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Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express”

March 11-15, 18-20 Les Fields Hall, Rochester

It’s the winter of 1934, and the Orient Express is on its way through Europe when a man is found dead on the train. Detective Hercule Poirot, en route to London, must investigate the murder. Each of Poriot’s fellow travelers, however, is suspicious, and he must find the killer before they strike again. Agatha Christie’s classic 1934 novel, one of the most famous and beloved murder mysteries of all time, has been adapted for radio, film, television and more since its release. Now, watch it come to life onstage in southern Minnesota in this community performance, directed by Suzie Hansen.

absolutetheatre.org/seasonfour

7:30 p.m. March 13 Sheldon Theatre, Red Wing

This groundbreaking documentary play, performed in the style of a classic radio drama, brings the true stories of seven women to life. The allwomen group of playwrights conducted personal interviews with women who overcame resistance, death threats, violence and social norms to bring change around the world: in Pakistan, Nigeria, Ireland, Afghanistan, Guatemala, Russia and Cambodia. Since its premiere in 2008, the play has been performed worldwide, translated into 27 languages and connecting with people everywhere. Each moving drama leaves the audiences thinking long after the show ends, making the statement that a single voice can change the lives of thousands, even in difficult times.

Step back in time for a longstanding New Ulm tradition, featuring more than 70 vendors and a hundred table displays of oldfashioned arts and crafts (such as authentic fur clothing, handmade knives, décor, food, etc.). Enjoy demonstrations of fur trade-era skills by costumed performers, some of whom are full-time reenactors who keep history alive year-round. Learn how fur traders and frontier settlers survived back in the day — it’ll be educational for you and your family, and it’ll also help you appreciate the modern conveniences like plumbing and central heating that make our winters more bearable.

newulmtradefair.com troupe’s history. For those familiar with the Merlin Players, it’s a trip down memory lane; for those new to the area or those who haven’t yet seen a show, it’s an introduction to southern Minnesota theater and a sampling of the talent and dedication community theater has to offer.

paradisecenterforthearts.org/paradisecommunity-theater

Mankato Area St. Patrick’s Day March 17, Mankato and Saint Peter

Get your green out and enjoy the luck o’ the Irish around Mankato and Saint Peter. Come to just one or two events, or make a whole day out of events around town. Local restaurants Flask, Pub 500, Dino’s, the Wow! Zone and Tav on the Ave will start serving Irish food, beer and other goodies starting right away in the morning, with a few spots open until late at night. Bring the kids just a few miles north to neighboring Saint Peter for the parade; expect lively entertainment, music and of course, plenty of green. In the evening, restaurants and bars will host live music by David and the Clan O’Connell, Warren Streets and others. Honor your Irish heritage, or just pretend to be Irish for a day to join in on the fun.

visitgreatermankato.com

Songs & Scenes: Celebrating 25 Years of the Merlin Players in Faribault

7:30 p.m. March 21 Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault

Rochester Thaw Music Festival

11 a.m.-10 p.m. March 21 The Castle, Rochester

R ochester’s Thaw Music Festival is back for its second year, bringing warmth and excitement to melt what’s left of the snow and ice. This year’s lineup boasts 11 bands on two stages all day long for a variety of all-ages performances (kids 12 and under get in free). Get ready for local and regional bands spanning a range of genres, including Minneapolis rock ‘n’ rollers The Band Man, indie-folk singer Humbird, “nerd funk” group Porky’s Groove Machine and “tavern, renaissance and fantasy music” performers Loreweavers. Experience Rochester’s thriving arts, music and social community in the Castle, located in the historic downtown Armory building.

castlecommunity.org/thaw

South Central Minnesota Pride Gayla 6-10 p.m. March 21 The Capitol Room, Saint Peter

South Central Minnesota Pride, the region’s support organization for LGBTQ Minnesotans and allies, is hosting its first-ever fundraiser gala — or, as it’s been aptly named, Gayla. Enjoy a cash bar and free hors d’oeuvres, then get ready for a drag show hosted by Minnesota’s own Gosh Alice Jones. Silent auction items will also be available to raise additional funds for the organization. Head out to be part of this inaugural fundraiser and know that while you’re having a great time, you’re supporting a nonprofit that’s working to make south central Minnesota a more welcoming and inclusive place for all. This is a 21- plus event.

Welch Village Pond Skip

March 21, Welch Village, Welch

W hen the snow gets too melted for skiing or snowboarding, you improvise. That’s the idea behind Welch Village’s longstanding annual tradition of the Pond Skip, where costumed, daredevil skiers take to the slopes to make the jump over a massive makeshift pool — or make a splash directly into the water. Spots for skippers are limited, so the brave will want to sign up soon. Everyone else, of course, is welcome to cheer on the participants along with the judges. Either way, it’s unique, seasonal entertainment for the whole family. While you’re there, enjoy live music from rural hip-hop and rock group The Coxmen. Check the website for further details, since this event is heavily weather-dependent.

welchvillage.com/special-events.cfm

March 27-29 Page Theatre, Winona S pend a weekend immersing yourself in the art of storytelling through movement and music. Join dancers and dance enthusiasts from across the nation for this festival’s inaugural year with performances, master classes, workshops and a variety of events and opportunities to interact with the dance community. Public performances will feature SPEAK, a collaboration of Kathak (classical Indian dance) and tap dancers; the James Sewell Ballet as part of its 30th anniversary tour; and a showcase of Winona-area dancers to promote the region’s active dance scene. Participants can buy a weekend pass to enjoy all the festival has to offer, or simply buy tickets for individual performances. driftlessdance.org

Harlem Globetrotters: Pushing the Limits

7 p.m. March 31 Mankato Civic Center, Mankato

Feeling disappointed with Minnesota’s sports teams? Here’s your chance to see a world record made live, as the Harlem Globetrotters attempt to make (or break) a record at each show on the 280- game tour. They already hold 22 world records, of course, but why not add more? Bring the whole family to see the team’s 94th consecutive year, featuring the Globetrotters’ long-beloved trick shots, antics, feats of athletics and all-around good times. New on this year’s tour, players will perform their ball handling warmups in the dark with a glow-in-the-dark basketball to add an extra level of thrills to an already-impressive show. You’ll also witness the four-point shot (30 feet from the basket) that you won’t see at an ordinary basketball game. mankatociviccenter.com

Bayside TAP & STEAKHOUSE

Bayside Tap and Steakhouse proprietors Glen and Christy Witham have been in the restaurant business together as a husband and wife team for over 30 years. “We have owned and operated six different, successful restaurants and now at the Bayside, along with our daughter, Jenny and son, Jacob, we’re starting our seventh year of business,” said Christy Witham. The facility had a long history of being more of a blue-collar bar, where factory workers would go to cash their checks and have a few beers with their friends. After taking over Bayside, the Withams remodeled and updated the facility. “We looked around the area, trying to come up with a format that was not the same as everyone else in town. We really didn’t want to be a hamburger and mini corn dog kind of bar. W e landed on the steakhouse idea and moved forward with

that,” Christy said. They structured a menu that features steaks, chops and seafood. The steaks have been a success over the years, but the menu has expanded and evolved to meet their customer’s request. Currently, along with the Withams’ great steaks and seafood, they offer hamburgers, assorted sandwiches, salads, appetizers and more. “ Steaks are still what we do. When you walk into Bayside, there is a large, blue, neon sign on the wall, that says “Meat”. That’s because we’re very proud and confident that we offer some of the best steaks you will find in southeastern Minnesota!” Christy exclaimed. Bayside has a full selection that includes different cuts of ribeyes, Kansas City strip, top sirloin, tenderloins and T-bones (all of the Bayside steaks are US DA choice or better). Certainly known for their awesome steaks, the Withams also feature many popular, choice items as well. House Soup; Glen and Christy offer creamy, potato-bacon that is available every day. It’s not grilled chicken wings. The Bayside is open seven days week for lunch and dinner. In March, the establishment features Alligator Day; where a bunch of real alligator meat is prepared and given away for all to try. “Last year, in September, we had our first annual End of Summer Bash. It’s the weekend after Labor Day, and it was such a success, we decided to keep it on the books. W e put up a large tent in front of the restaurant. W e have a beer garden, a BBQ and music with dancing. Because we are so close to the marinas, it was a big hit with the boaters. Plans are

uncommon for a customer to order just a bowl of soup, especially on a cold winter day. Selection of Different Salads; the most popular by far is the Steak and Blue salad.

It is a bed of romaine spring mix blend, a few tomatoes, cucumber/radish sides; then topped with steak bites, cooked to order; with fresh blue cheese crumbles on top. The salad also comes with Christy’s own home-made blue cheese dressing, that many folks claim to be the best they have ever had. Additional signature dishes include various fish entrees. “ W e offer a few different fish items, including the Minnesota favorite-walleye, but a very popular item we offer is our grilled Ahi Tuna, served rare with a ginger wasabi sauce that people can’t seem to get enough of,” said Christy. If it is a burger you crave, Bayside is the remedy. The burger is a half-pound “burger broiler” – cooked to order and served on a grilled brioche bun. Also included on the all-inclusive menu are a good selection of appetizers; from flat breads to to do a second annual this year and we are looking

for an even bigger turnout,” said Christy.

Along with great food, the Bayside boasts an

exceptional bar, including a large selection of

martinis, that range from a Cosmopolitan to the popular Carmel Apple. They offer a birthday cake martini and an after-dinner Andes mint martini. The Withams also offer a special martini monthly and are constantly coming up with new choices to add to the growing list; so whether it’s a flavored martini or a traditional James Bond shaken-notstirred concoction that you desire, Bayside has you covered. The bar is also equipped with twelve beers on tap, that are updated according to the season. The Bayside is located on Old W est Main Street,

aka the West End District. It overlooks the Missis

sippi River and Bay Point Park; with the best restau

rant river view in town. The Withams also offer a

full-menu service outside, so whether it’s sipping a martini or having a steak dinner, all are available on the roof top. Summers are great in Red Wing, but summers on the roof top deck at Bayside are even better. “We are a casual, dining restaurant that offers top quality food and service. Our customers come from all over, and they rave about our steaks,” said Christy. “We have served many VIPs, from local celebrities, politicians, and sports figures, to national names, including Jay Leno. We’re no longer the best kept secret in town.” SMS

Whether you’re a “fabric fashioner”, a “needle artist”, or a “scrapbooker,” you are part of the growing craze that is DIY customized designs and creations. Fortunately, there are many business establishments in the area that can aid in propelling your creative imaginations and offer professional tips, ideas, and products, in order to master your “crafty” interests. S tory by PA T GARRY Contributing Writer

CHERYL’S FABRIC GARDEN Cheryl’s Fabric Garden has been at 108 Coffee Street East, in Lanesboro, for five years. Cheryl Lamon’s store is unique in that it has a wide variety of finished products, as well as supplies for quilters. Finished goods include: quilts (baby & adult), art wall hangings, handbags, aprons, place mats and napkins, table runners and hats.

For the quilter customers, there are fabrics, notions, patterns and quilt kits. Cheryl also does a lot of custom work for people, and she provides long-arming as well (sewing the top, back and batting together on a quilt). “My studio is large enough so that I can offer classes and quilt retreats. Usually, retreats occur on the weekends and my guests stay at Stone Mill Suites. In the summer, there are a lot of tourists that visit my store. Some are interested in purchasing products, but others just like to come in and enjoy all the quilts that I have displayed on the walls,” Lamon said.

One of my greatest joys in life is working with color . I like bright and bold colors. I blend these colors to make things out of fabric and add different threads and decorative stitching to create motion and depth. Each piece is made with artistic energy and creativeness, whether it be a quilt or a wall hanging. I was raised on a farm and growing up, our mother taught us how to sew. There were three girls in our family and we each gravitated to a certain genre. My sister, Jane, liked to make clothing, especially from wool. Marcia spent her time quilting with traditional muted fabrics. I was looking for something bold and colorful. At that time I also made clothing. After college, I ended up in my chosen field of Medical Technology. My husband was in education so we moved around a lot until we landed in Lanesboro. I was in business for 30 years and now I can pursue my passion of working with fabrics and color — Cheryl Lamon, artist.

NORTHFIELD YARNS “Northfield Yarn has been at 314 Division Street since September 2011, but in June 2018, we moved from one space to another within the building. Our shop is now a beautiful, open space, with a classroom area in the back. It was a good move,” owner Cynthia Gilbertson said.