Scene march 2018

MARCH 2018 - southernminnSCENE.com

Southern minn

Scene

YOUR FREE GET-OUT SOURCE TO SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

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Drink like you’re at the Oscar’s

Local liquor experts share a few cocktail pairings for the big night.

Roe Family Singers

The husband-wife MN duo turns full-time band.

SHELDON

Winter 2018

T H E AT R E

“A ball-of-fire vocalist with a elegant voice live-scored that’s part “Manual Cinema is talent incarnate…[their] ‘silent films’ evoke sweetness, poignancy andwoman… fright.”

Memphis, part Chicago and all – Time Out New York devastatingly powerful.”

– Chicago Sun Times

SHEMEKIA COPELAND MARCH 30, 7:30 PM

RHONDA VINCENT AND THE RAGE MARCH 9, 7:30 PM

COMEDY NIGHT!

TOMMY RYMAN & MARY MACK MARCH 17, 7:30 PM

Thank you for voting the Sheldon Theatre Best Place for Live Music and Best Theatre!

651-388-8700 I 443 W. 3rd Street I Red Wing, MN 2

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CONTENT

Shattuck-St.Mary’s

MARCH 2018 / VOLUME 6 / ISSUE 2

Faribault, MN

Features:

Acoustic Roots Music Series

6 The 90th Academy Awards

Calls & Wishes.

10 Oscars - Drink like you’re there

Local liquor specialists make some pairing suggestions.

12 The Daniel G. Moir 2017 Music Awards

Daniel chooses his own music winners.

15 The Grammys - Love it or hate it

A Grammy somehow remains the most notable honor one can receive in the music industry.

17 Roe Family Singers

The husband-wife duo turns full-time band.

20 The TimeLine

SoMinn’s most comprehensive

calendar of things to be SCENE.

24 A different place to lay your head Unique B&Bs to stay the night.

COLUMNS: 14 Minnesota Music SCENE

An Atmopheric Upbringing.

16 Mollywood BLVD

A look at the internet challenges that should have never happened.

4 The Tigger SCENE A new age in music.

28 Woldum TV

32 The Bookworm Sez:

• Robicheaux

• That’s what she said: What Men Need to Know (And Women Need to tell Them) About Working Together

• Here is Real Magic: A Magician’s Search for Wonder in the Modern World

• Play Big: Lessons in Being Limitless from the First Women in the NFL

• The Pope of Palm Beach

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Ring of Kerry

Ring of Kerry is a bursting-with-energy Irish music group that captures the hearts of listeners. For this special show, Ring of Kerry is joined by a pair of Irish dancers. Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day!

Small screen, big heroes.

26 Get Fit In SoMinn

Am I a Ninja yet?

Adults $20, Students $12

Southern minn

Scene

www.ringofkerry.us

SPECIAL CONCERT: Thursday, May 3, 2018

ABOUT

Have a story idea?

Editor Philip Weyhe - 507-333-3132 editor@southernminnSCENE.com

The Sinfonia orchestra’s professional freelance musicians come from all over the world. Most have graduate degrees from major universities or conservatories, many have prestigious private teaching studios, several have performed with major orchestras, and more than half have been with the Sinfonia for 10 to 20 years or more.

HAVE A CALENDAR EVENT?

editor@southernminnSCENE.com or got to www.southernminnscene.com/calendar

WANT TO Advertise?

On-Line Ticket Sales now available! www.s-sm.org/FeslerLampert

Pam DeMorett - 507-333-3117 pdemorett@faribault.com

Copyright 2018 SouthernminnSCENE.com retains the publication rights to all content produced or supplied to the SCENE. Use of said materials without the written consent of SoutherminnSCENE.com is prohibited. Contents copyrighted; all rights reserved.

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All performances at 7:30pm in Historic Newhall Auditorium.

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THE Tigger SCENE

TIGGER LUNNEY Tigger Lunney is a writer, talker, veteran of the music industry and Minnesota politics, and the overly opinionated dad of two overly opinionated kids.

Twitter @tiggerlunney.

A New Age in

A

music

message to everyone: utter disaster has struck.

Effective July 1, you’ll no longer be able to buy CDs from Best Buy. You may now all engage in a collective shrug and go back to Spotify.

It wouldn’t surprise me if you missed this tiny piece of news that rolled out somewhere between the Grammys and the Super Bowl, since all music-related coverage last week was full of Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, and non-Minnesota celebs tweeting about how gosh darn cold it is here. (And Prince. Always Prince.) Even if you did catch this news, I also wouldn’t be surprised if you simply didn’t care, because I didn’t, and writing about music is my job.

Best Buy isn’t a place I ever bought music. Nor have I purchased much music at Target, who recently announced that they would only be consigning CDs going forward, rather than assuming the risk of purchasing stacks of unsellable pop music coasters to collect dust. So it’s hard for me to not feel indifferent, although that doesn’t mean I’m 100% on board with the digital music revolution. In fact, I was in the midst of blowing the deadline for this column when the news popped up in my Twitter feed.

Ironically, my topic for this month? Record stores, and how people get music.

Once upon a time, getting music was a complicated process, especially if you grew up in a small town, as I did. You found new music on the radio, or on Music Television (which is what MTV used to be, kids), or in a movie, or sometimes in the back of a magazine you flipped through while your mom did the grocery shopping. I remember always having a blank cassette tape loaded in a tape recorder which I positioned next to the radio speaker or the TV screen to record songs I liked. I remember the disappointment I felt when my parents explained to me that the 20 albums for a penny deal that came in magazines was a total scam.

My town, although small, had record stores. Two, in fact: one was exclusively R&B, rap, and blues; the other was a mix of rock, metal, punk and “college rock,” which was everything weird that didn’t fit the other categories. But those places seemed strangely adult until my early teens, and daunting to enter. (I’m fairly certain the adults in my life assumed they were places where people sold drugs.) So I had to settle for my older brother’s record collection until I was old enough to bike into town and sneak into these hotbeds of moral turpitude.

In these record stores — and yes, actual records and tapes, not just CDs — I discovered whole new worlds of music simply by asking the hippie behind the counter what he was playing on the stereo, or staring at giant posters on the wall of bands like The Clash or Public Enemy or Soundgarden.

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Music was, in a sense, a gamble: blowing your allowance because you liked one song you heard or thought the poster was intriguing/scary/cool meant not always knowing what you were getting into, and not always liking it once you were there. Some things took repeat listens, and some things never clicked at all. I can’t tell you how many people I offered to sell a Smiths tape to just to recoup some of my losses, for example, only to have to stick it in a drawer and bug my dad to pay me to mow the lawn again.

So what does this have to do with Best Buy? Why don’t I care about its demise? Because buying things from Best Buy, or Target, or any other big chain, isn’t shopping at your local record store. It’s one link in an algorithmic chain, same as getting a recommendation of something you’ll like online. There’s no hippie behind the counter. There’s no giant posters of bands you’ve never heard of. Until July 1, there’s just racks of CDs where you pick exactly what you want, nothing more and nothing less, with no reason to gamble. How’s that different than the internet telling you what you should listen to next?

By comparison, I can still create an approximation of that dirty recordstore experience listening to music online. Rather than pay strict attention to recommendations — which always, always fail, because at the end of the day what separates great music from mediocre imitations is something that can’t be broken down into data points — I start with a song I’ve heard or some artist that caught my attention reading about them, and I follow it down the rabbit hole, all without needing to bug Pops for some lawn mowing money.

It’s close, but it isn’t the same. I still walk into small, local record stores to check out what they have, even as many have moved to stocking collector items like high-priced reissues when I just want to catch something new. I flip through used boxes and dollar bins trying to get that rush of getting lucky. (True story: the other day I bought a record by a band called Lester Freamon just because it was named after a character from The Wire.

I haven’t listened to it yet.)

There’s something to be said for this experience, and if you have a record store like this available to you, you should never forget that. Sure, you could recreate the authentic record store experience, burn some incense and ask Alexa to play you something new. I do it all the time, less the incense. But as music increasingly becomes a labor of love for all involved, supporting artists by buying their stuff when you’re at shows and wearing out the carpet in your local record store is the only way to keep it going.

I’d legitimately be sad if my local record stores shuttered their doors, and as a Twin Cities-ite, I’m lucky to have so many at my disposal. But Best Buy? Nah. Nothing to see here. Move along. SMS

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The 90th Academy Awards:

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s we approach the 90th edition of the Oscars, celebrating what some people, apparently deemed important, believe represents the best in 2018 cinema, the field seems as open as ever.

The 2017 edition of the Oscars presented a diverse array of best pictures nominees, no doubt – from “Lion,” a story of a young Indian man seeking his

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birthplace, to “Arrival,” a film about a linguistics professor attempting to communicate with foreign beings (my favorite of 2016). However, there were always just two contenders for the top prize, and indeed, they both ended the night on the Oscars stage.

Organizers were left scrambling after “La La Land” was incorrectly announced as the 2017 best picture winner. And when the award was switched over to the team behind the (deserving) victor, “Moonlight,” stars of the former film, like

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Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, were left standing on stage, awkwardly wondering what they should do now.

Luckily, the “La La Land” cast handled the debacle with grace, and for 2018, the Academy is promising the same mistake won’t be repeated. But drama may still unfold, as the Oscars caps off a movie award season filled with twists and turns, political rife and hardly any easy calls.

So we’re gonna make some calls and some wishes.

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BEST PICTURE The Nominees Call Me By Your Name: Set in 1983 northern Italy, a 17-yearold American-Italian boy in a rich family spends a summer developing a romantic relationship with an older man. Sensual innocence.

Darkest Hour: Gary Oldman plays Winston Churchill, leading Britain in the early days of WWII. Not much more to say.

Dunkirk: Chritopher Nolan’s latest about British soldiers trapped on the beaches of Dunkirk during WWII. The movie is all about atmosphere, utilizing minimal dialogue and non-sequential storytelling.

Get Out: A horror/ suspense/comedy about a young black man meeting his white girlfriend’s family and discovering some disturbing truths about who they are. Simultaneously hilarious, scary and introspective.

Lady Bird: A comedy/ drama about a girl growing up, who resents her mother but is very much like her. It’s a coming-of-age story, and it’s been done before but perhaps never this well. Greta Gerwig, the only female director in this category lends a deft touch.

Phantom Thread: Set in the glamour of 1950s postwar London, renowned dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis) and his sister, Cyril (Lesley Manville), are at the center of British fashion.

Sharp. Entertaining. Daniel DayLewis. Enough said.

The Post: Steven Spielberg directs Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks in The Post, a drama about the unlikely partnership between The Washington Post’s Katharine Graham (Streep), the first female publisher of a major American newspaper, and editor Ben Bradlee (Hanks).

An important story, and one that’s well told, though a media-friendly picture might not fit in this year.

The Shape Of Water: Set in Cold War America, a woman discovers a secret classified experiment, involving a sea creature, who she

develops a romantic relationship with. A ridiculous romance that pulls you in close for every second of a sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking ride.

Frances McDormand – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri: It would’ve been a crime to cast anyone else in this role. Frances takes a script and plotline that could easily steer into a concerning direction (and for some, it did), and elevates the entire film with some expertly delivered facial expressions and some aggressively belted lines.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri: A woman hellbent on finding the murderer of her daughter uses billboards to call out the chief of the small-town police force, who she doesn’t think is doing enough. Frances McDormand is brilliant in the lead role, and the movie is funny, if sometimes uncertain.

Where the 2017 Oscars had two clear favorites, the 2018 edition has a much mistier picture.

There are two frontrunners, heading into the show, based on a slight edge throughout awards season: Guillermo Del Toro’s “The Shape of Water” and Martin McDonagh’s Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. The former garnered a record-tying 13 Oscar nominations, providing it plenty clout, while the latter scooped up Best Drama at the Golden Globes, often a precursor to the Oscars big award.

However, some of the field’s dark horses aren’t so dark this year. The success of Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” is a remarkable story – a horror/drama/comedy movie released last spring by a first-time director from a comedy sketch show goes on to dominate the box office for weeks and garner rave reviews everywhere. It’s an underdog tale that could inspire voters. Plus, it’s an excellent movie.

Greta Gerwig’s “Lady Bird” hardly puts a single foot wrong.

It’s one of the best reviewed movies of 2017, and voters would have a hard time arguing why it doesn’t deserve the highest acclaim. “Call Me By Your Name” is also received rave reviews, and it presents a storyline unfamiliar to Oscar gold. Meanwhile, some consider “Dunkirk” to be the best of Christopher Nolan’s work, and voters could easily hand over the best picture title as an ode to his craft.

But at the end of the day, this one is going to the film that provided the best material in a wide array of categories, and it’s hard to argue with 13 nominations.

Margot Robbie – I, Tonya: The only nominated actress in this category, whose movie isn’t up for best picture, Robbie and supporting actress Allison Janney shined in I, Tonya. Robbie, playing Tonya Harding in a sort of true life farce, was committed to finding the heart of her character, even if the real-life version didn’t really deserve it.

Saoirse Ronan – Lady Bird: Ireland’s Ronan, 23, beautifully depicted an intelligent but completely clueless teenage girl, growing up with a mother she equally resented and admired. Ronan is at times funny, at times frustrating, at times horribly lost. She played the part to near perfection.

Meryl Streep – The Post: You might’ve heard of Streep once or twice before.

She’s not the favorite, here, with several critics finding flaws in the Steven Spielberg film.

But perhaps her performance deserves better. Streep, once again, elevates the film by deeply investing in her character like few other actors or actresses can do.

Winner: The Shape of Water

In all honesty, “The Shape of Water” taking home the top prize would hardly be a slap to the face. It’s a great and deserving movie.

But what if the Academy voted bravely. What if it awarded a movie released almost a year before the ceremony took place, a movie that was never meant to be an Oscar winner, a movie that took on a concoction of genres that no movie should?

It’s those questions about “Get Out,” and the fact that it still succeeded, still stands proudly as one of this year’s nominees that makes it such an enticing choice for the best picture win.

More than any of the other 2018 best picture nominees, “Get Out” spits in the face of what the best film of the year is supposed to be.

It’s just a damn good movie.

The Dream: Get Out wins

BEST ACTRESS The Nominees Sally Hawkins – The Shape of Water: Hawkins was given a rather wonderful character to play, here, and she made the most of it. Taking an inwardlooking mute woman and revealing through romance with a fishman that she’s actually much braver than most anyone else around her. A sight to behold.

Again, the field is relatively open. It would be difficult to make an argument that one actress clearly stood above the others in 2017, and that’s mostly because each of the five nominees hardly put a foot wrong. However, it’s McDormand that’s won the most accolades this awards season, and of any of the performances, here, hers seems the most irreplaceable.

The Winner: Frances McDormand

We secretly wouldn’t mind seeing Meryl Steep win yet again here, especially considering the sometimes unwarranted criticism she’s received from both sides of the political aisle, as she’s attempted to both lead and defend in the strong tides of the #MeToo movement. But we couldn’t be mad either at a win for the incredible Frances McDorman or the sublime Sally Hawkins.

Meanwhile, Robbie and Ronan are two rising stars who might catapult from a victory, here.

The Dream: We all agree 10 years from now that whoever won truly deserved it.

BEST ACTOR The Nominees Timothee Chalamet – Call Me By Your Name: The young

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Chalamet burst onto the scene this year, quickly developing a bright star and a bit of a teenage fandom, which might’ve been unexpected considering his style of movie.

In “Call Me By Your Name,” he managed to pull off an extremely difficult pairing of innocence and sexuality.

Daniel Day-Lewis – Phantom Thread: The only actor in Oscars history to claim the Best Actor title on three occasions, Day-Lewis is going for No. 4 with what might be his final film. As is typical of his career, the British actor gets lost in his character to the point it’s easy to forget that it’s a character at all.

Daniel Kaluuya – Get Out: Kaluuya was a new name to start 2017, but after a careermaking performance in Get Out, he’s likely to rapidly become more familiar. His performance was simultaneously unpretentious and finely tuned. He never missed a mark, which is a serious feat when playing a part in an oftentimes outlandish movie.

Gary Oldman – Darkest Hour: Oldman put out an award-baiting performance as Winston Churchill, and awards he did bait. Make no mistake, though, he deserves his nomination, bringing out Churchill in all his explosive and unrelenting drama.

Denzel Washington – Roman J. Israel, Esq.: Denzel wouldn’t often be labeled as a surprise nominee, but he could be here, snagging a spot for a performance that went under the radar at several other award shows.

He earned his nomination, though, displaying a brilliant character within an average film.

This category might be more clear than the others, as Gary Oldman took home Screen Actors Guild, Golden Globe and Critics Choice awards in this category already. While some voters might still believe no one can top Day-Lewis and others might see newcomers Chamalet and Kaluuya as newer, brighter stars, our money is the majority will follow suit with the season.

The Winner: Gary Oldman

Did we really need another portrayal of Winston Churchill?

Is it really that impressive to put forward a fine-tuned performance that’s already been done several times before? Well, yes, it is impressive. But It’s not that impressive, and we definitely weren’t asking for another Churchill movie/show.

The Dream: Someone that didn’t play Winston Churchill wins.

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BEST DIRECTOR

directing Oscar, but that doesn’t mean it’s undeserving. She took a ridiculously simple story – the relationship between a hard-working mother and a daughter with stars in her eyes – and turned it into something so entertaining and watchable.

And while we only want her to win if voters feel she did the best job directing, it would be icing on the cake to see a young female director get a boost that might open numerous doors in the future.

The Nominees Christopher Nolan – Dunkirk: Since “The Dark Knight,” Nolan has operated as a star director, one whose name is well-known in the general public. With Dunkirk, he provided his most likely awards winner yet. It’s a war movie, yes, but it’s presented in a way unique and subtle enough to make viewers believe this story truly matters.

The Dream: Gerwig takes home the prize, because she truly deserves it. SMS

Jordan Peele – Get Out: “Get Out” was merely an opportunity for Peele to show that he had interest, and maybe some talent, outside of sketch comedy. But it proved so much more, displaying a sense of vision and veracity that many filmmakers won’t reach throughout their entire career.

Greta Gerwig – Lady Bird: Gerwig was that indie film actress, constantly starring in quirky little movies. But those quirky films, like “Frances Ha,” were also really good movies, and considering Gerwig helped write some of them, maybe it shouldn’t have been a surprise how she so elegantly handled “Lady Bird.”

Paul Thomas Anderson – Phantom Thread: Anderson boasts a resume most directors would happily retire on. From “Boogie Nights” to “Magnolia” to “There Will Be Blood,” his films always seem to make the list of the year’s best. With “Phantom Thread,” he’s presenting something a little quieter, but no less riveting.

Guillermo Del Toro – The Shape of Water: If Del Toro is considered a cult director, he’s surely the most famous of them all. He’s amassed recognition for painting seemingly ugly scenes and twisting them to be beautiful. “The Shape of Water” is among his masterpieces.

Every direction voters can go here is completely different from the last. Nolan is an acclaimed director yet to be recognized at the highest level. Peele is an underdog, announcing his talent with a firework. Gerwig is the only female, here, and would be only the second female winner after Kathryn Bigelow.

Anderson is a proven reliable directing ace. And Del Toro, a definitive artist, would represent the third Mexican Best Director winner in four years.

Winner: Guillermo Del Toro

We’d take no issue if the Academy follows the award season trend and singles out Del Toro for the most coveted directing prize. But an even more exciting pick would be Gerwig.

She made the kind of movie that doesn’t often win a best

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39th Annual

CARRIAGE & CUTTER DAY Kenyon MN

SAT. FEB. 24TH Petting Zoo: 10am-1pm. On Forest St in between the Bank and All Seasons.

Stick Horse Show: Sign up @ youth center after 10am. Show on Main Street @1pm before the Parade.

Carriage & Cutter Parade: 1:30pm • Medallion Hunt: Clues start in Kenyon Leader on Jan. 31, 2018.

• Snowball/Softball tournaments: Starts at 8am @ Kenyon KW Fields.

• KW Alumni Basketball Tournament: Starts at 8am @ KW High School and Middle School Gyms.

• All Day Open Skate and Sledding @ Depot Park.

• 5K Run/Walk: 9:45am Check-in. 11am Start time.

Registration @ Kenyon Ambulance Building.

• Talk & Book Signing: 10am-1pm. How Did You Find Me...After All These Years? A Family Memoir by Dennis Vinar, Karen Vinar, Jean Voxland, & Andrew Voxland. @ City of Kenyon Council Chambers • Lunch at the VFW: 10:30am-2pm.

• Kenyon Police Dept. Free Finger Print Kits 11am-12:30pm • Historic Gunderson House Tours 11am-1pm

Silent Auction and Wine Pull @ the VFW 10:30am-3pm. Benefiting Kenyon Fire. Dept. Auxiliary.

Bingo at the VFW at 4pm DJ at Kenyon Muni starting at 9pm.

Sponsored by Kenyon Leader For more information on events please check Kenyon Park and Rec.’s Facebook page.

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Oscars Drink Like You’re There

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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. A special thanks to friends at 10,000 Drops in Faribault and Loon Liquors in Northfield for the suggestions.

The Shape of Water You’re just a man or woman in love with a fishman or fishwoman.

You need something to make you as audacious and unrelentingly passionate as Sally Hawkins in a bathroom brimming with water.

You need something to make you as bold as Guillermo Del Toro, who said ‘why shouldn’t mermen have genitals?’

1.5 oz 10,000 Drops Silver Rum 1 oz Soho Lychee Liqueur 1 oz lime juice 1 thin slice habanero pepper (muddled) 1 slice blood orange (muddled)

Rim glass with sea salt, sugar, and cayenne. Build all ingredients in glass and serve.

Lady Bird You’re just a young one trying to deal with the pains of life and a mom who just really doesn’t get you. You’re also too smart for these extremely self-involved classmates, but you’re too forward-looking to notice what you’ve got right in front of you. You need a drink to match your best friend – something adorable and loving.

1.5 oz Loon Liquors Loonshine Whiskey 2 oz Cranberry Juice Bubbly (your discretion) 1 wedge lime

Combine the Loonshine and cranberry juice in a glass filled with ice and stir until chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, top with bubbly and squeeze the lime wedge over top.

Dunkirk You’re doomed. You’re completely trapped – maybe you’re on a remote French beach with Nazi troops infiltrating from every direction or maybe you’re on a lonely couch with bouts of depression and/or anxiety ready to pummel your interior.

Regardless, you need a cocktail that can match the havoc about to ensue.

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Get Out

You’re the odd person out, here. You’re at someone else’s party, and everyone seems friendly, but there is something weeeeiiiirrrd going on. At this point, you’re OK with standing out, because fitting in would mean being part of something that just isn’t right.

1.5 oz 10,000 Drops Naked Whiskey Splash of olive juice Splash of pickle juice 1 tsp Mrs. Dash seasoning Dash black pepper 1/2 oz Worcester 1 tsp Hienz 57 5 shakes of Tabasco

2 oz Loon Liquors Lac Coeur, Coffee Liqueur 1 oz Wheaton Barley Vodka 2 oz Half and Half

Top with a mild Bloody Mary mix and serve.

Stir over ice. Serve with ice in low ball glass.

SMS

Call Me By Your Name Things are getting hot and heavy. You’re embroiled in a romance that feels too wrong, but oh so right. Nothing around you makes sense, except the purest feelings of lust and romance. You need something a little sweet, a little bitter.

2 oz Loon Liquors MetropoliGin 0.75 oz Rosemary Simple Syrup 0.5 oz lemon Dash of bitters

Shake and strain. Serve in chilled coupe glass. Mix it up and serve.

The Phantom Thread You’re under pressure. All your friends know you’re the queen/ king of fashion, and they’re constantly expecting you to set the trends. You’re panicking on Oscar night. Should you bust out the new strapless crop top or keep it classic in a red dress? Should you keep it casual in a cool printed sweatshirt or class it up in a slick button-up with the perfect-fitted pants? Don’t ask us, but here’s your drink, at least.

1 1/2 cups 10,000 Drops Spiced Rum 1 bottle Cava 2 cups fresh squeezed grapefruit juice 2 12-ounce bottles of ginger beer 1 grapefruit thinly sliced 1 handful of mint leaves

Add cava, rum, juice, and ginger beer to punch bowl. Add ice. Mix in mint leaves and grapefruit slices.

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The

Daniel G. Moir

20 17

BY DANIEL G. MOIR editor@southernminnscene.com

2017

was a year of remarkable re-inventions for artists of all genres. Much like society, the music we listened to spun in a variety of interesting directions.

We saw the arrival of new artists on the scene, each with their own vision and intriguing future possibilities.

For all these new voices, like Khalid, Marlon Craft, and Lil Uzi Vert, 2017 unfortunately also saw us saying goodbye to old favorites like Tom Petty, Glen Campbell, Chris Cornell, Gregg Allman, Chuck Berry, John Wetton, and Mel Tillis. Thankfully, we will always have the songs and stories they left behind as well as their influence on the music yet to be created. That is part of the beauty of music. The future is built on the past, before it becomes the music of now.

It is to this end that I offer my own, slightly skewed view on the musical year of 2017 now passed. While winning a “Danny” is nowhere near as prestigious as a “Grammy,” the artists represented in this list all have the dubious distinction of attracting some level of attention despite the ignoble circumstances of their award. That’s another great thing about music, it never really stops and there is always something out there on the horizon to grab your attention, both good and bad. Looking to the future, word has it that Sting and Shaggy will release a joint album together called 44/876 on April 20, so we may have already laid the groundwork for the 2018 Awards.

each ticket purchased including a copy of their new album, this maneuver enabled The Killers to place their Wonderful Wonderful album at the top of the album charts in the first week of release as well as guarantee larger audiences for what is now essentially a Brandon Flowers solo show. Flowers’ last appearance in the Twin Cities was at First Avenue and “The Fillers” most recent show played the Xcel Energy Center. Both shows were equally great, but to operate this way seems more like a last, sad gasp from a band that showed enormous potential at the turn of the century. A real shame.

And the first Danny goes to…

I loved the 2017 single by the Georgian country singer. A perfect breezy summer-styled song originally released in February as the “lead-off single for his upcoming second studio album.”

It’s been a year now, and we’re still waiting…

The “Very Best Album of the Year” Award

The “Great Album With A Messed Up Album Title” Award The Flaming Lips-Oczy Mlody

For their fantastic 14th studio album, Oklahoma City’s “The F’lips” used a variation of a Polish phrase that loosely means “the young eyes.” They followed this up with a faux live Record Store Day release entitled “Onboard the International Space Station Concert for Peace.” Your guess is as good as mine…

The “I Love the Single, Are You Ever Gonna Put Out The Album?” Award Sam Hunt-“Body Like A Back Road”

The “Any Moment Now…” Award

London Grammar-Truth Is A Beautiful Thing

The trio from Nottingham hinted at it on their 2013 debut If You Wait and in their Twin Cities debut at First Avenue in 2015, but it is with their sophomore release that their range of expressive, dramatic beauty is fully realized. Hannah Reid’s otherworldly voice penetrates through the rich ethereal sounds created by multi-instrumentalist Dominic “Dot” Major and guitarist Dan Rothman.

Distant, yet soulful. Ambient, yet earthy. Intense, yet warm. Truth Is A Beautiful Thing has earned them a new level of appreciation in their home country of England placing London Grammar them among the finalists for the a prestigious BRIT Award for “Best Group.” It is only a matter of time now before this homeland success spreads to our side of the pond.

The “Bait & Switch” Award The Killers-Wonderful Wonderful Tour

It wasn’t until several weeks after tickets for their current tour went on sale that The Killers quietly released news that Guitarist Dave Keuning and Bassist Mark Stoermer were declining to tour and the act would bring in outside musicians to cover their parts in performance. With

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Bebe Rexha

Rexha has floated just underneath the surface as a songwriter and co-vocalist on others’ hits for the past few years. She is likely best known for her work on “Me, Myself & I” with G-Eazy in late 2015. She released two E.P.s in 2017 including the criminally overlooked single “The Way I Are (Dance with Somebody).” Currently opening for Katy Perry, she will release her first full album during 2018, and it’s just a matter of time before her career really takes off.

The “Wait … They’re Still Around?” Award Mike + The Mechanics-Let Me Fly

It came as a complete surprise to discover that former Genesis Guitarist Mike Rutherford’s side-band not only still existed, but had Bebe Rexha released a rather delightful little album during the year. While not destined to garner any radio play whatsoever, Let Me Fly was still a nice touch of nostalgia for 80s fans everywhere with new singer Andrew Roachford bringing a soulful feel to the group.

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The “Change of Direction” Award

The “He Said WHAT? In Concert” Award

The former One Direction heartthrob performed one of the most impressive about-face moves of the past several years. His work in 1D gave evidence to great set of pipes, but his decision to go into “Seventies Rock” mode on his solo debut clearly served him well. Lead-off single “Sign of the Times” effortlessly captured the sense of insecurity in the world upon initial release, while other standouts like “Only Angel” and “Kiwi” blistered with a ferocity that was both surprising and welcome. His self-titled album played like a lost, dark classic album by Bread.

To say that 2017 was a “politically divisive year” is to state the obvious. On his recent “Us + Them” tour, the former Pink Floyd frontman made no bones about his political opinion throughout the show.

Love or hate his politics, Waters show was extraordinary.

Drawing from material throughout his 50 year career, he employed remarkable staging to re-create the Battersea Power Station from the cover of 1976’s Animals in order to separate the left and right sides of the arena into two groups. That the audience would be unable to determine which side was the “Us” side or the “Them” side was entirely intentional and only made Waters’ point. While his political attacks may have been polarizing, he did exactly what can be expected from an artist. He made a statement and effectively re-sorted and re-cast his entire life’s work in an entirely new context that breathed new life and added vibrancy to music that “you thought you knew.”

Harry Styles

Roger Waters-Xcel Energy Center St. Paul, MN July 26, 2017

The “What’s Up With That?” Award

Childish Gambino-Awaken, My Love!

On his third outing as Childish Gambino, Actor/Rapper/Writer Donald Glover takes a largely different path, mixing Parliament/Funkadelic, Radiohead, Marvin Gaye and Talking Heads in a giant blender and then hitting “purée.” Tracks ranging from “Zombie” to the largely instrumental “The Night Me And Your Mama Met” were interesting, albeit confusingly disjointed and strange. An adventurous, bold ride from start to finish, even if it made no sense on a surface level.

Awaken, My Love! is likely the most representative album of 2017. Whenever I turn on the news, I am left similarly bewildered and wondering what the hell just happened. Childish Gambino gave us a great soundtrack to that confusion.

The “Put Down The Whip Already” Award

Taylor Swift

On her Reputation album, mega-star Taylor Swift seemed, yet again, largely occupied with settling old scores. Stretching back to “Picture to Burn” on her debut album in 2006, Swift once again writes with a chip on her shoulder as she goes after her targets. It is just getting old.

While this was easy to write off as teenage cattiness in her early years, continuing to carry on in this fashion at the age of 28 only comes across as petty and cloying. It is also far below her natural songwriting abilities. Swift has the potential to become the songwriter of her generation, if she can only get beyond herself. I continue to wait.

Childish Gambino

The “It’s About Bloody Time” Award

Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden

Bon Jovi-Xcel Energy Center St. Paul, MN March 27, 2017

The British Metal band finally returned to the Twin Cities for their first performance in nearly 17 years.

Not willing to simply put on a nostalgia show, the formidable sextet gave their hardcore fans a thrilling voyage through their recent Book of Souls album intermingled with both “hits” and concert favorites. Only “Run to the Hills” was missing from the set.

Hopefully, the faithful won’t have as long to wait for the next opportunity to hear this classic from Number of the Beast.

The new Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees show at “The X” in March was proficiently executed, but the show relied far too heavily on their recent This House Is Not For Sale album.

Not necessarily a bad album, but not what fans were there to hear. Clearly, original guitarist Richie Sambora was missed. One of the most telling comments was heard just outside one of the venue’s bathrooms when one of the more inebriated attendees loudly remarked to his companion “What is THIS S&*T? I came to hear the songs we heard in High School!” They may have leaned on the classics at the very end, but it was a bit too little, too late for many in the crowd. Next Up: “Cash in the Chips: The Casino Tour.”

The “Other Best Albums of the Year”

The “Uh, Maybe We Should Stick To Singles” Award

Many will tell you that the album is a “dead” form in 2017.

I respectfully disagree and these albums, in no particular order, are a good reason why.

The Chainsmokers-Memories…Do Not Open

Robert Plant-Carry Fire Marlon Craft-The Tunnel’s End U2-Songs of Experience Kesha-Rainbow Kendrick Lamar-DAMN a-Ha-MTV Unplugged: Summer Solstice Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah-Diaspora Paramore-After Laughter

At least they named their album correctly. If they spent as much time on their music as they did perfecting their hipster bro-tastic “high five” moves as demonstrated on Saturday Night Live, maybe we wouldn’t be in this predicament.

The “Seriously, How Big Is This Dude Gonna Get?” Award

The “Unaware They’re A Nostalgic Act Now” Award

Remember-Always keep your ears open and listening for what’s next! SMS Roger Waters

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

Ed Sheeran

With his DIVIDE record, Sheeran issued one of his catchiest missives to date. Any way you look at it, “Shape of You” was simply unavoidable in 2017. If you loved it, you never got tired of it. If you hated it, eventually you simply shrugged and moaned “Well, I’ve heard worse” upon hearing it for the millionth time. The fact that the album also contained treasures like “Castle on the Hill,” “Galway Girl,” “What Do I Know?” and “New Man” waiting to be discovered just proved why his next trip to the Twin Cities will be held at U.S. Bank Stadium.

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MINNESOTA MUSIC SCENE

RIAN-Dicke MICHELS Rian-Dicke Michels, can be reached at editor@southernminnscene.com.

An Atmospheric Upbringing

M

y teen years flew nightmarishly by in a flurry of “Who am I?” I was constantly trying on a different outward portrayal of that, and subsequently, my taste in music followed suit.

I wanted to stand out, but in a ‘fit in’ sort of way. A huge contradiction, much like those starburst commercials from a few years back with the Scottish Asian man. I changed often and when I was introduced to Atmosphere, I began to change again.

In 2008, Atmosphere’s album When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold came out. I was enthralled by the group. It was exciting to listen to Minnesota-made music, because supporting local suddenly became important to me. At the time, I had no idea how much their music would influence my mood.

I began listening to other albums, going back to Seven’s Travels from 2003, released through their record label Rhymesayers and the punk label Epitaph. It felt like I was playing catch up. I discovered the hidden track “Say Shh,” causing me to fall in love with where I lived. Slug did that. He made an impression and I started to view life through a different lens. Life is messy, we don’t always like it, but we can make the best of it.

Five years ago, some friends and I went to see Atmosphere live in Duluth. It was the perfect outdoor venue, and an amazing show. Slug had this ability to engage his audience in such a way that the crowd was electrified. He leveled with us and ampli-

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fied our energy. I had this feeling that Slug, also known as Sean Daley, was a good person at his core. I had seen photos of these guys before, but they were different in person. They chose to stay down to Earth. I don’t know these guys personally, and I could be wrong, but that was the message I got from my spot near the front row. It was through this experience that I gained a massive respect for the group.

However, they didn’t always go by Atmosphere, and it wasn’t always Slug and Ant. In the very beginning, it was Slug and D-Spawn. Just two high schoolers who met in 1989 and wanted to make rap music. They started out as “Mental Subjects.” DSpawn, aka Derek Turner, was initially the vocalist, while Slug did his thing as the DJ, but it was D-Spawn that convinced Slug to try rapping and the group continued to evolve. They changed their name to “Rhythmic Culture” and then later “Urban Atmosphere.” Another artist by the name of Musab introduced them to the producer known as Ant. It was through this connection they recorded more of their music, also learning under the wing of several other artists.

After becoming “Atmosphere,” cassettes were released by Rhymesayers, under the group name “Headshots”; which was formulated by a larger collection of rap artists. This release occurred in the early 90s, so if you, like me, hadn’t heard these tracks because you were living in Chicago and were less than ten years old at the time, you can actually still find them online.

I took some time to locate these and immerse myself in the

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music, confusing the hell out of my dude, since last month I was rocking synth-pop and punk tunes.

These mixtapes were produced in the basement of Rhymesayers’ CEO, Siddiq, and it is no surprise these guys made it big. In listening to the Headshots Vol.1 mixtape, you can tell they were serious. I know some people who produce music out of their houses, and it’s not always a simple task. There’s real work to be done and this group of artists cared just as much then as they do now.

Side B of Headshots is credited to Slugo himself, who we all know now as simply, Slug. His blends and rather unlikely pairings are a glimpse into the creative style that has continued to evolve over the years. In regards to Volume 2: Headshots Se7en, (recorded in 1998) it released to cassette but saw a CD re-issue in 2005 and is more easily accessible than others.

From the early 2000’s until now, several more recognizable albums have been released, including but not limited to Ford and Lucy Ford, God Loves Ugly, The Family Sign, and Southsiders.

I have a personal favorite from each, and hopefully Atmosphere continues to do no less than kill it in the near future. For now, each time I hear the track “Sunshine,” I recount days as a teenager with a much darker outlook on life, driving around in my parents car, trying to get a grip on myself. Thank you to Atmosphere for reminding me of good days on the bad ones.

If I could, I would keep those feelings in a plastic jar. SMS

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BY Tigger Lunney editor@southernminnscene.com

L Love it or Hate it

ove it or hate it, the Grammy Awards has weathered, persevered, and remains the most notable honor one can receive in the music industry.

Throughout its 60 years, the annual award ceremony from The Recording Academy has seen competition from other awards shows, a dying recording industry, and frequent accusations of being out of touch with what’s going on in contemporary music. Much more than its peers in film, television, and stage (Oscars, Emmys, and Tonys), the Grammys plays in a young person’s sandbox. While the other of the big four award shows might need to recognize the occasional upstart, music moves faster and this year’s biggest and best might have been a totally unknown just a few months ago.

The Recording Academy has frequently been slow to recognize newer forms of music. Henry Mancini won the inaugural Album Of The Year in 1959, the same year some kid with slicked-back hair and shaking hips released “A Date With Elvis.” The Academy was also slow to embrace heavy metal and most notably hip-hop, whose influence can be found in virtually every corner of pop music today. Add that conservatism to a music industry on a massive decline, and you have quite the challenge for the Recording Academy. When they celebrated their 60th anniversary on January 28, what sort of statement would the Grammys make? Would they delve into new artists, embrace stars rising through different forms of media, make an argument for the lasting power of popular music as a whole?

Nah, let’s just give all the major awards to Bruno Mars.

Not to take away from Mr. Mars and his elite team of producers, songwriters, publicists, and managers that mustered him to center stage to collect three out of the four major Grammys (I suppose there was no way they could give him Best New Artist).

24K Magic is a solid album. 24K Magic and That’s What I Like are catchy neo-soul pop hits. But they aren’t clean-sweep worthy.

Michael Jackson this ain’t. Beyonce this ain’t. Owatonna native Har Mar Superstar — who pound for pound has better songs than Mars, especially deep cuts — this ain’t.

Excluding Best New Artist for a minute, let’s take a look at what the Recording Academy missed: Record of the Year (which is awarded to the performer,

SMS

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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while Song of the Year is awarded to the writers/producers): Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar battling each other with Childish Gambino, the serious hip-hop project brainchild of actor/writer/comedian Donald Glover, nipping at their heels and Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s “Depacito” as the dark horse. Of the four, Lamar’s “Humble” is maybe the riskiest song, and the best, but both the Jay-Z and Gambino tracks are engaging and full of an artistry worth recognition.

Album of the Year: Again, Jay-Z (4:44), Lamar (Damn), and Gambino (“Awaken, My Love”) battle for second place, with Lorde entering the fray in an elaborate four-way tie for last that’s much more intriguing than Mars’s record. Lorde’s sophomore effort Melodrama doesn’t have a definitive pop single as powerful as her biggest hit, “Royals,” but it’s a fantastic follow-up. 4:44, Damn, and “Awaken, My Love” all represent where music can be heading, but I give biggest points to Jay-Z’s elder statesman of hip-hop status.

Song Of The Year: Jay-Z’s 4:44 is a third-person self-reflection against a dense production, while Julia Michael’s Issues combines breathy vocals with sparse strings and a thick beat. They’re both excellently written songs, so call that one a tie.

At the end of the day, all these artists make music that feels like it’s moving towards something. Both Lamar and Gambino picked up awards in the lesser, genre-specific categories, while Jay-Z and Lorde were shut out. But I don’t understand the distinction the Grammys makes between “Traditional R&B”, where Gambino won, and “R&B”, which, surprise surprise, Mars took down again.

In fact, unpacking the sheer dominance of Mars leaves little room for other considerations: Alessia Cara took Best New Artist, beating out notables SZA and Julia Michaels. Sigh. Kelly Clarkson should have beat Ed Sheeran for best Pop Solo Performance. Leonard Cohen posthumously won Best Rock Performance, which was more than deserved. But the two categories that made most sense in their conferment: Best Metal Performance went to Mastodon, who actually make metal scary and interesting again, and Best Traditional Pop went to Tony Bennett, who still has that croon.

After 60 years, at least the Grammys get a couple things right.

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Mollywood Blvd

MOLLY PENNY Molly Penny is a local radio personality and MSU Mankato alum. It was her love of pop culture that got her interested in doing a morning show gig for KOWZ 100.9. She is now Music and Promotions Director at KOWZ & KRUE Radio in Owatonna and can be heard on various airwaves in Southern Minnesota, including Hot 96.7 in Mankato. She resides in Mankato with her movie buff husband and YouTube obsessed children. Need to contact her?

Shoot her an e-mail mollyp@kowzonline.com or catch her on Twitter at @mollyhoodUSA.

Changing of the Tide (Pods):

A Look at the Internet Challenges that

E

Should Have Never Happened

ver notice the wild, unfiltered side of your friends and fellow citizens exposed on social media?

People engaging in fights and conversations they would probably never have in person, often with complete strangers, The internet is wrought with “trolls,” of which I am one. It’s like Facebook gives some form of “liquid courage” often bringing out the worst in society.

It has been this way for a while now, but the stupidity seems especially rampant as of late.

Cheap entertainment for sure, but at some point, we need to not encourage this sort of thing. Beyond arguing with complete strangers, the advent of the internet has really unearthed an entire new class of morons and challenges that can teeter on dangerous.

The internet just might kill us. Our youth anyway. We are all privy to doing stupid things as kids. Nationwide trends and themes in childhood have existed for eons. Who didn’t line up in a row on the ground and let their friends jump over them on bicycles, suck helium from balloons and talk like chipmunks, give each other space monkeys (basically choking your friend out until they faint), or have contests at the pool of who could hold their breath underwater the longest? We are all guilty.

But the onset of this new digital age has really upped the ante for stupid challenges. There is just a larger than ever audience. And it is all to get that extra like or follow on social media, or see your video go “viral.” Now, there are some great trends social media that don’t cause physical harm. It was annoying, but the Harlem Shake was pretty harmless. Challenges too, from the ALS Ice Bucket challenge, the saltine cracker or the Mannequin Challenge proved to be innocent and fun. The ALS Ice Bucket challenge was actually a great way to raise money and awareness for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). But let’s look some of the challenges that should never have happened:

www.awesci.com a spoonful of cinnamon without coughing, gagging, inhaling and basically choking on cinnamon and even vomiting.

Unfortunately, for some of the stupid participants of this challenge, it lead to pneumonia and collapsed lungs. They aired an episode on season 12 of Big Brother in which the cast tried this and gagged on cinnamon for a national audience. If it was on Big Brother, it has to be bad. Don’t try this at home, kids.

www.dailymotion.com

www.YouTube.com ticipant will surely lose, because you literally cannot do it without puking.

KYLIE JENNER LIP CHALLENGE

www.YouTube.com

GHOST RIDING THE WHIP This might be a little ancient for some of you readers, but it happened. Thank YouTube for this one. Sometime in the mid-aughts, there was a phenomenon called Ghost Riding the Whip. It was the act of putting your ride in neutral, opening all doors, cranking your radio dial up to 10 and simply rolling.

Many, however, took it to a new level, and actually exited his or her ride, and danced around the car in an extremely careless “Chinese fire drill,” hung feet first out the window, or climbed on top of the vehicle and literally rode it, while the car was still driving itself.

Many of these videos ended up in epic FAILS, in which the car was totaled. If you don’t believe me, just type: “ghost ride the whip fail” into your YouTube search bar. It’s also a catchy song by Soulja Boy.

CINNAMON CHALLENGE This one has been around since the early 2000s, but spiked in popularity in 2012. Basically, the objective is to film yourself eating a spoonful of ground cinnamon in under a minute without drinking anything. Then you upload the video, and the internet community inevitably laughed at you, because there is literally no way to eat

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www.imgur.com

So, remember how the youngest Kardashian sister, reality star Kylie Jenner, went from having no lips, to huge voluptuous lips seemingly overnight? She had lip injections. Selfies posted to her Instagram account showed a whole new look, and people created the #kyliejennerlipchallenge to hop on board and “be like Kylie.”

This was back in 2015.

Teenagers would insert their lips into a shot glass, small jar or bottle, then suck out the air, creating a vacuum. The hope is they would end up with pouty lips like Kylie. Basically the blood rushes into your lips and puffs them up, but there were multiple accounts of this going wrong, causing bruising, soreness and sometimes even open skin. I personally know of someone locally who had to go to the hospital and have her lips drained. No thanks.

BOILING WATER CHALLENGE The Hot Water Challenge was also inspired by YouTube videos. It involves pouring boiling water on an unsuspecting friend. In one instance, this stupid challenge turned fatal, when a friend was dared to drink boiling water through a straw. I won’t elaborate. Just … don’t do it.

MILK CHALLENGE I hate to admit it, but with some of these challenges, I find myself scoffing, “Psh, I could do that.” OK, so here are the Milk Challenge rules: You have one hour to drink a gallon of milk. Type of milk is your choice, 2 percent, skim, Vitamin D. (I’d go with skim, personally). You can try to drink it all at once or pace yourself.

People typically pair this one with a be t… a bet that the par-

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TIDE POD CHALLENGE Finally, the challenge that has taken Social Media by storm as of late is the Tide Pod Challenge in which teens are daring each other to eat tide pods without throwing up. Tide pods are a rather new detergent phenomenon, and yes, the blue and orange pods do look a little bit like candy. But clearly they are not for human consumption.

I had to have a conversation with my 10 and 13 year old children about not jumping on this bandwagon and it was a low point in my parenting. I did not think they would actually partake, but they are active on social media, so better safe than sorry, right? I mean, are people really this dumb? I don’t know, maybe the Tide Pod Challenge is just detergent for the gene pool, so to speak. SMS

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husband-wife duo turns full-time band

fter they began dating in 2001, Kim Roe had a suggestion for Quillan Roe. “Hey, we should start a band,” she said to her now husband, who was already part of a rock-a-billy outfit at the time.

With a passion for singing and music, Kim wanted to share those pursuits with Quillan, but he wasn’t too keen with her idea to start, she said. The duo was married a couple years later in 2003, and that same year, Quillan got a call to perform in a Johnny

St. John’s Hall 500 Third St. W Northfield

Cash and June Carter Tribute – but his band wasn’t available.

“And he put his hand over the phone and said, ‘Hey Kim. Would you like to start a ban?’” Kim recalled. She told him ‘Yes, she would.’ “And he said, ‘Well we have our first show.’”

About 15 years later, it’s safe to say the band was a good idea.

“It’s a lot of fun; it really is,” Kim said. “When I said I

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Quillan and Kim Roe.

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wanted to start a band with my husband I didn’t know it would be like this … I looked at it as kind of a hobby, I guess, and I didn’t know it would turn into this huge thing. And I love it.”

Since that initial performance honoring Cash and Carter, the Roe Family Singers have been adding bandmates, turning their band into a full-time gig and performing regularly for a steady crowd at the 331 Club in Minneapolis. Featuring a sound that Kim called old-time bluegrass and country with a little bit of punk mixed in for good measure, the Roe Family Singers will be performing from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Concert Club in Owatonna.

“They’re just going to have a hootin’, hollerin’ good time. We try to put out the best show that we can every time,” Kim said. “The music we play is fun.”

Twelve years ago, the Roe Family Singers began adding bandmates to their line-up, Kim said.

The band has grown to include Adam Wirtzfeld on the saw, Dan Gaarder on guitar and vocals, Rich Rue on steel guitar, Ric Lee on fiddle, Rob Davis on the jug, Kurt Froehlich on the mandolin and kazoo, and Eric Paulson on stand-up bass. Quillan plays

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the banjo and guitar and does vocals, while Kim also does vocals and plays the autoharp and washboard.

Quillan and Kim’s daughters, ages 7 and 9, have also been musically involved with their parents’ band since even before they were born. Kim said regulars and fans of the band will remember her being pregnant on stage and sneaking away to use the restroom.

The couple’s daughters have also joined them on stage since they were born – whether in their Baby Bjorns or dancing on their own – and as a mom and a musician, Kim said it’s exciting to see her daughters enjoy the stage with her.

As for whether another generation of Roes will join the band, Kim said that is up to the kids.

“We would love to. We’re not going to push it, though,” Kim said. “We would love for them to join us. They both have beautiful voices, and they have a really good ear and good rhythm.”

In 2011, the band was awarded the McKnight Fellowship for Performing Musicians, which inspired Quillan and Kim to take their band to the next step.

“We ended up just using that, taking that as a sign and taking that next step to do this full time, and it’s just been an amazing time,” Kim said.

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“We want our fans to be part of the process because we wouldn’t be making records without them.

We wouldn’t be a band without our fans.” - Kim Roe And the accolades – and recognition – keep stacking up.

Kim said she is now recognized in the grocery store and people will ask if she’s “Mama Roe.” She’s also been awarded for her singing talent, and the band was named Entertainers of the Year by Bluegrass Music Association of Iowa in 2016, has been named World’s Best Jug Band in both 2010 and 2012 at the annual Battle of the Jug Bands, and won the Minnesota Duet Contest at the Minnesota State Fair in 2016.

The CDs the band puts out are a combination of original and traditional music. Their first CD featured all original tracks, and the gospel one was mostly traditional. But Kim said the band enjoys fusing in songs they grew up with, with the writing talents of Quillan on their CD line-ups.

Last year, the band was signed on by Pinecastle Records and will have a new CD coming out May 4. The CD will be half traditional and half of their original material, which is common of the Roe Family offerings.

The band will also be launching a Kickstarter to help cover costs of the CD as a way to promote fan involvement – something Mama Roe said the band is appreciative to have.

“We want our fans to be part of the process because we wouldn’t be making records without them,” Kim said. “We wouldn’t be a band without our fans.” SMS

Roe Family Singers

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Valerie June with Birds of Chicago First Avenue in Minneapolis – Feb. 17

Big Turn Music Fest Downtown Red Wing – Feb. 16 and 17 When you imagine Minnesota in February, what comes to mind? Maybe live music isn’t the first thing to pop up, but a new music festival in Red Wing is hoping to change that. Big Turn Music Fest will take place in downtown Red Wing on Feb. 16 and 17, and will feature nearly 100 bands and 17 venues. Headliners include Porcupine, Caroline Smith, Jeremy Messersmith, Heiruspecs, Toki Wright, and Dave Simonett of Trampled by Turtles. The festival is organized by Red Wing native Sam Brown, who founded the MidWest Music Fest in 2010 in Winona. www.bigturnmusicfest.com

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Fri Feb 16, 2018 Pinch Pots and Plants - 1:00 pm | $5-$10. $5 Member/$10 Non-Member 125 Live Center for Active Adults 125 Elton Hills Dr NW Rochester, MN 55901 This one-off class will cover the basics of pinching clay between your fingers to form a bowl perfect for a plant. No previous knowledge is needed and fees include use of studio/tools clay.

My Romance: The Singers Valentine Gala - 6:00 pm | Please visit our website at www.singersmca.org for more information.

Oak Ridge Country Club, 700 Oak Ridge Rd Hopkins, MN 55305 A new tradition continues! The Singers bring back their Valentines Gala, again held at Oak Ridge Country Club in Hopkins. The Singers present jazz arrangements by the legendary Phil Mattson, including a world premiere of his take on Gershwins I Got Rhythm.

A dinner, auctions, and karaoke make for a fun-filled party in support of The Singers mission and music making.

Matchbox presents “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Feb 16, 17, 2018 7:00 pm | $6-$10 The Historic Paramount Theatre 125 4th Ave NE Austin, MN 55912 This dramatization of the C.S. Lewis’ classic faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of four children who wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten Narnia.

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Musical: Anything Goes by Cole Porter Feb 16, 17, 2018 7:00 pm | $8 Century High School 2525 Viola Rd NE Rochester, MN 55906 With music and lyrics by Cole Porter, ANYTHING GOES is the musical of the 20th Century and beyond. Written in 1934 and revived on Broadway in 1986 and 2011, this show is the top!

Lyra Baroque Orchestra Presents “Spanish Nights” - 7:30 pm | $5-$25. Visit lyrabaroque.org/spanishnights for details and tickets.

Zumbro Lutheran Church 624 3rd Ave SW Rochester, MN 55902 A rare performance of Spanish and Italian baroque music.

Dance a Jig or Weep Over a Ballad with DAIMHs Authentic Gaelic Music - 7:30 pm | $25-$29 State Theater 96 E 4th St Zumbrota, MN 55992 Gaelic Supergroup and unchallenged champions of straight-in-the-eye Highland music, DAIMH. From pyrotechnic jigs and reels to achingly poignant ballads, they run the full expressive gamut of folk music at its best, and are justly renowned for their thrilling live shows. DAIMH is based around West Lochaber and the Isle of Skye.

Sat Feb 17, 2018 Giselle Presented By Metropolitan Ballet - 7:00 pm | $29-$59 HHS Auditorium 2400 Lindberg Drive Hopkins, MN 55305 PERFORMING ARTS TICKETS, MINNEAPOLIS Experience the romance and beauty of Giselle. A ballet, perfect in design and narrative, tells the story of a young peasant girl whos heart is broke when she learns that the man she loves is really a prince betrothed to marry another.

Magic Comes to the Beau - 7:00 pm | $30 Paradise Center for the Arts 321 Central Ave. Faribault, MN 55021 Beau Chants Dessert Show and Silent Auction annual fundraiser returns to the Paradise Center for the Arts on February 17. This years gala event, Magic Comes to the Beau, promises to be an evening filled with music, magic, desserts, and the always popular silent auction.

The New Standards - 7:30 pm | $25-$30 Sheldon Theatre 443 west third street Red Wing, MN 55066 What a terrific combo. Everything they do is a surprise. Greil Marcus, rock critic Making the familiar new again, its an evening of love and love songs with a twist.

Transit Authority: Tribute to Chicago - 7:30 pm | $28-$32 State Theater 96 E 4th St Zumbrota, MN 55992 Transit Authority performs an exciting and powerful tribute dedicated to the best horn driven power rock band to ever come down the pike, Chicago!

Sun Feb 18, 2018 Matchbox presents “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe 2:00 pm | $6-$10 The Historic Paramount Theatre 125 4th Ave NE Austin, MN 55912 This dramatization of the C.S. Lewis’ classic faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of four children who wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten Narnia.

Free Classic Movies Sundays Feb 18, Mar 4, 11, 2018 2:00 pm | Free State Theater 96 E 4th St Zumbrota, MN 55992

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Since the release of her 2013 breakout Pushin’ Against A Stone, Valerie June has been patiently at work, crafting her stunning 2017 album, The Order Of Time. She’ll be in the Twin Cities, just after Valentine’s Day, melting hearts with her Americana soul melodies and a long-flowing skirt or maybe some bell bottom pants. June is cool enough to simultaneously represent the past and future of music. Go see her. www.first-avenue.com/event/2018/02/valeriejune

The State Theater in Zumbrota Announces Classic Movie Sundays! The Historic State Theater in Zumbrota invites everyone to step back in time to cinema’s Golden Age with Classic Movie Sundays.

Tue Feb 20, 2018 Creative Weaving Feb 20, 22, 2018 9:30 am | $30-$35. $30 Member/$35 Non-Member 125 Live Center for Active Adults 125 Elton Hills Dr NW Rochester, MN 55901 Weave a landscape or freeform design on a tapestry loom to make as a wall hanging or pillow which will be started the first session, taken home and finished the second session. Warped looms and supplies will be provided.

Wed Feb 21, 2018 Pet Portrait Painting - 7:00 pm | $35 Inbound BrewCo 701 N. 5th Street Minneapolis, MN 55401 Paint a portrait of your favorite fuzzy friend after their photo is transferred onto an 11x14-inch canvas. Email a quality photo of your pet (one pet per photo) to nwmpls@kidzart.com at least four days before class.

Movie Night - Casablanca - 7:30 pm | $5 Historic Paramount Theatre 125 4th Ave NE Austin, MN 55912 $5 for a great night at the movies!

Purchase tickets at concession stand no advance ticket sales.

Thu Feb 22, 2018 Card Party - 3:30 am | $10-$15. $10 Member/$15 Non-Member 125 Live Center for Active Adults 125 Elton Hills Dr NW Rochester, MN 55901 Create memorable cards for that special someone or a piece of art to keep for yourself in this one-off session. Cards, envelopes and collage materials will be provided. Participants can bring their own mementos, photos

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or other favorite materials to use in this one of a kind piece of art.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Feb 22-24, Mar 1, 3, 2018 7:30 pm | $7-$17 Rarig Center-University Of Minnesota 330 21st Avenue S Minneapolis, MN 55455 A Midsummer Nights Dream By William Shakespeare Directed by Barbra Berlovitz Presented on the Stoll Thrust Stage Performance.

Fri Feb 23, 2018 Ailey II The Next Generation of Dance - 7:30 pm | $25-$30 Sheldon Theatre 443 west third street Red Wing, MN 55066 Second to none Dance Magazine Exquisite and soul-touching, Ailey II is the younger company in the legendary Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Family, merging the spirit and energy of the countrys best young dance talent with the groundbreaking tradition of their namesake. This is a Kids Play Free event.

ArtRocks Open Jam Session 7:30 pm | Free Austin ArtWorks Center 300 North Main Street Austin, MN 55912 The house band sets up and hosts the event. Players bring their guitars, basses, horns, sticks, keyboards, washboards, etc, and singers and songwriters bring themselves, their words, and their voices. The house band will ‘back’ individual jammers, and allow for groups of jammers to get up and play.

Barefoot in the Park Feb 23-24, Mar 1, 3, 2018 7:30 pm | $12-$28 Paradise Center for the Arts 321 Central Ave. Faribault, MN 55021 ‘Barefoot in the Park,’ one of Simon’s early hit comedies, is the story of Corie and Paul Bratter, a newlywed couple living in an apartment on the top floor of a brownstone in New York City.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo - 7:30 pm | $32-$58. Subject to change

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts 345 Washington Street Saint Paul, MN 55102 South Africa’s Ladysmith Black Mambazo has warmed the hearts of audiences worldwide with their uplifting vocal harmonies, signature dance moves, and charming onstage banter for over 50 years.

Sat Feb 24, 2018 Zumbro Valley Chorus presents “Singing in a Snow Globe” - 1:30 am | $10 Trinity Lutheran Church Rochester 222 6th AV SW Rochester, MN 55901 Come celebrate winter and have a relaxing afternoon - the whole family is invited - and enjoy four-part a cappella music.

Rochester Emerging Photographers Exhibition - 1:00 pm | Free Kahler Grand Hotel 20 2nd Ave SW Rochester, MN 55902 This is an exciting event which plans to exhibit the works of at least fifteen photographers. Whether students, recent grads, hobbyists, beginning pros, or professional artists in other mediums that are interested in photography, this exhibition will show off the works of those photographers emerging in the Rochester area.

1960s Politics - 2:00 pm | Free Blue Earth County Historical Society History Center 424 Warren Street Mankato, MN 56001 Join us at the History Center for a guided discussion about the political events of the 1960s and offer your memories of important issues raised in our latest traveling exhibit, Coming of Age: The 1968 Generation. This event is free and open to the public. Éigse CIM, A Gaela Event - 5:00 pm | $25-$75 The Celtic Junction 836 Prior Ave. North Saint Paul, MN 55104 The Center for Irish Music and emcee Máirtín de Cógáin invite you to dress up in your finest, bring your friends, and join us for Éigse CIM, A

Gaela Event, an evening in support of traditional Irish music. Éigse [eg-shuh] is an Irish word used for festivals celebrating traditional Irish arts and culture.

RCMS Chamber Jazz - 7:30 pm | Free Christ United Methodist Church 400 5th Avenue SW Rochester, MN 55902 Rochester Chamber Music Society presents its fifth concert of the season, RCMS Chamber Jazz, on Saturday, February 24, at 7:30 pm at Christ United Methodist Church. Our annual jazz concert features a performance of Claude Bolling’s Suite for Cello and Jazz Piano Trio with soloist Laura Sewell and also selections from Satie, Ravel, Debussy, Faure with soloist David Milne.

Michael Shynes w/ Community Voted Opener - 8:00 pm | $8-$10. $8 Advance / $10 Day of ShowAlso available for purchase at Caf Steam - $10 Cafe Steam 315 S. Broadway Rochester, MN 55904 My Town My Music is proud to present Michael Shynes! We’ll be taking the over the Caf Steam stage for an intimate night of live music. Enjoy your favorite drink from the best baristas in town and listen to one of Minnesotas most sought-after acoustic singer/ songwriters.

Sun Feb 25, 2018 A Midsummer Night’s Dream Feb 25, Mar 4, 2018 2:00 pm | $7-$17 Rarig Center-University Of Minnesota 330 21st Avenue S Minneapolis, MN 55455 A Midsummer Nights Dream By William Shakespeare Directed by Barbra Berlovitz Presented on the Stoll Thrust Stage Performance dates: Barefoot in the Park - 2:00 pm | $12-$28 Paradise Center for the Arts 321 Central Ave. Faribault, MN 55021 ‘Barefoot in the Park,’ one of Simon’s early hit comedies, is the story of Co-

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REO Speedwagon Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato Feb. 22 The over-50-year-old rock band, most known for its hits in the 80s – “Keep on Loving You,” “Take it on the Run,” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” – is making its way to Mankato’s big stage, as the growing Southern Minnesota city continues to draw bigger (though not yet the biggest) names. REO hasn’t had a song make the Billboard Hot 100 since “Love Is a Rock” in 1990, but their hits endure, especially for those who jammed to the band in their heyday. www.verizonwireless.centermankato.com/Tickets

rie and Paul Bratter, a newlywed couple living in an apartment on the top floor of a brownstone in New York City.

Austin Symphony Orchestra Beethoven and Bruch - 2:00 pm | $15 Historic Paramount Theatre 125 4th Ave NE Austin, MN 55912 In the opulent acoustic perfection of Austins Paramount Theatre, orchestra member and talented high school senior, Emma Anderson will make her Austin Symphony Orchestra solo debut with Bruchs dramatic and powerful First Violin Concerto.

TobyMac with Danny Gokey - 7:00 pm | $17-$77 Target Center 600 1st Ave North Minneapolis, MN 55403 tobyMac is more than just your runof-the-mill triple threat. On one hand he ranks among the most successful artists in Christian music history in terms of radio success, sales power and critical acclaim.

Wed Feb 28, 2018 Stitch Bead Sculpture - 9:30 am | $30-$35. Materials: $10$30 Member/$35 Non-Member 125 Live Center for Active Adults 125 Elton Hills Dr NW Rochester, MN 55901 Learn the basics of peyote stitch bead work to create your own beaded rock sculpture. Peyote stitch is a process of sewing seed beads together to create a beaded fabric that covers a rock or other structure.

Images of Change: Legacies and Culture Panel - 9:30 am | Free Blue Earth County Historical Society History Center 424 Warren Street Mankato, MN 56001 You are invited to an Artist Reception for Kay Herbst Helms’ photography exhibit, Images of Change. A panel discussion entitled Legacies and Cultures will be held in conjunction with the exhibit.

The Austin Immigration Project Feb 28, Mar 1, 3, 2018 7:00 pm | For ticket information, call 507-433-0595 or email boxoffice@riverland.edu Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland Community College 1900 8th Ave NW Austin, MN 55912 In a first for Riverland Theatre, students, faculty, and community members work together to create a new play that addresses the topic of immigration in our local community.

Through the lens of theatre, explore the stories, cultures, and experiences of the people from around the globe who now call Austin, Minnesota home.

Movie Night - Vertigo - 7:30 pm | $5 Historic Paramount Theatre 125 4th Ave NE Austin, MN 55912 $5 for a great night at the movies!

Purchase tickets at concession stand no advance ticket sales.

Thu Mar 1, 2018

Thu Mar 8, 2018

Disney On Ice: Frozen - 10:30 am | Free Target Center 600 1st Ave North Minneapolis, MN 55403 Disney On Ice brings your favorite Disney stories to life by mixing the magic of Disney characters with the artistry of ice skating to create an unforgettable experience.

Ladies Night Out - 5:00 pm | Free Peace Plaza 1st Ave SW & 1st St SW Rochester, MN 55902 Downtown Rochester’s Ladies Night Out will return in 2018! Ladies Night Out brings women together in Downtown Rochester for a night of shopping, dining, and giveaways.

Fri Mar 2, 2018 UMN Spring Dance Concert Mar 2, 3, 2018 6:30 pm | $7-$12 Barbara Barker Center 500 21st Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55454 The Theatre Arts & Dance Department presents its annual spring concert.

Dracula the Rock Musical Mar 2, 3, 2018 7:30 pm | $15 Stewartville High School 440 Sixth Ave SW Stewartville, MN 55976 Get your tickets to the latest production of the Stewartville Community Theatre.

Sat Mar 3, 2018 Universes Live From the Edge 7:30 pm | $20 Sheldon Theatre 443 west third street Red Wing, MN 55066 A headlong explosion of poetry, percussion, and multi-culti musical exploration that absolutely demands to be seen. The Boston Globe Fusing poetry, jazz, hip-hop, Spanish bolero, and Southern blues, UNIVERSES redefines what theater is and who it speaks to.

Sun Mar 4, 2018 The Austin Immigration Project - 2:00 pm | For ticket information, call 507-433-0595 or email boxoffice@ riverland.edu Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland Community College 1900 8th Ave NW Austin, MN 55912 In a first for Riverland Theatre, students, faculty, and community members work together to create a new play that addresses the topic of immigration in our local community.

Dracula the Rock Musical - 2:00 pm | $15 Stewartville High School 440 Sixth Ave SW Stewartville, MN 55976 Get your tickets to the latest production of the Stewartville Community Theatre.

Wed Mar 7, 2018 Movie Night at the Paramount - A Farewell to Arms - 7:30 pm | $5 Historic Paramount Theatre 125 4th Ave NE Austin, MN 55912 $5 for a great night at the movies!

Purchase tickets at concession stand no advance ticket sales.

and be inspired to create a panel for a stained glass installation in the Discovery Lab.

Michael W Smith live in concert - 7:00 pm | $26-$55 Autumn Ridge Church 3611 Salem RD SW Rochester, MN 55902 Opening the 12th season of the Autumn Ridge Arts Series, Smith’s single show on Thursday, March 8 will mark six years since his pair of sellout concerts at Autumn Ridge in 2012.

Fri Mar 9, 2018 The Danger Committee - 7:00 pm | $10-$23 Paradise Center for the Arts 321 Central Ave. Faribault, MN 55021 This is no ordinary juggling act.

Featured on NBCs Americas Got Talent, Howie Mandel described this Twin Cities trio as truly something unique that we havent seen before. Danger Committee is one of the lead acts at the MN Renaisannce Festival and have brought their danger-defying juggling act all across the country.

Rhonda Vincent and the Rage 7:30 pm | $30-$35 Sheldon Theatre 443 west third street Red Wing, MN 55066 A firecracker of talent that powers one of the hottest shows in any genre of music! World Class Musicians, and an Award Winning Voice seamlessly set the stage for a breath-taking, oneof-a-kind, must-see performance; that reaches beyond the boundaries of bluegrass music.

Wed Mar 14, 2018 Movie Night - 7:30 pm | $5 Historic Paramount Theatre 125 4th Ave NE Austin, MN 55912 $5 for a great night at the movies!

Purchase tickets at concession stand no advance ticket sales.

Thu Mar 15, 2018 Cat’s Pajamas Vocal Jam - 7:00 pm | $6-$13 Paradise Center for the Arts 321 Central Ave. Faribault, MN 55021 The Cats Pajamas, an explosive 5-piece vocal band has toured internationally, wowing audiences around the globe each time they take the stage.

Cats Pajamas got their start when they competed in the nation OREO Cookie Jingle Competition.

Ring of Kerry - 7:30 pm | $12-$20.

Students: $12 Adults: $20 Shattuck-St. Mary’s School 1000 Shumway Ave. Faribault, MN 55021 Ring of Kerry is a bursting-with-energy Irish music group that captures the hearts of listeners. The group takes its name from a beautiful craggy drive in southwestern County Kerry, Ireland. Its Celtic music, however, is played with a heart much closer to its American home.

Sat Mar 10, 2018 In the Footprints of Francis and the Sultan: A Model for Peacemaking - 9:00 am | Donation Appreciated Assisi Heights 1001 14th Street NW Rochester, MN 55901 This program will utilize a two-part film to examine the contemporary issues of interfaith interaction and understanding. The film follows Francis of Assisi as he travels to the Middle East to meet Sultan Malek al Kamil in 1219, during the height of the Fifth Crusade.

Stained Glass Workshop for Kids - 12:30 pm | Free Blue Earth County Historical Society History Center 424 Warren Street Mankato, MN 56001 Join us for a Kid’s Stained Glass workshop at the Blue Earth County Historical Society! Visit the Museum

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Choral Arts Ensemble and the Minneapolis Guitar Quartet - 7:30 pm | $5-$25 Zumbro Lutheran Church 624 3rd Ave SW Rochester, MN 55902 Choral Arts Ensemble will collaborate with the marvelous Minneapolis Guitar Quartet! Together, we will sing Jeffrey Vans gorgeous new work for choir and guitar quartet, Music of Love and the Stars. The MGQ will play spectacular works by Ginastera, Rodrigo, and Bach.

Fri Mar 16, 2018 A.C.T. Now Rochester Arts Classes - 10:00 am | $50 Rochester Repertory Theatre Rochester Seventh Street NE, Rochester, MN 55906 Quality arts education classes taught by area professionals who are trained, experienced, and active in their field.

Options available for ages 2-102.

Learn or hone skills in Acting, Dancing, Stage-Make-up and more! www. facebook.com/ACTNowRochester/ Northwestern Singers - Celtic Celebration - 7:00 pm | For ticket information, go to www.northwesternsingers.com Historic Paramount Theatre 125 4th Ave NE, Austin, MN 55912 Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with music from Ireland performed by the Northwestern Singers, with special guest -

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Lucy Kaplansky Northfield Arts Guild Theater – March 3 She started out singing in Chicago bars. Then, barely out of high school, Lucy Kaplansky took off for New York City. There she found a fertile community of songwriters and performers—Suzanne Vega, Steve Forbert, The Roches, and others. With a beautiful flair for harmony, Lucy was everyone’s favorite singing partner, but most often she found herself singing as a duo with Shawn Colvin.

People envisioned big things for them; in fact, The New York Times said it was “easy to predict stardom for her.” Lucy continues to perform all over the world. www.northfieldartsguild.org/event/lucy-kaplansky-411

the MacPhail Children’s Community Choir. For more information, go to www.northwesternsingers.com.

Rigoletto - 7:30 pm | $25-$200 Ordway Center for the Performing Arts 345 Washington Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102 This time-honored tale of seduction and bitter revenge is boldly imagined in this new production. The disfigured jester Rigoletto must do everything in his power to protect his innocent daughter from the lecherous Duke of Mantua before she falls into his clutches. Brimming with rich melodies and featuring the famous aria “La donna è mobile,” Rigoletto tragically unfurls as it races toward its devastating conclusion.

Tommy Ryman and Mary Mack 7:30 pm | $20-$25 Sheldon Theatre 443 West Third Street, Red Wing, MN 55066 “Never Seen Anything Like [tommy] Before…one-of-a-kind Fantastic” – Roseanne Barr Quirky Folk-humorist, Mary Mack, Joins The Disturbingly Adorable “Last Comic Standing” Semi-finalist, Tommy Ryman, For A Knock-out, Stand-up Comedy Double Bill.

Ryman’s Act Can Be Described As Absurdist And Clever, Masked Behind A Very Likable And Innocent Demeanor.

He Recently Won The Title Of “best In The Midwest” At The Prestigious Gilda’s Laugh Fest. He Was Invited To Perform At The Great American Comedy Festival At The Johnny Carson Theater, And Was Featured As One Of

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The “twin Cities’ Funniest People” By Metro Magazine.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration 7:30 pm | $12-$21 Paradise Center for the Arts 321 Central Ave., Faribault, MN 55021 Willow Brae is the duo of Andrea Stern, virtuosic Celtic harpist, and multi-instrumentalist Laura MacKenzie, on traditional wind-powered instruments and voice. Together they bring to life the airs, dance tunes and songs of the Irish and Scottish countrysides, conveying the warm resonance of traditional music and song as well as the spark and excitement of quick-paced dance tunes.

They are joined by a top-notch duo of dancers from Rince na Chroi Irish

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Rhonda Vincent and the Rage Sheldon Theatre in Red Wing – March 9 Here’s how the press material describes Rhonda and company: “A firecracker of talent that powers one of the hottest shows in any genre of music. World Class musicians, and an award-winning voice seamlessly set the stage for a breath-taking, one-of-a-kind, must-see performance; that reaches beyond the boundaries of bluegrass music.” Perhaps a bit of hyperbole, but the band really is darn good live. www.sheldontheatre.org/event/rhonda-vincent-rage

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Learn or hone skills in Acting, Dancing, Stage-Make-up and more! www. facebook.com/ACTNowRochester/

Dance. These snazzy step-dancers will captivate your heart with the joys of the season, through their jigs, reels and hornpipes, in a true celebration of St. Patrick’s Day! Stay overnight at the Historic Hutchinson House B&B, located just 3 blocks from the Paradise Center and receive two FREE tickets to the show!

Sat Mar 17, 2018

Northwestern Singers - Celtic Celebration - 7:00 pm | For ticket information, go to www.northwesternsingers.com Historic Paramount Theatre 125 4th Ave NE, Austin, MN 55912 Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with music from Ireland performed by the Northwestern Singers, with special guest - the MacPhail Children’s Community Choir. For more information, go to www.northwesternsingers.com.

A.C.T. Now Rochester Arts Classes - 10:00 am | $50 Rochester Repertory Theatre Rochester Seventh Street NE, Rochester, MN 55906 Quality arts education classes taught by area professionals who are trained, experienced, and active in their field.

Options available for ages 2-102.

Rigoletto - 7:30 pm | $25-$200 Ordway Center for the Performing Arts 345 Washington Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102 This time-honored tale of seduction and bitter revenge is boldly imagined in this new production. The disfigured jester Rigoletto must do everything in his power to protect his innocent

from page 21

Gilda’s Laugh Fest. He Was Invited To Perform At The Great American Comedy Festival At The Johnny Carson Theater, And Was Featured As One Of The “twin Cities’ Funniest People” By Metro Magazine.

daughter from the lecherous Duke of Mantua before she falls into his clutches. Brimming with rich melodies and featuring the famous aria “La donna è mobile,” Rigoletto tragically unfurls as it races toward its devastating conclusion.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration 7:30 pm | $12-$21 Paradise Center for the Arts 321 Central Ave., Faribault, MN 55021 Willow Brae is the duo of Andrea Stern, virtuosic Celtic harpist, and multi-instrumentalist Laura MacKenzie, on traditional wind-powered instruments and voice. Together they bring to life the airs, dance tunes and songs of the Irish and Scottish countrysides, conveying the warm resonance of traditional music and song as well as the spark and excitement of quick-paced dance tunes.

They are joined by a top-notch duo of dancers from Rince na Chroi Irish Dance. These snazzy step-dancers will captivate your heart with the joys of the

Tommy Ryman and Mary Mack 7:30 pm | $20-$25 Sheldon Theatre 443 West Third Street, Red Wing, MN 55066 “Never Seen Anything Like [tommy] Before…one-of-a-kind Fantastic” – Roseanne Barr Quirky Folk-humorist, Mary Mack, Joins The Disturbingly Adorable “Last Comic Standing” Semi-finalist, Tommy Ryman, For A Knock-out, Stand-up Comedy Double Bill.

Ryman’s Act Can Be Described As Absurdist And Clever, Masked Behind A Very Likable And Innocent Demeanor.

He Recently Won The Title Of “best In The Midwest” At The Prestigious

Come check out Starfire Grill’s NEW dining room!

Now Hiring:

Servers, Hosts, and an Experienced Front of House Manager! Inquire in person!

season, through their jigs, reels and hornpipes, in a true celebration of St. Patrick’s Day! Stay overnight at the Historic Hutchinson House B&B, located just 3 blocks from the Paradise Center and receive two FREE tickets to the show!

Sun Mar 18, 2018 Northwestern Singers - Celtic Celebration - 2:00 pm | For ticket information, go to www.northwesternsingers.com Historic Paramount Theatre 125 4th Ave NE, Austin, MN 55912 Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with music from Ireland performed by the Northwestern Singers, with special guest - the MacPhail Children’s Community Choir. For more information, go to www.northwesternsingers.com.

State Theater 96 E 4th St Zumbrota, MN 55992 The State Theater in Zumbrota Announces Classic Movie Sundays! The Historic State Theater in Zumbrota invites everyone to step back in time to cinema’s Golden Age with Classic Movie Sundays.

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

Free Classic Movies Sundays Mar 14 2018 2:00 pm | Free

Serving

ALL YOU CAN EAT COD every Friday during Lent!

204 2nd Street SW, Waseca | 507.833.8756 Call for information & Reservations: 507.835.1146 After 4pm: 507.837.9848

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204 2nd Street South West, Waseca, MN 507.833.4700

206 2nd Ave. SW For Reservations: 507.461.1387

204 2nd Street South West, Waseca, MN 507.833.7540

Call for information & Reservations: 507.835.1146 After 4pm: 507.837.9848

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Space Planning Taylor Taylor is an interior designer at The Design Element in the Mankato Design Center. She can assist with your design projects from planning to final product selections.

A

well planned space can completely change the function of your home.

Space planning is all about maximizing function and beauty while utilizing the full potential of your home.

There are many things to consider, whether you’re thinking about the flow of the floor plan or the arrangement of your furniture. The following are tips and tricks to correctly space plan in your home:

1. Function First

Function is the most important part of space

planning. Think about how you use each space. If you are building a new home, consider what you’ve had in the past; what you liked and what you did not like. Take those points to customize your floor plan into something that will function for you. If you’re simply looking to spruce up your current home, think about what it is that you are not happy with. If you feel like the space is just too cluttered, consider a simple change such as swapping out two end tables for a coffee or sofa table. Simple changes in furniture choices can make a large impact.

2. Walk This Way

Locate all of your walkways or paths. You should not have furniture impeding your main walkways.

Identify where the doors are located and how far they will swing into the room. Use these as

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parameters for furniture arrangements so your home can flow seamlessly from one space to another. Create walkways by pulling your furniture away from the walls. There is always a tendency to push sofas up against a wall. This can often cause issues with walking paths.

3. Focal Point

Create a focal point. In your family room this might be the fireplace. Next, locate the outlets in the room. It is a simple detail that is often overlooked, but is very important. Maybe you want to use a sofa table and place a lamp on it, but the nearest outlet is on a surrounding wall. There are other factors that might play into the furniture arrangement such as, ceiling lines, windows, and Feng Shu. Whatever it might be, consider all of these points before you rearrange your furniture.

Pull your furniture items together using a rug.

A rug can create a “space within a space”. For example, if you have one large great room and you aren’t sure how to separate your living space from the dining room, use a rug. This can create the illusion of separate rooms.

4. Help!

We have established the key points for consideration when thinking about space planning, wheth-

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er it is a new construction or an existing home, but you still might need a little help. Contact a local Design company that has professional Interior Designers who can help you put arrangements together using their expertise along with the points listed above. A designer can walk through your home with you and pin point the issues you are having and exactly how to address them. As designers, we can assist you SPONSORED BY in selecting the right furniture The Design Element for your space 1711 Premier Drive and help you Mankato, MN arrange it 507.345.8708 accordingly.

Maybe you want to build a new home and a functional floor plan is most important to you.

We can help you from start to finish.

Correct space planning is a simple way to change the functionality of your home. You can hire an expert to help with the process or you can use the points above to give it a shot yourself.

Either way, have fun with it. A little change can go a long way.

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A different place

BY GRACE WEBB editor@southernminnscene.com

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t can be difficult to keep the romance alive during the cold, dreary months of a Minnesota winter. Even winter staples like sledding and ice skating are difficult when temperatures drop below zero.

That’s why, inevitably, love-struck Minnesotans look inward. Winter is the perfect time to check into a beautiful bed and breakfast and snuggle up in front of a fireplace. But how many times can you visit the same Victorian-style mansion?

If you’re looking for a different kind of place to take your special someone, we’re here to help with these unique options.

Pilot room in the Covington Inn.

Covington Inn Long before the Covington Inn offered guests a chance to relax on the peaceful Mississippi River, this little towboat had a far different job: hauling barges of liquid cargo such as petroleum along a 1,000-mile stretch of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Constructed in 1946, the 300-ton Covington looked a little different than it does today — and wasn’t exactly comfortable for guests.

All that changed when the Covington was purchased by the River Valley Preservation Company and hauled up from Louisiana to St. Paul. The tugboat was completely gutted and transformed, opening as a bed and breakfast in 1995. It now offers guests four staterooms with private baths, working fireplaces and access to the boat’s lovely upper deck, as well as a full breakfast in the morning courtesy of Liz Miller, the inn’s owner.

Miller took over the inn in 2002 after working for the previous owners, and the St. Paul native said she couldn’t be happier running a bed and breakfast — especially one as unique as the Covington Inn. “The Covington Inn is special because it’s so different,” Miller

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said. “It is a place to relax and reconnect with your loved one.

Some guests arrive here in the summer with plans to go to a nice restaurant in town, but once they sit for a minute out on the deck, they scratch that and call me to find where they can order pizza delivery. I absolutely love that. I want guests to slow down and watch the beautiful river do its thing.”

Miller said the most popular season is summer, since people enjoy sitting out on the massive upper deck or even down on the lower porch area. But the inn is open year-round, and every season is special in its own way.

When it comes to romantic getaways, Miller suggests packing a picnic of deli food and a bottle of wine, along with your coziest pajamas.

“I think sitting on the deck with your honey and just watching the river is about the most romantic thing ever,” she said. “Summer is definitely the best time to enjoy the deck, but winter is romantic, too. It’s so cozy to snuggle in by the gas fireplaces and watch the snow fly outside while you’re warm and snuggly inside.”

To really crank the romance up to the next level, book the Pilot House Suite. The two-story suite includes sleeping quarters with a queen bed and fireplace and then exclusive access to the glass-sided wheel house, which includes the original brass controls and functions as a sitting room. From there, guests have access to the private third deck for a fantastic night of stargazing.

If you think a life on the water sounds ideal, you could be in luck: Miller is looking to sell the inn and move someplace warmer.

“The future is bright,” she said. “Although the Inn is for sale and I will be happy when I find my buyer, I’m super happy here. I cannot fathom why someone has not scooped ‘my life’ up yet. It’s so peaceful, and I have no regrets about this life I’ve built. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.”

Jailhouse Inn Spending a night in the slammer with your special someone might not seem like a romantic date, but the JailHouse Inn offers the most romantic night behind bars you’ll ever experience.

The Jailhouse Inn, located in Preston, started off as the Fillmore County Jail in 1870. For 100 years, it served as the county’s jail and included quarters for the sheriff and his family, a detention room for prisoners, a “drunk tank,” a courtroom and sheriff’s office, a carriage house, a processing room and, of course, several jail cells. Once the jail was moved to a new building in 1970, the old building was used for some time as a private residence before being transformed into a bed and breakfast in 1989.

The current owners, Marc and Jeanne Sather, took over operations in 1991. Marc Sather said the whole process was a bit of an “accident,” recalling how he and his wife had traveled from their home in California to visit friends in Preston, and when they saw the inn and learned it was being put up for auction, they decided to put in a bid.

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JailHouse Inn “It was something unplanned,” Sather said with a laugh. “We hadn’t really discussed changing our lives. But the whole concept of having lodging in a former jail … We’d never heard or come across a jail that was being used for lodging. We thought that would be a really unique approach.”

Since buying the inn, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, the Sathers have hosted guests from places as far-flung as Singapore and Denmar. Sather said their inn is especially popular with bicyclists and motorcyclists, who enjoy the beautiful scenery of Southern Minnesota. The warm weather months, especially in summer, are the most popular, with some rooms already booked for the fall.

“It’s a wonderful inn, and we’ve had wonderful customers,” he said. “We’ve enjoyed being innkeepers for the last two decades plus.”

The inn has 12 rooms where guests can sleep, each room commemorating one of the 12 sheriffs serving Fillmore County when the inn functioned as a jail. The rooms feature different amenities, with some offering whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, claw-foot bathtubs, or access to a screened-in porch. The most romantic room is probably the “Bridal Suite,” which includes a king-sized bed and in-room two person whirlpool tub in view of the wood burning fireplace.

Before you rush to book a room, though, make sure you’re booking one for the Jailhouse Inn in Preston — and not the one in Rhode Island.

“We get reservations for the Jailhouse Inn in Newport, Rhode Island, almost monthly,” Sather said. “They’ll ask us how close we are to the harbor, and we have to tell them that we’re about 1,200 miles straight west.”

Spicer Castle Imagine sitting down to an elegant dinner next to your special someone. You’re both dressed to the nines, both excited to enjoy a truly romantic dinner together at the impossibly refined Spicer Castle — a sprawling mansion crafted in 1895 on the shores of Green Lake near Preston. The food appears, and your mouths start

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The Covington Inn

www.covingtoninn.com towboat@covingtoninn.com 100 Harriet Island Road B3, Saint Paul 651-292-1411 Romantic extra: The “Romance Package,” which includes a flower arrangement, a box of gourmet truffles and a bottle red, white or sparkling wine in your room when you arrive

Spicer Castle

www.spicercastle.com Spicercastle@spicercastle.com 11600 Indian Beach Road, Spicer 320-307-0114 Romantic extra: The “Romance Package,” which includes a book of love poems, a box of chocolates and a voucher for two glasses of wine

The JailHouse Inn

JailHouse Inn to water impatiently as you see the decadent spread before you. You’re just about to take a bite when … someone is murdered!

Don’t worry, you haven’t been thrown into a crime scene. You’re simply participating in one of Spicer Castle’s Murder Mystery Dinners. Guests are invited to everything from a 1930s English mansion to a 1920s Chicago Speakeasy to even a Scottish castle. Throughout a five-course meal, they receive clues from the “inspector” and work to solve the case.

Mary Swanson, owner and innkeeper, explained that the dinners started as a way for Spicer Castle to offer more entertainment to its guests.

“The building itself lends itself so well to murder mysteries,” she said. “I know that people have such a wonderful time, and they make new friends, and they become friends of ours. It’s a great time to upgrade their getaway fun.”

Each murder mystery includes a small number of guests (24 or fewer) and lasts about three hours.

The inn staff constantly comes up with new mystery stories, and endings change every night — which means guests can come back again and again. And Swanson stresses that anyone can have a good time, regardless of acting experience.

“If someone doesn’t have an acting bug, they can still participate,” she said. “We do have parts that aren’t as involved.”

People can book seats at the murder mystery din-

ners without staying overnight at the inn, but many end up doing both. It’s hard to resist the gorgeous home, which was built in 1895 by Swanson’s greatgrandfather, John Spicer. While it was originally called “Medayto Cottage,” local fisherman started using it as a landmark and referring to it as “Spicer

Castle,” and the name stuck.

By the late 1980s, family members began to talk about possibly selling the house, since they hardly ever used it. But Swanson didn’t want to lose such a valuable piece of history.

“The Spicer Castle holds a special place in the hearts of many people in our local area,” she said.

“It’s a landmark, so to say. We thought, ‘We’ll try to start an inn and see how it goes.’”

The mansion has been a bed and breakfast since 1988, with seven guest rooms inside the house, eight more between three guest houses, two private cottages in the summer and even an on-site restaurant. The five-acre grounds also include 600 feet of beach, an outdoor dining patio with fire pit, a dock, a lagoon, boats, canoes and paddle boats.

While every room contains old-fashioned Victorian charm, Swanson said the two private cabins are popular for romantic getaways. These cabins each include a double whirlpool tub, wood burning fireplace or stove, and a private picnic table to enjoy the views of Green Lake. SMS Grace Webb can be reached at editor@southernminnscene.com

www.jailhouseinn.com innkeepers@jailhouseinn.com 109 Houston St. NW, Preston 507-765-2181 Romantic extra: Guests can order a bouquet of flowers or roses to be ready in their room at arrival, or even a snack track of fresh fruit, sweets, cheeses, meats, bread and champagne or wine

Other unique places to visit Here are some other fun spots to visit across the state.

Long Prairie Treehouse, Long Prairie— Like the name implies, this one-room lodge is built into a tree high above the forest floor and equipped with a double bed and cot, wood stove and wraparound deck, with an outhouse and lanterns instead of plumbing or electricity. Breakfast is included and delivered to the tree.

Whistle Stop Bed and Breakfast, New York Mills—Constructed out of a turn-ofthe-century train, the rooms in this inn’s collection are settled into their own private railcars (with more rooms available in the main house and cottage). The spacious quarters include modern amenities such as whirlpools, flat screen TVs, wet bars and saunas.

Riverport Inn, Winona—In this hotel’s ’57 and ’59 Chevy Suites, an entire Chevrolet convertible automobile has been repurposed into a bed in the retro decorated rooms. Guests can look through the car’s windshield at the widescreen TV to get that “drive-in” feel. Both rooms also come with a two-person Jacuzzi and a patio with views of Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Bed and Breakfast Train, Trego—Technically, this is in Wisconsin, but it’s worth the trip if you love trains. In the only moving bed and breakfast in America, guests can sleep in traditional Pullman double bedrooms or upgrade to private first-class quarters. The experience also includes dinner in the dining room and breakfast in the morning.

Spicer Castle above and Spicer cabins below.

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Get fit in SoMinn

NICOLE SWEENEY Nicole Sweeney is a fitness freak who loves nothing more than coffee, laughter & sharing a good workout with anyone and everyone. If you think of any crazy fitness fads you think she should try hit her up on her Instagram account @sisufit or Twitter @APGnsweeney

Am I a

Rio group João helping me.

S

ocial media is a funny thing. I can’t tell you how many people I have met through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter… Or how much business I’ve done through social media. It’s changed the way we communicate to the world, present ourselves, and can influence the way that we

think.

Sean Keogh was one of these people that I met through Instagram. We started talking because he actively competes in & is heavily involved in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), a form of martial arts. Martial arts as a whole has been something I’ve been interested in for years, but as you can imagine it’s a little intimidating looking at it from the outside world. Where on earth do you start? Who do you talk to? Do you have to wear that big baggy thing? Do you really have to TOUCH the other person you’re working with?... I like my personal bubble, man.

But seriously when I first met Sean, I knew nothing about it. To be honest, it seemed like a fancier kind of wrestling? I don’t know. All I knew was that I was obsessed with the idea of something so primal. Hand to hand – one on one – who can beat who.

Sean ended up being one of those people who has ALL the connections. As soon as he knew I was interested, I had a couple new group messages in my inbox, introducing me to people in the BJJ community that I needed to get to know.

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The first person I met was Enrique Muñiz-Aguado, owner of Southside Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. At the time, Enrique was training to go overseas to the European Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championships in Lisbon, Portugal. Since he was in the prime of his training, I thought it was the perfect time to swing on by and check out a class.

The first class I attended was, in my eyes, a more traditional styled class: a “gi” class. I had to wear one of those baggy things: a gi, which is an outfit that you wear while practicing or competing in jiu-jitsu. It is a heavier styled jacket that is tied by a belt (that displays your rank), and a thick pair of trousers. To my surprise, there is actually a lot of technique surrounding the gi and how you grab it in order to take control of your opponent and take advantage of the situation. But before you turn into a certified baddie and grab the collar of the gi to choke your opponent out, you have to figure out how to put it on…. Yeah...

I stumbled into the women’s changing area with the gi I borrowed from Southside, in hand. I stared at it for a few minutes before finally sliding the trousers over my leggings, and then I went back to staring at the jacket. A few of the girls in the bathroom were kind enough to teach me how to put it on and how to tie the belt. Thank the good, sweet Lord for these women. Seriously, I would have been in there all night. The gi felt large and bulky to me at first, but then again, I played volleyball growing up and got used to the tight spandex outfit you are required to wear

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in that sport. I have to admit though, after you give it awhile to grow on you, the gi is actually pretty darn comfy. And, bonus, it kind of makes you look like a ninja.

Enrique’s Fundamentals class was fast paced and intense right from the start. There was a warmup, different sections where we would come together as a group and learn about the next drill, and then we would break off into groups of two in order to practice with a partner. The coaches on the mats walked around and observed, provided guidance and made sure that we are all safe during this time period. As you can imagine, when you are practicing arm bars and learnJoão with daughter. ing the art of choking someone out, you have to take it extra slow no-gi class, so you can essentially wear whatever so that your partner doesn’t actually end up passyou want as long as you’re able to move easily. I ing out. found that many people, including myself wore The other two individuals that I was introduced spandex long sleeved shirts, leggings, and shorts. to were professors, João Alfredo Tavares Marinho Although it was a no-gi class, it had a very similar and Jose Varella of Rio Jitsu Minnesota. Rio Jitsu set up. A proper warm up, some games, drilling, is located on the top floor of Crossfit 5885 in and then a portion of the night was reserved for Apple Valley, which makes for a very loud and rolling – or practicing, live. There was still the fun atmosphere. My first class with them was a

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The Southside group.

With Enrique from Southside. same amount of supervision on the mats, and a very similar level of attention to detail. Yet, I found that this class was so different because there was no gi to grab on to. While it was similar, you had to approach certain situations in a much different way. Who knew a simple uniform or article of clothing could make such a large difference.

Here’s the part that I kept getting hung up on – in a good way: the level of respect for one another once you step foot on that mat is unmatched anywhere, in any arena or corner of life that I have so far experienced. I sat in on classes where I watched the high-level athletes practice and watched them bow before stepping on the mat.

At the beginning of all of the classes, you line up with all the others, facing the coach or professor and bow to greet them. When you come together to learn the next drill, the entire room is silent; there is such focus and a desire to learn. If you’re rolling, you gently touch hands or bump fists before beginning. At the end of class, you line up again, bow and then go around individually and say “nice job” or “thank you” to all of the people

you attended the class with. It’s not just respect for your coach or professor, your opponents or classmates, but a sort of appreciation for the material you’re about to learn and how you’re about to move on the mat.

You have to understand, my background growing up was in sports that involved a ball – golf, basketball, volleyball – where you simply smack someone on the back or butt and say “nice job”.

I go to the gym every day, where I’m surrounded by (I apologize in advance) meatheads throwing weights around, people snapping selfies in the mirror, people stealing your bench or dumbbells – gyms that in my opinion, can really bring out the worst in people. And it’s a shame because I don’t think I realized how dramatic the difference is until I actually stepped foot in a BJJ facility. I’m going to back up and say that it’s not that there isn’t a single little bit of respect in those sports or in gyms like this – there is, and there are some really great people in these communities – all I’m saying is that it’s SO much different. You won’t know until you experience it.

After my first couple classes I was still blown away. And if I’m honest, a little bit hooked. I had moments where I’d be like, “What the hell…

What’s different? There has to be something, right? What makes it so special?” And you know what I think it is? I think it’s the intimacy – being so close with the person you’re drilling, rolling or competing against. Sounds weird, right? Maybe even a little uncomfortable? Let me tell you, even though you’re really like IN there, up close and personal with the other person, it’s really not that awkward.

The coaches/professors do a really good job or explaining the process in a way that eliminates

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that element of awkwardness. The opponent or them a lesson if they are out of line or going “too partner that you’re working with can really help hard” and putting the other person at risk of inyou move past those first few moments where jury just because their ego is getting in the way – you’re uncomfortbut they didn’t do able. For the most that. They talked part, it really is to them about it intimate in a sort first, gave them of professional a little warning. manner. You find It was a lesson a new level of about putting respect (I wish your opponents I could find body first when another word to practicing, so that use to describe you don’t put the feeling and them through an vibe) for what the awful injury and body is actually lay them up for a capable of. The few weeks. way it can move, Rio: Besides how strong it the difference is – and you find between gi & nothe same for your gi, I’d say that my opponent as well. biggest take-away Especially when (more so a redrilling. I had so minder) from Rio many wonderis how amazing ful people I was it is to see a small drilling with, as business flourish. my partner, who João and his wife took time to Vanessa have a actually give me now 1-year old Me, rolling Enrique from Southside. advice while I was baby girl. Jojo often doing some of the work, if the coach or professor comes to classes with them, and hangs out in her was off helping someone else. For instance, they bouncy seat, crib or walks around class with João would help me learn how to be better at chokor Jose, in their arms. She LOVES to be there and ing them out … isn’t that kind of crazy to think gives encouraging coos the whole time. Seeing about? I don’t know – I’m obsessed. such a young family follow their dreams, and do what they love, surrounded by their closest friends is truly inspiring. It’s hard not to love a family that works as hard as they do and a community that welcomes you with such open arms.

Southside: There was a portion on the class BJJ in general: There were a lot more women where you go to work on some of the basics as a in the classes than I had originally expected. I warmup – front and back rolls, little movements kind of thought I would be the only one when I on the mat while sitting down. As a total newbie, walked into Southside for the first time. But that this was very welcoming. It helped me feel like I absolutely was not the case. That’s why I talked was being eased into the sport; it was an opportuabout the women’s changing area above. When nity to get to know it a little bit better. When we I walked in and saw a lot of women who were moved on to work with partners on technique, I friendly and could help me, it made me feel much was a little bit more confident. This portion of the more comfortable, and it made a huge difference class + the level of patience that the coaches posin my level of confidence stepping onto the mat. sess make for an extremely inviting and encouragRio too, had at least three other girls in my first ing atmosphere. Southside is such a hidden gem, class. a diamond, sitting amongst a sea of chaos in

What I liked:

Minneapolis.

Rio: The entire facility was filled with loud music and laughter. Talk about a group of people who like to have fun. We had a fast moving warm up, played games and joked around with each other throughout the whole session. It was still definitely a workout, but more of an introduction into this community of people who train here. They are a family through and through. If Southside is a diamond, I’d have to say that Rio is electric. The energy spreads quickly and contagiously through everyone present.

BJJ in general: It’s not about your gender, who’s bigger or stronger. A large part of BJJ is in the technique involved.

What I learned: Southside: My biggest takeaway at Southside was while watching the Advanced class that was after the Fundamentals class that I had taken earlier in the evening. I watched several high-level athletes roll with each other. It was impossible to catch all of their intricate movements happening at the speed of light, but I did pick up on a few things. At the end of the night, before bowing and saying good night to one another, Enrique talked to them about respecting their opponent while they were rolling. It was an intense conversation that I almost felt uncomfortable sitting in on. But, it opened my eyes to just how talented these coaches and professors are. They could easily flip their students over while rolling and teach

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What I did not like: Southside: I suck at parking in the city. Even if I did live up there for a few years, I still suck at it. That’s about the only thing that I got hung up on. Apparently, they do have a parking lot that I didn’t know about at the time, so, now you know.

Rio: I had a little trouble finding the facility. I wasn’t exactly aware that it was above the Crossfit gym. So now you know that you just have to go to Crossfit 5885 and walk up the stairs.

BJJ in general: I had a heck of a time finding a Jiu-Jitsu facility in the Southern Minnesota area – what is that all about? Disapprove.

My advice: Shoot me a message and I’ll make an introduction to one of these guys or gals. It’s seriously so cool to get to talk to someone and get a feel for how they run their classes before you actually go and visit. Plus, I’d love to tag along and make a new friend. SMS

Gym location/contact info: Southside Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 403 8th Ave SE Minneapolis, MN 55414 www.southsidebrazilianjiujitsu.com Rio Jitsu Minnesota 5885 149th Street West, Suite 101 Apple Valley, MN Phone: 612-601-3080 E-mail: riojitsu@gmail.com www.riojitsu.com

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BOOK REVIEWS The Bookworm Sez:

Robicheaux

by James Lee Burke

The Bookworm Sez:

That’s What She Said: What Men Need to Know (And Women Need to Tell Them) About Working Together

by Joanne Lipman

By Terri Schlichenmeyer You don’t want to talk about it.

You’ve been through rough times, had a few problems, but that’s all in the past. Today’s a new day, a new beginning and besides, as in the new book “Robicheaux” by James Lee Burke, what happened yesterday could get someone killed.

Though few would know the demons he’d met, Dave Robicheaux of the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Department was a haunted man.

Dead pets came through Robicheaux’s back yard and Viet Cong faces disappeared in a mist of blood in his dreams. He was haunted by his past and his future, by the accident that killed his beloved wife, Molly, and by crimes that angered him.

And so, Robicheaux drank, even though he was an alcoholic, even though he pretended he didn’t want booze, even when drinking may have made him kill a man.

By Terri Schlichenmeyer The meeting went well.

Everybody was there on time, discussions were lively, ideas presented, and you wrapped up with a good feeling. It was a productive meeting and it went well – or, as you’ll see in “That’s What She Said” by Joanne Lipman, it went well for some of your team.

News Flash: “Men Aren’t the Enemy.”

That’s the first thing Joanne Lipman wants you to know. Issues with the gender gap – whether in work or wages - are not men’s “fault.” It’s just that women have discussed those issues amongst themselves for generations, but “What we don’t do is talk to men about it.”

It’s time, she suggests, to fix that.

Men, Lipman says, would generally love to see more equality in the workplace, but they don’t know how to achieve it. They walk on eggshells, avoid giving feedback, feel “terrified that they’ll screw up,” and

Or maybe he didn’t.

It started because Tony Nine Ball, a dying one-time mobster, wanted an introduction to one of New Iberia’s famous residents. He knew Robicheaux could make things happen and information was his currency. It was information that Robicheaux didn’t want and he drank until he blacked out and sometime while he was busy forgetting, T.J. Dartez, the man who’d killed Molly, was beaten and stomped to death.

Evidence pointed to Robicheaux and truthfully, he couldn’t say he didn’t do it. Just to be cautious, Sheriff Helen Soileau gave the case to an ambitious department low-life, Spade Labisch, a smarmy transplant from Miami who might or might not be “dirty,” and that, too, rubbed Robicheaux the wrong way.

A lot of things did those days. People hid secrets, withheld information, made promises they couldn’t or wouldn’t keep. Kids were abused. Politicians lied, and ghosts came in from the bayou while Robicheaux watched. But he knew one thing: the doughy killer with the lipstick-red mouth who called himself “Smiley” was no ghost.

And a few bloody crime scenes proved there was nothing to smile about…

become paralyzed by tears.

Women, on the other hand, spend their “whole careers trying to fit in with men.” It shows in their appearances, mode of dress, speech patterns, work scheduling, and in reluctance to speak up for themselves or to participate fully in meetings.

The problem, says Lipman, began in the sandbox: boys play competitively, while girls play collaboratively.

On the playground, “little boys don’t listen to girls” or they talk over them, which can carry into the workplace decades later. So men do that --- and don’t even realize they’re doing it.

And then there’s this thing called “unconscious bias,” which begins in childhood, is felt by nearly everyone, and can’t be changed -- although we can change how we act. We can also forget “diversity training” because it doesn’t work (at best) and backfires (at worst). We can interview, hire, and train with neutral décor, remove the word “bossy” from the lexicon, and hire “invisible women.” We can learn to complement one another’s skills. And because studies show that mixed-sex teams are more productive, we can be mindful that “the best thing you can do is hire women.”

In an atmosphere where #metoo is a thing and EOE seems like a call of urgency, “That’s What She Said”

Into every mystery, a little life must fall. And in “Robicheaux,” it topples like a one-legged stool - but first, author James Lee Burke really lets readers get to know his main character.

Yes, we’ve gotten snips and bits of Dave Robicheaux’s story through other books with him as hero, but this one lets the detective show messiness, as well as vulnerability; we also get a better glimpse of Clete Purcel, Robicheaux’s best friend, who’s likewise not the cleanest cop in literature. Bad guys pepper this book, in fact, and some of them are more reprehensible than normal but all are cushioned by Burke’s beautiful storytelling. Though the tale stays around a little too long (and it drags about 50 pages from the end), you’ll be happy to know that there’s a fine almost-screamNO! moment that’ll truly have fans guessing.

You can read this book as part of the series, or you can read it as a standalone. And of course, you can always introduce it to your book group because “Robicheaux” is a book you’ll want to talk about.

Robicheaux by James Lee Burke c.2018, Simon & Schuster $27.99 / $36.99 in Canada 449 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

might be the timeliest book you read.

It might also be the most important one.

But first, go back and read the “news flash,” above.

Author Joanne Lipman absolutely is not laying blame anywhere in this book; if nothing, any blame can go on the brains of all employees, collectively. Indeed, Lipman shows how biology and neurology sets us on the path to both irritation and understanding, which explains how we got where we are and why, no finger-pointing.

That, the studies and stats she includes, her own experiences in male-dominated workplaces, and plenty of examples serve to highlight the solutions she offers and the future she envisions.

This is a book for every employee and the managers who oversee them. It’s something to read, from CEO down; it’s useful, and it has a happy ending. “That’s What She Said” will help, in every work-gender situation you may meet.

That’s What She Said: What Men Need to Know (And Women Need to Tell Them) About Working Together by Joanne Lipman c.2018, Wm. Morrow $28.99 / $35.99 in Canada 297 pages Terri Schlichenmeyer is a book reviewer based just across the river from SoMinn in LaCrosse, WI. She can be contacted at bookwormsez@gmail.com

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BOOK REVIEWS The Bookworm Sez:

Here is Real Magic: A Magician’s Search for Wonder in the Modern World

by Nate Staniforth

The Bookworm Sez:

Play Big: Lessons in Being Limitless from the First Woman to Coach in the NFL

by Dr. Jen Welter with Stephanie Krikorian

The Bookworm Sez:

The Pope of Palm Beach

by Tim Dorsey

By Terri Schlichenmeyer Wow. Just… wow. Did you see that?

Wasn’t it awesome? It was a oncein-a-lifetime sight and you almost missed it; now, you’ll never forget it. You just don’t have many moments like that anymore, and in “Here is Real Magic” by Nate Staniforth, that’s a wonder.

All Nate Staniforth ever wanted was to be a magician.

As he remembers, much of his Iowa boyhood was spent at the Ames Public Library, reading books about magic before going home to work on a vanishing coin trick. He’d stand in the bathroom of his family’s home, watching himself in the mirror as he dropped the coin over and over until his mother kicked him out of the bathroom. Until he stopped dropping the coin and finally made it disappear.

All he ever wanted was to be a magician, and so when he graduated from college, he moved to Los Angeles in search

By Terri Schlichenmeyer That was the lousiest call, ever.

Obviously, the ref wasn’t paying attention. He was looking the other way, he dropped the flag by accident, he must be wearing a blindfold.

The ref was wrong, but in the new book “Play Big” by Dr. Jen Welter (with Stephanie Krikorian), the game is right.

At first, it was tennis.

When little Jen Welter’s mother suggested that her daughters pick just one after-school activity, Welter chose tennis and became obsessed with it. She practiced non-stop and ultimately beat players much older than she, but a coach’s dismissive words caused her to give up the game.

Rugby stole her heart in college and that led to a try-out for the Massachusetts Mutiny, a women’s pro football team. Though Welter was “small,” she used it to her advantage; once on the team, she knew football was her destiny.

It wasn’t going to make her rich, though: she was paid a dollar a game her first season, though the

By Terri Schlichenmeyer Reach back, they say.

Grab the person behind you, beneath you on the Success Ladder, the newbie in the office, and elevate them, too. Reach back and help somebody. Reach back and be a mentor, but use your head – or, as in the new book “The Pope of Palm Beach” by Tim Dorsey, it could be deadly.

Everybody knew Darby.

He was the guy who always lent a hand, lived quietly, talked to strangers, and never bothered anyone. When the best waves crashed on the inlets near Palm Beach Gardens, Darby was the only guy who could ride them.

He was a legend. The surfers called him The Pope of Palm Beach.

Much like a real Pope, Darby blessed his followers but his favorite was Kenny. Back in ’65, Darby noticed the skinny boy was teased a lot and, because he made a point of including those disincluded, he taught Kenny

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of fame and fortune. Just before he ran out of money, he received a call from an agent who offered Staniforth a slot on a college tour.

It was a toe in the door.

And it sounded like a dream come true: every night was a new opportunity to WOW an audience. Every show was a chance to enhance the magic that Staniforth was creating, but there was no glamour: he criss-crossed the country on airplanes and adrenaline, rarely remembering which city he was in because they all looked alike. He missed his wife.

It was a recipe for burn-out, which happened in Wisconsin after years of touring.

But bills needed paying and magic was money – or, at least enough to make ends meet. Staniforth didn’t know if he wanted to be a magician anymore, but he couldn’t think of anything else and so, because he wanted to find real magic, he headed for India where it was hot – much hotter than an Iowa cornfield. It was dusty, too, and overwhelming and Staniforth wanted to go home. But he stayed.

He stayed to see snake charmers, gilded rivers, one-armed monkeys, and holy sites. And he stayed long enough to hear a truth his soul needed to hear.

Wow. And to think that I thought this was just some run-

of-the-mill old memoir…

Nope, it’s much more than that. With a beautiful bit of literary hocus-pocus, author Nate Staniforth lets readers watch the birth of a magician, right from the beginning.

That’s a familiar story to anyone who’s practiced nonstop to follow a dream but Staniforth also shows the drudgery it takes to be successful, beginning with a strange sort of travelogue that’s loaded with exhaustion but that ultimately becomes this story’s reason.

Admittedly, that may sound disheartening – and it is. But, like a good magic trick, you have to wait for the pay-off which, in this case, is so incredibly lovely, a bit humorous, and woven with a plea that readers won’t be able to resist.

In the end, Staniforth lets you in on the wonder and for that, “Here is Real Magic” will wow you.

situation got better after she gained a championship ring for the “women’s football Super Bowl” and she moved to Dallas to play with the Diamonds. Later, she played in the IFAF Women’s World Championship.

She’d already received her second Team USA gold medal when she made history by joining the Texas Revolution, an Indoor Football League team, for training camp. When the next life-changing phone call came shortly thereafter, Welter again made history with the Arizona Diamondbacks by becoming the NFL’s first female coach.

That, her doctorate degree in psychology, and two other college degrees have given Welter a unique viewpoint on leadership…

Always be authentic, she says; “Heart can’t be quantified.” Don’t rush to commit to your dream, if the timing isn’t exactly right. Look for a mentor and be one. Don’t “confuse money with security, and comfort with progress.” Cultivate a feel for when it’s risk-taking time. Know the character of the people in your life. And finally, harness “the power of teamwork.” Together, your team can do great things.

In many ways, “Play Big” is a book looking for its niche.

Is it a biography? Yes, mostly. Is it a sports book?

Absolutely, it is. Is it a business book? That, too, and while it may seem like a mish-mash of subjects, it works here. Author and speaker Dr. Jen Welter (with Stephanie

Krikorian) rolls multiple expertises into a narrative that can tiresomely brag but, moreover, entertains and instructs in a tone that pulls rather than pushes. In her book, Welter wrestles with that style of leadership now and then, but she explains how it works for her. It works for readers, too, as she speaks to businesspeople and their teams, both on and off the field, and to women, with a personal story that’s timely and powerfully unforgettable.

Overall, this book is a nice surprise and will appeal to readers of several genres, including those who have no interest whatsoever in football. If you’re looking for something that enhances your life and career, “Play Big” is a good call. * * * For football fans, there’s more: look for “My First Coach” by Gary Myers, a book by NFL quarterbacks, about the inspiration they’ve gotten from their Dads.

Hint: makes a great gift for your Dear Old Pops.

to surf. He saved Kenny’s life and then he taught him to live.

And, as they sat one summer night on the docks, watching men with large guns, big boats, and drugs along the waterway, Darby taught Kenny about dying.

That was the night that Kenny Reese, Florida author and witness to a crime, went home, barricaded doors and windows, and hid for the next thirty years. Terrified and assuming that drug men – or maybe cops, or both – were looking for him, he lived in the dark and relied on his lawyer to pay bills, bring groceries, and deal with a publisher that never knew what happened to their best-selling writer…

“Another working vacation.”

That’s how Serge Storms described the trip down Florida’s east coast when his sidekick, Coleman, questioned their intentions. This vacation, however, was unique, in that they’d never done it before. This trip was entirely literary, looking for landmarks of Florida writers. Harrison, Thompson, Hurston, those were the easy ones. McGuane, Rawlings, so many of them. And then there was the one Serge could never find: a guy who’d written a trilogy, then disappeared.

A guy by name of Kenny Reese.

Here’s something new: a Serge Storms novel by author Tim Dorsey that isn’t All Chaos, All the Time.

Instead, Dorsey’s done something different, and it’s quite refreshing: there’s a calmer timeline inside “The Pope of Palm Beach” that takes readers back and forth, fifty years to the present, inside several character’s lives.

One of those, of course, is Storms, who is six years old in some parts of the book and present-age in others; regular readers of this series will be delighted with this childhood peek at Little Serge, and a kid called “Seymour.” Alas – heavy sigh - the best character here is killed before we’re fully able to get to know him.

If you’re mourning the loss of the chaos – don’t.

Dorsey offers plenty of that for fans, as well as Serge’s usual creative revenge but there’s a full story in the way first, and that’s okay. You’ll still love “The Pope of Palm Beach,” so reach back for it.

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Here is Real Magic: A Magician’s Search for Wonder in the Modern World by Nate Staniforth c.2018, Bloomsbury $28.00 / $37.00 in Canada 256 pages Terri Schlichenmeyer is a book reviewer based just across the river from SoMinn in LaCrosse, WI. She can be contacted at bookwormsez@gmail.com

Play Big: Lessons in Being Limitless from the First Woman to Coach in the NFL by Dr. Jen Welter with Stephanie Krikorian c.2017, Seal Press $26.00 / $34.00 in Canada 266 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

The Pope of Palm Beach by Tim Dorsey c.2018, Wm. Morrow $26.99 / $33.50 in Canada 337 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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WOLDUM TV

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

March is for SMILF

I

’ll admit, I’ve been doing a lot of bingewatching this winter. I watched seven entire shows in the month of January alone, and that doesn’t count the dozens of movies and documentaries I watched in addition to that. I don’t claim to know what heaven is like, but heaven on earth is a day off, a snowstorm outside, a frozen pizza in the oven, and a great show to binge on.

I’ve started keeping track of what I watch just to feel some measure of productivity (“Look Mom, I completed another show!”) and I realized that everything I’ve been watching lately has been about messy (or messed up) women.

What exactly do I mean by “messy?” Well, for starters, I mostly mean women who don’t totally have their shit together, women who are in transition or recovering from some sort of recent setback, women who are figuring it out through many trials and much error. Some make it look easier (or more funny) than others, but all have been a comfort, of sort, as I encounter my own setbacks and transitions. So whether you want to feel better about yourself or just need a good laugh, here are six shows to consider.

First off is SMILF, which stands for something I can’t type (Single Mother I’d Like to…), and is about Bridget, a single mother in Boston struggling to make ends meet while raising a toddler. She’s also trying to come to terms with her baby daddy’s new girlfriend, her irascible and overbearing mother (played by Rosie O’Donnell), her failed basketball career, and the abuse she once suffered from her biological father. The content is heavy, but the delivery is comedic, and the show feels different than anything else on TV right now (for all the movies and shows there are about tough men from Southie Boston, there are none about women). What’s also exciting is that the show was created, written, and directed by its star, Frankie Shaw, who loosely based the story on her own life. (If that’s not enough, Samara Weaving and Connie Britton have supporting roles and are consistently hilarious).

Next up is Broad City, now in it’s fourth season, which is a comedy about two young women navigating life as millennials in New York City. Abbi and Ilana (played by real life friends and comedians Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer) are still broke, still smoke a lot of weed, and still struggle to hold down jobs, but there’s a new obstacle on the horizon—Trump. When Hillary Clinton herself made

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a cameo in Season 3, the hope was that she would be the next president.

The duo (who are also the show’s creators, writers, and sometimes directors), were forced to do some major rewrites to accommodate the change of events, and hilariously bleep out every mention of Trump as if it’s a dirty word. Cameos include Jane Curtain, Shania Twain, RuPaul, Fran Drescher, and Wanda Sykes, as well as returning supporting favorites like Hannibal Burress and Paul W. Downs. The ladies are as raunchy and endearing as ever, and every episode will leave you in a better mood than when you started.

Search Party

Broad City

For another look at New York City, check out She’s Gotta Have It, a feminist remake of the 1986 film of the same name.

Director Spike Lee felt that his heroine, Nola Darling, deserved to have her story retold with a more modern sensibility. Nola is a twenty-something artist trying to make it big while also juggling relationships with three very different men: a boyish bike courier, a married businessman, and a narcissistic model. Her desire to have her cake and eat it too doesn’t come without complications, but that never lessens her determination to live her life on her own terms.

Perhaps my favorite discovery this new year was Search Party, a whodunnit with an ensemble cast that’s surprising, dark, and hilarious. The show’s protagonist, Dory, finds life after college dull and directionless — she’s stuck in a dead-end relationship with her pushover boyfriend Drew, suffocated by her self-involved friends, and bored with her job as an assistant to a rich housewife. When she sees a missing poster for a girl she knew in college, it’s just the intrigue she needs to get out of her rut. But what starts out as casual

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Love

curiosity turns into obsession, and soon she and her friends are involved in a case that’s way over their heads. The dialogue is hilarious, the character arcs nuanced and realistic, and the fashion excellent. Need further persuading? I watched all 20 episodes in two days.

If you find yourself needing a break from New York City, check out Netflix’s Love, a snarky rom-com produced by Judd Apatow. Set in sunny LA, its protagonist Mickey is anything but cheerful. She’s a self-admitted alcoholic, drug addict, and sex-addict, who delights in making others as miserable as she is. When she meets nerdy, earnest, Midwesterner Gus, love is the last thing on her mind. But as the two slowly form a tentative friendship, Mickey starts to realize that Gus might be exactly what her life needs. Despite being obnoxious and self-absorbed, both leads (Gillian Jacobs and Paul Rust) excel at making you like them in spite of yourself, and the show itself is a hilarious look at life in Los Angeles for those who aren’t among the rich and famous.

And finally, head back to New York City and check out The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, a period piece set in the late 1950’s. Miriam “Midge” Maisel seemingly has it all — rich parents, rich in-laws, two perfect children, a doting husband, a lavish penthouse, an enviable figure, and the esteem of the local rabbi — that is, until her husband informs her that he’s leaving her for his secretary. Midge handles the announcement by getting plastered and wandering into a beatnik comedy club, where she delivers a hilarious impromptu monologue and ends up flashing the audience. Once sober, she’s horrified, but her antics catch the attention of a bartender and would-be manager who thinks she has a real future in stand-up. Written by Amy Sherman-Palladino (the woman behind Gilmore Girls), The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is similarly powered by witty, hilarious dialogue, and sassy female leads. Rachel Brosnahan as Midge is my favorite new TV character of the past five years (she already won a Golden Globe for Best Actress) and an absolute delight in every scene. Thankfully, the series has already been renewed for a second season.

Here’s to hoping that these shows provide you with as much laughter, comfort, and entertainment as they did for me. March can be a slog, but these messy TV heroines will make it a little less bleak.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

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t l u a b i r a F Where American Stories are MADE

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Faribault [fair-uh-boh] French n 1852 translates; great people, incredible fun.

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