Scene march 2017

MARCH 2017 - southernminnSCENE.com

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The Amazing

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

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| MARCH 2017

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MARCH

2017

This show’s for you.

TRADITIONS Timeless styles and big-name stars you love.

GREAT SOUNDS Find your groove with exceptional music-makers.

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

This show’s for you.

Exceptional artists from all over the world in a breathtaking setting create unforgettable performance experiences.

Oran Etkin

What’s New? Reimagining Benny Goodman March 4, 7:30 p.m.

Imaginative tribute to the King of Swing honors Goodman’s spirit of daring innovation.

Balsam Range

March 11, 7:30 p.m.

International Bluegrass Entertainer of the Year offers heartfelt delivery, tight harmonies, and a fresh Southern sound.

That’ll Be The Day:

Music of Roy Orbison, Linda Ronstadt and Gene Pitney March 17, 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

An energetic, nostalgic ride through such favorites as “Pretty Woman,” “Blue Bayou,” “That’ll Be the Day”.

TO BUY TICKETS:

Dallas Children’s Theatre in Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters March 31, 7:00 p.m.

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

The splendor and energy of Zimbabwe burst to life in this Caldecott winning Cinderella tale!

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

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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 ca l e n d ar . G O TO w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l ic k + A d d a n E v ent

CONTENT MARCH 2017 / VOLUME 5 / ISSUE 3

4 So It Goes In SoMinn

14 Drinking Like a

22 The TimeLine

7 SoMinn SOUND

Kate’s annual list of liquid refreshment

suggestions for you to enjoy as you

ready yourself for Hollywood’s biggest night.

32 The Bookworm Sez:

Don’t just repeat back everything you read on internet. Try to inform yourself.

Yes, we loved them once. But times

change and it’s time to move on from

these people.

8 The Amazing Mr. James Hong

Over the course of six decades,

Minnesota born James Hong

has amassed more than 500 film

and television credits. Along the

way he has become one of the

most recognizable faces, if not

names, in Hollywood.

11 A Guide to the

89th Academy Awards

Our Fourth Annual guide to the only

awards show that still matters.

Southern minn

Contender 2017

16 Woldum TV

Rachel reminisces about the the

television she loved in her formative years.

19 Kate’s Cut

Kate helps the Academy pay

tribute to the behind the scenes

people who put the magic into

our movies.

20 Collective Wisdom

In coming together as Dusty Heart, veteran Twin Cities singer/ songwriters Molly Dean and Barbara Jean have pooled their talent and resources to create an exciting new collaboration.

The SoMinn’s most comprehensive

calendar of things to be SCENE.

34 Sportsball

Karlee throws caution to the wind and

goes all in on the Minnesota Wild

• Jonathan Chait’s ‘Audacity: How Barack Obama Defied His Critics and Transformed America’ is a great read for Obama loving political junkies

• Carl Weber returns to form with

‘Man on the Run’.

• ‘Terri reviews a pair of books about America’s real favorite pastime.

33 CD Reviews:

• No longer simply Dave Simonett’s “electric band,” Dead Man Winter shows their rough, vulnerable and raw sides on their new album.

• The xx’s third album is a bold, imaginative and moody record that provides perfect atmospheric company for the lonely thinker..

jobs!

SouthernMinn

PAGES 36-37

38 The Bearded Life

Halcyon Days/Blockbuster Nights..

ABOUT

Scene

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

Copyright 2017 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.

HURRY IN! ANNIVERSARY SALE ENDS FEBRUARY 28, 2017!

The Merlin Players present

Calendar Girls Written by Tim Firth

March 24, 25, 30, 31 April 1 - 7:30P Sunday - March 26 - 2:00PM Directed by Julianna Skluzacek Based on the hit movie.

Celebrate the coming of Spring A delightful comedy about the women of Knapeley, England who make a very unusual calendar to raise money for the local hospital and shock the world. Along the way their friendships deepen through laughter and understanding. A true story.

The Women Alane Bendtsen, Bev Cashman, Barb Crabtree, Felicia Crosby, Susan Dunhaupt, Sharon Gearin, Taylor Heitman, Jackie Ostlund, Jennifer Pike, Kristin Elder Sellentine The Men Frank Blomgren, Todd Ginther, Brock Lammers, Chuck Larsen

Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave., Faribault Call 507-332-7372 during box office hours. Tues., Wed., Fri.,

Sat.: noon-5PM; Thurs.: noon-8PM and 1 hour before performances Tickets go on sale to general public March 14.

Come opening night and enjoy a wine & appetizers reception.

Sponsored by Federated Personal Lines & Spectrum Reach

Find us on Facebook & Twitter or at themerlinplayers.org A d d y o u r e v e n t f o r F R E E t o t h e T I M E L I N E c a l e n d a r . G O TO w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent

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$10 OFF

ULTIMATE TAN

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So it goes in SoMinn

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

Opinions are like... oh, just know what you’re talking about

I

couldn’t understand the complete thought process behind some of the recent political discussions until I watched a documentary about alien abductions.

This man was, in his mind, being possessed by a space inhabitant of the planet Koldas and I thought, “Is this guy putting on a show, or does he sincerely believe this shit?” It’s the same feeling I get when I watch Tomi Lahren.

Have you ever heard of the Illusory Truth Effect? I am going to be presumptuous and say no, but I bet you’ve heard the saying “If you tell yourself something enough, you will start to believe it.” That doesn’t sound so bad. You probably used that concept when memorizing the multiplication tables, or trying to remember to turn off the coffee machine before you left the house.

Repetition has always made me nervous though. The thought of doing the same thing over and over literally makes me sweat. I get anxious. For some, anxiety causes them to shrink. This shrinking leads to panic, which then produces irrational thought or behavior. I like to skip all of the in-between and go straight for unreasonable conduct. So when I am feeling in a box or deep in routine, it takes everything in me to not act out on it. Maybe that’s not anxiety. Maybe it’s something else. I am sure there is a name for it; “they” have a name for everything.

Now that you know about my anxiety, let’s take the seemingly innocent idea of repetition and use it on someone who is easily influenced. Or, someone who has been taught a certain ideology most of their life and go ahead and tell them they are wrong.

Congratulations, you are now challenging their way of life.

If you tell someone something long enough, they will start to believe it.

So much so, that if proof were lying out on a silver platter disproving their conviction, they would still believe it to be true. A bit scary, eh?

If repeated affirmation fixes itself in the mind in such a way that is accepted in the end as a demonstrated truth, then how the hell do you combat that? You could belittle them I suppose, or laugh.

Imagine laughing at the guy who lives in the middle of nowhere, sitting in his wooden rocker “preparing to transmit” messages from extraterrestrials. You know you want

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to. I wanted to. But I sort of felt bad for the guy.

In light of recent events, after watching this, I started to empathize with people who do not appear to have empathy for anyone at all.

Like this guy:

“I feel that if a Muslim woman wants to move into this country, she needs to leave her towel home. Because the reason this country is here and safe today is because of Jesus Christ.” (Interviewee Bill Jackson to Brian Mann of NPR, Jan 28, 2017) That statement makes no sense whatsoever. And really, we could tell the man behind that senseless comment to go drink his beer and scratch his balls as he had planned prior to running into an NPR reporter. I don’t want to do that.

Okay, maybe I do a little bit.

A lot of us feel that these people

should know better. But do you know what is more powerful than well-known facts? Repetition. Consider that when you are out blasting your own beliefs on other people, and maybe take into account how those people who confuse the hell out of you ended up that way. More than just a “bad day” caused it. I am not justify-

ing their hate. Every day I want to go out and save all the babies. I just hope you all using social media as your voice are also seeking to educate. It sucks to be attacked, even if you are wrong.

It’s like, I know what I am eating is bad, but get off my back, dude.

It isn’t easy to break a lifetime of perceived truth, endorsed by hours of biased research. I am talking to you too, person who thinks they research all sides of the issue.

Google isn’t only tracking your behavior to serve you ads for hiking gear.

I don’t care how vague your search is, Google knows what you want to read.

So next time you are on Facebook, sharing screenshots of tweets and incomplete news, keep in mind that a post isn’t like a bumper sticker—you don’t get to just drive around in the comfort of your own cushioned space while you tell the world how you feel. People will engage, so step up your game.

Getting others to understand why you think they are brain-dead will take strategy and understanding, not 432 comments. SMS

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Bid. Buy. Save.

It’s FREE and Simple

March 14-24, 2017 Bid on all sorts of great merchandise and services from local SoMinn businesses!

Look for your color catalog in the Saturday, March 11 edition of the Northfield Weekender or the Tuesday, March 14 edition of the Faribault Daily News and the Owatonna People’s Press.

Bidding Starts March 14th. You could save up to 50%!!!

Bid online at www.southernminnauction.com NorthfieldNews.com

NorthfieldNews.com Presented by:

smlm Northfield News NorthfieldNews.com

southern minn media

Northfield News weekend Northfield News Leader The

A Free Publication Serving Blooming Prairie and Ellendale

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| MARCH 2017

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2017

LA CROSSE, WI . APRIL 14-15 WINONA, MN . APRIL 28-29

Charlie Parr Toki Wright Sonny Knight & The Lakers GGOOLLDD Twilight Hours HeatBox Night Moves TUGG Reina del Cid Frankie Lee the Big Wu Dead Horses People Brothers Band Pieta Brown Black Market Brass The Honeydogs Tenement Black Eyed Snakes Frogleg Blackfoot Gypsies Michaela AnnE Los Colognes Trapper SChoepp JON STICKLEY TRIO Alex Rossi John Craigie Farewell Milwaukee New Sound Underground Driftless Sisters Gaelynn LeA Chicago Farmer Porcupine PHO Flint Eastwood Jillian Rae Kind Country AL SCORCH Them Coulee Boys The Smokin' Bandits Mike Munson Midnight Reruns The Ultrasounds Joe & Vicki Price Sleeping Jesus Auralai General B and the Wiz Good night Gold Dust Circle of Heat Feed the Dog The Dead Pigeons Joseph Huber Lydia Liza Buffalo Gospel Catbath BBGUN Luke Callen TABAH the gentlemen's Anti-Temperance League COYOTE Eddie Allen SeaSaw The Brother Brothers McNasty Brass Band LASKA Ben Lubeck DUSK Adam Levy The Golden Strings Jay Smart Beet Root Stew Tani Diakite and the Afrofunkstars J. Hardin Gregg “Cheech” Hall Ben Weaver Idle Empress The Heavy Set Mr. Blink Feeding Leroy PigTown Fling Tony Peachka Ilika Ward and the Moonlight Riders Rachel Hanson Sonic Beats Lunch Duchess Listen Here, kids. Bo. Monro The Old Fashioneds fathom lane MEDICINE BROTHERS Elizabeth Ghandour & the Heighburners Brahman Shaman Driftwood Bones Under Paris Skies Jake Ilika waldemar joey ryan Crooked Willow Dan Israel Anima Jaybone Bel l & Restless Light Adam Strelow & The Worthy Adversaries Barely Losing Sam Cassidy Midwest Voltage Len Voy Big Liquor Almighty American Matt Monsoor Fletcher Magellan Eddie Danger Doctor Bob Boys & Girls Club Student Performers Afflatus Treedome Karate Chop, Silence Matt Mahlum Brianna Kocka Andrew Hughes Sheep for Wheat PELLY Barbaro Sounds Like School Variety Show The Coax Burke Brothers Jake Manders Nanaimo Jazz JiLL

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S.O. Minn SOUND

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

#NowPlaying Maggie Rogers - We have some repeats making appearances this month and for good reason. The Pharrell discovered star is slowly but surely churning out gems, first was “Alaska”, then came “Dog Years” and now “On + Off” is one I listen to on repeat. Her songs are irresistible indie-pop jams with just a scent of R&B. I am chomping at the bit for a full length album from this girl.

Kevin Garrett - My favorite low key white boy with a velvet voice is churning out new tunes. It is impossible not to love this guy. He’s cute and nerdy, still not known enough to play big venues. Try to catch him when he comes through town, he has a great sense of humor to go with his gorgeous pipes.

Just go away were her tongue in cheek humor and offbeat fashion sense. In 2017 this new version of Katy is contrived and lacking. There are other women in the game doing it better, bolder bigger and more authentic so she should step aside.

Ed Sheeran - I once went to an Ed Sheeran show and decided afterward to never pay money to see him live again. Why? Because Ed’s tween and teen fans screaming didn’t really mix well with his vocal layering and on the spot beat boxing. While I was just as googly-eyed as every other girl dreaming of a first wedding dance to “Thinking Out Loud” I had to break up with Ed once and for all when he attempted to gossip about my girl Ellie Goulding.

Lure me in with your ridiculous romanticism fine, and ok I’ll tolerate this weird English talk-rapping but calling out Ellie (for something she denies even happened) was a step over the line. As much as it’s enjoyable and even informative when T Swift rails on her past beaus in songs, when Ed does it, it feels petty and immature. Hang it up Ed. We’re over you.

A

s much as we like to keep things positive here at SO Minn Sound, we felt like it was important to point out that there are some artists with whom we could do without this year. The music industry continues to be oversaturated and

it can be difficult to dig through and find the real pearls in this vast ocean. In an effort to help you sort

through the muck and the mud, here is a list of folks you can skip over this year (and maybe indefinitely).

Katy Perry - Katy hasn’t put out an album since 2013’s Prism and since then has been busy throwing shade at T. Swift and paddling boarding with Orlando Bloom’s exposed nether region. She recently released a new single “Rise” which sounds like a lame attempt to cash in on the inspiring song train led by Sia and Rachel Platten. The song feels flat, employing lyrical cliche after cliche and venturing into Christian radio territory, a past we thought she left behind.

Not to mention it’s a world away from the girl who kissed and girl and liked it. Most of Katy’s major hits weren’t written by her and her vocal prowess falls short when it counts. Her only real saving graces

Pink - Remember when Pink first started and she was singing R&B and then she broke away from that image and turned into this kick ass punk chick? Then she went all glitter-in-the-air and reminded us what a really great singer she is. Well now that she’s gone soft and can never decide if she wants to be married to Cary Hart or not. Because of this her music has gotten boring. Dear Pink, Just Give Me a Reason why I should still pay attention to you, k?

Train - These Basilica Block Party Hall of Famers just dropped their eighth album which is about oh, five more albums than anyone needed from them. When Pat and co first burst onto the scene they were new, they were indie. Now they’re a buncha dudes who appeared on an episode of The Bachelor who make nauseating adult contemporary jams, one of which that uses the melody to Heart and Soul. Gone are the geniuses behind hits like “Meet Virginia.” Time to turn in your gun and badges gentlemen. SMS

The xx - As I mentioned before, The xx are back in black with a new album of slinky tunes. Let the deep dark sexiness seep into your veins. Do not resist their powers. The xx ride the line between seduction and darkness. It’s a line we should all spend some time on.

Go See Kenny Rogers - You gotta know when to hold em’ know when to fold em’, and know when to catch this legend so you can cross him off your concert bucket list. March 12, Verizon Wireless Center.

Lake Street Dive - I have said it many times, but I will say it again, Rachael Price’s voice is a force to be reckoned with. The band, whose namesake is yes, Minneapolis’s own Lake Street (band member Mike Olson hails from MN), is doing a two night stand in the Mainroom March 3 and 4. Tickets on sale now, do not miss out. Those are Friday and Saturday nights folks. You don’t even have to go out on a school night.

Patti Smith - Calling all punk rockers, pretend punk rockers, wannabe punk rockers, the legend...wait for it, dary, Patti fuckin Smith is playing Northrop on March 8 with her band performing Horses in full. Run, do not walk to this show.

This Happened Janet Jackson - On January 3, the 50 year old pop legend became a mom for the first time inspiring hope for all women over 30 still dreaming of motherhood and stressing over depleting egg supply.

How fitting it seems that the woman who showed us she’s “in control” in the 80’s is still defying expectations and shattering stereotypes of what women should be.

Get it Miss Jackson.

Madonna - Madge and her rebel heart delivered a powerful speech at the Women’s March on Washington where she in true Madonna form, dropped some F-bombs and mentioned considering a threat on the White House (maybe not the smartest?). But the material girl does what she wants. She led a chant of “We choose love” and provided star power (among others) who also chose to show support to the Resistance.

Jamiroquai, Nelly Furtado, Bell Biv DeVoe and Missy Elliott Haven’t seen these names in a while? Me either.

2017 might be the year of the Resistance and the Resurgence of artists we thought were long gone as all four of these acts have released new jams. Some are better than others but what better time to come back than this?

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The Amazing Mr. James Hong t a h T : y u g

By Kate Pehrson

W editor@southernminnscene.com

Mr. Ping from the Kung Fu Panda movies

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ith an IMDB page so long and storied that it’s probably eligible for its own award, he’s worked with some of film’s biggest actors and directors. By HIS count, he’s racked up close to 500 credits. He suspects that he could possibly be THE actor, living or dead, with the most film and television roles in history. And I believe him.

You say 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon, I say 3 degrees of THAT GUY. Actor, producer, director, teacher – THAT GUY is one of the most recognizable character actors in Hollywood.

He was the evil sorcerer David Lo Pan in Big Trouble in Little China. He was the guy that told Rutger Hauer “I just do eyes!” in Blade Runner.

BLADE RUNNER. He’s a go-to voiceover guy, famous for his role as Mr. Ping in the Kung Fu Panda movies, as well as for roles in Mulan, Star Wars: Clone Wars, Scooby Doo, Star Wars Rebels, Kung Fu Panda Legends of Awesomeness, video games galore, and some vintage Godzilla films.

For good or bad, he’s played the whole field of stereotypical Asian characters: Chinese Buddhist priest, Japanese military officer, waiter, butler, laundry worker, wealthy businessman, wise old man.

As a television actor, he’s been in everything that was ever important to the medium: from Dragnet to The X-Files to The Blacklist, with a iconic Seinfeld episode moment in the middle.

He runs an acting school with his daughter April, and he’s an incredible impersonator – once do- ing a killer Minnesota Swedish accent in a movie for the late great Gene Wilder. Weird huh?

Nope. Because he’s from here.

When I got on the horn to the bossman and told him that THAT GUY was born in Minneapolis, he said “What?!” and then I said “Yes!!” and he said “you mean THAT GUY?!” And I said

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“Yes!!” and he said “Kate…I WANT THAT GUY IN THE MAGAZINE.” And so I invite you – lucky reader – to come along with me and let a man who I might suggest is one of Hollywood’s greatest one-person storehouses of movie experience and knowledge, a man who graciously answered some of our most pressing questions about his life and career via the magic of instant messaging, usher us into the Chinese Year of the Fire Rooster, into his 88th year and into our latest movie issue - THAT GUY – James Hong.

KP: I’m exhausted just looking at your IMDB page.

My finger hurts from scrolling down so far. You obviously are a person of great energy, enthusiasm and passion for your life and work. What keeps you going?

JH: It’s the challenge…and a whole page can be written on that. Come to acting class - the work keeps me going. I love what I do and every role is different, so it’s like a new beginning, in a sort of fashion.

KP: You were born in Minneapolis, but you returned to China (Kowloon in Hong Kong) at about the age of 4 or 5 because your parents thought you were becoming “too Americanized”. At about ten, you came back to Minnesota where you were a part of the small but strong Chinese community centered on Hennepin and Westminster Church downtown.

JH: Our family store and residence above was 713 3rd Ave. So, in downtown.

These days, that’s on the corner of the Ameriprise building and the Hennepin County Court House in Minneapolis.

KP: You were a natural performer from the time you were young – giving speeches at the church, and being a part of some of the productions at your middle and high school. Although you enjoyed the stage, in the Chinese culture and in your family, you said that acting was considered a “low-rung” profession, and that the household you grew up in encouraged you to become a professional.

You entered the University of Minnesota Engineering

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 ca l e n d ar . G O TO w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l ic k + A d d a n E v ent

As Lo Pan in Big Trouble in Little China School and worked at the Nankin Restaurant as a dishwasher, because the owner said that as long as you were in school, you would have a job there.

JH: I was [also] in the National Guard in the Minnesota Vikings Division which was activated during the Korean War. Our outfit was sent to Camp Rucker, Alabama to train to go to Korea. General Peterson of the camp decided to keep me at Camp Rucker because I guess he thought this talented soldier would be killed either by the Koreans or the Americans by accident. That started the seed to my entertainment career.

James was put in charge of entertaining the troops at the camp, putting on and coordinating the live entertainment shows. He mentioned in an interview in 2009 with China Insight that “… let’s admit it that with a G.I. cap and this face charging at the Korean army, the Koreans would try to kill me. But then if we were to retreat and I turned around and ran back the Americans would try to kill me too because they’d think I’m an enemy in disguise. I definitely think I would have been shot from one side and the other.”

Back home, he did a stint on WCCO radio. James was (is) a gifted impressionist, and was fighting against prejudices that wouldn’t get him more mainstream acting jobs. He has mentioned in other interviews that he was really part of a comedy routine with Donald Parker, calling themselves Hong & Parker. One summer they decided to hit the road for California, and see about making it in the entertainment industry. But, at the time, there was really no such thing as a comedy venue. Agents and entertainment venues didn’t know what to do with their routine, so they didn’t get any bookings. He said they “knocked on every door in San Francisco and got NO gigs.”

KP: You worked for the County of LA for a while in the Civil Engineering department, all the while keeping a foot in the industry. Eventually while you were doing the rounds, A writer told Groucho Marx that you did a great impersonation of him, so you got on his television show You Bet Your Life. There, you did an impersonation of Marx himself (JH: and James Cagney, Jimmy Stewart and Peter Lorre) that went over like gangbusters and got you

a ton of fan mail. After that, you started getting offers, jumping in with both feet right into movies with the likes of Clark Gable, John Wayne and William Holden.

When it became clear that you were going to be in the film industry, what was the response from your family, especially your parents who may not have understood or supported it at first?

JH: They had hoped I would stay in engineering - a steady and much-needed job for the city of Los Angeles - however, when my dad saw that I got paid for acting, he proudly said: “That’s my son!

He’s Charlie Chan’s #1 Son and going to London!”

KP: Do you remember if your boss or co-workers had anything to say to you?

JH: My boss, Mr. Thompson at the LA County Road Dept. said, “Are you crazy, you got a degree in Civil Engineering and a job which will pay you a great pension for the rest of your life! (GRUMBLE, GRUMBLE) All right, I’ll give you a one year leave of absence and if you fail as an actor, you can come back. Your job will be waiting for you.” I imagine the job is still there waiting for me.

ever since doing voices for the English dubbing of the 1956 film Godzilla, King of the Monsters. Do you prepare for voice roles the same way as for live-action films and work?

JH: Thank you for your kind words. I approach all my roles the same; reading the script ahead of time, making sure I am pronouncing names and places correctly and trying to find that persona for the role at hand. Every role is different and it needs both a voice and image. With voice-over work, you have to find that voice that matches the image they are creating, just like in film and TV. However, laying in the voice for a feature animated film is very luxurious because I can do many more takes and express them in different ways and tones, whereas in films, we can’t do that many takes. It’s too expensive … unless you are a big star!

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KP: Lately you’ve been in the spotlight for your role as Mr. Ping in the Kung Fu Panda movies. You are a gifted voice actor, and have been doing voice work practically since you landed in Hollywood, On the set of RIPD with Marisa Miller. Photo Credit Anthony Cheng.

James Hong with Jeff Bridges on set of RIPD. Photo Credit Jeff Bridges.

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| MARCH 2017

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James Hong (photo by Universal Studios)

CONTINUED from page 9 KP: Generally, you do voice-over acting alone – just you in a studio working with sound people in the booth to get tracks down to the animation. How is that different for than when you have other actors to bounce off of on-set?

JH: You are usually by yourself and on rare occasion you will be in the same room with another actor. Or they will have someone read the opposing lines to you so you have a better frame of reference and also sort of get their reaction; however, you have to stretch your imagination even more. You have to imagine the surroundings and the other character’s presence.

KP: I know you do an awesome Scandinavian accent/ Minnesotan accent – have you ever had to use these in one of your roles?

JH: Oh yes, one of my favorite roles was doing a Minnesotan accent in the late great Gene Wilder’s The World’s Greatest Lover opposite the late Dom DeLuise. I played Yes Man #3 and you wouldn’t expect an Asian gentleman with that accent. It was so much fun.

KP: Clearly, you have spent much of your life on set. I bet a lot of us don’t know just how much goes on – how many people there are, details to set up, and how much waiting around there is. How do you spend your time and stay “in it”?

JH: I try and continue to rehearse the lines and possibly try it different ways in case the director wants it slightly different, I am prepared for it. It’s not easy to analyze what the writer had in mind and what the director wants. Also what is the style of the leading actor?

Between being in costume, make-up and waiting, short naps help, since an average day can last 10+ hours. But I like to stay focused, and at the end of the day, that is when you can relax.

I visit craft services quite often if it’s good.

JH: That was the line in the script. I did some improv such as holding my cigarette, I took that from Peter Lorre. I designed that neat hairdo, did you like it? I can also burp/belch on cue, one of my great accomplishments.

KP: You’ve spent a lot of time in the make-up chair. For the role of David Lo Pan in Big Trouble in Little China, you clearly spent a LOT Of time in the make-up chair becoming an ancient old man. I get really impatient when someone else is doing my hair or makeup or nails or something. What do you do to get through that time?

JH: Several things could be going on. Rehearsing is top of the list for sure and trying to remain focused. You are also communicating with whoever is doing the make-up to make sure you are both understanding what the director wants and to be able to repeat it over the course of filming. In doing the old Lo Pan, I had to move my face with all that heavy make up in front of the mirror and converse with the make-up man. …”is this registering??”…in the first shot on the first day, it took 9 hours for Steve Johnson to do the old man make up, and I had only 2 hours to do the scene. So I wheel my wheelchair into my mark and did the scene in one take. ….looking back…Yes, it was a miracle! Lo Pan WAS put on this Earth to get it!

KP: You’ve done work for both the DC and Marvel universes, most recently as the father of S.H.I.E.L.D agent Melinda May. Are you a fan of the superhero/comic worlds or is it just part of the work?

JH: I do enjoy the superhero comic book genre. It has become so popular! In fact I was in RIPD as the avatar for Ryan Reynold’s character, which is also based off a comic book. The avatars were added to the movie which was not part of the original comics. It almost felt like the fans loved the avatars more than anything else.

We shot approximately 50 times as much footage as what was used on screen. I did my best and it ended on the editing outtake pile. I am thankful that my fans have told me that they thought that my character was the most intriguing part of the film.

KP: Did growing up in Minnesota winters prepare you for shooting the “I just do the eyes” scene from “Blade Runner”, which was filmed inside an industrial freezer, or had you become soft from 30 years of living in LA? ;-) wink.

JH: It had been awhile since being in the cold, but the costume was pretty heavy so that helped keep me relatively warm during the shooting. I have become a warm-weathered soul now.

KP: What do you think would be Essential James Hong roles for viewing?

JH: Definitely need to include Big Trouble in Little China, that is both such an iconic and cult following film for the past 30 years since it was released. Any of the Kung Fu Panda films would be great, especially the most recent one. Another larger role for me was in Balls of Fury which is very funny.

KP: My editor is especially fond of your character of Snotty, from Revenge of the Nerds II, and loves quoting the line: “To truly hock a loogie, one must not retrieve the phlegm from the lungs, but from the soul”, or something disgusting like that. I know that you have improvised some of the great lines from your characters, did you improvise that one?

KP: Do you enjoy watching movies for your own entertainment? If so, do you have a genre of film you enjoy?

JH: With so many projects it’s hard to see all the movies that come out every week. I try to keep up on all the mainstream films and watching the amazing talent in the younger actors these days.

But I try to never miss a Laker or Clipper Game on TV! I record them and skip around as I please…hee,hee,hee…..INDEED!

With Robert Hayes in Airplane!

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KP: The travels and stories of Marco Polo are legendary in the history of Western interactions with China. You said that one of the greatest experiences of your life was a last-minute part in the 1982 miniseries “Marco Polo”. I can imagine that the opportunity to be a part of a project focusing on Chinese history, in China, portraying a historical Chinese figure would have been amazing. Can you speak a little more about that experience?

JH: It would take a whole page. I can only say that it was the greatest experience in my

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whole career to have worked with the Italians and the Chinese when China was still steeped into Communism. All the people were dressed in green or black uniforms and they lived in communes.

KP: I notice your IMDB page says you can dance: specifically mentioning break, hip-hop, swing and waltz. Do you have any dance scenes in your films? I think I need to see James Hong drop some sick hip-hop moves.

JH: I did break dance in Rocky Boy. It was a pilot for a TV series with actors from Second City including John Candy. Also it does help to keep me loose and active. Especially if you have nothing to do on set while waiting, you can break out into a little boogie.

KP: Have you ever had to call on your engineer training in a film?

JH: I sneak it in once and awhile. Like in Colossus: The Forbin Project, also in my inner monologue I use my engineering training and skills to make sense out of scenes when it calls for it. Like in Blade Runner, I used whatever I learned in chemistry and physics class to make Hannibal Chew more realistic. “I just do eyes … you Nexus? I designed your eyes!”

KP: The lack of representation for people of color/ different ethnicities has been a huge factor in the races leading up to different movie awards for the past several years. You’ve been active in working for representation and equality for Asian actors in Hollywood and the entertainment industry. What are your thoughts about the current state of actors of color in Hollywood?

JH: It’s terrible, this industry has very little diversity. The Asian American actor, very talented ones, are forgotten. Not only are we a silent minority, but we are also an unseen minority. We do have a couple of gimmick series and roles here and there but as far as roles in the principle walk of life, they are minute. Heck, there are so many Asian Americans in our everyday life such as doctors, scientist, executives, lawyers and laborers; where are they in films and TV? I’ve fought all my career for better and equal opportunities for us but the fruits are very few. You’re talking 64 years!

KP: Your daughter, April Hong, is an actor and she has worked with you on film projects and as an acting teacher. Did she always have “the acting bug” like you did?

JH: Yes, I still encourage her to continue because she has talent and has done many acting roles. Recently because of the lack of opportunity for Asian American actors, she devotes herself to part time acting.

KP: Do you have a motto?

JH: Keep level. Don’t go overboard with anything you do. Because if you do, you might fall over.

KP: I think Minneapolis needs a statue of you. If you could choose how you would be portrayed, what would it be?

JH: As one of my characters, perhaps Mr. Ping from Kung Fu Panda. But instead of the goose, it’s me in an apron, welcoming all to Minneapolis and to enjoy the hospitality the city has to offer. Or just of that skinny James Hong living on 713 3rd Avenue. “He lived and worked here as a dishwasher, but somehow rose above that!”

KP: You are my first Hollywood actor interview. If I am lucky enough to get some more interviews in the future, what should I NEVER EVER ask an actor?

JH: “Are you still working?”

You can find the most-definitely-still-working James Hong on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JamesHongPage and follow him on Twitter @TheJamesHong SMS Kate Pehrson is a celebrated Twin Cities musician, writer, humorist, educator, mother, wife, fire prevention partner and film aficionado. Contact her on Twitter@k8pehrson

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 ca l e n d ar . G O TO w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l ic k + A d d a n E v ent

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By By Kate Pehrson & Liv Tollefson editor@southernminnscene.com

his year, we are perhaps more aware than ever of perceptions. Perceptions of how we see others, how we think others perceive us, how we perceive the world and our place in it. As consumers and critics of the movies, we are aware of the perception that movies are somehow frivolous, more for entertainment value than anything else. And while it is true that Hollywood movies in particular tend to involve a lot of glitz and glamour, relying on illusion and marketing and large organizations to create money-making ventures, we remind ourselves that at their heart, movies are art.

Film still matters. To paraphrase Richard Brody, culture may be a matter of power, but art is a matter of beauty. While we may not always agree with the product or what we perceive its value to be, a “good” film is made because the people making it believe they have something important to say, a story that is worth telling, and they have found a way to say it on screen. The opportunity to have a voice is a profound privilege, and we feel that on the whole, the films and actors in this year’s race have chosen wisely.

Ultimately, the Academy Awards are not about the statue, but honoring the stories that were told, and excellence in that story telling: excellence in the art form overall, excellence in bringing a vision to the screen, excellence and truthfulness in portraying written characters, both fictional and historical.

We saw that the measures taken by the Academy to increase the diversity in their membership are already evident in the nominations and stories that rose to the top this year, and although the need for women to make their way into the directing and best picture categories is still evident, there is a noticeable increase in the diversity of nominees overall.

This year’s films were a collection of excellent stories, telling unique, human stories in ways that only movies can. Some true stories should have been told 50 years ago, and some fictional stories could be true 50 years from now. By the very telling of these stories, by sharing them, by talking about them, we make the choices that will shape our perceptions and our future.

Art is essential. It is what proves us as humans. It is what we fight for. Movies still matter.

Congratulations to all the nominees, and thank you.

So, without further adieu, here is how we see the 2017 Academy Awards shaping up...

BEST ACTRESS

Will Win

of a starring role in Hollywood. As the quintessential starry-eyed aspiring actress in the city of dreams, Mia is cute, ambitious, charming and eager. As the movie goes by, Stone’s abilities as an actor shine in the ways she fills in the details of her moments of awareness and disappointment. Not as complex a character as some of the others in this category, it is certainly a favorite and favored one. Hollywood likes Emma Stone, really likes this movie and we see Stone going home with the statue for her portrayal of a character that resonates with Academy members.

Should Win Isabelle Huppert - Michelle LeBlanc in Elle With more than 100 films under her belt, four decades in the business, and numerous international awards, this is Huppert’s first Academy award nomination. Huppert is a formidable actress, to be sure, and this is a magnificent role. As Michelle LeBlanc, a self-made French businesswoman who survived a singularly bizarre and horrifying childhood occurrence, she is used to withstanding assaults on her person and character from an unsympathetic public. She is not your typical victim, and Huppert gets the opportunity to show off her mastery in a wide-ranging part. At turns shocking and even humorous, Huppert gives a hell of a performance, but it is doubtful an American Academy will turn the award over to her for what is essentially a foreign film.

Ruth Negga - Mildred Loving in Loving A finely crafted, quiet and understated performance, Ruth Negga captures the simple but deeply resonant character of Mildred Loving, whose then-illegal marriage to a white man in 1950s Virginia was the basis for an eventual Supreme Court about anti-miscegenation laws. Negga plays against the fantasy-action genre types that she is better known for, and embodies the shy Virginian country girl who merely longed for a home in which to raise her children. Negga manages to cover a broad range in a character that requires subtlety and finesse. As the only woman of color in this category, it could lift her performance up if members of the Academy want to make that a factor. We want to give awards just based on merit, but we all know we’re not there yet.

Emma Stone - Mia in La La Land The young Emma Stone lands her second Oscar nomination with her role as Mia, in one of Oscar history’s most nominated films. The captivating Ms. Stone plays a sweetly ambitious young actress in search A d d y o u r e v e n t f o r F R E E t o t h e T I M E L I N E c a l e n d a r . G O TO w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent

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BEST DIRECTING

Natalie Portman - Jackie Kennedy in Jackie

Will Win

Natalie does a fine and nuanced turn as Jackie Kennedy, garnering her third Oscar nomination. Her portrayal captures some of the vulnerability and oddly flighty quality of Jackie’s personality that betrayed underlying determination and intelligence. Petite and delicate like Jackie Kennedy, this was a casting match and an opportunity for Portman to portray yet more of her acting skills. Portman has captured the attention of the Academy and a number of critics with this role, and there’s a possibility of a win, but we feel that this somewhat limited and narrow piece that captured a specific time in the life of a slightly prickly public figure won’t gather enough momentum for the win.

Damien Chazelle, for La La Land Chazelle’s previous projects include Whiplash, another film that looked at one man’s obsession with jazz music and ambition to be a star. In La La Land, the director takes us on a journey through his loving homage to Hollywood musicals of old, in a film which was greatly inspired by his favorite personal film, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. Taking many cues from the story and production of the 1964 film, including color and set design, musical score, story of young romance, and the interference of fate and timing, Chazelle has created a lovely and entertaining story that audiences and critics adore. There’s no doubt that the opening sequence of the film – a big old-fashioned music and dance number performed on a hot sunny day on a blocked off freeway overpass – is fantastic. The choreography, singing and camerawork are amazing. The costume choices and sheer number of sets and goings on in this film are enough to make anyone dizzy, and Chazelle pulls it all together with a sure hand. The music tips its hat to composers of old – like Michel Legrand, but also brings in bits of humor with nods to the 80s, fusion jazz and modern stars in the form of John Legend. Chazelle has tapped into something that audiences and Academy members want to see, and with lots of buzz around this film we see the young director going home with a statue.

Meryl Streep - Florence Foster Jenkins in Florence Foster Jenkins The inimitable Ms. Streep reaches a stunning 20th Academy nomination for her portayal of another inimitable character, the eponymous Florence Foster Jenkins. Streep embodies, embraces and causes the audience to fall in love with this unique American figure. Jenkins was a patron of the arts, supporting opera and musical performance specifically in New York during the depression and WWII. Whether she ever knew just how bad a performer she herself was, we will never know, but Streep brings empathy, nuance and the perfect note of humor in this light and entertaining but touching period piece. However, odds are the Academy will want to save Streep’s next Oscar win for something more dynamic than this.

Should Win Barry Jenkins, for Moonlight Only his second feature film, Barry Jenkins has created a film that has garnered praise across the globe from diverse communities, critics and festivals. Adapted by Jenkins from a play by Tarell Alvin McCraney, Moonlight speaks truth to the black experience as much as Fences. This is a beautiful piece, lovingly and poetically constructed. Poetic and soft, but not sentimental, realistic but not harsh or jagged, Jenkins shows us a real life through a sort of reverie – a young man living through but also floating through his misery. Jenkins’ use of color and light define space, perception and perspective, helping us feel the warmth and brightness of the Miami climate. The pastel colors, along with bright white juxtapose against the main character’s dark skin, making him the focus but also focusing attention from others. The musical score by Nicholas Britell is also up for an award, and the impressionistic music works beautifully with the quality of light and color on the screen. Best Director is usually the place where the Academy gives recognition to the movie where the artform really shines, a place where the director as artist of a medium gives us a chance to see his or her vision or unique perspective.

Jenkins gives us that perspective in this unique tale but we feel it won’t speak across enough audiences or hit enough marks to bring home the Best Picture. But ultimately, Jenkins deserves this prize

BEST ACTOR

Will Win Should Win Denzel Washington - Troy Maxson in Fences 2 time previous acting winner Denzel Washington nails this role. As Troy Maxson, a man both ahead of and behind his time, Washington’s undisputed master of the role deserves a win. In range, choices, truthfulness and talent, Washington captured an amazingly well-crafted character, creating empathy for an imperfect and even unlikable character, brilliantly bringing the work of an American master storyteller to the silver screen. He won the SAG award for this role, and as the hands-down, best acting we saw on screen this year, are fairly certain Denzel Washington will take home the gold statue.

Worthy Contenders

Worthy Contenders

Mel Gibson, for Hacksaw Ridge

Casey Affleck - Lee Chandlerin Manchester by the Sea

This is Gibson’s first directorial project in 10 years. He has been on “the outs” with Hollywood over the past decade for several reasons, but some see Hacksaw Ridge as his comeback vehicle for “forgiveness”. Apparently he was drawn to the tale of Desmond Doss because it is about a real-life superhero, not one that wears spandex (irony alert – Garfield broke into pop culture in Spiderman films, but we digress). Gibson’s usual fare is no stranger to battle, war and blood, and this movie has plenty of that.

Filmed in Australia, the battle scenes are fierce and muddy and bloody and took three weeks to shoot. We get an understanding of the overwhelming sights, sounds and relentlessness of battle and a sense of dirty, stinging, raw and torn flesh. On the other hand, Gibson takes pains to show us the quiet and gentle hometown of Lynchburg Virginia where Doss’ character is built, and the reasons why he fights that way he does and as hard as he does. This is a nod to Gibson that he is back “in the game”, but we doubt this will give him a statue just yet.

Casey Affleck has gathered praise for this role, in which he plays Lee Chandler, a depressed but dependable handyman, going about his life and duties in Boston. Lee Chandler is a character who is also a bit unlikeable, but mostly because he’s broken and inward-facing. Affleck tries to convey a lot of things with economy, rage only coming to the fore in short barroom brawl scenes, and a character arc that shows subtle movement. We give him kudos for portraying a broken human, and know that a lot of critics and members are on his side, but with a shade of controversy surrounding the actor and Denzel hitting the mark so squarely, we doubt he will take the win this round.

Ryan Gosling - Sebastian in La La Land Personally, we don’t know that we understand this nomination, but obviously La La Land is sweeping a lot of things up on its coattails this year. Gosling’s portrayal of a self-absorbed, whiny, jazz purist who makes compromises and gets mad about it is good, but we’re not sure it’s award-worthy. Gosling does bring some humor to an essentially humorless guy, he is a current “hot property” in Hollywood, with lots of fans and an endearing and charming demeanor, but ultimately we didn’t see the chemistry onscreen, nor did we really care about Sebastian or his struggles in a way that would or should give this role the win.

Kenneth Lonergan, for Manchester by the Sea Previously directing only a couple of films, Kenneth Lonergan is primarily a writer. Having fought a legal battle over the final cut and distribution of a previous film, this project was pitched to him as a way to get out of a rut, and a story that Lonergan says is to honor the people who don’t recover from tragedy with triumph, but rather find a way merely to continue on. Lonergan lets the town in the title serve as backdrop to the tale. Manchester by the Sea is nothing spectacular, just another Massachusetts town on the coast – working class, boats, churches, schools, townspeople. It’s the everydayness that sets the tone, and makes it real.

As a violinist, I was particularly attuned to the use of classical music (mostly Baroque) throughout the film, and while an interesting juxtaposition to the town and time and place, it seemed more confusing than a clear directorial statement. Ultimately, however, while this was a truthful and touching film, it was not particularly visionary, and probably won’t take home a statue.

Andrew Garfield - Desmond Doss in Hacksaw Ridge This nomination is a definite “nod” to the young Garfield, who really arrived as an actor with this film. Garfield took an historical, real figure who did larger-than-life things and brought him to life as an endearing young man. (It should be noted that Mel Gibson specifically left out some of Doss’ actual war-time heroics because he believed audiences simply wouldn’t believe he’d actually done them). Garfield is a lanky Adamsappley guy who plays a lanky Adams-appley guy from Virginia, bringing out the warmth and earnestness of the character in bloody and cynical surroundings. This role will set Garfield up for some good things in the future, and it will be great to see his career take off.

Denis Villeneuve, for Arrival

Viggo Mortensen - Ben Cash in Captain Fantastic This was one of Kate’s favorite movies this season. Viggo Mortenson, (along with all the other actors in this category, actually) got a SAG nomination for his role. Portraying Ben Cash, a unique man and father who goes on the inevitable journey of letting go, Viggo Mortenson is a great fit. Ben Cash is a man who is disillusioned with the American way of life, and he and his recently deceased wife have chosen to raise their children in a sort of Swiss Family Robinson wilderness, where they teach them survival skills and leftist critical thinking. Mortenson has the intensity and ability to convey the character’s commitment and conviction, along with the ability to meet the role’s physical and intellectual demands. A positive, odd and enjoyable independent, we love that this role was nominated, but we don’t think it has broad enough recognition, exposure or push behind it for Mortenson to snag a statue.

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Previously directing films like Sicario and the soon-to-be-released Blade Runner 2049 film, Denis Villeneuve brings a visionary touch to a unique film about first contact. A complex story, with an adapted screenplay from a science fiction story, ultimately Arrival is a study in how language can affect our perception of reality. Villeneuve brings a dreamlike quality to the movie, collaborating with the talented cinematographer Bradford Young. Visual choices create a world of large pale and elegant spaceships, noisy and busy humans scrambling to understand and connect, subtle lighting and neutral palette with pops of color. Although we’ve heard Villeneuve does first edits of his film without music, the original score by Icelandic composer Johann Johannsson is perfect: sparse, deep, emotional, and ambient. A deft hand gives us time to adjust to the story and follow as we are led to a masterful and freeing realization in a revelatory moment that is intellectual and fascinating. Although this is as fine and artistic a feature as you will see at the movies this year, Villeneuve is probably not going to get the award this time around, but we’ll see him here again.

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BEST PICTURE

Hidden Figures - Donna Gigliotti, Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, Pharrell Williams and Theodore Melfi, Producers

Will Win

3 Academy Award Nominations

La La Land - Fred Berger, Jordan Horowitz and Marc Platt, Producers 14 Total Nominations Los Angeles with its sunny skies, aspirations, self-obsession and glitz is a third - but wanted – wheel in this romantic and musical throwback. Emma Stone portrays Mia, a young and aspiring actress in Los Angeles. Ryan Gosling plays Sebastian, a jazz-obsessed pianist, who yearns to open his own club someday. This film is lovely, engaging, entertaining, and filled with treats and sweets for the eyes and ears. We know this picture is a passion project of the director’s, reflecting his inspirations, his love of jazz and the movies, and themes of ambition and determination. It hits many of the elements that make for a great picture, - production, score, story, music, setting and stars - and we’re pretty certain the Academy will award it for those achievements. This is a film that will resonate with Academy members, perhaps echoing a time and era of Hollywood of old. Although neither of us engaged with this movie the way many audiences and critics have, (including musical/ soundtrack devotee Liv), the machine and the momentum are behind it. This movie really wants to be a masterpiece, Hollywood wants it to be a masterpiece, and it will take home the win.

Should Win Moonlight - Adele Romanski, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner, Producers 8 Total Nominations Although this is only the second feature film from director Barry Jenkins, this film has been recognized across numerous organizations, film critics and communities. A uniquely told story, this film is greater than the sum of its parts. With exquisite acting from both ensemble and individuals, this is a gorgeous and poetic tale about the forces that shape our lives, and the people who help us find who we are. To paraphrase actor Mahershala Ali’s thoughts on this film, Moonlight is the story about those of us who never find our “tribe”, but survive because of those individuals who throw us a life line from time to time. Told in three chapters by three actors in three stages of life, this film touches on themes of forgiveness, tenderness, love, recognition, and acceptance. We watch a young black man weave his way towards manhood through lyrical use of color and light, a sense of place and gorgeous evocative music.

This is not a simple movie, but neither does it judge, choosing to find empathy, beauty and truth. As much as we love this movie, we’re betting Hollywood won’t give it the gold.

Worthy nominees Arrival - Shawn Levy, Dan Levine, Aaron Ryder and David Linde, Producers 8 Total Nominations What if math and science aren’t the only tools for exploring the mysteries of the universe? What if intuition – a mother’s intuitionis just as important? What if language can impact not just communication, but the very way in which we perceive the universe? A stunning film to watch on the big screen, this is a worthy nominee before we even get to the amazingly snubbed Amy Adams, the luminescent core of the film. Adams plays linguistics professor Louise Banks, selected to interpret the language of the beings that arrive to earth in 12 egg-like spacecrafts. Mathematics expert Ian Donnelly, played by Jeremy Renner, plays colleague, friend and foil.

With gorgeous cinematography, intriguing design choices, and a beautiful score, we are drawn into the mysteries of the large and strange creatures who have come to speak with us, if we can only learn to listen. The Academy tends to shy away from science fiction for its big awards, but if it were to break away from convention this year, Arrival is a worthy contender.

Hell or High Water - Carla Hacken and Julie Yorn, Producers 4 Total Nominations Sometimes good people do bad things for good reasons. You just can’t dull the good looks of Chris Pine, doing a fine job of inhabiting the life of lanky, Texas farmer Toby Howard. His brother Tanner is gleefully played by Ben Foster, a charming lifelong screwup looking for a reason to have one last wild ride. Jeff Bridges is retiring Texas ranger, Marcus Hamilton, whose years of experience, intuition and old-fashioned footwork starts to piece together what the brothers are up to. Along with a great group of supporting character actors, a score by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis that is dramatic and perfectly attuned, and the dusty, hot Texas midlands as backdrop, this is a great old-fashioned American movie. While we absolutely recommend it as a 2016 standout, we don’t see a win.

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Based on the true stories of 3 African American women, Hidden Figures tells the tale of Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, portrayed by Taraji Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae, respectively. During the height of the space race, when America and the USSR were competing to get a man into orbit, these women were fighting for recognition and opportunity at the segregated headquarters at the Jet Propulsion Labs in Langley Virginia. A great story, super actors, and an engaging style that doesn’t shy away from the facts, Hidden Figures uses humor and feminine sass to pack a punch. Social revolution was not the answer in a place like Langley, but intelligence and the ability to think outside the box was. An uplifting, empowering and entertaining story with a satisfying payoff, this is a story that should have been told years ago, and we are pleased this was recognized by the academy. However, as a film overall it was more conventional and feel-good than revelatory, and we doubt it will take first prize in this race.

Lion - Emile Sherman, Iain Canning and Angie Fielder, Producers 6 Total Nominations Based on the autobiography of Saroo Brierly, Lion tells the story of a young Indian boy accidentally abandoned at a train station, who eventually finds himself adopted by an Australian family. As an adult, Saroo pours over Google Earth images, searching for signs that will help him piece together his memories and find his home village in India. The adorable and talented Sunny Pawar plays Saroo as a young boy, while Dev Patel inhabits the character of the older Saroo, a handsome but searching and unsettled young man. Nicole Kidman supports as a warm and supportive adoptive mother, but Kate found the romantic sidestory with Rooney Mara completely unnecessary. However, this is a classic dramatic Oscar-contender, looking to pull all the heartstrings. With beautiful production, international crews and settings, a tender and touching story, and an engaging story, ultimately Lion doesn’t quite hit the marks.

Fences - Scott Rudin, Denzel Washington and Todd Black, Producers 4 Total Nominations Based on a play by August Wilson, Fences is simply the tale of an African American man in the 1950s. This is an American story, a black story, but the genius of it is that while blackness is integral, it also becomes invisible as the genuineness of the story comes to the fore. Denzel Washington and Viola Davis played these roles on Broadway in 2010 to stunning reviews and Tony awards, and the movie still has very “play-like” feel to it. As two people who’ve seen the play, we both appreciated the translation to the silver screen, that gave us just enough clues to the size of Troy’s world that we understand that he is keeping it cut to a size he can manage. This was a lovely film in the capable and impressive hands of Denzel Washington, who produced and directed, but this is not a screenplay that will likely lend itself to capturing a best picture statue.

Hacksaw Ridge - Bill Mechanic and David Permut, Producers 6 Total Nominations Young Virginian Desmond Doss wants to serve his country, but objects to the use of violence. But, serving as a medic on the front lines in a bloody battle on Okinawa, he single-handedly saved the lives of 75 American soliders. This isn’t about war, but about the experience of one unique man during HIS war, and how he chose to fight it. Mel Gibson isn’t a subtle director, nor has he been a popular one in recent years, but he is a talented one. Through blood, dust, dirt, and noise we see war, but on the other hand we see the tenderness, conviction, sweetness and gentle soul of Private Doss, a smalltown boy at heart. As a film with an inspirational hero, a hopeful message, a unique perspective and vehicle for some young actors to prove their mettle, we see this nomination as a nod of some forgiveness and respect, but likely not a win

Manchester by the Sea - Matt Damon, Kimberly Steward, Chris Moore, Lauren Beck and Kevin J. Walsh, Producers 6 Total Nominations Named after a town on the Massachusetts coast, Manchester by the Sea is the tale of a broken man, unable to get beyond the tragedies of his past but faced with a world and a family that keeps moving on without him. After the sudden death of his older sibling, Lee Chandler takes a leave from his handyman job in Boston to go home and deal with the details – the body, the arrangements, the funeral, his brother’s broken fishing boat, the future of his nephew, and the ghosts of his own past. This story needs no cinematic magic to enhance the drama of everyday life. Lots of critics and audiences have found this film moving, profound and award-worthy, but we had a hard time connecting to it fully. Both being parents, we “get” the impact of the story. The movie gave us heartache, good performances, and impactful individual scenes.

We appreciated the writing, the authenticity, and the moments of humor, but somehow this film was less than the sum of its parts, and we were never swept away. We know not everyone will agree with us on these points, but neither do we think the Academy will send it home with the top prize. SMS

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| MARCH 2017

13

Drinking Like a Contender

2017

By Kate Pehrson

W

La La Land

editor@southernminnscene.com

elcome to the annual addendum to our Academy Awards preview article. As you watch each of the Oscar nominated films, please allow us to make some pairing suggestions to enhance your experience...

Lion

Take your favorite sibling and buy Amtrak tickets to Seattle. Sneak off the train alone somewhere in western North Dakota. Take selfies with local fracking field oil workers and post them, saying you’ve found some long-lost family members. Find a crappy motel. Lock the door, stir up a batch of rum punch in the ice bucket, and spend the next five days scanning through thousands of Google Earth images for a small town in Canada that looks even more remote and unforgiving than where you are right now. Drink directly from ice bucket.

Clear your head. Book a ticket back home to Minnesota.

You and 37 other cars are stuck doing 20MPH behind a wedge of snowplows on I-35 during a snowstorm. Then they stop, semi has jackknifed ahead. You jump out of your car and begin to do a frantic stomp and arm flap to warm up your hands and feet. Another driver jumps out of their car with two friends to change a tire, scrape off ice, and kick the snow off the wheel wells in a well-choreographed medley of modern moves. 7 separate drivers choose different radio stations and blast them at full volume, but because their windows are shut, all you hear is violent-sounding bass lines. But inside the cars you see “Rock On” fists and other hand signals pumping in the air.

A lone State trooper does a slow turning waltz-like solo, boots sliding along the icy ground, occasionally dropping some sick hip-hop moves…or falling on his coccyx bone. Get back in the car and drink your luke-warm coffee. Look up and imagine the stars somewhere up there beyond the grey cloud cover and ponder how lucky you are to have achieved your dreams and actually live in this magical place and be part of such an extraordinary group of like-minded highway travelers on the road to La La….Al…Albert Lea.

Alcoholic - “The Bijou”

1 oz London dry gin 1 oz sweet vermouth 1 oz green Chartreuse 1 dash orange bitters

Combine ingredients in a mixing glass and fill with cracked ice.

Stir well for 20 seconds and strain into chilled cocktail glass. Twist a piece of lemon peel over the drink and garnish.

A half double decaffeinated half-caf, with a twist of lemon

Moonlight Fall asleep in your bed. In your dreams, you find find someplace warm and sunny to dip your toes in the water. Watch as the light around you changes from the bright and warming morning sun like a nectarine, to the rosy, pink and sleepy sunset. Twilight brings shades of grey and blue and purple, and the moonlight turns everything blue and black. The world may be harsh, but here, all is calm. A warm sea breeze caresses your cheek, and you remember that first gentle kiss. The moonlight makes everything glow and shine.

Alcoholic - ”The Moonlight Cocktail”

Alcoholic - “The Simple Word”

1 ½ oz Bacardi Superior 1 oz Willie Smiths cider ½ oz Cloudy apple juice (Tasmanian, preferably) ½ oz Muscovado syrup 7—10 Sage leaves 2 Bar spoons of fresh lime juice (splash)

Lightly muddle the sage in a stirring glass. Stir all ingredients with ice until chilled, then fine stain into a chilled Coupe Glass. Garnish with an apple fan and sage leaf.

Non-alcoholic - “A Mother’s Touch” cordial

1 oz elderflower cordial 1 serving cloudy apple juice (preferably Tasmanian) small handful mint leaves, roughly chopped bottle sparkling water

Mix elderflower cordial with cloudy apple juice. Add a small handful mint leaves, stir well, then pour into a chilled flask. To serve, pour half glasses and top up with sparkling water.

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1 1/2 oz gin 1/2 oz Cointreau 1/2 oz Creme de Violette 1/2 oz fresh lime juice

Shake with ice, and strain into a chilled Champagne flute.

Non-alcoholic - “First Kiss” 1 1/2 oz passion fruit puree 1/2 oz Agave Syrup Ginger beer Splash of lemon Pour the passion fruit puree and Agave Syrup into a metal cocktail shaker, add ice and shake. Strain into a champagne flute. Top with ginger beer and garnish with raspberry and lemon twist.

Arrival Wake up. Go to the kitchen. There’s a low rumble. Silence. Wait.

There it is again. What is that? Oh. That’s your stomach. Put some bread in the toaster and grab that fancy probiotic yogurt that’s supposed to help. Make the coffee. Pour it in a mug. Grab the half-and-half. Stare as the creamy liquid swirls its way into the black French Roast…it’s speaking to you. Yes. It’s speaking to you. You…

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Alcoholic Are you fearful and confused?

- “The Lost in Translation”

1 ½ ml premium blended malt whisky ¾ oz The King’s Ginger liqueur ¾ oz ml palm sugar syrup (1:1 boiling water and palm sugar) ¾ oz lemon juice)

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake. Strain into an ice-filled highball glass and top with soda. Garnish with a wheel of lemon.

– OR –

Are you trusting and curious?

- “Proper Introduction”

1 ½ oz vodka Hint of dry vermouth 1 bar spoon caper berry brine ½ bar spoon of squid ink Garnish: squid tentacles

Shake with ice. Double strain into a chilled glass and garnish with squid tentacles pegged to the glass.

Non-alcoholic - Carbon-based Life Form

Non-alcoholic - “The L.A. Story”

brave, intelligent, intuitive, capable…you can decipher its meaning.

You will discover its secrets. You must. For the good of us all, coffee WILL reveal its mysteries. The enigma of the universe’s most powerful substance will be revealed to humanity.

2 capsules activated charcoal 1 oz honey syrup 1 ¾ oz fresh lime juice 2 ¼ oz beet juice Lime Wheel In a small bowl, break apart the charcoal capsules and discard the outer layer. Whisk together with honey syrup until combined (it will be jet black). In a shaker, combine syrup with remaining ingredients and fill with ice. Shake and strain and serve over ice.

Hell or High Water You don’t want the green beans. You don’t want the corn-on-thecob. You don’t really want the T-bone steak, either. You don’t want the weekly special, and you won’t try the chef’s special stew again.

You don’t want your salad first, but you do want your dressing on the side. You don’t want a Coke, but you wish they had root beer. You do want dessert. You don’t want to pick up Jennifer from band practice, but you don’t want to take Adam to the orthodontist. You don’t want to volunteer for the bake sale, but you definitely don’t want to coordinate the silent auction. You don’t want to go to dinner at the Nelsons next week. You don’t want to organize your receipts for your tax returns. You don’t want walking pneumonia. You don’t want to get dressed. You do want a cold beer.

Alcoholic Are you a cop?

- “Texas Ranger Cocktail” 1/2 oz gin 1/2 oz sweet vermouth 1/2 oz dry vermouth 3/4 oz grapefruit juice 1/4 oz maraschino liqueur Shake in iced cocktail shaker & strain – OR –

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Are you a robber?

- “Beer”

Hidden Figures

Shiner Bock or Lone Star

Solve this.

Shattuck-St.Mary’s

Non-alcoholic Are you just gonna watch the chase?

Diner coffee

Faribault, MN

Acoustic Roots Music seRies

Manchester-by-the-Sea Some hearts are too broken and some emptiness unfillable. We can buy a new motor for the boat, we can drink a cold beer, and the barstool is comfortable enough, but from now on, the bar fight is always inevitable.

Alcoholic - “Misery Island Manhattan” 2 oz. Jim Beam Bourbon 1 oz Apple Shrub Angostura bitters Shaken, served straight up.

Non-alcoholic - “The Dark-and-Stormy” mocktail 8 oz ginger beer 1 Tbsp brown sugar simple syrup 1 mint sprig Pour simple syrup and ginger beer over ice. Garnish with mint sprig.

Go get some coffee. Scratch that. Make your own coffee. Nope, you’ll have to walk four buildings down to get water, since you can’t do it in this building. Go get water. Come back. That took 15 minutes. Pour in the water, turn on the pot, go to your desk.

Fences The work week is done, your hip is bugging you again, and ol’ Sneaky Pete was side-eyeing your paycheck again, seeing if he can get a look at your take-home numbers. Walk to the corner store and buy a fifth. Sneaky Pete may be jealous, but he is a good listener and laughs at your jokes. Walk home and lay your burdens down. Your back yard isn’t much, but it’s your back yard, and you’ll be damned if you’re not going to do as you see fit. It’s the weekend, and you’ve earned a little respite. Take a sip. Take another. Tell a joke. Pete laughs. Pass him the bottle. Sigh. Straighten up your back – the years have passed, times have changed, but you know who you are. This is your back yard, dammit. Now gimme back the bottle, Pete. I’ll share, but it’s still mine.

Here’s your issue.

Alcoholic - Cheap dry gin Non-alcoholic - A ham sandwich on the front steps

Hacksaw Ridge

Hello, my name is Cornstalk. This is my buddy Ghoul, my buddy Hollywood, and my buddy Grease. This is my medical bag, Kit. Kit lives with Morphine, Morphine, Morphine, and Bandage. Bandage is a neighbor of Splint, and Splint knows a guy named Rope, who’s good buddies with Knot. Ghoul, Hollywood and Grease play with Gun and Rifle a lot, and though I don’t like them AT ALL, Kit, Morphine, Morphine, Morphine and Bandage and I aren’t afraid of them.

Rope is the strongest player, by far. I don’t like to play on Saturdays, but I did once, and everyone was real happy I did. I don’t drink or eat meat either, but I like to read, and my wife, Needle, is really pretty. I can’t wait to get home to her and to see my Mamma and my Daddy Jodhpur Pants again.

Cocktail Are you the wounded?

-”The Plasma”

1-1/2 oz Pepper Vodka 3 oz Tomato Juice 1/2 oz Lemon Juice 2 dashes Tabasco Sauce 4 dashes Worcestershire Sauce pinch Celery Salt pinch Black Pepper 1/2 tsp Mustard - dijon 1 tsp Dill - finely chopped 1 slice Cucumber - for garnish 1 Tomato - cherry, for garnish

Directions: Shake all ingredients, except cucumber and cherry tomato, with ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into a highball glass full of ice. Garnish with a cucumber slice and a cherry tomato – OR –

Are you the medic?

-”Rope Burn”

1 oz Jamaican rum 1 oz Aperol 1 oz Bonal Gentiane Quina

Shake over ice. Strain into glass. Garnish with grapefruit twist.

Non-Alcoholic The non-Lynchburg Lemonade/aka the Pussy Foot 2 oz orange juice 2 oz lemon juice 1 oz lime juice 1 tsp grenadine 1 egg Sparkling water Pour each ingredient into a glass, sequentially, adding raw egg last. Top with sparkling water and orange slice.

Coffee’s done. Got get a cup. Proofread some other guys work for 10 hours. Try not to have to go back to the bathroom.

You gotta pee again. But you are going to solve this , and this time, you’ll put YOUR name on it.

Alcoholic Are you the computer?

- “The Rocketini”

1 of butterscotch schnapps ½ of dry gin ½ oz sweet vermouth ½ oz goldschlager ¼ oz frangelico

Shake ingredients with ice. Strain into a glass. Top with Ginger ale.

Garnish with a Cinnamon Stick – OR –

Are you mission control?

-”Here’s Hoping”

1 lime 1 3/4 oz Rye 1 oz Campari 1/2 oz simple syrup 1 maraschino cherry with small scoop of liquid

Shake over ice. Add cherry and liquid to martini glass before pouring in cocktail.

Non-Alcoholic - Sunday after-church Lemonade.

SMS

Kate Pehrson is a celebrated Twin Cities musician, writer, humorist, educator, mother, wife, fire prevention partner and film aficionado. Contact her on Twitter@k8pehrson

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LiViNGstoN tAYLoR thursday, March 16, 2017 7:30pm

Back when he was just 13, Livingston Taylor picked up his first guitar, and began a forty-year career of songwriting, performing, recording and teaching that continues today. Raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina where his father was a dean at UNC, Livingston comes from a musical family that includes siblings Alex, James, Kate and Hugh. His top forty hits include “I Will Be in Love with You” and “I’ll Come Running” among others. His songs “I Can Dream of You” and “Boatman” were both recorded by his brother James. Livingston’s creative output has continued unabated. His musical knowledge has inspired a varied repertoire. He is equally at home with a range of musical genres—folk, pop, gospel, jazz and touching ballads, all given with a good dose of storytelling.

Adults $20 • Students $12 Historic Newhall Auditorium

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See you for next season!

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| MARCH 2017

15

WOLDUM TV

I

TVMemories

f you’re like me, you can remember the first movie you saw in theaters, or the first book you read on your own. I have more than a handful of movie-watching and book-reading memories that were a formative part of my childhood. The first movie I remember seeing in theaters: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The first movie I remember watching at home: The Ten Commandments (yes, the one with Charlton Heston…until I saw Star Wars at the age of four, this was my favorite movie. I was an odd kid). I remember reading The Outsiders one summer on the roof of my grandpa’s garage, and I Capture the Castle in the bathtub at my great aunt’s house, and The Girl of the Limberlost sophomore year when I was sick with bronchitis.

But for some reason, I have very few distinct memories of the TV I watched as a child. Maybe because watching TV is ongoing, whereas watching a movie or reading a books is located more specifically in time, or maybe because we weren’t a big TV family and only briefly had cable. Whatever the reason, I had trouble recalling the TV shows I watched growing up. I still can’t remember the first show I ever watched, but after doing a little sleuthing through my memories, I realized that there were a number of shows I watched while growing up that have had a lasting impact on my tastes and imagination.

The first one I can recall is Scooby Doo. Since we didn’t have cable, my sister and I could only watch this when we visited my grandparents’ house, and we thought it was soooo scary. This was probably where my love for mysteries was born. To this day,

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

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whenever we come across a house we like that someone else already lives in, we say “Maybe we could spook them out, Scooby Doo-style.” (Bad guys in Scooby Doo and Nancy Drew books were always pretending a place was haunted in order to scare the tenants off the land. If only garish rubber masks and mysterious blinking lights worked so well!)

The next show I remember absolutely loving was PBS’s Wishbone. For those of you who are unfamiliar, Wishbone was the story of a Jack Russell Terrier and his owner Joe. Wishbone spent his time daydreaming that he was the main character in different pieces of classic literature. Each episode split time between the modern day situations from the life of Joe and his friends, and a reenactment of a novel that shared similar themes. The weirdest/ best part of it was that the Wishbone always played the lead…he was everyone from Dr. Frankenstein to Mr. Darcy to Tom Sawyer.

Somehow it never seemed out of place to see a dog waltzing in a cravat or sailing the river on a raft. I swear, Wishbone is largely responsible for helping me pass AP English…I successfully BS’ed more than one essay on a book I hadn’t read simply because I remembered the Wishbone episode.

Perhaps my weirdest childhood TV habit took place during the summer I was eleven, when I woke up every morning at 6:30 to watch CHiPs. I had the hugest crush on Erik Estrada. Every episode was oozing with cool, sexiness, and just a little bit of danger. I knew CHiPs was a little too adult for me, and that was part of its allure. When I returned to school in the fall, my teacher asked what we’d been doing all summer, and I had to bite my

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tongue to keep myself from saying “hanging out with Ponch and John.”

The next memorable TV moment in my life was watching all of the Disney Channel Original Movies. These movies were exactly what I needed to survive my budding insecurities. My favorite was Johnny Tsunami, which I had recorded on VHS and would watch in the middle of the night when I couldn’t sleep.

Jonny Tsunami was about a Hawaiian surfer turned Vermont snowboarder, and was solely responsible for my desire to buy all of my clothes from the Old Navy boys’ section. My other favorite was Motocrossed, about a teenage girl who disguised herself as a boy so she could race motorbikes. These movies gave me hope that there was a life outside my own, which often felt plagued by monotony or anxiety.

And finally, there was Gilmore Girls. As a bookish ballet dancer at a school of preppy jocks, it was so heartening to watch a show about a smart, kind, innocent girl who still won the hearts of all the hottest boys in town. It gave me faith that I wasn’t doing anything wrong, I just had to wait a while. Rory made being the nerd actually look like fun.

Overall, I feel pretty blessed by my TV upbringing. It wasn’t the most sophisticated…I wasn’t raised on Seinfeld or even Saved By the Bell like some of my friends. But I did get to watch a handful of shows that peaked my curiosity, gave me role models to aspire to, and made me feel not so alone as I transitioned from adolescence to adulthood. And for that, I’m just as thankful for TV as I am for books or movies. SMS

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Arts & Communications Fine Arts - Visual Arts Art & Design

Graphic Communications Design & Production

Multimedia Technology Photography & Video

southcentral.edu/art A member of Minnesota State. South Central College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator and has ADA accessible facilities.

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

Oscars for Nerds

S

o often we focus on a movie’s story, stars, effects or soundtrack, that we forget this is an art form wholly reliant on technology and science for its existence.

I alluded to this a couple months ago, in my column about film festivals, when I made a point of attending the Northstar Science Film Festival, and it has come to my attention again as I focus on awards season.

Simply put: there would be no movies without science and technology. But let’s face it, unless you are really into this kind of thing, the actual science and technology behind the movies is not sexy, nor does it make great television ratings. And although I myself am attracted to a big cranium, the people who DO this kind of stuff are rarely “television sexy” themselves, tending towards the distracted professor kind of humanoid, generally preferring to be behind the scenes of the camera work, rather than in front of it.

So, at some point during the Academy Awards ceremony, the announcer will make a statement like “earlier this month, the Academy was pleased to honor the following individuals for their commitment to technology and scientific advancements in film at the annual Sci-Tech awards dinner.” Then a list of people rolls on-screen, while the live cameras back at the live show point down from the upper balconies on the millings and wanderings of ant-sized A-list movie stars and producers running to the bathroom, or awkwardly attempting chit-chat and French smooch greetings across theater seats that keep folding up on their couture dresses and clutch bags.

At this point every year I say to myself: “those awards seem important enough to mention on a show broadcast to about a billion people…what ARE they?”

So, I did a little research, and it seems that these awards have been given out practically every year since the inception of the Oscars. These awards go to people and organizations that developed techniques, machines, systems, objects, or other scientific or technical-related stuff that improved the life of movie-making folk. Seems reasonable.

In its first year, the Academy gave away 6 awards total including one for “noise reduction recording equipment.”

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Intrigued as I was, I did some more digging and found among the years some other honors that tickled my fancy, including awards for: development of a better wind machine, a water ripple effects machine, a special effects machine for bullet holes, a process that fire-proofed plants (as in flora and foliage), a cloud and horizon machine, a hydraulic boat rocker machine, a smoke effects guy, someone who developed a metallic spray paint, the folks who figured out movie-friendly fake snow, the people who created air machines to make different kinds of wakes, waves and white water for scenes in the ocean, and to the guy that developed the system allowing you to tune your AM radio to the frequency of the movie at the drive-in.

Awards were also given to the folks that brought us bigger better more colorful higher resolution and brighter movies: the stuff like Cinemascope, VistaVision, IMAX film, and enhanced CGI graphics capabilities. I noted that George Lucas’ Industrial Light and Magic started to show up as awardee in 1981, and that Minnesota’s own 3M corporation was honored when Dr. Mohammed Nozari developed a protective film coating.

In 1988, the Academy database started to include descriptions below the awards, explaining the significance of the achievement and why it merited honor. This was helpful, as up to that point, I was unclear on why something like a micro-processor that synchronized sprocketed film to a time-code machine was important. Now I understand, because I learned that something enabling hi-res film scanning was important because it captured a fuller dynamic range at different scan resolutions using sub-pixel offsets. Ahh. It’s clear to me now.

Sometimes special awards are given out, honoring people who have gone above and beyond in their technical contributions to film, or for being an outstanding Academy techie member.

Annual awards are also given out for general Science and Technology achievements.

This year, The Academy will give out 18 Sci-Tech awards amongst a group of individuals and organizations who will be honored on Saturday, February 11 at the Beverly Wilshire hotel.

Congratulations to all the winners! I look forward to seeing the riveting outtakes. SMS (For your own research and information, check out www.oscars.org)

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Molly Dean (left) and Barbara Jean (right)

By RICH LARSON

editor@southernminnscene.com

T

here is an old legend in rock & roll history. Cass Elliot of The Mamas & The Papas was the matron figure of the Southern California music scene in the late 1960’s.

She was kind and generous and she looked out for all the hippie kids quickly becoming famous in her Laurel Canyon neighborhood. One day Stephen Stills was at her house playing his guitar when David Crosby dropped by to say hello. As the two started noodling around with some harmonies, Cass suddenly remembered a young Englishman she’d just met and called him, telling him to come over right away. An hour later Graham Nash was singing with David Crosby and Stephen Stills for the first time, and a legend was born.

That same sort of thing happened in late spring 2015, right here

in Minnesota. Dave Simonett of Trampled by Turtles was sitting around a campfire with a group of friends, including singer/songwriter Molly Dean and singer/songwriter Barbara Jean. The two barely knew each other, but at Simonett’s suggestion, they began to sing Neil Young’s “Love is A Rose” together. A hush descended on those sitting around that fire as the two voices wrapped around each other, producing a sound unlike anything they had ever heard before.

When they were done, Simonett collected himself, wiped tears from his eyes, and suggested the two come on an acoustic tour he and fellow Turtle Dave Carroll had booked in Colorado for the following month. This was how Dusty Heart came together.

Right?

“No,” said Barbara Jean, “not really.”

“Yeah, not so much,” said Molly.

Well, okay. So much for romantic legend.

Even if their origins aren’t quite so storybook, there is still something a little bit magical about this pair. Both are deeply entrenched

Barbara Jean (courtesy Nate Ryan, MPR)

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in the Twin Cities fertile folk/country/Americana scene.

Molly Dean, in fact, has been there for more than a decade. Her first solo album, Resonate, was released in 2005, and her second, The Natural Minor, was released in 2016. In between, she created a name for herself by playing a string of late night dates at the Dakota Jazz Club and joining with Graham O’Brien to form the electro-pop duo Moon & Pollution.

Barbara Jean, meanwhile, has joined Simonett and Charlie Parr as a musical representative of the North Shore in the Twin Cities (she actually grew up in Superior, Wisconsin, but lived in Grand Marais before making her way south). The banjo/viola/fiddle player has released a pair of highly acclaimed solo albums, The Great Escape (2012) and Darker than Blue (2014).

While both had heard of each other and had seen each other perform, their paths didn’t cross enough for them to really strike up a friendship until about a year-and-a-half ago. Once they started talking, however, there seemed to be a natural fit.

“From one of our earliest conversations, we connected philosophically,” said Barbara Jean. “There’s this Celtic philosopher named John O’Donohue that we’ve both read quite a bit and really admire and he has a certain outlook on life and the world. I think Molly’s way of living in the world and being in the world and having this wonderful sense of awe that she uses to approach life and relationships and nature - it all kind of blends; we connect there and that really informs the type of songs that we each write. We each have this common outlook on things. It’s a common perspective. It’s almost like a spirituality.

“I had heard Molly on A Prairie Home Companion, and she had come to some of my shows. We talked about how fun it would be to sing together. So we just got together informally and played. We sat in Molly’s living room and played some Townes Van Zandt tunes and some Emmylou Harris. Just things we have in common. The very first time we did that we were like ‘Wow! This is cool and it’s easy and it’s fun.’”

They knew right away that, if for no other reason than their vocal blend, they had something special in front of them.

“It was so natural,” said Barbara Jean. “It was ‘Okay that’s you voice and that’s my voice and when we sing together there’s this new third voice.’ That was really exciting for us, so from there we were just like ‘Okay, let’s see how it goes.’”

And while the campfire story is apocryphal, Simonett did nudge things along by inviting the newly formed and unnamed duo to come to Colorado with him and Carroll.

“Talking with Dave (Simonett) about going out to Colorado was a big motivator for us to actually get moving,” said Molly, “because when Dave & Dave invite you to tour with them, you’re going to get together. He did say, you know, ‘Your voices really sound great, your voices really blend together; your musicality fits each other.’”

While the two had collaborated with other artists before, Dusty Heart had a bit of a baptism by fire. The first time they performed

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 ca l e n d ar . G O TO w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l ic k + A d d a n E v ent

Molly Dean

On stage at First Avenue together was in front of a sold-out audience at the Larimir Lounge in Denver. Making things even more nerve wracking was the fact that the crowd, of course, was gathered to hear the Trampled by Turtles pair of Simonett & Carroll.

“Molly didn’t know how I was going to handle it” said Barbara Jean. “I didn’t know how she was going to handle it. We had some basic ideas because we’d both seen each other perform before; it wasn’t exactly a new thing for either of us, but it was like ‘Wow, we’ll see how this works.’”

It worked. The two fell into an easy groove together onstage, and found that they had plenty in common off stage as well.

“We were really new friends,” said Barbara Jean. “So, it takes some time to figure out what you want to do with things when you’re just getting to know someone and you’re just beginning to work together, you don’t really know what you’re going to land on.

But it didn’t take us very long to figure out that we were just going to go full steam ahead with it.

“We have a really good time on the road. Like when we’re sleep deprived and exhausted and we haven’t had any good food and we’re at our wits end, we laugh. We still have a good time. We’ve probably had some of our best times when we’re like that. You can’t do that with everyone.”

“It wouldn’t have worked for either of us if there was unnecessary drama,” said Molly.

Eighteen months later, Molly and Barbara Jean have cemented their partnership. They’ve gone out on the road with Twin Cities master songwriter Mason Jennings, and nationally recognized folk singer Jeffrey Foucault. They’ve played headlining shows from Lutsen, to the Turf Club in St. Paul, to Steven Schwen’s venerable hippie music palace, the Oak Center General Store. On February 24th, they will christen a new concert series put together by the Owatonna Concert Club in Jefts Hall at Pillsbury College Prep and Camp in Owatonna.

On stage Dusty Heart is as natural a pair as you’re going to find.

The visuals, Molly’s big acoustic guitar and cowboy boots paired with Barbara Jean’s natural lean into her fiddle, are there for sure. Their voices really are a seamless mix. And for those who only know Molly

from Moon & Pollution, rest assured, her country and folk sensibilities are every bit as authentic as her new partner’s. They complement each other during a performance, both vocally and instrumentally.

But a good musical partnership takes more than enjoying each other’s company and playing well together. Eventually, you have to find material that fits the sound you create.

“That’s something we talk about a lot,” said Molly.

“We will try to isolate ourselves as much as we can when we work on songs,” said Barbara Jean, “whether it’s a workshop day at one of our houses or we’ve taken advantage of a lot of our friends who have access to cabins. We both love the woods, so we’ll go up north, or if we have a show up in Lutsen we’ll stay up there a couple extra nights just kind of holed away. We’ll have a campfire and drink some wine and play our instruments and work through some ideas.”

The two sound very pleased with the work they’re doing.

“We have this platform where we are able to find a collaborative sound,” said Molly. “We write differently, but we both have a very similar thread in the sounds that we look for and what comes naturally to us. And that is a really exciting thing, because there are sounds that Barbara creates with her instruments, her vocals, her viola, her violin and her banjo and her sense of rhythm – all this stuff that she brings to the table – that I feel and hear as a musician but I don’t play.

“I have always loved classical music and string sections and all that. So I have this natural sound in my head and she is naturally tuned to it. And it’s something I’m naturally tuned to, so we kind of fall in the middle of this. That’s really what we’re excited about all this new stuff that’s coming out.”

Barbara Jean said the two have been working on their debut album with Twin Cities producer and guitarist Erik Koskinen.

“There are like, tennish Dusty Heart originals. Definitely in 2017 we’ll have an album out. For sure.”

After a long time working on their own, the pair also sounds a bit relieved to have someone else on their side.

“Working as a solo artist can be a lot like pushing a rock up a mountain, and we’d both been doing that a long time,” said Molly. “And we’ve both had our own avenues of opportunity

and success. But in teaming up and having this sound that we’re really developing and finding that’s unique, and sort of garnering its own attention for that purpose. That’s allowed us to express ourselves in different ways, we get to market ourselves together as something unique and different.”

“And because we had our own careers initially we both had our own connections,” added Barbara Jean, “it’s like we had two rivers coming together and now there are all these offshoot streams. There are just more doors that have opened. It shouldn’t be surprising when you really think about it because there’s been a lot of work for many years.”

As they continue to explore what looks to be a very promising career together, they actually sound more and more optimistic the more they talk.

“There are so many elements to a musical project like this one we’re doing,” said Barbara Jean. “It’s not just about writing and playing and singing together. It’s also about performance, it’s also about travel, it’s also about business, it’s also about all these other things that have to come together. One of the really cool things for Molly and I was, we didn’t know how all that was going to go before we started performing and touring together, but we have found that we make a really good team.”

“I agree,” said Molly. “It really is a collective process. We’re working on this together. That’s the exciting thing.” SMS Rich Larson is the publisher and editor of SouthernMinn Scene. You can reach him at rlarson@southernminnscene.com.

Promo shot for their video Timbre and Trail

Dusty-Heart

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THE

Twelve Angry Jurors Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery / Paradise Center for the Arts / Faribault

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WEEK of Feb 18-25: River Hills Home & Lifestyles Show: 18-Feb, 10:00 AM, RIVER HILLS MALL, 1850 ADAMS STREET, Mankato, Free. One Of The Largest Attended Events In The Midwest The success of the River Hills Home & Lifestyles Show over the last 24 years, has been the Face to Face connection with new customers attending the show, as well as the malls retail customers with products and services.

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

Frozen River Film Festival: 18-Feb, 10:00 AM, Winona State University, 151 West Sanborn St., Winona, $12-$120. The Frozen River Film Festival offers documentary films and programming that engage, educate and activate our community to become involved in the world. For more information, visit www.frff.org.

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

Entry deadline Feb 13 - go to http://dnrstar. com/leagues/pool-league/events-entry-

forms.php for registration form. For more information, call 507-433-8000.

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

RCTC Theatre Presents MacBeth: 18-Feb, 2:00 PM, Hill Theatre RCTC, 851 30th Ave SE, Rochester, $8-$10. Cash or Check only please. All seats reserved. Box Office open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. Plan to attend RCTC Theatre’s adaptation of William Shakespeare’s MacBeth. Directed by Ryan Underbakke. MacBeth is the haunting story of prophecy, power and the dark consequences of all. A military hero and his wife conspire to seize the throne of Scotland and aim to capture the crown at any costs. Ryan Underbakke plays with light and shadow throughout the entirety of the production. Shakespeare’s stark tale is presented like never before. $10.00 Adults/$ 8.00 Senior Citizens 65+ and non-RCTC students. Cash or Check only please. All seats reserved. 507-285-7200 for tickets and more information. Box Office open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday.

SocialICE: 18-Feb, 4:00 PM, Peace Plaza, 1st Ave SW & 1st St SW, Rochester, Free.

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

6th Annual Foodie Throwdown: 18-Feb, 5:00 PM, Hormel Historic Home, 208 4th Ave NW, Austin, For more information, call 507-433-4243.. The 6th Annual Foodie Throwdown will honor George and Lillian Hormel as they would have celebrated 125 years of marriage in February. Join us for fun, food, music and to support the preservation and mission of the Hormel Historic Home. 6 Chef Teams include: Kristine Wolner~Wade

Kolander~Leah Erickson~Terri Bergstrom and Darin Grimm~The Austin Country Club~Amy Riley. Tickets are $35 and are are limited! For more information, call 507-433-4243.

6th Annual Foodie Throwdown: 18-Feb, 5:00 PM, Hormel Historic Home, 208 4th Ave NW, Austin, For more information, call 507-433-4243.. Annual event featuring local chefs preparing foods to a specific theme, with guests being the judges. For more information, call 507-433-4243 Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery: 18-Feb, 7:30 PM, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave., Faribault, $10-$16. Member $14/ Non-Member $16/ Student $10. Get your deerstalker cap onthe plays afoot! From the award-winning mastermind of mayhem, Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor), comes a fast-paced comedy about everyones favorite detective solving his most notorious case. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson must crack the mystery of The Hound of the Baskerville before a family curse dooms its newest heir. This small cast of shifting characters will keep you in suspense!

Stay overnight at the Historic Hutchinson House B&B and receive two free tickets to this event!

‘Honk! The Musical’: 18-Feb, 7:30 PM, Mantorville Opera House, 5th Street West, Mantorville, $17-$30. Admission: Adults: $20; Students/Seniors/Children $17 SPECIAL COMBO: One Adult + One Child: $30. The Mantorville Theatre Company announces its Feb / Mar production, ‘HONK! The Musical’ February 17 through March 12, 2017.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Winner of multiple awards, including the 2000 Olivier Award for Best Musical, this heartwarming celebration of being different is sure to delight audiences of all ages with its sparkling wit and memorable score! Ugly looks quite a bit different from his darling duckling brothers and sisters. The other animals on the farm are quick to notice and point this out, despite his mother’s protective flapping. Feeling rather foul about himself, the little fowl finds himself on an adventure of self-discovery, all the while unknowingly outwitting a very hungry Cat. Along the way, Ugly meets a whole flock

Thursdays through Sundays, March 2 - 11, 2017 Albert Lea, Marion Ross Performing Arts Center

By Cristeta Boarini When the famous Henry Fonda film “Twelve Angry Men” came out in 1957, the script was hailed for how it handled tough issues of the day like race, bias and the criminal justice system. Now, 60 years later, the themes seem more relevant than ever. When a Puerto Rican

of unique characters and finds out that being different is not a bad thing to be. Directed by Denise Ruemping, our show features the acting and singing talents of Aaron Budihas, Ella Ashlin, Hannah Brumfield, Anders HerfindahlQuint, Karl Huppler, Patrick Quint, Denise Ruemping, Joseph Ruemping, Priscilla Ruemping, Sarah Schaller, Alexi Swintek, Briana Switalski, and Meeah Underbakke.

Tickets are on sale now! Adults: $20; Reduced Rate (Children, Seniors, Students, etc) $17.

SPECIAL OFFER: ‘ADULT + CHILD COMBO TICKET’ just $30! Please visit our web page at www.mantorvillain.com for more information and to purchase your tickets today! Get ready to shake off those winter blahs and enjoy a great family show at the Mantorville Theatre Company!

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

Cabin Fever Craft & Gift Show: 19-Feb, 10:00 AM, Oak Glen Golf and Event Center, 1599 McKusick Road N, Stillwater, Free. Got Cabin Fever?! Like to shop?! Get out and about and stop in at our Craft & Gift Show!

Our quality crafters and vendors have so much to offer and the venue is absolutely gorgeous - Oak Glen Golf & Event Center in

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

Frozen River Film Festival: 19-Feb, 10:00 AM, Winona State University, 151 West Sanborn St., Winona, $12-$120. The Frozen River Film Festival offers documentary films and programming that engage, educate and activate our community to become involved in the world. For more information, visit www.frff.org.

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

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

River Hills Home & Lifestyles Show: 19-Feb, 11:00 AM, RIVER HILLS MALL, 1850 ADAMS STREET, Mankato, Free. One Of The Largest Attended Events In The Midwest The success of the River Hills Home & Lifestyles Show over the last 24 years, has been the Face to Face connection with new customers attending the show, as well as the malls retail customers with products and services.

Attendance in 2016 was in excess of 71,000 visitors. This event features a variety of the

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kid stands trial for murder, the case seems open-andshut. But one juror challenges his peers to think more deeply to ensure justice is served. Catch this landmark courtroom drama live in Albert Lea! – Rich Larson is the publisher and editor of SouthernMinn Scene. You can reach him at rlarson@southernminnscene.com.

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

‘Honk! The Musical’: 19-Feb, 2:00 PM, Mantorville Opera House, 5th Street West, Mantorville, $17-$30. Admission: Adults: $20; Students/Seniors/Children $17 SPECIAL COMBO: One Adult + One Child: $30. The Mantorville Theatre Company announces its Feb / Mar production, ‘HONK! The Musical’ February 17 through March 12, 2017.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Winner of multiple awards, including the 2000 Olivier Award for Best Musical, this heartwarming celebration of being different is sure to delight audiences of all ages with its sparkling wit and memorable score! Ugly looks quite a bit different from his darling duckling brothers and sisters. The other animals on the farm are quick to notice and point this out, despite his mother’s protective flapping. Feeling rather foul about himself, the little fowl finds himself on an adventure of self-discovery, all the while unknowingly outwitting a very hungry Cat. Along the way, Ugly meets a whole flock of unique characters and finds out that being

different is not a bad thing to be. Directed by Denise Ruemping, our show features the acting and singing talents of Aaron Budihas, Ella Ashlin, Hannah Brumfield, Anders HerfindahlQuint, Karl Huppler, Patrick Quint, Denise Ruemping, Joseph Ruemping, Priscilla Ruemping, Sarah Schaller, Alexi Swintek, Briana Switalski, and Meeah Underbakke.

Tickets are on sale now! Adults: $20; Reduced Rate (Children, Seniors, Students, etc) $17.

SPECIAL OFFER: ‘ADULT + CHILD COMBO TICKET’ just $30! Please visit our web page at www.mantorvillain.com for more information and to purchase your tickets today! Get ready to shake off those winter blahs and enjoy a great family show at the Mantorville Theatre Company!

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

While admission to the films are free, free will donations are encouraged and gladly accepted, with all proceeds from Classic Movie Sundays funding continued restoration and operation of the Historic State Theatre building. An engaged playboy and a beautiful woman have a chance meeting aboard a luxury liner and fall in love with each other.

Hoping to prove to each other that this isn’t just a passing romance, the two agree to meet at the top of the Empire State Building if they truly love each other. A terrible accident

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prevents the woman from meeting the playboy and a chance of fate eventually bring the two together. Remade by director McCarey as ‘An Affair to Remember’.507-732-5210 God Wants You Well Bible Study: 20-Feb, 6:30 PM, Inspirational Technologies, Inc. Building, 1100 N. 4th Street, Le Sueur, Free. DVD series with Andrew Wommack, healing miracle testimonies, Bible study lessons, discussion, communion, prayer.

Everyone invited. Led by Dorothy Von Lehe.

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

Beginning T’ai Chi Chih - Winter 2017: 21-Feb, 10:00 AM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, $50 .

Do you desire less stress in your daily life?

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

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

Norway Presentation: 21-Feb, 10:00 AM, 125 Live Center for Active Adults, 125 Elton Hills Dr NW, Rochester, Free. Join retired teachers, Gary & Mary Skundberg, as they lead you on an exploration of Norway. Marys first trip was as an exchange student in High School. Garys first trip was in college when he accompanied the Luther Band in 1961 celebrating the colleges centennial. Since 1996, they have made almost yearly (sometimes 2-3 times/year) trips taking family, friends, and groups to this spectacular country!

Presentation sponsored by: www.ed-ventures. com email: pcl@ed-ventures.com Specialists in Customized Group Tours.

UMR CONNECTS: Autism: The Cause and Effect on the Individual and Family: 21-Feb, 7:00 PM, University of MN Rochester, 4th Floor, 111 S. Broadway, Rochester, Free. Presented By: Brad Trahan Autism is an extremely complex diagnosis that does not have a known cause, thus no cure. Today, 1/68 individuals born will be diagnosed with autism; the fastest disability our nation faces today. Brad will share with us the daily demands and pressures of having a child with autism; how it affects the individual, the family, the extended family and society.

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

Martin Zellar Friday: 24-Feb, 7:30 PM, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave., Faribault, $15-$25. Member: $20/Non Member: $25/ Student: $15. Frontman for the Gear Daddies performs his Evening with Martin Zellar acoustic show, featuring his amazing guitar picking, and that famous and familiar gravelly, country-rock sound and original songs Minnesotans know and love.

Stay overnight at the Historic Hutchinson House B&B and receive two free tickets to this event!

‘Honk! The Musical’: 24-Feb, 7:30 PM, Mantorville Opera House, 5th Street West, Mantorville, $17-$30. Admission: Adults: $20; Students/Seniors/Children $17 SPECIAL COMBO: One Adult + One Child: $30. The Mantorville Theatre Company announces its Feb / Mar production, ‘HONK! The Musical’ February 17 through March 12, 2017.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Winner of multiple awards, including the 2000 Olivier Award for Best Musical, this heartwarming celebration of being different is sure to delight audiences of all ages with its sparkling wit and memorable score! Ugly looks quite a bit different from his darling duckling brothers and sisters. The other animals on the farm are quick to notice and point this out, despite his mother’s protective flapping. Feeling rather foul about himself, the little fowl finds himself on an adventure of self-discovery, all the while unknowingly outwitting a very hungry Cat. Along the way, Ugly meets a whole flock of unique characters and finds out that being different is not a bad thing to be. Directed by Denise Ruemping, our show features the acting and singing talents of Aaron Budihas, Ella Ashlin, Hannah Brumfield, Anders HerfindahlQuint, Karl Huppler, Patrick Quint, Denise

Ruemping, Joseph Ruemping, Priscilla Ruemping, Sarah Schaller, Alexi Swintek, Briana Switalski, and Meeah Underbakke.

Tickets are on sale now! Adults: $20; Reduced Rate (Children, Seniors, Students, etc) $17.

SPECIAL OFFER: ‘ADULT + CHILD COMBO TICKET’ just $30! Please visit our web page at www.mantorvillain.com for more information and to purchase your tickets today! Get ready to shake off those winter blahs and enjoy a great family show at the Mantorville Theatre Company!

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble: 24-Feb, 7:30 PM, Sheldon Theatre, 443 west third street, Red Wing, $18-$35. the worlds funkiest marching band one minute, an unhinged New Orleans funeral procession the next. Los Angeles Times Seven blood brothers from the south side of Chicago were raised in an extraordinary musical family, learning their craft from their father, cosmic-jazz trumpeter Phil Cohran. The band freely mix the brass band tradition with generous doses of hip hop, soul and funk, creating an intoxicating and boisterous blend that is just barely contained. From Lincoln Center to Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House, they have toured the world, backed up Prince, and their song, War, was featured in the blockbuster movie, Hunger Game.

651-388-8700 Birthday Bash: 25-Feb, 9:00 AM, Hastings Armory, 3050 Hwy 316, Hastings, Free. **Join us on February 25th 2017 at the Hastings Armory for a Craft and Vendor event with up to 55 vendors. ***Enjoy FREE ADMISSION and once inside you will find, upcycled and handmade items from talented artists as well as many Direct Sales Representatives to choose from. So bring your friends, bring your family. Tell everyone you know.

WE CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU!!!! ** First 50 Attendees to visit our event will receive a surprise gift bag . https://www.facebook.com/ events/1076669282431726/ Hosanna’s Pantry: 25-Feb, 9:00 AM, Hosanna Lutheran Church, 2815 57th St NW, Rochester, Free. Hosanna’s Pantry is a satellite food shelf of Channel One food bank in Rochester. A photo ID is required. Coffee and treats are served while you wait to shop.

Mayo Clinic Sibshops: 25-Feb, 9:30 AM, Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch, 7291 Co. Rd. 6 SW, Stewartville, $10 . If you know a family who has a child with special needs or health condition, then Sibshops is for them! Sibshops is a program geared toward supporting siblings who have a brother or sister with a chronic illness, life-long health concern, or disability. The goal of the program is to bring these unique siblings together to express the good and the bad about having a brother or sister with special health concerns, and to have a day that focuses on them! Sibshops is for siblings 6-13 years. Participants must register in advance.

For more information and to register, please contact Mayo Clinic Child Life at (507) 2554091 or mayosibshop@mayo.edu.

Kenyon’s 38th Annual Carriage & Cutter Day: 25-Feb, 10:00 AM, Kenyon, Minnesota, , Kenyon, Free. 10 a.m. 1:30 p.m. Free Events: Pony Rides, Petting Zoo and Wagon Rides on the main street.Local food vendors on the street and in some businesses.Lunch at the VFW from 10:30 am - 3:00 pmSilent Auction at the VFW from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. tours of the historic M.T. Gunderson House every half hour.1:30 p.m. 38th annual Carriage & Cutter Parade featuring hundreds of horses and ponies of all breeds! Bonfire after the Parade9 p.m.-1 a.m.

DJ Music at the Kenyon Muni.

Overeaters Anonymous Unity Gathering / Newcomer’s Welcome: 25-Feb, 12:30 PM, Zumbro Lutheran Church, 624 3rd Ave SW, Rochester, Free. Overeaters Anonymous Unity Day Gathering Newcomer’s Welcome!

We welcome everyone who wants to stop eating compulsively. Zumbro Lutheran Church 624 3rd Ave SW Rochester, MN Saturday, February 25, 2017 12:30-2:00 PM If you have questions Please contact: Roxanne (507)2893959 Connie (507)273-9434.

2017 Mower County Habitat & Pheasants Forever Banquet: 25-Feb, 5:00 PM, Holiday Inn Austin Conference Center, 1701 4th Street N.W., Austin, $25-$75. Single $55.00 Ringneck $25.00 Couples $75.00 Gold Sponsor $250.00 Corporate Sponsor $750.00. Mower County Habitat & Pheasants Forever The 17th Annual Pheasants Forever Banquet will be held at the Austin Holiday Inn on Saturday, February 25, 2017. Lot’s of great prizes and raffles: This year’s grand prize will be an auction of Four tickets to any Nascar event (excluding the Daytona 500), that

includes pit passes and other perks. What a great way support Nascar and Mower County Habitat and Pheasants Forever. Social Hour and raffles begin at 5 p.m., and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. Get more information at this link http://www.pfmowercountyhabitat. org/events/673-2017-annual-pheasantsforever-banquet/ OR Register on-line https:// pheasantsforeverevents.org/event/2533.

Wine and Chocolate Spectacular: 25-Feb, 6:00 PM, Rochester Eagles Club, 917 15th Avenue SE, Rochester, $20-$25.

All proceeds help our dogs in need.. Small Dog Rescue presents its Wine and Chocolate Spectacular. Wine and chocolate tasting, appetizers, silent auction and music by Driven

by Rhythm.

‘Honk! The Musical’: 25-Feb, 7:30 PM, Mantorville Opera House, 5th Street West, Mantorville, $17-$30. Admission: Adults: $20; Students/Seniors/Children $17 SPECIAL COMBO: One Adult + One Child: $30. The Mantorville Theatre Company announces its Feb / Mar production, ‘HONK! The Musical’ February 17 through March 12, 2017.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Winner of multiple awards, including the 2000 Olivier Award for Best Musical, this heartwarming celebration of being different is sure to delight audiences of all ages with its sparkling wit and memorable score! Ugly looks quite a bit different from his darling duckling brothers and sisters. The other animals on the farm are quick to notice and point this out, despite his mother’s protective flapping. Feeling rather foul about himself, the little fowl finds himself on an adventure of self-discovery, all the while unknowingly outwitting a very hungry Cat. Along the way, Ugly meets a whole flock of unique characters and finds out that being different is not a bad thing to be. Directed by Denise Ruemping, our show features the acting and singing talents of Aaron Budihas, Ella Ashlin, Hannah Brumfield, Anders HerfindahlQuint, Karl Huppler, Patrick Quint, Denise Ruemping, Joseph Ruemping, Priscilla Ruemping, Sarah Schaller, Alexi Swintek, Briana Switalski, and Meeah Underbakke.

Tickets are on sale now! Adults: $20; Reduced Rate (Children, Seniors, Students, etc) $17.

SPECIAL OFFER: ‘ADULT + CHILD COMBO TICKET’ just $30! Please visit our web page at www.mantorvillain.com for more information and to purchase your tickets today! Get ready to shake off those winter blahs and enjoy a great family show at the Mantorville Theatre Company!

Black History Month Tribute to the Pianist-Composers: 25-Feb, 7:30 PM, Christ United Methodist Church, 400 5th Avenue SW, Rochester, Free. Rochester Chamber Music Society presents jazz pianist Mary Marshall along with Richard Rohrbaugh, saxophone, Robert S. P. Gardner, bass, and Terry Gresser, drums, in a tribute to the great African-American composer-pianists who developed jazz from 19th-century ragtime through 20th-century fusion. Join us as RCMS pays tribute to the musical heritage that belongs to Black History Month.

As an added bonus, RCMS has partnered with Victorias Ristorante & Wine Bar for this concert. If you dine at Victorias on February 25 and mention RCMS, Victorias will donate 20% of your tab to RCMS. Visit our website rochesterchambermusic.org for more details.

There is no admission charge for RCMS concerts.

‘Sing Me Back Home: The Definitive Merle Haggard Tribute’: 25-Feb, 7:30 PM, State Theater, 96 E 4th St, Zumbrota, $28-$32. Five-time Gold/Platinum record recipient Bobby Vandell steps out from behind the drum set to pay tribute to country great Merle Haggard. St. Cloud native Vandell has enjoyed a long, successful career as a drummer for artists ranging from Prince to Lipps, Inc., from Bonnie Raitt to Chuck Berry.

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

WEEK of Feb 26-March 4: Austin Symphony Orchestra: Remembrance: 26-Feb, 2:00 PM, St. Olaf’s Lutheran Church, 306 2nd St NW, Austin, $12 . This concert is performed in memory of our orchestral forebearers, with Richard Roberts, the Violin Cncertmaster of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. Season tickets available (senior and college student rates too); contact Sonia Larson at 507-433-8719 or email sonial@charter.net, or Sue Radloff at 507396-2613 or email fiddlesue@yahoo.com, or go to www.austinmnsymphony.org.

‘Honk! The Musical’: 26-Feb, 2:00 PM, Mantorville Opera House, 5th Street West,

Joel McHale Friday, March 3, 2017 8 p.m.

Prior Lake, Mystic Lake Casino

By Cristeta Boarini If withering sarcasm and dastardly charm are up your alley, you can’t miss Joel McHale’s set at Mystic Lake Casino. The star from hits like “The Soup” on E! and NBC’s “Community” takes the stage for a night of devilish

Mantorville, $17-$30. Admission: Adults: $20; Students/Seniors/Children $17 SPECIAL COMBO: One Adult + One Child: $30. The Mantorville Theatre Company announces its Feb / Mar production, ‘HONK! The Musical’ February 17 through March 12, 2017.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Winner of multiple awards, including the 2000 Olivier Award for Best Musical, this heartwarming celebration of being different is sure to delight audiences of all ages with its sparkling wit and memorable score! Ugly looks quite a bit different from his darling duckling brothers and sisters. The other animals on the farm are quick to notice and point this out, despite his mother’s protective flapping. Feeling rather foul about himself, the little fowl finds himself on an adventure of self-discovery, all the while unknowingly outwitting a very hungry Cat. Along the way, Ugly meets a whole flock of unique characters and finds out that being different is not a bad thing to be. Directed by Denise Ruemping, our show features the acting and singing talents of Aaron Budihas, Ella Ashlin, Hannah Brumfield, Anders HerfindahlQuint, Karl Huppler, Patrick Quint, Denise Ruemping, Joseph Ruemping, Priscilla Ruemping, Sarah Schaller, Alexi Swintek, Briana Switalski, and Meeah Underbakke.

Tickets are on sale now! Adults: $20; Reduced Rate (Children, Seniors, Students, etc) $17.

SPECIAL OFFER: ‘ADULT + CHILD COMBO TICKET’ just $30! Please visit our web page at www.mantorvillain.com for more information and to purchase your tickets today! Get ready to shake off those winter blahs and enjoy a great family show at the Mantorville Theatre Company!

Classic Movie Sunday Matinee: And Then There Were None: 26-Feb, 2:00 PM, Zumbrota State Theatre, 88 E 4th St., Zumbrota, Free. The State Theatre in Zumbrota Announces Classic Movie Sundays!

Zumbrota The Historic State Theatre in Zumbrota invites everyone to step back in time to cinemas Golden Age with Classic Movie Sundays. Beginning on January 15th with Laurel and Hardys 1939 comedy The

fun. McHale’s stand-up act has been seen around the country to sold-out audiences. In October, he released his book, “Thanks for the Money.”

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

Kenny Rogers Sunday, March 12, 2017 6:30 p.m.

Mankato, Verizon Wireless Center

By Cristeta Boarini Before country music focused on big trucks and Solo cups, there were gamblers and “Islands in the Stream.” Kenny Rogers takes the stage at the Verizon Wireless Center as part of his final world tour, The Gambler’s Last Deal with special guest Linda Davis. After six decades of making music that has defined the country genre (and won a boatload of awards to boot), Rogers is hanging his hat. Tickets are sure to go fast! Bid farewell to a legend, and sing along to “Lucille” and “Coward of the Country” with Rogers himself, one last time.

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

CONTINUED page 24

Come Find Us at the

Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce Home & Garden Show!

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

Follow us on

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

| MARCH 2017

23

Honk!

Weekends March 3 - 12, 2017 Mantorville Theatre Company

By Cristeta Boarini This delightful musical is one the whole family will love. A re-imagining of the Hans Christian Andersen tale “The Ugly Duckling,” “Honk!” follows young Ugly on his coming of age and the quest to find his birth mother. Along the way, Ugly meets new friends and falls in love – and learns the real meaning of family. Full of catchy tunes and belly laughs, “Honk!” is sure to please.

Comedian Scott Long / Paradise Center for the Arts / Faribault

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

CONTINUED from page 23

Flying Deuces, The State will feature a different movie every Sunday at 2:00 pm.

While admission to the films are free, free

will donations are encouraged and gladly accepted, with all proceeds from Classic Movie Sundays funding continued restoration

and operation of the Historic State Theatre building. The full list of dates are movies for Classic Movie Sundays are: January 15: Flying Deuces (1939, starring Laurel and Hardy) Sponsored by: Fi rebrick Bread January 22: Road To Bali (1952, starring Bing Crosby,

Business

Belgrade on

Historic & Unique

Association Beautiful Lower North Mankato, MN

Presents the Upcoming Community Events

BOOKIN’ ON BELGRADE

NEARLY 5K FAMILY FUN RUN (AND WALK)

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

507-345-5120

Blues On Belgrade

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

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

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

Bar Bingo

Every Thursday Night @ 6:30 2 - $500 Jackpots!

101 West Main Street | Geneva, MN | 507.256.7278

www.genevabarandgrill.com

2017 Concert Club in Owatonna Live Music Concert Series continues: National Touring Americana Music Artists Right Here in Owatonna Showtime 7:30 in Jefts Hall at Pillsbury College Prep and Camp 330 E Academy St, Owatonna

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

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

M A R C H 2 0 1 7 | w w w. s o u t h e r N m I N n SCENE. c o m

Sam Llanas is an iconic American singer, acoustic guitarist, and songwriter. Best known for his unique and distinctively soulful voice, It was Llanas’ voice that supplied the trademark vocal on many of The Bodeans familiar hits. Sam is touring in support of his recent solo material and makes a rare stop in small town Owatonna for one night only.

TICKETS

$20

IN ADVANCE

Friday, March 24

Sam Llanas

(formerly of the Bodeans) Rare Solo Concert with opening act Just Mirlyn

Available online or at ERA Gillespie Real Estate Downtown Owatona

DOORS OPEN 6:30 OPENING ACT 7:30

Craft beer and wine available before and during the concerts

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

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Sponsored by: Grimsrud Publishing February 12: My Favorite Brunette (1947, starring Bob Hope, Dorothy Lamour) Sponsored by: Olia Richter February 19: Love Affair (1939, starring Irene Dunne and Charles Boyer) Sponsored by: Sale on 2nd February 26: And

Geneva Bar & Grill

A 501(c) 4 Non-Profit Corporation

June 3rd, 2017 | bookinonbelgrade.wordpress.com

Bob Hope, Dorothy Lamour) Sponsored by: Feine Tune Motorsports January 29: Private Buckaroo (1942, featuring The Andrews Sisters) Sponsored by: Zumbrota Partners In Prevention February 5: His Girl Friday (1940, starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell)

Then There Were None (1945, based on Agatha Christies novel) Sponsored by: Allison Emslie-Smith March 5:Bells of San Angelo (1947, with Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, and Trigger) Sponsored by: Ellison Sheep Farm (1947) Western with Roy Rogers, Dale Evans and Andy Devine. Along the Mexican border, Roy joins Western novelist Dale in a search for smugglers. They discover a silver mine.

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

The movies are sponsored by individuals, businesses and by ZAAC. Originally built in 1921, The State Theatre has hosted movies and vaudeville acts for 95 years. The Zumbrota Area Arts Council purchased the building in 2011, and hosts movies, concerts, live theatre, and educational events in the facility. Renovations have been ongoing since 2013, when supporters of The State began the Encore Campaign to raise the funds needed to restore the building and make it accessible to a 21st century audience by adding handicapped accessible bathrooms, a new concession area, and improving the lobby area. Plans for the next renovation phase include additional restoration work and stage improvements. The Historic State Theatre is a community based, non-profit organization.

As part of the Zumbrota Area Arts Council, its mission is to inspire participation in the arts and cultural experiences to enrich and expand Zumbrotas community life. A complete list of events and Classic Movie Sunday details can be found at www.ZAAC. org. Programming is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Rich And Brandon Ridenour In Concert: 26-Feb, 4:00 PM, St. John the Evangelist, 11 4th AVE SW, Rochester, Free. TRUMPET AND PIANO DUO RICH AND BRANDON RIDENOUR will offer a fun recital at St. John the Evangelist on Sunday, February 26, 2017 at 4:00 pm. Rich Ridenour is an international Steinway Artist, while his son Brandon Ridenour became the youngest member to ever join the prestigious Canadian Brass. 507-732-5210 Ladies Candlelight Dinner: 27-Feb, 5:00 PM, Rochester Assembly, 4240 18th Avenue Northwest, Rochester, $25 . Join us for good food, company, and encouragement at Ladies Candlelight Dinner 2017: Repurpose. Speaker Jess Connolly will be joining us for an evening of fun, entertainment, and friendship.

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for more information, visit

facebook.com/concertclubowatonna April 28-The Pines with very special guests Fox & Coyote More concerts announced soon!

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 ca l e n d ar . G O TO w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l ic k + A d d a n E v ent

We have been working hard on some fun surprises for our guests, and Jess Connolly will not disappoint! If you are interested in hosting a table, please email ladiescandlelightdinner@gmail.com. If you would like to relax and attend with your friends, tickets are available at lcd2017.eventbrite.com.

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

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

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

Can it and should it be taught? To what areas of our lives is compassion connected? Address these questions and more in interactive sessions, all focused on the importance of compassion today. Session 1: Suffering and compassion (including insights from various spiritual and secular traditions) Session 2: Compassion and flourishing (as related especially to virtue and education, but also to self-compassion) Session 3: Compassion connected (wide-ranging, from arts and economics, from service industries to media) This class meets February 27, March 6 & 13 This is a three session series, not a drop-in class. Registration Required. Class facilitated

by Steve Juenemann.

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

Everyone invited. Led by Dorothy Von Lehe.

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

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

Do you desire less stress in your daily life?

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

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

Pancake Supper & Bake Sale: 28-Feb, 4:30 PM, Kasson United Methodist Church, 801 5th Ave NW, Kasson, $0-$8. Adults $8, Ages 4-10 $3, Children under 4 FREE. Pancakes, Whole hog sausage, eggs, coffee and milk Adults $8, Ages 4-10 $3, Children under 4 FREE. Ladies Candlelight Dinner: 28-Feb, 5:00 PM, Rochester Assembly, 4240 18th Avenue Northwest, Rochester, $25 . Join us for good food, company, and encouragement at Ladies Candlelight Dinner 2017: Repurpose. Speaker Jess Connolly will be joining us for an evening of fun, entertainment, and friendship.

We have been working hard on some fun surprises for our guests, and Jess Connolly will not disappoint! If you are interested in hosting a table, please email ladiescandlelightdinner@gmail.com. If you would like to relax and attend with your friends, tickets are available at lcd2017.eventbrite.com.

Scott Long Friday: 3-Mar, 7:30 PM, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave., Faribault, $12-$22. Member: $17/Non Member: $22/ Student: $12. Scott Long consistently gets 5 star reviews from small events to Fortune 500 companies like GE, John Deere, and State Farm. His non-profanity, but hilarious show works for all ages, which is why Scott was chosen to perform in 2016 at the Wisconsin State Fair and the Bass Fishing Championships. Scott brings his Iowa roots to Southern MN for a March Madness funny night. Stay overnight at the Historic Hutchinson House B&B and receive two free tickets to this event!

‘Honk! The Musical’: 3-Mar, 7:30 PM, Mantorville Opera House, 5th Street West, Mantorville, $17-$30. Admission: Adults: $20; Students/Seniors/Children $17 SPECIAL COMBO: One Adult + One Child: $30. The Mantorville Theatre Company announces its Feb / Mar production, ‘HONK! The Musical’ February 17 through March 12, 2017.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Winner of multiple awards, including the 2000 Olivier Award for Best Musical, this heartwarming celebration of being different is sure to delight audiences of all ages with its sparkling wit

and memorable score! Ugly looks quite a bit different from his darling duckling brothers and sisters. The other animals on the farm are quick to notice and point this out, despite his mother’s protective flapping. Feeling rather foul about himself, the little fowl finds himself on an adventure of self-discovery, all the while unknowingly outwitting a very hungry Cat. Along the way, Ugly meets a whole flock of unique characters and finds out that being different is not a bad thing to be. Directed by Denise Ruemping, our show features the acting and singing talents of Aaron Budihas, Ella Ashlin, Hannah Brumfield, Anders HerfindahlQuint, Karl Huppler, Patrick Quint, Denise Ruemping, Joseph Ruemping, Priscilla Ruemping, Sarah Schaller, Alexi Swintek, Briana Switalski, and Meeah Underbakke.

Tickets are on sale now! Adults: $20; Reduced Rate (Children, Seniors, Students, etc) $17.

SPECIAL OFFER: ‘ADULT + CHILD COMBO TICKET’ just $30! Please visit our web page at www.mantorvillain.com for more information and to purchase your tickets today! Get ready to shake off those winter blahs and enjoy a great family show at the Mantorville Theatre Company!

Joel McHale: 3-Mar, 8:00 PM, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd, Prior Lake, $39 . Joel McHale recently wrapped up his twelfth and final season of The Soup, where he mocked the surreal world of reality TV and celebrities. He also starred in five seasons of the hit series, Community and can now be seen every week in new show, The Great Outdoors. Now you can see Joel McHale perform live at the Mystic Showroom Friday, March 3 at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for $39. (952) 445-9000 Quarry Hill Bird Walk: 4-Mar, 9:00 AM, Quarry Hill Nature Center, 701 Silver Creek Rd NE, Rochester, Free. Join us on a casual walk through Quarry Hill Park. Bring binoculars if you have them, some are available to borrow from the nature center. Dress for the weather. Families and children are welcome.

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

Bagels and Birds: 4-Mar, 9:30 AM, River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Road, Faribault, Free. Open to all ages. Cost: Free! Enjoy coffee and bagels in a relaxed atmosphere while watching the antics of wildlife. We’ll meet in the comfort of the building to observe the birds and other visitors to the newly refurbished Windows on the Wild backyard habitat feeding area.

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

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

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

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

Northwestern Singers Winter Concert: 4-Mar, 7:00 PM, The Historic Paramount Theatre, 125 4th Ave NE, Austin, Contact info@northwesternsingers.org for more information. Tickets available through the Austin ArtWorks Center at www.austinareaarts.org or by calling 507-433-0547.

‘Honk! The Musical’: 4-Mar, 7:30 PM, Mantorville Opera House, 5th Street West, Mantorville, $17-$30. Admission: Adults: $20; Students/Seniors/Children $17 SPECIAL COMBO: One Adult + One Child: $30. The Mantorville Theatre Company announces its Feb / Mar production, ‘HONK! The Musical’ February 17 through March 12, 2017.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Winner of multiple awards, including the 2000 Olivier Award for Best Musical, this heartwarming celebration of being different is sure to delight audiences of all ages with its sparkling wit and memorable score! Ugly looks quite a bit different from his darling duckling brothers and sisters. The other animals on the farm are quick to notice and point this out, despite his mother’s protective flapping. Feeling rather foul about himself, the little fowl finds himself on an adventure of self-discovery, all the while unknowingly outwitting a very hungry Cat. Along the way, Ugly meets a whole flock of unique characters and finds out that being different is not a bad thing to be. Directed by Denise Ruemping, our show features the acting and singing talents of Aaron Budihas, Ella Ashlin, Hannah Brumfield, Anders HerfindahlQuint, Karl Huppler, Patrick Quint, Denise Ruemping, Joseph Ruemping, Priscilla Ruemping, Sarah Schaller, Alexi Swintek, Briana Switalski, and Meeah Underbakke.

Tickets are on sale now! Adults: $20; Reduced Rate (Children, Seniors, Students, etc) $17.

SPECIAL OFFER: ‘ADULT + CHILD COMBO TICKET’ just $30! Please visit our web page at www.mantorvillain.com for more information and to purchase your tickets today! Get ready to shake off those winter blahs and enjoy a great family show at the Mantorville Theatre Company!

Stronger than Pride: The Passionate Songs of Sade: 4-Mar, 7:30 PM, State Theater, 96 E 4th St, Zumbrota, $28-$32.

Twin Cities front woman Cate Fierro returns to Zumbrota with a tribute to 80s singer Sade.

Listeners can expect to be moved with feeling, love, intimacy, soul and groove with vocals from Fierro and background vocals from

Dinner on the Bluff featuring Ryan Lee Saturday, March 4, 5 p.m.

Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center

By Cristeta Boarini Feed your mind and appetite with the fulfilling Dinner on the Bluff series.

Presenters and performers from across the country join patrons for a night of scintillating discussions and even better food. March features a performance with singer-songwriter Ryan Lee and a dinner of Beef Wellington and chocolate mousse.

As a singer, Lee’s world travels inform a repertoire that is both deeply personal and stirring. Don’t miss out on this unique experience.

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

CONTINUED page 26

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507.645.8877 northfieldartsguild.org

February at the Arts Guild

 

singers Katie Gearty, Sara Renner and Norm Blagman, driven by a powerful band of incredible musicians. Theyll perform Smooth Operator, Your Love Is King, No Ordinary Love, Sweetest Taboo, Paradise, and more!

WEEK of March 5-11: Northwestern Singers Winter Concert: 5-Mar, 2:00 PM, The Historic Paramount Theatre, 125 4th Ave NE, Austin, Contact info@northwesternsingers.org for more information. Tickets available through the Austin ArtWorks Center at www.austinareaarts.org or by calling 507-433-0547.

BECHS Annual Meeting: 5-Mar, 2:00 PM, Blue Earth County Historical Society History Center, 424 Warren Street, Mankato, $0-$5. $5 - Adults Free for BECHS Members. We invited you to join us for BECHS’ 2017 Annual Meeting. After a State-of-the Society business meeting, Sara Cox and Tom Clements, KEYC Meteorologists, will present, ‘A Look at Winter.’ The History Center opens at 1 p.m. with the business meeting beginning at 2 p.m. Please RSVP to 507-345-5566

or Museum@blueearthcountyhistory.com

by March 3.

‘Honk! The Musical’: 5-Mar, 2:00 PM, Mantorville Opera House, 5th Street West, Mantorville, $17-$30. Admission: Adults: $20; Students/Seniors/Children $17 SPECIAL COMBO: One Adult + One Child: $30. The Mantorville Theatre Company announces its Feb / Mar production, ‘HONK! The Musical’ February 17 through March 12, 2017. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Winner of multiple awards, including the 2000 Olivier Award for Best Musical, this heartwarming celebration of being different is sure to delight audiences of all ages with its sparkling wit and memorable score! Ugly looks quite a bit different from his darling duckling brothers and sisters. The other animals on the farm are quick to notice and point this out, despite his mother’s protective flapping. Feeling rather foul about himself, the little fowl finds himself on an adventure of self-discovery, all the while unknowingly outwitting a very hungry Cat. Along the way, Ugly meets a whole flock of unique characters and finds out that being different is not a bad thing to be. Directed by Denise Ruemping, our show features the acting and singing talents of Aaron Budihas, Ella Ashlin, Hannah Brumfield, Anders Herfindahl-

Quint, Karl Huppler, Patrick Quint, Denise Ruemping, Joseph Ruemping, Priscilla Ruemping, Sarah Schaller, Alexi Swintek, Briana Switalski, and Meeah Underbakke.

Tickets are on sale now! Adults: $20; Reduced Rate (Children, Seniors, Students, etc) $17. SPECIAL OFFER: ‘ADULT + CHILD COMBO TICKET’ just $30! Please visit our web page at www.mantorvillain. com for more information and to purchase your tickets today! Get ready to shake off those winter blahs and enjoy a great family show at the Mantorville Theatre Company!

Classic Movie Sunday Matinee:: 5-Mar, 2:00 PM, Zumbrota State Theatre, 88 E 4th St., Zumbrota, Free. The State Theatre in Zumbrota Announces Classic Movie Sundays! Zumbrota The Historic State Theatre in Zumbrota invites everyone to step back in time to cinemas Golden Age with Classic Movie Sundays. Beginning on January 15th with Laurel and Hardys 1939 comedy The Flying Deuces, The State will feature a different movie every Sunday at 2:00 pm. While admission to the films are free, free will donations are encouraged and gladly accepted, with all proceeds from Classic Movie Sundays funding continued restoration and operation of the Historic State Theatre building. (1947) Western with Roy Rogers, Dale Evans and Andy

Devine. Along the Mexican border, Roy joins Western novelist Dale in a search for smugglers. They discover a silver mine.

Songs include the title song, ‘Hot Lead,’ and ‘I Like to Get Up Early in the Morning.’

507-732-5210 The Limestones: 5-Mar, 4:00 PM, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave., Faribault, $8-$15. Member: $12 | Non Member: $15 | Student: $8. This eight-voice male A Cappella group from St. Olaf College began in 1989 and has been growing and developing ever since, recruiting new talent, exploring different musical genres ranging from Pop to Country, and even classic Barbershop.

Stay overnight at the Historic Hutchinson House B&B on Saturday, March 4, and receive two free tickets to this event!

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

Meet and Greet with a Bunch for Lunch: Book Discussion: 7-Mar, 11:30 AM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, $40 . Come

and meet fellow readers and discuss the monthly selection while enjoying a light lunch. This group will meet on March 7, April 4 and May 9th. March 7th: Going Home: Jesus and Buddha as Brothers

by Thich Nhat Hanh. The author is a Buddhist Monk - a holy man, humble and devout who was exiled from his Vietnamese homeland for over 30 years.

He has endured persecution and three wars. His life’s mission is as a healer of the heart. His search to find ways to mend the cultural wounds of alienation from our own spiritual traditions. April 4th: How the Post Office Created America by Winifred Gallagher. This fascinating history book documents America’s political, economic and social history through mail delivery.

In the early days, the postal system knit together the thirteen colonies to the astonishment of the European mother country. The rural countryside’s social life was centered around the post office. In the 1960’s, the postal service struggled to find its niche. The question today is, ‘where does it fit in the 21st century?’

May 9th: The Seven Story Mountain by Thomas Merton. This captivating book is an autobiography of a young man in his early twenties in search of faith and inner peace. Restless and living a rather itinerant lifestyle, Thomas immerses himself in the trappings of the world, only

February 10 - March 11, 2017 featuring Mary Ellen Frame, Justin Peters & Karen Peters

Artist Reception: Friday, Feb 10 | 7-9 pm

Main Gallery, Center for the Arts 304 Division Street S

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

Dial M for Murder a gripping thriller by Frederick Knott

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

Arts Guild Theater

Keep Calm THe

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

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

Coming in March Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra Concert: Music for Strings, Woodwinds, and Bass

WeeKend Is ComIng

March 11, 2017 at 7 pm

Kenyon-Wanamingo High School Auditorium

March 12, 2017 at 3 pm St. John’s Lutheran Hall, Northfield

Advanced Tickets: $15 Adults, $10 Students & Seniors Concert Sponsors: River Valley Eye Professionals & Vision of Northfield Media Sponsor: 95.1 FM the one

CVRO Season Sponsor: Community Resource Bank Reception Sponsor: Just Food Coop

304 Division Street S. Northfield, MN 55057

26

M A R C H 2 0 1 7 | w w w. s o u t h e r N m I N n SCENE. c o m

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to discover emptiness. Finally, he finds solace in the Catholic faith and ultimately home in a Trappist monastery and ‘the four walls of my new freedom.’ This is a 3 session series and not a drop-in class.

Noon Tunes with Dick Kimmel & Pamela Longtine: 8-Mar, 12:00 PM, New Ulm Public Library, 17 N. Broadway, New Ulm, Free. Dick Kimmel and Pamela Longtine will perform folk, fiddle, and bluegrass music.

Happiness - A Book Discussion: 8-Mar, 2:00 PM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, $20 . We all yearn for happiness and some search for it in fame and fortune.

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

Registration required.

Beyond Rosie the Riveter: Women in Non-Traditional Roles: 8-Mar, 5:00 PM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, Donations Appreciated. The power of women in the workforce is not to be overlooked. Women are working harder than ever to ‘bring home the bacon’. Come and meet a few amazing women and learn about their non-traditional career choices. It isn’t just a man’s world anymore. Light snacks will be provided. Co-sponsored with Women on Wednesday. Registration Required.

Book Discussion: Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer: 8-Mar, 6:30 PM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, $20 . An inspiring true story, by Tracy Kidder, of a visionary man with a brilliant medical mind who has an incredible love for people in need. With his rugged determination and hard work and extraordinary sacrifice, he goes on to build a medical facility in Haiti. ‘He is not afraid to walk seven hours for two families in need, for their lives matter.

The idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that is wrong with the world.’

Come prepared to discuss the book. This workshop is a 3 session series (March 8, 22, & April 5), not a drop-in class.

Registration Required.

Eagle Bluff Skills School - Amish Experience: Bread Making: 10-Mar, 8:30 AM, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, 28097 Goodview Dr, Lanesboro, $50 . Ever wondered what it would be like to live without electricity and modern appliances? This is an opportunity to visit an Amish home, to get to know an Amish family and to learn how to bake bread in a wood fired stove.

After the bread is baked and the butter is made, you will get to enjoy these freshly made foods with a pot of herbal tea. Take home a loaf of fresh baked bread and get to know our local Amish community. The class meets at Eagle Bluff and travels via Eagle Bluff van to the Amish home. Note: A half hour of travel time is included at the beginning and end of class. *Preregistration is required by Mar. 3 **Note: The Amish do not allow photos to be taken or names to be published.

Eagle Bluff Skills School - The Art of Cheese Making: 10-Mar, 9:00 AM, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, 28097 Goodview Dr, Lanesboro, $45 . Join award winning cheese maker, Dave Sefton, for a morning of cheese creation. In this 3.5 hour class, you will be introduced to the art of cheese making and help in cooking up 3 kinds of cheese, including a farmers cheese, a soft cheese and Colby/Monterey Jack. Take your newly learned skills home to create these wonderful and tasty creations on your stove top. All ingredients will be provided along with suggestions and guidelines as to when you should get ingredients for you future cheese making endeavors. *Pre-registration is required by Mar. 3.

Eagle Bluff Skills School - Amish Experience: Pie Making: 10-Mar, 12:30 PM, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, 28097 Goodview Dr, Lanesboro, $55 . Are you a pie lover?

If so, then join us to learn the how tos from an experienced Amish baker. As a class, youll create two kinds of seasonal pies from scratch using a wood stove and sample the results with coffee. Not only will you gain insight into the Amish lifestyle, youll create a warm and tasty memory. The class meets at Eagle Bluff and travels via Eagle Bluff van to the Amish home. Note: A half hour of travel time is included at the beginning and end of class. *Pre-Registration is required

by Mar. 3 **Note: The Amish do not allow photos to be taken or names to be published.

‘Honk! The Musical’: 10-Mar, 7:30 PM, Mantorville Opera House, 5th Street West, Mantorville, $17-$30. Admission: Adults: $20; Students/Seniors/ Children $17 SPECIAL COMBO: One Adult + One Child: $30. The Mantorville Theatre Company announces its Feb / Mar production, ‘HONK! The Musical’ February 17 through March 12, 2017.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2:00 pm.

Winner of multiple awards, including the 2000 Olivier Award for Best Musical,

WEDNESDAYS

ALL TAP BEERS $

Livingston Taylor

2

Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.

Faribault, Shattuck-St. Mary’s

By Cristeta Boarini As part of Shattuck-St. Mary’s popular Acoustic Roots series, singer-songwriter Livingston Taylor brings his reflective and easygoing sound to the Newhall Auditorium. Brother to the many musical Taylors (including Alex, Kate, Hugh and – of course – James), Livingston Taylor is sure to enchant with a night of soulful ballads and unique charm. Keep an ear out for some of his many hits, including “I Will Be in Love with You” and “I’ll Come Running” that will have you humming long after the performance ends.

THURSDAYS

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

this heartwarming celebration of being different is sure to delight audiences of all ages with its sparkling wit and memorable score! Ugly looks quite a bit different from his darling duckling brothers and sisters. The other animals on the farm are quick to notice and point this out, despite his mother’s protective flapping.

Feeling rather foul about himself, the little fowl finds himself on an adventure of self-discovery, all the while unknowingly outwitting a very hungry Cat. Along the way, Ugly meets a whole flock of unique characters and finds out that being different is not a bad thing to be.

Directed by Denise Ruemping, our show features the acting and singing talents of Aaron Budihas, Ella Ashlin, Hannah

Brumfield, Anders Herfindahl-Quint, Karl Huppler, Patrick Quint, Denise Ruemping, Joseph Ruemping, Priscilla Ruemping, Sarah Schaller, Alexi Swintek, Briana Switalski, and Meeah Underbakke. Tickets are on sale now! Adults: $20; Reduced Rate (Children, Seniors, Students, etc) $17. SPECIAL OFFER: ‘ADULT + CHILD COMBO TICKET’ just $30! Please visit our web page at www.mantorvillain.com for more information and to purchase your tickets today! Get ready to shake off those winter blahs and enjoy a great family show at the Mantorville Theatre Company!

Rochester Repertory Theatre presents: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike: 10-Mar, 7:30 PM,

Rochester Repertory Theatre, 103 Seventh Street NE, Rochester, $22 . Rochester Repertory Theatre presents: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike A Comedy

by Christopher Durang Presented: March 10-11, 16-18, 23-25, 2017 at 7:30pm -- March 26 at 2pm Tickets: $22 (General Public) Seats are limited! Please reserve in advance! Military Discounts, Senior Discounts, Student Rush, and Corporate Discounts available Call 507-289-1737 103 Seventh Street NE Rochester, Minnesota 55906 Synopsis: Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia live a quiet life in the Pennsylvania farmhouse where they grew up. But their peace is disturbed when their movie star sister Masha swoops in unannounced with her new

twenty-something boy toy, Spike. Thus is launched a deliciously madcap weekend of rivalry, regret, and raucousness. A riotous, full-on comedy that will have you laughing out loud. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Play. Contact: For Ticket information go to: Rochester Repertory Theatre Phone: 507-289-1Rep Director: Jeanne Skattum 507-250-3577.

Eagle Bluff Skills School - Transformational Sound Experience: 11-Mar, 1:00 PM, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, 28097 Goodview Dr, Lanesboro, $40 . Enjoy and partake in a transformational music concert. Crystal

CONTINUED page 28

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

| MARCH 2017

27

PHON E CASE S

Cannon River Winery St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Saturday, March 18, 2017 2 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Cannon Falls

By Cristeta Boarini

RACING WRAPS

CANVAS PRINTS

Keep the St. Paddy’s Day celebrations going all weekend with a trip to the Cannon River Winery!

You can be sure to get into the spirit with a glass of Minnesota vinted wine, music from local duo Tim & Ginny as well as traditional dance performances from Rince na Chroi Irish Dance Ensemble. Wear your favorite shade of green and come hungry, there will be loads of hearty Irish fare to whet the appetite too.

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

VEHICLE WRAPS

DS

LANYARDS & GAME BOAR

Rochester Microbrewery Trolley Tour Saturday March 11, 2017 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Saturday March 25, 2017 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS

By Cristeta Boarini

LARGE FORMAT VINY

L

With the craft beer boom sweeping the state, Rochester now has not just one, not two, but four local craft breweries to tickle the hop heads in your life. Why not sample the suds of all four of breweries Rochester has to offer in one fell – and scenic – swoop with Rochester Trolley & Tour Company? The trolley is fully heated, and stops at Forager Brewing Company, LTS Brewing Company, Kinney Creek Brewery and Grand Rounds Brew Pub. Perfect for a night out with friends new and old!

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

BUSINESS CARDS

507-583-7713 | www.kikgraphics.biz 110 Hwy Ave N, Blooming Prairie 28

M A R C H 2 0 1 7 | w w w. s o u t h e r N m I N n SCENE. c o m

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CONTINUED from page 27

Bowls and acoustic instruments that resonate with the body and its energy systems are combined to create relaxation, stillness, energy flow, and awareness to the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of our being. No effort is needed, just the opportunity to quiet the mind and open the heart. This allows for greater brain wave activity to reprogram past injuries and bring healing to the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of our being. *Pre-registration is required by Mar. 3 **Optional fee: $5 for CD. Payable to instructor at class.. .

Beginner Organic Gardening: 11-Mar, 1:00 PM, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, 28097 Goodview Dr, Lanesboro, $37 . Designed for the beginner, this class will give you the basics of plant biology in simple terms; discuss how to prepare your growing places, and how to choose the best garden for you. Upon completion of this class, youll have a list of possible produce to grow tailored to your own particular space and to the amount of time you want to devote to your garden. *Pre-registration is required

by Mar. 3.

Island Wings & Brew: 11-Mar, 5:00 PM, Treasure Island Resort & Casino, 5734 Strugeon Lake Road, Welch, $50-$75. Treasure Island Resort & Casino invites you to Island Wings & Brew on Saturday, March 11, 2017. This will be the ultimate throw down of craft beer creativity. Join us as we celebrate brewers who push the boundaries of brewing and share a sample with you. Minds will be blown. Palates will be inspired. Prepare for an epic craft beer experience at The Island. Not to be outdone, there will be several of the regions top wing masters sampling their tasty wings in flavor combinations that will astound you.

Be part of the Islands Choice Award & vote foryour favorite Wings & Brew! $50.00 General Admission Ticket: Entry + Sampling of Wings & Brews $75.00 VIP Ticket: Early Admission with Appetizer Reception (4:00PM) + Red Wing Pottery Commemorative Cup $20.00 Designated Driver Ticket: Entry + Sampling of Wings + Unlimited Soft Drinks Tickets available at www.ticasino.com/live-entertainment!

‘Honk! The Musical’: 11-Mar, 7:30 PM, Mantorville Opera House, 5th Street West, Mantorville, $17-$30.

Admission: Adults: $20; Students/Seniors/Children $17 SPECIAL COMBO: One Adult + One Child: $30.

The Mantorville Theatre Company announces its Feb

/ Mar production, ‘HONK! The Musical’ February 17 through March 12, 2017. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2:00 pm.

Winner of multiple awards, including the 2000 Olivier Award for Best Musical, this heartwarming celebration of being different is sure to delight audiences of all ages with its sparkling wit and memorable score! Ugly looks quite a bit different from his darling duckling brothers and sisters. The other animals on the farm are quick to notice and point this out, despite his mother’s protective flapping. Feeling rather foul about himself, the little fowl finds himself on an adventure of selfdiscovery, all the while unknowingly outwitting a very hungry Cat. Along the way, Ugly meets a whole flock of unique characters and finds out that being different is not a bad thing to be. Directed by Denise Ruemping, our show features the acting and singing talents of Aaron Budihas, Ella Ashlin, Hannah Brumfield, Anders Herfindahl-Quint, Karl Huppler, Patrick Quint, Denise Ruemping, Joseph Ruemping, Priscilla Ruemping, Sarah Schaller, Alexi Swintek, Briana Switalski, and Meeah Underbakke. Tickets are on sale now! Adults: $20; Reduced Rate (Children, Seniors, Students, etc) $17. SPECIAL OFFER: ‘ADULT + CHILD COMBO TICKET’ just $30! Please visit our web page at www. mantorvillain.com for more information and to

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 ca l e n d ar . G O TO w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l ic k + A d d a n E v ent

TWO GREAT EXPERIENCES, ONE GREAT LOCATION! Calendar Girls March 24, 25, 30, 31 - 7:30 p.m.

Sunday March 26 - 2:00 p.m.

Faribault, Paradise Center for the Arts

By Cristeta Boarini What wouldn’t you do for your best friend? In this sweet comedy based off the hit movie, some friends are willing to do – and show – a whole lot. When Annie’s husband dies of leukemia, she and her friends set out to raise funds for a local charity by posing for a calendar completely in the buff.

Positioned behind strategically placed flowers, cakes, and knitting projects, the women discover the beauty within themselves and one another. Perfect for a night out with your best gal pals, the Merlin Players’ production of “Calendar Girls” is sure to delight at the Paradise Center for the Arts.

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

purchase your tickets today! Get ready to shake off those winter blahs and enjoy a great family show at the Mantorville Theatre Company!

An Opera Affair: 11-Mar, 7:30 PM, Lourdes High School, 2800 19th St. NW, Rochester, $5-$30. Adults $20-$30, 18 & Under $5. Featuring the RSO Chorale and top area soloists.Verdi Prelude to La Traviata Wagner Ride of the Valkyries Borodin Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor Mozart Voyagers’ Chorus from Idomeneo Every heart will be pounding as the most dramatic moments of opera pour out one after another: the greatest wedding, grandest coronation, holiest hymn, rowdiest barn dance, and wildest party.

Top area soloists will join our Chorale for the best night at the opera Rochester has ever heard.

Horizontal Hero: 11-Mar, 7:30 PM, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave., Faribault, $12-$22.

Member: $17 | Non Member $22 | Student: $12.

Arena Rock Tribute Concert: back by popular demand.

This group opened the PCA’s Queen Tribute in 2016.

They bring the best of the big concert sound and feel . . . paying tribute to your favorite arena rock concerts like Journey, Foreigner, Deep Purple, Bon Jovi, Boston, Led Zeppelin Styx and more. Stay overnight at the Historic Hutchinson House B&B and receive two free tickets to this event!.

Rochester Repertory Theatre presents: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike: 11-Mar, 7:30 PM, Rochester Repertory Theatre, 103 Seventh Street NE, Rochester, $22 . Rochester Repertory Theatre presents: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike A Comedy by Christopher Durang Presented: March 10-11, 16-18, 23-25, 2017 at 7:30pm -- March 26 at 2pm Tickets: $22 (General Public) Seats are limited!

Please reserve in advance! Military Discounts, Senior Discounts, Student Rush, and Corporate Discounts available Call 507-289-1737 103 Seventh Street NE Rochester, Minnesota 55906 Synopsis: Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia live a quiet life in the Pennsylvania farmhouse where they grew up. But their peace is disturbed when their movie star sister Masha swoops in unannounced with her new twenty-something boy toy, Spike. Thus is launched a deliciously madcap weekend of rivalry, regret, and raucousness. A riotous, full-on comedy that will have you laughing out loud.

Winner of the Tony Award for Best Play. Contact: For Ticket information go to: Rochester Repertory Theatre Phone: 507-289-1Rep Director: Jeanne Skattum 507-250-3577.

Daisy Dillman Band: 11-Mar, 7:30 PM, Crossings, 320 East Ave, Zumbrota, $22-$25. The Daisy Dillman Band hold a well deserved seat at the table in Minnesota music history, with their original blend of driving country-rock and soaring vocals. For tickets go to www.crossingsatcarnegie.com or call 507-732-7616.

WEEK of March 12-18: ‘Honk! The Musical’: 12-Mar, 2:00 PM, Mantorville Opera House, 5th Street West, Mantorville, $17-$30. Admission: Adults: $20; Students/Seniors/ Children $17 SPECIAL COMBO: One Adult + One Child: $30. The Mantorville Theatre Company announces its Feb / Mar production, ‘HONK! The Musical’ February 17 through March 12, 2017.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Winner of multiple awards, including the 2000 Olivier Award for Best Musical, this heartwarming celebration of being different is sure to delight audiences of all ages with its sparkling wit and memorable score! Ugly looks quite a bit different from his darling duckling brothers and sisters.

The other animals on the farm are quick to notice and point this out, despite his mother’s protective flap-

ping. Feeling rather foul about himself, the little fowl finds himself on an adventure of self-discovery, all the while unknowingly outwitting a very hungry Cat. Along the way, Ugly meets a whole flock of unique characters and finds out that being different is not a bad thing to be. Directed by Denise Ruemping, our show features the acting and singing talents of Aaron Budihas, Ella Ashlin, Hannah Brumfield, Anders Herfindahl-Quint, Karl Huppler, Patrick Quint, Denise Ruemping, Joseph Ruemping, Priscilla Ruemping, Sarah Schaller, Alexi Swintek, Briana Switalski, and Meeah Underbakke. Tickets are on sale now! Adults: $20; Reduced Rate (Children, Seniors, Students, etc) $17. SPECIAL OFFER: ‘ADULT + CHILD COMBO TICKET’ just $30! Please visit our web page at www. mantorvillain.com for more information and to purchase your tickets today! Get ready to shake off those winter blahs and enjoy a great family show at the Mantorville Theatre Company!

An Opera Affair: 12-Mar, 2:00 PM, Lourdes High School, 2800 19th St. NW, Rochester, $5-$30. Adults $20-$30, 18 & Under $5. Featuring the RSO Chorale and top area soloists.Verdi Prelude to La Traviata Wagner Ride of the Valkyries Borodin Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor Mozart Voyagers’ Chorus from Idomeneo Every heart will be pounding as the most dramatic moments of opera pour out one after another: the greatest wedding, grandest coronation, holiest hymn, rowdiest barn dance, and wildest party.

Top area soloists will join our Chorale for the best night at the opera Rochester has ever heard.

God Wants You Well Bible Study: 13-Mar, 6:30 PM, Inspirational Technologies, Inc. Building, 1100 N. 4th Street, Le Sueur, Free. DVD series with Andrew Wommack, healing miracle testimonies, Bible study lessons, discussion, communion, prayer. Everyone invited. Led by Dorothy Von Lehe. Contact Dorothy at dvonlehe@mchsi.com or 507-665-6965.

Continuing T’ai Chi Chih - Spring 2017 - Group 1: 14-Mar, 8:45 AM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, $45 . Do you desire less stress in your daily life?

Consider circulating and balancing your inner energy of ‘chi’ in the peacefulness of Assisi Heights. The form is composed of 19 easy, slow moving meditative movements and one pose, a practice done by people around the world. T’ai Chi Chih is adaptable and it benefits persons with any physical condition of any age. It can be done standing or seated and requires no special equipment or dress. Other benefits include greater flexibility, better health, evident serenity and increased joy. The continuing class will work on questions of form for about 15 minutes, followed by the full practice session with the group. This practice helps improve the body’s natural healing abilities.

This is an 8 session series, not a drop-in session.

Class meets: March 14, 21, 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25 and May 2. Registration Required.

Beginning T’ai Chi Chih - Spring 2017: 14-Mar, 10:00 AM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, $50 . Do you desire less stress in your daily life? Consider circulating and balancing your inner energy of ‘chi’ in the peacefulness of Assisi Heights. The form is composed of 19 easy, slow moving meditative movements and one pose. This practice is performed by people around the world. T’ai Chi Chih is adaptable and it benefits persons with any physical condition or at any age. It can be done standing or seated and requires no special dress or equipment. Other benefits include greater flexibility, better health, evident serenity and increased joy. In the beginner’s class, you will learn and practice all 19 movements and the final pose in 8 weeks. This workshop is an 8 session series and meets March 14,

21, 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25 and May 2. This is not a drop-in class. Registration Required.

Happiness - A Book Discussion: 15-Mar, 2:00 PM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, $20 . We all yearn for happiness and some search for it in fame and fortune. Others look for it in job success. Still others are driven to possessions both expensive and numerous, all to find happiness elusive. Sister Joan Chittister suggests, in her book Happiness, that it is a personal quality to be learned and mastered. She rummages through sociology, biology, neurology, philosophy and world history to explore the meaning of happiness. This book is meant for both discussion and reflection. This workshop is a 5 session series, not a drop-in class.

Registration required.

An Inspirational Lenten Concert: 15-Mar, 6:30 PM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, Donations Requested. Luke Spehar is a Minnesota born song writer, guitarist and vocalist who crafts Christian/folk music with his intricate finger picking style and lyrics that lures the listener deeper into the dynamic journey of life searching for the presence of God. He finds inspiration from the simple natural beauty of creation as well as common human experiences. Bring your family and friends, for an evening with Luke, as he shares his stories and songs that will enrich your Lenten journey. Registration Required.

Continuing T’ai Chi Chih - Spring 2017 - Group 2: 16-Mar, 6:00 PM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, $45 . Do you desire less stress in your daily life?

Consider circulating and balancing your inner energy of ‘chi’ in the peacefulness of Assisi Heights. The form is composed of 19 easy, slow moving meditative movements and one pose, a practice done by people around the world. T’ai Chi Chih is adaptable and it benefits persons with any physical condition of any age. It can be done standing or seated and requires no special equipment or dress. Other benefits include greater flexibility, better health, evident serenity and increased joy. The continuing class will work on questions of form for about 15 minutes, followed by the full practice session with the group. This practice helps improve the body’s natural healing abilities.

This is an 8 session series, not a drop-in session.

Class meets: March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13, 20,27 and May 4. Registration Required.

Livingston Taylor: 16-Mar, 7:30 PM, Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, 1000 Shumway Ave., Faribault, $12-$20. Back when he was just 13, Livingston Taylor picked up his first guitar, and began a forty-year career of songwriting, performing, recording, and teaching that continues today. Raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina where his father was a dean at UNC, Livingston comes from a musical family that includes siblings Alex, James, Kate and Hugh. His top forty hits include I Will Be in Love with You and Ill Come Running, among others. His songs I Can Dream of You and Boatman were both recorded by his brother James. Livingstons creative output has continued unabated. His musical knowledge has inspired a varied repertoire, and he is equally at home with a range of musical genresfolk, pop, gospel, jazzand from upbeat storytelling to touching ballads. * This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota State Arts Board through the arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the Legacy Amendment vote of the people of Minnesota.

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

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Madeleine Peyroux and Rickie Lee Jones Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.

Burnsville, Ames Center Music

By Cristeta Boarini Fresh off a tour that ranges from Edinburgh to Muscat, jazz and blues veteran Madeleine Peyroux joins forces with two-time Grammy winner Rickie Lee Jones for an unforgettable night of harmony and soul at Burnsville’s Ames Center. With Peyroux’s new album “Secular Hymns” garnering rave reviews for its “mélange of funk, blues and jazz,” partnered with Jones’ classics like “Chuck E.’s in Love,” you’ll be toe-tapping and grooving all evening. Don’t miss out on this rare chance to catch these two leading ladies sharing the stage!

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

John McCutcheon / Crossings / Zumbrota

CONTINUED

Rochester Repertory Theatre presents: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike: 16-Mar, 7:30 PM, Rochester Repertory Theatre, 103 Seventh Street NE, Rochester, $22 . Rochester Repertory Theatre

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on Third

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presents: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike A Comedy by Christopher Durang Presented: March 10-11, 16-18, 23-25, 2017 at 7:30pm -- March 26 at 2pm Tickets: $22 (General Public) Seats are limited!

Please reserve in advance! Military Discounts, Senior Discounts, Student Rush, and Corporate Discounts available Call 507-289-1737 103 Seventh Street NE Rochester, Minnesota 55906 Synopsis: Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia live a quiet life in the Pennsylvania farmhouse where they grew up. But their peace is disturbed when their movie star sister Masha swoops in unannounced with her new twenty-something boy toy, Spike. Thus is launched a deliciously madcap weekend of rivalry, regret, and raucousness. A riotous, full-on comedy that will have you laughing out loud.

Winner of the Tony Award for Best Play. Contact: For Ticket information go to: Rochester Repertory Theatre Phone: 507-289-1Rep Director: Jeanne Skattum 507-250-3577.

Rochester Repertory Theatre presents: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike: 17-Mar, 7:30 PM, Rochester Repertory Theatre, 103 Seventh Street NE, Rochester, $22 . Rochester Repertory Theatre presents: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike A Comedy by Christopher Durang Presented: March 10-11, 16-18, 23-25, 2017 at 7:30pm -- March 26 at 2pm Tickets: $22 (General Public) Seats are limited!

Please reserve in advance! Military Discounts, Senior Discounts, Student Rush, and Corporate Discounts available Call 507-289-1737 103 Seventh Street NE Rochester, Minnesota 55906 Synopsis: Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia live a quiet life in the Pennsylvania farmhouse where they grew up. But their peace is disturbed when their movie star sister Masha swoops in unannounced with her new twenty-something boy toy, Spike. Thus is launched a deliciously madcap weekend of rivalry, regret, and raucousness. A riotous, full-on comedy that will have you laughing out loud.

Winner of the Tony Award for Best Play. Contact: For Ticket information go to: Rochester Repertory Theatre Phone: 507-289-1Rep Director: Jeanne Skattum 507-250-3577.

Rosemount High School Art and Craft Fair: 18-Mar, 9:00 AM, Rosemount High School, 3335 142nd Street W, Rosemount, Free. Come for a great day of shopping at the RHS Art & Craft Fair! Over 150 vendors, bake sale, concessions. Free admission.

Sponsored by the RHS Class of 2017 Senior Class Party Commitee.

Is It Spring Yet? Craft & Vendor Event: 18-Mar, 9:00 AM, National Guard Armory Cottage Grove, 8180 Belden Blvd,, Cottage Grove, Free. Is It Spring Yet? Craft & Vendor Event Saturday, March 18 at 9 AM - 3 PM Cottage Grove National Guard Armory 8180 Belden Blvd, Cottage Grove, Minnesota 55016 https:// www.facebook.com/events/1779951832242644 TS BEEN A LONG WINTER IS IT SPRING YET? **Join us on March 18th 2017 at the Cottage Grove Armory for a Craft and Vendor event with up to 70 vendors. ***Enjoy FREE ADMISSION and once inside you will find, upcycled and handmade items from talented artists as well as many Direct Sales Representatives to choose from. So bring your friends, bring your family.

Tell everyone you know. ** First 50 Attendees to visit our event will receive a gift bag with things to welcome spring . Lets ring in SPRING together we cant wait to see you!!!

The Art of Meditation: A Way of Contemplative Prayer: 18-Mar, 9:00 AM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, $10 . Meditation

on Third

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is a form of prayer, moving beyond thoughts, words and images. It is an exercise of finding God’s mysterious presence in our most silent self. Join others who sit together in silent meditation. Registration Required.

Fashionable Recycling: 18-Mar, 1:00 PM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, $30 . Believe it! Give your old bags a second life as a new bag. Recycle bags with the help of Mag! Sister Marguerite Gaasch (Mag) is a retired elementary teacher. In the fall of 2012, she began making purses out of recycled bags. Since them, she has created over 230 bags. They are sold in the Assisi Heights Gift Shop as MAG’S BAGS. If you are interested in taking this class, we suggest you start saving all kinds of bags (chip bags, cereal bags, bags from cookies, crackers, etc.) or collect them from the neighbors! Cut off the top and bottom edges, and cut up the seam so that you have a flat sheet of paper.

Wash and dry these papers and bring your supply to the first class on March 18, 2017. We will meet on March 18, 25 and April 1. This is a 3 session series, not a drop-in class. Class is limited to 10 attendees.

Registration Required.

Genealogy Class - Online Family History Research: 18-Mar, 2:00 PM, Blue Earth County Historical Society History Center, 424 Warren Street, Mankato, $5-$8. $8 - Adults $5 - BECHS Members.

Join us at the Blue Earth County Historical Society for a genealogy class series. This class is the third part of the series and will cover different sources that can be used online for your research. Throughout the series, we will cover proper citations as well. The first hour will be lecture style and the second hour will be dedicated to questions, discussion and doing your own research. Class sizes are limited to 16 people each session. The cost for the class is $8/session for non-members or $20 for the entire series and $5/session for members or $12 for all three. Please register by calling 507-345-5566 or emailing Research@ blueearthcountyhistory.com.

Rochester Repertory Theatre presents: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike: 18-Mar, 7:30 PM, Rochester Repertory Theatre, 103 Seventh Street NE, Rochester, $22 . Rochester Repertory Theatre presents: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike A Comedy by Christopher Durang Presented: March 10-11, 16-18, 23-25, 2017 at 7:30pm -- March 26 at 2pm Tickets: $22 (General Public) Seats are limited!

Please reserve in advance! Military Discounts, Senior Discounts, Student Rush, and Corporate Discounts available Call 507-289-1737 103 Seventh Street NE Rochester, Minnesota 55906 Synopsis: Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia live a quiet life in the Pennsylvania farmhouse where they grew up. But their peace is disturbed when their movie star sister Masha swoops in unannounced with her new twenty-something boy toy, Spike. Thus is launched a deliciously madcap weekend of rivalry, regret, and raucousness. A riotous, full-on comedy that will have you laughing out loud.

Winner of the Tony Award for Best Play. Contact: For Ticket information go to: Rochester Repertory Theatre Phone: 507-289-1Rep Director: Jeanne Skattum 507-250-3577.

WEEK of March 19-31: God Wants You Well Bible Study: 20-Mar, 6:30 PM, Inspirational Technologies, Inc. Building, 1100 N. 4th Street, Le Sueur, Free. DVD series with Andrew Wommack, healing miracle testimonies, Bible study lessons, discussion, communion, prayer. Everyone invited. Led by Dorothy Von Lehe. Contact Dorothy at dvonlehe@mchsi.com or 507-665-6965.

Pathways to Holiness: 20-Mar, 6:30 PM, Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, $15 . The Pathways to Holiness class will focus on the lives of several Catholic sains of the 19th, 20th and 21st Centuries. Each class will focus on one or two ‘saints’ and sharing what we have found in our own life journeys. This class will meet on March 20 and April 3, 2017. Registration Required.

Rochester Repertory Theatre presents: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike: 23-Mar, 7:30 PM, Rochester Repertory Theatre, 103 Seventh Street NE, Rochester, $22 . Rochester Repertory Theatre presents: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike A Comedy by Christopher Durang Presented: March 10-11, 16-18, 23-25, 2017 at 7:30pm -- March 26 at 2pm Tickets: $22 (General Public) Seats are limited!

Please reserve in advance! Military Discounts, Senior Discounts, Student Rush, and Corporate Discounts available Call 507-289-1737 103 Seventh Street NE Rochester, Minnesota 55906 Synopsis: Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia live a quiet life in the Pennsylvania farmhouse where they grew up. But their peace is disturbed when their movie star sister Masha swoops in unannounced with her new twenty-something boy toy, Spike. Thus is launched a deliciously madcap weekend of rivalry, regret, and raucousness. A riotous, full-on comedy that will have you laughing out loud.

Winner of the Tony Award for Best Play. Contact: For Ticket information go to: Rochester Repertory Theatre Phone: 507-289-1Rep Director: Jeanne Skattum 507-250-3577.

Calendar Girls: 24-Mar, 7:30 PM, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave., Faribault, $15-$25.

When Annies husband dies of leukemia, she and

her friends set out to raise funds for a local charity by posing for a calendar completely in the buff.

Positioned behind strategically placed flowers, cakes, and knitting projects, the women discover the beauty within themselves and one another. The calendar is an international sensation bringing unrest to the women.

Based on the hit movie. Stay overnight at the Historic Hutchinson House B&B and receive two free tickets to this event!

Rochester Repertory Theatre presents: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike: 24-Mar, 7:30 PM, Rochester Repertory Theatre, 103 Seventh Street NE, Rochester, $22 . Rochester Repertory Theatre presents: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike A Comedy by Christopher Durang Presented: March 10-11, 16-18, 23-25, 2017 at 7:30pm -- March 26 at 2pm Tickets: $22 (General Public) Seats are limited!

Please reserve in advance! Military Discounts, Senior Discounts, Student Rush, and Corporate Discounts available Call 507-289-1737 103 Seventh Street NE Rochester, Minnesota 55906 Synopsis: Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia live a quiet life in the Pennsylvania farmhouse where they grew up. But their peace is disturbed when their movie star sister Masha swoops in unannounced with her new twenty-something boy toy, Spike. Thus is launched a deliciously madcap weekend of rivalry, regret, and raucousness. A riotous, full-on comedy that will have you laughing out loud.

Winner of the Tony Award for Best Play. Contact: For Ticket information go to: Rochester Repertory Theatre Phone: 507-289-1Rep Director: Jeanne Skattum 507-250-3577.

Hosanna’s Pantry: 25-Mar, 9:00 AM, Hosanna Lutheran Church, 2815 57th St NW, Rochester, Free.

Hosanna’s Pantry is a satellite food shelf of Channel One food bank in Rochester. A photo ID is required.

Coffee and treats are served while you wait to shop.

Women of Mayo: Living the Tribute: 25-Mar, 4:30 PM, Mayowood Mansion, 3720 Mayowood Rd SW, Rochester, $100 . Join us for a delightful evening of education and entertainment at the newly renovated Mayowood mansion. Throughout the evening you will meet many of the brilliant and dedicated women from the earliest years of the Mayo Clinic. Begin your experience by relaxing over an elegant catered dinner, provided by Canadian Honker of Rochester. Enjoy dessert as you become an important character from Mayos formative years with a table of historic friends in a guided conversation. After eating, you will have the opportunity to tour the rest of the mansion at your leisure and meet several historic figures featured in the book Women of Mayo Clinic: The Founding Generation by Virginia M. Wright-Peterson. Please consider joining us for this exclusive event celebrating the crucial early contributions women made to the creation of the Mayo Clinic while raising funds for textile collection care and the preservation of the Mayowood collection. Tickets go on sale January 15, 2017 - Reservations required. Seating times: 4:30, 5:30, 6:30pm Cost: minimum donation of $100 per person Attire: Business, Cocktail Contact Aleta Maccini with questions or to make a reservation. events@ olmstedhistory.com OR 507-282-9447.

Calendar Girls: 25-Mar, 7:30 PM, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave., Faribault, $15-$25.

When Annies husband dies of leukemia, she and her friends set out to raise funds for a local charity by posing for a calendar completely in the buff.

Positioned behind strategically placed flowers, cakes, and knitting projects, the women discover the beauty within themselves and one another. The calendar is an international sensation bringing unrest to the women.

Based on the hit movie. Stay overnight at the Historic Hutchinson House B&B and receive two free tickets to this event!

Rochester Repertory Theatre presents: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike: 25-Mar, 7:30 PM, Rochester Repertory Theatre, 103 Seventh Street NE, Rochester, $22 . Rochester Repertory Theatre presents: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike A Comedy by Christopher Durang Presented: March 10-11, 16-18, 23-25, 2017 at 7:30pm -- March 26 at 2pm Tickets: $22 (General Public) Seats are limited!

Please reserve in advance! Military Discounts, Senior Discounts, Student Rush, and Corporate Discounts available Call 507-289-1737 103 Seventh Street NE Rochester, Minnesota 55906 Synopsis: Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia live a quiet life in the Pennsylvania farmhouse where they grew up. But their peace is disturbed when their movie star sister Masha swoops in unannounced with her new twenty-something boy toy, Spike. Thus is launched a deliciously madcap weekend of rivalry, regret, and raucousness. A riotous, full-on comedy that will have you laughing out loud.

Winner of the Tony Award for Best Play. Contact: For Ticket information go to: Rochester Repertory Theatre Phone: 507-289-1Rep Director: Jeanne Skattum 507-250-3577.

Calendar Girls: 26-Mar, 2:00 PM, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave., Faribault, $15-$25.

When Annies husband dies of leukemia, she and her friends set out to raise funds for a local charity by posing for a calendar completely in the buff.

Positioned behind strategically placed flowers, cakes, and knitting projects, the women discover the beauty within themselves and one another. The calendar is an international sensation bringing unrest to the women.

Based on the hit movie. Stay overnight at the Historic Hutchinson House B&B and receive two free tickets to this event!

Rochester Repertory Theatre presents: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike: 26-Mar, 2:30 PM, Rochester Repertory Theatre, 103 Seventh Street NE, Rochester, $22 . Rochester Repertory Theatre presents: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike A Comedy by Christopher Durang Presented: March 10-11, 16-18, 23-25, 2017 at 7:30pm -- March 26 at 2pm Tickets: $22 (General Public) Seats are limited!

Please reserve in advance! Military Discounts, Senior Discounts, Student Rush, and Corporate Discounts available Call 507-289-1737 103 Seventh Street NE Rochester, Minnesota 55906 Synopsis: Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia live a quiet life in the Pennsylvania farmhouse where they grew up. But their peace is disturbed when their movie star sister Masha swoops in unannounced with her new twenty-something boy toy, Spike. Thus is launched a deliciously madcap weekend of rivalry, regret, and raucousness. A riotous, full-on comedy that will have you laughing out loud.

Winner of the Tony Award for Best Play. Contact: For Ticket information go to: Rochester Repertory Theatre Phone: 507-289-1Rep Director: Jeanne Skattum 507-250-3577.

John McCutcheon: 26-Mar, 7:00 PM, Crossings, 320 East Ave, Zumbrota, $25-$28. John McCutcheon brings his timeless traditional and well-loved original music to Crossings. A superb instrumentalist able to play the hammered dulcimer as easily as the banjo, the nyckelharpa as well as the guitar, McCutcheon adds in his voice and expert storytelling skills. Its little wonder audiences flock to see him perform, whether hes playing classic folk tunes or childrens music. For tickets go to www.crossingsatcarnegie.com or call 507-732-7616.

God Wants You Well Bible Study: 27-Mar, 6:30 PM, Inspirational Technologies, Inc. Building, 1100 N. 4th Street, Le Sueur, Free. DVD series with Andrew Wommack, healing miracle testimonies, Bible study lessons, discussion, communion, prayer. Everyone invited. Led by Dorothy Von Lehe. Contact Dorothy at dvonlehe@mchsi.com or 507-665-6965.

Timberdoodles, Sky Dancers, & Woodcocks!: 28-Mar, 7:00 PM, Quarry Hill Nature Center, 701 Silver Creek Rd NE, Rochester, Free. Spend an evening in Minnesotas spring woods watching the flight of the woodcock and youll never forget the experience. But first you need to know where to go. This talk by Greg Hoch from the Minnesota DNR will cover Woodcock biology, habitat and habitat management. Plus, its a great preview for our annual Woodcock Walk coming up in April!

Cooking Well For Kidney Health: 29-Mar, 11:00 AM, Mayo Clinic Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center, 565 First Street SW, Rochester, Free. You are invited to attend a FREE, fun and interactive event exclusively for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients and family members! Please call 507-293-2966 to reserve a space in the class. The day of the class parking is available at Damon and Graham parking ramps for a nominal fee, with parking vouchers to cover the cost from class instructors. Street parking with meters is also available. Once you are parked come on up to the 5th floor of the Dan Abraham Healthy Living center to learn how to cook well for kidney health.

Calendar Girls: 30-Mar, 7:30 PM, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave., Faribault, $15-$25. When Annies husband dies of leukemia, she and her friends set out to raise funds for a local charity by posing for a calendar completely in the buff.

Positioned behind strategically placed flowers, cakes, and knitting projects, the women discover the beauty within themselves and one another. The calendar is an international sensation bringing unrest to the women.

Based on the hit movie. Stay overnight at the Historic Hutchinson House B&B and receive two free tickets to this event!

Calendar Girls: 31-Mar, 7:30 PM, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave., Faribault, $15-$25.

When Annies husband dies of leukemia, she and her friends set out to raise funds for a local charity by posing for a calendar completely in the buff.

Positioned behind strategically placed flowers, cakes, and knitting projects, the women discover the beauty within themselves and one another. The calendar is an international sensation bringing unrest to the women.

Based on the hit movie. Stay overnight at the Historic Hutchinson House B&B and receive two free tickets to this event!

Lucy Kaplansky: 31-Mar, 7:30 PM, Crossings, 320 East Ave, Zumbrota, $24-$28. Lucy Kaplansky is more of a psychologist than most singers in fact, she holds an MD in the field. The acclaimed artist who once left a budding music career to pursue psychology now has seven solo albums to her name. For tickets go to www. crossingsatcarnegie.com or call 507-732-7616.

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Minnesota farmers, dependent on exports, keep close watch on President-elect’s policy

By MARK STEIL

Minnesota Public Radio News

Brad Nelson, a farmer who lives near Albert Lea, voted for Donald Trump last month. The 58-yearold agreed with the president-elect on many issues, like cutting regulations on agriculture and reducing health care costs.

But Trump also threatened sharply higher tariffs on Chinese products, once saying that “China is ripping us off like nobody has ever seen.”

However, Minnesota farmers like Nelson count

on billions of dollars in exports to overseas markets — especially to China. “Our exports to China obviously have exploded the last 10 or 15 years,” said Nelson.

If Trump really goes after China, the likely retaliation could hurt U.S. farmers. Now, they’re waiting to see what the Trump administration actually does.

Rural Minnesota voted resoundingly for Trump, even though the candidate hammered trade deals as a centerpiece of his campaign.

Those deals can be crucial for farmers’ livelihoods.

“Without access to the export market, we’d be in some trouble,” said Joel Wiering, grain manager at the CHS terminal in the southwest Minnesota town of Ruthton.

About 60 percent of the soybeans moving through the Ruthton elevator this year — about $30 million worth — will wind up overseas. That’s just a drop in the bucket compared to the over $2 billion soybean exports bring to Minnesota’s agricultural economy each year.

Minnesota has been approved for a third federal See LEVY on 6A disaster assistance program after September’s flooding, officials announced Thursday.

The U.S. Small Business Administration will offer Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans in seven Minnesota counties, including Rice, and Economic Injury Disaster Loans in many others, according to a SBA press release. another weekday, teaching the religious in terms of the message The same SBA announcement comeswith after the Fedof Christ,” she said. “We are no music to both groups eral Emergency Agency declared the different than those incarcerated. the overallManagement goal of getting together region eligible for Public Assistance funds, which We all need saving.” for a concert in December. compensateThe damage public For Shelby and Faribault choirtohas seenproperty steadyand infrastructure, in early November. time, the regrowth since it beganAt sixthat years prison Chaplain David Swagger, quest for Individual to homes a unifying message is at the heart ago, and it setAssistance a new record this and businesses of why this event has continued in was yeardenied. with 41.

Gov. Mark Dayton’s appealed that “There is anadministration element of cuthis form for six years. denial on Nov. 16, citing more list riosity to it,” he asaid ofcomprehensive why he Shelby met Swagger when of damaged properties as well as the approaching he was invited to attend a bible believes so many people sign onset ofup. winter, with many furnaces damstudy at the prison. After becom“I usually findhomes’ that there agedif bycould the floods. ing acquainted, Swagger asked already be the thought Earlier this week, following thethat appeal, it was Shelby could fill in for him with planted in their minds homes and businesses would the prison choir during hisannounced va- theyMinnesota wanted to do something be eligible for Individual cation. at the prison orAssistance volunteerfunds. in Steele County Emergency Mike Johnson “He asked me if I would be some way, they justManager never did said thatanything decision triggered interested in directing the prison about it.”the SBA announcement.

“We hadFor to Anderson, get the Individual Assistance to get choir on Sundays,” said Shelby. a veteran of “I told him I was interested, but the choir, reaching out to prisI couldn’t do something likeVol.oners “hope and joy at WEATHER 103, No.with 239 ©2016 that because I was already busy Christmastime,” is paramount 32 • 23 on Sundays. We began thinking to her annually renewed comoutside of the box at that point.” mitment to the collaboration.

Together, the two men came She has also seen that more and up with the idea that Shelby more people find the experience would work with the prison choir rewarding.

INDEX on one weekday, and then work with his own congregation on See CHOIR on 6A

Faribault prison, Dundas church create unique choir collaboration

By GUNNAR OLSON

A group of incarcerated individuals and a congregation from Dundas have discovered the parallels between their lives through singing.

Rejoice! Church, a congregation just off of Hwy. 3 in Dundas, has 41 participants in its Christmas Choir this holiday season.

The other 13 members of the choir are inmates at the Minnesota Department of CorrectionsFaribault.

For the last eight weeks, Pat Shelby, the worship director at Rejoice!, has spent his Tuesday nights working with part of his choir at Rejoice! On Wednesdays, he spends time working with the members who reside at the prison.

The culmination of these months of practice will be Dec. 9 at 7 p.m., where the choir will meet, altogether, and perform for a crowd of incarcerated individuals at the prison.

Vol. 140, No. 49 ©2016

Offenders who are in the Faribault prison’s choir sing along with the choir members from Rejoice! Church during their Christmas concert. The choir has seen steady growth since it began six years ago. (Daily News file photos)

According to Karen Anderson, everyone together in an upbeat, for all members of the choir, but the message is the unifya five-year member of Rejoice! contemporary style.

For Anderson, the tone of ing force.

Church’s Christmas and Joyful “The music is secular, but also Noise choirs, the music brings the music is fun and exciting

‘With Thinking Fingers’

Researcher looks to St. Peter, southern Minn. for answers on osteopathic doctor

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By NANCY MADSEN

nmadsen@stpeterherald.com

By NANCY MADSEN

St. Peter Public Schools continues to see fewer school-age children attend parochial schools or homeschools.

From a peak of 177 district students opting for private educational offerings throughout the region during the 2011-12 year, just 116 have chosen other options during 2016-17.

“It tends to speak well for the quality of programming that St. Peter Schools provides,” Superintendent Paul Peterson said. “We don’t see ourselves in competition with the parochial schools.”

The board accepted the compulsory attendance record for the year during its Nov. 21 meeting.

If religious content is important to parents, the public school district can’t offer that, he said.

He sees value in the choices parents are allowed in St. Peter.

John Ireland, which offers classes through sixth grade, continues to have the most parochial students from the district, with 52. That is down from 94 students in 2012-13, but one more than last year. St. Peter Lutheran, which offers classes through eighth grade, has 38, down from a high of 49 in 2011-12 but up one from last year.

Twelve students in the district are homeschooling this year, down from 14 last year.

Other private schools in the region have much smaller numbers of St. Peter district students: Loyola Catholic Schools in Mankato has six, Trinity Lutheran in Nicollet has four, Minnesota Valley Lutheran near New Ulm and Immanuel Lutheran in Mankato each have two.

“Over the years, we have tried to listen really carefully to families,” Peterson said. “We know people are looking for specific programming, activities and experiences.”

Only eight students are in parochial schools or homeschooled during the high school years, ninth through 12th grade. Another eight are in seventh and eighth grade.

“It’s more a reflection of what our teachers do with kids,” he said. “It shows families know their kids are treated well, the parents feel good and there’s a quality education in our public system.”

In other action, the board approved a contract for lifts in the new high school during its meeting Nov. 21. Premier Lift Products, Owatonna, was the lowest bidder for two lifts. One will be in the special education rooms for students and costs $25,860; the other will be in the orchestra pit and will cost $32,400.

nmadsen@stpeterherald.com

Jane Stark visited St. Peter on a mission.

She was looking for any information on William Garner Sutherland, one of three “founding fathers” of osteopathic medicine. Sutherland lived in St. Peter from the 1930s to 1950 while married to his second wife, Adah, a native of St. Peter. of its With the announcement of its closure later this month, the Children’s exchange in downtown Faribault must now move the entirety Stark is working on a biography inventory by Dec. 31. (Gunnar Olson/Daily News) of Sutherland, who spent most of his life anchored in southern Minnesota.

He was born in 1873 and died in 1954, of what Stark believes to be complications from diabetes. At the time, the Sutherlands had retired to southern California.

Stark, an osteopathic doctor who treats patients in Milton, Ontario, became interested in Sutherland after

By GUNNAR OLSON years old and to have her husband press the send off and said she may change those see them at twopublishing her three thesis on the founder to see themAndrew grow Taylor Still. button after typing the announce- savings toward the middle of the years old … I get golson@faribault.com of osteopathy, I’llere miss. ment. month because, as she said, “every- up and that is what“Th wereSeeing three main characters their happy faces day.” Still, Sutherland and “I’m sad that it’s going to go,” she thing must go.” he owner of The Children’s in every osteopathy, The store will leave behind a Robinson said thatJohn’ her time runExchange, a downtown said. “I don’t want to, but I kind of ‘Little Martin, ” she said.

34-year legacy that began with Sue ning the shop was,Still “a lot of fun, ” asphysical manipuFaribault store, will be closing its have to.” sought to use Her reasoning for closing the Chavie in 1982. After Chavie retired she offered a shopping experience doors at year-end. lation as an alternative to medicines. can both Kimberley Robinson, the owner shop is a confluence of more local years ago, the store was purchased where kids andAtparents the time, doctors owned their own Osteopathic doctor William Garner Sutherland, left, and second wife, Adah, who was a St. Peter native, pose in of the store located at 114 Central competition and some personal by Kieran Nystrom, who sold it to enjoy themselves. pharmacies and would put harmful or this photo. (Courtesy of Nicollet County Historical Society archives) “The one thing I always did was Robinson just a year later.

Ave., announced the decision in a health problems. addictive elements into drugs to make “There is too much competition At the helm for the last two years, when the momspatients came in,return, they would Facebook post Wednesday evening.

Stark told a group at baby and goCounty shop,” Historical Soci- but his family lived in Mapleton most which means he was pretty athletic.” skull, trying to prove those bones did The store sells new and used ever since the Goodwill came in,” Robinson knows which part she will hand me their the Nicollet said Robinson.ety“I during would her sit visit. thereStill thought the of his life. Sutherland started working clothing for adults and children as she said. “It stopped the flow of cus- miss the most.

She found more information not move. tomers.”

“I’m going to miss seeing the and spoil the baby well as toys, movies and books. bodyand hadplay. all it” needed to heal itself and in a career very different from medicine about his work at the Mapleton EnFor now, Robinson has marked kids grow up,” she said. “I see baFor Robinson, the decision was manipulation could allow free flow of — as a pressman and later journalist terprise, where he evidently had a Sutherland in osteopathy See exChANGe oncould 3A occur. a tough one, admitting that she had everything in the store 30 percent bies when they come in and then to fluids so healing for papers, first in South Dakota, then position of authority, and about his He moved several times after his Sutherland developed the cranial in Minnesota, including the St. Paul siblings. graduation in 1900. But in 1905, he approach for treating patients, which Pioneer Press, Mapleton Enterprise and Sutherland heard about osteopathy had a practice in Mapleton and marinvolves manipulating the joints and Austin’s Daily Herald. as a reporter and went to Still’s Ameri- ried Bertha Cavett. The couple had one bones in the skill. From his theory Stark’s said the gold mine of infor- can School of Osteopathy in Kirksville, daughter, Alice. Mother and daughter developed craniosacral therapy, an al- mation on Sutherland was in Maple- Missouri, in 1898. The school is now left Sutherland in 1920. ternative therapy. These therapies and ton, where she found never-before known as A.T. Still University. While Sutherland brought his practice to the underlying theory remain contro- published pictures of Sutherland, his at the college, he noticed the beveling Mankato in 1914 and worked on his How to REgIStER FoR aSSIStaNCEversial, as studies supporting the move- parents’ gravesites and personal infor- of skull bones, which even among os- experiments. He would make contrapment of skull bones have been decried mation. teopathic practitioners were considered tions to squeeze his own head, “almost Officials have announced the necessary rigor. as lacking “I found he advertised selling a unmovable. He wrote they were “bev- to the point of losing consciousness,” registration process for Individual harness, which means he owned a eled, like the gills of a fish,” which sug- Stark said.

Assistance for homeowners affected bybackground Sutherland’s horse,” she said. “Once he was riding gested breathing movement. A decade the flooding that occurred Sutherland on Sept. 21 was born in Wisconsin, a bicycle from Mapleton to Waseca, later, he began experimenting with the See OSTEOPATH on 6A to 24, 2016.

Home owners can now register for disaster assistance two ways: 1. WEB: www.DisasterAssistance.gov 2. PHONE: 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY: 800-462-7585 (711/Video Relay

By NANCY MADSEN Part of the reason is to expose because it opens up a potentially Service) students to as many activities as lifelong activity and it starts most Have this information nmadsen@stpeterherald.com ready when you possible. students on the same footing. apply: Martha Wavrin is no ordinary “You just plant the seed and “They don’t have the precon• Social Security number (one per PE teacher. see where it goes,” she said. ceived notions,” she said. household) A retention wall built for this reason holds back water from a portion of the Faribault Cheese usesor physical education The other reason is to allow School Principal Colleen • Address of the damagedShe home Caves. (Gunnar Olson/Daily News) classes at John Ireland School to different children to excel.

Wenner is enthusiastic about Wavrin apartment introduce students from kinder“With basketball and foot- teaching a wide range of activities. the SBA [funding],” he said. “Originally we were ers who were affected locally, though she said there • Description of the damage ball, a lot of kids have already “She’s always bringing in new garten to sixth grade to a wide denied, but once you get [Individual Assistance], could be more out there.

• Information about insurance had experience and kids know ideas and ways that kids can be fit range of activities. you become SBA eligible.”

SBA will offer loans of up to $2 million for busicoverage “As an adult, you have to or who’s good at them,” Wavrin said. and have fun,” Wenner said.

Rice County was much more fortunate in terms of nesses and nonprofits and $200,000 for homeown• Telephone number happen to be a person who likes “Other activities give other kids Wenner praised Wavrin’s damage when compared to Waseca County and the ers. Johnson said the SBA funds serve a comple• Mailing address to be active and move,” Wavrin the chance to rise up.”

Walk-Jog-Run program, which is city of Albert Lea, according to Rice County Emer- mentary function to FEMA’s Individual Assistance.

• Bank account and routing numbers said. “Or, you happen to enjoy the Skiing is one of the favorite a voluntary activity during recess. gency Management Director Jennifer Hauer-Schmitz. for direct deposit of funds activity.” units. Someone donated 20 sets of Students each get a punch She has only heard from a handful of homeownSee ASSiStANCe on 3A Wavrin has been at John Ireskis and boots. The youngest stu- card, which is punched once per dents start with one ski and they quarter-mile lap. land for four years. She and her CALL US E-MAIL US MOBILE family have been in Minnesota for learn “mostly through games.”

“I try to emphasize fitness as a Southern Minn Media Delivery 333-3111 circulation@faribault.com 20 years and she previously taught They play tag games and a game habit,” Wavrin said. “I encourage Daily 3....................................8-5-5 Mobile App: iPhone and them to do one lap each time.” at St. Anne’s Catholic School, Le like ultimate frisbee on skis.

Newsroom 333-3134 editor@faribault.com Northstar...................7-14-16-26-30 Android versions now Sueur. She grew up in New Jer“Without even thinking about At the end of the year, she Classifieds 333-3123 classified@southernminn.com available for download sey and also taught in Alaska Martha Wavrin, physical education teacher at John Ireland it first, they are learning balanc- gives awards for the student who and Kansas as her family moved School, punches holes in cards to track the number of laps ing,” Wavrin said. is most consistent about exercisaround.

Each year she builds on the ing and does the most laps, and students have done in the Walk-Jog-Run program. (Nancy LOCAL 2A-3A // OPINION 4A // RECORDS 5A // COMMUNITY 6A // SCENE 7A // SPORTS 1B-3B, 8B // CLASSIFIEDS 5B-7B previous years’ skills. “In sixth the class that does the most laps.

She teaches units not just on Madsen/St. Peter Herald) This year, the program is also the old standards, but also on bike grade, we go to Gustavus and ski safety, lacrosse, badminton, gymat the arboretum,” she said. “They serving as a fundraiser for pronastics and cross-country skiing, play “Dance Dance Revolution.” look for effort. The children never could see how good they’ve be- viding water filters for schools to name a few. They use a slack and families in Haiti. For fourth “I try to take all the negatives pick teams. It’s not just about win- come.” line, square dance, roller skate and out of the classes,” Wavrin said. “I ning — I want them to have fun.”

Skiing is great for the students through sixth grade, she teaches

End of a journEy The Children’s Exchange, known for kids’ toys, clothes, announces its closure

T

Small Business Administration to offer disaster relief loans

See TRADE on 6A

golson@faribault.com

LOCAL HISTORY

INDEX CALENDAR 2A // LOCAL 3A,5A-7A // OPINION 4A // OBITUARIES 5A // REGION 10A // SCENE 14A // SPORTS 1B--3B // CLASSIFIEDS 4B-7B

John Ireland teacher ‘brings more’ to physical education

LOTTERIES

TRUMP&TRADE Soybean dust billows as a CHS employee helps load a train in Ruthton, Minneosta, that’s headed for the West Coast export market. Exports are crucial for Minnesota farmers, who are watching to see how the Trump administration will handle trade deals. (Mark Steil | MPR News)

After a Faribault City Council discussion on Tuesday night, city staff was directed to make changes to the city’s 2017 budget that will result in an apBy PHILIP WEYHE proximately 2.25 percent tax levy next year. pweyhe@northfi eldnews.com City Finance Director Karla McCall offered four different tax levy options that revolved around the Thcouncil’s e Northfidecisions eld City Council withfrom its changregardingstuck savings preliminary the 2017 citywide ing theplan city’sforinsurance benefits tax andlevy, its decision consisting of a 2 percent increase from the whether 2016 to pay level. for a full-time gENERal FuND The increase means that, including levies police officer from theREvENuE Economic Development Authority hire. and Housing Redevelopment Authority, NorthSouRCES Her total field’s totalProperty levy will move $8.10 million expected levy taxes from do not in 2016 to $8.26 million for 2017. The majority amount was a account for the entirety of councillors felt the 2 percent increase was littlea over $8 of the city’s revenue. Its comfortable compromise. million. other sources are below.

The council started out its discussion on the McCall’s Property Taxat— 2017 citywide tax levy a 3 percent increase options to the $5,066,708 —work 35.5 from 2016 at an August council, none General Fund session. percent The figure,ofsuggested of which were Local by city staff , led Government

by Finance Aid chosen, in$5,409,262 — 37.9 Director—Melanie Lammers volved using percent and Administrator Ben half or all of Franchise Feesof— Martig, came as a result the insurance $745,000 — 5.2and percent increased infrastructure benefits to equipmentFees costs.for Services Lammers lower the levy $1,379,918 — 9.7 The 3— percent would have and options to reflectedpercent a change from the either hire the $8.10 million levy 2016 Other —for $1,662,256 officer or not. to a proposed million — 11.7$8.34 percent In the end, proposed levy 2017. — Totalforamount the council The $14,263,144 majority of the inagreed that creased levy dollars in the 3 hiring the offipercent have cerincrease is for thewould best, but, in order to save costs, councilgone ors toward the city general instructed staff to begin that position on July Martig fund, 1, mostly for staffi ng and which will save approximately $50,000 from the services costs. Th e park funda full-year, full-time officer. $100,000 cost of hiring was also scheduled $30,000directed increase, and to put 50 In addition,for theacouncil McCall the city facilities fund a $20,000 increase.benefits savings percent of the $148,000 in insurance Thinto ere isthe alsoGeneral moneyFund beingto setlower aside the for alevy five-instead of year streets plan, which includes that maintenance the $32,000 of the $148,000 McCall originally and reconstruction in various city locations. recommended.

A second option, but officer not recThe choice to presented start the police after July 1 ommended was to set that the preis due, in in September, part, to the possibility the Faribault liminary levyDepartment at only a 1 percent increase.

Staff of ComPolice could earn an Office wouldmunity need to cut $161,000 the general Oriented Policingfrom Services grant, which was fund budget in thatduring case. the first round of applications not awarded Martig and Lammers laid out a few areas this year. that would need to be considered for cuts to make that option work: full-timeSee staff (to part- on 2A tAxeS time), overtime, street department service areas, and technology upgrades.

Instead, the City Council found a compromised preliminary position at a 2 percent increase. The number was higher than what councilors David DeLong and David Ludescher

By WILLIAM MORRIS wanted (1 percent), but lower than the citywmorris@owatonna.com staff-recommended 3 percent.

Vol. 130, No. 48 ©2016

[|xbI GDJy0 030sz\

health class where this year’s theme is water. The topics they’re covering include pollution, waterborne illnesses and water in the environment.

She ties the Walk-Jog-Run program and fundraiser tighter together by having a gallon jug of water for students to take turns carrying.

A gallon weighs almost eight pounds and “The average water carrier carries five gallons,” Wavrin said.

The fundraiser is administered through Fitness Finders, which matches what they collect. For each $25, Fitness Finders buys a filter for use in Haiti.

Missionaries to Haiti have visited the school to talk about life there, giving students a firsthand account of why water filters are needed.

The fundraising shows the breadth and depth of Wavrin’s perspective on her classes, Wenner said.

“Martha just brings more to physical education,” she said.

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Blooming Prairie school district St. Peter Public Schools continue thrilled with decline in students results of mental learning elsewhere health program

December 1, 2016 AGRICULTURE

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By GUNNAR OLSON

golson@faribault.com

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By RYAN ANDERSON

randerson@owatonna.com

BLOOMING PRAIRIE — Blooming Prairie is now in its second year of having a mental health professional inside its schools working with students daily.

And Barry Olson, the district’s superintendent, said he expects more schools to implement similar programs in the near future.

“Anytime there are mental health issues, it’s hard for students to learn, and the more we can work with that, the better we are,” Olson said. “Mental health is becoming a huge issue [not only in schools] but throughout our country, and we’re trying to head off some of those problems.”

Others in the district were equally supportive of the program.

“After evaluating the first year, we were very pleased with what we Arnold accomplished,” said John Worke, Blooming Prairie’s high school principal. “I can’t say enough about the program.”

Susan Arnold, the district’s on-site mental health specialist, said she has roughly 20 students this year, a slight increase from last year. She works with students as young as pre-kindergarten and as old as seniors, not to mention some parents as well.

“With little kids, it’s a lot more play-therapy techniques, showing me what they are feeling,” she said.

“It’s more discussion with 18-year-olds.”

It’s been “easier to engage students in year two,” she said. At the beginning, “I got the feeling there was a lot of fear and apprehension with students not knowing what to expect, but word of mouth is always helpful.”

The more she interacted with fellow staff members and students, the more comfortable everyone became, she said.

“This therapy is a medical service,” she said. “It’s a medical necessity.”

Worke’s main concern before beginning the program was its long-term viability.

“The kids have a tendency to start relying on these services, and if we lose them, that can be more detrimental than if we never started,” Worke said.

“But I’m in constant contact with Susan, and she assures me this program will be around for a lengthy amount of time.”

See HEALTH on 2A

Farm fields lie tilled and fertilized in preparation for next year’s growing season. Scientists say the 2016 harvest was mostly a success despite near-record rainfall and heat in areas. (William Morris/People’s Press)

Final word on harvest: record rainfall but still successful season

By WILLIAM MORRIS

wmorris@owatonna.com

OWATONNA — As a very unusual agricultural season draws to a close, experts say Minnesota growers saw good years in spite of often chaotic weather.

The 2016 growing season was marked by a drier-than-average spring and early summer followed by several extremely wet months drying up again in the fall. According to National Weather Service data, Owatonna saw 46.76 inches of precipitation through the end of October this year, already well above the annual average of about 35.7 inches in southern Minnesota, with the lion’s share coming in the late summer and early fall.

“In the first six months of the year, we were a little below normal,” said Thomas Hoverstad, a scientist at the University of Minnesota Southern Research and Outreach Center. “It was really July, August

and September rain that was really above normal.”

Hoverstad announced Monday that the center’s collection site in Waseca had set an annual precipitation record for Minnesota at 53.78 inches and counting, topping a 25-year-old mark set in St. Francis. But despite all that rain and the considerable havoc it wrought with homes, roads and other infrastructure, Hoverstad said many farmers were able to plant and harvest their crops as usual.

“As far as getting a crop in, we had a good planting season. We did not have the flooding rains that can cover a crop while it’s still small,” he said. “Had we had all that rain in April, May, June, it would have been much worse for us, crop-wise.”

After September’s rains, though, several months of mostly warm, dry weather followed, drying the fields and allowing farmers to harvest most of their crops.

“They didn’t get off completely

free. There’s some areas they still never got back to harvesting, but we did do, by and large, pretty well,” Hoverstad said. “By the end of the fall, some of those areas, especially corn, they did get in there.”

The past week, though, has reversed that trend as cold and damp has settled over the region. In its final Minnesota Crop Progress and Condition report of 2016, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that harvest has been completed in many areas, but snow and rain across the state left barely two days in the past week for growers hoping to wrap up harvesting, tillage and manure application before winter sets in.

As weather researchers evaluate this year’s rainfall, they’re also looking at monthly temperatures, which are on track to add up to one of the warmest years on record.

“I think it’s our second-warmest November on record: 11.5 degrees warmer than normal,” Hoverstad

said. “This was our 11th month of above-normal temperatures, but we don’t stand a chance of setting the warmest year ever. We’re going to fall short of that, but it’s going to be our second-warmest year on record.”

The average annual temperature in southern Minnesota is about 44.8 degrees, and Hoverstad estimated this year’s average will be in the region of 49. That’s pretty warm, but still well short of 1931’s 50.8 degrees.

Other warmer-than-average years have included 2009 and 2015.

Despite all the irregularities in this year’s weather, Hoverstad said the rain and heat came at the right time for most farmers to make it a successful year.

“It was the only way you could do it and still produce a crop,” he said.

William Morris is a reporter for the Owatonna People’s Press. He can be reached at 444-2372; follow him on Twitter @OPPWilliam

A life remembered: Faribault woman fulfilled dreams after nearly 40 years of wonder

By BRAD PHENOW

bphenow@faribault.com

After being abducted from a Colombian hospital as an infant, a Faribault woman had one dream: finding her birth family.

Earlier this month, Marisa Bocanegra, the mother of five, anxiously watched people enter a Minneapolis – St. Paul International Airport terminal. In seconds, her dreams would come true, as her mother and brother would soon walk through the doors.

When they appeared, tears flowed, people cheered, and Bocanegra — whose original name is Ana Maria — walked toward her mother, who two years ago she knew nothing about.

“I’m so happy that this is finally coming true,” she told GoMN.com, which produced a four-part series on the story of Bocanegra, who was abducted from a Colombia hospital before being sold and adopted by a family in Minnesota.

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she initially used to help with expenses to find her family before changing its focus to helping others who are on a similar journey. “Now that in possibly one more month I will be in my mama’s arms, I want to help other Colombian adoptees who were illegally taken by being their hope, their support …”

But her mission — and her life — were cut short.

Bocanegra was killed Tuesday in a car crash south of Wanamingo. The crash also seriously injured her daughter, 15-year-old Hallie White, who was driving the vehicle.

According to family, she suffered a broken neck and a broken pelvis, but is in stable condition. She is expected to undergo surgery Thursday, the family said.

Marisa Bocanegra, pictured, was recently reunited with her Colombian White and Bocanegra were westbound mother after hiring a private investigator she found online. Here she’s on County Road 11 in Goodhue County pictured with a “family” sign. Bocanegra was killed in a crash Tuesday, just when the vehicle stopped at the stop sign, south of Wanamingo. (GoMN photo, used with permission) according to the Minnesota State Patrol.

“I’m so very close to making the one family and meeting them all for the first The van then proceeded westbound on main dream I’ve had my whole life come time,” she wrote prior to meeting her CR-11, and was struck by a semitrailer true, finding my biological mother and mother on a gofundme.com page, which driving northbound on Hwy. 57.

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Her journey

The journey leading up to her mother and brother’s arrival on Nov. 10 was far from easy. It included setback after setback, hurdle after hurdle.

There was the Colombian government not closing her “missing person’s case,” as she noted in a post on her GoFundMe page, then her passport application was denied, followed by the government asking her to obtain the entire paper trail of her name changes that was a result of being adopted and getting married. That, too, was followed by a request to get her Certificate of Naturalization, as GoMN indicated in its story.

The 39-year-old Faribault resident, engaged to marry fiancé Brian Nisbit, eventually connected with her mother, Elsy Tueta, and brother, Juan Pablo, through a private investigator she found online two years ago.

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BOOK REVIEWS The Bookworm Sez:

Celebrating President Obama’s ‘Audacity’

The Bookworm Sez:

Carl Weber returns to form with ‘Man on the Run’

The Bookworm Sez:

Why watch TV when you can read about it?

By Terri Schlichenmeyer If you can’t say something nice…

Sometimes, it’s hard to say nothing at all. There are times when you need to speak out, to confront, share your opinion, rant, or vent. And then there are times, as in the new book Audacity by Jonathan Chait, where you must praise.

For perhaps the last few months of Barack Obama’s presidency, media outlets have debated about something that definitely matters: was he one of the best presidents, or one of the worst?

It’s the former, says Chait, even though he admits there are times when it looks like the latter. Obama, he says, absolutely succeeded at what he set out to do, and this book follows that argument.

Though the Civil Rights movement was forty-some years prior to the day a Black man moved into the

By Terri Schlichenmeyer Catch me if you can.

You might have said that once, giggling. You may have yelled it at a game one afternoon.

You said it, maybe, in a flirtatious manner on some romantic evening.

Run, run, run, catch me if you can because, as in Man on the Run by Carl Weber, this chase may keep a man out of prison.

The night Kyle Richmond learned that his best friend, Jay Crawford, had busted out of prison was unusually memorable: Kyle and his wife were naked in their hot tub when U.S.Marshalls broke in and surprised them. The Feds were sure that Jay had contacted Kyle, in search of money and a place to hide.

The Marshalls had shown up at Wil Duncan’s office

By Terri Schlichenmeyer The weather outside is frightful.

That’s alright. You’d rather stay inside anyhow, especially in the evening.

That’s prime relaxationtime, and winter is a great season for catching up on all you’ve DVR’ed for the past few weeks… but where do you start? How about with two books: Television: A Biography by David Thomson and TV (The Book) by Alan Sepinwall and Matt Zoller Seitz.

Once upon a time, TVs were turned on manually.

You’d then (also manually) dial up one of three available channels (more, if you were very lucky) and you settled in (Not too close! You’ll ruin your eyes!) to watch programming in black-and-white. In 1949, a TV set cost roughly 10 percent of the average U.S. salary and yet, we couldn’t get enough of it.

In Television: A Biography, Thomson looks at the different kinds of fare with which we’ve entertained ourselves through the decades. Movies gave us the cliffhanger, for example, but television refined the until-next-week craze with shows like The Fugitive and,

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White House, racial issues keenly split the country over the last eight years, not along lines of race, but on political lines. White America often denied it, but Obama forced a harder soul-search on racism.

He reportedly had a large agenda upon taking office in 2009, but it quickly became clear that his work would be to avoid, rather than fix, another Great Depression. He succeeded, but no President gets kudos for things like that. Instead, says Chait, there was – and still is – criticism about his actions, economically.

Health care legislation insured millions of Americans who otherwise would have no coverage, thanks to Obama and a surprising number of ideas that first came from the Republicans. As a new President, Obama boosted the economy by spending money on green energy, with an eye toward global climate concerns. He helped restore America’s world-wide “standing”; and with great foresight, recognized China and India as budding superpowers.

So why is anyone questioning his audacity, or the legacy he leaves behind? The answer to that lies in the recent past, and in the history of Twentieth-Century American politics. Understanding both, and what happens from here, is enhanced by learning what’s inside Audacity.

Just know first that there’s a lot to absorb.

that afternoon, too, but they quickly learned that Wil didn’t know where Jay was. Wil was best friends with his boy, Jay, for years but that didn’t mean he was a regular visitor at the prison. Truth: he hadn’t seen Jay in ages. No, Wil had enough problems, with his job and his powerful uncle putting the pressure on him to join the “family business.”

Jay’s other best friend, Allen, wasn’t visited by the U.S.Marshalls – maybe because he’d never gone to see Jay in prison. He had his hands full just keeping his beautiful wife, Cassie, happy, so instead, Allen anonymously put money in Jay’s commissary fund and sent him gifts, but his name was not tied to the criminal Jay Crawford.

It was quite a surprise that Jay showed up on Allen’s doorstep, looking for help.

Ten years ago, Jay Crawford was accused of raping a woman, but she’d set him up. He was innocent and because of that, he wasn’t about to take the rap for anything, even if it meant parole – and so, he escaped from prison instead. He figured he could count on his three best friends to help a guy out.

He never figured that his friends would be the ones who’d need help…

later, with Dallasand its spin-offs.

Here, we read about how many of Hollywood’s biggest stars made their transition to the small-screen; how talk shows became so popular; how innovators changed the way we watch TV, and why crime shows will never, ever go away.

This book, remember, is a biography. Yes, you’ll find a bit of history inside Television: A Biography, and a few opinions but it’s really nothing like you might expect in a book about TV. It’s actually better.

But okay, say you want a book about the shows themselves. What do you think is the best television show ever? A little bit of argument is inside TV (The Book).

Under a wide group of genre umbrellas, Sepinwall and Seitz debate which series top their lists, based on a points-system that takes innovation, performance, consistency, influence, and storytelling into account, as well as when the show was at its “absolute best.”

They considered U.S. shows only; and looked at “narrative fiction,” rather than reality shows, children’s

Because author Jonathan Chait is also a political columnist, the goings-on behind-the-scenes in Washington are presented in great detail in this book.

That can be both a good thing and a bad thing: good, because Chait is clear in reasoning and thorough in fact-finding, in favor of arguments for a stellar Obama legacy; bad, because this thoroughness becomes quite heavy at times.

That could turn away readers with a lesser palate for politics, although one wouldn’t have to look hard to see why persevering is important: Chait explains how Obama’s tenure as President ultimately turned out as it did, and why many voters are still, perhaps wrongly, disappointed in his work. Chait then goes on to clearly illuminate what happened at the last election, and why.

Give yourself time for a careful read of this book, especially if you might disagree with its author. There’s argument in here that may – or may not – change minds; either way, Audacity might at least give you something nice to say.

Audacity: How Barack Obama Defied His Critics and Transformed America by Jonathan Chait c.2017, Custom House / William Morrow $27.99 / $34.99 Canada 272 pages Terri Schlichenmeyer is a book reviewer based just across the river from SoMinn in LaCrosse, WI. She can be contacted at bookwormsez@gmail.com

Confession time: I’d stopped reading author Carl Weber’s novels a few books ago. I was getting tired of all the women, beautiful, and all the men, criminal.

Same-same-same, and it was no fun. But with Man on the Run, I’m glad I came back into the fold.

The women are still all beautiful here and the men still get into trouble, but this book arcs back into some old Weber favorites from many years past.

Savvy, long-time readers will remember many hearts and laws broken, as well as a lot of hot mattresses and cold revenge. You’ll welcome all of them back as Weber takes readers again into his beloved Queens, to backstabbing boardrooms, steamy bedrooms, and businesses that are never as innocent as they seem.

Yes, it’s over-the-top, but this book just feels better than prior ones. Once you’ve read it and gotten over its slippery little cliffhanger, in fact, you’ll be hungry for the next installment. In the meantime, Man on the Run is the book to catch.

Man on the Run by Carl Weber c.2017, Grand Central Publishing $25.00 / $32.50 Canada 309 pages Terri Schlichenmeyer is a book reviewer based just across the river from SoMinn in LaCrosse, WI. She can be contacted at bookwormsez@gmail.com

programming, or talk shows. And aside from a few obvious programs that should be on every Best Of list (The Honeymooners and The Twilight Zone, for example), they mostly focused on television from the 1980s.

What’s fun about this book is that the authors dissect the programs as only fans can: there are quotes flung about in each chapter, along with serious examinations of why we can put The Simpsons in front of The Sopranos (or not); why we so loved a show with a “black comic heart” and “shallow” characters; how M*A*S*H lasted longer than the war it was ostensibly about; and why South Park got more points than Taxi.

And if your favorite show isn’t in this book, there’s a reason for that. Read on…

In fact, while it might seem counterintuitive to read about something you’re supposed to be watching, you can do two things at once, you know. Look for Television: The Biographyand TV (The Book) and settle in. Both are frightfully good.

Television: A Biography by David Thomson c.2016, Thames & Hudson $34.95 / $45.95 Canada 304 pages TV (The Book): Two Experts Pick the Greatest American Shows of All Time by Alan Sepinwall and Matt Zoller Seitz c.2016, Grand Central Publishing $19.99 / $25.99 Canada 432 pages Terri Schlichenmeyer is a book reviewer based just across the river from SoMinn in LaCrosse, WI. She can be contacted at bookwormsez@gmail.com

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CD REVIEWS

By Sarah Osterbauer editor@southernminnscene.com

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Dead Man Winter create new beginnings with ‘Furnace’

hen Dead Man Winter first appeared, the band was dubbed Dave Simonett’s electric outlet. It was where a banjo and mandolin got traded in for electric guitar and drums. While their Facebook page and website refuse to commit to any full time members beyond Simonett, Trampled fans can generally find Trampled’s bass player Tim Saxhaug and fiddle player Ryan Young playing alongside him. JT Bates is typically on drums with Erik Koskinen rounding out the group. Their first album, 2011’s Bright Lights was a kind of ode to Minnesota winter, capturing the starkness of the cold, the loneliness of the dry night air and the things we do to remedy the season. Now, six years later, we find Simonett on the heels of divorce, the unraveling put to words and music, called Furnace.

In a way, Furnace picks up where Bright Lights left off. It maintains the starkness, the crispness of the dry Minnesota winter air. It carries still that aloneness and weariness that comes with shorter days and longer nights. But from there it’s clear there is a change in Simonett’s writing and song construction, many of the tunes foregoing traditional format. There’s a definite “nothing-to-lose” vibe in place giving the songs weight and depth.

“This house is on fire and I can’t escape it,” words that open the album, diving into a story already in progress. It slow dances with us, steady drums and heartbreaker guitar with their hands firmly in the small of our backs. Harmonies brushing the side of our face to get the hair out of our eyes. The song fades out as the lyric “we’re drifting away” is sung on repeat. It’s a beautiful metaphor that draws an outline and sets the stage for the album.

By By Daniel G. Moir editor@southernminnscene.com

E

The xx triumph with ‘I See You’

very once in a great while, you find an album that makes you instantly nostalgic for a place that you have never been, but feel like you know intimately. I See You, the third album by British Band The xx is such an album.

Clocking at a brisk 39 minutes, I See You is an album that exists in the briefest moments of the early morning world. Listening to it feels like walking alone through a vast Railway Terminal like London’s Victoria Station or even Union Station in St. Paul around 4:30 AM. The album feels like the sound of the softest footsteps bouncing endlessly throughout this kind of space giving way to the comfort of warm coffee and early morning loneliness. Much of the credit for the album’s vast echoing sound must go the band’s keyboardist, DJ, and Producer, Jamie ‘xx’ Smith. Smith is clearly the breakout star of this record, deftly giving the recording a sense of space and atmosphere.

Insistent synth claxon horns begin the album’s opening track “Dangerous” and vanish into a funky bass groove that carries singers Oliver Sims and Romy Madley Croft’s voices aloft with an engaging melody that bobs and weaves over the idea that the very pursuit of a relationship, either internally or externally, is worth any risks that others may warn of.

Despite the energetic start, this album should not be confused as any type of “dance” record or “club banger” as the majority of songs feature little, if any drum or percussion effects. The primary rhythm comes from Sim’s bass and Croft’s guitar work. The sound is moody, ambient and dreamy. This is an album designed to be listened to alone. The Cure’s second album Seventeen Seconds in particular seems a primary reference throughout the album.

“Replica” is song that finds the protagonist at a crossroads, wondering about identity and the role of decisions as they struggle to ward off mistakes made by previous generations. It plays off the long-standing struggle between avoiding, and also becoming, one’s parents in the end. Musically, the song reflects this tension before opening up at the 1:43 minute mark with a beautiful keyboard line that seems to dance with the Croft’s “Cure-like” guitar melody.

Unlike the raucous fast paced bluegrass party of Trampled, this DMW album bleeds vulnerability in its cracks. On “I Remember This Place Being Bigger,” we hear Simonett’s voice in a way we rarely do. He chooses to end phrases by barely touching the notes, Dylan-esque in his execution. His tone is gentler, softer, not to be confused with less confident. Another one is “Cardinal” which begins with swelling guitars before turning into a gorgeous duet with an unknown female partner. Their voices both broken and weary.

Furnace is not without upbeat tracks. “Destroyer” moves to a happy throwback rhythm and illustrates sarcastic self deprecation. “Am I Breaking Down?” harkens to the sounds of Wilco, with that CA feel coming through. Simonett uses sunshiney beats as a juxtaposition for sad material, perhaps to make himself feel like it isn’t as bad as it sounds.

The album culminates into a track called “You Are Out Of Control.” It’s a slow cowboy anthem with lush strings that drone for the last four minutes of the song. Out of control, indeed.

The whole feel of Furnace is like you’re in a divey slightly run down country bar, with wood floors covered in stale beer and saw dust. The melodies are uncomplicated raw mixes that allow you to hear every imperfection at work. It’s no frills, real talk, welcoming anyone willing to listen. It’s not full of ego or a kiss-off to a broken relationship but more like a chronicle of the end with glints of new beginnings. It’s at times a clear look into a man who’s wearing his heart and his head and other body parts on his sleeve, exposed for all to see.

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

On the other side of the coin, Croft writes about the death of her parents as a motivating force in the sadly beautiful “Brave For You.” Seeking to branch out and take risks, the elegantly intense musical backing by Smith and Sims give support without detracting any of the uplifting sadness of the lyric.

The immediately catchy “On Hold” is built around one of the cleverest samples you will encounter this year. Joining together two tiny segments of Daryl Hall’s voice from the 1981 Hall & Oates classic “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)” to create the chorus’ hook shows the skill that Smith brings to the ensemble. The song uses the tension, and metaphor, of being put on hold to describe a relationship. A seeming impasse is occurring with each party forced to decide to continue the call or to just hang up. The song ends without any true, or easy resolution.

Each song on the album can be viewed as a response to its predecessor, and following “On Hold” with an uplifting melodic song a bout infatuation, “I Dare You” is the perfect counterpoint as the album moves towards a close.

Lyrically, the band avoids gender pronouns throughout the songs on I See You. This lends the work an interesting depth. On surface, it is easy to imagine that the male and female vocal leads are engaged in a conversation through the songs. It is also entirely possible to just treat the songs lyrically as perhaps a conversation between both the masculine and feminine sides of a single person. How you, as a listener, approach each song is entirely up to you and the album changes as a result, giving a depth that extends beyond the usual superficial nature of Pop Music.

The album concludes with the gentle “Test Me.” Instead of the confident brassy synth horns that kick off the album, here they take a subdued, mournful approach that enables this song about strained relationships and emotional distance to linger in space much like the subject matter itself. In the end, the album does not answer any of the questions it raises, leaving the listener to determine their own resolution to the stories they have heard. It is this very ambiguity in both lyric and sound that raise this album from merely great to spectacular.

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

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Sports BALL

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

e r a s g Thin g n i t t e g

T

he word ‘Wild’ is an adjective; meaning being uncontrolled or unrestrained, especially in pursuit of pleasure or happiness. Damn, if that doesn’t fit the current situation of the Minnesota Wild, then I’ll just stop writing this column right now. But guess what? I won’t, because these guys are straight up, without a doubt, 110% unreservedly banana balls WILD. On a scale from one to one hundred, the Wild are currently playing at a ‘HOLY SHIT’ (that is give or take twenty times higher than one hundred).

The last time a Wild team has been this ascendant at the All-Star break was... wait...never? Don’t get me wrong, we’ve gotten to the play-offs four out of the five previous seasons (with the Blackhawks making us look like the Minnesota Mild), but this years team? They are on an entirely different level of performance than their peers.

They have been playing on a different plain than anyone else, somehow making it look easy peasy.

As I write this, at the All-Star Break, the Wild have 69 points (nice) which puts them sitting pretty in first place in the Western Conference, being statistically the best team in the whole league since my birthday, December 4th.

Coincidence? I think not.

It reminds me of one of my favorite childhood songs: “A dream is a wish your heart makes, when you’re fast asleep”.

So thank you, hockey gods, for answering my prayers.

Virtually everything the Wild has done throughout their 48 games so far this season has been awe-inspiring; majestic even. Let’s get up to speed on their accomplishments so far: They’ve only lost three games by more than one goal. That’s absolutely absurd, given they’ve only lost 11 games in regulation. Not even the Capitals, who have only won one more game than us this year, have had such luck.

The Wild are: First in the NHL with 15 road wins Second in the NHL with 11 losses in regulation Third in goals (160 goals) Second in goals allowed (109 goals) Second in goal differential (+51) Fifth in penalty kill (84.2%)

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Are you excited yet? Since December 4th they’ve won the most games, are second in goals, first in road wins, and third in penalty kills. These not-so-gentlemen are plowing through the competition, with every single line playing consistent and strong, like a 22 man Trojan horse, and the rest of the NHL is Troy.

Now lets talk about dem boyz: Jason Zucker is having a GREAT time this year, earning himself a career high in points.

I’m loving that his whole “I’ll chuck the puck at the net pretty much anywhere I’m at on the ice” mantra is REALLY working for him, already surpassing his point total from last year. Nino Niederreiter and Mikael Granlund are on pace to have career highs in points, with Mikael having a break-out year being the top dog in points on the team with 42. And our captain o’ captain Mikki Koivu is only 8 goals from tying his career high in goals. Let us not forget, in my oh-so humble opinion, about the best free-agent signing during the off season in quite some time, Mr. Eric Staal. Bless you, sweet prince, and your 41 points in 48 games. You’re the peanut butter to the MN Wild’s jelly, the glass of milk for their cookies, the instructions to their Ikea Hensvik baby crib to hold all of your precious wins, and

for all that is good and holy, you’re the rug that really tied the room together, man.

With all of these players having career years, with the fourth line clicking, it’s been hard for Zach Parise to break-out himself. This team is as damn near perfect as they can get without being unequivocally perfect. In a perfect world, Zach Parise will start tallying points and racking in goals whilst Devan Dubnyk doesn’t have an existential crisis about his work ethic, as he crashes and burns even before he steps foot on play-off ice.

Don’t get mad at me for bringing up the negative, who do you think I am, NOT a MN sports fan? Sheesh.

I believe we’re safe now, we can be cocky (Minnesota cocky, which is more sarcastic-nice) about our sports team, we can now throw stats back at other hockey fans if they dare try to tell us our team is inadequate. Feels pretty good, doesn’t it? Have fun, Minnesota hockey ball fans, you deserve it. SMS

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Tips for professionals returning to school

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hen a new school semester starts, children and young adults may not be the only ones who are returning to the classroom. Many adults resolve to expand their professional horizons by returning to school even after they have established themselves in their professions. Some may aspire to develop skills specific to a particular job, while others may want to make it easier to transition to a new career.

The number of adult undergraduates continues to grow.

The National Center for Education Statistics says 33 percent of the 18 million undergraduate students in the United States are over the age of 25. Students over the age of 30 make up 22 percent of the student body in colleges and universities.

The NCES also projects a continued rise of older students through 2020.

Going back to school can be an exciting time, but one that also comes with a bit of trepidation. Many adults may not have been in a classroom in more than a decade. Many things

have changed with regard to academia in recent decades, and adults may need some extra time and help to make their transition back to student go smoothly.

• Schedule a campus visit. Choosing a school is an important decision, and even though you might not be spending as much time on campus as you did when you were younger, don’t overlook the importance of a campus visit. A member of the admissions faculty or even a current student may be able to offer a guided tour, explaining the layout of the campus, amenities and resources. He or she also may point out parking areas, study locations and the best way to navigate the campus. This will help alleviate a fish-out-of-water feeling the first day of class.

• Secure financial aid if necessary. School is expensive, but keep in mind that scholarships and other forms of financial aid are not exclusive to younger learners. Speak with a financial aid counselor about programs that might be available to you. In addition, check with your employer to see if they offer incentives for returning to school.

• Brush up on school skills. Start reading more to refresh your vocabulary and other language skills. College involves critical thinking and reasoning, so explore free online courses or games that cover critical thinking skills. Refresh your memory on basic writing rules if essays and reports will be part of your curriculum. Honing your academic skills in advance of returning to school can help you start off on the right foot.

• Create a support system. Going back to school will require you to rearrange schedules and make certain sacrifices.

Such adjustments may require the assistance of friends and family. Stop by your school’s student services department and ask if they have help in place for nontraditional students.

They may have guidance on balancing work, life and school.

Such departments may also assist you with scheduling classes at the times of day that fit best with your work schedule.

Many adults return to school for personal reasons or to advance their careers. Having a plan in place can make the transition go smoothly.

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KEVIN KREIN

The BEARDED LIFE

Kevin Krein had his own rental card at both Hollywood Video and Blockbuster Video when he was growing up, which is pretty impressive. It’s been downhill from there. A humorist of some sort, he is also an ‘awardwinning’ music writer and a cool rabbit dad. Follow his impressive, yet downhill tweets: @KevEFly.

ABOVE: Gosh this is an even better deal than the five movies for five days thing.

LEFT: What was this movie even about? I wish I could recall.

Halcyon Days/Blockbuster Nights

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y wife and I have been Netflix subscribers for a little over a decade now. First, it was the “one disc at a time” plan; then about three years in, we splurged and added the streaming service. I can’t quite recall how many years it has been now, but at some point, we switched to streaming only.

I refer to what we get from Netflix as the “endless browsing plan” simply because of how we use—or rather, opt not to get the most out of—what we are paying for. Sure there is the occasional movie we watch, or a series we binge on, but more often than not what my wife uses Netflix for is endlessly scrolling through what content is available, reading a description or two, laughing at some of the more ridiculous options that present themselves, not making any kind of concrete decisions on if she’s going to watch something, and then continuing to browse.

This will usually last around as long as it’d take to watch a feature length motion picture, or at least two episodes of a 44-minute television drama.

I’ve understand the appeal of Netflix. It’s the same reason why the iTunes store is so popular— you think of a song, you get on your computer, you download it for $1.29. With the earlier business models of Netflix, the movies were shipped right to you; all you had to do was trudge to your mailbox to collect the envelope. With the streaming service—you don’t even have to vacate the safety of the blanket you may find yourself under, leaving only a small portion propped up for the remote to stick out as to fire up the next episode of Once Upon A Time.

The draw back of Netflix’s streaming service is that not every movie or television show ever made throughout the history of time is available. This mostly has to do with licensing rights and costs, but it can present issues when it seems imperative that you watch something specific right then and there.

When Prince died unexpectedly last year, I realized I had never actually seen Purple Rain.

There had been a point, years earlier, when I am confident that it was available to stream—but in late April 2016, it was not there when I needed it most.

It is situations like this that make me miss the video store.

Our town has been without a video store for about eight years now, and I understand that in our modern society, it’s an artifact of the past. But there was a time when we had access to two video stores—a Mr. Movies and a Movie Gallery.

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the video store opened them up to ensure you, in fact, were renting the right movie.

As a kid, and well into my formative teenage years, I too would enjoy five movies for $5, but would barely make them last beyond day two or three—renting classics like Casablanca and Citizen Kane following their inclusion on the American Film Institute’s 100 Greatest American Movies list from1998.

And just so there is no confusion, my tastes were not always so highbrow—I have also seen my fair share of Pauly Shore comedies or direct-tovideo action movies starring Dolph Lungren.

Then, later, in a post-Tarantino world, it meant dabbling into the hyper-violent “bro intellectual” canon.

The idea of the video store as an institution, or whatever, is a slightly less dangerous form of nostalgia; however, tapping back into the memories of the seemingly endless aisles of movie boxes from the video store of your youth—that’s another form of nostalgia all together.

Movies, as a whole, serve as a form of escapism. That’s why comic book adaptations are so lucrative: for three hours, you can temporarily forget about your woes as you watch Robert Downey Jr say some pithy shit in front of a green screen while things explode behind him.

During the 1990s, a trip to the video store served as its How did we allow ‘this’ to happen? own form of escapism. For my Were the 90s really that bad? wife and her childhood best friend, renting a stack of movies was a temporary reprieve from has a rather robust selection of DVDs to the banality of a small town check out (don’t say ‘rent.’) But this also Wisconsin upbringing and means you have to watch the copy of tumultuous situations at home.

Taxi Driver that someone liked so much For me, it served as a chance that they vigorously rubbed a Chore Boy to expand my mind—you see scouring pad over the disc surface before Not a lot of people took photos of the interiors of video stores in an actor in one movie, you like returning it. the 1980s or 1990s. Here is one, though. The aisles and aisles of their performance, what else The video store represents something movie boxes are a great source of comfort. have they been in? That’s when much bigger than itself. It can represent a I’d reference my tattered copy specific part of your life. of the VideoHound’s Golden Movie Retriever guide to It’s iconic.

This seems like a good point to mention that learn more (this is obviously in a time before I had A trip to the video store on a Friday or Saturday the concept of going to the video store and even heard of the Internet Movie Database.) night was not the same as endlessly browsing loading up on five movies took place in the dark And for me—overweight and totally square—it “quirky comedies with a strong female lead” on ages—either well before, or just as DVDs were too served as a form of escapism and a form of solNetflix; it was an endurance test or a race against becoming more and more commonplace. Halcyon itary comfort. While my schoolmates were playing time. days, really, the more I think about. I’m talking football, discovering pot, and experimenting with If you went there without a specific movie in about Video Home System cassettes. And even alcohol every weekend, I was combing the aisles mind, what is it you wanted to watch—something at the very thought of them—I can still hear the of the video store, trying to make it a blockbuster old or something new? What genre are you going clunky sound the hard cases made as the clerk at night. SMS for? If it’s a new movie you are after, can you make The Mr. Movies went under at the end of 2008, at the start of the economic recession; Movie Gallery some how survived for around another year until it unceremoniously shuttered.

And, like, outside of streaming services, I get that there are alternatives: take a Redbox kiosk for example, because I certainly want to stand in a line with other unhappy people, outside of a Walgreens or a gas station, as one tries to decide between the five or six titles it is currently offering that week.

There is the curious case of the public library, too. Much to my surprise, the Northfield Library

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it there in time to snag a copy before someone else does? Do you live dangerously and rent a movie you’d never heard of because it has that “one guy” in it and he was good in “that other thing” you watched? Do you rent a classic, or something you’ve already seen with the hopes that it is still as good as you remembered it being?

Both my wife and I spent a large portion of our respective childhoods in video stores—she would frequent with her best friend, where they would reap the benefits of the “five movies, for five days, for $5” program, loading up on Pauly Shore comedies or dramas that didn’t leave a lasting impression.

“What’s that movie where Steve Martin plays a preacher of some kind?” she asked me as I was doing “research” for this column.

“You mean Leap of Faith?,” I responded.

“Yeah. I saw that. But I don’t remember anything about it.”

I too watched Leap of Faith at a young age, but save for the sparkling blazer Steve Martin wears on the cover of the video box, I cannot recall any details about it either.

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