, she dared to put out two albums worth of material at once. It is the antithesis of what we expect from an artist who could get away with producing less and still see commercial success. That said, it’s clear from the start of these 24 songs that money was the furthest thing from her mind when she chose them (20 of the 24 she wrote or co-wrote). Even the photo on the album cover isn’t one of a glossy Nashville vixen. It’s a photo of a woman who looked inside herself and dug deep to recover any identity that was lost in the wake of her very public divorce from Blake Shelton.

It would be easy to attribute the darkness behind these tunes to the sinuous drama with Shelton but you’d be doing Lambert a disservice in that. Because even when she was lighting things ablaze with “Kerosene” (pre-Shelton) she was, and still is, a first rate songwriter, capable of the kind of classic country storytelling that makes the genre what it is. She’s steadfast in her conviction to her self-awareness, her strengths and her weaknesses (however they may flip flop from time to time). She remains the voice of the every woman, even if you’re nothing like her, you admire her sureness and the comfort she has in her own skin. When she’s breaking hearts or someone’s breaking hers, when she’s being catty or being kind, she’s being painfully honest about it all.

The first single off The Weight is “Vice”, a solid song and that sounds at home on country radio. But the real gems are in the meat of the album. Miranda is the kind of lyricist that weaves analogies of the heart and the mind into prose that stuns and sooths. In the opening song, “Runnin’ Just in Case” she states “it ain’t

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Sarah Osterbauer is the SouthernMinn Scene music columnist and critic. She loves to meet the people who make the city’s heart beat (and sometimes break). Follow her on twitter @SarahOwrites.

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FEB 2017

SouthernMinn

Employment opportunities from the Southern Minnesota region

jobs

Financial tips to survive job loss he job market is fickle, and no one is immune to layoffs. Although the unemployment rate in the United States dipped to 4.9 percent in June 2016 and Canada’s rate hovered around 7 percent in May 2016, the job market remains somewhat unpredictable. Preparing financially for unemployment can be prudent, even for working professionals who do not anticipate being laid off.

Financial advisors recommend adults save the equivalent of six months’ salary to cover their expenses in the event of job loss. Individuals who want to protect themselves and their assets in the case of job loss can also heed the following tips.

• Examine current finances. It’s important to have an accurate assessment of your current financial situation. Calculate monthly expenses to get a handle on what you are spending.

Compare those expenditures against your savings to see if the latter can keep you afloat should you lose your job. Look for areas where you may be overspending, even cutting out

T

some luxuries if you suspect a job loss is looming or just want to build your savings.

• Begin budgeting for loss of health insurance. Health insurance coverage typically ends when a person is laid off.

Loss of coverage might not be immediate, but it may occur within months of a layoff. Health insurance is a considerable cost, and you will need to budget for the expense so that you will have access to the health services you need.

• Research options in government benefits. Few people like the prospect of visiting the unemployment office after being laid off, but delaying the process could negatively affect your finances. It can take some time for unemployment claims to be processed, so apply as soon as possible after losing your job.

• Find ways to supplement your income. Bringing in any money can be helpful. If it is feasible, look for ways to make some cash while you search for a new job in your field. This may include working from home, freelancing or selling items online. Consider part-time work while you look for a

job. You may prefer to find temporary or part-time work in your field, but your hobbies and other interests may present income possibilities as well.

• Practice living with less. Cut out unnecessary expenses and attempt to live with less. You may find that this comes easily and continue to do so even though you remain employed. Such a trial run can bolster your savings in the event of layoff while also acclimating you to living with less should a layoff ever occur.

• Don’t burn bridges. While it’s understandable to harbor some resentment toward an employer for letting you go, that same employer may be able to help you in the long run.

Supervisors can help you find a new job or write glowing recommendations. Staying positive and resisting the temptation to badmouth a former employer can only help you in the long run.

Losing a job is seldom easy and is often unexpected. But there are steps adults can take to prepare for losing their jobs.

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KEVIN KREIN

The BEARDED LIFE

An expert at romance, Kevin Krein has written ‘The Bearded Life’ for three years. He’s operates the award winning music blog Anhedonic Headphones, and is a contributing writer to Bearded Gentlemen Music. He may be best known for being a cool rabbit dad. Follow his romantic tweets: @KevEFly.

Nobody actually covers themselves with the sheets in this way. Also, sorry this is from that show “Entourage.”

It was the only image that displayed what I was trying to explain.

I

Conjuring The Sex Demon

physical excitement that comes along with the don’t know if you are aware of this, but sex is hard. beginnings of a relationship—i.e. not being able to You don’t want it be that way. No. You keep your hands off of each other, and the flattery want it to be effortless. You want it to be of thinking “this person wants to do that with smooth or maybe gentle. You want it to be me?!?” passionate and romantic; or, at times, maybe Once you grow out of that excitement, though, you want it to be raunchy or weird. what takes its place?

You want it to be how it is depicted in movies or on cable television.

When it’s over, you want the sheets to drape over you and your partner, covering up just the right places.

However, it is actually none of those things.

Sex is awkward. It’s embarrassing and rushed.

It’s messy. It’s nerve wracking and requires a lot of concentration, but not too much concentraNope. It doesn’t actually happen like this. tion, because then you’ll overthink it. It’s exhausting and uncomfortable and You get older and your level of desire changes. frustrating.

Your sex drive wanes. You become too self If, for you, sex actually is effortless, passionate, conscious and self aware; you cannot stand the et. al—my instinct is to say that you’re doing it thought of yourself without clothing on. You’re wrong. But that’s not true at all. You’re probably tired all the time, and are unable to fathom putdoing it right. And my question to you is, just how ting forth the effort that goes into marginally are you doing it? enjoyable intimate acts.

Somewhat recently, my wife and I watched that You become busy with family, extracurriculars, mini-series “The Night Manager.” There is a scene or a demanding career, and there are moments where Tom Hiddleston bangs the mistress of his when it seems like there literally isn’t time to have nemesis—the man he has been sent deep undersex. And if you think there is time, one of you has cover to bring down. The sexual tension between to work up the courage to initiate it. the Hiddleston and this gal, leading up to that But when do you do that? And how do you do point, is palpable and unnerving. It culminates in that? the two of them rushing into a hotel room, where The morning is almost completely out of the Hiddleston proceeds to pull down a portion of question. Neither of you have brushed your teeth his pants, so his bare ass is exposed (something for the ladies!), while his scene partner, Elizabeth yet; and, perhaps you and your partner both wear Debicki, is pressed up against the hotel room wall incredibly sexy mouth guards during the night to in an effort to support her weight, and somehow, prevent jaw clenching or teeth grinding. they are able to bang while standing up.

And my guess is that there is nothing more The act only lasts a few moments before he’s all annoying than being half asleep, only to be woken done, and she dismounts, as they stand basking up by your partner’s incessant pawing at you, and in an awkward, dangerous afterglow of what they possibly poking at your backside with a hard on. just did.

What about in the evening, after work?

After watching this highly un-sensual scene, we Not likely. The last thing you probably want to were both left feeling a little perplexed at just how do after getting home from a long day of work is that was supposed to work in the real world. an activity that requires any effort. Plus, someone My wife and I have been married for almost has to make dinner. And do the dishes. And take eight years; prior to that, we were courting for out the garbage. And fold the laundry. around four. You grow together, sure—and your Okay—what about at bedtime? love matures. You grow out of the initial youthful This seems like it would make the most sense

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logistically, simply because you are both in the bed without a ton of other distractions. Isn’t that the time when intimacy is supposed to occur? That is, at least, how it’s depicted in movies.

There’s a good chance it’s pretty late at night, so unless you’ve retired to your chambers earlier to accommodate the time a proposed intimate interlude would take, all while still getting to sleep at a decent hour—making the suggestion at bedtime will more than likely be met with a resounding, “No. I’m too tired.”

Here, it seems worth noting that when met with a “no,” it is imperative that you take it in stride and not begin sulking. I have been provided with gentle reminders time and time again that pouting is not a good look for me in these situations.

If you somehow manage to think that there is, in fact, a good or right time of day for this to occur, the next challenge is initiation.

Contrary to what you may believe, your partner cannot read your mind. So if you’ve been walking around all day thinking, “Damn, we should have sex tonight,” more than likely, you are the only one who has that information, and it’s up ABOVE: Do a quick to you, as a grown-ass Google image man or woman, to take search for “sex responsibility and find demon.” Here’s one a tactful way to make it of the results that happen. we could show you Honestly, it’s best just in the magazine. to be straightforward on the matter and ask. Yes, RIGHT: Another such a direct approach search result from is not very romantic, but Googling “sex demon.” It appears to it gets the question out be a book. I bet it’s there and leaves little super good. room for misinterpretation. The method of dropping subtle hints all evening—being extra affectionate, following your partner around from room to room—can be misinterpreted, confusing, or just become plain annoying.

Then, of course, there is the act of intimacy itself. The moment you’ve been waiting for.

As soon as the clothes come off, it’s important

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to understand that you and your partner may differ in the sense that they may not be as easily “ready to go” as perhaps you may be—some finessing may be required. You may need to assist in setting the mood.

“You can’t just expect me to turn into some kind of sex demon,” my wife told me recently during a conversation. And she’s right, I shouldn’t expect that.

Sex is hard; it takes work, and you have to conjure the sex demon—there’s myriad ways one can attempt to do that, and none of them include painting a pentagram on your chest with edible body chocolate.

You could try the incorporation of what is politely referred to as a ‘marital aid,’ or dust off infrequently worn lingerie. Or if you can stand it, and are able to not take yourselves very seriously, you could try watching an ‘adult film’ together.

However, the most effective way to conjure the sex demon is through communication.

That sounds like something Oprah would say, I suppose, but we’re all so repressed and puritanical deep down, whether we want to admit or not, that discussing acts of intimacy with your partner or spouse can be embarrassing, even though it shouldn’t be. But being told, “You do this thing and I really don’t like that,” or asking, “What can I do to make you feel more relaxed,” may just provide you with the key that will unlock the door that the sex demon has been hiding behind. SMS

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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