Scene may 2018 by Kate Noet

MAY 2018 - southernminnSCENE.com

Southern minn

THE

Scene

INTERVIEW ISSUE

YOUR FREE GET-OUT SOURCE TO SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

Bad Bad Hats 14

90s Mankato Punk Scene 4

Har Mar Superstar

Marvel Comic Book Writer

Benjamin Percy

Raw Fusion

SHELDON

SPRING 2018

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CONTENT MAY 2018 / VOLUME 6 / ISSUE 4

Features:

10 Comic Books and Imaginary Friends

An interview with writer Benjamin Percy.

14 Bad Bad Hats

Making good good music.

You’re Invited to attend a FREE Workshop

18 Fashion Forward

RAW Fusion hits its stride in Mankato.

22 Photographing Southern Minnesota Through the lens of local photographers.

Friday, April 27 • Noon - 1:00 PM

28 The TimeLine

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

Riverland Commons Riverland College, Owatonna Campus

34 College Radio

Local college stations in Southern Minnesota defy the norm.

Speaker: Dave Traub

Classified Sales Director, Adams Publishing Group

40 The Danger Committee

COLUMNS:

Topics of the seminar include:

Juggling Show that you will LOVE!

4 The Tigger SCENE

39 Trivia

6 Minnesota Music SCENE

8 Mollywood BLVD

Punkato: How Mankato became a paradise for punk in the 90s.

Summer Festivals.

An interview with Southern Minnesota’s superstar.

38 Get Fit In SoMinn

Dealing with food allergies & intolerances.

• Finding qualified applicants in a tight job market • Job Boards vs. Job Search Engines: What’s the Difference? • Non-traditional recruiting techniques • Different strategies for different generations (of workers) • Working together to find applicants

42 Album Review

Lunch will be provided, please RSVP by calling 507-444-2397

Judas Priest - Firepower

43 The Bookworm Sez: • • • • •

Would You Rather? They Lost Their Heads The Last Wild Men of Borneo The Clinic Endure

Over 70 Years of Pappas Family Ownership!

46 Woldum TV

Viewing the television through the lenses of generations.

Southern minn

Scene

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The Hubbell House first opened as a stagecoach stop in 1854. Paul Pappas laid his eyes on the old limestone structure in 1946 and knew he had found the location of his dream restaurant. Thanks for voting us for Although times have changed, Early-American hospitality is still available in Mantorville.

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(25 Miles East on HWY 14, to Kasson Exit, then 2 miles North on HWY 57)

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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.

o t a k n a How M e s i d a r a p a e m a c be e h t n i k n for pu

or a period of time in the early 1990’s, the most reliable place in

The shows

Minnesota to see touring punk bands — some on the brink of arena stardom — wasn’t the Twin Cities, but Mankato. How and why did our 22nd largest city become ground zero for underground music? I sought out some of the musicians, fans, promoters and volunteers who made it happen. A quarter of a decade later, they all remember Kato in the 90s as an important time.

In the beginning, there was Ernie November… Mike Mrotz, volunteer at punk venue Marti’s: Mankato was a small town that seemed really boring as a young kid. In eighth grade, an older cousin gave me a copy of Dead Kennedys Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables and this opened a new genre of music for me. I started realizing there were a couple of record shops in Mankato that were independent and they carried more non-mainstream records and zines like Maximum Rocknroll. I feel like I spent a good year carefully studying copies of MRR and buying a few records trying to figure out what punk rock was. Jeremy Jessen, musician and Marti’s organizer: I think one of the most important things that funneled punk rock into Mankato, at the time, was having Ernie November Records. We had kids

Steinbauer: I don’t know of any other bands that made it as big as Libido Boyz did, though several were very formative in the scene which revolved around basement shows, garage shows, Marti’s, YWCA, there was that empty storefront in the downtown mall that had a bunch of shows, there was even an epic show out at a farm where Green Day came to town and played on farm spools and a pick-up bed. Jessen: When I was a freshman in high school, the older kids in the scene were having shows at different places around town like the Eagles Club, kids parents’ barns outside of town, basements, or skate ramps. We didn’t have a proper central venue. For a little while in 92-93, once I got more involved in setting up shows, we were able to rent a vacant store called Ehler’s in the downtown mall.

interested in the music. We had bands and shows. But we also had a place to go and get pretty much every record that was being put out in punk/ hardcore nationally around that time. And if they didn’t have it, they could order it straight away. Carrie (Chicos) Neerland, Marti’s volunteer: I grew up in Fairmont. A small number of us would drive an hour to Mankato to see punk rock shows and buy records in the early 1990s. Dustin Perry [from Libido Boyz] worked at Ernie November at the time and, although shy, was awesome and would introduce us to new music.

…and the Libido Boyz Matt Marka, musician: The influence of the Libido Boyz can’t be underestimated.

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Josh Steinbauer, musician: Libido Boyz were the kings of Mankato Hardcore scene. Not that they were particularly hardcore, I think we were just following the vernacular of scenes like DC and New York. Later on the joke was “Mankato Farm Core.” Mrotz: The Libido Boyz were the sh** and for a while it seemed like they played shows all the time whether they were basement shows, or at the local teen center that was open to all ages or at some other rented one-time location. Those guys also did some touring early on and made connections with other “underground” touring bands from that era. Dustin Perry, Libido Boyz bassist [noecho. net interview, 9/21/2017]: [We got] the chance to make friends all over the place. We got to go on tour out west a couple times and play with awesome bands we looked up to. We got to tour Europe and were on a Maximum RocknRoll comp which was definitely a big deal at that time.

Mrotz: Ehler’s was a favorite of mine, it was an empty clothing store space located in the dead Mankato Mall in downtown. It seemed crazy to me that we could rent out the space in this mall for $175, pack it with a couple hundred kids and a few loud bands and have a ton of fun. Up until this space, we would hold shows at places and there was always some type of situation that happened that would get us banned from doing it again.

Marti’s: the center of the scene Jessen: Ehler’s lasted probably 6 months before ownership got tired of the scene. My dad has always been very supportive of my music and my involvement in the scene and he full on helped me and a few other people locate and rent out a space, an old pizzeria downtown called Marti’s. No liquor license or other way of making money other than the door charges. It started out as just trying to get the shows we were having at Ehler’s over

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Marka: Maybe a visit to Paglia’s Pizza was the swaying factor.

All things come to an end

at Marti’s, but as people around the country were made aware of Marti’s, punk rock booking agents started to get our number, [booker/volunteer] Jason Knudson’s number, etc. and we started to get inquiries from bands we only dreamed of getting to Mankato before that. Aaron Hagebak, singer for Dredge and show-goer: Jason Knudson booked a lot of the shows around that time and he was really tied in to what was cool and up and coming. I think after some of the earlier larger bands went back to Califronia and told their labels and other bands, that started a pipeline to Southern Minnesota. The group of kids also did all the marketing, took money at the door, and basically ran a small business as juniors and seniors in high school. The shows started small, but consistently got larger over time. NOFX, ALL, Rancid, Face To Face, Bouncing Souls, Shelter and 108 all played, but there were shows every single night and people were always there. The funniest show to look back on was The Offspring (in their early days) opening to about 30 kids for Iceburn, who everyone showed up for. Neerland: At Marti’s, if you were willing to pick up a broom or to take money at the door, you could become involved. I was able to be involved in numerous aspects of Marti’s including helping bands load/unload, setting up/cleaning up, managing the door, and helping to arrange shows. As a girl, this felt unusual to have this

experience in such a typically male-dominated space. But at Marti’s no one really cared as long as you were interested in the music and invested in making the space sustainable. Marka: I think there were plenty of people in Mankato who were interested enough to go to the shows even if it wasn’t exactly their thing. Jessen: It really was all about getting our favorite bands to show up and play and not profiting on any of them. Mrotz: The kids going to the shows bought merch from the touring bands and the shows were usually pretty well attended. Typically the majority of the door money was split between the touring bands. It was a really good stop to add to a tour and I think word traveled by mouth really quickly. Jessen: I think there was less noise to cut through coming to our spot for certain bands. You didn’t have to deal with the bureaucracy and competition of First Avenue. More underground bands could come to Mankato and play a stage with a decent PA and present themselves in that sort of manner versus playing a squat house basement in Minneapolis. And sometimes they did both.

Mrotz: You have to keep in mind that we were selling tickets to a relatively limited group of people and you could see the scene getting fatigued with shows as more and more shows happened. The people carrying the heavy load on the management end were probably getting fatigue along with the scene itself. This is no new insight and I don’t think it can be attributed to the closure of Marti’s; as punk rock became more mainstream, scenes all over the place changed. I do wonder if this did change some of the do-it-yourself drive that created scenes like you saw in Mankato or Sioux Falls. Jessen: Smaller towns and college town scenes have ebbs and flows and always will. Kids always drive the energy of punk rock too, so it’s hard as an adult now for me to opine on when Mankato ebbed and flowed because it would all be through the lens of my experience, and I left after high school.

A (counter) culture Jessen: This was such a special time, because it was right around Nirvana breaking, where every kid in America was watching MTV and immersed in music culture, whatever their individual taste was. We didn’t yet have the internet and the thousands of different personal distractions and interests. The late 80s/early 90s was when the world started to connect via electronic and print media, but before the internet ... eg. college radio, regional record stores, tape trading, zines, published phone numbers and touring networking guides. Things all converged at once to create a magic time that I don’t think was unique to Mankato. There were smaller middle class and/or college towns all over the Midwest that were stoking this type of culture alongside the basement scenes of the bigger cities. Hagebak: The internet has opened up access to all the bands anyone would want to hear about, and you just aren’t introduced to them organically/naturally at shows like you used to be.

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Steinbauer: I think a counter-culture developed from the feeling that we were not connected (nor ever would be) to the mainstream (the major players and music on the radio). What was special about the era’s punk scene was the ethos and focus on morality. It was anti-racist, anti-sexist, antihomophobia. It’s interesting, too, because if you look at ethos through the aesthetics of the scene (in the time capsules of records, zines and stickers), it was like the pre-internet comment box for kids figuring the world out – if you had any thought about anything, you could whip it into a zine or sticker. That said, it wasn’t an inclusive utopia. we were almost all white (which was fine in a town that was almost all white), but while there were girls present, there were not nearly enough making music and noise on stage. Neeland: The Mankato scene was welcoming. It did not matter who you were. As a young woman in the punk rock scene, it was important to be welcome as an equal peer (and not as a manic pixie dream girl), feel heard, and not pushed to the back of the crowd or touched in an unwanted way (which happened a lot, by the way). In a way, the Mankato kids wanted to exemplify what was going on in other places (D.C. for example) and my male friends would often say “get up in front” during shows. Jessen: All the hair bands on MTV looked like aliens and totally of a different world. I could never really relate to that performance aspect of “rock stardom,” and I still can’t. When I went to those local, punk rock shows, I saw people who looked a lot like me, and were standing 2-3 feet in front of me and playing real instruments, playing original songs, and having an absolute blast doing it. It was over for me then. This was what I was gonna be into. I had no other choice. SMS

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MINNESOTA MUSIC SCENE

eople like to talk about the weather, and perhaps this is due to ‘weather’ being the one thing we are all experiencing at the same degree … Fahrenheit. Bad puns aside, I’ll admit that I share in the opinion that this winter, in its entirety, has sucked a metric **** ton. One could simply dwell on how many days they’ve spent cooped up, staring out the window, brow furrowed, wondering how many more times they’ll nearly throw their back out shoveling, and then watch the snow plow block the driveway as it goes by. As an alternative, I’d like to offer solace in the fact that beautiful, sunny, and disgustingly hot weather is well on its way, along with some of Minnesota’s most entertaining outdoor activities. Many of which, are music festivals. Commonly held outdoors, music festivals are gatherings often lasting two or more days with a generalized theme or genre. Sometimes even camping is available. I’ve compiled a small list of opportunities set to occur this summer 2018. Revival Music Festival in Geneva on May 25th-27th: Pack your tent for a weekend amongst the oak trees for music at Harmony Park. With sets from Phil Lesh & The Terrapin Family Band, The Big Wu, and Leftover Salmon near the shores of Lake Geneva, this one is sure to be a good time. If camping isn’t your cup of tea, day passes are also available. Soundset at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on May 27th and 28th: Rhymesayers & Rose present a hip-hop music

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

festival that will feature artists like Logic, Atmosphere, Erykah Badu, Prof, and many others over Memorial Weekend. This is an all-ages experience that will occur at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on the Midway, and will include other family friendly activities. Rock the Garden at the Walker Art Museum on June 16th: Out on the lawn

of the Walker Art Museum, this music festival has hosted groups such as The Flaming Lips, Bon Iver, and Bruise Violet in past years. These event planners like to keep the acts a secret until two days before general public tickets go on sale. Stay on your toes and

catch the line up on 89.3 The Current at 9 a.m. April 10th. The Basilica Block Party in Minneapolis on July 6: The Basilica Block Party serves as a fundraiser for the restoration of the Basilica of Saint Mary. Five percent of sales benefit Catholic charity St. Vincent de Paul. Check out acts from Cake to Borns to Fitz and the Tantrumz to the Revolution to Third Eye Blind at this two-day gathering. Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival in Duluth on July 21st: This event celebrates diversity and heritage pride is welcome with open arms. They’ll be there, rain or shine. While this is yet another event that has not yet announced a line up, you can look up past appearances from Ugochi, Indika, and Wayne Wonder, among others. WE Fest in Detroit Lakes on August 2nd-4th: Two days of country music. This one has been labeled the world’s largest camping and country festival. With big names like Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, and Florida Georgia Line, you really can’t go wrong. Bring the essentials, because you’ll want to spend all your time dancing with your friends. Riverbend Music Fest in Owatonna August 24th and 25th: A 21+ event, which hosts camping, cold brews, and a collection of music from Them Pesky Kids, Mark Stone and the Dirty Country Band, Copperhead Creek, and the list goes on. As a Southern Minnesota native, this one will be worth supporting. In Minnesota, summer isn’t just a season; it’s a celebration of reawakening. Many spend months on end wrapped up like a pathetic burrito or doing our best not to lose appendages in attempts to get outside, despite dangerous tem-

peratures. While this cold weather season seems to be trudging on relentlessly, summer will eventually grace us with outdoor activities that are sure to warm an icy soul. (Maybe I’m speaking for myself there). The point is to get as much out of summer as humanly possible and cram it into the estimated three months of gorgeous weather we do have. Make a point of visiting any one of these exciting, local events right here in our home territory and you won’t regret it. Musical bliss is just a hop, skip, and maybe one more bout of shoveling away. SMS

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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.

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rom his early days in Calvin Krime and Sean Na Na, to his solo career as an indie pop/R&B artist and involvement in soft rock inspired musical band Gayngs, Sean Tillman, better known by his stage name, Har Mar Superstar, has carved out nothing short of an amazing career. And wouldn’t you know it – he grew up in little old Owatonna. With fellow musical acts of international success, such as Owl City and Cloud Cult, also claiming roots to the Southern Minnesota community, it could be called a breeding

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ground for musical talent. It has been quite the ride for Tillman, who shows no signs of slowing down. Touting appearances on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel Live!, as well as cameos in several Hollywood films, including Starsky and Hutch (2004) and Pitch Perfect (2012), to 6 studio albums, his list of credits is quite impressive. So much so that former Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak declared Sept 13, 2013, the night that that the singer/songwriter headlined First Avenue, “Har Mar Superstar Day.” I had a chance to catch up with Tillman ahead of his two sold out shows at the Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis last month and pick his brain.

You were born in Marshall, but grew up in Owatonna. Tell me a little bit about your childhood in Southern Minnesota. Southern Minnesota is a great place to grow up. I had a pretty ideal existence as a bike riding little terror that searched rivers for slugs and minnows when I wasn’t completely being obsessed by the video store and movie theater. I got into music at a very early age and had a ton of outlets to get into it even further. I’m lucky to come from a theater and music family. When did you decide you wanted to pursue a career as a singer /songwriter? I was equally obsessed with Weird Al and Michael Jackson as

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The National Anthem is a hard song to sing. So many octaves. I had a great time on the field. I actually walked off feeling amazing about my performance. I’ll be back for sure. Minnesota United is a great organization. Would you blame yourself for the Loons losing that game? Yes. It was definitely my fault. You are currently doing a “Har Mar Superstar Sings the Songs of Sam Cooke” Tour. Critics of the shows say you are well suited for soul music. Will we be seeing more of this side of you …Har Mar Superstar, the Lounge singer? We’ll see! I love to pay my respects to the greats. Sam Cooke is one of my favorites of all time. Looks like you guys have an upcoming gig on Austin City Limits (June 10). What an amazing history of talent that has graced that stage. Is this your first time playing at Austin City Limits? ACL is incredible. I’m playing their small venue in June and have played the festival before. I’m always honored to be part of a lineage as rich as theirs. How do live television performances differ from other performances? Live TV is great. When you play a show like Jimmy Fallon or Kimmel it’s over before you know it started. The ultimate rush really. You have shared the stage with an impressive array of bands, including the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, the Strokes, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. If you could open for any artist, who you have not played with before, who would it be? Sade. Hands down.

Photo courtesy of harmarsuperstar.com a 6-year-old. Thriller and Eat It informed many of my musical obsessions. I danced in the mirror and stared at the turntable with headphones on for hours at a time. Plus, oldies radio in the 80s was straight up 60s bliss.

was Ryan McMahon (drums), James Buckley (bass), Aaron Baum (keys), Nelson Devereaux (sax), Jake Baldwin (trumpet), and Denver Dalley (guitar). Many of them still tour with me. We embarked on a world tour the next day.

What were your early musical influences? Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Quiet Riot, The Beatles, Beastie Boys, and The Association were among my early faves.

You have a pretty impressive IMDB page. Do you see yourself doing more on screen if the opportunity arises? I’m always ready for acting jobs – just the most fun drop into another world. I studied theater at Perpich, so I know what to do. Ha!

What was your first band? I started a band called Loaded (Velvet Underground reference) when I was 12 in Owatonna. The older kids in bands rented out VFW halls and park pavilions to throw shows and let us open. We wrote originals. I think we even had a couple pretty good songs. We just wanted to be the Pixies in a major way. You attended the Perpich Center for the Arts. I read that you go back to the school to give talks to the students. What sort of things do you tell them? I always tell the students to learn as many facets of multi-media arts as they can. Use all of the amazing resources that are there. Also, be nice to your peers because you never know who you can help out or will help you throughout your life. It’s a very small world the further into an artistic career you go. For those that may not know, where did you get your stage name? I used to go watch every movie at the Har Mar Mall in Roseville from the age 17 on. I just loved that it was such a homegrown, weird mall. When I worked for the State Department of Education across the street proofreading documents I’d take lunches there and write lyrics about passersby at the food court. I want to encourage our readers to watch your performance of How Did I Get Through the Day, Live on the Current (https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=R370hYrZ7_I). There seemed to be some extra magic in the studio that day. Talk about that performance. We were just getting ready to head out on the Best Summer Ever Tour. It was one of the first times we played live for people as a bigger band. The song is very emotional for me, so I poured my whole heart into that performance. My band at that moment

Who would you like to have open for you? What are you currently listening to? There are so many. Not all of them would open, but I always recommend Sweet Spirit, A Giant Dog, MGMT, Swamp Dogg, Uranium Club, Murf, and Computer Magic. Favorite cartoon as a child? Garfield for life!

You’ve lived on both coasts; LA for a number of years, then Brooklyn NY. What brought you back to the Minnesota? I found myself coming back to Minnesota for a number of musical opportunities. Between joining Gayngs and writing with many, many talented musicians in town I decided it was time to come home, plant my roots, and buy a house in Minneapolis. What is your favorite venue to play? Favorite venue to attend live shows? First Avenue. Always and forever. I feel like I grew up there. I basically did. Turf Club is a close second.

Photo courtesy of harmarsuperstar.com

You recently sang the National Anthem for the Minnesota United FC game against Atlanta. Do you get nervous singing the National Anthem?

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What’s next for you? Touring throughout the spring/ summer and hunkering down on a new album. That’s all I need for now! SMS

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Comic Books and Imaginary Friends:

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

A BY SAMANTHA STETZER editor@southernminnscene.com

fter growing up in Oregon and Hawaii, Benjamin Percy is now a comic book writer and author living outside of Northfield. He met his wife, Lisa Percy, while they were both working at Glacier National Park in Montana. Ben also has two kids and a golden doodle named Chewbacca. After teaching as a professor for a decade, Ben claims he decided to hang up his “corduroy jacket to write full-time.” “I’ve been playing with imaginary friends ever since,” Percy said. Percy is the author of four novels, as well as two books of short fiction and a book of essays. He writes the Green Arrow and Teen Titans series for DC Comics, and James Bond for Dynamite Entertainment. His fiction and nonfiction have been published in “Esquire,” “GQ,” “Time,” The Wall Street Journal,” “The New York Times,” and

“The Paris Review.” His honors include the Whiting Award, the Plimpton Prize, two Pushcart Prizes, an NEA fellowship and inclusion in Best American Short Stories and Best American Comics. With an extensive background in comic writing, Percy is now taking his talents to the digital airwaves, recently landing a position as a writer for Marvel’s “Wolverine: The Long Night” podcast. CONTINUED page 12

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he became the head of what’s known as the Bat Group (all the Gotham titles, essentially) and he approached me about a twoissue window that was available. I took a failed screenplay idea I had (that was essentially Die Hard set in an airport) and revamped it; Bruce Willis became Bruce Wayne. And wa-la, I had my Batman story. I recognized how ridiculously lucky I was, making my debut with such a marquee character. I put all of my energy into making those issues sing. And it paid off. A few months later, they asked if I’d like to take over Green Arrrow. And a few months after starting Green Arrow, they asked if I’d like to write Teen Titans as well. Now I’m working on Nightwing. Being a comics writer is a little like being an aggressive screenwriter. I don’t simply write the dialogue and narration. I detail everything that might appear in the panel. So I might say we’re stationed in an alley, our perspective high, looking down at it from an angle. Graffiti colors the walls. Trash and puddles busy the asphalt. A dumpster is open and two eyes might be visible glowing inside it. Someone is walking toward the dumpster, a man in a hoodie. We can’t see his face, but we can tell he’s gym-built. Rain is falling hard and a single street lamp hazes through it. That kind of thing. Panel by panel, page by page. But I am in no way dictating what the artist has to draw. I trust their vision, and if they see a way to make the story better, they should go for it. I’m witnessing every stage of development — from the drafting of the overview document to the pencils, inks, colors, and final lettering.

Content Bookstore features an entire shelf dedicated to Northfield authors, including Benjamin Percy, Mary Blechwehl and Kaethe Schwehn. (Northfield News photo)

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Tell me a bit about yourself. I grew up in Oregon and Hawaii. I was an undergrad at Brown University. I met my wife when we were both working at Glacier National Park in Montana. I taught as a professor for about a decade — including at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop — and then hung up my corduroy jacket to write full-time. I’ve been playing with my imaginary friends ever since. Where does your passion for comic books come from? I remember falling in love with The Hobbit in fourth grade, but prior to that, my only memory of reading comes from comic books. I treasured the spinner racks that used to be at gas stations and grocery stores and I

loved to browse the comics shops. I collected everything from SpiderMan to Warlord to X-Men to Batman. So it’s a childhood dream come true to be writing for Marvel and DC now.

Is there a certain comic book, superhero, series or storyline that you draw inspiration from? Why? As a smelly, hairy, grumpy, cigar-chomping, whiskey-swilling loner, I perhaps relate to Wolverine a little too well.

How and when did you become a writer? Not sure how to answer that. I wrote my first short story in high school. It was called “Conan vs. The Skateboarders,” and — true to the title — it was about Conan fighting some skateboarders. Does that count? What’s the process for writing a good comic book? How do you get that story to translate into animated pages? When and how did you start getting paid for it? I sent my first pitch to DC Comics in 2009. I finally had a pitch accepted in 2014. During that time, I probably sent them around 40 ideas. I was already established as a short story writer, magazine writer, and novelist, so I had their attention, but here was my main error: I kept pitching original ideas. I should have been working off of series that already existed. A one-issue or twoissue arc that would appear in Wonder Woman or Flash. I met with an editor in New York (while on tour for one of my novels) and toured through the DC Offices. A few years later,

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How did you become involved with the Marvel podcast “Wolverine: The Long Night,” and how is this version of storytelling different than writing the books? Since I write comics and screenplays, I was approached. The job wasn’t mine of course. I had to put together a pitch. This amounted to a page single-spaced well have been titled,

thirtydocument that might as “GIVE THIS TO ME — OR ELSE!” Writing for audio is a fun challenge. I rely so heavily on vision — obviously — when writing comics. But also in my novels. Take

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

that sensory experience away and you have to come up with new techniques for conveying exposition and emotion and plot. Consider, for instance, the staple of every comic: the fight scene. How do you write a brawl into audio and not completely confuse your listener? But the beats of the half-hour episodes are otherwise very similar to something you might experience when watching television. The series has a “True Detective” vibe. What is the podcast about? Everyone’s read the comics. Everyone’s seen the X-Men films. Wolverine has spent a lot of time in the spotlight, and I wanted to re-mystify him. So this is about the hunt for Wolverine. Two FBI agents show up in the town of Burns, Alaska, to investigate a series of murders. Every single person there has a dark secret, including Logan. It’s a thriller, a murdermystery, with plenty of adrenaline and mayhem to keep the listener coming back week after week. What is it like to see the stories you create come to fruition? It’s always a thrill to see my work published or produced. Never gets old. What advice would you offer aspiring comic book writers, comic podcasters, or just simply those interested in earning a living off of and working with comics? Malcolm Gladwell talks about the 10,000-hour rule. If you want to become a master of something, as a pianist, a painter, a baseball player, whatever —you need to put in your 10,000 hours of practice. Read your brains out and write your brains out and draw your brains out — that’s the quick version. What do you hope for your future with comics? Any new goals?

I have a series I’d love to get a shot at, like Punisher, Daredevil, Batman, XMen, Swamp Thing and Hellblazer. I’m also in the process of pitching some original, creator-owned ideas. SMS

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Bad Bad Hats is making some

Music

Good Good

BY PHILIP WEYHE editor@southernminnscene.com

he members of Bad Bad Hats may not hail from the mean streets of Minnesota, but make no mistake; the band’s story starts and continues here. Formed at Macalester College in 2012, the group has made this state its home, frequenting the 7th St Entry and sometimes even posting up at First Avenue, in addition to a number of other music spots in Minnesota, where they play songs from their first EP, It Hurts, and their first album, Psychic Reader. The group has received plenty of love from The Current radio station, which has helped their music reach statewide audiences. And after the release of Psychic Reader in 2015, they took the show on the road, visiting venues across the United States. Bad Bad Hats is led by the songwriting of lead singer and guitarist Kerry Alexander, 27, who grew up in Alabama and was inspired by 90s music mavens like Alanis Morissette and Letters to Cleo. Kerry met Chris Hoge (guitarist and drummer), 27, at Macalester. The two started dating and then formed a band with Noah Boswell (bassist), 27. The three went on to develop brisk, fun, emphatic alternative pop. On tour, Connor Davison, of Wingman, makes the group a four-piece. The buzz from Psychic Reader finally dwindling, the band is working on its sophomore album, which is likely to come out this year. Scene caught up with the recently married Kerry and Chris to talk about the ride so far, songwriting and the future. How did this band form?

Kerry: The original members met while attending Macalester College in St. Paul. We had all played some form of music before we met. Chris and I had been writing songs, and we discovered each other’s demos on Myspace. We studied abroad at the same time and exchanged ideas. We decided we wanted to start a band when we got back. Noah transferred to the school and he happened to play bass. We trapped him (laughs), but I think he enjoyed it. That would’ve been 2012 I think. Kerry: Then we played Macalester Battle of the Bands, which is where we met our friend Ian (Anderson at Afternoon Records) who discovered us. Then we met Connor Davison a year ago when we were about to make our second album. How did you decide what kind of band you were going to be? Chris: We took songs Kerry had written, especially at the beginning. Kerry was the one who had been playing her own shows and had songs that we all liked. I think I enjoyed helping her finish those ideas. Noah and I kind of put our own little spin on some of those songs. It seemed like the obvious move to follow Kerry’s songwriting and her voice. Kerry: (The It Hurts EP) was mostly just a collection of songs I wrote when I was studying abroad. They were a little folksier, because they were written with an acoustic guitar and the

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kazoo. But we had a lot more ideas than that, and I was happy with Psychic Reader – when I was making that album – that a lot of those ideas all three of us were working on … that’s when we could show our stuff. How quickly did things take off for you guys? Kerry: We talk about that a lot. In some ways, there were things that happened very early that seemed like good sings, like ‘We did that.’ At our first concert, Battle of the Bands, which we did not win, we met our friend Ian who signed us to Afternoon Records, so we thought wow the music industry is great. That happened in spring of 2012 and then are EP came out in January of 2013. But after that one thing, it really felt like starting from the bottom and playing a lot of shows to few people. Chris: Our first outside of Minnesota shows would’ve been in January of 2014. So two years of playing anywhere we could in Minnesota. Our first real tour wasn’t until the fall of 2015. And that’s the point things started to pick up nationally. Kerry: I was ready to ride the ride straight to the top from the beginning, but I realize now I really needed those years of playing live, being nervous at the show and playing to antagonistic crowds. I know, too, even touring now, after six years being a band, I’m still learning things. It’s been a beautiful journey seeing how far we’ve come. Photo by Justin Kibbel.

Kerry: One of the first things Ian told us was that you want to play the long game, and that’s been important to us in our journey.

There are so many great resources in the Twin Cities – all the great radio stations, all the great venues. There are venues of many tiers, so it’s easy to find a place to play your music no matter how small or big you are. There are so many possibilities. I also feel like the people in Minnesota are very passionate about the local music scene.

When did you know this was more than a college project? I think I was always ambitious enough that I always knew it was going to be something. We graduated a month after we played our first few shows. Noah was still in school for a few years after that, so yeah, I wonder how he felt. A lot of our friends in college were also in the music scene, and it was fun to have that connection and musical community that we still look to.

Do you feel like you’re Minnesota artists? Kerry: I do, because this is the place where I performed really for the first time. I feel like I got my start as an artist and discovered what kind of artist I want to be and band I want to have. I do feel very connected to Minnesota and I love representing Minnesota on tour. What did you want the It Hurts EP to sound like? What did the songs mean to you?

What brought each of you to Minnesota? What do you like about living here? Kerry: I was born in Minnesota, but moved when I was little to Alabama and grew up in Florida. Macalester was the kind of college I wanted to go to, and I had a lot of friends and family connections. Chris seems less sure of why he ended up in Minnesota. Chris: I’m from Connecticut and most of my family is there still. I think I was an angsty teenager and one of my criteria was that it had to be outside the northeast. From the schools I was looking at, Macalester was one of the only well regarded liberal arts schools that was also in a city. Kerry: For Noah, he is from New Mexico and he was looking for a different college experience. A friend of ours encouraged him to come, which we are grateful for. People are always surprised when they learned we came from outside of Minnesota, but I’m really glad Minnesota brought us all together. Chris and I, at this point, are content with being in the Twin Cities as long as I can.

Chris: We got married in September. What’s it like being in a band with your husband/wife? Kerry: When we go on tour, we don’t have to leave each other behind, which has been hard for our bandmates. The hardest parts are those little moments when you need to have a little bicker and be fine. That’s hard to do in a mini-van with two of your friends. But overall, I think we do a really good job. What does this state provide for an alternative artist? Chris: It’s been most importantly a supportive community. Having something like 89.3 The Current play our music from the first year we were a band – that just doesn’t happen in a place like New York City. And also the support from other people and bands.

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Chris: I think we wanted it to be fun, most of all. Listening back now, it doesn’t sound as good as our album, but I think we succeeded in making something ourselves, and we made something fun a lot of people still relate to and songs they still sing at our shows. Kerry: I wrote four of the five when I was studying abroad in Paris when I was 20 years old. I see myself sitting in my little apartment in Paris, which was lovely and inspiring, just wanting to write some love songs that felt true to what I was feeling at the time. I was freshly in love (with Chris) and freshly in this whirlwind, sort of dating this person. But we were studying abroad at the same time in different countries, so the sadness of not being with this person. People have noted that as happy as a lot of our music sounds, some of the lyrics are sadder than the music suggests, and that’s reflective of how I was feeling. A joy, but also an anxiety about whether it would last. Kerry: I also feel like it captures a not yet graduated college student who wasn’t ready for the world.

How about Psychic Reader? Kerry: Looking back at the It Hurts EP now, I appreciate what it captured and the way it sounds. But the year or so before, we were feeling like the EP was not representative of who we were as a band. We felt like we were developing a lot of new sounds and had more interesting ideas than the EP let on. With Psychic Reader, we were ready to prove ourselves and show people this is who we are as a band. Apart from that, we wanted it to be fun and have a joyousness to it. But we also wanted it polished. Chris: We wanted it to sound professional, compared to bands we liked. Kerry: That’s why we decided not to record it ourselves. Part way through the process we realized we weren’t accomplishing what we wanted to accomplish. That’s when we found our friend Brett Bullion, who we then collaborated with on the album. He produced and mixed the album for us. His involvement took it to the place we were envisioning and beyond. How has your songwriting changed since you were a kid to now? Kerry: I started lyrics to songs when I was like 9 years old. Chris: Younger even (laughs). Kerry: I was always writing love songs, and I was writing with a pop mind set. I was inspired by The Beatles obviously, but then people like Michelle Branch and Cheryl Crow and Alanis Morissette. I was always thinking pop music, like classic songwriting. When I was in high school and younger, I was very lyrics focused, because I also was into poetry. My early songs were very verbose, trying to pack as many poetic turns of frame that I could. I was much less concerned with ‘Is this melody catching? Are these parts interesting? Is this guitar part cool?’ I was like, I just need a chorus, a melody to be a vehicle for my poetry. Kerry: I don’t know at what point I was like ‘You know, these songs are not doing it.’ Chris is

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pointing to himself right now as the intervention. I think I started listening to different artists. Now, more and more, I start with a vocal melody and then see what lyrics come to mind that fit better in a rhythmic context. What’s next? Is another album on the horizon? Kerry: We’ve got ourselves a second album here. Chris: We worked with Brett (Bullion) again, and I think we have the finished master as of this week (interview took place in March). We don’t have a date for the release, but it should be out this year. Kerry: We’re excited to share. I think, if anything, it feels somewhat moodier than Psychic Reader. But I think, always and forever I want … songwriting brings me so much joy that I always want joy to be part of the songs and I always want something to latch on to and make you feel good. Do you have hopes for with this album will take you? Kerry: Oh, we’ve got buckets of hopes, but we try to keep them in perspective. I don’t know. We love touring and we’d like to keep doing that. Chris: I think the most basic hope is we have another three years of touring, making more

fans and meeting more faces. We can do that for another three years and do another one. Keep it financially stable. Are you guys able to make music your career? How do you balance monetary needs with artistic drive? Kerry: That is the rub. Chris: That is the big question. Kerry: We feel like we’re on the cusp, but it is somewhat unpredictable – the income. We felt like we were close in this last album cycle. We kept pretty busy, but at some point the excitement dies down. Right now, we all do still have other jobs, but I’d say we do music 75 percent of the time. That is definitely the hope that we can get to the point that just music sustains us. Kerry: We’ll get there.

QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS Favorite song you’ve ever produced? Kerry: Things We Never Say – it’s a song I’m proud of. Because it is a very simple recording, simple song and has been really inspiring and nice to see people connect with it. My answer will change with this new album. Chris: Super America – I think as a result of the touring we’ve done. It doesn’t sound very professional, but it’s something I remember

how they’re interpreting the songs and what they’re getting from the music. Chris: Before Psychic Reader came out, a few singles came out, and NPR All Songs Considered did a written blurb on Fight Song. That felt like a really cool moment. All-time favorite artist?

working on with Kerry in our apartment and it’s been cool to see people latch on to that. Favorite venue you’ve ever performed? Kerry: It’s hard not to say a Minnesota one. I think our general No. 1 is 7th St Entry. First time playing the main room was a lifetime experience, but the entry was where we cut our teeth. Ed’s No Name Bar in Winona is a great one. We’ve had some great shows. Chris: I’ll say 7th St Entry. Favorite review you’ve ever received? Kerry: We got a really nice review of Psychic Reader from Paste Magazine. I remember that one feeling thoughtful. It’s a little scary every time there is a review, but it’s nice to hear

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Kerry: If I think about my life and my influences, I really think Letters to Cleo is very high up there, in terms of influence and listening now. Letters from Cleo, Go!, is one of my all-time favorites learning guitar. But you know that questions is very difficult. Chris: Wilco. They had so many different stages. I’ve always liked that they’re a band. They’ve always been a band. Favorite Minnesota artist? Kerry: There are a lot. Jessica Manning is one of my newly discovered favorites. Strange Relations is a band we’ve grown up with in the scene. They’ve been inspiring to me over the years. Right now, I’m really vibing on an EP our friend Jenni Lawless put out. Chris: Connor’s band is called Wingman, and they put out a record called ‘Honcho,’ and I think that was one of the best in our era of Minnesota musicians. We just heard a band called Dreamspook with our friend, Gabriel, that I think is really unique and cool. SMS Philip Weyhe can be reached at editor@southernminnscene. com

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Fashion Forward:

hits its stride in

Mankato

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BY GRACE WEBB editor@southernminnscene.com

s the lights dim in the Verizon Center, the crowd turns its attention to the runway. Excited whispers die down as soon as the curtain parts and the first model struts her way across the stage. But it’s quickly apparent that this fashion show is a little bit … different. The outfits are spectacular, fashion forward, even gravity-defying. But even more fascinating is the materials they’re made from: shingles, aluminum, plastic, tire treads, CDs – the list of unusual materials goes on. That’s because this is no ordinary fashion show – it’s Raw Fusion, Mankato’s biggest annual event. Now in its eighth year, the fashion show invites local businesses to sponsor a model whose outfit is at least partly constructed out of building materials. Every year, there’s a new theme, from Dark Forest to Cirque du Freak to last year’s “Are You Ready to Rock?” And every year, there’s a new beneficiary that is aided, from Habitat for Humanity to this year’s Educare Foundation. The event pulls in hundreds of attendees and raises thousands of dollars for its beneficiaries. In 2017, 1,500 people attended, raising $28,500 for the Greater

Mankato Area United Way. For 2018, the event takes place May 11, and the theme is Candyland. We had a chance to sit down with Mary Kaus, one of the event’s creators, to learn more about the event. Kaus also participates on the company side of things through her employer, Cambria, which sponsors the event and also sends models to participate every year. Last year, Cambria employee Melissa Ketchum designed the company’s outfit, and she shares her experience here as well. Tell us about how you came up with the idea for such a unique event. Kaus: The event was founded by four women — me, Jamie Sorenson, Nicole Panko and Jen Swenson. The idea originated because Nicole and I had gone to a similar event up in Minneapolis, which was put on by the International Interior Design Association, called Fusion Fashion. We just had a blast … It was so much fun, and the dresses were amazing. And we thought we needed some sort of creative outlet like this in Mankato. We don’t have a design association in Mankato, but Jamie and I sat on the Minnesota River Builders Association Board of Directors, and so we decided to pitch the idea to them — and they said to go ahead with it.

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What was it like the first year? Kaus: We started it at the Verizon Center in the ballroom, and we had about 300-400 people there the first year. And it’s just grown ever since. The first year, we had to figure out branding — what do we call it? We went with “fusion” because it was a mix of

building materials and fashion. The first year was the hardest because nobody knew what it was and what we were trying to do. We’d just cold call companies and tell them our idea and ask them if they wanted to be involved. Sponsorships were a hard sell being that it was a new event. Now,

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being that we’re in the eighth year, we don’t have to really do any calls for sponsorships or models. People just come to us. This year, we have 28 models and our cap is 30 (organizers confirmed they reached the 30-model cap for the year after this interview was conducted). CONTINUED page 20

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If you go What: Raw Fusion When: 8 p.m. on May 11 (doors open at 7 p.m.) Where: Verizon Center in Mankato For more information and to buy tickets: www.mnrba.com/ raw-fusion

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Your theme changes every year. How do you pick them? Kaus: We started doing a theme the third year. That just gives the models and the companies that enter a little more direction. Our décor committee is a huge part of it, and when people walk into our event, we want them to feel it’s different every year. That’s the biggest thing for us, to make sure the event stays fresh. This year it’s Candyland – very playful and colorful and light. Last year was the first year Cambria submitted an original outfit to the show. Can you tell me a little about the process? Ketchum: I’ve always wanted to be a part of Raw Fusion; I just never had the opportunity. Last year, Cambria was the title

sponsor, and when I heard that Cambria was going to do an entry, I was excited and had to be a part of it. It was easy to pick a material because our countertops are 93 percent quartz, and we wanted our entry to reflect what we represent as a company. We had 30-plus pieces of quartz on the bodice of our dress, a quartz crown and quartz jewelry. The other building materials used were landscaping fabric, netting and metal chains. We were inspired by a certain Marchesa [brand] gown and wanted to replicate a very high-end look that was similar but edgy. How long did it take to create your outfit? Ketchum: With all of the small details in the design, it was easy to lose track of time. My co-worker Ellen Theis and I worked on the details, and I would guess that we worked on it every day for one and a half months, 1-3 hours at a time. What was challenging about working with such unusual outfit materials?

Ketchum: I think the most challenging part was for the model — with all the quartz, it was very heavy and uncomfortable for her. But she rocked it! Cambria was voted people’s choice last year. Why do you think your outfit resonated with the audience so much? Ketchum: I think having fun with bold styling choices and attention to the detail made for a great combination. Let’s not forget about our secret weapon: Alana, our model. It really was her energetic personality that she exuded on the runway. What are your hopes for this year? Ketchum: I just hope that we produce a final product that makes our company, co-workers, and friends and family proud. Kaus: We’re super passionate about the event. Every single year, we’re exhausted after we throw it, but every year we want to come back and do it again, because it’s a staple of our town that we don’t want to go away. SMS

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Faribault 507-334-4640 • Morristown 507-685-4342 • Expires 5/18/18

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Faribault 507-334-4640 • Morristown 507-685-4342 • Expires 5/18/18

* Get $50 via Mastercard® Reward Card after submission when you buy a set of four new BFGoodrich® passenger or light truck tires. (BFGoodrich® g-Force™ Sport COMP-2,™ g-Force™ COMP-2™ A/S, All-Terrain T/A® KO2 and Mud-Terrain T/A® KM2 tires qualify for a $70 Reward Card.) See redemption form for a full list of qualifying tires. † Reward Card eligibility is limited to tire purchases from participating dealers only. See redemption form for complete offer details. Offer expires 05/29/2018. Void where prohibited. The Reward Card expires six (6) months after issuance. No cash access. Fees apply. Reward Card issued by U.S. Bank National Association pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard is a registered trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Copyright © 2018 MNA, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Faribault 507-334-4640 • Morristown 507-685-4342 • Expires 5/18/18

OFF 729 NW 4th St. Faribault • 507-334-4640 24628 Holland Ave. Morristown • 507-685-4342 A d d y o u r e v e n t f o r F R E E t o t h e T I M E L I N E c a l e n d a r . G O TO w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent

Cars • Trucks • Vans • Complete Auto & Tire Care • Tune-Ups • Brakes • Exhaust • A/C • Electrical • Tires • Computer Balancing • Alignment

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LEFT: Taken at a Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe event by Richard Rohlfing. BOTTOM LEFT: Taken in Waseca by Philip Weyhe. BOTTOM RIGHT: Taken at Pioneer Power by Richard Rohlfing.

Photographing Southern Minnesota We asked local photographers to send some of their best shots, taken in Southern Minnesota. Readers responded with a bevy of images, depicting the scenes, the culture, the people, the landscape of our region. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re happy to display some of their fine work in this photo story.

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Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to feature more photography pages in future editions of Scene. So if you have pics taken in Southern Minnesota, send some our way: editor@ southernminnscene.com.

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TOP: Taken in Le Sueur County by John Chevalier. ABOVE LEFT: Taken in Rice County by Kayla Ballstadt. ABOVE RIGHT: Taken at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter by Nancy Madsen. RIGHT: Taken in Waseca by Philip Weyhe.

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TOP: Taken in Montgomery by Michelle Vlasak. LEFT: Taken in Montgomery by Michelle Vlasak.

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

TOP: Taken in Red Wing by Dan Rogness. ABOVE: Taken in Southern Minnesota by Dan Rogness. RIGHT: Taken in Rice County by Kayla Ballstadt. BOTTOM LEFT: Taken in Southern Minnesota by Mary Risberg. BOTTOM RIGHT: Taken in Montgomery by Michelle Vlasak.

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TOP: Taken at Heath Creek by Evan Pak. LEFT: Taken at St. Olaf College in Northfield by Evan Pak. BOTTOM LEFT: Taken in Kenyon by Dan Rogness. BOTTOM RIGHT: Taken in Le Sueur County by John Chevalier.

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

TOP: Taken in Southern Minnesota by Emily Barrett. ABOVE LEFT: Taken in Southern Minnesota by Emily Barrett. ABOVE RIGHT: Taken in Southern Minnesota by Emily Barrett. A d d y o u r e v e n t f o r F R E E t o t h e T I M E L I N E c a l e n d a r . G O TO w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent

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THE

St. Peter Yoga Studio 112 Grace Street SAINT PETER, MN 56082 The Gustavus Department of Theatre and Dance presents a production of The Marriage of Figaro by Pierre Beaumarchais, directed by Henry MacCarthy. 2018 Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival Apr 21, 28, 2018 All Day | $14 Rochester Galaxy 14 Cine & IMAX 4340 Maine Ave SE Rochester, MN 55904 The 2018 Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF) brings bold, exciting and moving works by emerging and veteran filmmakers to the Twin Cities April 12-28, 2018, presenting 250+ new films representing over 70 countries. MSPIFF, one of the longest-running film festivals in the country and the largest film event in the Upper Midwest, draws an attendance of 40,000 annually.

Sun Apr 22, 2018 Free Classic Movies Sundays Apr 22, 29, 2018 2:00 pm | Free 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.

Walt Whitman One-Man Show St. Mane Theatre in Lanesboro – April 20 & 21 Lanesboro Arts presents “Leaves of Grass – Illuminated” at the St. Mane Theatre in Lanesboro on Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. Patrick Scully, a Minnesota native and the founder of Patrick’s Cabaret in Minneapolis, summons the spirit of Walt Whitman in this one-man show, voicing the poet’s words and adding his own artistic flavor. The performance is a physical embodiment of Whitman’s work through dance and a reflection of the poet’s art, spirituality, sexuality, Add your event for FREE to the TIMELINE c a l e n d a r . 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 i c k + A d d a n E v ent

Sat Apr 21, 2018 On Both Sides of the Bars Gallery Exhibit - 10:00 am | Free Albert Lea Art Center 226 W. Clark St. Albert Lea, MN 56007 Gallery exhibit: March 11 through April 21. The Albert Lea Art Center has partnered with the Freeborn County Adult Detention Center to bring to the community art work, poems and creative writing done by jail inmates, ICE detainees from around the world and law enforcement personnel. Annie - 2:00 pm | $11-$17. Member: $15 | Non Member: $17 | Student: $11 Paradise Center for the Arts 321 Central Ave. Faribault, MN 55021 Directed by Shelly Wolfe Music, lyrics and screenplay by Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse, and Martin Charnin. Leapin Lizards! The irrepressible comic strip heroine takes center stage in one of the worlds best-loved musicals. Childrens Theatre Company Seedfolks - 3:00 pm | $10-$18 Sheldon Theatre

443 west third street Red Wing, MN 55066 An extraordinary theatrical odyssey Minnesota Public Radio Transformation begins with one young girl, a handful of seeds, and a heart full of hope Based on the Newbery Medalwinning book by Paul Fleischman, Seedfolks is about an immigrant neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio that is transformed by a community garden. OFF the CUFF | experimental improvisation event - 6:30 pm | Suggested donation $5 2001 A SPACE 2001 5th Street NE Minneapolis, MN 55418 You’re invited to OFF THE CUFF, an experimental improvised performance event featuring a combination of music, dance, and visual art. Avenue Q Apr 21, 26, 28, 2018 7:00 pm | $16 Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland Community College 1900 8th Ave NW Austin, MN 55912 Timeless story of a recent college grad who moves into a shabby New York apartment on Avenue Q. He and his new friends struggle to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life. Sawtooth Brothers Bluegrass Band Return to Rosemount Stage - 7:00 pm | $10 Steeple Center

and gender expression. “Leave of Grass” was Walt Whitman’s life project. First published in 1855, the book of poems was controversial at best and offensive at worst. The collection has continued to inspire thought, interpretation, and speculation ever since. www.lanesboroarts.org/st-mane-theatre

South Robert Trail Rosemount, MN 55069 During a live performance by the Sawtooth Brothers, audiences can expect creative original songs, hard driving bluegrass, classic country, gospel, and classic rock. jeanneRschwartz@ gmail.com. Alice in Wonderland - 7:00 pm | $8-$10 Mayo High School 1420 11th Ave Rochester, MN 55901 Come and experience the wonderful world of Alice in Wonderland; the Mayo Stage Door spring production! All Ages are welcome! Jivin’ Ivan and The Kings of Swing - 7:30 pm | Free Signature Bar and Grill 201 Central Ave N Faribault, MN 55021 Music From The Golden Era

The Jungle Theater 2951 Lyndale Ave South Minneapolis, MN 55408 MARCH 31 - APRIL 29, 2018 by Sarah DeLappe, directed by Sarah Rasmussen Tuesday Saturday 7:30 p.m. Sunday 2 & 7:30 p.m. The Wolves is a portrait of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for nine American girls, who just want to score some goals. The Honeymooners: The Really Lost Episodes (Live Theatre) Apr 21, 27, 28, 2018 7:30 pm | $10-$15. https://www.oldepinetheatre.com/ Olde Pine Theatre 113 2nd St SW Pine Island, MN 55963 The Honeymooners: The Really Lost Episodes (Live Theatre) Join us for the stage adaption of the original Honeymooner sketches from Jackie Gleason’s Cavalcade of Stars originally aired in 1951.

RCTC Theatre: “Leaving Iowa” Apr 21, 26, 27, 2018 7:30 pm | $8-$10 Hill Theatre RCTC 851 30th Ave SE Rochester, MN 55904 Join us April 19-28 for the hilarious yet touching comedy/drama ‘Leaving Iowa’. Performances: April 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 at 7:30pm and a Saturday Matinee April 28 at 2:00pm. In the Charles E. Hill Theatre at Rochester Community and Technical College.

Stand-Up Comedian Miss Shannan Paul - 8:00 pm | $16.89 Royal Comedy Theatre 809 Mainstreet Hopkins, MN 55343 Miss Shannan is a nationally touring comedian, speaker, radio host and Twitter Goddess. She has appeared on Nick Moms Night Out, Laughs TV and can regularly be seen bringing her wit, whimsy and pop culture expertise to Twin Cities television on The Jason Show.

The Wolves Apr 21, 24, 29, 2018 7:30 pm | $25-$47

The Marriage of Figaro - 8:00 pm | $9

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The Honeymooners: The Really Lost Episodes (Live Theatre) Apr 22, 29, 2018 2:00 pm | $10-$15. https://www.oldepinetheatre.com/ Olde Pine Theatre 113 2nd St SW Pine Island, MN 55963 The Honeymooners: The Really Lost Episodes (Live Theatre) Join us for the stage adaption of the original Honeymooner sketches from Jackie Gleason’s Cavalcade of Stars originally aired in 1951. The Marriage of Figaro - 2:00 pm | $9 St. Peter Yoga Studio 112 Grace Street SAINT PETER, MN 56082 The Gustavus Department of Theatre and Dance presents a production of The Marriage of Figaro by Pierre Beaumarchais, directed by Henry MacCarthy. Beaumarchais’ controversial comic masterpiece of love, lust and class warfare, follows one mad day of adventures in the Castle of Aguas Frescas. WELS Western Region Handbell Concert - 2:00 pm | Free will donation Pine Island High School Maroon Gym 223 1st Ave. SE Pine Island, mn 55963 WELS Handbell Festival Concert ‘Speak O Lord’ 8 handbell choirs from across Minnesota and North Dakota, Brass ensemble, and Vocal choir. Forte Milers - 3:00 pm | $12 in advance or $15 at the door Historic Paramount Theatre 125 4th Ave NE Austin, MN 55912 Barbershop harmony with a favorite local group! Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. For tickets or more information, go to www.austinareaarts. org or call 507-434-0934. FCA Night of Champions featuring Adam Thielen - 5:00 pm | $35-$500 Rochester International Event Center 7333 Airport View Dr SW Rochester, MN 55902

Night of Champions Fundraising Dinner Presented by: Ford Metro, Inc. Sunday, April 22nd Rochester International Event Center Keynote Speaker: Adam Thielen.

Mon Apr 23, 2018 Dave Stamps and Gustavus Jazz Faculty Recital - 7:30 pm | Free Gustavus Adolphus College - Jussi Bjorling Recital Hall 800 W. College Ave. St. Peter, MN 56082 The Gustavus Department of Music presents members of the jazz faculty in concert at Bjorling Recital Hall.

Tue Apr 24, 2018 Jersey Boys-TixTM - 7:30 pm | $65 Orpheum Theatre 910 Hennepin Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55403 In the event that you have discovered our site, you have discovered an energizing method to appreciate every one of the occasions you have been holding up to see without paying powerful costs.

Wed Apr 25, 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 Apr 26, 2018 New Kingston Performing Live! 8:30 pm | $10-$15 The Cabooze 917 Cedar Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55404 Assimilated into music at an early age thanks to father and bassist Courtney Panton Sr, New York-based trio of brothers New Kingston have emerged as one of the most exciting and innovative bands in the reggae scene.

Fri Apr 27, 2018 Luncheon with Broadway! “Phantom of the Opera” - 10:30 am | $15 Assisi Heights 1001 14th Street NW Rochester, MN 55901 This discussion will look at Andrew Lloyd Webers The Phantom of the Opera and the British influence on the American musicals. Stars such as Ethyl Merman, Mary Martin, Carol Channing and others will conjure up memories of those wonderful theatrical experiences. Arena Dances The Main Street Project - 7:30 pm | $20 Sheldon Theatre 443 west third street Red Wing, MN 55066 In an information-driven technological world, does Main Street still exist? Modern movement blends with techno-pop music, folk-inspired songs, and filmed interviews with people from many Main Streets near and far. Autobiography of Red Apr 27-28, May 2, 5, 2018 7:30 pm | $7-$17 Rarig Center-University Of Minnesota 330 21st Avenue S Minneapolis, MN 55455 Anne Carsons highly praised versenovel is transformed into a musical, created collaboratively with the company of actors.

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 Spitfire Grill Apr 27-28, May 3, 10, 17, 18, 2018 7:30 pm | $28 Rochester Repertory Theatre 103 Seventh Street NE Rochester, MN 55906 A feisty parolee follows her dreams to a small town in Wisconsin and a job working at Hannahs Spitfire Grill. The only eatery in the depressed little town is up for sale with no takers. Willy Porter with Carmen Nickerson: Righteous Indie-Folk - 7:30 pm | $24-$28. Tickets are $24 in advance, $28 at the door. Crossings 320 East Ave Zumbrota, MN 55992 Midwest artists Willy Porter and Carmen Nickerson are an exciting addition to the indie-duo scene. With their liquid harmonies and unassailable, playful performance chemistry, these two solo artists have joined their unique talents to create the unforgettable sound of Porter Nickerson. Stand-Up Comedian Stacey Prussman Apr 27, 28, 2018 8:00 pm | $16.89 Royal Comedy Theatre 809 Mainstreet Hopkins, MN 55343 Stacey Prussman is a national touring headlining stand-up comic, a radio host, actress, and a public speaker. Stacey has appeared numerous times on The Howard Stern Radio Show. Stacey has been a guest on several popular radio shows on the Sirius XM network such as: Race Wars, The Sam Roberts Show, The Bennington Show, and John Fugelsangs show. Suicide Girls BlackHeart Burlesque Tour - 9:00 pm | $25 The Pourhouse 10 South 5th Street Minneapolis, MN 55402 SuicideGirls is bringing back a revamped version of the sexiest show on the planet for 2018! Blackheart Burlesque is unlike any other burlesque act youve seen filled with pop-culture references, a high energy indie soundtrack and the sexiest choreographed strip tease to make your inner nerd explode with glee.

Sat Apr 28, 2018 The Art of Seeing - 9:00 am | $45 Assisi Heights 1001 14th Street NW Rochester, MN 55901 Before the eye on the camera captures a single image, the person behind the lens must first use their creative eye. The best camera alone will not guarantee success if the photographer is lacking a discerning eye. Gustavus Woodwind Chamber Ensembles Spring Concert - 10:00 am | Free Gustavus Adolphus College - Jussi Bjorling Recital Hall 800 W. College Ave. St. Peter, MN 56082 This concert features the Flute Choir, Woodwind Quintests, Saxophone Quartets, and Clarinet Quartets. Social Dance - 7:00 pm | $9-$10 Faribault Eagles Club

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Mid West Music Fest Winona – April 27 & 28

Mid West Music Fest was born in 2009 when AmeriCorps volunteer Sam Brown was stationed in historic Winona, nestled between the bluffs and the Mississippi River. His idea would be a first-of-its-kind event in the area that brought together more than 70 bands and musical acts at various venues around the community. Loosely modeled on Salem, Oregon’s “Cherry City Music Fest” (which was loosely modeled on Austin’s South by Southwest), MWMF was from the beginning an all-ages, multiple2027 Grant St. NW Faribault, MN 55021 The Owatonna Area Solo Parents and Singles are sponsoring a Social Dance on Saturday, April 28, 2018, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., at the Faribault Eagles Club. Music will be by Buck Hollow. Buddy Koopman’s Orchestra - 7:30 pm | $12-$21 Paradise Center for the Arts 321 Central Ave. Faribault, MN 55021 A Faribault original and Southern Minnesotas favorite Big Band returns for an even of swinging fun and fabulous music. Geek Slink & Drink’s Dark Carnival 9:30 pm | $12-$15 Bryant Lake Bowl 810 West Lake Street Minneapolis, MN 55408 Gather ‘round everyone, and mind your step as you disembark from your dirigible and enter a world of spooky steam-powered fantasy.

Sun Apr 29, 2018 Gustavus Percussion Ensemble Spring Concert - 1:30 pm | Free Gustavus Adolphus College - Jussi Bjorling Recital Hall 800 W. College Ave. St. Peter, MN 56082 The Gustavus Department of Music presents the Gustavus Percussion Ensemble in concert with Adam Rappel, director, in Bjorling Recital Hall. Avenue Q - 2:00 pm | $16 Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland Community College 1900 8th Ave NW Austin, MN 55912 Timeless story of a recent college grad who moves into a shabby New York apartment on Avenue Q. He and his new friends struggle to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life. Gustavus Brassworks! - 3:30 pm | Free Gustavus Adolphus College - Jussi Bjorling Recital Hall 800 W. College Ave. St. Peter, MN 56082 The Gustavus Department of Music presents its annual 2018 Brassworks! concert in Bjorling Recital Hall. Scenes from The Odyssey - 7:00 pm | $7-$17. Tickets available at the Guthrie Theater February 20, 2018www.guthrietheater.org Guthrie Theater 818 South 2nd Street Minneapolis, MN 55415 Scenes from The Odyssey By Homer Adapted and originally directed by Mary Zimmerman Adapted from the translation of The Odyssey by Robert Fitzgerald Directed by Joel Sass Presented in the Guthrie Theaters Dowling Studio.

THE NORTHFIELD (EXHIBITION) EXPERIENCE

genre, volunteer-driven festival. La Crosse, Wisconsin, across the river from Winona, was added to the festivities. The La Crosse portion of this year’s event took place April 13-14, but Winona hosts its own festivities April 27-28. Bad Bad Hats will headline.

GALLERY

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund.

AUDITIONS MUSIC

www.midwestmusicfest.org

Purple Door Youth Theater

Wed May 2, 2018 Nov 26 | 5-7 pm

School Of Rock - The Musical - 7:00 pm | $30 Pantages Theatre 710 Hennepin Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55403 In May 2017, get ready for School of Rock!! Based of the 2003 movie, much-loved by children and adults alike, comes to life onstage at the Pantages Theater!

Nov 27 | 4-6 pm Sign up for a time online

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.

THEATER

Fri May 4, 2018 Each One Teach One Prom “My ability is stronger than my disability” - 5:00 pm | $50 Profile Event Center 2630 University Avenue Southeast Minneapolis, MN 55414 This is the 1st Annual Each One Teach One Prom. This Prom is for individuals who are living with a disability only. Pocket Watercolor Journal Workshop with Tara Sweeney - 7:00 pm | $110 Assisi Heights 1001 14th Street NW Rochester, MN 55901 Friday, May 4, 7:00-9:00pm and Saturday, May 5, 9:00am-4:00pm $110 preregistered/ prepaid. Does nature catch your attention and play with your memories? Tell your creative story in this art-making workshop using keen observation while outdoors. Learn the basics of mingling, journaling with sketching and painting from Tara Sweeney. Lyra Baroque Presents “Italian Concerto Collage” - 7:30 pm | $5-$25. $5 for Students, $20 for Seniors and MPR Members, $25 for Adults Zumbro Lutheran Church 624 3rd Ave SW Rochester, MN 55902 Jaap ter Linden, conductor & baroque cello Follow the evolution of the concerto grosso in Italy. Melodies bounce between soloists and the orchestra, highlighting the depth of Lyras string sections.

Sat May 5, 2018 Cinco De Mayo Fiesta - 7:00 pm | Free Recreation Center 21 Elton Hills Drive Rochester, MN 55901 D1’s Pop-Up -Pub is a traveling faux-pub offering a club styled atmosphere to pre/young adult age, while catering to those with special needs; we party with all. Close to You: Tribute to the Carpenters - 7:30 pm | For tickets or information, call 507-434-0934. Historic Paramount Theatre 125 4th Ave NE Austin, MN 55912

Blues Guitarist Michael Charles Pub 500 in Mankato – April 28 Grammy elected, and Blues Hall of Fame Australian artist, Michael Charles will claim the stage and embrace you with an elevated level of energy and a guitar driven journey through thirty five years and thirty four releases of his original music. Leading off with an explosive blues number, Charles looks to captivate the audience with well-rehearsed precision, MC’s original blues, blues-based rock, inspiring ballads, as well as some well-known covers. His guitar is kept forefront and is the driving force behind his music. As the Chicago Tribune put it, Michael Charles is “Australia’s answer to Stevie Ray Vaughan …”

Singer and playwright Lisa Rock’s moving tribute to the music and life of Karen Carpenter. Cash bar available. Supported in part by Bent Paddle Brewery. Pancakes & Booze Art Show - 8:00 pm | $13 The Cabooze 917 Cedar Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55404 Art lovers-Here’s your opportunity to explore more than 300 pieces of art created by artists local to Minneapolis’ unparalleled art scene; all while sipping some alcohol and eating pancakes! Alongside an immensely wide variety of pop art, fine art, and photography.

Wed May 9, 2018 The Sound of Singing Bowls! A NonTraditional Gift to Treat Your Mother - 6:30 pm | $10 Assisi Heights 1001 14th Street NW Rochester, MN 55901

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MUSIC

$10 preregistered/prepaid. $15 day of program. Celebrate your mother, yourself, or friends with an evening of calm relaxation. Movie Night - Arsenic and Old Lace 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.

Manny Laureano - soloist

Reinaldo Moya - composer

Thu May 10, 2018 Love in Darkness - 6:00 pm | $50-$680. RSVP your seat (discounts available for couples and tables of 8) at loveindarknessmn.eventbrite.com. Lafayette Club 2800 Northview Road Minnetonka Beach, MN 55391

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412 Vermillion St Hastings, MN 55033 Ledfoot Larry and his crew are a Twin Cities-based Country and Americana roots-rock band. Their show is a combination of Top 40-friendly originals, danceable current and classic country radio hits, and some other real gems.

Wed May 16, 2018 Movie Night at the Paramount One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest - 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 May 17, 2018

Haim and Lizzo Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault – May 12

Innovationology - 5:30 pm | $75$100. $75 per person for event only; $100 for event + VIP reception The Bleu Duck 14 4th Street SW Rochester, MN 55902 The Minnesota Childrens Museum Rochester is creating an immersive experience to support innovative thinkers for a good causeto create more innovative thinkers.

What’s not to like here? Minnesota native and rap/pop/soul/r&b up and comer Lizzo will open for the California sister trio and alternative stars Haim. This one’s going to be big and loud vocals and personality from Lizzo followed by big and loud drums and guitars from Haim. It’s just going to be a fun, fun concert. It’s really as simple as that.

10,000 Maniacs - 7:00 pm | $42-$60 Sheldon Theatre 443 west third street Red Wing, MN 55066 10,000 Maniacs provides the big finale for the Sheldons season. The Maniacs are a multi-platinum band that is still at it after 35 years.

www.haimtheband.com

Fri May 18, 2018

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Sat May 12, 2018

Many say that someone who takes their own life does so to end their pain and to end their sadness. Sadly, for those who have lost themselves to suicide, that pain and sadness does not die with them.

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!

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Thas May 12, 15, 17, 2018 7:30 pm | $25-$200 Ordway Center for the Performing Arts 345 Washington Street Saint Paul, MN 55102 A devout monk seeks to convert Thas, a ravishingly beautiful courtesan, but realizes too late that his pious obsession is rooted in lust, not religion.

Choral Arts Ensemble: Choir Country - 7:30 pm | $5-$25 Gloria Dei Lutheran Church 1212 12th Ave NW Rochester, MN 55901 Minnesota has been blessed with a tradition of excellent choral performance AND choral composition. Building on the foundations laid by F Melius Christiansen, Dominick Argento, Stephen

Faribault, MN

SSM Box Office: 507-333-1620 | www.s-sm.org

Thursday, May 3 • 7:30pm

SINATRA AND AMERICAN ART SONG

Just announced! The Minnesota Sinfonia, an acclaimed Twin Cities-based professional chamber orchestra, is coming to Faribault to perform a special free concert of classical favorites. This family-friendly concert features Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, Copland’s Hoedown, Respighi’s complete Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite I, Elgar’s Nimrod and Haydn’s Symphony No. 82. The concert takes place in Shattuck-St. Mary’s Historic Newhall Auditorium (1887). This MN Sinfonia FREE-admission concert is made possible by a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. All tickets are FREE but reservations are required. As with all MN Sinfonia concerts, children are welcome and encouraged to attend. For tickets go to www.s-sm.org/FeslerLampert or call the box office for reservations. www.mnsinfonia.org *“This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota State Arts Board through the arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the Legacy Amendment vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.”

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Ledfoot Larry - No Cover! - 9:30 pm | Free Country Nites Saloon

Jeremy Messersmith - 7:00 pm | $20 Rochester Art Center 40 Civic Center Dr. SE Rochester , MN 55904 jeremy messersmith is an indie pop singer/songwriter based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His first album, The Alcatraz Kid (2006) featured quiet, often melancholic songs recorded in a basement studio.

All performances in Historic Newhall Auditorium.

Special FREE Admission Concert!

FaABBAulous, a tribute to ABBA 7:30 pm | $12-$25 Paradise Center for the Arts 321 Central Ave. Faribault, MN 55021

This show-stopping performance led by Dianna Parks and Mary Lieser is the full ABBA experience. A talented cast of Southern MNs finest musicians collaborate to recreate the entire ABBA Gold album in a dance party style.

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

Shattuck-St.Mary’s

MN SINFONIA*

Paulus and Libby Larsen and many others, a richly talented and diverse body of contemporary Minnesotabased composers are creating beautiful new music for choir.

Friday, May 18 • 7:00pm

“Sinatra and American Art Song” features Tesfa Wondemagegnehu (tenor) and Clara Osowski (mezzosoprano) and Jeremy Walker (piano, composer). Enjoy an evening of songbook standards, Walker originals, and melodies made famous by Frank Sinatra. This wonderful evening of music takes place in in Shattuck-St. Mary’s Historic Newhall Auditorium (1887). Mixing jazz, classical, and art songs, the evening promises to have something for everyone! Adults $10, Students $5 A d d y o u r e v e n t f o r F R E E t o t h e T I M E L I N E c a l e n d a r . G O TO w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent

fABBAulous Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault – May 12 Well, if you really love Abba, you’re just not going to beat this. Described as “shows-topping,” this performance led by Dianna Parks and Mary Lieser is the full ABBAexperience. A talented cast of Southern Minnesota’s finest musicians collaborate to recreate the entire ABBA Gold album in a dance party style.

IF YOU CAN DREAM IT,

WE CAN DO IT.

www.paradisecenterfor thearts.org/purchase-tickets

Stand-Up Comedian Tiffany Norton 8:00 pm | $16.89 Royal Comedy Theatre 809 Mainstreet Hopkins, MN 55343 Winner 2016 People’s Choice Award for Best Local Comic by City Pages Magazine Originally from St. Paul, MN, she is currently a touring stand-up comedian, Radio Personal-

ity/Traffic Reporter and Executive Producer of the award winning, Moon and Staci Show on KS95-FM 94.5 in Minneapolis.

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Brooktree golf course

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Everything related to your brand. In one location. From design to sales collateral printing to graphics and signage to web and your trade show presence. We deliver all of your marketing tools. We do it all right here at KIK. This makes your life easier, your brand more consistent and it allows you to focus on sales. We are committed to service, eye-catching design, your satisfaction and growing your brand. We look forward to serving you.

owatonna, MN steele county

507.444.2467 ci.owatonna.mn.us/parksrecreation/ brooktree-golf

ome to play Brooktree, one of the finest municipal golf courses in Southern Minnesota. In 2015 Brooktree was voted the Best Golf Course in Southern Minnesota by SCENE magazine. This 18-hole championship course, 6684 from the blue tees is located in NE Owatonna near the entrance of Mineral Springs Park. Memberships & punch cards are available to suit your needs! Brooktree now features Master’s Bar & Grille, offering contemporary American cuisine and a full beverage service. Look for special golf & food events in 2018. A great golf destination to play, relax and enjoy!

RATES & SPECIALS Monday – Friday 9 Holes = $16, 18 Holes = $26 Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 9 Holes = $20, 18 Holes = $31 Power Carts 9 Holes - $9.00, 18 Holes - $14 Senior/Military Rate (Monday – Friday) 9 Holes - $20, Includes a cart 18 Holes - $30, Includes a cart

CouRSE STATISTICS PAR: 71

RATING SLoPE

Blue White Gold Red

72.5 71.1 70.1 72.3

128 128 126 124

STAFF & PERSoNNEL Golf Course Manager Clubhouse Manager

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Rick Smith Mary Jo Knudson

Map Key Number Follow us on

110 Highway North, Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 (507) 583-7713 • www.usekik.com w w w. s o u t h e r N m I N n SCENE. c o m

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SPONSORED BY

The Design Element 1711 Premier Drive Mankato, MN 507.345.8708

Organizing Art @ Home Ian Laird, LS Ian is a Lighting Specialist at The Design Element, located in the Mankato Design Center. He can help you with all your lighting needs from planning to product selection.

urprising as it may seem I did not go to school with the intention of becoming a lighting specialist for an interior design studio and showroom. My educational background is actually in drawing, printmaking, and art history. Having this background in fine arts has come in handy for many of my day-to-day activities at The Design Element. One of these activities is the arrangement and organization of art pieces within our clients’ homes. In a gallery setting, hanging artwork is a little more straightforward. Often you arrange art depending on the type of artwork (i.e. sculpture, two dimensional, installation, etc.), by the size of the artwork (large, small, or varying), by the style of the artwork (drawings, paintings, multi-

media, projection, experiential, etc.), or sometimes completely dependent on how the artist wants the audience to experience the work. Once this is established, you decide the best possible way to view these pieces within the space. The goal of most galleries is to provide a display area with a primary function of viewing art. This isn’t always the case in one’s home. In a conventional home, your space is multifunctional and is not primarily used for displaying art. If you’re able to have spaces in your home devoted to artwork then that’s great! But you probably want to use art in your functional spaces, as well. There are a number of things to consider when designing an arrangement of artwork as a compliment to a space

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as opposed to the main event. I will start by addressing the lighting in the room. How much attention do you want to draw to the artwork on the wall? Do you need additional lighting to draw more attention to your new piece? Maybe consider swapping that recessed light out for a directional light or rail light with multiple points of light. Sometimes you can even add wall lighting such as sconces or even think about a backlight option using a versatile tape light application. Hanging two dimensional pieces can often be tricky. When hanging pieces of art in a hallway or on a wall without other objects, there are a few guidelines one is able to follow. In general, you can use 60” from the floor to the center of the piece as a standard sight line for an 8’ ceiling. I will emphasize using this as a guideline because there are many factors that can alter this number. For instance, is the piece considerably taller than it is wide? Is the piece being grouped with other pieces? Is your ceiling height 9’, 10’, or higher? All three of these questions would affect this measurement. If the piece is taller than it is wide it’s better to balance the negative space above

and below rather than butting the top of it to the ceiling. If the piece is part of a group, relate it to the group of pieces and make sure the other pieces aren’t dramatically high or low on the wall. If you have a 10’ ceiling, consider raising the piece on the wall to be proportional with the larger negative field. Interior design is always about the relationship of objects and finishes within the space. This includes the pieces you incorporate after your large purchases such as your sofa, loveseat, rug, or side tables. When hanging objects around or above these anchor pieces,vr keep in mind the function of the space while still relating to the groupings as a whole. Each object is its own work of art, but together they make a new and often greater work of art. In layman’s terms this means to not hang your pieces too high or too far away from everything else. Typically, when placing art over furniture, use the furniture as the anchor piece and relate the art by hanging it near the furniture piece. This will often break the sight-line of other free-hanging pieces in the space – this is perfectly fine. Having the piece of art look intentional to the grouping appears purposeful

and balanced. That being said, don’t hang things too close to other furniture pieces where they are no longer functional because of it. Consider the objects you’ll place on the console before hanging the artwork or mirror above it. Think about the people that will be sitting on the sofa and where their heads will hit if they lean back. Also, will adding a lamp to the side table completely cover your art with its shade? This is just a brief overview of things to reflect upon when both hanging art and purchasing art for a space. This only scratches the surface of hanging two dimensional pieces on the wall. You can find ideas of how to hang pieces or get assistance picking out the perfect works for your space by asking your local showrooms! This is part of the daunting task of renovations that designers are there to help with. Even though pieces of art you’ve collected over the years are sentimentally pertinent to you doesn’t mean they are visually cohesive. A designer can help by objectively determining what might be missing – or what might be too much. Maybe it’s time for that bald eagle print to go in the basement.

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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

Dealing with food

ave you ever ordered food at a restaurant and not been able to eat it? Like any of it? You have to send it back and wait what seems like eons for your food to come back out. I think many of us have been there.

But have you ever been to a restaurant and not been able to eat a single thing on the menu? Today we aren’t going to talk about fitness, but another very important part of my life – and many people’s lives – food allergies and intolerances. For me, it has been near a decade of learning about food, dealing with the pain and discomfort of getting sick when a restaurant forgets to mention they added butter to the dish, and explaining why you can’t have something to other people. Now, I was very fortunate in a way. The majority of my immediate family has the same food allergies that I do. Although we all differ in what we react to the most, we stay far, far away from: gluten, dairy, soy and specifically for me: peanuts, shellfish and

chicken eggs. I say that I was fortunate because I never really had to feel like I was totally “alone” as a kid growing up. Never being able to eat what everyone else was eating, always having to carry my lunchbox around, but I still got to come home and eat with a family that had to watch the same things that I did. It was our sort of normal. My mom was the first one to get tested for and start making the dietary changes necessary to be kind to her body, to avoid these foods. My brother and sister were tested next, and then I was just a few years later (I was a stubborn child, some things never change.) It wasn’t easy at first. I remember rarely eating out because it was so hard for my mom. People didn’t understand what “glutenfree” meant and there are several times that I can remember her getting very, very ill afterwards because of this. It was frustrating for her, and for all of us. No one likes to see a loved one get so sick. But, as time went on, things became easier. For me, I have found that living near the Twin Cities has helped a lot. There’s a little bit more hype surrounding words like “celiac”, “vegan”, “soy-free”, etc. But growing up in the small town of Wausau, Wisconsin didn’t leave for many options back then. When eating out, a waiter/waitress can really make or break your situation. As I just said, people are much more respectful and understanding now than they were 10 years ago. But it’s almost kind of funny that just last week, for the very first time, I went out to eat with my friends and could not order a single thing off their menu. Well, I could order sweet potato fries as a side but when they

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came out there were like four fries on the plate, so we’ll just say I couldn’t order any real food, like an entrée or main dish. Now, I know what you’re thinking … “Nicole, you should have done your research ahead of time.” And I did. I called ahead and was assured that some of the sauces on the entrees at this Japanese restaurant could be left off so my food would be like a clean stir-fry. I looked up the website and found that they had an online chat system, and I talked to some gentleman about my concerns and was reassured that I’d be fine. But, when I got to the restaurant that night they had new staff on because of a shift change. Two waitresses tried their very best to help understand what I was looking for the kitchen to do for me – just simply leave the sauce off of my food – and after 7-8 minutes of going back and forth they said they were unable to do that for me because they still didn’t really understand what I needed or why; they didn’t know how it would taste without the sauce, and they had never done that before. This wasn’t my first issue with ordering food or eating out. So I had already had the backup of the sweet potato fries in mind. I cancelled my other order of the stir-fry and just went with that. I’m not saying it’s the waitress’s fault that I couldn’t eat an actual meal that night. I’m just saying that a general understanding of your menu and the ingredients included in those dishes can go a long way. Especially when you know you did your research and were reassured you’d be able to eat at a restaurant no problemo. I can remember several different situations where my waiter/ waitress was absolutely clueless and quite honestly not interested in what went into the entrée that I was eyeing up on the menu,

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By Terri Schlichenmeyer

Blue whales give birth to the world’s largest baby: a blue whale calf could weigh up to 4 tons at birth and will drink 150 gallons of milk per day.

Americans will spend around $15 billion on Mother’s Day gifts this year.

and let me tell you – when you know that you’ll get extremely ill for up to a week or more from him/her being wrong, it certainly does not comfort you. I understand that it must be hard to keep track of everything on the menu, and I’m not here to bash restaurants. I want to do the opposite. For as many of these “bad” situations that I can remember, the waiters/waitresses that stick out the most are the ones who are genuinely concerned and “get it.” They really do go above and beyond to make sure it’s a safe meal for you. I understand it’s a lot to learn, especially if you’re new to the food industry or have no allergies/intolerances yourself… but to the people who go out of their way to help us, the ones who do have these issues, I just want to give you a giant hug. Because a lot of the time we’re just thrilled to feel “normal” and eat something out and about with friends, worry-free. I’ve said it a million times – I’m actually very grateful for my food allergies and

intolerances. I know I make them seem like a burden, and a lot of the time they really do seem like it. But, they have helped educate me on what’s going in my body and share that information with others. I guess I love the thought that this column might inspire others to dig in and look up some of this stuff so they understand a little bit more about what their customers, friends, or loved ones are going through. The more people that know a little bit about it, the better. Another really good thing about these allergies of mine is it encourages me to tap into my creative side in the kitchen and cook up some of the things that you can find at the places below y, which brings me more joy than I could have imagined. Everything happens for a reason. SMS If you want any of the recipes, feel free to reach out to me at: Email: nicolemsweeney@yahoo.com Twitter: SweeneyNM Instagram: @sisufit

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Eight out of ten Americans own a grill. The other two out of ten are frequent guests. The first Saturday of May is World Naked Gardening Day. May is also Fungal Infection Awareness Month, Date Your Mate Month, Burger Month, and Salsa Month.

Every single sweater that Mr. Rogers wore on his iconic TV show was handmade by his mother.

Each individual hair follicle on your head has a growth span of three to six years. At the end of that span, the hair is pushed out and the follicle rests for three months before it begins a brand-new growing cycle.

Be careful on the roads this summer: in 2016, more than 37,000 people died on America’s highways.

If you fly a flag on Memorial Day, you are officially supposed to fly it at halfmast until noon, at which time you should raise the flag all the way to the top of the pole.

Among the first flowers of the warm season: lilacs, daffodils, tulips, and dandelions.

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The Danger Committee:

BY Meghan Rook editor@southernminnscene.com

R 40

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azor-sharp knives. Machetes. Red-hot balls of fire. For some, these treacherous weapons whizzing past your ear might feel like a scene from the latest horror movie. For Caleb, Jason, and Mick – the audacious trio that forms The Danger Committee – it’s just another day at the office.

F o ll o w u s o n

The Danger Committee is a combination of juggling, knife throwing, spine tingling thrills and hilarious comedy. The group has performed on national television and at theatres, festivals and corporate events across the country. Their unique blend of the hilarious and the dangerous while performing fantastic feats of skill has helped the Minnesota group obtain national recognition. I sat down with Mick Lunzer, the self-proclaimed “Charlie Brown” of the group, to find out how they

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protect themselves against emergency room accidents and their journey through popular reality TV competition, America’s Got Talent. How would you describe the Danger Committee to someone who has never seen it? *Laughs* You know, we’re always trying to figure out the best way to describe it in two sentences or less while still doing it justice. I’d describe it as a comedy, juggling, knife-throwing show unlike anything you’re ever gonna see. If you love juggling shows, you’ll love it, and if you hate juggling shows, you’ll love it.

juggle, but he’s honestly one of the best knife throwers in the world. We’ve been “The Danger Committee” for about 10 years now. You do some pretty dangerous stunts. How do you guys build trust? We have a very different take on trust than most. We believe that trust can’t be earned; it can only be given. We all understand the risks, and we all trust that we’re going to do the best we can. I don’t trust that Caleb will never make a mistake; I trust that if or when he does, he was doing the best he could.

Most kids want to be a firefighter or an astronaut when they grow up – did you know from a young age that you wanted to throw Renaissance-era weapons and catch flaming balls of fire? I suppose it’s just as dangerous. Since I was a little kid, I was always fascinated by the circus. When I was 14 years old I went to the Renaissance Festival (in Shakopee), where they were having free juggling lessons. I learned with my cousin and brother and decided that day that was what I wanted to do for a living.

You mentioned that the three of you have very different personalities. Could you explain to me what they are and how you use these differences to highlight various aspects of your show? In our act, Caleb plays a comic genius named Ronaldo. Caleb is very quiet and reserved offstage, but onstage he plays a huge jerk with a completely made up accent. Ronaldo provides the comic humor. Jason is much more reserved onstage, though he is brilliant at physical comedy (a form of comedy that uses movements of the body for comical effect). We have a ninja that shows up in our show, and I’ll just say that I’ve never seen Jason and the ninja in the same place at the time. Of the three of us, I’m probably the most outgoing in real life. I’m the charming, happy, likable one. I play like a Charlie Brown character that never wins.

So is there a school for juggling? There is no school for that – I’m actually self-taught. Jason (LeMay) and I were friends from elementary school, so I taught him how to juggle as well. And so how did you find your third member, Caleb (McEwan?) We originally formed a group – The Dewdrop Jugglers – with another guy named Jeff Casper. We were pretty successful for about 20 years but we wanted the show to be funnier, so we took improv lessons. We met Caleb at the Brave New Workshop in Minneapolis (the longest running theatre in the United States,) where he still works as the artistic director. We became friends and decided to form a group. Jeff retired from “normal life,” and in 2007 Caleb jumped on board. Caleb never knew how to

Your demonstrations are fairly conversational – how do you come up with different acts? Do you look to Vaudeville? Does it come to you in your sleep? We call it scripted improv – Caleb writes the base script and then we play with that. There’s always a structure but we are ready to go off of it at moment’s notice – sometimes our improv lines are so funny that we use them again in the next show. Walk me through some of these weapons you use. Do you make them yourselves or is there a place you can go

to buy them? Some of them we buy off the shelves and modify, some we buy online, and some we just make. The Beil axe scares me more than anything. We also have sugarcane machetes, which are really vicious. Do you wear protection under your clothing? What kinds of accidents are prone to happen? How do you try to prevent them? No. At the Renaissance Festival, I even take off my shirt to prove that I’m not wearing anything underneath. We don’t have accidents like you would think. Like, one time, Jay tore his meniscus doing a pose on stage and Caleb tore his calf muscle jumping during a show. He had to endure the entire act in agony. We don’t take any preventative measures but the tricks and stunts we do are more calculated than they actually look. We are very aware of what we are doing at all times. For instance, you’ll see little tape marks on the stage so you know where to stand. Though we do have our own version of “Medieval Jackass” at the Renaissance Festival, where we try new stuff for the first time. How much practicing have you done? We used to practice a lot. When Jay and I were practicing for the World Team Juggling Championships in 1996, we were practicing 3-5 hours a day, six days a week. Now we do so many shows that we almost never practice. It’s like driving a car… pretty mundane at this point. Describe how it feels to be up on stage and have someone tossing sharp knives at you. Well, I’m used to it now. The first thing that shocks you is the noise when it hits the board – it’s so much louder than you would imagine it to be! After 10 years I’m used to it, though I still get nervous sometimes. What types of events do you perform for? We do a lot of corporate events, where we perform and then talk about concepts such as teamwork and trust. Then we

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perform at quite a few shows at Brave New Workshop, and of course, the Renaissance Festival. We perform at the festivals in Minnesota, Maryland, and Scarboro (Texas). What was it like going on America’s Got Talent? Walk us through the process – from behind the scenes to on air. They called us in for a private audition. It’s funny because what you see on TV and what actually happened were very different. After we performed, Piers (Morgan) said, “I could see you guys winning this, I could see you taking this all the way.” The show cut a lot of that stuff out. We made it to New York and then on to Vegas, but we didn’t make it after that. I think the producers wanted a better story, but we were just like, “If we don’t make it to Vegas, we’ll be okay. We’re going anyway next month to open for Louie Anderson.” It was a lot of work but I think overall it was a good experience.

What happened to your act after that? It somehow gave us credibility to other people. Like, “You were on ‘America’s Got Talent,’ so you must be good.” Which is funny because have you seen some of the acts on the show? What does The Danger Committee have planned for the future? We are going to be doing more theater shows. At the end of April we’re filming our first fire show at the Guthrie Lab. It’s their experimental theater, and it’s big enough that we can do fire indoors. Then we’ll do corporate shows until August, when the Renaissance Festivals begin. Our holiday show is later in the year in downtown Minneapolis. I don’t see myself retiring from this anytime soon. I’m hoping we have another 10 years in us. It’s exhausting, but it’s fun and we love it.

What’s something people don’t know about you guys? I love sci-fi and fantasy stuff. I like to play board games and “Dungeon and Dragons.” Most people don’t know that Jay has come up with some of our coolest props, and has a side job teaching at Circus Juventas. Caleb was classically trained in theater and was also a professional dancer. SMS

Where can people find you next? We’ll be back at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival in August…until then, be sure to check out our website and Facebook/YouTube channels online! YouTube – www.youtube.com/TheDangerCommittee Facebook – www.facebook.com/TheDangerCommittee Website – www.thedangercommittee.com

ALBUM REVIEW By Daniel G. Moir editor@southernminnscene.com

Judas Priest Firepower

udas Priest delivers a spotty, uneven release that generates sparks but fails to truly ignite Album Grade: C

On the verge of their 50th anniversary, venerable British Metallers Judas Priest defiantly attempt to throw off notions of age on their 18th studio release. While their performance is muscular, the songs show a tendency to fall into worn out Metal stereotypes that reveal staleness at the root. Firepower begins with a promising start in the first set of songs. The title track is a pounding, unrelenting declaration featuring edgy dueling guitars between Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner. The production is clean but with a modern edge that suits the band well. Sadly, the songwriting descends into Spinal Tap territory after these first few songs. Vocalist Rob Halford takes an opportunity to slyly reference Charlie Daniels Bands 1979 hit “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” in the intro to the blistering “Evil Never Dies.” The song is the centerpiece of the album and well worth the listen. Drummer Scott Travis’ savage double kick drums provide the frenetic pace that rockets the quintet into overdrive. Powerful and propulsive, this melodic power rocker deserves to stand alongside any number of Priest’s past classics. Lyrics are not strength for Priest, and Flamethrower maintains that tradition. Deeply abounding in Heavy Metal banality, Halford’s words are largely studded, leather-bound excuses to give his snarling operatic voice an opportunity to soar. Possessing one of the truly great voices in any genre, sometimes that’s all you need and on Firepower, Halford lays out the proof. The years have done little to blunt the top range of his voice, but has added a lower depth of notes and expanded his overall range. While the line-up of the band has changed greatly over the intervening decades, it is Halford that remains their most vital force. To place excessive critical attention on the lyrics of a Judas Priest album is to miss the point. This is a group that is about jagged, aggressive guitar riffs and propulsive beats delivered with attitude. Of the many words used to describe them, subtle isn’t one of them.

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Built around a furious guitar riff, “Necromancer” arrives laced with a catchy powerful vocal chorus. The fast-paced rocker has more in common with the slash-andburn musical style of Amon Amarth minus the “death-throating” vocal style. While it remains true to the bands approach, it adds a new dimension to their sound and is a welcome change of pace. “Never The Heroes” has an unexpected bridge that rises and positively makes the song a clear winner. Faulkner and Tipton’s guitar work twists and bends with precision leading from sprightly solos into the bright sounding bridge before sliding deftly back into the powerful chorus. It is both daring and unique. If only there were more moments like this to be found on the album. Unfortunately, much of the second half of the album sinks under a deluge of Metal cliché and musical style. “Children of the Sun” is overwrought to the point of comedic. Heavy-handed tired guitar riffs take center stage in this ham-fisted, self-important rocker that culminates in the cringe-worthy lyric “You’re the reason I feel dead.” A truly laughable entrée that is made worse by the attempted anthemic instrumental “Guardians” that follows. This misbegotten track begins with piano gradually accompanied by swelling guitars that crash into “Rising From Ruins.” This trilogy of songs crashes and burns so severely that it taints the remainder of the album. Songs that follow like “Spectre”, “Traitors Gate” and “Lone Wolf” are largely unmemorable filler that largely serve to fill out the albums 58-minute length. While not a great album, Flamethrower does provide simple, dense fun for the die-hard fans of the band. Historically, Judas Priest has a varied album track record. For every classic release like British Steel or Screaming for Vengeance, there is also sludge like Ram It Down. To be fair, at no time does Flamethrower sink to those depths. It remains only a slightly better than average Priest album. At this point in their career, the simple fact that this band is out there carrying on may be enough for many, but their legacy deserves a bit more. Bottom Line: Priest delivers the goods in the album’s first half, but descends into Metal cliché as Firepower wears on. Good, but not great. SMS Daniel G. Moir has forgotten more about music than all the rest of us know combined. Reach him at editor@southernminnscene.com A d d y o u r e v e n t f o r F R E E t o t h e T I M E L I N E c a l e n d a r . G O TO w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent

THE BOOKWORM SEZ By Terri Schlichenmeyer

Would You Rather? A Memoir of Growing Up and Coming Out by Katie Heaney

They Lost Their Heads!

What Happened to Washington’s Teeth, Einstein’s Brain, and Other Famous Body Parts

by Carlyn Beccia

The Last Wild Men of Borneo:

A True Story of Death and Treasure

by Carl Hoffman

The Clinic: a Thriller

by David Jester

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

Sometimes funny, sometimes self-depreciatingly cringeworthy, “Would You Rather?” is a refreshing change over the I’ve-known-since-I-was-a-child LGBTQ memoirs. Readers may also notice that it’s a bit overboard. Author Katie Heaney writes of her journey with a charming awkwardness that endears her to any reader who’s ever felt as though the different drummer they’re marching to is actually playing the bongos: same beat, different crowd. This book will resonate with all who feel left behind in a world where peers are hooked up solid, and frustration mixes with indecisiveness mixes with self-questioning. Once readers have gotten to the happy not-quite-ending, though, Heaney continues to examine her situation which, while it doesn’t completely ruin the books’ earlier allure, bruises the story somewhat. Still, this book is worthy, if nothing but for its unique coming-out POV. For that, “Would You Rather?” fits perfectly for memoir-lovers, Heaney fans, and those who bloom late.

You’re late! Oops, you overslept, got caught in traffic, the elevator was slow. Phone lines were down, email was down. You forgot, and you’re late, sorry. Or, as in the new book “Would You Rather?” by Katie Heaney, your understanding was just a bit delayed. Where do you go when you’re looking for love? For Katie Heaney, it was, well, pretty much anywhere. She’d always wanted a boyfriend and she’d had lots of crushes in her life but she was never meaningfully kissed. At age twenty-one, she went to Madrid for a semester with the hopes of meeting someone, but there were only seven men in the group of a hundred students. In Spain, though, after binge-streaming The L Word and falling for Shane, she began to think that maybe she might be a lesbian. Musing, she messaged her best friend, who let Heaney talk it out and decide that there was a big MAYBE

involved. Even so, she never saw herself with a girlfriend. She grew up in the cold of Minnesota, had planned on spending the rest of her life close to home, and moved into an apartment near Minneapolis with her straight best friend but that was too cozy-comfy. Heaney on-and-off flirted with the possibly being gay and she met a woman who was, no question, lesbian, which made her decide to shake herself out of her complacency. She visited New York, and then moved there. Being in The Big Apple was a big deal, but Heaney remained frustratingly dateless. By age twenty-four, everyone she knew had dated and she began blogging about it, she wrote a book, and she noticed that that affected the way men acted toward her. Four years later, her “attraction to men was just… gone” and picturing herself with a woman came “pretty easily,” which was all it seemed to take: shortly thereafter, Heaney met Lydia online, and her almost-thirtyyear dating desert became an oasis. She not only imagined herself with a woman, she was with a woman and nothing felt more right. And now, says Heaney, “I am living with the best roommate I have ever had.”

Your neck bone’s connected to your back bone. And that’s a good thing. You want to be the most together person around, in more ways than one. No sense in having your body parts lying scattered when you really need them all in one place. Disconnection could be a problem, as you’ll see in “They Lost Their Heads!” by Carlyn Beccia. So you’ve lost your place in a book before. You’ve lost your thoughts in class. You might’ve lost your glasses or gloves but have you ever lost your arm or leg or worse? Throughout history, it’s happened, and it wasn’t pretty. Take, for instance, George Washington. When he was a young man, Washington was prescribed medicine that was bad for his health and his teeth all fell out. These weren’t baby teeth that would be replaced; they were adult teeth and so he had to have dentures. Legend says

that his new teeth were wooden but the truth is much more disgusting. And then there’s Ines de Castro, a beauty who fell in love with the wrong guy. She lost her life but she got the throne anyway, years after her death. Once, there was a time when it was cool to have someone’s skull sitting around in your living room and mistakes were made when putting that noggin back with its rightful owner. Accidents happen, too, just as they did with Phineas Gage, who had an iron rod blasted through his cranium. In this book, you’ll read about odd burials and strangelyused coffins. You’ll learn about the mystery surrounding Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. You’ll see if Vincent Van Gogh really chopped off his own ear. You’ll read about how old hair follicles offer new clues to disease and genetics. Find out why you should be glad you never dined with William Buckland; why people might collect body parts; how vampire killers were basically right in their weird ideas; why bumpy heads were once important indicators of moral character; and how you can gaze today upon the face of a woman who

died more than 120 years ago… Before you hand “They Lost Their Heads!” to your teen, there’s one thing you need to do: turn to page 69 and read the footnote at the bottom. The warning is a little late, but heed it if your child has tender feelings and a weak stomach. You’ll be glad you did because, while this book is funny and as lighthearted as the subject can get, it’s not for the squeamish. Instead, author Carlyn Beccia tells page after page of don’t-read-this-before-lunch tales that will gross a right-minded kid out so delightfully well that he’ll absolutely have to come back for more. Skulls, maggots, and skeletons rule here, but so do historical events and authentic science. Be mindful that, while they don’t diminish the eeeeeuuuwwww factor, edgier footnotes in this book lean it more toward big-kid readers. So beware, but know that if your 11-to-16-year-old loves that which is gruesome, “They Lost Their Heads!” will make him lose his mind.

Sometimes, you need to stir the pot. Agitate things, take chances, try something different because change is good. The status quo can be boring and a new view gives you fresh perspective. Stir a little, as you’ll see in the new book “The Last Wild Men of Borneo” by Carl Hoffman, and you alter things significantly. Why are we so fascinated by people who live primitively? Carl Hoffman wanted to understand that question, and that of his own “persistent Western obsession,” so he headed to Bali with Bruno Manser on his mind. Born in Switzerland, Manser was a man who’d try anything. He craved adventure, and was fearless, calm, and selfsufficient. Those were skills that served him well when, in 1984, he traveled to Borneo to live with the Penan nomads

of the rainforest. Many before him had gone into the jungle; Manser went deeper. The Penan were elusive but he found them – or rather, they found him when his supplies were depleted and they allowed him into their homesite. Over time, the Penan slowly folded him into their tribe and taught him their ways; Manser cut his hair like a Penan, wore a loincloth, hunted and ate like a Penan. And when he realized that his beloved rainforest was being destroyed by the logging industry, he fought like a Penan and organized them into a rebellion, which brought the desecration to a halt. Hoffman was fascinated by Manser’s story, that Manser had escaped death and capture several times, and had done the impossible with a group of illiterate hunters before totally disappearing without a word in 2000. He thought of Manser on his way to Borneo, where he accidentally met Michael Palmieri, a “buccaneer” who left the modern world decades ago, who now makes a living by discovering and selling primitive art to the worlds’ top museums, and who had a likewise thrilling story. To Hoffman, these men were two sides of a coin, like yin

and yang of adventure, and that fascinated him. Manser and Palmieri seemed to want different things from the people of Borneo – but were they so different, after all? It’s hard not to get swept up in the adventure of “The Last Wild Men of Borneo.” It’s equally hard not to think it’s a novel, because it feels like it is – but nope, this is a true, jawdropping story that pulls you in with a shiver. In a way that makes readers eager to find out more and learn why, author Carl Hoffman tells a mouth-drying tale of beauty, risk, and opportunity, so bring something to drink when you start this book. Then sip slowly: using great details in these parallel narratives and a perfectly-worked ending, Hoffman carefully preserves two mysteries: one with a contented life, and one in death. Who could resist? Armchair adventurers or those who want to live vicariously through this tale shouldn’t even try. Just go, now, get “The Last Wild Men of Borneo,” and jump in. You’ll find the account to be quite stirring.

So how are you feeling today? No pain, no hurts anywhere inside or out? No issues to mention, no bandages needed? Then you’re good to go, but as in the new book “The Clinic” by David Jester, just be careful where you end up. It was supposed to be a sure thing. Eddie, Malcolm, and Darren had known one another since they were boys. They met in elementary school and were instant friends; at sixteen and seventeen years old, they were still close like brothers. They did everything together – including theft. And Eddie had a sure thing. After their last break-in gained them little more than pocket change, Eddie’s cousin told him about a rich-people’s hospital hidden away in the English countryside. It’d only be a matter of sneaking in, grabbing wallets and jewelry, and leaving quietly. As if Eddie, with his loud mouth and

pampered home life, ever did anything quietly. Malcolm had his doubts about the clinic but they weren’t getting anywhere by stealing from everyday homes, were they? No, and he needed all the money he could get: since his mother walked out one day and never returned, he knew it was only a matter of time before he’d be evicted from her apartment. Malcolm needed to get his own apartment, and apartments didn’t come cheap. Darren wanted cash, too, so he could be sure he’d have something to eat. Once – and he’d forgotten when – his mother was loving and kind but then she got addicted to drugs and booze. When she moved her loser boyfriend in, she stopped cooking and being a mom; her next high was more important than her son. And so, the three boys took a bus to the clinic, an imposing building in the middle of a cow field that made Darren feel uneasy from the moment he saw it. Malcolm, too, was unsure that this job was a good idea. True, there’d be a big haul, if they were successful. It was supposed to be a sure thing. And it was surely not what they thought it would be…

From the first word of the first page, “The Clinic” is checkthe-locks chilling – even though locks, as this book indicates, don’t matter. Sadly, that chill begins to lose its shiver because the first fifty pages here are mostly f-bombs and a set-up that’s ice-cube-melting-in-January slow. Just about the time you’re ready to give it up, author David Jester puts his characters inside the psychiatric hospital. Cue the creepy music, it’s brrrr all over again, although with gore. Lots of gore. Too much gore, and guts and more gore until age-16-and-up readers are almost desensitized to it all. And yet, you still have chills because the gore is overdone but the action is taut. Until you get to the ending, that is, which is every Hollywood hack-plot rolled into twenty pages. Sigh. So should you read “The Clinic”? Yes, but know what you’re getting yourself into. It’s a horror-novel-thriller-gorycliché that, for some readers, that may just feel wrong.

Would You Rather? by Katie Heaney c.2018, Ballantine Books $16.00 / $22.00 in Canada 256 pages

They Lost Their Heads! What Happened to Washington’s Teeth, Einstein’s Brain, and Other Famous Body Parts by Carlyn Beccia c.2018, Bloomsbury $18.99 / $24.99 in Canada 182 pages

The Last Wild Men of Borneo: A True Story of Death and Treasure by Carl Hoffman c.2018, Wm. Morrow $27.99 / $34.49 in Canada 347 pages

The Clinic: a Thriller by David Jester c.2018, Skyhorse Publishing $14.99 / $22.99 in Canada 208 pages

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THE BOOKWORM SEZ By Terri Schlichenmeyer CONTINUED from page

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

Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance by Alex Hutchinson

You need a shave. It’s been awhile and, though you’ve been grooming and growing, you’re long overdue – so, maybe just a little off the top. You’ll feel a lot better when you do, and in the new book “Endure” by Alex Hutchinson, you’ll see how your body will adapt on track, path, ocean, drift, and desert. Prior to 1954, it was believed that the human body was physically incapable of running a mile in less than four minutes – until the late Roger Bannister put that notion to rest quite handily. As for today, the belief that a marathon of 26.2 miles can’t be finished in under two hours still holds – but barely. When it comes to endurance, effort, and the human body, we’ve long been fascinated with possibilities; the questions, in fact, go back centuries and countless tests and studies have been (and are being) done to determine answers when

a hundredth-of- a-second means something. Still, one thing’s for sure: says Hutchinson, “the will to endure can’t be reliably tied to any single physiological variable.” Much of the matter of endurance has to do with “the need to override what your instincts are telling you to do…” Perhaps not surprisingly, it very much has to do with the brain, “but not in the simple it’s-all-in-your-head manner of self-help books.” The science of it all is “complex,” made even more so by outliers who, for any number of reasons, can and do achieve beyond preconceived limits – which is to say that we still don’t know where the “ultimate limits” lie. The stories, even so, are tantalizing. Hutchinson writes of Henry Worsley who, at age fortyeight, tackled a South Pole trek that “demanded every ounce of his reserves.” Hutchinson shows how early scientists helped save the lives of the men who built Hoover Dam. He examines how we pace ourselves, sometimes subconsciously; why we do better after we’ve suffered; and how hypnosis may increase strength. He explains how deep diving and high climbing pose the same questions; why marathon runners are shrinking; why thirst shouldn’t matter; what diet can do; and how none of this may matter in the future.

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We’ve all known that can’t-go-another-inch feeling, when a surprising well of reserve is suddenly present. Where did that come from? And can you utilize it at will? In “Endure,” you’ll see, but first: this is not just a book for athletes. While it’s true that author Alex Hutchinson writes extensively about men and women who participate in extreme, even elite, sports, the lip-biting anecdotes inside “Endure” prove that this is a book for anyone who might find themselves in inclement weather or unusual situations. Yes, it’s mostly about athletic endurance, but its everyday relevance lies in the science Hutchinson brings which, though sometimes a bit too deep for the casual reader, is applicable whether you run to finish line or fridge. Athletes and trainers, of course, will soak this book up, and adventurers will jump for it. Even couch potatoes should enjoy it because “Endure” is razor sharp. Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance? by Alex Hutchinson, foreword by Malcolm Gladwell c.2018, Wm. Morrow $27.99 / $34.99 in Canada 306 pages

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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

Viewing the television through the lenses of

generations

hough now when we hear the word “TV” we think of the term as synonymous with the content that is shown on it, a TV — or television— was once used to describe a physical object. It was a household fixture, the same as a blender or a toaster, with a utility and a purpose. It was where you got your news and your weather and your entertainment. Now, at least for me, when I talk about “TV”, I mean the shows created that air on networks or online. Rarely do I even think of the actual object, and I’m sure many are like me in that they watch much of their TV on a laptop or mobile device. I myself, an avid TV watcher and television columnist, don’t even own a TV. Televisions and television-watching habits have gone through countless transitions and iterations in the 96 years since the television was invented in 1927. And even though owning a household television didn’t become commonplace until the 60s, that’s still over 50 years of TV time for habits to grow and change. So I decided to interview three generations of Woldums for this, the Scene interview issue, to discover how varied and diverse our experiences with television can be.

The Subjects Chuck: Author’s paternal grandfather, 88, retired financial accountant and army vet Sylvia: Author’s paternal grandmother, 83, retired nurse Grant: Author’s father, 59, Credit Union CIO Karen: Author’s mother, 58, retired teacher John: Author’s brother, 27, Media Relations Rachel: Author, 30, Barista/Bartender What is your earliest “TV” memory (the first time you can remember owning a TV, buying a TV, watching a TV show, etc.)? Chuck: In 1947, when my folks brought back a TV from California, which we could get some WCCO programs on. Sylvia: Seeing a TV at my doctor’s house in 1958 … picture was all green. And then when Grandpa (Chuck) got a good deal on the color TV. He got it at the local barber shop which did haircuts and sold TVs. I, however, was not happy about it. I thought it was too much money and we didn’t need it. But he got it in time for the kids to watch Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer in color. He said that was his big reason but I knew better. He just wanted color and also wanted to watch the World Series in color. But now I’m glad to have it.

Grant: Seeing the JFK funeral procession, including a horse-drawn cart holding his flag-draped casket.

A) How often do you watch TV now, and b) how do you watch it (on a TV, computer, etc), and c) what do you watch?

Karen: Seeing coverage of JFK’s funeral in November of 1963 — I was 4 and remember where the TV was in our living room – the drapes being drawn, and the sense that something terrible had happened.

Chuck and Sylvia: We watch about 3-5 hours daily. We watch the TV.

Karen: Casey Jones and Roundhouse Rodney, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Wonderful World of Disney, Batman, Star Trek, The Partridge Family, The Brady Bunch, The Walton’s, MASH, Cheers, Ken Burns’ Civil War Series.

Grant: About 3-4 times per week on a TV to watch live sporting events.

John: HBO’s True Detective Season 1. Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad are a close second.

Karen: I watch TV three or four times a week and I watch on an actual TV. Favorite shows are Hometown, The Crown, and Oklahoma City Thunder basketball games.

Rachel: True Detective Season 1, Breaking Bad, Veronica Mars, early seasons of The Office, the Disney Channel Original movies, The Simpsons.

John: a) Not often, only sports and CNN News b) TV/Computer streaming app like WATCHESPN c) Sports, news, travel shows.

What is the best thing about TV? The worst?

John: I remember walking into the hallway at our house on Copper Lane in Eagan and being terrified of the bad guys on “Ghostwriter” (who had names like Mean Masher and Rocket Ripper). Rachel: I remember watching The Ten Commandments, Anne and Green Gables, and The Chronicles of Narnia, all of which we recorded on VHS. I also remember on Saturday mornings, I’d watch Dink the Dinosaur and Land of the Lost, until I started taking dance on Saturday mornings and had to miss them. What’s the most memorable thing you’ve ever watched or seen on TV (a big episode of a show coming out, a sporting event, a news story, etc)? Chuck: Seeing things like the Kennedy assassination and 9/11. Sylvia: Astronauts, things like major news stories. Grant: I remember the shock and awe of CNN coverage of Operation Desert Storm in Iraq in Winter, 1991. Karen: Watching the astronauts first walk on the moon in July of 1969. We went to the house of our church friends, the Favorits, because they had a bigger and better TV. I was 10 years old.

Rachel: Every other day for an hour or so. I watch on my computer or my roommates SmartTV. Usually shows on Netflix or Amazon Prime, either crime/detective shows, late night/comedy, and whatever show everyone is currently talking about.

Do you have any programs/shows that you watch regularly? If so, what are they? Chuck: I regularly watch local news, Fox News, and Fox news commentators. Sylvia: When I was younger I used to watch the daily soaps. Grant: No. Karen: I watch The Crown and Hometown, but they have usually been prerecorded. John: ESPN / college football / streaming shows like HBO’s Game of Thrones.

John: Any Olympics, the 2008 Wimbledon match (5 hours between Federer/Nadal), the 2014 Sugar Bowl (Oklahoma upset Alabama).

Rachel: SNL, The Bachelor/Bachelorette when it’s on, Broad City.

Rachel: 1)Seeing the Cubs win the World Series in 2016, ending their 108-year draught. 2) Being in 9th grade, in art class, dressed as a cowgirl for Western Day, during the attacks on the World Trade Center. My art teacher was eccentric and had used much of the art budget to buy a huge flat screen TV so we could watch Sister Wendy during class. On September 11, 2001, for whatever reason we were just watching the news. I never paid attention to the TV but happened to look up right as they were showing the second plane crash live. I assumed it was old footage from something else and didn’t even pay attention, until the bad kid in class yelled “Oh my God, turn this up!” I remember saying “Wait, this is happening right now?!”

What is your favorite TV show of all time? (Or some of your favorites if you have them!)

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Chuck: Coverage of 911, several Super Bowls, comedies from our generation: Dick Van Dyke, Father Knows Best, Carol Burnett, Jack Benny, and Bob Hope. Sylvia: We watch old black and white movies and we enjoy them, too. Family shows were always good – no violence, and we always like the Carol Burnett, Perry Como shows and that sort. Grant: The Bob Newhart Show, The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson, Nightline.

Chuck: Best – you can turn it off when programs are lousy. Colored TV, timely news and weather. Worst – covers some news events too much which encourages copycats (for example school shootings.) Sylvia: TV can be good and it can be bad. Sometimes there is nothing worth wasting your time on. Grandpa usually has the remote so we watch that he wants to watch. Also, it can be very educational and of course we get the latest world news in an instant. Grant: Best – It provides on-demand entertainment. Worst – the overwhelming majority of programming is junk. Karen: Best – The pure entertainment value and also the educational value … it can be great when it’s done well. Also it can be a family activity. The Worst – So many channels, so little of quality to watch. Many programs seem to be made for shock value or to push the limits. There are some excellent series that have been on in the last 10plus years though. John: Best – easy access; right there when you need it; keep up with world events (sports/news). Worst – sucks your time; makes you live in a false sense of reality; keeps you from living/enjoying real life. Rachel: Best – there is really great content out there right now, and talented and creative directors/writers/actors previously committed to filmmaking are deciding that the television format is an ideal form for storytelling. Programming is extremely diverse and there’s something for everyone. Worst – There’s almost too much content to weed through. Netflix releases a new show every day. And it’s an extremely accessible distraction from adult responsibilities, like finishing articles on time. SMS

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