SCENE JANUARY 2022

JANUARY 2022

YOUR GUIDE FOR

SOUTHERN MINN

PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

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YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

CONTENT

JANUARY 2022 / VOLUME 10 / ISSUE 1

FEATURES: 6

The Show Continues On

8

Winter Events

2021 A&E year in review.

Festivals, fun, and frolicking in Minnesota.

COLUMNS: 5 Philm COLUMN

The Golden Life of Betty White - 100 Years in Review

14 From the Music Side

14 The SCENE Calendar

20 Sarah Selects

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

Good, Better, Best - unpacking what makes ‘good’ TV good.

12 Mollywood BLVD

10 The Arts

Leaders optimistic for future after adjusting in 2021.

24 WOLDUM TV

What the movies offered in 2021.

22 SoMinn THE BOOKWORM SEZ

- Where the Deer and the Antelope Play - Capote’s Women - Rock Concert - I’m Possible - Books for Midwesterners

A movie and it’s soundtrack - Let No Man Put Asunder.

Favorite local releases of 2021

25 Through a SoMinn LENS

21 RANTS & RAVES

Reflections and hope during a pandemic year.

Who cares about the new year?

30 SoMinn FOOD & DRINK Review

Lacey’s Kitchen & Cocktails - Kenyon.

Southern minn

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YOUR GUIDE FOR

PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO. Scene is a monthly arts and entertainment magazine that inserts into seven Southern Minn newspapers: Owatonna People’s Press, Faribault Daily News, Northfield News, Waseca County News, St. Peter Herald, Le Sueur County News and Kenyon Leader. Our calendar lets you know what’s to come; our columns give you local insights on music/ travel/entertainment/more, and our stories will let you know the places to shop, the things to do, the sights to see in this region.

Minneapolis Northfield Le Sueur St. Peter

Kenyon Faribault

Mankato Waseca

Owatonna

Rochester Albert Lea

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Philm COLUMN

PHILIP WEYHE Philip Weyhe is your Southern Minn Scene editor, which means he can write about what he wants (within reason). He lives in St. Peter with his husband Ian, and they enjoy all things A&E, especially movies. If you have any comments on this article or the entire Scene publications, email him at editor@southernminnscene.com.

What the movies offered in 2021 L argely impacted by a global pandemic, but also general changes to consumer consumption, 2021 was something of a historic year for film — and for some people, not always in a good way.

The most obvious place to look is at the theaters. According to Nash Information Services, LLC, the total box office gross for film in 2021 (through the weekend of Dec. 17) was about $4.1 billion. That’s a big gain over the $2.04 billion of 2020, but movie theaters were shut down for a large portion of that year. In the pre-pandemic year of 2019, the total box office is reported at $11.26 billion.

Certainly the pandemic still impacted the numbers in 2021, but theaters were largely open throughout the year, and while a few blockbusters, like Spider-Man: No Way Home (on

track to be one of the biggest grossers ever), No Time to Die (James Bond), and a few other superhero and action movies were able to post strong numbers, “studio programmers,” awards season flicks and independent films were largely left in the dust.

It’s worrying for those invested in the future of movie theaters that such a small selection of films can excel there right now.

Take a look at the movie theaters in Mankato, as an example. Mankato is a mid-sized market that has traditionally played a decent variety of films — limited releases wouldn’t normally be seen here (at least not for several weeks after opening), but the midsized movies — the ones you would see advertised in the previews for blockbusters — normally would. At the Christmas weekend box office, Spider-

Man and Sing 2 took up the majority of showings, followed by a couple more action movies in The Matrix Ressurection and The King’s Man, plus another animated family affair with Encanto.

Awards season favorites, like Nightmare Alley, West Side Story and Macbeth, were nowhere to be found. Those movies were directed by Guillermo Del Toro, Stephen Speilberg and Joel Coen respectively. Those are major names! And they’re not even getting a chance in a middle market theater.

But can you blame these theaters?

West Side Story and Nightmare Alley bombed at the box office. These movies don’t need to be making hundreds of millions in domestic earnings, but they need to do better than $10 million or $3 million in their opening weekends (compare that to $260 million for

Spider-Man’s opening weekend).

This is the trend of 2021 that has many worried. Studios won’t be motivated to make anything for theaters, except blockbusters, and while those are fun, they’re just one part of the theater experience. I, for one, want to see Spielberg’s bigger than life spectacles and Del Toro’s creepy crawlers on the big screen.

Of course, the flip side is that audiences have always decided what they want. And perhaps what the majority wants is to watch most movies from the comfort of their homes on streaming channels or even cable, but if they ever do want to see that latest event movie at their local theater, will that option even exist? 

Have you seen a movie recently that you’re itching for more people to see? Do you know of a should-be classic that many might not? Do you just want to send a rant about a movie you love or hate?

Send me your thoughts at editor@southernminnscene.com and I might share with the Scene audience in a future edition.

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n o s e u n i t n o c w o h The s

2021 A&E Year in Review:

Faribault’s Paradise Center for the Arts holiday production of “Elf The Musical,” now available to stream online.

By ELIZABETH TAYLOR Guest Contributor

A

s a new decade approached, Southern Minnesota’s art organizations were in the midst of pivotal growth. The future looked bright for art and entertainment — that was until the pandemic made the unthinkable happen.

Broadway’s shining lights became dark as the rest of the country soon followed suit. Instead of pursuing continued growth, the industry quickly switched TAYLOR

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to survival mode. Almost two years later, 2021 proved to be a year of embracing the new while welcoming back the old.

A BALANCING ACT “We’re seeing things start to slowly evolve back into more of what I would consider normal,” describes Mike Jensen, member of Little Theatre of Owatonna (LTO).

This season, LTO was back to its typical schedule featuring five productions, including a bonus show, “All Together Now!,” a global event celebrating and bringing people back to local theatre.

Jensen credits LTO’s Executive Secretary Victoria Bartkowiak’s guidance and their relationship with the American Association of Community Theatre

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(AACT) for their ability to navigate through COVID resources and protocols successfully.

“We’re doing everything we can from increased cleaning and sanitation to providing hand stations and clear face shields for the actors,” Jensen said.

In addition, “Asking people to put the facial coverings on because you are going to be sitting in the theatre side by side for upwards of two hours of time. We’re trying to be as safe as we can.”

At one point, LTO could only seat around 75-80 people when occupancy typically consists of approximately 360. Fortunately, theatres have begun to increase occupancy as well as bring back beloved musicals to the stage while still continuing safety protocols.

Faribault’s Paradise Center for the Arts just wrapped its holiday production of “Elf The Musi-

cal,” while Fairmont Opera House will be performing Elf The Musical Jr. presented by their youth program in early January.

CONNECTING THROUGH TECHNOLOGY For community members who felt uncomfortable attending public events, there was a substantial increase in online viewing opportunities in which to partake. Northfield Arts Guild created an online presence from January to May 2021 with Live From the Guild Theater. The series, organized

by Ray Coudret, hosted monthly 30-minute live concerts featuring accomplished area musicians.

LTO also began to stream shows, starting with

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

The entire LTO cast of the global event production of “All Together Now!”

Joan Mooney, the instructor for the Adult Pottery class at the Owatonna Arts Center, demonstrates how to create a larger opening.

“Clue: On Stage.’ The only caveat was not always being able to obtain certain production licensing for member online viewing. But, Jensen believes we’ll continue to see more performances online: “It’s the future for sure.”

Silvan Durben, creative director at the Owatonna Arts Center, acknowledges that “Artists have used technology very creatively to reach out to their audience for engagement.”

Yet, Durben emphasizes that “Artists still want the live experience whether it’s standing in front of a work of art to see its real flesh or attending a concert or play. There’s energy that happens traditionally when in the presence of the art and artist.”

ART CONTINUES TO HEAL One thing has remained clear during the pandemic: how vital art is to our physical health and mental well-being. Both Paradise Center for the Arts and the Owatonna Arts Center have collaborated with their local hospitals to create a healing arts program.

Local artists’ work is displayed throughout the facilities, with exhibitions rotated every few

months. The goal is to “hopefully alleviate a little bit of anxiety that often happens in medical institutions. And that it takes them to another place,” according to Durben.

Another therapeutic commonality shared between the two art centers is the increasing popularity of clay sculpting.

“I think COVID has opened doors for individuals to try their hand at various art media that they might not have had time for in the past. For us, the most popular studio is our clay studio. It’s wellequipped with both electric and kick wheels along with kilns. Basically, people enjoy using their hands in making art because it engages the physical aspect of the human body and the creative mind and spirit as well,” said Durben.

Fortunately, like Jensen and Durben, the community has recognized art’s essential connection with the human experience and its healing nature during times of crisis.

While the financial impact throughout the pandemic has been devastating, community members have still managed to be very generous with their monetary donations signaling their recognition of the importance of the arts in the community.

And thus, the lights have begun to shine brightly once again.  - Southern MN native Elizabeth Taylor is on a journey to discover and capture impactful stories through her well-crafted photography and writing. Check out her latest series, Losses + Gains: Stories From Your Neighbors on Life’s Challenges and Triumphs, at elizabethwrites.medium.com.

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WINTER

festivals, FUN, and frolicking in MINNESOTA

By PAT GARRY patgarry@charter.net

I

n Minnesota, where the winter sun sets early and the trees are bare, the fun doesn’t move indoors. Instead, we pull on our snow pants, or in some cases, strip down to our swimsuits (when it’s polar plunge time), and we have some fun! Check out some of the winter fun and festivals taking place throughout Southern Minnesota.

FULL MOON LUMINARY SNOWSHOE (Friday, Feb. 11) — Takes place at River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Road, Faribault.

Enjoy an adult night out! Stroll through the nature center with luminaries as your guide. Then enjoy an adult beverage as you warm up inside.

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Snowshoes available to rent. Masks required indoors.

To help with spacing, pre-register (507-3327151) for an entry time. This allows for better distancing.

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EXPERT-LED OWL PROWL (Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022 and Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022) — Located at the Owl Center, 126 E. Cedar St., Houston, MN. Owls live all around us but are very good at evading detection. Come learn how to identify our local owls by size, shape, silhouette

and sound with the Owl Center’s human and owl staff.

Following the indoor portion of the program, participants will car-pool to known owl territories in and around Houston to call and listen for Eastern Screech-Owls, Barred Owls, and Great Horned Owls. Meet at the International Owl Center no later than the listed time (the center will open 30 minutes prior to the program start time).

Plan to spend the first 45 minutes indoors (chairs will be placed to keep households at least six feet apart) learning to identify owls by sound before going outdoors. Dress for the weather, and try to wear clothes that don’t make noise when you move. You will drive your vehicle following our staff to 3-4 different locations within 10 miles of Houston. Calling will be done from the side of the road, so very little walking is required.

Children are welcome but must be able to stand quietly for at least 10 minutes at a time. Expect to

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

return to the Owl Center roughly 2.5-3 hours after program start time. Send an email to karla@internationalowlcenter.org to get on the waiting list or call 507-896-6957.

WANAMINGO VINTAGE SNOWMOBILE RIDE AND SHOW (Saturday, March 5, 2022) — Snowmobile Fans!

Come on down to the Wanamingo Fire Hall for the 12th Annual Vintage Snowmobile Ride and Show March.

The Wanamingo Fire Department Relief Association puts on a yearly vintage snowmobile ride, snowmobile contest, chili feed (including chili cook-off contest), bean bag tournament, and raffle.

The event is both family friendly and fun for the adult crowd. The event lasts most of the day. Proceeds are donated toward the Wanamingo Fourth of July fireworks.

Location: August Schell Brewing Company-1860 Schell Road, New Ulm, MN; admission: tickets cost $10; 21-plus event; IDs required; tickets will also be available at the gate on the day of the event for $10; limit of 10 per purchase; limited number of tickets will be sold in advance. Gift shop opens its doors at 10 a.m. on the day of advanced ticket sales and will sell tickets as long as they are available. Online sales begin at 10 a.m. on Feb. 3 and last as long as tickets are available.

ties throughout St. Peter.

Local law enforcement also puts on a polar plunge to raise money for Special Olympics Minnesota to coincide with Winterfest.

GRUMPY OLD MEN FESTIVAL (Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022) — Enjoy fun events, great food, shopping adventures and more. The first priority is the safety of the community and visitors.

Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon have both passed on, but “The Odd Couple’s” influence remains strong in the Mississippi River town of Wabasha, where they filmed both of the “Grumpy Old Men” movies late in life.

Like the namesake films, the Grumpy Old Men Festival finds fun on the ice, on the river, and in costume. There’s a goofy costume contest and minnow races that bring the movies to life, and more classic fare in the form of the ice fishing contest, and cribbage and Texas Hold ‘Em tournaments. Get involved in the ice fishing contest, cribbage tournament, bingo, Annual Grumpy Plunge and more.

Visit wabashamn.org for more.

PINE ISLAND’S WINTER FEST

BOLD AND COLD OWATONNA

BOCK FEST NEW ULM (Saturday, March 5, 2022) — Beckon warmer weather at Bock Fest with a mug full of Bock beer, live music, hot brats and bonfires.

Seven Bocks of Winter are hiding around the brewery and in Flandrau State Park, waiting for brave festers to venture out and capture them.

Armed with completely useless clues and Bock beer, hunters will comb the park in search of these elusive bocks. Two human St. Bernards, with kegs of Bock beer strapped to their backs, are ready to be dispatched at a moment’s notice of the first signs of thirst.

Oft-repeated tales depict their heroic exploits, finding festers roaming the woods at wits end, searching for another glass of Schell’s Bock beer.

Once they receive nourishment, they find the strength to go forth and continue their search for the stealthy bocks. Legend has it if all Seven Bocks of Winter are captured and brought back to the brewery, winter will release its icy grip on Minnesota, and bring an early spring (this has never been scientifically proven and is widely disputed among scholars to this day).

For those not hearty enough to leave the Schell’s Brewery fest grounds, feel no shame. Schell’s beer, brats, live music and warm fire await you. But the party doesn’t stop there. Festers flock to downtown New Ulm for a fun-filled night of friendship. And when the night has run its course and it’s time to call it quits, organizers ask that you call for a ride home. Be safe out there.

(Friday, Jan. 28, 2022; Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022; Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022) —The Bold and Cold Festival is the last weekend in January.

There are events and activities that are designed to highlight the Minnesota psyche of “cold noses and warm hearts!”

The festival features activities for the young and the young-at-heart. Activities include a medallion hunt, snowman building contest, cardboard sled races, ice fishing contests, snow sculpture contest, fat tire bike races, and more. Be bold and embrace “cold noses and warm hearts” during the weekend Bold & Cold in Owatonna celebration.

(Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022) — Some of the attractions include groomed cross country ski and snow shoe trails at the Pine Island Golf Course. Luminaries will light the course in the evening.

Eagle Bluff Environmental Center will be at the golf course with cross country skis and snow shoes that people can rent. That will be from 4-8 p.m.

There will be a cardboard sled race at the golf course at 11 a.m. (pre-registration required). The Legion will be sponsoring Family Bingo starting at 1 p.m. The Senior Citizens Center will be hosting story telling and a coloring contest for youngsters age 3-7, starting at 9:30 a.m. Olde Pine Theater will have a concert on Saturday evening.

Tesla, of Maplewood, will be in town at noon, and folks will be able to test drive a Tesla. Pine Haven Community is hosting a snowman building contest, with judging on Saturday afternoon. All of the events will be posted to the Image Committee’s Facebook page.

WASECA COUNTY SLEIGH AND CUTTER

ST. PETER WINTERFEST (Friday, Jan. 28, 2022) — The fun-filled festival includes a Winterfest opening ceremony party, free hot chocolate and s’mores, medallion hunts, a polar plunge, hairy legs competition, poker walk, Commander’s Chilifest and a winter demolition derby. Winterfest St. Peter offers a variety of activi-

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(Saturday, Jan. 22-Feb. 26, 2022) — This festival was created in 1950 in Waseca and continues to entertain young and old. Miss Waseca County Sleigh & Cutter reigns over all events including the parade.

Horse owners from around the state bring magnificent horses of every type imaginable to Waseca for the parade down State Street. Only animal powered units and riders are allowed. Sleighs, cutters, bobsleds and many types of wagons and buggies can be seen. Most of the events are free!

Many restaurants and clubs offer special meals and entertainment.

Check sleighandcutterfestival.org for a full schedule of events. The Waseca Sleigh and Cutter Festival is a fun escape from winter after the holidays are over. If you like horses, curling, ice sculptures, and parades, this event is for you. There are activities for all ages. Just a few of the events include a Frosty the Snowman contest, medallion hunt, bridge, a

dance, and a coloring contest.

Highlights: Dinner/Dance; Parade;Winter Charm at the Farm @ Farmamerica; Waseca Sleigh & Cutter Festival Pageant 2/5; (the current Miss Minnesota came from this program-second one in 4 years); Vintage snowmobile race; huge fireworks display on Clear Lake; ice sculpting, ice curling, youth hockey, bean bag tournament and several snowmobile events.

LAKE CITY ICE FISHING CONTEST (Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022) — “We are excited to bring back our full event this year after holding a virtual raffle event last year. We love bringing people together from near and far, and we fill the day with lots of games, prizes, and fun. It’s a wonderful community event that showcases our town’s collaborative spirit,” explained Amy Brinkman, Event Chairperson.

It takes more than 80 volunteers to make the day happen, and the event receives support from approximately 150 local businesses who donate to the day’s events. There will be fun and games inside the clubhouse and on the ice and for all ages.

Amy encourages folks to bring the whole family for a great Minnesota winter experience! And the frozen Lake Pepin views are a wonderful perk. Join in on a fun day of ice fishing and games on Lake Pepin (fishing site located just offshore from our clubhouse).  - Journalist-Copywriter-Editor-Feature Writer. My experience spans over 20 years, and I will apply my skills to help beef up any lifeless copy within your website, brochure, press release, catalog, etc. Reach out at patgarry@charter.net.

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The Paradise Center for the Arts puts on a radio show in 2021.

Arts

By BETH FORKNER MOE Guest Contributor

A

fter almost two years of being mostly distanced from others, regional arts nonprofit leaders are looking most forward to in 2022 is engagement – engagement with audiences, with artists, with the community.

That’s what all the people we talked to said, without prompting.

The pandemic has forced the organizations to become creative in how they connected with people, and they were able to do so, yet the in-person connections were starkly missed.

FORKNER MOE The organizations all were able to maintain some sort of programming, and were able to stay financially afloat, when no one

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Laudren Winder, Benjamin Boucvalt, Alex Campbell, Brittany Proia, William Sturdevant rehearse under tents at the Great River Shakespeare Festival in Winona.

(Photo courtesy of GRSF)

leaders optimistic for future after adjusting in 2021

anticipated when everything closed down abruptly in March 2020. Many organizations received donations from people who had supported them in the past, or even from people they hadn’t known before.

Often, people who had already purchased tickets for planned events allowed the organizers to simply keep the money from those tickets.

Additionally, many funders changed priorities and made more grant money available to non-profit organizations, often in the arts.

Finally, government funding (through the Payroll Production Program and – most recently – the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, both through the Small Business Administration) helped tide organizations over. (The 410 Project, however, was not eligible for much of this funding, since they are volunteer-run and had no paid staff to retain).

We interviewed four arts leaders and asked them how they shifted programming during the pandemic, what they are doing now, and what the near future looks like for their organizations. Our conversations are edited for clarity.

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410 Project Community Art Space - Mankato Dana Sikkila, Executive Director “We cancelled exhibits and events from March until late fall 2020. We had to figure out the reality of our space. When we were closed, we had donations from individuals in the community, from $5 to $100, enough to pay our rent. (When we made the decision to open) people were in need of activities and a safe way to participate.

We had exhibitions, but no receptions or events.

We did engage with our artists, often in social media. (We did) a lot of social media – Facebook Live, videos with artists, and more. This was manageable for us and the artists, and it was safe for the community.

We also did a lot of virtual programming on Zoom, including artist statements, artist education, and sharing of professional practices.

We qualified for some small artist grants (but not those that require an organization to have paid

staff). We are funded by the community, which tells us how the community feels about us. We’re important to a lot of people. We’re completely volunteer-run, by a group of people who really care about what they’re doing. This is hard to sustain, but we’ve been open since 2003. People care about us; we pay our bills from people who donate to us, and we’ll be open as long as we can.

Almost everything we do is free, unless there are costs for materials. We get some grants to pay our teachers, but they generally donate it back, because they want us to be sustainable.

Right now, we still don’t feel back to normal.

Things fluctuate every couple weeks. People get sick, but as younger people get vaccinations, they have more access to us.

Going forward, we want to ideally continue to provide space for anyone who is creative, people who are making things and made things through the pandemic.”

(NOTE: Sikkila is on the board of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, which lobbies the Legislature for such things as the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. This was passed in 2008, and the arts

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Laudren Winder, Benjamin Boucvalt, Alex Campbell, Brittany Proia, William Sturdevant rehearse under tents at the Great River Shakespeare Festival in Winona. (Photo courtesy of GRSF) receive about 20% of the funding from it, which comes from sales taxes throughout the state. Minnesota provides more money to arts organizations than almost any other state.)

to discuss things one-on-one with the people making the art.”

Great River Shakespeare Festival – Winona

– Winona

Aaron Young, Managing Director

Mid West Music Fest (MWMF) was scheduled to hold its festival the first weekend in May 2020. It pivoted quickly and was able to hold “MWMF – At Home” virtually just a week later. For two days, on two streaming channels, most of the originally scheduled musicians played where they could (from their backyards to their garages). For the rest of the year, artists recorded music that was streamed to audiences on a regular basis. Additionally, a couple outdoor events were held.

In May 2021, the Fest was going to be held with 250 people in attendance and outdoors (this was the Minnesota limit at the time), and in pods of 2-4 people. The Fest was held just a few days after Minnesota’s mask mandate was lifted, so people didn’t have to stay in their pods. But attendance was still limited (as compared to about 3,000 during a normal Fest).

In April 2022, the Fest will – hopefully – be back to normal. MWMF still plans, though, to hold some virtual events.

“Going forward, I’m really looking forward to connection and engagement with the community.

Been being able to go to a show at this point is wild. The energy of live music is so palpable. Obviously the pandemic affected people/organizations financially, but the real message is that people aren’t taking live music for granted any more. They feel like they need to pay more attention because of the lack of it and how much it affected us not having that.

(Holding) hybrid events is a strategy, not neccessarily a programming model. The whole transition to hybrid online model, in terms of music, was not so much to try to capitalize on the events; it was more like keeping yourself alive.

I like the hybrid model as an option and like seeing how people who are using it to foster community when you can’t get together and be in community. Actual connection points are what

Great River Shakespeare Festival (GRSF) put a pause – which they called an “intermission” - on its 2020 festival, which is held for 6 weeks each summer. In 2021, the festival was held outside in a city-owned park adjacent to the Mississippi River.

Strict COVID protocols from the Actors’ Equity Association prohibited, among other things, faceto-face conversations between the acting company members and the community.

Between early 2020 and the 2021 festival, GRSF continued to engage its audience virtually in a multitude of events. They included readings, skits, panel discussions, and Shakespeare’s Test Kitchen (with company members making food from Shakespeare’s plays on Zoom) and happy hours with other company members making cocktails/ mocktails. This year, GRSF got funding to produce a podcast based on MacBeth, which it Is offering to schools nationwide at no cost.

The organization also held its youth classes online in 2020. “Parents said it was a godsend.

Kids were skipping around the room, and happy to connect with others. A lot of the students are still meeting virtually monthly on their own, reading Shakespeare together.”

“We really focused on maintaining engagement.

Even though we didn’t have the fest, we didn’t want to lose the sense of community. I personally called every donor during this time. People were excited to talk on the phone, and I got to know the donors.

We removed as many barriers to engagement as possible. We removed our paywall, so everything was free, unless something was fully rehearsed.

Then we charged $10. We still are doing things to stay engaged; it’s really easy to do.

(Hopefully in 2022, the company and the community will be able to interact). It’s key to be able

Mid West Music Fest Dylan Hilliker, Executive Director

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Brittany Proia, Lauren Winder, William Sturdivant, Vaness Moresco, Benjamin Boucvalt, Alex Campbell play tempest nobles at the Great River Shakespeare Festival grounds in Winona. (Photo by Sydney Swanson) we’re more focused on this year.

We like that more people could access events.

Live concerts are starting to get streamed more.

Those who had bought streaming equipment are using that liv, so you can see your favorite bands whenever you are. That still has value. Any online content that’s engaging that brings people toward your organization is useful.”

Programming has stayed mostly the same, but a lot of it now is virtual. The classes are virtual, and staff will either put together art kits with supplies for people to pick up and pay, or will send participants a list of supplies. The gallery shows turn over their art work about every 5-6 week. Gallery openings are covered on Facebook Live, where artists are interviewed and talk about their work. There are artist talks that will continue virtually.

Live programming has also returned. In early December, “Elf: The Musical” was presented, as was a “Radio Show.” Both were also livestreamed.

– Faribault Several fundraising events have been held during this time, and “we received lots of donations.

Heidi Nelson, Executive Director People sent us money. We felt like they were saying Paradise Center for the Arts (PCA) has long been ‘we appreciate you. Keep going.’

We plan to continue doing hybrid events going known for its forward. There abundance of is the potential programming, to reach more from music and people. We performing arts, bought a dedito visual arts cated laptop (including galand cameras lery exhibitions and figured and classes). It out how to closed its doors livestream. We March 16, 2020 will continue to (just after Heidi do so. (When Nelson became we do producits Executive tions) we are Director) and going to buy started rethe rights to opening slowly them so we in June. can stream Between them. then and now, I’m exNelson and her tremely proud staff focused of our staff on bringing and the comdown expenses munity, who and raising adrallied around ditional money Artists collaborate on a project at the 410 Project in us. (The arts (they were able Mankato. are) important to pay off the to people, mortgage on culturally, emotionally and physically.”  the building) and improving the building itself,

Paradise Center for the Arts

including updating the second floor leading to the balcony of the auditorium and making improvements to the sound in the auditorium.

- Beth Forkner Moe is a nonprofit consultant and freelance writer based in Winona. We can be reached at Beth@ EnvisionItTogether.com.

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Mollywood BLVD

The

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

Golden Life of Betty White:

just 8 years old. She went on to graduate from Beverly Hills High in 1939 and found her knack for entertainment when she wrote and starred in a graduation play at Horace Mann school.

She married a few times; meeting her first husband, US Air Force pilot Dick Barter, while volunteering with the American Women’s Voluntary Service. The couple moved to an Ohio chicken farm following

the war… Not exactly the life the star was destined for, so they divorced. Back to L.A. she went where she married Lane Allen, a Hollywood talent agent.

White appeared on television with small parts and low-paying cameos on various game shows, eventually landing her own radio show, The Betty White Show, in 1949; She divorced Allen later that same year. As one of few women in entertainment and a two-time divorcee, White befriended Lucille Ball. Both stars were filming

N

ational treasure Betty White turns 100 this month! That’s right, America’s ‘golden girl’ was born back on Jan. 17, 1922.

I know I am not alone in wishing that we could literally assign her national security and wrap her in bubble wrap until then, in fact there is an entire Twitter thread dedicated to it! The star credits hot dogs and vodka as the key to her long life. Over the last decade, with the popularity of social media sites, Betty White has become somewhat of a pop culture icon. In a polarized climate, there is one thing all Americans agree on: Betty is the bomb.

The star is probably most well known as Rose Nyland on The Golden Girls or the man crazy Sue Ann Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

Hailing from Oak Park Illinois, Betty Marion White (Ludden) originally dreamt of being a forest ranger. In several interviews, White explained that

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when she was a little girl dreaming of being a forest ranger it was unheard of- women weren’t allowed to do that then.

She has had a life-long dedication to protecting wilderness and wildlife and was proclaimed an honorary forest ranger by the U.S Forest Service in 2010. She continues to volunteer and advocate for animals and wildlife and serves on various commissions and foundations.

Her family moved to California when she was a baby. Her first role as an actress occurred on a radio program called Empire Builders when she was

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shows at Culver Studios in the 1950’s.

Like Ball, a kindred pioneer of early television, White has always been a trailblazer. She cofounded Bandy Productions with writer George Tibbles and producer Don Fedderson while hosting Hollywood on Television.

The trio worked to create sketches using characters from the existing show to create the television comedy Life with Elizabeth which garnered her the title of “(4th) Honorary Mayor of Hollywood.”

In 1954, NBC picked up The Betty White Show as a daily talk show for television audiences. As the show producer, White was criticized for having Arthur Duncan, a black tap dancer on. Her answer to the studio was, “I’m sorry, live with it.” Certain Southern stations threatened to boycott as she gave Duncan more airtime and NBC quietly pulled the show shortly thereafter.

This controversy did not stop White. She went on to be a staple guest star on game shows and late-night talk shows throughout the 60’s & 70’s including recurring guest appearances on the show Password where she married host Allen Ludden, the unequivocal love of her life who passed away from cancer in 1981.

She never remarried, stating, “Once you’ve had the best, who needs the rest?” Her sharp wit and bubbly personality continued to provide her gigs.

White was offered the lead hosting gig on NBC’s Today but turned it down because she did not want to relocate to New York City permanently.

She continued to be a familiar face on television with cameos and bit characters on everything from The Carol Burnette Show, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and The Match Game to a mainstay host of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Betty White

VESELI, MN

became the first woman to win a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Game Show Host for her hosting of the NBC game show Just Men in 1983.

The biggest role of her career followed shortly after when she was cast in a signature role as the adorably naïve and infectiously cheerful Rose Nyland, a St. Olaf Minnesota native, on The Golden Girls.

The show, which also starred Bea Arthur, Estelle Getty and Rue McClanahan as four widowed and divorced women living out their ‘golden years’ in a shared home in Miami, was immensely popular and won both critical acclaim and other accolades.

It ran from 1985-1992 and earned White another Emmy, this time for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series as well as a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The Golden Girls is aired in syndication to this day. The star believes that her positivity created a strained friendship with her cynical Golden Girls co-star, Bea Arthur. Reportedly, if Betty came to set in an overly positive mood, Bea would in turn be grumpy that day. Still, the actresses were often seen leaving together as filming wrapped each night and remained friends long after the show ended.

Following Arthur’s death in 2009, White was quoted to say, “I knew it would hurt, I just didn’t know it would hurt this much.” White, the eldest of the ‘girls’, is the last surviving cast-member.

The fact that she is the last remaining ‘Golden Girl’ has certainly played a part in her rise to pop culture icon status, but things really ramped up when she starred (alongside Abe Vigoda) in a Snickers Super Bowl commercial for Super Bowl XLIV. In the commercial we see Betty (and later Abe) among a group of guys playing tackle football in the mud.

As she goes for a pass, another player tackles her in the mud. When she gets up, her teammates refer to her as ‘Mike’ and tell her she is “playing like Betty White out there.” She then takes a bite of a Snickers bar and turns back into the young male, ‘Mike’.

The ad ends with the slogan, “You’re not you when you’re hungry.” The commercial won Mars Inc. the top spot of the Super Bowl Ad Meter and spurred public demand for more Betty.

A grassroots campaign was started on Facebook in January 2010 called “Betty White to Host SNL (Please).” The group reached 500,000 members and NBC went ahead and gave her the gig for the May 8th episode.

She was 88 years old. Since then, she has continued to cameo on popular television shows while her name and likeness pop up frequently on social media and in conversation. She has also remained close with her stepchildren and their families, so

while she has no biological children, she is still a beloved grandmother.

With Betty White reaching centenarian status this month many of us are on edge- dreading the day that we wake up to the news of her death. We know it will hurt and we are afraid of how much because she is not just some actress from our parents’ generation.

She is a household name with a legacy that has touched every generation.

In these turbulent times millions of people find comfort in knowing that she’s still alive and kicking.

In fact, the star is in fabulous health. To use a famous line from her Golden Girls character Rose, “The older you get, the better you get, unless you’re a banana.”

Indeed, the older you get, the better you get, especially when you are Betty White.

Happy birthday, Queen. 

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SOUTHERN MINN

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

.COM

CHECK OUT THE SCENE CALENDAR ONLINE FOR ADDITIONAL HAPPENINGS!

SEE MORE @ SouthernMinnSCENE.com

ville” 5:30-8:30 p.m. Start your New Year’s Eve celebration with live music by Miller Denn and wine/food by Indian Island on Dec. 31 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Auld Lang Syne. Hope to see you. https://go.evvnt. com/974656-0 indianislandwinery@yahoo. com

31-DEC Happy New Years Celebration

an arena style light show, a high energy performance, and great songs that you know and love into a show that you will not want to miss.” bandsintown.com

ring in the new year. https://go.evvnt. com/974674-0 mnwingking@gmail.com

“Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, 224 Lamm St., Mankato” 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

“The museum will be counting down the new year around the world. Come watch the New Years ball drop each hour!” https://go.evvnt.com/974694-0 info@ cmsouthernmn.org

31-DEC Driver Five “Corks & Pints, 22 31-DEC Kave Jazz “Imminent Brew-

31-DEC 70s Rock NYE “Wine Cafe, 301

ing, 519 Division St. S., Northfield” 6-8 p.m.

KAVE is a jazz duo comprised of two top tier Twin Cities jazz players who happen to have deep connections to Northfield.

Bassist Kevin Clements and vibraphone player Dave Hagedorn. https://go.evvnt. com/974712-0 info@imminentbrewing. com

Fourth St. NE., Faribault” 7-10 p.m. Roadkill Band has been rocking the Minneapolis/St Paul North Metro for over 10 years and are changing things up. Recently changed name to Driver Five. https:// go.evvnt.com/974670-0 driverfiveband@ gmail.com

31-DEC NYE with Monroe Crossing

“Sheldon Theatre, 443 W. Third St., Red Wing” 7:30-10 p.m. “Named in honor of Bill Monroe, The Father of Bluegrass Music, Monroe Crossing dazzles audiences with an electrifying blend of classic bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, original bluegrass and more.” https://go.evvnt.com/952898-0 buytickets@sheldontheatre.org

N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato” “4 p.m.- Jan. 1, 2 a.m.” Join us in true hippie style and rock out to tunes from the best rock era. https://go.evvnt.com/974711-0 oldtownwinecafe@gmail.com

31DEC

Miller Denn New Year’s Eve “Indian Island Winery, 18018 631st Ave., Janes-

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31-DEC Disco Glam NYE “The Capitol 31-DEC New Years Eve Bingo “St. Peter

American Legion Post 37, 229 W. Nassau St., Saint Peter” 6-9 p.m. “New Years Eve Bingo to help you ring in 2022, plus karaoke after the Bingo stops. Meal available to 31-DEC Red Dirt Road: The Mill “The purchase via donation.” https://go.evvnt.

Mill Event Center, 310 Second Ave. SW., com/974662-0 auxiliarypost37@gmail.com Waseca” 7-11 p.m. “Opening Act starts at 7 PM Red Dirt Road was formed in June of 31-DEC Rock of Ages “Minnesota Wing 2013 and has morphed into the Midwest’s King, 43539 French Hill Road, Saint Peter” premier country and rock show. They com7-10 p.m. Live music at the restaurant to bine great musicianship, killer harmonies, J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2 | W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M

Room, 419 S. Minnesota Ave., Saint Peter” “8 p.m.-1 a.m.” Party like it’s the 70s and 80s again. Disco Glam attire is encouraged. Doors open at 8 p.m. Drag Me with a Spoon (Drag Show) will be heating up the room starting at 9. Then CNDRM. Tickets online. https://go.evvnt.com/974691-0 hello@capitolroom.com

31-DEC New Year’s Eve at the Cow

“The Contented Cow, 302 Division St. S., Northfield” “8 p.m.-12 a.m.” “Come eat,

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

Hestekin.” https://go.evvnt.com/974698-0 admin@oacarts.org

drink, be merry, and dance to Marty Anderson and the Goods!.” https://go.evvnt. com/974673-0 info@contentedcow.com

31-DEC Wreckless “St. Patrick’s Tavern

& Restaurant, 24436 Old Highway 13 Blvd., New Prague” “8:30 p.m.-12 a.m.” Wreckless is a variety band comprised of seasoned professional musicians with a shared passion for live performance. The music spans the gap from classic to current rock and country. https://go.evvnt.com/974666-0 wrecklessbandmn@gmail.com

4-JAN Battle at the River Bottom “Hillstrom Museum of Art, 800 W. College Ave., Saint Peter” 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Kristen Lowe’s body of work using new materials and processes in which richly-painted soft wood is hand carved intricately and detailed charcoal scenes of animals in landscapes are drawn over. https://go.evvnt. com/974685-0 msousa@gustavus.edu

9-JAN Luke Smith “Froggy Bottoms River Pub & Lily PADio, 307 Water St. S., Northfield” 3-7 p.m. “Luke Smith is a baritone singersongwriter from Faribault Minnesota. He 7-JAN Piano Man “Paradise Center started playing guitar at the age of 13, for the Arts, 321 Central Ave. N., Faribault” and briefly attended McNally Smith Col7:30-10 p.m. “The Piano Man is a melolege of Music where he discovered a pasdious salute to the 1960s, 70s and 80s, sion for songwriting. He writes folk / pop through the classic songs of Elton John, Bil- music.” bandsintown.com ly Joel, Jackson Browne and more. Tickets online.” https://go.evvnt.com/974714-0 info@paradisecenterforthearts.org

6-JAN Woman’s Work “Paradise Center

for the Arts, 321 Central Ave. N., Faribault” 9 a.m.-5 p.m. “Judy Saye-Willis Curated woman’s group show Woman’s Work, featuring Shanda Brekke, Bethlehem Academy. Fiber Artists group show, featuring Char Johnson.” https://go.evvnt.com/974717-0 info@ paradisecenterforthearts.org

8-JAN Resisting Resistance “Arts Center of Saint Peter, 315 S. Minnesota Ave., Saint Peter” 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 300 drawings by Abby Daleki. https://go.evvnt. com/974718-0 director.acsp@gmail.com

14-JAN Luminary Hike “River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Road, Faribault” 6-8 p.m. “Enjoy the full moon with a luminary hike through River Bend. Trails are packed snow, participants are welcome to bring their own snowshoes. Tickets online.” https://go.evvnt.com/974729-0 rbncinfo@ rbnc.org

CONTINUED page 16

1-JAN Winter Healing Arts Exhibition

“Owatonna Hospital, Owatonna” 9 a.m.-5 p.m. “The Healing Arts Program is a collab between the hospital and arts center. Featured through January is photographer Jack Mader, landscape painter Margaret Massching and pen and ink Jenna

7-JAN Big Band Dance “Steele County Historical Society, 1700 Austin Road, Owatonna” 7-10 p.m. Join to dance the night away to the classic sounds of a Big Band.

The Austin Big Band will be providing musical delight during one of the cold nights of early January. Tickets online. https:// go.evvnt.com/974721-0 kellen@steelehistorymuseum.org

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Do you want to submit an event to this calendar?

Send details to editor@southernminnscene.com.

Did we miss something?

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CONTINUED from page 15

14-JAN Church of Cash at Fairmont

Opera House “Fairmont Opera House, 45 Downtown Plaza, Fairmont” 7-11 p.m. “The Church of Cash is back! Don’t miss out, this event sold out last time. Whether you are an ol timer that grew up listening to Mr. Cash in your tractor, the Church of Cash will bring his music, with style and energy to fans everywhere.” bandsintown.com

14-JAN Davina and The Vagabonds:

”The Finest Hour”” Show with Hot Club of Cowtown” “Sheldon Theatre, 443 W. Third St., Red Wing” 7:30-11:30 p.m. “Enjoy the musical exuberance of this historic era, as these two bands join forces to bring you The Finest Hour! Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the iconic music that ended WWII, the legendary tunes of Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Louis Prima, The Andrews Sisters, Ella Fitzgerald and more are brought to life by two remarkable bands, each with their own dynamic sound and style.” bandsintown. com

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favorite stand-up comics from around the country to perform secret, one-nightonly shows at special venues across the country. Tickets online.” https://go.evvnt. com/974727-0 info@chankaskawines.com

15-JAN Owl Prowl “International Owl Center, 126 E. Cedar St., Houston” 4-8 p.m.

“Come learn how to identify our local owls by size, shape, silhouette and sound. Drive vehicles following staff to known owl territories in and around Houston to call and listen for different types.” https://go.evvnt. com/974722-0 Karla@InternationalOwlCenter.org

15-JAN Roy Orbison Tribute “Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave. N., Faribault” 7:30-10 p.m. “David K successfully covers smooth ballads and performs classic rock, blues, pop, country, soul, and rockabilly. Roy is also heralded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time.” https://go.evvnt.com/974724-0 info@ paradisecenterforthearts.org

15-JAN Black Dog Road “St. Patrick’s Tavern & Restaurant, 24436 Old Highway 13 Blvd., New Prague” 8:30-11 p.m. “Black Dog Road plays a variety of country and rock songs around southern Minnesota.” https://go.evvnt.com/974734-0 loren@ acts-tremetalent.com

featuring Edina vs Andover girls, East Grand Forks vs Prior Lake boys and then MNSU vs St. Thomas Division 1 men’s games. Wild stream and Shane Martin Band at 8 p.m. Tickets online.” https:// go.evvnt.com/974751-0 editor@southernminnscene.com

22-JAN Winter Charm on the Farm Waseca 11 a.m.-3 p.m. “Horse Drawn Wagon Rides, Snow Painting, Winter Walking Tours, Snowshoe Trails, Cross Country Skiing, Campfire, S’mores and Hot Cocoa.

Admission is $5 per person in advance online.” https://go.evvnt.com/974735-0 editor@southernminnscene.com

21-JAN Nelly “Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato” 7 p.m. “The popular hip hop artist is coming to Mankato. Tickets $27-$497” ticketmaster.com 24-JAN The Everly Set “New Ulm Event Center, 301 20th S. St., New Ulm” 7-11 p.m.

“In 1957, teens Phil and Don Everly supercharged the vocal sound of Rock’n’Roll with the sizzling harmonies that influenced The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beach Boys, The Eagles, Bob Dylan, and the Bee Gees. “ bandsintown.com Do you want to submit an event to this calendar?

15-JAN Comedy Uncorked “Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery, & Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota” 8-11:59 p.m. “Laughs on the Go has hand-picked some of its

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2 | W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M

21-JAN Hockey Day Minnesota in Mankato 8 a.m.-11:30 p.m. “Live games,

Send details to editor@southernminnscene.com.

Did we miss something?

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YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

Party, featuring music of Buddy’s co-stars, Ritchie Valens, Dion, and the Belmonts, The Big Bopper, and Frankie Sardo.” https:// go.evvnt.com/974761-0 info@paradisecenterforthearts.org

28-JAN Bold & Cold Winter Festival Owatonna 10 a.m.-10 p.m. “Bold & Cold takes place Jan. 28, 29 and 30. This weekend celebration has events and activities that are designed to highlight the Minnesota psyche of cold noses and warm hearts.” https://go.evvnt.com/974758-0 editor@southernminnscene.com 28-JAN Winterfest “Saint Peter, Street Peter” 5-11 p.m. Winterfest features various events in St. Peter’s downtown from Jan. 28 to Feb. 13. It kicks off on Jan. 28 with the opening ceremony and the first clue

to the annual medallion hunt. https:// go.evvnt.com/974756-0 spchamb@hickorytech.net

28-JAN Dance Party Reunion Buddy Holly and Friends “Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave. N., Faribault” 7:3010 p.m. “Dance Party Reunion is a re-staging of Buddy Holly’s 1959 Winter Dance

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23-JAN Peter & the Wolf “Symphonic Series Russian Treasures” Saint Peter High School, 2121 Broadway Avenue Saint Peter A symphony concert accom30-JAN Climb 2 Feed Kids “Mount Kato panying the Academy-Award winning film Peter and the Wolf. Every character in the Ski Area, 20461 State Highway 66, Mankastory is represented by a different instruto” 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. “Gather team of ment. Tickets online https://mankatosym5-10 climbers (you’ll take turns climbing phony.ticketleap.com/russian-treasures/ 500 feet up the hill and sliding down).

Fundraise $1,000 or more (definitely more) dates/Jan-23-2022_at_0300PM in support of FOCP’s programs. Receive athletic apparel.” https://go.evvnt. com/974765-0 focp.admin@feedingandfueling.org

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From the Music Side

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

H A MOVIE AND ITS SOUNDTRACK

Let No Man Put Asunder 18

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2 | W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M

ave you ever tried to imagine what your favorite movie would be like without its soundtrack? For many, a movie, the soundtrack, and/or the score, play an integral role in the overall experience we have while watching it.

Happy music lets us know it’s OK to laugh and smile. Sad music tells us we should take this seriously, because there are deep thoughts and poignant moments ahead. And we can’t forget about those ominous tones we hear as the main protagonist creeps through the dark house late at night that lets us know, at any moment, something is going to jump out and grab her.

The soundtrack and the score for a film set the emotional mood of each scene and give us “hints” as to how the character is feeling, and, in turn, how we should be feeling, every step of the way.

Once in a while, the soundtrack/score outshines and/or outlives the movie itself. Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Purple Rain, and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas come to mind. And in even

rarer instances, the music is almost its own character in the movie.

That is the case for “Sold Out”, a newly released film that is deeply steeped in all things Minnesota.

“Sold Out” is about a female talent scout (Kat) who sees potential in a construction-worker-byday, aspiring-musician-by-night (John) and takes him under wing to try and ‘make it happen’ for him.

And, like many of us these days, I can’t just watch a movie and enjoy it for what it is. With so much information available right at my fingertips, I must find out all that I can about this lovely local gem. It was filmed here, it stars local actors, it was written, directed, and produced by folks living right here with us in the frozen North.

And, best of all, our very own, very talented local music and theater communities were tapped to provide the music and performances. And I truly mean “best of all”. In my opinion, though the storyline was compelling and heartfelt, the music rose above and carried its own weight on the screen.

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

JUST THE FACTS Stars Sam Bardwell (John), who is a veteran of the Minneapolis theater scene, and Kelsy McMahon (Kat), who is Minneapolis based and a recent alum of Julliard.

Writer and Music Supervisor, Susan Brightbill, lives in Minnetonka.

Director, Tim Dahlseid, lives in Minnetonka with his scriptwriting wife, Susan Brightbill (see above).

Aliya Mukamuri (Mercy) is a graduate of Mankato East High School and also did a stint on American Idol.

The list of real musicians who contributed to this movie is long: Jeffrey Foucault, Kris Delmhorst, Dan Rodriguez, John Guari, David Huckfelt, Joshua J. Schmidt, Peter Mulvey, Allen Kirk, Craig Clark, Lonesome Dan Kase, Jon Erickson, and Nathaniel Harris. And I am sure this is not a comprehensive list.

It was filmed over 22 days in the winter of 2018/19 during the polar vortex.

Much of the movie takes place in the fictional Duggin’s bar which is actually Mortimer’s Bar on Lyndale.

Other familiar locations include First Avenue, Snuffy’s Malt Shop, the Stone Arch Bridge, the Rebel Room, Excelsior’s Water Street, and atop a frozen lake.

Rotten Tomatoes shows an audience rating of 82% It premiered at the Twin Cities Film Festival this October and won runner-up for the Audience Award just behind “Belfast”, a Kenneth Branaugh/Judy Dench project.

The film hits many of the sweet spots that really showcase the diversity and awesomeness of the Minnesota music scene.

Our main focus throughout the film is on John (played by Sam Bardwell), the quintessential singersongwriter/starving artist struggling to make ends meet and dreams come true. We’ve all seen that guy in a dive bar on a Tuesday night playing for a crowd of eight to 10 people.

We first meet Kat (played by Kelsey McMahon), a laser-focused talent scout, outside First Avenue just before her clients, Lincoln 8, play to a sold-out crowd from the legendary stage (or so it seems with a little movie magic). They represent the pop/ rock sound and the local-band-gets-signed-by-bigrecord-label sect. And unless you live under a rock, you know of several such real-life bands.

Early on in his journey, Sam finds himself persuaded/forced by Kat to participate in an inviteonly jam session with some clearly top-shelf blues musicians: Allen kirk, Craig Clark, Lonesome Dan Kase, Jon Erickson, and Nathaniel Harris. All played by themselves, all based in Minneapolis.

One of two major highlights in the movie was a stripped-down piano audition of a song called “Since the Beginning.” Young up-and-comer Mercy plays and sings for Kat at the fictional Duggin’s Bar in hopes of becoming her next project. It is a beautiful song (Written by John Guari) sung by the beautiful Aliya Mukamuri, who, incidentally, has a beautiful voice. The whole scene … just beautiful.

Highlight number two comes at the very end. It is also a piano/voice solo, this time by Kat herself (Kelsey McMahon). She sits alone at a piano and sings “Don’t Wake Me Up” (written by Kris Delmhorst) as memories of her time with John flash through her mind/on our screen.

And what Minnesota-made movie would be

complete without the landmarks and fine establishments of the area as the backdrop for our story?

As previously mentioned, the star-cladded exterior of First Avenue makes an early appearance, the Stone Arch bridge is the site of some chilly walks, and the opening shot is the incomparable Minneapolis skyline. Undoubtedly, if you are at all familiar with “The Cities” you will recognize more than one location.

We may soon see more movies made in Minnesota as a recent tax credit incentive was adopted to make it more worthwhile for films and TV shows to be made here.

Give the gift of Torey’s The perfect present every time

And, as luck would have it, you can now enjoy this heartfelt, ear-pleasing movie from the very familiar Minnesota location that is your own living room.

It is currently streaming on Amazon Prime, and I would highly recommend it. Those who love music will enjoy it. Those who love a good indie flick will enjoy it. And those who love both just can’t go wrong. 

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SARAH OSTERBAUER

Sarah SELECTS

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.

FAVORITE LOCAL RELEASES OF 2021

T

he pandemic forced us all to confront our thoughts and emotions in a way we otherwise would not have. Within those moments of introspection and isolation, some people rose to the occasion: making bread, getting a Peloton or an air fryer, or making music.

In 2021, we saw musicians calling it quits, calling out injustice, and dialing it in, exploring new genres and creating whole new projects. This past year was the time to throw caution to the wind and hold tight to whatever creativity and joy there was to be had. The albums I gravitated toward spoke to that. They saw my anger, they held my sadness, my loneliness and desperation for a connection that wasn’t through a screen. They made me hopeful, they shook their fists with me in rage, they made me laugh and they helped me cope with this view looking inward. Minnesota is incredibly rich with talent in every genre and these albums only touch the surface of what’s out there.

imprint of a spiritual and likens to “Amazing Grace”, it gives hope for a postpandemic future with endless hugs and taco truck visits.

“Still Life” paints a portrait of anything but life standing still, but rather windows into it. Her songs are tender, capturing meaning in moments we often take for granted. Siri’s voice is clear and captivating as it winds and weaves through her beautiful observations of the human condition. There’s an unmistakable soulfulness and sincerity that comes through in her singing that will move you to the core.

KISS THE TIGER - “VICIOUS KID”

Lanue’s music is a soft, slightly sticky summer breeze at the water’s edge. It’s the feeling of your toes in the sand when the lightest waves hit your ankles. It’s your favorite gauzy summer dress, damp on the edges from dancing in the tide.

It’s the way someone looks at you right after a really good kiss. Lanue is Sarah Krueger, who previously released music under that moniker but decided to start anew with a cast of well-known Twin Cities folks: J.T Bates, Erik Koskinen, Sean Carey (Bon Iver) and Ryan Young (Trampled By Turtles), to name a few. These tunes are warm and inviting, with an air of old-fashioned nostalgia.

Listening is like flipping through old polaroid pictures of a summer road trip. Sarah’s voice is a strong dark tea, warming you in soft subtle notes of flavor while piano and pedal steel melt around her. The whole album is pure comfort.

It’s easy to see why Kiss The Tiger made fast work of getting noticed. From the moment they stepped onto the local scene in 2016 they’ve been turning out accolades (City Pages Picked To Click, Star Tribune’s Best New Bands, The Current’s Chart Show etc), landing on every it-list and gaining scores of fans with their distinctive nods to classic rock ‘n roll for the modern ear.

Electric lead singer Meghan Kreidler brings irresistible swagger and energy to every performance, big and small. Their third album “Vicious Kid” finds the band bringing loud drums, swinging guitars and Meghan’s signature serenades and fierce growls. They tackle issues of feminism both playfully (“Who Does Her Hair?”) and with depth (“Grown Ass Woman”).

They don’t take themselves too seriously (“Dinosaur Song”); every track is more addicting than the last. Vicious Kid was on repeat in my car for weeks and I bet it’ll be the same for you.

HUMBIRD - “STILL LIFE” Siri Undlin and her trio, Humbird, spent the summer playing songs with a round robin of various surprise guests; telling folktales in backyards all over the Twin Cities and beyond. At the peak of lock down, she wrote “On The Day We Are Together Again”, a beautiful tune sketched in the

20

LANUE - “LANUE”

ELSKA - “ON THE SHOULDERS OF

Owen Santori, Lee has created a sound that embodies the crisp coolness of winter with little nods to modern pop. A classically trained musician, it’s clear that Lee has been thoughtful and intentional about every piano key, every harmony and strum of the guitar.

The resulting sound is beautifully full and polished, cinematic at times. Her songwriting highlights the experience of being female and it’s clear she’s passionate about her music reflecting the times, like in“Last Tree On Earth”, a call-to-action for climate change. For ELSKA to have a debut album this strong makes her one to keep your eye on.

ANNIE MACK - “TESTIFY” There is no age limit or requirement to enjoy the music of Annie Mack. It’s solid rhythm-andblues medicine, familiar as an old childhood friend. She delivers every line with conviction and ease.

The five tracks on her EP “Testify” reflect the story of a woman who has come into herself, recognizes where she may have debts to pay but at the end of the day, she straightens her crown and gets on with it. On “Shadows Of A Kingdom” she sings “It ain’t easy being queen in the shadows of a kingdom trying to turn water to wine” which is a feeling I think every mom in a pandemic can relate to.

Every line Annie sings is delivered with soul and a been-through-it wisdom. She is our own local Yola, just as powerful solo as she is with a band — and not to be missed if you can catch her live.

AMANDA GRACE - “PLEASE

GIANTS”

DEAR SUN”

“On The Shoulders Of Giants” takes a running leap with the title track, a powerful statement on the strength of women. From there starts a series of storytelling songs, each one expertly formulated with stylized ascents, a piano that splits time between lush and bouncy.

ELSKA (Old Norse word meaning to hold something dear, to love fiercely) is the name adopted by singer Elsa Lee. Together with her creative partner,

Amanda Grace doesn’t follow rules. She’s not here to fit into anyone’s tiny box or musical cage.

When it comes to songwriting, she lets the music lead her to water. It did not steer her wrong here.

Recorded at her home during the pandemic by sending files back and forth with her band, “Please Dear Sun” was the pandemic album I didn’t know I needed. Her voice is smooth and velvety, and these songs find her vulnerable and forthright.

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These songs bleed 90s nostalgia and are reminiscent of Joan Osborne, Sarah McLachlan and Alanis Morrisette.

UNDER VIOLET “THREES” Under Violet is an indie folk coloring book that comes with John Prine’s markers. Lead singer Sara Bischoff’s voice is one part Dolly Parton and two parts Mazzy Star: breathy, semi-sweet with a hint of twang.

She sings with a cool nonchalant-ness that would make Phoebe Bridgers smile. She’s backed by Chris Bierden (Polica), Jeremy Ylvisaker and Mike Gunvalson. Together they created a genius, tiny niche of irresistible indie tunes.

VIAL - “LOUDMOUTH” LOUDMOUTH is indie punk for feminists and equality seekers who think they’re not into indie punk. It’s the album you need for every time you get mansplained.

It’s high octane, hella fun, boastful energy that will make you hate the proverbial antagonist who, from where I stand, is a cis-man (perhaps maybe even all cis-men?) but you can envision them as you like.

The songs are loud and raucous, smart and seething. Once you board the LOUDMOUTH train, you will not want to get off. Every stop is another piece of the puzzle, another person who needs a punch in the face. When they’re not wailing and riling, they also excel at the slower moments on the album, e.g. “Thumbs” a song about a romantic situation not coming to fruition. 

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

MARY CLOSNER

Rants & RAVES

T

his time of year makes me crazy! All this reflection and goal setting and turning over of new leaves. The never-ending positive thinking is enough to send me over the edge. What’s wrong with doing the same thing over and over and continuing to be surprised that nothing changes?

I’m not like other people. I don’t want to ponder the reasons that I don’t finish projects or learn to play tennis. I admit a little ninja warrior sorta thrill as I step over the same paint cans that have been in the garage doorway since last year.

My sister continually says, “I’m conflicted.” It doesn’t matter how successful she is at work, she’s always sure she isn’t doing enough. I sometimes mention to her a little thing called “work/life balance” which she’s particularly bad at. When she isn’t at the office, she’s working herself into a frenzy at home mowing, painting, gardening or baking until she’s so stiff she can hardly move. Our family calls it working herself into her SOC (State of Collapse). So, you can imagine that as the new year arrives, the race to finish everything she wanted to accomplish in the last 12 months becomes overwhelming. She’s a wreck and I just sit by and watch.

I don’t have her constant drive (which, as my older sister, she mentions frequently). For instance, I’ve spent the last 35-years telling my dentist I was gonna floss more. I never have, but I feel good knowing he might believe me for a little while. Then, my six-month visit comes up and the hygienist asks the dreaded question. It’s then I’m forced to announce that the water flosser I purchased from them three years ago is just now out of the box and on the bathroom counter. The water tank is empty and I still haven’t read the directions, but I feel I’m one step closer to an honest lifestyle.

Making changes just isn’t my ‘thing.’ I understand the importance of growth, but I don’t want to be pressured to engage in it. I want to enjoy complaining about it. Every time I read a self-help book that says you should “just change one little thing”, I think to myself, what moron doesn’t know that?! I know if it gets hot in the house, I’m gonna open a window!

I don’t need to buy a self-help book to guide me.

The fact that I’ve had the same resolution for the last 20-years about making my bed each morning proves the fact that I cannot be shamed, privately or publicly, into doing something I don’t care about. Going to bed in a matted nest of sheets every night doesn’t make me a bad person or a moron, does it?!

Who wants to start a whole new year thinking about all the things they’ve done wrong? If I went to

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

a 12-step program for everything I needed help for, I wouldn’t have time to work for a living or have any pals. I’d just spend my days going from the COHA (Christmas Ornament Hoarders Anonymous) meetings to CBLP (Compulsive Bed Linen Purchasers) groups.

Over lunch, I’d hit up the ATLDZSC (Addicted to Little Debbie Zebra Snack Cakes) get together and see what everyone thinks about the new seasonal-shaped waxy treats. And, don’t get me started about the YCNHEBS (You Can Never Have Enough Black Shoes) meetings held in the parking ramp by the Nordstrom shoe department.

I think I have some pretty good habits. Maybe I’ll just focus on those this year. I’m nice to old people, although my sister tells me to quit trying to befriend everyone. She says, ”Not everyone wants to be your pal.” I’m also a good driver, although you don’t wanna cross me if I let you merge and you don’t give me the thank you wave. I smile at small children, although I’m not a fan of how sticky they are. I say please & thank you to everyone in the service industry. I’m a friend to all animals, although I don’t like the gross ones like snakes and their associated nutty owners.

When I get together with cohorts who tell me of their upcoming self-improvement/weight loss programs/house remodeling projects/landscaping layouts, I simply smile and think to myself, “Thank God I’m not you!” Why all this change???

I’m comfortable letting the holidays sneak up on me and leave me unprepared each year. I look forward to wrapping my holiday gifts the night before and continuing my tradition of sending belated birthday cards to my family members. The potentially drastic effects of my routine procrastination are what get me motivated. I like guessing how many more miles I can drive before I run out of gas. I once hitchhiked outside a prison (completely surrounded by, “Do Not Pick Up Hitchhikers” road signs) due to my lack of planning.

Who wants to ruin adventures like that?!

So, hold all the inspirational, improve yourself gewgaws and messages which will just annoy me anyway. And, a big NO to my dentist, Dr. Bob. No one wants to see your stupid poster of a kitty clinging to a tree branch saying, “Hang in There, Baby!” that you mounted on the ceiling.

I’m gonna enjoy 2022 just like I did last year and the year before and the year before that. 

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SoMinn THE BOOKWORM SEZ Where the Deer and the Antelope Play: The Pastoral Observations of One Ignorant American Who Loves to Walk Outside

by Nick Offerman

that there’s where the fun of “Where the Deer and the Antelope Play” lies, and there’s no getting up at 4 a.m. to pack the car and go for it. For a book this good, seldom is heard a discouraging word.

Capote’s Women: A True

Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for An Era

c.2021, Dutton $28.00 / $37.00 Canada 333 pages

by Laurence Leamer

Last year, for at least some period of time, you stared at four walls.

Four walls, a few windows, and you remembered how nice it was to get out on a normal day. You thought about the people you missed, about what you would’ve been doing at work at that moment, and where you’d go as soon as you could. Outside was a treat then and “Where the Deer and the Antelope Play” by Nick Offerman is, too.

Twenty-five years ago, when he was still surviving by “creating pop culture of one sort or another,” someone gave Nick Offerman “some Wendell Berry stories.” Agrarian in nature, those tales captivated Offerman then, as now, and they spurred him to act.

As a kid growing up on an Illinois farm, he was always outside but when he received those stories, Offerman says his focus was off: he’d been pursuing “shiny materialism” rather than natural things. The Berry stories – and meeting the Berry family – convinced him to want to write “about our population’s general lack of any intimate knowledge of nature...”

And so, in July of 2019, Offerman hired a guide, met two close friends in Montana, and went on a week-long fact-finding hike in Glacier National Park.

The wilderness was “pristine,” trails were sometimes challenging, wildlife surprised them, and Offerman had chances to muse on the works of Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps, and how Native Americans lost their land. Plus, outdoorsy hikes are great excuses to buy gear.

Because he’d likewise been “glued” to the works of author James Rebanks, Offerman also traveled to England that year, to spend time on Rebanks’ sheep farm. It was an opportunity to work with his hands, build stone fences, and to think about “the deeply flawed system” that American farmers work against.

And then the pandemic hit, and you know what an enthusiastic outdoorsman does when he’s supposed to stay inside: he buys “twenty feet of Ford and thirty of Airstream” that he barely knows how to use, and heads cross-country...

Loaded with funny observations and laced with profanity, “Where the Deer and the Antelope Play” is not just what’s promised. It’s more.

Getting outside is actor-author Nick Offerman’s opportunity to meander, both physically and literarily, and so this book isn’t just about parks and farms and such. Offerman muses about this and that, and general subjects that are ultimately tied to the outdoors and nature in a guys-in-the-mancave kind of way, with wild and wooly thrown in for good measure. It’s accomplished in a stream-of-consciousness that feels like that quick dash you make through the house before you take a last-minute trip: things are grabbed at random and you’ll figure it out later.

And that’s okay; outdoor enthusiasts, farmers, environmentalist, and readers who can laugh will find

c.2021, Putnam $28.00 / $37.00 Canada 356 pages

22

Her lips are locked tight.

Your best friend knows all your secrets, and she’s keeping them; you told her things you had to tell somebody, and she’s telling nobody. You always knew you could trust her; if you couldn’t, she wouldn’t be your BFF. But as in the new book “Capote’s Women”

by Laurence Leamer, what kind of a friend are you?

For months, Truman Capote had been promising a blockbuster.

Following his success with Breakfast at Tiffany’s and In Cold Blood, he was “one of the most famous authors in the world” but he needed a career-booster. The novel he was writing, he teased, would be about “his swans,” seven wealthy, fashionable women who quite personified “beauty, taste, and manners.”

His first swan was Barbara “Babe” Paley, whom he’d met on a trip with the David Selznicks to Jamaica.

For Capote, “Babe was the epitome of class,” simply “perfect” in every way; it helped that the famously gay writer was no threat to Paley’s “madly jealous” husband.

Babe’s “dearest friend” was Nancy “Slim” Keith, who quickly learned that if a lady wanted her confidences kept, she didn’t tell Capote anything. She shouldn’t have trusted Babe, either: When Slim left for a European trip, Babe asked if Slim’s husband could accompany Babe’s friend, Pamela Hayward, to a play.

Slim was aware of Pamela’s predatory reputation, but what could she say?

Of course, Pamela, another of Truman’s swans, stole Slim’s man, a scandal that Capote loved.

Gloria Guinness was highly intelligent, possibly enough to be a spy in Nazi Germany. Lucy “C.Z.” Guest was an upper-crust “elitist” with a “magical aura.”

Marella Agnelli “was born an Italian princess”; Lee Radziwill, of course, was Jacqueline Kennedy’s sister.

Through the late 1960s, Capote claimed to be writing his masterpiece, his tour de force based on his swans, but several deadlines passed for it. He was sure Answered Prayers “would turn him once again into the most talked-about author in America.”

Instead, when an excerpt from it was published, his swans got very ruffled feathers.

Every time you stand in line for groceries, the tabloids scream at you with so much drama that you either love it or hate it. Or, in the case of “Capote’s Women,” you cultivate it.

And that’s infinitely fun, as told by author Laurence Leamer.

Happily, though, Leamer doesn’t embellish or disrespect these women or Capote; he tells their tales in order, gently allowing readers’ heads to spin with the wild, globe-hopping goings-on but not to the point that it’s overdone. While most of this book is about these seven beautiful, wealthy, and serially married women – the Kardashians of their time, if you will –

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TERRI SCHILCHENMEYER

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

Capote is Leamer’s glue, and Truman gets his due, as well.

Readers who devour this book will be sure that the writer would’ve been very happy about that.

“Capote’s Women” should be like catnip to celebwatchers of a Certain Age but even if you’re not, find it.

If you’re a Hollywood fan, you’ll want to get a lock on it.

Rock Concert: An Oral History as Told by The Artists, Backstage Insiders, and Fans Who Were There

by Marc Myers

stand on your chair and hold your lighter aloft. Stories that tell a tale of evolution – both in music and in culture – are here, but author Marc Myers packs those tales with and between little-known anecdotes and trivial occurrences that concert-goers, DJs, fans, and music-lovers will relish.

Your inner rebellious-teen will thank you for reading this book, and your real-life teenage music fan will like it, too. For both of you, “Rock Concert” will light up your eyes.

I’m Possible: A Story of Survival, A Tuba, and the Small Miracle of a Big Dream

by Richard Antoine White

c.2021, Grove Press $30.00 / higher in Canada 400 pages

c.2021, Flatiron Books $27.99 / higher in Canada 256 pages

You barely made a sound until the lights were up.

And then you roared. Your favorite band was about to come onstage and you, plus 14,999 of your best friends, were makin’ some noise, ready to sing along and dance, ready to feel the bass. Read “Rock Concert” by Marc Myers, and you’ll remember the days...

In the beginning, there was R&B in the Watts section of Los Angeles.

Back then, the city, says Myers, was “filled” with artists, independent record labels, and radio stations playing R&B for Black listeners. “By 1951,” listenership had extended to white and Latino teens who got a taste for the genre and loved it; when a radio station or DJ sponsored an R&B concert, teens came “in droves.”

They also bought records – lots of them, but visiting a record store in the 1950s wasn’t the same as now.

Then, buyers could choose a record, take it to a booth, and listen to it before buying it. Leo Mintz, owner of Record Rendezvous in Cleveland, noticed that certain records were more popular than others, and he began helping radio DJ Alan Freed to find the music teens wanted to hear.

“The next natural step for Freed after radio and records,” said Grammy Award-winner Tommy LiPuma, “was a concert.”

When it became obvious that money could be made with live performances, that was the next natural step for everyone with access to performers and venues.

Sure, there were things to learn – ticketing was mandatory, crowd-control even more so – but people truly wanted to see live performances by the musicians they knew from records. Later, it became apparent that they wanted recordings of the concerts, too.

As America changed, so did the rock concert industry. Cozy sing-alongs were popular, until Dylan went electric. Outdoor concerts grew outsized and outrageous, then sports arenas became the venue of choice. Today, though, rock music isn’t the “force” it was before. Says Myers, if the industry hopes to survive, rock artists will need to “connect meaningfully with” young people’s “concerns and agenda,” just like they did fifty years ago...

Five notes are about all you need to remember where you were when you heard a certain song, how old you were, and who you were with. Five pages, and you’ll be just as hooked on “Rock Concert.”

Told in a multitude of voices from people who did the work, sang the songs, catered to the stars, played the records, or knew somebody who did, this book brings back so many memories that you may be tempted to

Each note is an individual.

You know that, but you probably don’t hear it that way. No, your ears are catching a mountain stream of notes that whisper and shout to create your favorite song, the one that runs through your head, the one you know all the words to. As in the new book, “I’m Possible” by Richard Antoine White, it’s beautiful music.

Looking for his Mama was an everyday occurrence for Ricky White.

If she wasn’t in the boarded-up building where they slept, she might be by the tree, drinking. If she wasn’t there, she might be at either of Ricky’s grandma’s houses, or with Miss Vivian. Then again, Mama might be at a store or somewhere and if he was lucky, Ricky found a few coins while he was looking for her, and he’d get something to eat that day. This was his life, until the night he almost froze to death and the McClains took him in, just as they did his Mama when she was little.

Old enough to have grown children of their own, the McClains taught “Baby Ricky” that he didn’t have to sleep on the floor. He was kept clean, fed, and responsible for chores; he was taught respect and confidence, but also shame and empathy. Most of all, Vivian and Richard McClain gave him a home and a normal childhood, including the chance to attend school regularly. It was there that he first fell in love with the trumpet.

It became his reason for going to school, doing his homework, and staying off the streets. For the first time in his life, White felt like he belonged. He learned the art of discipline; later, he learned that practice was key and improvising was never going to get him anywhere.

By then, he’d switched to the tuba. Learning that instrument would give him more time to play with a group because not a lot of people wanted to play the tuba.

Even fewer African Americans did...

If ever there was a book that can make your heart sing, “I’m Possible” is it.

Part of the reason is that author Richard Antoine White seems so eager to show readers how he lived before he was given up by his mother, an act that he ultimately sees as selfless and brave. There’s no complaint in any of this, just facts, told with the slightest sense of humor and a whole lot of acknowledgment that he wasn’t the easiest kid to love.

And that’s the other part here: this book is the

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

sweetest love song for his adoptive parents, for music, for miracles, and for those who supported White all along.

So go ahead. Be charmed; in fact, once you get m toward the end of this feel-best of feel-good books, grab a mirror and just look at that happy grin on your face. You need that kind of a boost this time of year, or a perfect antidote for a case of the I-Cant’s, so grab “I’m Possible,” and take note.

Books for Midwesterners Like Us, Don’tcha Know

by Richard Antoine White c.2021, various publishers $17.99 - $35.00 various page counts Ope. Hey dere. We all know we live in the best place in the country. We have gorgeous hills and great lakes, beautiful sunsets and awesome Northern Lights. We enjoy places to fish, deer-hunt, and ride the snowmobiles in the winter; fish, turkey-hunt, and grill brats in the summer, and we love it here. So now read books about our home state, don’tcha know.

First up, you know you need “The Midwest Survival Guide” by Charlie Berens (William Morrow, $26.99).

It’s meant for us up nort’, hey. There’s a little bit of everything innis book: where to buy your flannel, how to fish (and how not to fish), the fish you will (maybe) catch, where to fish, and all about ice fishing. You’ll find out where to snowbird when you’re ready to retire, if you’re not fishing. Find out what to do in case a

tornado is coming and you can’t fish. Play games while you wait for trains to pass by. Play “spot the deer.” Learn how to speak like a real Midwesterner, what to bring to a cookout, how to act in polite company, and how to say “goodbye” Wisconsin- and Minnesota-style.

Or let’s say you’re heading out of town for a bit this winter. Then you’ll want “The Impossible Road”

by Eric Dregni, illustrated by Rick Landers (Quarto, $35.00). There’s really no way you’re going to want to miss seeing the Circus Museum, the House on the Rock, or the Rock in the House if you’re driving around Wisconsin, yeah. You’ll want to give yourself time to see Big Ole and the Jolly Green Giant while traveling in Minnesota, for sure. And if you’re getting way out of town, there are other great sites to see around the country, including large cows, large buffalo, big fish, a big duck, elephants you can climb into, weird houses, and weirder museum exhibits. It needs directions, but you’ll figger it out. Send the folks a postcard back home, make ‘em happy.

If your tastes run to the more sinister, look for “Monster: The True Story of the Jeffrey Dahmer Murders” by Anne E. Schwartz (Sterling, $17.99).

Perfect for readers who are too young to remember what happened, this book spills the story with weigh-ins from police, detectives, attorneys, psychiatrists, medical personnel, and others who were involved in solving what happened more than thirty years ago. If you recall it yourself, you know that the details can be terrifying and a little nauseating but just in case: be aware that this is not a book for the kiddoes. Nope, it’s for grownups all the way.

Now, lissen. These books are great for you and for someone who’s missing home but if they’re not what you want or if you want something else to keep in the ice-fishing shack next to the cooler, ask your favorite bookseller or librarian. He’ll have ideas for you, or for the kiddoes or for your neighbor who snowblows your sidewalk when you aren’t home.

Just gotta ask, for sure, don’tcha know.

y p p a H

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WOLDUM TV

W

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

Good, Better, Best UNPACKING WHAT MAKES ‘GOOD’ TV GOOD

hat was the best TV show of 2021? Ask ten people and you’ll probably get ten different answers. Our opinions differ based on taste, but also because we all have different standards for what we think makes a show “good.” Are you looking for originality?

Humor? Familiarity? Do you want to be challenged or surprised? Entertained or impressed? Without shared criteria for making our assessments, comparing one show to another becomes an apples-to-oranges situation. Who’s to say Game of Thrones is really “better” than Buffy the Vampire Slayer?

Below is a list of characteristics that I think a) can have a huge impact on a show’s overall quality and b) are what people are referring to when they say a show is good. Use them to talk about shows more articulately, help you decide what to watch next, or heck, just win arguments.

Acting: Do the actors bring their characters to life? Are their performances realistic and compelling?

Do they bring emotional truth to their roles?

This one is pretty obvious – bad acting can Acting kill a show faster than just about anything. Open with an extra delivering a line poorly and it’ll take the rest of the episode to win me back. Conversely, a series with an unoriginal premise can be made better by the acting chops of its cast or lead.

But even something as seemingly straightforward as acting is up for debate: is the best actor the person who portrays their character most realistically, or the one with the most over-thetop, head-turning performance? Or are they simply the person with such star power, such individual magnetism, that you could watch them clean the kitchen and be enthralled? No matter the

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answer, standout performances are one of the primary reasons shows get called great.

Recent Example: Kate Winslet (Mare of Eastown); Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) Past Example: The cast of Arrested Development Realism: Does the show feel true to real life? Does it accurately capture some truth about human existence, or what it feels like to be a real person in this world? In short, how realistic is it?

Authenticity to real life is not the task or aim of every piece of art. But it can certainly be a factor that contributes to a TV show’s overall impact. Shows that excel at realism manage to be specific and universal at the same time — we recognize nuances of behavior and circumstantial subtleties that we thought only WE experienced,

because originality for the sake of newness does not good TV make. But sometimes the most buzzed about shows are the ones that make us go “Wow, I did NOT see that coming!” or “This is unlike anything else I’ve seen before.” When people first started watching Game of Thrones, they were blown away — high fantasy Originality had never been done so well, or on such a large scale, for TV before.

Realism

only to realize we’re not alone. Or they capture the reality of a particular time and place with such detail that we feel like we know it, despite having never experienced something similar.

Recent Example: Maid Past Examples: The Wire, early seasons of The Office Originality: Does this show offer something new? A wildly creative premise, or a fresh take on a familiar premise? A world we haven’t seen before? Does it debut a format no other shows have yet attempted?

This can be a double-edged sword,

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People who previously thought dragons were just for nerds were hooked. Flash forward eight years and it was one of the most successful and talked about shows to ever hit the small screen.

Other series showcase originality through their storyline (The Good Place – set in heaven, and all the main characters are already dead), their ending (The Sopranos – that infamous cut to black), or their structure (the first season of True Detective’s nonlinear, threetimeline narrative). In a world where we have endless iterations of detective/cop/ lawyer/doctor shows, a little originality can go a long way.

Recent Example: Squid Game Past Examples: Black Mirror; Orphan Black

Ongoing Impact/Cult Following: Have people continued to talk about this show even after it’s stopped airing?

Has its fan base remained strong (or even grown) over time? Have characters, scenes, or lines become pop culture references?

Sometimes, it takes the passage of time for us to realize the true impact of a show. Our collective cultural mood is not always ready to accept them right when they’re released. Other shows take a few episodes (or seasons) to find their rhythm and audience. And still others, though popular when first aired, prove to be far more beloved or

Recent Example: Too soon to say Past Examples: Buffy the Vampire Slayer; Twin Peaks; The Office

Writing: Does the dialogue sound either a) natural or b) smart? Do the characters behave consistently, but also demonstrate growth over time? Is the plot both surprising and satisfying?

Do scenes work on their own, yet also contribute to the overall narrative aim?

Are there deeper themes beyond just the plot points shown onscreen?

Films have the luxury of a single director, and thus a singularity of vision, but TV shows are often led by a new director each episode.

This means that a show’s writing is perhaps the single most influential element of good TV. I’d also argue that each of the components I’ve already listed — acting, realism, originality, and ongoing impact — are ultimately at the mercy of the Ongoing Impact/ writing.

Cult Following Great writing is multifaceted; not only is it what’s responsible for giving us fleshed out characters we believe, love, and remember, but it’s also what makes the story work or fall apart. Great writing gives us turns of events that feel unexpected, yet true. It plants seeds in Episode One that we see come to fruition seven episodes (or seven seasons) later. It has layers of subtext, meaning there are both explicit and implicit interpretations.

Recent Examples: Fleabag Past Examples: The West Wing; Barry What follows is that the greatest TV shows of all time excel in each of Writing these categories. Think The Sopranos, Breaking Bad, Mad Men, The Americans influential than anyone could’ve predict— shows with unforgettable characters ed. When I first watched The O.C. my (and near-Shakespearean character sophomore year in high school, I never arcs), award-worthy performances, plot thought it would become a shared points that come to fruition years after point of reference for my generation. (I the first seed was planted, and stories still swear that Adam Brody’s character that have become part of our cultural Seth Cohen is responsible for inventing lexicon. an entire genre of man.) Likewise, I can For decades, filmmaking was considname each of the six main characters ered the superior art form to television. from the cast Friends despite having But with recent feats of storytelling like never seen an episode.

Watchmen, big screen actors like Meryl What I think these types of shows Streep taking on television roles, and have in common are a) a singularity of even auteur directors like David Fincher vision or b) beloved characters. Fans making projects for the small screen, are attracted to their weirdness and the I think it’s safe to say that television is world they’ve created, often wishing a worthy art form with a power all its they could be a part of them. own. 

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Through a SOMINN LENS

AUDREY KLETSCHER HELBLING A long-time wordsmith and photographer, Audrey Kletscher Helbling creates from Faribault, where she lives with her husband of nearly 40 years. Her greatest holiday joy comes in time with family, including her two precious grandchildren. www.mnprairieroots.com audrey@mnprairieroots.com

FAR LEFT: Twin Cities artist Adam Turman painted “The 4 ecologies of Northfield” on tunnel walls under the Highway 246 and Jefferson Roundabout. The owl is included in “Oak Savannas.”

LEFT: Leaves mingle along the river’s edge at Cannon River Wilderness Park, rural Faribault.

An aged barn and silo hug a backcountry road in the hills, valleys and woods of Sogn Valley.

Reflections and hope during a pandemic year

F At the beginning of the pandemic, a street portrait along Central Avenue in downtown Faribault.

or two years now, COVID-19 has touched our lives in ways unimagined. Lockdowns. Isolation. Fear. Struggles. But through everything, hope prevails, even as challenges, and the pandemic, continue.

We’ve adjusted, learned to live in a world that is forever changed. Photos I’ve taken in the past two years document the changes, the transitions, the effects in our southern Minnesota communities.

Like so many others, I’ve experienced a deepened appreciation for the outdoors. Oh, the miles I’ve hiked. Oh, the minutes I’ve paused within woods, along waterways, by prairies to consider the peace and beauty in my surroundings. Oh, the rural roads I’ve followed, the small towns I’ve visited, the outdoor community events I’ve attended. Connected, yet cautious.

And, oh, the art, the creativity which feeds my spirit. Mu-

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rals. Architecture. Words. Outdoor theatrical performances by traveling troupes. Even the art of gravestones found in my many wanderings through country cemeteries.

On a frigid February afternoon in 2021, I stood beside my father-in-law’s casket in a central Minnesota cemetery. I shared that experience in a poem, “Funeral During a Pandemic,” published in an award-winning anthology focused on the pandemic and social justice. Too often, loss, grief and division colored, still color, our days.

I hold hope that we can work through this, that we can reconnect, reclaim, reinvent. Heal. That we can respect one another.

That we as individuals and communities can come together in ways that reflect our commonality of humanity. Care for others.

Compassion and kindness and understanding. That is my hope for 2022, along with an end to this pandemic. 

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Folks gather around a vintage tractor at the Rice County Steam & Gas Engine Show Flea Market in rural Dundas in May.

TOP LEFT: A funeral notice posted by the greeting cards at Lerberg’s Foods in downtown Ellendale, March 2021.

MIDDLE LEFT: Bar BINGO was back in Blooming Prairie.

LOWER LEFT: The fall dinner at Trinity Lutheran Church, North Morristown, was take-out only in October 2021. Typically, diners cram into the church basement.

Architecture is a form of art, here in an historic building in downtown Montgomery.

Small town celebrations resumed, like Kolacky Days in Montgomery, royalty depicted in a new downtown mural.

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The Northfield Community Quilt featured embroidered art completing the statement, “I know I’m home when...” The artist here finished that prompt “...I’m with my family.” The Northfield Arts Guild exhibited the community project.

Love themes a Valentine’s Day display by the hardware store in downtown Blooming Prairie.

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

Wildflowers grow along a pond at Faribault Energy Park.

At River Bend Nature Center in Faribault, milkweeds flourish on prairie’s edge.

Fairs across Minnesota, including the Rice County Fair in Faribault, were back in 2021.

Barns opened. Midways operated. Grandstand shows resumed.

Twin Cities artist Adam Turman painted “The 4 ecologies of Northfield” on tunnel walls under the Highway 246 and Jefferson Roundabout.

The canoeists are featured in the “Cannon River” underpass.

At the Rice County Steam & Gas Engines Flea Market, rural Dundas, a masked mannequin reflects the times.

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North Morristown’s long-running Fourth of July celebration was back after a year off due to COVID. Fest-goers flocked to food stands on the rural festival grounds.

TOP RIGHT: Steering a John Deere tractor along the Memorial Day Parade route in downtown Faribault.

LOWER RIGHT: Tradition continued in May 2021 with the Memorial Day Parade through downtown Faribault.

West of Montgomery, farm sites punctuate fields in the rural landscape.

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YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

An inclusive message banners the Division Street entrance to the Northfield Library.

The Rice County Historical Society hosted its semi-annual flea market in May and then again in September.

Handcrafted signs promote the 4-H food stand, back in business in 2021 at the Rice County Fair.

An inscription on a gravestone at Valley Grove Cemetery, rural Nerstrand, presents a powerful message about family, especially during a pandemic.

Hope bannered at the Hope Post Office.

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SoMinn FOOD & DRINK

PAT GARRY

Review

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

T

here’s a new eatery in town, and its name is Lacey’s Kitchen & Cocktails.

Executive Chef Steve Lacey and General Manager Heather Thram are co-owners of the establishment, which is located at 632 Second St. in Kenyon.

Heather worked in the corporate world for the first 15 years of her career and has been a real estate agent for the last 10 years.

“I was exploring new business ventures when the opportunity to start a restaurant with Chef Steve presented itself. It has always been a dream of Chef Steve’s to have his own restaurant, where he has full, creative license in his kitchen,” explained Thram.

The restaurant is open Wednesday — Sunday for lunch and dinner. Weekend brunches are on the horizon. A few of the “must haves” at Lacey’s include Jambalaya — Andouille sausage, chicken and shrimp tossed with a Cajun style jambalaya sauce with tomatoes, roasted peppers and onion. Served with white rice. Rotini Della Nona — corkscrew pasta tossed with red onion, grilled chicken and blue cheese-rosemary cream sauce.

Awesome Pork Belly Wedge — An entree-sized wedge salad with crispy pork belly, blue cheese, pickled onions, grape tomatoes, fresh dill, and a secret spice blend. Baja fish tacos — Three soft flour tortillas stuffed with crispy tilapia, cilantro-lime slaw, watermelon radish, and chipotle mayo. “We also offer a full menu with

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something for everyone; meatloaf or pork loin commercial, steaks, pork loin medallions, salmon, salads, burgers and a selection of great appetizers,” Thram said. Steve and Heather also feature a small-portion menu, designed for both kids and seniors; including plenty of gluten free options.

The venue’s atmosphere is warm and inviting and has an old world charm. It boasts a beautiful patio, perfect for al fresco dining, as well as a lovely bar at which one can enjoy specialty cocktails or a favorite brew. The historic building was constructed in 1908 and fully renovated in 2012.

At Lacey’s, all dishes are made from scratch.

Pepper is toasted and ground fresh, and garlic is chopped and poached in olive oil. Chef Steve puts a ton of experience and love into every dish. Heather and Steve are capable of hosting events up to 50 in the lower level or on the patio. “Once we are up and running, we will be adding in some events such as trivia night and live music,” Thram remarked.

Lacey’s Kitchen & Cocktails, 632 2nd Street, Kenyon, MN 507-623-1173 Lacey’s Hours: Monday - Tuesday: closed; Wednesday - Thursday: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.; Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

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

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

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WINTER/SPRING LINE-UP AT THE PARADISE

GALLERY OPENING Friday, January 7 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Piano Man

Roy Orbison Tribute

Friday, January 7 7:30 PM

Saturday, January 15 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM

Dance Party Reunion Buddy Holly and Friends Friday, January 28 7:30 PM

PRESENTED BY:

The She Said Project Women’s Conference Saturday, February 5

GALLERY OPENING Friday, February 18 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

The Boy Who Talked to Whales February 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 7:30 PM Sunday, February 20, 27 2:00 PM

The Jimmys Friday, March 11 7:30 PM

For more information & tickets: www.paradisecenterforthearts.org

(507) 332 - 7372 321 Central Avenue North Wildflower

GALLERY OPENING

Boeing Boeing

Saturday, March 19 7:30 PM

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

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

Faribault, MN

These activities are made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural fund.

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YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.