Scene january 2014

JANUARY 2014

YOUR

Sc e n e

So u t h e r n m in n

Home Brewing...made easy ,

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A D D Y O U R E V E N T F O R F R E E T O T H E T I M E L I N E C A L E N D A R . G O T11 O W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N . C O M M / S C E N E / C A L E N D A R & C L I C K + A D D A N E V E N T

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Avoid the winter blues ,

36

New Years Eve

PARTY Saturday, December 28

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Dec. 27

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3

JANUARY 2014 / VOLUME 2 / ISSUE 1

14

36

17

11 5

MaxSCENE Column

12 Breaking craft

38 Faribault Foodie

6

SoMinn State of Mind

14 Waterpark getaways

41

CD Review: A higher school of rock

7

No Apologies

16 Amy’s TV Crush

41

8

SoMinn guide to hibernation

17

Minnesota’s fond farewell to the Beatles project

Re-thinking & reinforcing my love for MN.

One woman’s journey into the heart of crafting.

New adventures at music mecca.

Cabin fever remedies.

Heard and scene in 2013.

The how-to’s of BINGE watching.

Happy winter!

9

Between the pages:

42 The Bearded Life

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

Home brewing...made easy

People like beer. So why not make your own.

The Counterfactuals’ Minimally Decent People is groovy, toe tapping prof rock.

Vol. 5 the latest and final installation in the collection, does not disappoint..

Money, creativity, and the funding of arts in the community.

21 The TimeLine

Books to cozy up with by the fire.

11

Support your local arts center

Hibernating the sicillian way.

The winter of my DISCONTENT.

36 Outdoor Adventures

Avoiding the wintertime blues.

ABOUT

So u t h e r n m i n n

So u t h e r n m in n

S c Sc e n e deliciousness.

Slow-smoked e n Smoked Meatloaf Sc e n e e. c o m Sc e n e

Publisher: Steve Pope, 507.333.3105, spope@faribault.com Editor: Rich Larson, 507.645.1104, rlarson@southernminnSCENE.com Calendar listings: 507.333.3130, editor@southernminnSCENE.com

.c o m

So u t h e r n m in n

Sc e n e

.c o m

So u t h e r n m i n n

So u t h e r n m in n

Advertising: Northfield/Lonsdale/South Metro - Lauran Rott, 507.645.1110, lrott@northfieldnews.com Faribault/Kenyon - Ross Barrett, 507.333.3109, rbarrett@faribault.com Steele County - Debbie Ensley, 507.444.2386, densley@owatonna.com LeSueur & Waseca Counties - Stephanie Hill, 507.931.8571, shill@stpeterherald.com Copyright 2014 SouthernminnSCENE.com retains the publication rights to all content produced or supplied to the SCENE. Use of said materials without the written consent of SoutherminnSCENE.com is prohibited. Contents copyrighted; all rights reserved.

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Got a question about sex, love, romance or the meaning of life? MaxSCENE has an answer. Give her a shout at maxSCENE@southernminnscene.com.

Re-Thinking & Reinforcing

My Love for Minnesota

W

inter or as I like to call it “Why-the-&%$#-Do-I-LiveHere?” season, is a special time when we start to appreciate things that would otherwise go totally unnoticed. For example, dry streets, free of ice, snow and sleet, being able to breathe without the insides of our nostrils stinging, going outside with wet hair and knowing that it will not freeze, a clear windshield (again, free of snow and ice) and the ability to go barefoot. These things, among others can make winter an unbearable time for us Minnesotans. The thing that makes it the worst - the very worst - season created, is how winter can make a simple trip to the grocery store seem like a damn trek to

Mordor.

No one can say that they enjoy driving in winter (ok fine, maybe snowplow drivers like it, everyone except THEM). A drive that was once 10 minutes is now easily 20.

Extra time must be built into our lives to scrape off the windshield, to heat up the car, to drive through the snow and ice.

Traffic laws become more of a suggestion or a goal even, in winter. The speed limit, for example, may be 50mph, but a thick cloud of snow in our headlights causes us to rejoice when we’re able to hit anything over 30mph. And that speed is cut in half while people are in the toddler phase of winter, where we all re-learn how to drive in this slop. Stop signs are no match for

black ice, and they really become more of a laughable suggestion than a rule when your car will not stop before the intersection. Lastly, gaps in traffic to take a left turn in a yield scenario have to be three times as long as they were in the summer to ensure safe passage across lanes. Yes, driving in winter is awful. However, as with most awful things, there is a silver lining.

The positive thing about winter is that it brings out the real meaning of MN Nice. When Minnesotans walk by a person stranded at an intersection or a parking spot, we stop and help that person out.

That’s MN Nice. When someone’s battery is dead in the parking lot at Target, we offer our car to jump it. That’s MN Nice.

When you can go to the bar, you can leave your coat on any random barstool, fully confident that no one will take it. Ducks fly to—er, I mean, That’s MN Nice. When I see these things, in that moment, I remember why I &%$#ing live here. Winter helps create this tight-knit MN community. It makes us remember there are good people in the world, in our world, this tundra we call home. And that my friends, is why I live here and probably, partly why (y’know, besides the fact that you were born and raised here or your wife/husband got a job here) you live here too. So pour yourself some hot cider spiked with butterscotch schnapps and try to remember that.

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5

SoMinn

State of Mind RICH LARSON SCENE EDITOR

NEW ADVENTURES AT MUSIC MECCA

The legendary music club, First Ave, located at the intersection of 1st Avenue and 7th Street in downtown Minneapolis.

Purple Rain came out in the summer

Rich Larson is the editor of SouthernMinn SCENE. You can reach him at editor@southernminnscene.com.

of1984. I was a 15 year old Twin Cities kid, and despite the ‘R’ rating, I saw it at least a dozen times.

Being underage, I had to buy a ticket for another movie and then sneak into the theater. I probably bought a ticket for The Neverending Story seven times that summer. I’ve still never seen it.

As popular and well respected as Prince is these days, it’s nothing like back in his heyday. The man was a god. I would sit in the theater, mesmerized, watching him play Let’s Go Crazy, I Would Die 4 U, and of course, that epic title track. Knowing that all of this had happened at Minneapolis’ legendary music club, First Ave, which was no more than 15 miles from where I sat, made the whole experience that much more exciting. I dreamt of the day I would be old enough to go catch a show in the main room, or even in its sketchy little brother, the 7th Street Entry.

By the time I was able to actually get in, the place was twenty years old. It had lost a little of it’s magical luster, but not much. I remember cheering my voice hoarse the night Warren Zevon stood on the stage and declared it “the finest saloon in America.” I saw Johnny Marr play guitar there with The The. It’s where I saw Echo & the Bunnymen and Soul Asylum for the first time. I saw Bob Mould and Vic Chesnutt play there on the first night of the 1991 World Series. A few days earlier, I had foolishly turned down tickets to see a band called Nirvana play there, because I had only just heard of them. If I never had the chance to see the Replacements play there, or see Prince play one of those announced-an-hour-in-advance shows, that was alright. I had great times, and saw incredible performances there.

My buddies and I used to kind of scoff at some of the people in the crowd. Well, maybe not scoff,

but definitely kind of get a kick out of the guys who would come to those shows but looked really old and out of place. They’d hang out in the back of the club, or off to the side, still in their well pressed office clothes. Lawyers and accountants and sales execs, awkwardly dancing, or at least kind of moving in time with the music, not really knowing how to act their age.

Eventually I stopped going. I found a job that involved weekly traveling and kept me from seeing a lot of music. Then the kids came along. Then I moved down here to SoMinn and my pilgrimages to the musical Mecca went from occasional to nonexistent. Before I knew it, I was 44, and hadn’t set foot in the club in over a decade.

So, last summer, a friend convinced me that I should go see guitar phenom Gary Clark, Jr. make his Twin Cities debut. For me, the selling point was the venue – he was playing at First Ave. I bought tickets, convinced another friend that he should come with me, and looked forward to revisiting my youth.

Cut to the night of the show. A Wednesday night in mid-November. I leave the office, jump in my car, and head to the Cities for the show.

“Man, it’s dark,” I think to myself. “I can’t believe I’m just leaving for the Cities when it’s already this dark outside.”

I hit I-35, and head north.

“Geez, I need gas,” I’m thinking. “This is going to cost me an extra $40 round trip.”

When I’m halfway there, my buddy calls me to suggest that we meet at a different bar downtown.

Evidently there are two opening acts, and we’re going to have some time to kill.

“Oh, man. He’s not even going to hit the stage until 10:30. I’m not going to get to bed until 2am.”

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And this is when the real horror hits me.

“Oh my God”.

“I’ve become one of those guys.”

I look down at my starched pants and polished leather shoes. My inner 22 year-old is mortified.

I resist the very strong urge to call my buddy, tell him that there’s some sort of vague family emergency, and head straight home to watch a rerun of the X-Files in my middle aged easy chair.

Awash in a mix of grief, disappointment, and shame, I push forward. In my minivan.

About three hours later, I am indeed that guy.

I’m in the back of the club, kind of off to the side, moving awkwardly in time with the music. If 1991 me could see this, he’d give me the same look my dad did after I wrecked his car for the third time when I was seventeen.

But, you know what? There’s something liberating about not being cool anymore. I’m supposed to worry about some 22 year old kid thinking I look stupid? What does that kid know about the world?

About life? Has that kid ever changed a diaper?

Done his taxes?

You want my respect, kid? Face your thinning hair line in the mirror every morning without bursting into tears. Then we’ll talk.

The music is every bit as good to my 44 year old ears as it would have been 22 years ago (although this time, I am wearing ear plugs). Gary Clark is amazing, and despite my brief mid-life crisis, I’m so glad to be there. So happy I didn’t turn around and go home.

And when, after the main set ends, before the encore, my buddy turns to me and says “I have to go home. Early day tomorrow”, I’m also incredibly relieved. We turn, and quickly make our way out of the club.

Hey, man, I gotta get up in the morning.

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MUSIC

JESSICA PAXTON NO APOLOGIES

Heard and Scene in 2013 F irst and foremost—I owe a big shout-out to editor (and fellow music buddy), Rich Larson, for covering my behind last month when I was unable to submit my column due to an accident I was in (rest assured, all is good, but I pass along this pearl of wisdom learned the ‘hard’ way: a bicycle helmet does no good if you’re not wearing it.). Rich. Dude. My deepest appreciation for your last-minute assistance.

So, my intention back in December had been to provide y’all with a recap of my musical faves from 2013. Fortunately for me, ‘tis still the season of year-end wrap-ups, so I will indulge myself as originally planned (keeping in mind, of course, that as this issue of Scene goes to press, there is at least a month’s worth of releases and concerts on the horizon).

2013 was an interesting year for me, music-wise. In my humble opinion, there were many great releases representing a dizzyingly diverse array of genres, from punk and pop to hip hop and funk, classical and country -- even a return to Big Band and swing (how many checked out “The Jazz Age” by The Bryan Ferry Orchestra?). Yet in spite of all the new bands and new sounds and new collaborations—what I found myself returning to again and again were the new releases from established faves (and perhaps notso coincidentally, from local, Minnesota faves).

In no particular order, these were the artists and albums that found permanent residence on my soundtrack for 2013: The National “Trouble Will Find Me” As expected, the latest release (their sixth studio album) from The National (Disclaimer: J’adore The National) does not disappoint. In fact, it may be my favorite yet. The band’s melancholic, elegantly-orchestrated melodies and inventive percussive elements—topped off by lead singer Matt Berninger’s deep brooding, oakey baritone and seductive delivery— are nothing short of hypnotic.

Self-despair and self-deprecation have never sounded so beautiful. Meticulous musicians, and gosh darn it, these boys are funny too. As an added bonus, check out their recently released hilarious, yet heart-felt ‘rockumentary’ film, “Mistaken For Strangers.”

Daft Punk “Random Access Memories” Who woulda thunk? The French duo’s fourth studio release is a blatant nod to the past—and I’m talkin’ disco’s past, baby. In fact, the album was produced in collaboration with Paul Williams (remember him?!?), Giorgio Moroder, and Chic frontman Nile Rodgers. Kinda cheezy? You betcha. But, given the fact that Daft Punk pretty much dominates the dance music scene world-wide, it’s no surprise that “Random Access Memories” is totally catchy and tons of fun. A guilty pleasure from start to finish and guaranteed to get you shakin’ your groove thang.

Jason Isbell “Southeastern” The latest solo release from the former lead guitarist of the Drive-By Truckers is a treat from start to finish. Isbell is an insightful and poetic lyricist, sharing his own personal hell with heartfelt

poignancy as well as a keen appreciation for the universal absurdities of life as he travels that dusty road to redemption. Equal parts melodic twang and southern-fried rock, this album is truly timeless. Yee haw.

Dessa: “Parts Of Speech” First and foremost, if you ever get a chance to see Dessa live in concert, no matter what the venue, do it. This woman is THE REAL DEAL. An amazingly talented and intelligent performer who embodies the epitome of Grrrrl Power. A writer, singer, activist—Dessa raps with the best of them. That said, this album, her sophomore effort, showcases the “softer side” of Dessa, highlighting the powerful narratives in her songs and demonstrating her composer’s ear for spot-on musical arrangements and vocal harmonies (with a huge nod to the astonishingly talented vocalist, Aby Wolf).

In addition to a frenzied national tour schedule, Dessa also published another collection of poetry this year.

Low “The Invisible Way” Their tenth album in twenty years, “The Invisible Way” is easily their most accessible and “radio friendly” album, yet still showcases the sound and glacial pace that defines this Duluthbased ‘slowcore’ supergroup. Produced by Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, the album settles in at the crossroads of Low’s signature combination of murky darkness and pristine beauty. NPR’s Stephen Thomson describes the sound best: “Low can be a sweetly chiming pop band, or it can seethe and unsettle with an almost industrial buzz. It can express emotion by drawing out the barest fragment of a phrase, or it can expound thoughtfully on life, death, secrecy, war and the way humanity collides with itself.” I love this album.

Neko Case “The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You” That voice! It still gives me goosebumps and sends shivers down my spine. She warbles and croons and rages with a vocal delivery that’s both delicate and devastating.

That said, I will admit that initially this album didn’t really do much for me. It took a few listens to really appreciate the vocal and songwriting evolution showcased in this, her sixth studio release. I guess I hold Neko Case to a certain standard of expectation—yeah, I

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‘get’ it already—she’s tough, she’s jaded, she takes no B.S.—perhaps it’s that her ‘persona’ was overshadowing the thing that always catches me off-guard: that almost angelic, netherworld voice. It’s like a poetic kick in the gut. This album makes me want to both weep and rock out and go out and kick some butt.

(Note to self: this seems to be a theme to my faves this year, eh??!)

John Grant “Pale Green Ghosts” Possessing a regal baritone as golden as molten caramel (yes, that sweet, salty and smooth), former ex Czar’s frontman John Grant shares his innermost thoughts and desires; let’s just say he can be a bit of an uber-confessor. His second solo release, “Pale Green Ghosts” is a combination of lush chamber pop with a slinky, electro vibe. It’s sad, it’s raunchy, it’s ultimately quite addictive. The album was named nominated for a 2013 Q Award (for best solo performance), considered one of the biggest musical honors in Britain. Now the masses across the pond just need to jump on the John Grant train....

Also noteworthy: Frankie Lee “Middle West” While only clocking in at only five tracks, the debut EP from veteran musician Frankie Lee is alt-country at its best, lovingly embracing an Americana folk rock foundation with a humble and reverential Midwestern vibe. The result is authentic and timeless, full of poignant narratives and resonating vocals that carry the listener on an easy-going journey to the ‘middle west.’

The Suburbs “Si Sauvage” The result of an uber successful Kickstarter campaign, The Suburbs’ first studio album in 27 years is a love letter to the iconic 80s band’s dedicated fans.

Yes, they’re (umm, “we’re”) a tad overthe-hill, but dammit, we still know how to party. This album rocks and swings and kicks out the jams. These guys (and gals) are obviously having a heckuva lotta fun and that vibe shines through from start to finish. All hail The Suburbs!

(And I suggest you pick up the vinyl version, for the very frame-worthy cover art

by Kii Arens.)

Most worthy musical indulgences (let’s hear it for credit cards!)

Catching his Purple Highness, Prince, in January at The Dakota Jazz Club for night two of his impromptu three-night “rehearsal-style” hometown stint as he auditioned potential band members and showcased the members of his new all-female band. Exceptionally pricey tickets that were worth each and every penny to get to see Minneapolis’ own musical maestro in rare (and surprisingly personable) form. Awesome night and I sure shaked my boot-tay!

A long-time fan of Australia’s Paul Kelly, following his intimate solo appearance at the 7th Street Enty (also in January) I gladly forked over the moola for his 2011 release “The A—Z Recordings,” an eight-CD collection culled from a series of acoustic performances recorded from 2004 to 2010, in which the prolific singer/songwriter performed 100+ of his original pieces in alphabetical order. A daunting and exhaustive task that chronicles the real-live journey of this brilliant and talented troubadour. A

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born storyteller, Kelly also released (and I also purchased) the companion piece, “How To Make Gravy,” an extraordinary book chronicling the real-life stories and inspirations behind his songs. A memoir like no other, “How To Make Gravy” is like a DIY crash course on the art of songwriting, written with insight and humor by this iconic performer.

Favorite live shows of 2013

- Prince at The Dakota (1/17) - Paul Kelly at the 7th Street Entry (1/18) - Shara Worden with yMusic performing “Penelope” at Carleton College (2/28) - Martha Wainwright at The Cedar (3/21) - Low at the Fitzgerald Theatre (3/23) - World Party at The Dakota (7/30) - Neko Case at First Avenue (10/16) Biggest regret—not snagging tickets to see Janelle Monae’s “The Electric Lady” tour stop at Minneapolis’ Skyway Theater in October.

Best musical ‘trends’ in 2013 House concerts (also called living room concerts), the ongoing resurgence of vinyl (yes!), and the stunning array of musical talent hailing from (and/or happening in) the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Didja notice that half of my favorite albums from 2013 were released by Minnesota artists?

Most anticipated release of 2014 (so far) Northfield’s own ‘prof rockers’ The Counterfactuals will release their debut album, “Minimally Decent People,” in the coming weeks. I’ve had the good fortune to get my hands on a digital download and it’s, well, nothing short of fantastic. Be sure to mark your calendars for their Northfield album release party on Saturday, Jan. 11 at J. Grundy’s RuebN-Stein’s Upstairs Rueb—and their Twin Cities release gig a week later on Saturday, Jan. 18 at the Amsterdam Bar & Hall in St. Paul (both gigs joined by another great Northfield ensemble, the Two-Beat Band). Check out “Minimally Decent People” now online atwww.thecounterfactuals.bandcamp.com. And be sure to get your hands on one of their limited edition vinyl albums at the ridiculously low price of only eight bucks!

Well, there you have it. My picks for the “Best of 2013.” (So far, that is).

And speaking of “best of” lists, a huge, heartfelt thanks to the readers of this fine publication for voting me “Best Radio Personality.” Wowza. What an honor. I must say, it’s a real treat (and a heckuva lotta fun) to host a radio show, especially on a station (go, KYMN!) that allows me to do what I love best: indulge my love of great music and share it with the masses. Thanks for listening, y’all.

Jessica Paxton, is the host of KYMN’s “All-Wheel Drive,” weekdays from 4-6 pm on 1080 AM and streaming online at www. kymnradio.net. Feel free to contact her at jessica@ kymnradio.net. You can also follow her on Twitter @callmejpax.

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By RICH LARSON editor@southernminnscene.com

Said no member of the crack SouthernMinn Scene staff, ever.

By now it should be plainly obvious that we’re all a bunch of whiners when it comes to the cold months. There really isn’t any other word for it. There’s nothing we can do about it, yet we complain about it anyway.

“It’s coooooold.”

“I don’t waaaana shovel the driveway.”

“Why is it so glooooomy?”

“It’s coooold!!”

I will tell you that we get as tired of listening to ourselves as you get hearing it. After all, we do live in Minnesota for a reason, right?

When you decide to make this state your home, you are accepting both sides of things.

Yes, we do summer up here better than most.

All those lakes, all those cabins, every possible minute between May 1st and September 30th spent outside. I’ve said it before: Minnesotans don’t enjoy summer, we attack it. And if we don’t, we feel guilty about it.

Now, I will freely admit, that we, the Cold Weather Whiners, are in the minority here.

I’d be willing to bet it’s a 51%-49% minority, but most Minnesotans find something to love about life with a three-below-zero wind chill.

There are plenty of you who love to ski and skate. For goodness sakes, we are the State of Hockey, aren’t we? And there are plenty more of you who love the whole winter camping thing, and own three different pairs of snow shoes. There’s an insane number of you who

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think ice fishing is the greatest thing that has ever happened (nobody here at the plush Scene headquarters even begins to understand that, but we are not at all into judgment around here, so, hey, knock yourselves out).

But even the most ardent lover of the frozen tundra will admit you cannot spend all your time outside. We all need to find something fun to do inside. As you can only spend so much time on a home repair project or binge watching The Walking Dead.

A lot of Minnesotans love this time of year because they can hunker down and do the indoor things they really love, guilt free. Maybe you’re a visual artist, or a lover of books, or maybe you aren’t either one but would like to be. I’m a complete baseball nerd, and a general manager wannabe. I will spend hours in the winter months analyzing the offseason

moves made by major league teams, comparing pitching staffs to the projected lineups within a division. Then sometime in midMarch I’ll issue my bold predictions for the coming season. None of them ever turn out to be right, but it doesn’t matter. That’s how I while away my time during the deep freeze, and I love doing it.

The point is, like it or not, things tend to slow down in the winter. We all will crawl into our caves and some point and wait out the blowing and drifting outside. We, your cold, whiney, below-zero despising pals here at Scene worry about your well being, your sanity, and all that excess energy both you and your kids have. So, humbly, we present to you, some suggestions for things to try, or read, or go. We hope you’ll enjoy the Southern Minnesota Guide to Hibernation.

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books BETWEEN THE PAGES:

to cozy up with by the fire

By JESSICA BIES & CHRISTEN FURLONG notices small things about the woman’s JBies@StPeterHerald.com and cfurlong@ disappearance that disturb him. wasecacountynews.com With the darkest days of the year at hand, the storms of winter continue to he Midwest is known for its cold isolate Tamarack County. Somewhere weather and these Minnesota behind the blind of all that darkness authors are no strangers to the and drifting snow, a vengeful force is at harsh climate. work. And Cork has only hours to stop Whether they’re writing about the it before his family and his friends pay snow itself, or are intent on warming the ultimate price for the sins of others. you up, setting the blood ablaze with Reluctant to take on “Tamarack a steamy romance or riveting mystery, County” before reading the rest of the these writers are great winter companKrueger’s Cork O’Connor series? Then ions. start with “Iron Lake,” the debut novel Just pick the type of book you’re inthat propelled Krueger into the ranks as terested in reading this weekend — are one of today’s best suspense novelists. you looking for a romance? a mystery?

Where to get it: Amazon, Barnes & a classic? a book to read with the kids?

Noble, Indie Bound, Powell’s, Poisoned — and curl up with a blanket by the Pen, Simon & Schuster fire.

About the author: Raised in the Cascade Mountains of Ore., William Kent Krueger briefly attended StanLooking for a romance? ford University — before being kicked “Once upon a Tower” by Eloisa out for radical activities. After that, he James — “Once Upon a Tower,” logged timber, worked construction, released in May 2013, is the fifth in tried his hand at free-lance journalism, James’ series of fairy tale novellas. and eventually ended up researching Once upon a time… a duke fell in love. child development at the University of Gowan Stoughton of Craigievar, Duke Minnesota. of Kinross, values order and self-control Krueger currently makes his living as above all else. So when he meets a a full-time author and makes his home lady as serene as she is beautiful, he in St. Paul. His work has received a promptly asks for her hand in marriage. number of awards, including the MinEdie — whose passionate temperanesota Book Award, the Loft-McKnight ment is the opposite of serene — had Fiction Award, the Anthony Award, the such a high fever at her own debut ball Barry Award, and the Friends of Amerithat she didn’t notice anyone, not even can Writers Prize. “Northwest Angle” the notoriously elusive Duke of Kinross.

(2011) and “Trickster’s Point” (2012) When her father accepts his offer... she were New York Times bestsellers. panics.

Website: www.williamkentkJames’ novels tend to be light and rueger.com Facebook: http://on.fb. humorous, and often come with a me/1hbuPf7 sprinkling of metaphor. This not-sotraditional historical romance is a quick-read and will leave you with that Looking for a literary classic? satisfying “ahh” feeling when you’re “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott done. It’s the perfect read for a cold, Fitzgerald — “The Great Gatsby,” was January day. released in 1925 by St. Paul author, F. Where to get it: Amazon, Barnes & Scott Fitzgerald, and is set in the ficNoble, Books-a-Million, Indie Bound, tional district of West Egg, Long Island Harper Collins in 1922.

About the author: Daughter of MinNarrator Nick Carraway, Yale-gradnesota poets and essayists, Robert and uate and cousin to Daisy Buchanan, Carol Bly, Eloisa James, is no stranger to has only recently moved into a small harsh winters. She was born in Madihouse in West Egg, looking to try his son, Minn. and because her family did hand at the bond business. His small not own a television, grew up reading rental abuts the sprawling estate of instead.

Jay Gatsby, a millionaire who throws She began writing romance novels of weekly, Saturday night bashes to lure her own while attending the University the attention of Daisy, whose mansion of Virginia on a humanities fellowship, sits across the bay and with whom publishing them under the pseudonym Gatsby is hopelessly in love.

Eloisa James. She has had 12 New York When Nick agrees to arrange the Times bestsellers and 16 USA Today reunion of Gatsby and Daisy, social bestsellers. upheaval and cagey affairs ensue to Website: www.eloisajames.com Faceswallow the main characters in a web book: http://on.fb.me/1ehvdVb of lies, deceit and violence.

Generally considered as one of America’s greatest literary masterLooking for a mystery? pieces, Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” weaves together themes of decadence, “Tamarack County” by Wilsocial disruption, excess and the fall of liam Kent Krueger — “Tamarack the American dream to create a story County,” released in August, is No. that leaves the reader both exhilarated 13 in Krueger’s award-winning Cork and bewildered.

O’Connor series, set in the north woods of Minnesota.

Where to get it: Amazon, Barnes and As a blizzard swells just days before Noble, Half Price Books, Walmart and Christmas, the car belonging to the Target. wife of a retired local judge is disAbout the author: Francis Scott covered abandoned on a rural road Fitzgerald was born in 1896 to Mollie in Tamarack County. Early on, Cork and Edward Fitzgerald in St. Paul,

T

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Minn. After moving to and then returning from Buffalo, N.Y., Fitzgerald attended St. Paul Academy in 1908 and, after completing prep school in New Jersey, attended Princeton University only to drop out and enlist in the United States Army.

In his lifetime, Fitzgerald published five novels and 10 short story collections. When released, his third novel, “The Great Gatsby,” received mixed reviews and only sold 20,000 copies in its first year. Throughout his life, Fitzgerald struggled with alcoholism and recurring tuberculosis. He moved to Calif. in 1937 and tried freelance screenwriting before his death in 1940 at the young age of 44.

Eloise JAMES

Looking for something to read with your kids?

“Antler, Bear, Canoe: A Northwoods Alphabet Year” by Betsy Bowen — “Antler, Bear, Canoe” is a uniquely, Minnesotan way for children to learn their ABCs. First published in 1991, Betsy Bowen uses images she sees on a daily basis near her Lake Superior home to teach children about the fundamentals of the English alphabet.

Opening with snow-covered countryside, the book introduces the alphabet throughout the course of a traditional calendar year, showing the cycle of the seasons, the rebirth of wildlife and the adventure of northern life.

What really separates this book from other traditional alphabet literature is that content is not limited to one letter — ‘A’ for apple or ‘B’ for boy. Instead, Bowen utilizes the words to describe Minnesotan weather, landscapes, culture and animals to not only expand potential learning opportunities for young children, but also connect that learning to life in their home state.

For the perfect finish to a winter evening in Minnesota, grab your kids, cuddle up under a warm blanket, throw some logs on the fire and, of course, pick up a copy of “Antler, Bear, Canoe.”

Where to get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Target, Walmart and Half Price Books.

About the author: Betsy Bowen currently lives on the North Shore of Lake Superior, near Grand Marais, Minn.

She produces wood-carved prints for illustrations in both her own work like “Antler, Bear, Canoe: A Northwoods Alphabetic Year” and stories written by others. Bowen gained most of her fame through the bright, yet simple use of color and texture in her pieces which convey wildlife and traditional Minnesotan scenes.

Bowen bases her studio out of the historic Grand Marais Playhouse where she collaborates with her three sons, Jeremy, Eric and Phillip to “express a life of hand-crafted, straightforward livelihood, considerate of the land and her inhabiting communities.”

Website: www.woodcut.com Facebook page: https://www.facebook. com/BetsyBowenStudio

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William Kent KRUGER

F. Scott FITZGERALD

Betsy BOWEN

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Waseca

January 31 to February 22, 2014

Parade & Attractions

$1sponsored ,250 FROSTY Contest

by Culligan, Latham Place, iWealth, Dominos and Mediacom

500 Medallion Hunt $1,sponsored

by Waseca County News, Charlie’s Hardware, Waseca Hy-Vee, First National Bank, KOWZ/KORN Radio and Waseca VFW Club Post1642

PARADE: Feb 8

Grand Marshall: LEMA Starts at noon: Open to sleighs, cutters, bobsleds, wagons, buggies and riders; animal units only.

Dinner & Dance

Events

Squirts Hockey Tournament Western Entertainment Ice Sculpting Ice Golf Ice Curling Ice Harvest Ice Plunge Family Movie Night Card Tournaments Snowmobile Events Kruger Memorial Vintage Snowmobile

New Menu! Dinner: Feb 7, 5-7:30 p.m. - $12 Dance 8:30 - Close,

Chris Brooks and the Silver City Boys

Festival Queens

Festival Supporters: Local businesses & individuals The City of Waseca Waseca Area Foundation Waseca Area C of C Waseca Area T.V.B.

Miss Waseca County Sleigh & Cutter: Katie Schroeder Miss Teen Sleigh & Cutter Sadie Odenbrett Miss South Central: Laureen Fellows Miss South Central Teen: Alyssa Crum

Sleigh & Cutter CHILDREN’S DREAM CATCHER Annual fundraiser March 22, 2014 at 2:00pm at Katie O’Leary’s.

Bingo, meat raffles, silent and live auctions.

Check out the website for date and times:

www.sleighandcutter.org

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

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Home Brewing own beer can shrink that budget line. It can also grow the flavor line.

“I know the beer I make is as good as beers as I can buy,” Clay said. “It sounds arrogant, but anyone can do it. It’s the freshness of the product that people don’t realize. Most people have never had a really fresh beer. Most beers are meant to be consumed young.”

By JORDAN OSTERMAN josterman@northfieldnews.com

A

sk a bunch of different home brewers and you’re bound to land a bunch of different answers. People tend to find their way to the hobby/art/ business/obsession/indulgence that is home brewing in all kinds of ways, and for all kinds of reasons.

Some enjoy diving off the scientific deep end and exploring the chemistry and engineering of what it takes to create different beers. Others flirt with the age-old process of beer-making because it can be just plain cheaper than buying expensive craft beer at the store. And still others take on the role of beer creator because of its growing social connections, the chance to discuss a shared point of interest with others.

If there is a most likely candidate though, it might be with the thing itself. No offense to the wine connoisseurs of the world, but drinking beer is one of perhaps the most universally agreed on points of enjoyment for people everywhere (we’ll leave it to you to debate what other things hang around the top of that list).

Simply put: People like beer. So it comes as no surprise that some of those people would eventually find their way from the end of the process – you know, that drinking part – to the beginning.

Many track the beginning of a major growth in the home brewing industry to about 10 to 15 years ago, but the momentum has never been stronger. A national survey by the Brewers Association found that homebrew supply shops saw an average revenue increase of 29 percent in 2012, a 2 percent jump from 2011 and 10 percent jump from 2009. Among all home brew stores, 80 percent saw an increase in beginner

Making it available

Rusty and Ann Rybolt are the owners of the Know How Brewshop in Faribault.

brewing kits. Call it a bit tardy or right on time, but more and more folks are getting into brewing their own beer.

Minnesota is right in the middle of that expansion, with 25 formal home brewing clubs listed on MNBeer.com. Plenty of those are right here in southern Minnesota, from Northfield to Winona to Rochester to Waseca. More and more people are gathering around the common point of brewing their own beer, and - as the full brunt of winter bears down on us - the timing couldn’t be better.

Bringing it all together Just as bars have always been a meeting place to enjoy a beer with friends, so now people are coming together to enjoy a beer made by their friends.

“Sharing the process is fun,” said Waseca’s Charlie Rohwer, a member of the beer brewing and wine making club, Fermentals. “Sharing the end product is fun, too.”

In such clubs many of the reasons for home brewing come together, from the social to the creative.

As people explore the options of making their own, they can come

together to try each other’s beers, pick each other’s brains and look for ways to create a better end product.

“We just try to learn from each other. We taste what other people have made and what they did to make it,” Rohwer said. “It’s not so much about a chance to show off, but a chance to get better.”

Whether someone looks for avenues of improvement through a club or on their own, there are seemingly limitless ways to get better.

While simple enough for beginners to make a quality beer on their first try, the home brewing process can also get very scientific.

“You don’t have to be a chef to make a good dinner. You don’t to be a brewer to make good beer. Just like cooking, there’s as much an art to it as science. You have to know if you want to get better…you have to learn some of the science behind what you’re doing,” said Randy Clay of Northfield’s Milltown Mashers home brewing club. “Most home brewers I’ve met are interested in making their beers better. But there’s also something about the first time you make a beer and it turns out good, it’s really satisfying. It’s like, ‘Yea, I made that.’”

Beyond the appeal of ownership over a beer crafted from start to finish, many people find the economic benefits of making their own beer. Buying good craft beer at liquor stores can be an expensive indulgence, and making your

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Regardless of what reasons someone has in finding their way to the world of home brewing, there is an expanding business in providing them the things needed to do it. In that same Brewers Association survey, 43 percent of home brew shops had been open three years or less, “indicating considerable growth in new shop openings.”

Rusty and Ann Rybolt’s “Know-How Brews and Foods” in Faribault – which opened in January, 2012 – can count itself as one of those, and has found a soft landing amid the ongoing home brew boom.

“The response has been outstanding. We’ve been very encouraged,” Ann Rybolt said. “For many of the local brewers it’s nice having a place they can connect with other people and see what they’re buying, versus going online.

We’ve won their loyalty pretty quickly just by being here.”

A growing conscious of supporting local businesses in southern Minnesota also helps such start-ups as the Rybolt’s.

“The growth continues, especially in a down economy,” Rybolt said. “It’s fun. it’s something you can do on your own. People need distractions. It’s something I think will have enduring participation for people.”

Those distractions are more than welcome in Minnesota’s winter months; Rybolt said she sees a bump in brewing when people are more likely to want an indoor activity over that time. It’s far from a seasonal activity though, with more and more people giving more than just the drinking part of beer a shot.

“Minnesota has a really strong home brewing community,” Clay said. “This is definitely a healthy, growing hobby.”

Jordan Osterman is the SouthernMinn Scene Beer Correspondent. Reach him at josterman@northfieldnews.com.

Barley

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One woman’s journey into the heart of crafting

By AMY MERRITT editor@southernminnscene.com

I

f you’re like me, two degrees outside tends to keep you inside, cacooned in a warm blanket with some marathon television viewing. By the time January rolls around, the word “shackwacky” comes to mind. I psychoanalyze and personify my cat, narrating his behavior constantly. I’m not just talking to him, I’m talking as if I am him. I might decide I can cut my own hair. I take it personally that Toyota Jan and Progressive Insurance Flo seem to have more of a life than I do. It’s not good. So, in addition to a regimen of homemade soup and Zoloft, I always combat the crazy with tons of craft projects during the long hibernating months.

Here’s how it usually starts: “Oh Pinterest, how I love thee. You are so clever, so warm and comforting. You keep me on my toes with your perfectly carved pumpkins, your exquisitely decorated holiday wreaths, your deviled eggs that actually look like little chicks inside cracked eggs.” And then it goes like this: “Pinterest, how you vex and mock me.

With your perfectly crafted table settings and your hand-painted throw pillows and how in the hell did you make that awesome Star Wars cake?!”

Whatever. Let’s say this is about the journey, not the destination.

I just

want to make stuff. Yes, there are a ton of awesome and perfect projects people collect on Pinterest, and I get totally sucked into thinking I can reupholster an ottoman and paint a mural and there was a manicure fiasco one time. Don’t let all that perfection fool you. I know a ton of talented artists and crafters who create unique and exquisite things. But it’s a process. They practice, design, re-design, edit. They experiment. And that is the joy of it.

I’ve been a crafty person all my life, but I’m not particularly talented and I tend to jump in even though I don’t know what I’m doing. It usually just takes a little inspiration and I’m buying and wasting supplies right and left. That’s not to say that I don’t care about the outcome if I put a lot of time and effort into something, but it’s not the end of the world if my silly decoupage coasters are wrinkly and I made ladybug cupcakes look like a blood bath. I’ll just make more or move onto something else. The great thing is that the internet is full of instructions, inspirational ideas, and truly subversive and edgy projects.

Everyone is breaking out of the box.

Most crafts are actually very

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easy to learn. If you want to learn to knit, but you don’t want to make a scarf, it’s ok. You can make an ipad cozy or fingerless gloves without having to learn more than the basic stitches. I once knitted a cat bed for that complicated creature who might be plotting to kill me in my sleep. If you think cross stitch or embroidery is for your grandma, do a quick internet search and you will find irreverent and hilarious patterns and ideas. You don’t have to be an expert in anything, and many projects require very little investment.

I’m telling you, there is no rule saying you can’t have a homemade piñata in

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the middle of winter. I’ve done it, and I would do it again.

If you’re ready to find your inner etsy, here’s a little advice: Do find inspiration on the internet, but don’t copy an artist’s original work. Do find awesome tutorials on YouTube, but don’t worry if some crazy lady in Kansas leaves you confused.

Do seek out your local craft and specialty shops, which often offer classes and even private lessons. Finding a great teacher sometimes takes time, like finding the right psychiatrist, or mixologist, for that matter. In the end, you don’t have to show your project to anyone…but if it’s really bad, you can send it to pinterestfail.com and let the world laugh with you.

Amy Merritt is a freelance writer. Despite the suggestion in this story, she does not really think she is her cat. Reach her at amystvcrush@gmail. com.

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Lone Star BBQ Texas BBQ Done Right

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By RICH LARSON editor@southernminnscene.com it’s tough to tell what’s more difficult to handle. Is it the cabin fever brought on by a grueling Minnesota winter that builds and builds until, by Valentines Day, you’re absolutely certain that summer is little more than a cruel myth?

Or is it watching, and dodging, your kids literally bouncing off the walls. Once they have flattened every square inch of snow in both your front and back yards, and it’s too cold to let them go run around outside anyway, what do you do?

Both problems are legitimate. Both problems are severe. Both require immediate, and extensive attention.

Both problems are the reasons we, as a people, found the need for the indoor water park.

Frankly, at this time of year, an indoor water park can look like an oasis. It’s a little tiny slice of summer in a cold, desolate landscape.

SoMinn, you have choices. Whether you want to go all out, or do just enough to drain off all that excess energy and right your sanity, you can find just exactly what you need.

TownePlace Suites

by Marriott

The TownePlace Suites by Marriott is an extended stay motel. General Manager Lynn Williams says that, while they actually tend to get a lot of business travelers during the week thanks to their proximity to the Mayo Clinic, during the weekend, they’re business tends to be much more family oriented, thanks largely to the water slides and fountains in their two swimming pools.

“Lot’s of kids,” said Williams. “And we love having them.”

She also explained that they get a number of birthday parties, some overnight, and some just making use of one of the conference rooms.

The water slide at the Towne Place Suites is really nothing fancy, but it will certainly do the trick. The water trees in the shallower ends of the pool are great for the little ones who are ready for the “big kids” pool just yet.

At a rate hovering somewhere around $115 per night including breakfast in the morning and access to the pools (discounts can be found if you hunt around

l hoo c S ’s ary sents: M . e t k-S MN pr c u t t , Sha ribault Fa

Historic Newhall Auditorium

Tickets: Adults-$15.00 • Students-$9.00

Reservations: (507) 333-1620

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CHASTITY BROWN & BARBARA JEAN Thursday, January 16 7:30 PM Chastity Brown, a Minneapolisbased singer-songwriter is one to watch. She is joined by Barbara Jean an Americana-folk singersongwriter from Grand Marais playing banjo, fiddle and viola.

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for them), this can be a nice affordable place to run and hide for a Saturday night.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott 2829 43rd St NW Rochester, MN (507) 281-1200

The Great Serengeti Water Park Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, Owatonna

“There’s the Kilimanjaro Tube Slide, and there’s the Python Body Slide,” says Daren Wradislavsky, general manager of the Owatonna Holiday Inn. “Quite frankly, I’m not sure how tall they are.”

Their exact height doesn’t really matter. These two structures tower over visitors, and are the centerpiece of the the 35,000 square foot park on the south side of his hotel.

Then there’s the Lazy Zambezi River, where maybe

National Players presents Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” Wednesday, February 12 • 7:30 PM Thursday, February 13 • 7:30 PM For an ambitious couple gripped with murderous thoughts, reality is elastic.

Witches, floating daggers, moving forests, and blood that refuses to wash away – who can tell what is real and what is imagined?

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PHOTOS LEFT TO RIGHT: The Kilimanjaro Tube Slide at the Great Serengeti Indoor Water Park in Owatonna.

Animal fountains at the Great Serengeti Indoor Water Park in Owatonna courtesy of Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, Owatonna.

The basketball pool at the Great Serengeti Indoor Water Park in Owatonna.

The Water Tree at the TownePlace Suites

by Marriott in Rochester.

Doorway to the Serengeti.

the less adventurous, or maybe the just plain tired, can park their bodies in an inner tube and float around the perimeter of the park.

The park also offers a basketball court sized pool, twelve feet deep, with basketball hoops on either side, a twelve person hot tub, and a video arcade just off to the side.

“We get people who come back several times a year from all over the state, Iowa, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. We’re definitely busier when things get colder.”

Like the TownePlace Suites, the Holiday Inn of Owatonna also offers a birthday party package, complete with pizza, pop and cupcakes. There are in-room specials as well, but Wradislavsky suggests you plan ahead.

“Holidays olidays and weekends are extremely busy,” he says.

As this is a more sophisticated option, you’ll find the prices to be the same way. But like with the Towne Place Suites, bargains and discounts can be found if your prepared to hunt around enough.

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites 2365 43rd St NW Owatonna, MN (888) 465-4329 It should also be noted that just to the north of our beloved Southern Minnesota, across the highway from that great big mall, the Radisson Bloomington Hotel

offers the Water W Park of America. Featuring a dozen different slides and attractions, the Waterpark of America is a full blown water based amusement park.

Worth looking into for the intrepid souls brave enough actually venture NORTH in the winter time.

We love Minnesota, and if we really hated winter as much as we make it sound, we’d leave. But sometimes, you just need a break. Sometimes you just need to grab the kids and jump in the pool. This isn’t a bad way to do it at all.

Rich Larson is the editor of Southern Minnesota SCENE. You can reach him at editor@southernminnscene.com.

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The How-To’s of

Binge

AMY’S TV CRUSH

I AMY MERRITT Amy Merritt is a freelance writer who has done extensive research on the metaphysical effects of television binge watching on the human body, particularly during the months of January and February. When she is not in the lab, you can reach her at amystvcrush@gmail.

Watching

don’t know why every year I’m surprised that it’s so cold. Like this is the coldest cold that ever ripped through my inadequate jacket and not-actually-waterproof boots. But I am surprised. And frankly, disgusted and regularly cursing the cloudy sky. The good news is that this is the perfect time to stay in and nurture that TV Crush.

This month, I offer you my carefully edited list of binge-worthy shows. Keep in mind, not every show is best served in large doses. One of my friends says watching multiple episodes of Mad Men is like staying one day too long in Vegas. It’s fun at first, but after a while you feel kind of drunk and dirty and you want to get back to your real life. Other shows, in my opinion, should definitely be devoured multiple chapters at a time. Here are my suggestions if you’re going to snuggle up and commit:

know loves this show, but I haven’t heard much from the male set. Maybe it’s the romance, the scandal, the costumes. Just like real life, ladies.

The End of Season Three Is Coming

The Wire Why to binge: The Wire is widely acclaimed to be the best drama ever to air. If that’s not enough of a selling point, let me assure you that it is not another cop show. The Wire tackles the complexity of the drug trade, politics, the seaports, the schools and the media in Baltimore. It is about corruption and redemption, and is uniquely realistic, in part because creator David Simon worked for many years as a crime reporter for the Baltimore Sun. You’ll want to binge because the story is just that well crafted and intriguing. In fact, I only recommend you try this show when you have time to watch the first few episodes at once. There are a ton of characters and vernacular and the writers are not dumbing it down, so it’s best to just immerse yourself.

Homeland Why to binge: Homeland is perfect for binge watching. The plot is suspenseful and moves incredibly quickly. Every episode ends with a cliffhanger, so make sure you have time for one more.

A year ago, I might not have put this show on my list. The second season is so over-the-top crazy, I was worried the writers had gone off the rails.

But on Thanksgiving Day, I binged on most of the current 3rd season with satisfaction and relief. The show is still completely compelling, but with more time spent on the characters and slower build of the action, it’s gotten even better. I highly recommend enjoying a cocktail with this one. Claire Danes is so intense in every scene, you start to feel like you’re also losing it.

The Walking Dead Why to binge: Every episode of AMC’s The Walking Dead is super suspenseful, so it’s perfect for binge-watching. Though the characters are fairly flat, this show avoids the cheesiness you might expect from a post-zombie apocalypse premise. It is wildly entertaining, and often quite scary. They don’t skimp on the special effects. Actors attend intensive “zombie school” and the costumes and makeup are detailed and realistic. So be prepared—this show is gross.

Legless, crawling, wheezing undead, heads being squashed like melons, guts pouring out gross.

Walter White may or may not be coming. We don’t know. It depends on where you are in the series.

Breaking Bad

Winter is coming.

Game of Thrones

Season Four Is Coming

Downton Abbey Why to binge: I normally don’t go for anything that falls into the “British Period Drama” category, but this is a great exception. The story takes place in the early 20th century English countryside and centers around the wealthy Crawley family and their many servants. I know that still sounds a little…stuffy, but it’s a great soap opera and worth watching just for Maggie Smith’s incredible zingers. The 4th season is about to air, so there’s plenty of time to catch up since each season is less than 10 episodes. I’m not gonna lie…every woman I

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Why to binge: I love this show. This is an ambitious, suspenseful, epic story that is impossible to watch one episode at a time. It is complicated, with a ton of characters and storylines to follow.

So many, in fact, that a single episode sometimes moves the plot forward only incrementally, and you might have to wait an episode or two before the story gets back to your favorite characters.

But if you watch 3 or 4 episodes at time, you will be obsessed. It is like nothing you have ever seen, including the dragons.

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Why to binge: Aaaaahhh! It’s so good! Breaking Bad was saved by the power of Instant Watch.

Many fans came to the show late, and binged on the first couple of seasons once it was available on Netflix. Watch the first scene of the first episode and you will know that this is something special. I’ll admit it took me a while to develop the intense feelings I have for the show now. Walter White is a high school chemistry teacher diagnosed with cancer, and at first he is so bumbling and pathetic it made me uncomfortable. But as Walter enters his life of crime in order to make money for his family, he finds his dark side. I have never been so delightfully manipulated by a show. I was in constant conflict over whether or not I could still root for Walter even though he is so bad. Bad bad bad.

Here’s my recommendation: Binge on the first 5 ½ seasons, and then watch the last half of season 5 one episode at a time. Each of the last 8 episodes made me gasp, scream, cry, sit on the edge of my seat. And unlike many of the greatest shows of the last decade, the finale is not ambiguous. You know exactly how this all will end. Savor it.

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The Northfield Arts Guild

M o n e y, C r e a t i v i t y, a n d t h e F u n d i n g o f A r t s i n t h e C o m m u n i t y

By RICH LARSON editor@southernminnscene.com

I

t’s very easy to take the arts for granted.

It’s easier still to dismiss them as inconsequential, or a luxury. The phrase itself even sounds somehow vaguely elitist, as if reserved for millionaires in tuxedos and ball gowns who attend the ballet at Lincoln Center (not that there’s anything wrong with millionaires, tuxedos, ball gowns, the ballet, or Lincoln Center).

But think for just a minute what life would be like without the arts. Seriously.

Remove music from your life. No symphonies, no jazz clubs, no Deadmau5.

There is no such thing as a painting or a

sculpture. Forget Rembrandt, the Sistine Chapel, and Picasso. No great novels or poetry. No movies. No Godfather, no Citizen Kane, no Schindler’s List. My god, we wouldn’t even have the sparkling vampires of Twilight. Broadway would just be another street in New York City. London’s West End would be indistinguishable from the East End. And folks, honestly, I’m here to tell you that this world would not be a great place without the ballet.

All this sounds pretty far-fetched doesn’t it?

Looking at it that way, it’s pretty easy to see that the arts – in whatever medium – are the result of channeled human creativity. They are intrinsic to our nature.

So, if the arts are this important,

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doesn’t that make it vital to support local community arts centers?

If that sounds like overstatement to you, ask yourself where does all this begin? How does the next great painter, or the next great actress even find their medium in an age when public education arts programs are suffering and being cut all across the country? The suggestion seems to be that they be outsourced and independently funded. Well, okay. If that’s the way the game is to be played, so be it. As a society we have a need to teach, to channel, and to foster creativity. If it doesn’t come in school, or if the opportunities in schools are varying, then an arts center can fill that void. Moreover, the arts center is there for students and enthusiasts of all ages. Anyone from tod-

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“We have to help people understand that it’s almost the NPR model.

We constantly have to explain to people that, without your help or your membership, this is going to get smaller and smaller and smaller.”

– Ann Mosey

executive director, of the Northfield Arts Guild

Turn

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Thank you for your patronage in 2013!

We look forward to keeping you on the road in 2014.

From our garage to yours...

Happy Holidays!

Mike, Sarah, Sierra, Savana & Atlas

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The Paradise Center for the Arts

From 17 dlers to senior citizens and all in between can probably get something out of paying it a visit.

Every one of these places is as different as the community they serve. Each has a different personality, and usually there’s a different area of emphasis, but they all have one common, overbearing issue: they all need money.

Now, let’s be honest, that’s not a problem unique to arts centers, or for that matter, non-profits. But that’s part of the problem, too. A local arts center isn’t always the first thing people think about when they start looking around to contribute to a good cause. Even arts enthusiasts don’t always realize that these places need help every year.

“We have to help people understand that it’s almost the NPR model,” said Ann Mosey, executive director of the Northfield Arts Guild. “We constantly have to explain to people that, without your help or your membership, this is going to get smaller and smaller and smaller.”

Southern Minnesota is fortunate to have a number of thriving arts centers.

The Northfield Arts Guild, the Lakeville Arts Center, the Austin Area Arts Center, the Owatonna Arts Center, Crossings at Carnegie in Zumbrota, the Lanesboro Arts Center, the Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault, just to name a few. Each is a well run, well respected facility. Each is an active part of their community, each bus-

Ryan Heinritz of the Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault.

tling with activity. But, as Mosey points out, one should be careful not to confuse activity with security.

“Thriving is an interesting term,” she said. “There’s thriving in terms of how much production, and creativity and activity you see, and then there’s thriving in terms of financial vitality.

“It can be misleading in arts centers because we are so public with our creativity, our imagination, our product, it’s intrinsically visual or performative, and I think people come to sort of take it for granted.

They think ‘well, that show went on, they must be doing fine”.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work that way. The way 2013 is shaping up, the NAG’s ticket sales will account for 16% of their revenue. However their theater costs - the programs and coordination, maintenance and depreciation - have accounted for 18% of their costs.

No business can run like that, so like every other business, they have to find diverse streams of revenue. For arts centers that comes in the form of grants, memberships, donations, and sponsorships.

None of which are exactly easy to come by. While the State of Minnesota provides plenty of programs for funding, that can only make up a small percentage of the center’s needs. It means they have to get creative, and they have to start looking for partnerships.

“The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) has regional grant support, in a lot of different categories,”

says the executive director of Faribault’s Paradise Center for the Performing Arts, Ryan Heinritz. “The one we look at from a programmatic standpoint is the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund. By design, we are allowed to apply for up to $10,000 a year. We could do that in any form. We could apply for five $2000 grants, or one $10,000 grant.”

“We just applied [for $10,000] to create an after school arts program,” he said.

“But I want to do more. [We do that] by partnering with other organizations, like the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf. The MSAD has applied for $10,000 to bring in and hire The National Theater for the Deaf to come to Faribault and do a week long residency, and we’ll donate our space to host a public performance.”

“So, if awarded both of these grants, MSAD would be able to bring artistic programming to the community of Faribault via the PCA as the venue. We, as the Paradise Center for the Arts would be able to create an after school arts program. That’s all thanks to SEMAC – actually thank you tax payers of Minnesota who voted for the Legacy Amendment, of course, back in 2008.”

And let’s also keep in mind, that it’s not just outreach programs that cost money.

The Paradise Center for the Arts underwent a major renovation and remodel a few years ago, and the service of that debt remains their major expense. The Northfield Arts Guild owns two buildings, one is their headquarters building which

has gallery space, classrooms and a small performance space, the other is a theater.

Both Mosey and Heinritz will tell you it’s great to own your building, but the upkeep and maintenance on those structures can be crippling.

“The PCA is a 1930’s movie theater, turned into a performance venue”, said Heinritz. “The acoustics are great for certain things. The aesthetics are amazing.

But there are things we could do to make the performances here and the experiences here even better.”

“The foundation is from the 1884 Opera House. This is an old building, folks.

We joke around here that with the debt and no reserves, what happens when the roof leaks someday and that has to be replaced? With no reserves, where does that money come from?”

The NAG just recently came face to face with that very issue.

“Last year, and the year before, we got smacked,” said Mosey. “Tuck points, boilers, rain gutters, water heaters, paint the outside of the theater; it was $30,000 easy over two years. That was a real wake up call.”

In Owatonna, the Arts Center is in the historic West Hills building. They rent their space from the city, so maintenance isn’t quite as much a problem.

That doesn’t mean they don’t have major expenses, however.

“Clay is expensive,” said executive

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Megan Proft of the Owatonna Arts Center.

West Hills, home of the Owatonna Arts Center.

From 19 director Megan Proft. “There are things you forget about – you have to pay for a printer, you have to pay a huge phone bill. People fail to realize that there’s a lot of overhead.”

“We have to pay the phone bill,” says Heinritz. “We have to pay Ace Hardware to get our paper products, we have to pay our advertising costs. Can we get creative and trade some of our advertising costs? Absolutely. We’re really good at doing that with our radio stations and our print publications.”

“Thankfully the business community supports us in in-kind services or trade services.”

In-kind trading isn’t the only way the business community supports the arts.

After donations and memberships, partnering with the local business community is the best way for an arts center to both cover their expenses and supplement their marketing efforts.

Heinritz obviously sees the need to keep his theater as busy as possible, so the Paradise has a theater series, a music series, and a new series of family themed events. Each series has a business partner and he would like each show to have an individual sponsor.

“We’ve put together a concept and idea and package that we are able to take out to the business community, and look for investors,” said Heinritz. “I went and had a meeting with the Faribault Crossroads Group – the Southern Heights Dental Group, Crossroads Skincare, and the Richey Eye Clinic. They graciously and generously agreed to cover all the expenses for our new family series. All of the performers fees, and any technical or hospitality expense that comes with that, is covered. So, the minute I start selling tickets, that’s going to cover the overhead – advertising, venue, rental, space, lights,

electricity, that kind of stuff. It makes all the difference.”

The businesses partners reap the benefit of exposure. Their names are on everything from posters and advertisements to tickets and programs. Prior to every show, Heinritz appears on stage to thank the sponsors, as well. Additionally, it’s a chance for those businesses to give something back to the community, which seems to be even more important today than it was ten, twenty, or thirty years ago.

Mosey says that the Northfield Business community is “marvelous”. The success of the NAG, however, and Northfield’s reputation as an open minded and supportive community, has now begun to account for a diminishing return.

“We’re no longer the only act in town,” she said.

The area the NAG serves, which she defines as within a sixty mile radius of Northfield, has seen rise to new theater companies, new art galleries, and any number of excellent, good working nonprofit groups, all asking the same businesses for help and support.

“There isn’t enough of the business dollar to support all [of us]”, she said. “I think we could all say the businesses are all there in terms of heart and soul, but it has stopped in terms of what they can give. For the NAG, businesses are still giving what they gave us five years ago, which means that we’ve lost money.”

What the area really needs, according to Mosey, is to attract more small, forprofit industry. Until then, however, the NAG finds itself at a difficult juncture.

“We’re actually going into pretty serious program analysis,” she said. “Not only for our immediate needs, but how are we going to create a financial model that looks 25 years ahead? So, this is the door that has finally opened here, and we’re just at the beginning of those conversations, which are tough ones to have.

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But important.”

As there just never really is enough money, sometimes the fundraising has to come in creative forms.

“A few years ago, before my time, we did an Imaginary Ball,” said Proft. “Basically, you received an invitation to attend an imaginary ball. There was nothing happening, but you sent in your payment for ticket. And there was no ball. It got a good response, too! It was kind of a cute way – it was mid-year, and they were asking for a little extra help. People really do respond to it. Some people rolled their eyes a little bit, but I think most people got it.”

Heinritz has recently made the decision to sacrifice his body in the name of funding the PCA. If they can raise $26,200 during their December “Twenty Six Days of Giving” capital campaign, he has pledged to run the Twin Cities Marathon next fall.

“And if we only get to $26,000, I’ll kick in the extra $200 myself,” he said.

All three directors made the point that, of course, any arts center needs more than just monetary support. They need warm bodies willing to help with hanging art, planning, and cleaning. Quite often, they look to their board of directors for that help.

“This is roll up your sleeves time. We have a lot of work to do, we have relationships to build, we have to have a lot of coffees with a lot of potential donors, we have three days in the winter where we need to come in and rip cabinets and rugs out. Because, we’re in this transition stage we need board members who are going to feel comfortable having hard conversations with long time members about what we need to pull back from. If we were floating along, and in the black, and I could just be making decisions, my board could be vey different. They wouldn’t need to be sewing buttons on costumes.

One need not be a member of the Board of Directors to help, however.

“Volunteers are so important” said Proft. “I received an email this morning from someone, just asking if they could do anything. YES!! Just show up! I’ll put you to work! We’ll find something for you to do.”

While the picture may look a little bit bleak, it should be pointed out that these organizations are all making it work. At the moment none of them are in danger of closing their doors. But they all have to work very hard every day to keep things that way. Labor of love though it may be, it’s still a lot of work.

“It comes down to one question: do you want this in your community?’ said Heinritz. “If you do, then you should think about buying a membership. You should think about finding ways to help out. Send me an email. Make suggestions. Volunteer. We’re here for the community, and we want to supply the things the community wants.”

“We just need your support.”

“It comes down to one question: do you want this in your community? If you do, then you should think about buying a membership. You should think about finding ways to help out. Send me an email. Make suggestions.

Volunteer. We’re here for the community, and we want to supply the things the community wants.”

– Ryan Heinritz

executive director, of the Parasise Center for the Arts

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Comedian Michael Harrison / Goonie’s Comedy Club / Rochester / 12.20

Comedian Josh Alton / Goonie’s Comedy Club / Rochester / 12.27

ARTS 5th Annual New Ulm ArtScape Juried Art Show: 20-Dec, 12:00 AM, The Grand Center for Arts and Culture, 210 N Minnesota St., New Ulm, Free. The Grand Center for Arts & Culture present’s the fifth annual ArtScape Juried Art Show . The show features local and regional artists showing a variety of artwork in sculpture, charcoal, oil, photography, watercolor, and mixed media. An opening reception will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15. Winners of the show will be announced at the opening reception.. www.thegrandnewulm. com. “Creativity Jam Comedian Michael Harrison: 20-Dec, 10:00 PM, and 21-Dec, 7:30 PM. Goonie’s Comedy Club, 7 Second Street SW, Rochester, $14-$20. Hailing from the prairies, Michael has become a burst of fresh air in the comedy scene with his engaging stories and hilarious observations on life. Among his many accolades, Mike’s humor has landed him glowing reviews at festivals all across North America and his own national comedy special. Besides touring extensively in North America, he has also found time to develop a solid acting resume with appearances in NBC’s ‘The Bridge’ and ‘Queer as Folk.’

Recently, Michael was on the nationallysyndicated Bob & Tom Radio Show. He is one act you don’t want to miss!’ Raanan Hershberg tours clubs and colleges all across the country, cutting his teeth in some of the top rooms in the nation. He was selected for this year’s Laugh Your Asheville Off Comedy Festival, and was a finalist in the 2012 Funniest Person in Cincinnati Competition. He is also the host and founder of The Young, Dumb, and Full of Comedy Show, a popular alternative comedy showcase in Louisville, KY.. www.gooniescomedy.com/shows.shtml.

“Friday Open Mic Night Nutcracker Ballet: 21-Dec, 2:00 PM, Sheldon Theatre, 443 West 3rd Street, Red Wing, $17.50-$27.50. The Holiday Season crown jewel! Especially designed for families, this seasoned production develops themes of generosity, non-violence, and responsibility through the timeless tale of Clara’s fantastic voyage to the Land of the Sugarplum Fairy with her magical godfather Drosselmeyer.. www.sheldontheatre.org/. 651-388-8700 Great Northern Union Chorus Christmas Stories: 21-Dec, 2:00 PM, Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville, $10-$35. The Great Northern Union Chorus (GNU) is an internationally acclaimed, auditioned men’s a cappella chorus based in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, drawing members and audiences from throughout the Midwest.. www.burnsvillepac.com/gnu.html.

Collin Moultin: 21-Dec, 7:00 PM, House of Comedy, 408 East Broadway, Level 4 East, Bloomington, $20 . Less than two years after getting started, Collin won his first comedy competition (the 2001 Rocky Mountain Laff-Off), and later that year found himself featured on Comedy Central’s Best of the Improv. 2003 proved to be another successful year for the up-and-comer, as he was a Best in Fest feature at the renowned Montreal Comedy Festival. 300 shows a year around the country, including performances at comedy shrines like Caroline’s (NYC), The Funnybones (Columbus, Des Moines, Virginia Beach, Richmond, Toledo, Omaha, Richmond, Hartford etc...), The Improv (LA, Irvine, Brea, Denver, Tampa, etc...), The Laugh Factory, The Icehouse (Pasadena, CA), the Punchline (San Francisco), and

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By Your Accidents Rochester Art Center Through January 19th

Comedian Louie Anderson / Burnsvillle Performing Arts Center / Burnsville / 12.31 Ridley’s Comedy Castle (Detroit, MI). When not working the country’s glitziest rooms on the coasts, Collin leaves no comedy club stone unturned in the nation’s heartland. One week you might find him working a stretch of one-nighters across Texas and Oklahoma; the next week he could be on a four-night stand in Ohio. Or late this fall he could be emceeing Whitey’s annual redneck dragqueen show in Burlington Iowa... Maybe you should wait to see that on video.. houseofcomedy.net/about/ comics-details.asp?ID=272. “At Christmas with Mick Sterling Hometown Holiday Show: 21-Dec, 7:30 PM, Zumbrota State Theatre, 88 E 4th St., Zumbrota, $5-$18. Community-wide variety show and sing-along starring Dan Chouinard and others.. www.crossingsatcarnegie.com/ page0003_Concerts_and_Events_Schedule. html. 507-732-5210 It’s a Wonderful Life-Live Radio Play: 22-Dec, 2:00 PM, Lincoln Community Center, 110 Fulton St., Mankato, $9-$15.

This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve.. www.merelyplayers.com.

Llama Llama Holiday Drama: 22-Dec, 2:00 PM, and 4:30 PM . Stages Theatre Company, 1111 Main Street, Hopkins, $15 .

‘Llama Llama holidays. Jingle music. Lights ablaze. How long till that special date? Llama Llama has to wait.’ Everyone’s favorite chronicler of llamas, Anna Dewdney, has created another magnificent story around little Llama Llama, who has so much trouble waiting for anything. Stages Theatre Company presents the world premiere of this brand-new musical adaptation for its holiday audience.. stagestheatre.org/upcoming-shows/02/28/2013/ llama-llama-holiday-drama. “Jingle Bells, Batman Smells Jingle Bells, Batman Smells: 22-Dec, 2:00 PM, Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Avenue, Lakeville, $13 . Junie B. thinks the holiday sing-along should be fun

this year, but when it’s time for the Secret Santa drawing, Junie B. picks the one person she’d rather not have tattletale May!. test. lakevillemn.gov/index.php?option=com_ jevents&task=icalrepeat.detail&evid=4903&Itemid=1364&year=2013&month=12&day=1 3&title=junie-b-in-jingle-bells-batman-sm ells&uid=bb74749369c0d99eee677939ee7 535bd. “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Great Northern Union Chorus Christmas Stories: 22-Dec, 2:00 PM, Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville, $10-$35. The Great Northern Union Chorus (GNU) is an internationally acclaimed, auditioned men’s a cappella chorus based in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, drawing members and audiences from throughout the Midwest.. www.burnsvillepac.com/gnu.html.

Mike Vecchione: 26-Dec, 7:30 PM; 27-Dec, 7:30 PM; 9:45 PM. House of Comedy, 408 East Broadway, Level 4 East, Bloomington, $15 . Michael Vecchione was born in Youngstown, Ohio and graduated High School in Boca Raton, Florida. He played football and placed second in the 1991 AAA state wrestling tournament. He attended Pennsylvania State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and went on to receive a Master’s degree in Special Education from Cabrini College in Pennsylvania. Mike has worked as a counselor and Special Education teacher in the Philadelphia area. In 2010, Mike won the People’s Choice Award for the New York Comedy Festival, was a semi-finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, and was selected to perform at the prestigious Montreal Comedy Festival (New Faces). Later that year, Mike went on to perform on the Tonight Show starring Jay Leno and shot his own Half Hour Special for Comedy Central.. houseofcomedy. net/about/comics-details.asp?ID=186.

Comedian Josh Alton: 27-Dec, 7:30 PM & 10:00 PM, Goonie’s Comedy Club, 7 Second Street SW, Rochester, $14-$20. Comedian Josh Alton has an’everyday’appeal that makes him unique and attractive to a mass amount

Comedian Collin Moultin / House of Comedy / Bloomington / 12.21

of people! From the biggest comedy clubs, to dive bars, audience members of any age, race, or background, can relate to Alton’s material about college, marriage, pets, sex, and even how to look at the good side of getting robbed! This veteran of the stage brings an honest, positive energy to each performance.

His mix of funny stories, and witty one-liners, keeps crowds on their toes, and packs each show with the maximum amount of laughter!

Stefan Davis has been featured on Comcast TV’s ‘Who’s Laughing Now?’ and Hoosier TV’s ‘Trial By Laughter’ and also the nationally syndicated radio station 24/7 Comedy. He was a semi-finalist in the 2011 Madison’s Funniest Comic contest and was also chosen to perform in the 2011 Laughing Skull Comedy Festival in Atlanta, Georgia. Stefan released his debut album in January of 2012 entitled ‘Of course I’ll choke you..’ Stefan has performed from coast to coast since 2007 sharing the stage with such comedians as Doug Benson and Marc Maron.. www. gooniescomedy.com/shows.shtml.

George Lopez: 28-Dec, 8:00 PM, Paramount Theater, 125 N.E. Fourth Ave., Austin, $60+. George Lopez is a multi-talented entertainer whose career encompasses television, film, standup comedy and late-night television. For two seasons, Lopez hosted

Lopez Tonight, a late-night television talk show on TBS, which represented Lopez’s return to series television after co-creating, writing, producing and starring in Warner Bros. Television’s groundbreaking hit sitcom George Lopez, which ran for six seasons on ABC. George Lopez remains a hit with viewers in syndication on both broadcast stations and cable’s Nick at Nite, ranking as one of the top-rated shows on the network and among the top five comedies and top 20 weekly programs in syndication. George Lopez is one of only four off-net comedies to post weekly ratings gains among households from the 2007 08 to 2008 09 season. Price varies by venue.. www.georgelopez.com/tour-dates/.

Williams & Ree: 29-Dec, 4:00 PM, Jackpot Junction Casino, 39375 County Highway 24, Morton, $10-$25. Bruce Williams & Terry Ree, ‘The Indian and the White Guy,’ have sustained a career over 40 years packing casinos, clubs, and arenas from Niagara Falls to Las Vegas with their ever-changing routine that --more times than not--steers away from the off-color Indian jokes that originally established the duo. Williams and Ree met in 1968 at Black Hills State College in Spearfish, SD where they began playing together in a band where they often filled time between

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Please allow our friends from the Peanuts cartoons, Schroeder and Lucy, to prove why the internet is NOT all knowing and omniscient.

Lucy is leaning back on Schroeder’s piano. As he’s plucking out the Moonlight Sonata, Lucy is talking about how Beethoven wasn’t really all that great. “How come you never see his picture on bubblegum cards? If he’s so great, why doesn’t Beethoven have his picture on bubblegum cards?”

Now translating that into early 21st Century terms, Lucy would probably say the same thing about someone who doesn’t have a Wikipedia page.

And, just like with Beethoven, she would be wrong.

David Rathman is not a Wikipedia. He is a Minneapolis based artist, known primarily for his use of oil paint, watercolor and ink. His works generally depict some sort of scene associated with manly type stuff, IE cowboys, football, demolition derby cars, etc. Usually there’s a caption of some sort on his work as well. Well known among many different art circles, he’s a guy who has largely flown under the radar in his adopted hometown of Minneapolis, especially considering his works have been shown all over the world, and in such distinguished museums as the Art Institute of Chicago, the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and the Walker Art Center. If you’re intrigued, which you should be, the Rochester Art Center opened the first truly comprehensive exhibition of his works back in September. The show closes on January 19th, so you still have a little time to go see works spanning his twenty two year career all in one place. Bring your check book, just in case you decide to invest in something for your kid’s college fund.

Admission is $3-$5.

– – Rich Larson, editor@southernminnscene.com

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Jingle Bells, Batman Smells / Lakeville Area Center for the Arts / Lakeville / 12.22-30

Portraits in Blues The Wicked Moose Bar & Grill, Rochester Friday, January 10th For all the attention received by 89.3 The Current darlings like Polica, Caroline Smith, and Low, as well as local heroes Doomtree and Atmosphere, you would think the only music that came out of Minnesota these days was indie rock and hip-hop. Although it doesn’t receive the attention that some of the other music gets around here, Minnesota fosters a damn fine blues scene. On January 10th, the Wicked Moose Bar & Grill in Rochester is putting some of the best on stage in one crazy good night.

St. Paul’s Ken Valdez is blue collar blues man with a roaring voice and monster guitar chops, who has worked with Doyle Bramhall II, Jonny Lang, Sonny Landreth and Maceo Parker. Sena Ehrhardt is a nordic goddess with the soul of a Mississippi queen (I swear to God, I made that up all by myself). Ehrhardt’s blonde hair and blue eyes bely the deep rich voice of a true blues singer, who grew up under the watchful eye of her veteran guitarist father. Tweed Funk is not from Minnesota. In fact they’re from Wisconsin. However, their groove is so funky and so infectious, that you’ll forgive their shortcomings and boogie your butt off, regardless. The Moose has set itself up as one of SoMinn’s premier music venues. This would be a good night to go see what the buzz is all about.

1 - 7:30pm show ticket & Hot buffet- $39.00 Package 2- 7:30 pm show ticket only- $25.00 Package 3- 10:00pm show ticket, midnight appetizer buffet, after show party and party favors.- $44.00 Michael Vecchione was born in Youngstown, Ohio and graduated High School in Boca Raton, Florida. He played football and placed second in the 1991 AAA state wrestling tournament. He attended Pennsylvania State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and went on to receive a Master’s degree in Special Education from Cabrini College in Pennsylvania. Mike has worked as a counselor and Special Education teacher in the Philadelphia area.. houseofcomedy.net/

about/comics-details.asp?ID=326.

Deuces Wild New Year’s Eve Show!: 31-Dec, 10:00 PM, Historic Paramount Theatre-Saint Cloud, 913 West Saint Germain Street, Saint Cloud, $24-$25. The ‘Wild Brothers’ are back in town for 2 exciting shows! Since you’ve last seen them, Dave and Ted have performed from New York to New Orleans and return to the Paramount with new parodies, songs, and skits. Plan on having a good time, and plan on seeing lots of ‘un-planned’ improv! Laugh, Clap, Sing along and ring in the New Year with Dave & Ted Deuces Wild!. www.paramountarts. org/events/deuces-wild-new-years-eve-

show/. 320-259-5463 Free Family Day: 4-Jan, 1:00 PM, Rochester Art Center, 40 Civic Center Dr. SE, Rochester, Free. In the third floor studios, children and families can participate in art projects that are designed to relate to the exhibitions on view at the Art Center.. www. rochesterartcenter.org/events/events.html.

507-282-8629

Cabin Fever Auditions: 9-Jan, 7:00 PM, Twin Rivers Council for the Arts, 523 South Second Street, Mankato, Free. Mankato Mosaic, in association with the Minnesota Shorts Play Festival, welcomes you to audition for a role in one of our ‘Cabin Fever’ Variety Show plays. Interested in directing, props, tech crew (sounds lights)? Stop by

Comedian George Lopez / Paramount Theater / Austin / 12.28

$10 in advance, $15 at the door – – Rich Larson, editor@southernminnscene.com

From 21 their songs with their unique brand of humor.

After realizing that the humor became a bigger draw than the music, the comedy team was born. Polishing their performances at venues such as the world famous Comedy Store in Los Angeles during the 1970s and testing new material with the likes of Robin Williams and David Letterman, Williams and Ree discovered their natural ability to play off one another. They have since shared the stage with acts such as Garth Brooks, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Tim McGraw in addition

to hosting COUNTRY KITCHEN with Florence Henderson, a show that entertained audiences for over 10 years. The recent resurgence of comedy shows such as the Blue Collar Comedy, Last Comic Standing, Whose Line Was It Anyway, and TBS’s ‘Minding The Store’ proves that audiences nationwide are still entertained by comedians who have the innate ability to find humor in everyday life. By combining pop culture trends into a fast-paced, lively show, full of zings interspersed with songs,. jackpotjunction.com/entertainment/.

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Comedian Mike Vecchione / House of Comedy / Bloomington / 12.27

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Louie Anderson Live: 31-Dec, 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville, $32.95-$102.95. Come check out funny man Louie Anderson! You’re guaranteed and evening full of laughs! VIP pricing includes a meet and greet with Louie.. www.burnsvillepac.com/louie-anderson.html.

New Year’s Eve 2013: 31-Dec, 7:30 PM and 10:00 PM. House of Comedy, 408 East Broadway, Level 4 East, Bloomington, $25-$39. Join us for our New Year’s Eve Special Presentation with Bret Ernst! Package

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Bill & Kate Isles Crossings at Carnegie, Zumbrota Friday, January 3rd

Urban Myth / Arizona’s / Shakopee / 12.20 and let us know! We are also looking for musicians, musical groups, poetry readings, flash fiction...let us know what talent you want to share. We have a second audition date of Tuesday, January 14, 7-8 PM at Twin Rivers. Can’t make it on either date? No problem...give us a call at 507-779-6262 or email us at mankatomosaic@gmail.com. You can also contact us for more information at phone number or email address listed above, or check out our Facebook page.. www. mankatomosaic.com.

Church Basement Ladies: A Mighty Fortress is our Basement: 9-Jan, 7:30 PM, Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville, $30+$40. The fourth installment of the Church Basement Ladies series of Musical Comedies, A Mighty Fortress is our Basement, is a popular series began at the Plymouth Playhouse in Minneapolis. In the latest installment, these ‘bulwarks never failing’ are at it again. The year is 1960 and a reformation is underway.

With a new crop of Confirmands, Beverly, the youngest of the bunch, dons her first pair of high heels for her confirmation ceremony.

Mrs. Snustad, the matriarch of the kitchen, wins top honors at the County Fair for her ‘Grand Champion’ pickles. Mavis, the able-bodies farm wife, must find a way to deal with the new ‘Super Highway’ which cuts through her farm. Karin, the real homemaker of the kitchen, finds new freedom behind the wheel of her husband’s pickup truck and must reconcile a new world of change for her daughter, Beverly. Pastor, who has always found strength and solace in the church basement, has found new love and announces his impending nuptials.. www.burnsvillepac.com/ angel-fund-series.html.

Charles Duda Master Art Exhibition: 13-Jan, 6:30 AM, Centennial Student Union Gallery, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Free. Reception January 13 6 p.m.. www. mnsu.edu/artdept/exhibitions.html.

Gary Erickson Exhibit: 13-Jan, 9:00 AM, Conkling Gallery Minnesota State University, 139 Nelson Hall, Mankato, Free. Reception Jan. 13 following Art Enrichment Lecture 7 pm Ostrander Auditorium.. www.mnsu.edu/ artdept/exhibitions.html.

Gary Erickson Exhibit: 15-Jan, 9:00 AM, Conkling Gallery Minnesota State University, 139 Nelson Hall, Mankato, Free. Reception Jan. 13 following Art Enrichment Lecture 7 pm Ostrander Auditorium.. www.mnsu.edu/

Here’s a great story about a heart attack. Twenty years ago, Duluth native Bill Isles had one. Lucid enough to understand what was going on, he told himself that if he survived he was going to spend whatever time he had left doing what he loved, which was writing and playing music. Luckily, he did indeed make it through, and in 2001 released his first album, Weightless. About that time, a woman named Kate, who grew up in Rochester, heard him on MPR, decided to go to the CD release show.

They met that night, began playing and singing together, were married in 2004, and have been performing their quirky country-folk songs full time since 2007. Moral of the story: do what you love, because you never know what can happen. Just don’t wait to have a heart attack before you start.

2014 marks Bill & Kate Isles eleventh straight New Year’s performance at Crossings at Carnegie.

Gary Erickson / Conkling Gallery Minnesota State University / Mankato / 1.15

$16 in advance $18 at the door

artdept/exhibitions.html. “Cabaret Andrew Overn Art Lecture and Reception: 16-Jan, 7:00 PM, Gallery, Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center, Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, Free. Sabbatical Illustrations and Animations by Andrew Overn will be on display in the YFAC Gallery from January 13 to February 16, 2014. Gallery hours are 1-9 pm Sunday to Thursday, 1-8 pm Friday and Saturday.. www.blc.edu/27141.

Tarzan the Musical: 17-Jan, 7:00 PM, Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Avenue, Lakeville, $8-$10. Disney, Broadway, and community theater collide with this upbeat musical. When a human infant is left orphaned in the jungle, he is taken in by a caring mother ape. A boy among gorillas is bound to stand out and Tarzan must fight for acceptance from his tribe. When explorers are spotted in the jungle, the ape-boy is forced to face his toughest challenge yet.. test.lakevillemn.gov/index.php?option=com_ jevents&task=icalrepeat.detail&evid=4931&I temid=1364&year=2014&month=01&day=1 7&title=tarzan&uid=b77fbed82324bfa83175 8b86bad02a2f.

The Addams Family: 22-Jan, 7:30 PM, North Iowa Area Community College, 500 College Drive, Mason City, $35+. The Addams Family is a smash-hit musical comedy that brings the darkly delirious world of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Grandma, Wednesday, Pugsley and, of course, Lurch to spooky and spectacular life. ‘A visually satisfying, rib-tickling, lunatic musical that will entertain you to death!’ according to

– – Rich Larson, editor@southernminnscene.com

Toronto Post City, this magnificently macabre new musical comedy is created by Jersey Boys authors Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, Drama Desk-winning composer/lyricist Andrew Lippa (The Wild Party), choreographer Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys) and Olivier Award-winning costume and set designers Phelim McDermott & Julian Crouch (Shockheaded Peter) with direction by four-time Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks. *Ticket prices vary by venue.. www.tafontour.com/get-tickets/ index.html. 641-423-1264 Paintined Works by Justin Bergo: 25-Jan, 2:00 PM; 26-Jan, 1:00 PM, The 410 Project, 523 S. Front St., Mankato, Free.

Opening reception Jan. 24 7-9 p.m. Gallery hours: Wed., Fri., Sat. 2-6 p.m., and Sun. 1-4 p.m.. www.the410project.com. “Sesame Street Live: Make a New Friend Kiss of the Spider Woman: 30-Jan, 7:30 PM; 31-Jan, 7:30 PM. Andeas Theatre of the Earley Center for Performing Arts, Minnesota State University, Mankato, $15-$22.

Winner of multiple Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Kiss of the Spider Woman transforms a harrowing tale of persecution into a dazzling spectacle that juxtaposes gritty realities with liberating fantasies. Cell mates in a Latin American prison, Valentin is a tough revolutionary undergoing torture and Molina is an unabashed homosexual serving eight years for deviant behavior. Molina shares his fantasies about an actress, Aurora (originated on Broadway by Chita Rivera) with Valentin. One of her roles is a Spider Woman who kills with a kiss. Kander and Ebb is the team behind Chicago and Cabaret. This is its

Minnesota State Mankato debut.. www.mnsu. edu/theatre.

COMEDY Comedian Michael Harrison: 20-Dec, 7:30 PM and 21-Dec, 7:30 PM, Goonie’s Comedy Club, 7 Second Street SW, Rochester, $14-$20. Hailing from the prairies, Michael has become a burst of fresh air in the comedy scene with his engaging stories and hilarious observations on life. Among his many accolades, Mike’s humor has landed him glowing reviews at festivals all across North America and his own national comedy special. Besides touring extensively in North America, he has also found time to develop a solid acting resume with appearances in NBC’s ‘The Bridge’ and ‘Queer as Folk.’

Recently, Michael was on the nationallysyndicated Bob & Tom Radio Show. He is one act you don’t want to miss!’ Raanan Hershberg tours clubs and colleges all across the country, cutting his teeth in some of the top rooms in the nation. He was selected for this year’s Laugh Your Asheville Off Comedy Festival, and was a finalist in the 2012 Funniest Person in Cincinnati Competition. He is also the host and founder of The Young, Dumb, and Full of Comedy Show, a popular alternative comedy showcase in Louisville, KY.. www.gooniescomedy.com/shows.shtml.

Collin Moultin: 20-Dec, 7:30 PM and 9:45

Billy Max Ferg / Acoustic Cafe / Winona / 12.21 PM, House of Comedy, 408 East Broadway, Level 4 East, Bloomington, $20 . Less than two years after getting started, Collin won

his first comedy competition (the 2001 Rocky Mountain Laff-Off), and later that year found himself featured on Comedy

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Viva Vivaldi Four Seasons, Concerto No. 3 in F major

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Mankato YMCA January 25th

If you pay attention, to music, culture or labor relations, you know what has happened to the Minnesota Orchestra over the past year. Watching a world class organization like that tear itself apart has been nothing short of tragic. And while we won’t debate the issues here, there can be no question that this has deprived our state of incredible performance and some truly wonderful music. Thankfully, the Minnesota Orchestra is not the only professional orchestra in the state. Indeed, top quality classical music can be found throughout Southern Minnesota in Winona, Rochester, Austin, Cannon Falls, and Mankato. Under the direction of Kenneth Freed for over six years now, the Mankato Symphony Orchestra has sought to create events that are educational and fun. For the 2013 season, the MSO String Quartet has presented Vivaldi’s Four Seasons as a free family event. Split into four separate performances, one movement presented during its appointed season, each performance lasts about 45 minutes, perfect for young attention spans. Every kid who attends gets a prize and a snack, and an opportunity to hear “Vivaldi” himself talk about the music. As the symphony isn’t always the easiest thing to get your kids to listen to, this is a rare and fantastic opportunity to expose them to incredible music at an early age.

Free and open to the public.

– – Rich Larson, editor@southernminnscene.com

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From 23 Central’s Best of the Improv. 2003 proved to be another successful year for the up-and-comer, as he was a Best in Fest feature at the renowned Montreal Comedy Festival. 300 shows a year around the country, including performances at comedy shrines like Caroline’s (NYC), The Funnybones (Columbus, Des Moines, Virginia Beach, Richmond, Toledo, Omaha, Richmond, Hartford etc...), The Improv (LA, Irvine, Brea, Denver, Tampa, etc...), The Laugh Factory, The Icehouse (Pasadena, CA), the Punchline (San Francisco), and Ridley’s Comedy Castle (Detroit, MI).

When not working the country’s glitziest rooms on the coasts, Collin leaves no comedy club stone unturned in the nation’s heartland. One week you might find him working a stretch of one-nighters across Texas and Oklahoma; the next week he could be on a four-night stand in Ohio. Or late this fall he could be emceeing Whitey’s annual redneck dragqueen show in Burlington Iowa... Maybe you should wait to see that on video.. houseofcomedy.net/about/comicsdetails.asp?ID=272.

Comedian Michael Harrison: 20-Dec, 10:00 PM, Goonie’s Comedy Club, 7 Second Street SW, Rochester, $14-$20. Hailing from the prairies, Michael has become a burst of fresh air in the comedy scene with his engaging stories and hilarious

observations on life. Among his many accolades, Mike’s humor has landed him glowing reviews at festivals all across North America and his own national comedy special. Besides touring extensively in North America, he has also found time to develop a solid acting resume with appearances in NBC’s ‘The Bridge’ and ‘Queer as Folk.’ Recently, Michael was on the nationally-syndicated Bob & Tom Radio Show. He is one act you don’t want to miss!’ Raanan Hershberg tours clubs and colleges all across the country, cutting his teeth in some of the top rooms in the nation. He was selected for this year’s Laugh Your Asheville Off Comedy Festival, and was a finalist in the 2012 Funniest Person in Cincinnati Competition. He is also the host and founder of The Young, Dumb, and Full of Comedy Show, a popular alternative comedy showcase in Louisville, KY.. www. gooniescomedy.com/shows.shtml. “Mo Mandel Comedian Josh Alton: 27-Dec, 7:30 PM and 10:00 PM, Goonie’s Comedy Club, 7 Second Street SW, Rochester, $14-$20. Comedian Josh Alton has an’everyday’appeal that makes him unique and attractive to a mass amount of people! From the biggest comedy clubs, to dive bars, audience members of any age, race, or background, can relate to Alton’s material about college, marriage, pets, sex, and even how to look at the good side of getting robbed! This veteran of the stage brings an honest, positive energy

to each performance. His mix of funny stories, and witty one-liners, keeps crowds on their toes, and packs each show with the maximum amount of laughter! Stefan Davis has been featured on Comcast TV’s ‘Who’s Laughing Now?’ and Hoosier TV’s ‘Trial

By Laughter’ and also the nationally syndicated radio station 24/7 Comedy. He was a semi-finalist in the 2011 Madison’s Funniest Comic contest and was also chosen to perform in the 2011 Laughing Skull Comedy Festival in Atlanta, Georgia. Stefan released his debut album in January of 2012 entitled ‘Of course I’ll choke you..’ Stefan has performed from coast to coast since 2007 sharing the stage with such comedians as Doug Benson and Marc Maron.. www.gooniescomedy.com/shows.shtml.

Mike Vecchione: 27-Dec, 7:30 PM; 27-Dec, 9:45 PM and 28-Dec, 9:30 PM, House of Comedy, 408 East Broadway, Level 4 East, Bloomington, $20 . Michael Vecchione was born in Youngstown, Ohio and graduated High School in Boca Raton, Florida. He played football and placed second in the 1991 AAA state wrestling tournament. He attended Pennsylvania State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and went on to receive a Master’s degree in Special Education from Cabrini College in Pennsylvania. Mike has worked as a counselor and Special Education teacher in the Philadelphia area. In 2010, Mike won the People’s Choice Award for the New York Comedy Festival, was a semi-finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, and was selected to perform at the prestigious Montreal Comedy Festival (New Faces). Later that year, Mike went on to perform on the Tonight Show starring Jay Leno and shot his own Half Hour Special for Comedy Central.. houseofcomedy.net/about/ comics-details.asp?ID=186.

George Lopez: 28-Dec, 8:00 PM, Paramount Theater, 125 N.E. Fourth Ave., Austin, $60+. George Lopez is a multi-talented entertainer whose career encompasses television, film, standup comedy and late-night television. For two seasons, Lopez hosted Lopez Tonight, a late-night television talk show on TBS, which represented Lopez’s return to series television after co-creating, writing, producing and starring in Warner Bros. Television’s groundbreaking hit sitcom George Lopez, which ran for six seasons on ABC. George Lopez remains a hit with viewers in syndication on both broadcast stations and cable’s Nick at Nite, ranking as one of the top-rated shows on the network and among the top five comedies and top 20 weekly programs in syndication. George Lopez is one of only four off-net comedies to post weekly ratings gains among households from the 2007 08 to 2008 09 season. Price varies by venue.. www.georgelopez.com/tour-dates/.

Williams & Ree: 29-Dec, 4:00 PM, Jackpot Junction Casino, 39375 County Highway 24, Morton, $10-$25. Bruce Williams & Terry Ree, ‘The Indian and the White Guy,’ have sustained a career over 40 years packing casinos, clubs, and arenas from Niagara Falls to Las Vegas with their ever-changing routine that --more times than not--steers away from the off-color Indian jokes that originally established the duo. Williams and Ree met in 1968 at Black Hills State College in Spearfish, SD where they began playing together in a band where they often filled time between their songs with their unique brand of humor. After realizing that the humor became a bigger draw than the music, the comedy team was born.

Polishing their performances at venues such as the world famous Comedy Store in Los Angeles during the 1970s and testing new material with the likes of Robin Williams and David Letterman, Williams and Ree discovered their natural ability to play off one another. They have since shared the stage with acts such as Garth Brooks, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Tim McGraw in addition to hosting COUNTRY KITCHEN

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Styx / Treasure Island Resort & Casino / Welch / 12.31 with Florence Henderson, a show that entertained audiences for over 10 years. The recent resurgence of comedy shows such as the Blue Collar Comedy, Last Comic Standing, Whose Line Was It Anyway, and TBS’s ‘Minding The Store’ proves that audiences nationwide are still entertained by comedians who have the innate ability to find humor in everyday life.

By combining pop culture trends into a fast-paced, lively show, full of zings interspersed with songs,. jackpotjunction.com/entertainment/. 507-697-8000 Louie Anderson Live: 31-Dec, 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM, Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville, $32.95-$102.95. Come check out funny man Louie Anderson! You’re guaranteed and evening full of laughs! VIP pricing includes a meet and greet with Louie.. www.burnsvillepac.com/ louie-anderson.html.

New Year’s Eve 2013: 31-Dec, 7:30 PM and 10:00 PM, House of Comedy, 408 East Broadway, Level 4 East, Bloomington, $25-$39. Join us for our New Year’s Eve Special Presentation with Bret Ernst!

Package 1 - 7:30pm show ticket & Hot buffet- $39.00 Package 2- 7:30 pm show ticket only- $25.00 Package 3- 10:00pm show ticket, midnight appetizer buffet, after show party and party favors.- $44.00 Michael Vecchione was born in Youngstown, Ohio and graduated High School in Boca Raton, Florida. He played football and placed second in the 1991 AAA state wrestling tournament. He attended Pennsylvania State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and went on to receive a Master’s degree in Special Education from Cabrini College in Pennsylvania. Mike has worked as a counselor and Special Education teacher in the Philadelphia area.. houseofcomedy.net/about/comics-details. asp?ID=326.

CONCERTS Betty and Ocho: 20-Dec, 7:30 PM, The Grand

Center for Arts and Culture, 210 N Minnesota St., New Ulm, Free. Betty is Elisabeth Harsma, a person of many talents, including playing guitar, singing, songwriting and dance. David (Ocho) O’Connell writes much of the original folk music for the duo, plays guitar and sings beautiful harmony with Betty. Together they perform a blend of both old and new with an energy that’s hard to resist.. www. thegrandnewulm.com.

Chris Herriges: 20-Dec, 8:00 PM, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd, Prior Lake, Free.

Critically regarded singer, guitarist and songwriter based in the Twin Cities. Among accomplishments, most noteworthy is probably the large amount of airplay garnered via independent promotion, for a number of original recordings on commercial radio (Rock, Top-40) throughout the U.S., primarily in the 1990’s. Also, glowing reviews in many national as well as local publications, also primarily in the early to mid ‘90’s. Can currently be seen regularly in soloacoustic and duo performances throughout the Twin Cities area and greater Minnesota and Wisconsin.

(Courtesy of http://chrisherriges.net/). www.mysticlake.com/entertainmentcalendar/2013-11.

Boy on a Bike: 20-Dec, 8:00 PM, Acoustic Cafe, 77 Lafayette, Winona, Free. Since the early days in 2010 Boy on a Bike has been keeping coffee houses and concert halls singing in Minneapolis by bridging the gap between rock, punk, and pop. Their catchy melodies and hooking harmonies are sure to stick in your head....like it or not!. www.theacoustic.com/ entertainment.html. (507) 453-0394 Karaoke: 20-Dec, 8:30 PM, The Loose Moose Saloon & Conference Center, 119 S. Front St., Mankato, Free. Featuring Kato Karaoke and various other karaoke companies, you can choose your song, get up and sing with colored lights, great sound, and the lyrics on the big screens behind you. Always a great time, with lots of singers, some comic, some with amazing voices, and all there to have fun.. .

“Live Music

Urban Myth: 20-Dec, 9:30 PM, Arizona’s, 1244 Canterbury Road South, Shakopee, . ‘The URBAN MYTH BAND’ is a cultural hot dish of musicians and vocalists in which their song list reflects as well.

Everything from current to classic, funk to rock, R&B to oldies, originals to an occasional instrumental to show off the bands chops ‘The URBAN MYTH BAND’ delivers! The band has performed everywhere from street dances to nightclubs, weddings to corporate events and through out their careers have played all over the United States and even over seas. ‘The URBAN MYTH BAND’ brings a professional show to audiences whether it’s a nightclub or a special event with a relaxed, yet fun style of presentation.. www. urbanmythband.com/schedule.

Flashmob: 20-Dec, 9:30 PM, Babe’s Music Bar, 20685 Holyoke Ave. S., Lakeville, Free. FlashMob! will get you moving. It’s that simple. FM! delivers a fast-paced, high-energry pop/rock blitz featuring a diverse and unexpected set list.. www.babesmusicbar. com/Events.asp.

Great Northern Union Chorus Christmas Stories: 21-Dec, 2:00 PM, Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville, $10-$35. The Great Northern Union Chorus (GNU) is an internationally acclaimed, auditioned men’s a cappella chorus based in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, drawing members and audiences from throughout the Midwest.. www.burnsvillepac.com/gnu.html.

Great Northern Union Chorus Christmas Stories: 21-Dec, 7:00 PM, Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville, $10-$35. The Great Northern Union Chorus (GNU) is an internationally acclaimed, auditioned men’s a cappella chorus based in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, drawing members and audiences from throughout the Midwest.. www.burnsvillepac.com/gnu.html.

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January Thaw featuring Transit Authority Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault Saturday, January 25th If you’re under the age of fifty, you probably think of Chicago as an 80’s band that was best known for schmaltzy ballads . If you’re over the age of 50, you know them for what they really were (and are) a high energy performance act lead by a virtuoso horn section, who fused jazz with rock music and immaculate vocals to create a unique sound. Their shows are legendary for the open ended jam sessions that can lead just about anywhere.

Any band that wants to call themselves a Chicago “tribute band” has to play at a pretty high level themselves, or they won’t last. Transit Authority has been playing together for nearly four years, and has earned the title of the “Nation’s Premier Chicago Tribute Band”.

Playing shows from Brainerd to Boca Raton, they are led by Twin Cities entrepreneur and drummer extraordinaire Tim Ellis, and a horn section with the chops to match the original.

They will headline the PCA’s annual mid-winter party on January 25th. If you only know Chicago from Love Me Tomorrow and Hard Habit to Break, go to this show and experience a little bit of Feelin’ Stronger Everyday or Ballet for a Girl in Buchanan. You can thank me later. $15 for PCA Members $20 for non-members – – Rich Larson, editor@southernminnscene.com ADD YOUR EVENT FOR FREE TO THE TIMELINE CALENDAR. GO TO W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N . C O M M / S C E N E / C A L E N D A R & C L I C K + A D D A N E V E N T

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Tarzan the Musical / Lakeville Area Arts Center / Lakeville / 1.18

BoDeans Burnsville Performing Arts Center December 28th The BoDeans had a pretty nice ride in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Two singer/songwriters from Waukesha, WI, Kurt Neumann and Sam Llanas, had their debut album produced by T-Bone Burnett, saw the world opening for U2 on the Joshua Tree tour, and scored a hit with Closer to Free, which became the theme song of the TV show Party of Five. In the Twin Cities, Cities 97 made the band one of their darlings, putting their songs Good Things, Paradise and Idaho into heavy, heavy rotation.

The nineties are over, and this band, as currently constructed, bears little resemblance to the one named Best New American Band in 1987 by Rolling Stone Magazine. They went on hiatus in the late nineties, and then released music and toured sporadically for about ten years. A couple years ago, Llanas left the band, leaving Neumann with the name.

Rather than just cash in on the past, Neumann has reconstituted the band and continued to release music, touring to support it. Don’t go to this show expecting an oldies review. But for those who loved that old americana sound and Neumann’s soulful vocals, this band is worth checking out. Sammy BoDean may not be there anymore, but new guitarist/vocalist Jake Owen and fiddle player Warren Hood are worth the price of admission. Plus, they’ll probably play Closer to Free. $45 orchestra $40 balcony – – Rich Larson, editor@southernminnscene.com

From 25 Celtic Christmas Concert: 21-Dec, 7:00 PM, Mankato Event Center, 12 Civic Center Plaza #10, Mankato, $20 . Harpist Amy

Kortuem is performing with her Celtic Band in a ‘Celtic Christmas’ concert on the winter solstice. The Celtic Christmas concert will be filled with Celtic seasonal music, jigs and airs, plus Kortuem’s original compositions..

www.amykortuem.com.

Organic Cowboys: 21-Dec, 7:30 PM, The Grand Center for Arts and Culture, 210 N Minnesota St., New Ulm, Free. The Organic Cowboys play an array of folk, country and

rock music. Members include Dave Ross, Dennis Splinter, Dean Bixenman, Jason Helder, and Tony Helder.. www.thegrandnewulm.com.

Billy Max Ferg: 21-Dec, 8:00 PM, Acoustic Cafe, 77 Lafayette, Winona, Free. Billy Max Ferg is a down to earth man who is sometimes soft spoken, sometimes outspoken, who has no problem, speaking through his songs.

He loves people and has spent years traveling to foreign countries sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. These past few years he has turned to song writing and singing with a country-folk-rock flair. The songs are loved by many. He knows the power of a song to speak to the heart and inspire people. Music is a language that everyone understands and Billy understands the magic of a good song and can communicate it to people of all ages. Not only does Billy love people, people love Billy!. www.theacoustic.com/entertainment.html.

(507) 453-0394 Karaoke Night: 21-Dec, 9:00 PM, Wings Tavern & Grille, 1805 S. Elm Ave., Owatonna, Free. Karaoke Night every Saturday at Wing’s Tavern & Grille.. . “Black Out in Concert The Coxmen in Concert: 21-Dec, 9:00 PM, The Busted Nut, 118 2nd Street East, Hastings, Free+. Come out and check out the great entertainment of the Coxmen! Dance, party and enjoy the amazing music!. www. thebustednut.com/Calendar.html. (651) 438-6887 Music Video Dance Party: 21-Dec, 9:30 PM, Casper’s Cherokee of Eagan, 4625 Nicols Road, Eagan, Free. Come out every Saturday to Casper’s Party Bar for our Music Video Dance Party featuring top 40, rock, and country videos.. www.casperscherokee.com/.

(651) 454-6744”DJ Brian The S.O.B.s: 22-Dec, 6:00 PM, McKracken’s Pub, 3120 West Highway 13, Burnsville, Free. Come on out and listen to the amazing acoustic sounds as you pull up a bar stool and listen to Acoustic Debauchery all night long!. mckrackenspub.com/events/.

“Sunday Funday

Karaoke: 22-Dec, 8:30 PM, Neisen’s Sports Bar and Grill, 4851 West 123rd Street, Savage, Free. Come on out and sing your heart out with your friends all night long as you enjoy the great and friendly atmosphere.. neisens.com/music-events/. (952) 846-4513”Karrin Allyson’s Yuletide Hideaway Lorie Line and her Fab Five: 23-Dec, 7:30 PM, Mayo Civic Center, 30 Civic Center Drive, Rochester, $46+. Lorie grew up in Reno, Nevada and was born with ‘perfect pitch.’ She has been playing the piano since age 5 and as a child won many Statewide competitions. Classically trained, she graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a BA in Music, Piano Performance. In 1986, she married Tim Line, moved to Minneapolis and landed the perfect job, serenading shoppers at the piano for Dayton’s. It was from here that Midwestern fans took notice of her musical talent and style and her career took off. Since then, she has recorded 44 CDs and has published 39 books of music. She has sold 6 million albums and has toured the United States for 24 years, performing on over 2000 stages. Lorie has never taken one business course, but may own one of the largest independent labels in the world. Admission price is subject to change by venue.. www. lorieline.com/index.asp?pageID=543.

Northern Roots Session: 23-Dec, 7:30 PM, The Contented Cow, 302B Division Street South, Northfield, Free. Join us for live music at The Contended Cow-A Northfield (MN); a pub with a British accent!. 1001solutionsllc. com/the-contented-cow/calendar/#.Um28cO1Dvo5. 1.507.663.1351”Dan Lund Good for Gary: 26-Dec, 9:30 AM, McKracken’s Pub, 3120 West Highway 13, Burnsville, Free. Four piece acoustic version of the Fun Top 40 Dance Hits with a more casual vibe Usher, Black Eyed Peas, Eminem, Jay Z, LMFAO is sounds of Good for Gary, so come join them and listen to their unique sound every thursday! Description Courtesy of http://www.goodforgary.com/about/. mckrackenspub.com/specials/. “Winter Break Wonders: Julglädje!

Scarlett County in Concert: 26-Dec, 9:00 PM, Pauly’s, 114 West Main St, New Prague, .

No mopey country here! This band rocks your socks off. From the high energy vocalists, to the shredding yet tasteful guitar licks to the kick-ass rhythm section, this band brings the heat. I couldn’t decide who I was more impressed with. The singers just deliver song after song of listen-able tunes. The guitarist gives you country, but his incredible arrangements move into the realm of the coolest Jimi Hendricks-esq chord substitutions and then back again were stunning. The solid rhythm section kept people dancing nonstop for 90 minutes is a power house of driving rhythm combining the very best of country sensibility and hard rock. Really a great dance band.. www.paulys-pub.com/Calander_Of_Events. html. (952) 758-7795 D.B. Cooper: 27-Dec, 8:30 PM, American Legion Post 435, 6501 Portland Avenue South, Richfield, Free. Want to hear some great live music? Check out D.B. Cooper!. mnlegion435.org/site/eventscalendar. php?y=2013&m=12# listing1714. 612866-3647 Recessive Traits: 27-Dec, 9:30 PM, Babe’s Music Bar, 20685 Holyoke Ave. S., Lakeville, Free. Cover band based in the Twin Cities area. Come and enjoy a great night!!. www. babesmusicbar.com/Events.asp.

Addison Avenue: 28-Dec, 7:30 PM, The Grand Center for Arts and Culture, 210 N Minnesota St., New Ulm, Free. Come enjoy music at The Grand Center for Arts & Culture.. www.thegrandnewulm.com.

The BoDeans: 28-Dec, 8:00 PM, Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville, $40-$45. Come check out American musicians The BoDeans soul/ blues/country/rock out for an evening you won’t forget!. www.burnsvillepac.com/ bodeans.html.

Liam Vance: 28-Dec, 8:00 PM, Acoustic Cafe, 77 Lafayette, Winona, Free. From the minute he first hear those cassette tapes by

Buddy Holly, the Everly Brothers and the Beatles, Liam Vance knew in his heart and mind that his dream was to become a successful and world-famous singer-songwriter, guitarist and pop singer. At about the age of 10, he received a mini electric guitar and started on the path to make his dream come true.

After learning just a few chords, Liam took off like a rocket ship, writing simple songs of his own, covering some of his favorites and performing. He got his first gig at the age of 12 while in the 6th grade and became a star in his own right. Since then he has performed for many community events in various towns and cities in Minnesota, written several songs of his own, covered many of the songs that were important to him in his life, and recorded a single which is/will be out shortly on small radio stations and on websites like CD Baby.

His genre is a mix of rockabilly, jazz, folk, pop and soft rock, all of which add up to a genre of music that he likes to call ‘Retro Rock’.

He always looks forward to opportunities to perform live, record music and share what he loves best with others.. www.theacoustic.com/ entertainment.html. (507) 453-0394 D.B. Cooper: 28-Dec, 8:30 PM, American Legion Post 435, 6501 Portland Avenue South, Richfield, Free. Want to hear some great live music? Check out D.B. Cooper!. mnlegion435.org/site/eventscalendar. php?y=2013&m=12# listing1714. 612-866-3647 Urban Myth: 28-Dec, 9:00 PM, Santorini Taverna & Music, 13000Technology Drive, Eden Prairie, . ‘The URBAN MYTH BAND’ is a cultural hot dish of musicians and vocalists in which their song list reflects as well. Everything from current to classic, funk to rock, R&B to oldies, originals to an occasional instrumental to show off the bands chops ‘The URBAN MYTH BAND’ delivers! The band has performed everywhere from street dances to nightclubs, weddings to corporate events and through out their careers have played all over the United States and even over seas. ‘The URBAN MYTH BAND’ brings a professional show to audiences whether it’s a nightclub or

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Chasitity Brown & Barbara Jean / Shattuck-St. Mary’s School / Faribault / 1.16

The Counterfactuals Upstairs Rueb, Northfield January 11th

a special event with a relaxed, yet fun style of presentation.. www.urbanmythband.com/ schedule.

Sheetrockers in Concert: 28-Dec, 9:00 PM, The Busted Nut, 118 2nd Street East, Hastings, Free+. The Sheet Rockers are four experienced musicians from the Twin Cities area. We joined together in the fall of 2011 with the goal of having fun playing the music that we love. Our song list includes rock and roll from classic to modern, as well as blues and country favorites.. www.thebustednut. com/Calendar.html. (651) 438-6887 Girls Nite Out: 28-Dec, 9:00 PM, Friendly Buffalo, 16722 198th Ave NW, Big Lake, Free. Join us every Saturday Night at the The Friendly Buffalo for live music, good food, and fun.. www.friendlybuffalo.com/ livemusic.php.

Styx: 31-Dec, 9:00 PM, Treasure Island Resort and Casino Minnesota, 5734 Sturgeon Lake Road, Welch, $29+. Tommy Shaw, James ‘JY’ Young, Lawrence Gowan, Todd Sucherman and Ricky Phillips (along with the occasional surprise appearance by original bassist Chuck Panozzo), have performed

more live since ‘99 than all of the previous years of its career combined. Two Super-Bowl appearances, Pollstar Box Office chart-topping tours with Def Leppard, Journey, Boston, REO Speedwagon, Bad Company (to name only a few), two more studio albums and no end in sight, STYX continues to conquer the planet, one venue at a time. Prices may vary by venue.. www.styxworld.com/.

Karaoke: 8-Jan, 9:00 PM, Casper’s Cherokee of Eagan, 4625 Nicols Road, Eagan, Free. Come on out and sing your heart out with all yours friends as you karaoke all night long as DJ Danny spins the tracks to dance the night away. www.casperscherokee.com/.

(651) 454-6744 Holly with Her Band: 12-Jan, 11:00 AM, Pub 500, 500 S Front St, Mankato, Free.

Holly sings a wonderful variety of past and present. If you haven’t heard this young gal sing yet you owe it to yourself to come & listen!. . (507) 625-6500 The Three Bs: 12-Jan, 2:00 PM, Good Counsel Chapel, 170 Good Counsel Dr., Mankato, $12-$15. Pianist and organist Mary Jo Gothmann will light up the organ with

her fiery interpretation of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue. Lidya Miller joins Mary Jo for the rest of the program, presenting a wonderful mix of works by ‘the three Bs:’ Beethoven’s Tenth Violin Sonata and Brahms’ Third Violin Sonata.. www.mankatosymphony.com.

Chastity Brown & Barbara Jean: 16-Jan, 7:30 PM, Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, 1000 Shumway Ave, Faribault, $9-$15.

NEWHALL AUDITORIUM Chastity Brown, a Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter is one to watch. Critics have dubbed her ‘a banjoplaying soul-singer’ and ‘a rocking, rolling encyclopedia of roots music.’ Wikipedia. She is joined by Barbara Jean an Americana-folk singer-songwriter from Grand Marais playing banjo, fiddle and viola. chastitybrownmusic. com barbarajeanmusic.com. www.s-sm.org.

Music on the Hill - The Three B’s: 24-Jan, 2:00 PM, Good Counsel Chapel, 170 Good Counsel Dr., Mankato, $12-$40.

Mankato Symphony Orchestra presents chamber music series ‘Music on the Hill’.

Pianist and organist Mary Jo Gothmann will light up the organ with her fiery interpretation of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue. Lydia Miller joins Mary Jo for the rest of the program,

presenting a wonderful mix of works by ‘the three Bs:’ Beethoven’s Tenth violin Sonata and Brahms’ Third Violin Sonata.. www. mankatosymphony.com.

Viva Vivaldi Spring Show: 25-Jan, 11:00 AM, Mankato YMCA, 1401 S. Riverfront Dr., Mankato, Free. Mankato Symphony Orchestra’s Family Concert Series. Enjoy four hilarious and fun filled performances based on Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with the Italian composer himself, and the MSO String Quartet. Suitable for all ages. Each child gets to take home a gift and a snack at the end of each show. Performances begin at 11 am, last approximately 45 minutes, and feature live classical music and interactive educational activities. A perfect first concert experience.

It’s OK for the kids to sing and dance along!. www.mankatosymphony.com.

Bethany Choraliers: 31-Jan, 7:30 PM, Sigurd K. Lee Theater, Bethany Lutheran College, 700 Luther Dr., Mankato, $5-$8.

The Bethany Choraliers with artistic direction

by Ann Fredrickson and musical direction

by Dennis Marzolf present their annual lyric opera offering, The Grand Duke by Gilbert and Sullivan. In Gilbert and Sullivan & #39’s

Three philosophy professors from Carleton College, and one St. Olaf College music professor doesn’t exactly sound like the perfect recipe for a great band, but that is just exactly what we have in the Counterfactuals. Daniel Groll and Jason Decker played as a duo around the music clubs of Northfield for a couple years before filling out to include bass player Andy Flory and drummer Mike Fuerstein. Having spent the last year bouncing between Northfield and New York City recording their debut album, Minimally Decent People, they are finally starting to play some proper shows again. This show celebrates the albums long awaited arrival (The Current has named it as one of their most anticipated releases), and should prove to be a fun time.

The Upstairs Rueb is one of he more underrated rooms to play in SoMinn, having hosted such Minnesota greats as Willie Murphy, The Replacements, and The Big Wu over the last thirty years. The wood paneled walls and plastic beer cups give it a “grandpa’s lodge” charm while the newly installed sound system makes the experience a lot more enjoyable.

There is no cover charge.

– – Rich Larson, editor@southernminnscene.com

final collaboration, we find a troop of actors gaining political power over the miserly Grand Duke of Halbpfennig. Ludwig, the baffled leading man, finds himself the new Grand Duke and engaged, inadvertently, to four different women! Gilbert and Sullivan resolve

this dilemma in their characteristically topsyturvy fashion as The Grand Duke makes its first appearance on the Bethany Stage.. www. blc.edu/node/26606.

CONCERTS Good for Gary: 26-Dec, 9:30 AM, McKracken’s Pub, 3120 West Highway 13,

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The Surgery Center

American Storm

Mystic Lake Grand Ballroom January 24th Straight from Vegas. It’s not Magic Mike, but, I’m going to guess this is all the same idea. Why would I try to write anything about these guys, when their website says it all perfectly?

“American Storm was named ‘Best Male Strip Show’ by the Las Vegas Review Journal. The men of American Storm reveal their sexy side catering to the fantasies of the audience and is even known for being the ‘Sexiest Show on the Las Vegas Strip’ by Where Magazine.”

Bring your dollar bills, ladies! (And gentlemen, too, I would imagine) For ticket information visit mysticlake.com – – Rich Larson, editor@southernminnscene.com

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Burnsville, Free. Four piece acoustic version of the Fun Top 40 Dance Hits with a more casual vibe Usher, Black Eyed Peas, Eminem, Jay Z, LMFAO is sounds of Good for Gary, so come join them and listen to their unique sound every thursday! Description Courtesy of http://www.goodforgary.com/about/. mckrackenspub. com/specials/. “Swing Night DJ Nick Live: 26-Dec, 9:00 PM, Pauly’s, 114 West Main St, New Prague, . Come out for great entertainment by DJ Nick on Thursday night! Dance the night away with friend and take advantage of food & drink specials too!!. www.paulys-pub.com/Calander_Of_ Events.html. (952) 758-7795 Scarlet County in Concert: 26-Dec, 9:00 PM, Pauly’s, 114 West Main St, New Prague, . No mopey country here! This band rocks your socks off. From the high energy vocalists, to the shredding yet tasteful guitar licks to the kick-ass rhythm section, this band brings the heat. I couldn’t decide who I was more impressed with. The singers just deliver song after song of listen-able tunes. The guitarist gives you country, but his incredible arrangements move into the realm of the coolest Jimi Hendricks-esq chord substitutions and then back again were stunning. The solid rhythm section kept people dancing nonstop for 90 minutes is a power house of driving rhythm combining the very best of country sensibility and hard rock.

Really a great dance band.. www.paulys-pub.com/ Calander_Of_Events.html. (952) 758-7795 Church Basement Ladies: A Mighty Fortress is our Basement: 9-Jan, 2:00 PM, Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville, $30+$40. The fourth installment of the

Church Basement Ladies series of Musical Comedies, A Mighty Fortress is our Basement, is a popular series began at the Plymouth Playhouse in Minneapolis. In the latest installment, these ‘bulwarks never failing’ are at it again. The year is 1960 and a reformation is underway. With a new crop of Confirmands, Beverly, the youngest of the bunch, dons her first pair of high heels for her confirmation ceremony. Mrs. Snustad, the matriarch of the kitchen, wins top honors at the County Fair for her ‘Grand Champion’ pickles. Mavis, the able-bodies farm wife, must find a way to deal with the new ‘Super Highway’ which cuts through her farm.

Karin, the real homemaker of the kitchen, finds new freedom behind the wheel of her husband’s pickup truck and must reconcile a new world of change for her daughter, Beverly. Pastor, who has always found strength and solace in the church basement, has found new love and announces his impending nuptials.. www.burnsvillepac.com/angel-fund-series.html.

Church Basement Ladies: A Mighty Fortress is our Basement: 9-Jan, 7:30 PM, Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville, $30+$40. The fourth installment of the Church Basement Ladies series of Musical Comedies, A Mighty Fortress is our Basement, is a popular series began at the Plymouth Playhouse in Minneapolis. In the latest installment, these ‘bulwarks never failing’ are at it again. The year is 1960 and a reformation is underway. With a new crop of Confirmands, Beverly, the youngest of the bunch, dons her first pair of high heels for her confirmation ceremony. Mrs. Snustad, the matriarch of the kitchen, wins top honors at the County Fair for her ‘Grand Champion’ pickles. Mavis, the able-bodies farm wife, must find a way to deal with the new ‘Super Highway’ which cuts through her farm.

Karin, the real homemaker of the kitchen, finds new

freedom behind the wheel of her husband’s pickup truck and must reconcile a new world of change for her daughter, Beverly. Pastor, who has always found strength and solace in the church basement, has found new love and announces his impending nuptials.. www.burnsvillepac.com/angel-fund-series.html.

Tarzan the Musical: 17-Jan, 7:00 PM and 18-Jan, 7:00 PM, Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Avenue, Lakeville, $8-$10. Disney, Broadway, and community theater collide with this upbeat musical.

When a human infant is left orphaned in the jungle, he is taken in by a caring mother ape. A boy among gorillas is bound to stand out and Tarzan must fight for acceptance from his tribe. When explorers are spotted in the jungle, the ape-boy is forced to face his toughest challenge yet.. test.lakevillemn.gov/index. php?option=com_jevents&task=icalrepeat.detail&e vid=4931&Itemid=1364&year=2014&month=01&d ay=17&title=tarzan&uid=b77fbed82324bfa831758b 86bad02a2f.

Act Out for Teens: Intro to Physical Comedy: 25-Jan, 2:00 PM, Eden Prairie Library, 565 Prairie Center Drive, Eden Prairie, Free. Grades 6-9. Are you ready to get serious about being funny? An experienced Guthrie teaching artist will help you explore theater techniques for a wide variety of physical comedy. Let your humor run wild in a safe and creative environment. No experience necessary! See related materials for further information. Find more by searching the library catalog or Ask Us. This project is funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Presented in collaboration with Guthrie Theater.. www.hclib.org/pub/events/AllEventsAction. cfm. 952-847-5375

Join Win Us For 2:0 e Tas Our t 08:0 ings 0P Jan uary M 2 Feb ruar 7 y Mar ch 2 24 Apr 4 il 28 May 19

4 Short Films: 9-Jan, 7:00 PM, Treaty Site History Center, 1851 N. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter, Free. Enjoy a mix of thought provoking documentaries. Subjects include a man who trains to break world records, a Bermudan who lives to bring happiness to those around him, and American filming a commercial in China, and a team of elderly synchronized swimmers.. www.nchsmn.org.

NIGHTLIFE Flashmob: 20-Dec, 9:30 PM, Babe’s Music Bar, 20685 Holyoke Ave. S., Lakeville, Free. FlashMob! will get you moving. It’s that simple. FM! delivers a fast-paced, high-energry pop/rock blitz featuring a diverse and unexpected set list.. www.babesmusicbar. com/Events.asp.

DJ Defiant Fridays!: 20-Dec, 10:00 PM, Valley Tap House, 14889 Florence Trail, Apple Valley, Free.

No Cover, no Dress code, no drama: that is the theme of the night. COme out and enjoy a noght of great entertainment with DJ defiant and dance the night away!!Great drink specials too!!. thevalleytaphouse. com/events.html. (952) 431-2337”Old School R&B Latenight Black Out in Concert: 21-Dec, 9:00 PM, Pauly’s, 114 West Main St, New Prague, . Come on down and listen to Black Out play a little Match Box 20.....

Rock On!!! From just north of Minneapolis, a musical force known as BLACKOUT is gaining momentum and about to take the Twin Cities by storm! BLACKOUT members are instantly recognizable by the dueling

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Jingle Bells, Batman Smells / Lakeville Area Center for the Arts / Lakeville / 12.22-30

The Katy Vernon Trio guitar riffs of Tony Zoff and Jeremy Newton, jumping bass lines of Russ Peterson, the incredible strong drumming of Donny March and the strong, authentic vocal style of Brent Hockert. BLACKOUT’S sound resembles a collection of Stone Temple Pilots and Ozzy Osbourne, with a little Black Crowes added for flavor and just a pinch of Prince. The result is a tasty style rock show that you’ll want to hear again and again. We pride ourselves on learning several songs a month always staying current but not afraid to go back and play our favorites from the past.. www. paulys-pub.com/Calander_Of_Events.html.

(952) 758-7795 Bar Bingo: 25-Dec, 7:00 PM, Neisen’s Sports Bar and Grill, 4851 West 123rd Street, Savage, Free. Join us at Neisen’s every Wednesday for Bar Bingo, with 2 progressive jackpots up to $1,100.00!. neisens.com/ music-events/. (952) 846-4513”Cork’s Trivia with Martin Trivia Mafia: 25-Dec, 9:00 PM, Old Chicago, 14998 Glazier Avenue, Apple Valley, Free. Trivia Mafia runs the best pub trivia in Minnesota. Trivia Mafia give you something cheap and fun to do in the Twin Cities on any given night of the week especially those days when it’s hard to find stuff to do. Trivia Mafia gives away great prizes to teams who know their stuff. I still can’t believe they built an Old Chicago that holds over 2,000 people, but I counted last night, and I’m sure there were at least 2,100 trivia players. It’s just nuts at Old

Chi-town in the Valley of Apples. If you want to compete with the finest trivia minds that Minnesota has to offer, there’s not a better option. Need more enticing? Well, that’s easy.

All trivia players are allotted at least 2 minutes of forced conversation with yours truly. Yeah.

Two minutes of conversational bliss with me!

No eye contact though...I’m not into that.. triviamafia.com/old-chicago-apple-valley/.

“Bingo Wednesday Bar Bingo: 26-Dec, 7:00 PM, McKracken’s Pub, 3120 West Highway 13, Burnsville, Free.

Come join us for a great time of bar bingo and try to be the person shouting BINGO to claim the cash prize of up to $1000!. mckrackenspub.com/specials/. “Party like it’s 1984 Poker Night: 26-Dec, 7:30 PM, Neisen’s Sports Bar and Grill, 4851 West 123rd Street, Savage, Free. Every Thurday we will be playing Texas Hold’em in the from bar!

Come and try your hand at it!. neisens.com/ music-events/. (952) 846-4513”Bogart’s Mug Club and Trivia DJ Nick Live: 26-Dec, 9:00 PM, Pauly’s, 114 West Main St, New Prague, . Come out for great entertainment by DJ Nick on Thursday night! Dance the night away with friend and take advantage of food & drink specials too!!. www.paulys-pub.com/Calander_Of_ Events.html. (952) 758-7795 Scarlett County in Concert: 26-Dec, 9:00 PM, Pauly’s, 114 West Main St, New Prague, .

No mopey country here! This band rocks your

socks off. From the high energy vocalists, to the shredding yet tasteful guitar licks to the kick-ass rhythm section, this band brings the heat. I couldn’t decide who I was more impressed with. The singers just deliver song after song of listen-able tunes. The guitarist gives you country, but his incredible arrangements move into the realm of the coolest Jimi Hendricks-esq chord substitutions and then back again were stunning. The solid rhythm section kept people dancing nonstop for 90 minutes is a power house of driving rhythm combining the very best of country sensibility and hard rock. Really a great dance band.. www.paulys-pub.com/Calander_Of_Events. html. (952) 758-7795 Trivial Trivia: 26-Dec, 9:00 PM, Green MillLakeville, 17733 Kenwood Trail, Lakeville, Free. Sean ‘Twinkie Jiggles’ McPherson rocks the house. He even dances. That’s how much he loves trivia.. triviamafia.com/ home/2013/3/28/thursdays-trivia-mafialocations-the-daily-ioq.html. (952) 435-8195 B-I-N-G-O Night: 26-Dec, 9:00 PM, Green Mill-Eagan, 1940 Rahncliff Rd, Eagan, Free.

Come out to B-I-N-G-O Night every Thursday to have fun and win great prizes!. www. greenmill.com/eagan-mn. “Think Fast!

Trivial Trivia at Champp’s: 26-Dec, 10:00 PM, Champps - Richfield, 790 West 66th Street, Richfield, Free. Come out to Champp’s for Trivial Trivia. Enjoy the great food and drink specials available too! Great night out

and challenge your friends!!. loosegravel.biz/.

Recessive Traits: 27-Dec, 9:30 PM, Babe’s Music Bar, 20685 Holyoke Ave. S., Lakeville, Free. Cover band based in the Twin Cities area. Come and enjoy a great night!!. www. babesmusicbar.com/Events.asp.

Lost Highway: 28-Dec, 8:00 PM, Wicked Moose Bar & Grill, 1201 Eastgate Dr. SE, Rochester, Free. One of the Upper Midwest’s top country bands, Lost Highway has opened for Hank Williams, Jr., Clay Walker, and Josh Thompson. Get your boots over to the Wicked Moose and get your country on!. www.wickedmoosebarandgrill.com/events/ upcoming-events/upcoming-events.html.

Urban Myth: 28-Dec, 9:00 PM, Santorini Taverna & Music, 13000Technology Drive, Eden Prairie, . ‘The URBAN MYTH BAND’ is a cultural hot dish of musicians and vocalists in which their song list reflects as well. Everything from current to classic, funk to rock, R&B to oldies, originals to an occasional instrumental to show off the bands chops ‘The URBAN MYTH BAND’ delivers! The band has performed everywhere from street dances to nightclubs, weddings to corporate events and through out their careers have played all over the United States and even over seas. ‘The URBAN MYTH BAND’ brings a professional show to audiences whether it’s a nightclub or a special event with a relaxed, yet fun style of presentation.. www.urbanmythband.com/ schedule.

The Tavern Lounge, Northfield Friday, January 17 Cute, spritely, and talented as hell, it’s safe to say that Katy Vernon is the best ukelele playing singer/songwriter in the Twin Cities. The London native spent some time as a vital part of the Twin Cities music scene, fronting The Camdens, before settling down to raise her kids. A few years ago she discovered the ukelele and started playing again both as a solo artist and as a member of Jim Walsh’s Mad Ripple. In 2012 she released her debut solo album, Before I Forget, which received high reviews from every Twin Cities media outlet, including the Star Tribune, The Current, City Pages and l’etoile Magazine. Last year, she became the very first musical guest on Garrison Keillor’s Rhubarb Show. The Tavern Lounge might be the most intimate setting where you’ll be able to see Vernon play her deeply personal, melodic songs for a while. Well worth your time.

There’s never a cover at the Tavern Lounge – – Rich Larson, editor@southernminnscene.com

Sheetrockers in Concert: 28-Dec, 9:00 PM, The Busted Nut, 118 2nd Street East, Hastings, Free+. The Sheet Rockers are four experienced musicians from the Twin Cities area. We joined together in the fall of 2011 with the goal of having fun playing the music that we love. Our song list includes rock and roll from classic to modern, as well as blues

and country favorites.. www.thebustednut. com/Calendar.html. (651) 438-6887 Tiptoe Through the 60’s: 31-Dec, 7:00 PM, Sheldon Theatre, 443 West 3rd Street, Red Wing, $18.50-$29.50. Bring in the New Year with stories and songs from a revolutionary decade with Prudence Johnson The triumphs, tragedies and trends of the

1960s with over 300 images on two giant ‘TV’ screens! Sing along to Hit the Road Jack, Surfer Girl, Blowin’ in the Wind, Hey Jude, Hello Dolly... and many more!. www. sheldontheatre.org. 651-388-8700 Time Machine: 31-Dec, 8:00 PM, Wicked

Turn

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Winterfest St. Peter January 31st – February 3rd, February 7th – February 9th For those of you who don’t mind the cold, but miss the festivities that come with summertime, you’re going to want to make your way to St. Peter from January 31st to February 9th.Winterfest is the classic summer festival, except it’s in the winter (hence the name). Spread over two weekends, Winterfest has, in the past, included the Polar Bear Plunge (a fundraiser sponsored by US Bank, benefitting the Special Olympics, wherein people raise large sums of money essentially as a dare to jump through a hole cut through the ice covering one of our 10,000 lakes), a chili feed, comedy and musical entertainment, and a medallion hunt. The people of St. Peter really know how to make the best of winter If you missed the annual Fish House Parade a couple weeks ago, you owe it to yourself to go see what they have in store for you at Winterfest.

Various citywide events. Costs vary.

– – Rich Larson, editor@southernminnscene.com Friday of each month. Visit edenprairie. org/outdoorcenter to find out more about the Outdoor Center.. www.edenprairie. org/index.aspx?page=17&recordid=1538.

952-949-8470

THEATER

Kiss of the Spider Woman / Andreas Theatre of the Earley Center for Performing Arts / Mankato / 1.30, 31

From 31 Moose Bar & Grill, 1201 Eastgate Dr. SE, Rochester, Free. 2014 is arriving in Wicked style! Join Time Machine’s 80’s Hair Force and usher in the New Year like you never have before!. www.wickedmoosebarandgrill. com/events/upcoming-events/upcomingevents.html.

Open Mic: 1-Jan, 8:30 PM, Bierstube, 109 W. 11th St., Hastings, Free. Sign up Bring

your guitar (or someone who plays one for you) and the stage is yours! It doesn’t matter if you’re a FABULOUSLY TALENTED, polished and professional singer or if you’re just sticking your neck out! We LOVE them all.

Lots of musicians just come down and plug in and play along so singing isn’t a requirement!

You’ll have time for 3 songs (or 15 min max) and we even go through the list twice if we can.. thebierstube.com/events/. (651) 4378259”Huge Wednesdays Improv

Church Basement Ladies: A Mighty Fortress is our Basement / Burnsville Perfoming Arts Center / Burnsville / 1.9

OUTDOOR Kiwanis Holiday Lights: 20-Dec, 5:00 PM, Sibley Park, 900 Mound Ave., Mankato, Free.

Opening Day Ceremonies and Parade Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. Drive or walk through Sibley Park to see animated lights, choreographed lights, and Santa with live reindeer. A tribute to the troops and non-profit decorated trees are also displayed. Sun-Thur 5 - 9 p.m., Fri-Sat 5 -10 p.m.. www.kiwanisholidaylights.com.

“Dome Running

Game Day: 3-Jan, 12:00 PM, Chankaska Creek Ranch And Winery, 1179 E. Pearl Street, Kasota, Free. Every Friday will be game day at Chankaska Creek! We will have a few games available for you but feel free to bring your own.. www.chankaskawines.com/ events/winery_events. 507-931-0089 Nature Rocks! Outdoor Center Open House: 10-Jan, 6:00 PM, Eden Prairie Community Center, 16700 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie, Free. Enjoy free family-friendly activities such as hiking, hands-on interaction with live animals, craft projects and more!

First Saturday of each month and second

Jingle Bells, Batman Smells: 22-Dec, 2:00 PM, Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Avenue, Lakeville, $13 . Junie B. thinks the holiday sing-along should be fun this year, but when it’s time for the Secret Santa drawing, Junie B. picks the one person she’d rather not have tattletale May!. test. lakevillemn.gov/index.php?option=com_ jevents&task=icalrepeat.detail&evid=4903&Itemid=1364&year=2013&month=12&day=1 3&title=junie-b-in-jingle-bells-batman-sm ells&uid=bb74749369c0d99eee677939ee7 535bd. “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Cabin Fever Auditions: 9-Jan, 7:00 PM, Twin Rivers Council for the Arts, 523 South Second Street, Mankato, Free. Mankato Mosaic, in association with the Minnesota Shorts Play Festival, welcomes you to audition for a role in one of our ‘Cabin Fever’ Variety Show plays. Interested in directing, props, tech crew (sounds lights)? Stop by and let us know!

We are also looking for musicians, musical groups, poetry readings, flash fiction...let us know what talent you want to share. We have a second audition date of Tuesday, January 14, 7-8 PM at Twin Rivers. Can’t make it on either date? No problem...give us a call at 507779-6262 or email us at mankatomosaic@ gmail.com. You can also contact us for more

information at phone number or email address listed above, or check out our Facebook page.. www.mankatomosaic.com.

Church Basement Ladies: A Mighty Fortress is our Basement: 9-Jan, 7:30 PM, Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville, $30+$40. The fourth installment of the Church Basement Ladies series of Musical Comedies, A Mighty Fortress is our Basement, is a popular series began at the Plymouth Playhouse in Minneapolis. In the latest installment, these ‘bulwarks never failing’ are at it again. The year is 1960 and a reformation is underway. With a new crop of Confirmands, Beverly, the youngest of the bunch, dons her first pair of high heels for her confirmation ceremony. Mrs. Snustad, the matriarch of the kitchen, wins top honors at the County Fair for her ‘Grand Champion’ pickles. Mavis, the able-bodies farm wife, must find a way to deal with the new ‘Super Highway’ which cuts through her farm. Karin, the real homemaker of the kitchen, finds new freedom behind the wheel of her husband’s pickup truck and must reconcile a new world of change for her daughter, Beverly. Pastor, who has always found strength and solace in the church basement, has found new love and announces his impending nuptials.. www. burnsvillepac.com/angel-fund-series.html.

Tarzan the Musical: 17-Jan, 7:00 PM and 18-Jan, 7:00 PM, Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Avenue, Lakeville, $8-$10.

Disney, Broadway, and community theater collide with this upbeat musical. When a human infant is left orphaned in the jungle, he is taken in by a caring mother ape. A boy among gorillas is bound to stand out and Tarzan

must fight for acceptance from his tribe.

When explorers are spotted in the jungle, the ape-boy is forced to face his toughest challenge yet.. test.lakevillemn.gov/index. php?option=com_jevents&task=icalrepeat.de tail&evid=4931&Itemid=1364&year=2014&m onth=01&day=17&title=tarzan&uid=b77fbed8 2324bfa831758b86bad02a2f.

Kiss of the Spider Woman: 30-Jan, 7:30 PM and 31-Jan, 7:30 PM, Andeas Theatre of the Earley Center for Performing Arts, Minnesota State University, Mankato, $15-$22.

Winner of multiple Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Kiss of the Spider Woman transforms a harrowing tale of persecution into a dazzling spectacle that juxtaposes gritty realities with liberating fantasies. Cell mates in a Latin American prison, Valentin is a tough revolutionary undergoing torture and Molina is an unabashed homosexual serving eight years for deviant behavior. Molina shares his fantasies about an actress, Aurora (originated on Broadway by Chita Rivera) with Valentin. One of her roles is a Spider Woman who kills with a kiss. Kander and Ebb is the team behind Chicago and Cabaret. This is its Minnesota State Mankato debut.. www.mnsu. edu/theatre.

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here aren’t a lot of people who truly enjoy the winter season in Minnesota. Most simply endure it while complaining about it around the water cooler at work.

There’s good reason for this: the weather conditions just aren’t as welcoming.

Roads get icy, daylight hours get shorter and temperatures drift into sub-zero ranges.

It’s admittedly tougher to enjoy the outdoors in the wintertime, there’s more preparation required and nobody likes to be cold. This is why most people -- myself included on occasion -- cope with the season change by moving their activities inside.

Instead of morning jogs on a quiet road, there’s tread-

mills at the gym -- which get a lot more crowded around New Years resolution time.

Instead of barbecues on the porch and fire pit sessions in the backyard, there’s kitchen cooking and game nights in the living room. On top of that, there’s books, TV, household projects and a bevy of other indoor activities to keep one entertained through the winter months.

Still, it’s important to get out of the house once in

awhile. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a real thing and I’m a big believer in trying to find something outdoorsy to enjoy with all seasons of the year. Why not make the make the most out of winter instead of complaining

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Are you ready for some

FOOTBALL about it and going into “hibernation” until spring? It’s not like you can control the weather or anything.

Without further ado, here’s a few of my favorite winter outdoor activities.

game going, but if you’ve got the friends or can find a game, you won’t regret it. Like any other sport, it’s a blast just to play around for awhile and get the competitive juices flowing, even if you’re a minimal talent like me.

Snowshoeing

Running

Anyone who enjoys hitting the hiking trails in summer months will find the same fun with strapping on a pair of snowshoes in the wintertime. It’s a relatively inexpensive hobby to get into and you can do it pretty much anywhere that has snow.

What I like most about snowshoeing is the freedom it provides. Instead of sticking to well-worn paths and avoiding deep snow out of fear of getting your boots stuck, you can blaze your own path and go where you want. Plus, it’s a good workout that can be integrated into backpacking/ camping if you want.

As in the regular jogs I do on the roads near my house.

I might be in the minority, but I happen to love running outside in the winter. I find the cold air to be refreshing, plus the cool temps keep me from overheating and I have a general disdain for the hampster-in-a-wheel feeling I get from running on a treadmill. It’s also a safe bet you’ll get a “You’re crazy!” shout from a passing motorist.

To be sure, there’s definitely more dangers with running outside in the winter than other months of year. Icy sidewalks and paths can be problematic and if the temps dip too low, there’s also the risk of frostbite on bare skin.

Since cold air is tougher to breathe in, it’s also a good idea to keep your runs short and not try anything too adventurous – unless you’re among the Arrowhead 135 crowd of course.

Darkhouse spearfishing It’s like ice fishing, only the hole is much bigger and there’s a spear involved.

I’m cheating a little bit with this one since you’re not technically “outside” while spearfishing -- there’s a darkhouse set up over the hole and most spearfishermen bring a heater to both keep them warm and prevent the hole from icing over.

However, it’s not something you can do at home and it requires being outside for an extended period of time to get set up for it. And as mentioned before, there’s a spear.

Fair warning: darkhouse spearing isn’t the cheapest wintertime hobby to get in to. The necessary equipment can get a little pricey and the process of getting your house set up on the ice can be an ordeal, especially when there’s swirling winds and sub-zero temps to contend with.

Still, it’s hard to beat the excitement that comes with seeing a Northern pike light up your hole and the adrenaline rush of throwing a spear at said pike.

Boot hockey/broom ball As a native Minnesotan, it would probably violate some kind of state law if I didn’t at least enjoy playing hockey a little. However, I’ve never been a strong skater and most of my attempts at playing regular hockey end with me awkwardly running into the boards and bruising my hip after falling on the ice for the umpteenth time.

Consequently, I tend to gravitate toward the easier forms of hockey. Most of the equipment is pretty easy to find at your average department store -- or in the case of boom ball, can be made at home -- and just about every town has an outdoor ice rink of some kind. It is Minnesota, after all.

Unlike the other wintertime activities mentioned, this one isn’t something you can do by yourself or with one or two people. You need a sizable group to get a half-decent

Sledding I’ll admit it: I’m a wimp when it comes to skiing and snowboarding.

I tried snowboarding once as a teenager -- an awkward day, to say the least -- and used to do regular skiing trips with my dad and brothers, but I never really got into either activity. I didn’t like the cost, I didn’t like having to travel that far to get to a ski hill and the sight of black diamond route always scared the hell out of me. Plus I took enough bad falls over the years to probably make an excellent “America’s Funniest Home Videoes” montage.

As a result, I’ve gone back to early childhood in my adult years and switched back to sledding. For me, it’s still a fun activity to do with friends and a great way to hang out with my nieces when I’m up visiting family.

I also like the activity for it’s simplicity. You don’t need to drive a great distance or worry about buying daily passes or finding equipment that fits. All you need is a cheap plastic sled, a nearby hill and some energy to burn.

Don’t get flagged for being THIRSTY!

Snow fort building Speaking of childhood activities enjoyed in adulthood, building a snow fort is an excellent way to make the most out of fresh snow – you know, instead of complaining about road conditions.

It’s also a ridiculously easy activity to partake in. All you need is a shovel and an area big enough to build a fort on. You can even make it a doubly constructive activity by shoveling off your driveway or parking lot at the same time.

And when it’s all said and done, I can say with firm assurance that a hot chocolate tastes better within the confines of a snow fort than it does anywhere else.

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devour

JILL MACKEY Faribault Foodie

Jill Mackey is a Faribault foodie. Got a question about food or drinks for Jill? Email editor@southernminnscene.com

here are so many things you can do whilst hibernating for the winter; rent a whole season of Scandal and hunker down for an entire weekend, light a fire and curl up with Les Miserables, War & Peace or Atlas Shrugged and a good bottle of wine, pamper yourself and spend the weekend at your favorite B & B or paint the bedroom! Me? I cook.

This is the time for me to make soup or Sicilian Bolognese. I could make a different soup every weekend! But we cannot live on soup alone (even though mine are pretty hearty and full of all that is good for you). But Sicilian Bolognese (a true Italian Bolognese!) fills the house with aromas that will feed your soul!

The meatballs are soft and succulent, the pork (yes, pork) is falling apart in the sauce and just the aroma will make your mouth water! It will take a couple of hours but what else do you have to do? Choose a lazy Sunday afternoon during a snow storm! Invite some friends over and have an Italian Sunday Gravy and pasta feast!

Sicilian Red Sunday Gravy

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Remove the meats to a platter. Cover with foil. Puree the sauce in a processor or with a wand blender. Season with salt & pepper if needed. Slice the pork. It should fall apart.

Spoon a little sauce over drained spaghetti in a large serving bowl & platter of meat.

Heat 2 swirls olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and parsley until soft but not browned. Remove from heat & cool. I do this in the same pot that I will make the sauce.

Add bread and milk to bowl.* Let bread soak while onions are cooking. Combine meats with egg, raisins and cheese. Season well with salt and pepper. Use your hands to squeeze excess milk out of bread and add to the onion mixture. Gently combine all ingredients. Don’t overwork the mixture or the meatballs will be tough.

Divide meat into 8-10 sections and loosely roll 8-10 meatballs. Refrigerate until ready to cook. *Milk soaked bread is far superior to bread crumbs for making meatballs. The meatballs will be soft and juicy. I also use it in meatloaf.

Serve the big bowl of pasta, platter of meat, bowl of grated parmesan (Imported please), warm bread and a nice Chianti to friends and family just like the Sicilians do every Sunday! Don’t expect much table conversation though except garbled “Mmmmmm!” and “Oh My Gawwwdd”.

Heat oven to 350 degrees Grind the salt, black peppercorns and fennel seed with mortar & pestle or spice grinder. Add enough olive oil to make a grainy paste. Rub the shoulder with paste. Make meatballs.

Set a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a 3-count of olive oil and gently brown meatballs. Remove the meatballs with a slotted spoon and set aside to drain.

In the same pot brown the shoulder pieces in batches.

Remove the shoulder pieces to the meatball plate to rest.

Add a little more olive oil to the pot and add thyme, oregano, carrots and onion. Scrape up bits from bottom of the pot & cook until slightly softened. Add garlic. Cook until fragrant but do not brown (about 1-2 minutes). Add wine.

Simmer for 1-2 minutes to cook out alcohol. Add tomatoes & paste. Mix well. Submerge shoulder pieces to the middle of sauce and meatballs around the edge. Some of the meat will be sticking out of the sauce. They will caramelize in the oven. Baste everything, cover and put in the oven to roast 1 to 1.5 hours. Watch a movie, play some cards.

Sicilian Meatballs

– George Miller

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CD REVIEW

Minnesota’s fond farewell to the Beatles Project

A higher school of rock

The Counterfactuals’ Minimally Decent People is groovy, toe tapping prof rock

The fifth installment in the Minnesota Beatles Project is a fun, trippy and altogether satisfying conclusion to the series.

The four college professors who make up the Counterfactuals have created an album full of intelligent, catchy music.

By RICH LARSON editor@southernminnscene.com

R

eviews aren’t always the easiest things to write.

Sometimes they’re tough because the album isn’t good, but it isn’t terrible and you want to be very careful to strike that balance without over or under selling anything.

Sometimes the album is good, but it sounds like a lot of other music that’s out there, and it becomes difficult to describe the same old same old.

And sometimes they’re tough to write because you find yourself tapping your thumbs in time with the music rather than typing on your keyboard, as is the case with Minimally Decent People, the debut release from The Counterfactuals.

There was a time when watchers of the Northfield music scene knew The Counterfactuals as “those two guys who play guitar and the one guy who sings plays drums with his feet at the same time.”

That would no longer be an accurate description of the band, and not just because they’ve filled out to a four piece group, including a bona fide drummer to ease the burden of lead singing/songwriting/formerfeet-drumming Counterfactual, Daniel Groll. Today, they are a self described “indie jangle pop” band, “playing a signature blend of golden hooks, twangy americana, and a little bit of grit.”

Or you could just call them one of the most interesting and promising bands Southern Min-

nesota has to offer.

With the release of Minimally Decent People, Groll immediately establishes himself as top rung songwriter. A college philosophy professor (as are lead guitarist Jason Decker and drummer Mike Fuerstein, while bassist Andy Flory is a college music professor), Groll has a unique sound and point of view. His songs are intelligent, particular, quirky, and catchy as hell.

The album opens with Running Dry, a jaunty, bouncy, shimmering song that has your head bopping and tow tapping from the opening guitar chords. When Decker adds some vintage 1980 synth to the mix about three quarters of the way through, you’ll either immediately start dancing or put your body into convulsions trying not to.

Further down the album, Hindsight is is a hook laden, riff driven, toms-on-the-backbeat, Beatles-meets-late-era-Replacements piece that’s incredibly easy to listen to, which is good, because you’ll be backing the song up time and time again trying to figure out Groll’s philosopher prof lyrics. Like Paul Simon, Groll excels at packing six measures of lyrics into a four measure line. You’ll be absolutely sure that what he’s singing is interesting and profound, but it runs by too quickly to catch it all. Eventually, when he abandons the words for some well timed “Ooooohs”, you’ll decide it doesn’t matter anyway. He could be reading from a church basement cookbook and it wouldn’t lessen the awesome

By RICH LARSON editor@southernminnscene.com

groove of this song.

A tip of the cap must also go to Flory and Decker, who took the lead in producing Minimally Decent People. While using a litany of effects, they choose to parcel them out tastefully. A well placed double tracked vocal, the sound of a needle dropping on a record album, or bouncing reverb on a Wurlitzer organ is only used to enhance the music, never getting in the way. Even when they go a little crazy, like at the end of Should’ve Known, when they unleash something that sounds like a dozen panicked ducks playing saxophones (think the end of Pink Floyd’s psychedelic treasure Bike, but a little more relaxed) it serves as a perfect transition into the next song, and not a just-because studio trick.

Minimally Decent People is happy, toe tapping, thoughtful music, guaranteed to engage even the most hardened indie purist. It’s the kind of album you want to start over as soon as it’s ended. If it’s too early to start talking about the best albums of 2014, the Counterfactuals have at least set the bar for the year very, very high.

F

or five years now, Vega Productions has released a collection of Beatles covers performed by well known Twin Cities artists, to benefit funding programs for music education. The Minnesota Beatles Project has become one of the most anticipated and consistently enjoyable releases of the year, and Vol. 5, the latest and final installation in the collection, does not disappoint.

This, of course, is something of a no-brainer, considering the source material. After all, any song on here that isn’t a Lennon/McCartney composition was written by George Harrison. The danger is in the execution, however.

Most of these songs are beloved by millions all over the world, and while it’s impossible to please everybody, one misstep in interpreting these songs could result in an angry mob at your door, complete with torches and pitchforks.

Perhaps that’s why most of the artists have chosen to select some of the lesser known songs. If you’re looking for I wanna Hold Your Hand, Hey Jude, or Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, you’ll be disappointed. However, if you want to hear fresh stylistic takes on music you’ve probably known your whole life, the album is a raucous good time.

The recently reformed and resurgent Suburbs offer a sped up, horn laden Taxman, laced with a classically rough hewn Beej Chaney guitar line and really creepy, almost pervy sounding, vocals from Chan Poling. The ‘Burbs capture the diabolical intentions of the main character far better than the Fabs had probably ever intended to. Chris Bierden of Polica takes John Lennon’s acid-trip-on-a cloud-of weed-smoke classic Because, and makes it even trippier. He changes very little of the original vocal arrangement, instead cre-

Minimally Decent People is available as a digital download and on CD. Vinyl Lp’s will be available on January 11, 2014. For more information visit The Counterfactuals Bandcamp page at http:// thecounterfactuals.bandcamp. com/ Rich Larson is the editor of Southern Minnesota SCENE. You can reach him at editor@southernminnscene.com.

ating a perfectly computer generated facsimile thereof, backed by echoing cymbals and slowly bouncing keyboard lines that ascend then descend, lovingly wrapping themselves around the vocals.

Sonny Knight & the Lakers take one of the most straight forward rock songs in the Beatles catalog, Day Tripper, and turn it into a funk romp. Carroll takes a little bit of the psychedelia out of She Said She Said, replacing it with a slightly more straightforward rock feel that is surprisingly satisfying. Meme takes things in the opposite direction, taking the acoustic McCartney gem Here, There and Everywhere by adding a heaping dose of ethereal keyboards and double - even triple tracked -vocals. In the care of Lizzie Brown’s gentle voice, the song is reinvented as an ambient classic.

The most interesting takes are from family oriented Grammy winners the Okee Dokee Brothers and close harmony throwbacks the Cactus Blossoms. With Mother Nature’s Son, the OD Brothers strip away a lot of the silly horns and productions from the White Album original, turning the song into an authentic appalachian stomp. The Cactus Blossoms take their trademark vocal blend, add in Randy Broughton’s mournful pedal steel, and come away with a sound that was probably closer to Lennon & McCartney’s original intent. It’s no secret that John & Paul heard plenty of Bill Monroe and Hank Williams in their formative years. These takes simply return those songs to their roots.

This is fantastic music, performed and reinvented by truly talented and creative musicians, for wonderful cause.

The Minnesota Beatles Project Vol. 5 is a fitting farewell to great idea. With the project now complete, it’s time to take it all in and call it a job well done.

Rich Larson is the editor of Southern Minnesota SCENE. You can reach him at editor@southernminnscene.com.

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KEVIN KREIN THE BEARDED LIFE

The Winter of My

Kevin is a heavily bearded writer who likes rabbits. He writes regularly for his own Anhedonic Headphones music blog, and he is a prolific Tweeter- @KevEFly

DISCONTENT O h cool, it gets dark at like 5p now…said no one ever That’s something incredibly clever I said on Facebook the day after Daylight Savings Time ended. Because I am SO hilarious and have such an incredible social media presence, 16 people felt compelled to “like” that status update.

The only comment I received on it was from someone who optimistically chimed in with, “But it is actually light when you go to work and school!”

It is worth noting that nobody felt compelled to “like” that.

Now is the winter of our discontent.

When I was in my late teens, I was dumb enough to tell people that winter was my favorite season. “There’s just something about the cold air that makes you feel alive!” I remember saying. Wow! I am embarrassed for myself for having said something so trite.

My love affair with winter ended rather quickly in 2005.

I was living on my own in Dubuque, in a basement apartment in a building that should have been condemned. There were electric heaters built into the walls—three of them: one of them just flat out didn’t work—it made this kind of super reassuring “power surging” sound after you used it for roughly two seconds. One of them was in the bathroom, had no dial to control it, so a pair of pliers was kept near by

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for turning it on and off. The final was in the wall near where I slept. However, it was placed at chest height, so whatever pathetic spurts of hot air it was able to generate, they rose very quickly to the ceiling, and were gone forever.

During the dead of winter—January, February—I slept in my clothes from the day, with pajamas over those, then a bathrobe on top of all of that, on a bed where I was covered with a combination of 12 blankets and sheets.

Even with all that, I was still afraid that I would freeze to death in my sleep, and that some poor bastard would find me, blue skin, chunks of ice in my beard.

Needless to say, since then, I’ve made a point to live above ground.

The winter makes the nights seem like they are never going to end—and I don’t mean in that fun, Richard Marx “Endless Summer Nights” way, obviously. At 5:45p, it can feel like it is 10:30.

At 10:30, it feels like it is 2 or 3 in the morning. And then by the time it’s 2 or 3, you’ve been overtaken by some kind of winter madness.

And then, there’s the clear and present danger of snow.

When there’s even a slight chance of snow in the forecast, we try to stay close to home. If we’re out and about, the second I see a flake start to fall slowly from the sky, it’s back in the car and we’re off.

Oh what’s that? Friends who are expecting

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are having a party to reveal the gender of their unborn child? When is it? January 1st?

I’m really happy for you, and I’mma let you finish having your baby—we’d love to come to your party, but the winds are incredibly high today and I think I saw a snowflake.

I will buy a gender-neutral gift and mail it to you. Congrats, by the way.

There is an idea, I suppose, of the “beauty” of winter. The emotional manipulation of the very first snowfall of the season—that nostalgic feeling of when the snowflakes are gigantic and tumbling down in slow motion, piling onto one another, covering our fair town in the preverbal “quilt of snow.”

But like all beauty, those idealizations quickly fade away.

The “beauty” of winter evaporates faster than the heat in my old basement apartment by the time the plows are out on the streets— rusty, hulking, blades violently scraping up the pavement and pushing up the snow, forming knee-high, nearly impenetrable walls at the end of my driveway.

Take comfort in knowing that the mountains of snow—partially melted, re-frozen, and then snowed upon again—will eventually vanish for good, that your winter madness will break, and that the nights will come to an end.

Take comfort in knowing that it won’t be too long before you are complaining about mosquitos, lawn maintenance, or the age-old discussion of heat versus humidity.

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