Scene April 2023

Features one of a kind renditions of everything from Sinatra to Ed Sheeran, Louis Armstrong to Dua Lipa, Michael Jackson to Daft Punk .

4 Caitlyn Smith

Cannon Falls resident Caitlyn Smith writes big and performs big.

6 Steve Bracht

Mankato-based rock bass player is ‘old man’ among Fat City All-Stars.

9 Jason Lennox

Jason Lennox is a local healthcare executive, author, entrepreneur and person in recovery.

11 Barbara Piper

A retired Faribault music teacher who actively sings/performs at are venues and is producing and releasing her own compositions.

15 Kay Herbst

Mankato-based photographer has displayed her work all throughout the region.

18 Chris Norbury

Award winning ction books writer (mystery-suspense thrillers) lives in the Owatonna area

22 The SCENE Calendar

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

“ONE TANK TRIPS ISSUE”

COLUMNS:

8 SoMinn FOOD & DRINK Review

Pittsburgh Blue Steakhouse in Rochester.

20 SoMinn FASHION

Don’t be afraid of summer fasion.

21 Rants & RAVES

Many are called, few are chosen.

26 SoMinn THE BOOKWORM SEZ

- OCME

- All the Beauty in the World

- Device Free Weekend

- Storm Watch

By SARAH OSTERBAUER sosterbauer@gmail.com

Caitlyn Smith, a Cannon Falls native who has penned hits for the likes of Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus and Meghan Trainor, is set to release the second half of her album High, which will become High & Low.

She’s performed in arenas, opening for George Strait, and headlined shows across the country, captivating audiences with her big voice and knack for creating raw honest songs. In the midst of everything, she’s building a home west of the Twin Cities and found some time between hair and makeup for her newest music video to chat with us

Can you reveal what song you’re shooting the video for?

We’re going to try to shoot two videos today; one for a song called "Mississippi" and one called "Alaska."

Tell me how you became interested in music. I know you sang at church and I read that you wrote your first song at 8 years old sitting in your closet - love that visual.

Totally!

It was a very musical household. Both of my parents are music lovers. The radio was always on or my mom was always playing piano, my dad playing guitar and they loved music. I think their passion for it infiltrated my whole house.

You were inspired to try writing a song from hearing Alison Krauss?

The first cassette that I owned was Alison Krauss “Now That I Found You,” and I used to sit in front of my boombox for hours and flip that cassette back and forth and read the lyrics

For SoMinn songwriter and singer Caitlyn Smith, it’s all about heart

and just study those songs. That was the record that really ignited this curiosity and excitement about music in my heart. And it made me want to try writing and want to do that for my job.

When you were in middle school, you were in a band and you used to cold call venues? What kind of music did you play? What venues did you play at?

It was a band that originated from my youth group, so we were a Christian band, but where did we play? I would call different coffee shops in Red Wing, trying to think who else…different colleges.

I would call different youth groups and say ‘hey you guys have anything going on? Do you need a band?’ We were good church kids; just wanted to make some music. It was pretty cute.

Tell me about the decision to produce this album yourself.

I’m no stranger to the studio. I’ve been making records since I was 15 years old. When I moved to Nashville there weren’t any females in the producer chair that I knew of. I just assumed that’s a role for these dudes that make records and I’ll be over here singing.

It wasn’t until I started collaborating with a

good friend named Jen DeSilvio, she's an incredible songwriter and producer from LA…she was so encouraging to me to try to step into that space. It was her encouragement and also the isolation of the pandemic where I was forced to do my own demos, that led me to the idea to produce this record.

It was something that was a little bit scary to me. I had never done it before. It seemed like a pretty big undertaking. But, I’m a big fan of doing things that are scary. Because in every situation that you put yourself in where you’re uncomfortable, where you’re a little bit outside of your comfort zone, it gives you an incredible opportunity to grow.

So that’s what I signed up for and that’s absolutely what I got!

What is life like on the road with two small kids?

[laughs] It’s just as crazy as you would think. We are so grateful that we get to bring the boys on the road. My husband plays in my band and we have an incredible nanny that we bring along. They absolutely love it. To be able to give our boys an opportunity to see different places, meet different people while also getting to hear music every night. It’s so fun. It’s fun for all of us.

My oldest is turning into a little tour manager. He’s running around to the different band

members asking if they need water and making sure our tour manager keeps everything in line. He’s already taking the reins. It’s pretty adorable.

Can you tell me more about how you decided to move back to Minnesota? You’ve been back for 2 or 3 years?

We were in Minnesota during the pandemic. We’ve had a chunk of land there for a few years. When the pandemic hit and everything shut down, we were on one of our daily walks and talked about maybe now is a great time to start building on our land.

So we packed up Nashville and moved up to the Twin Cities. It’s been a long process. I’m an optimist which is a bummer in a home build. It’s taken way longer than I had imagined. But we’re almost finished with our little cabin out on the west side of the Cities and I’m so excited.

Have you seen the clip of Garth raving about you [from the 2017 SXSW - Billboard interview]? When that happened, how did it feel?

I still can’t even believe that it’s a real clip, a real soundbite. But Garth and Trisha have really become good friends of mine over the last few years. They’ve cut a lot of my songs and I’ve sang on both their records.

So when I came to making this album there was a song on it called Mississippi that I heard a male vocal and I was curious if Garth would hop in on the song, so I sent him a text and he texted me back immediately and said ‘I’m in! Just let me know when and where’ so I’m excited to have a song with my buddy Garth Brooks on this new album. It’s pretty great.

What does your day-to-day look like?

My day to day has changed a lot since I signed my record deal six years ago where I really have to split my time between writing, interviews, performances, also being a mom of two, the juggle is real, trying to do all these things and different musical events around Nashville is kind of a typical week. It’s definitely

Cannon Falls resident Caitlyn Smith is a prolific songwriter and a popular artist in her own right.

crazy but I love what I do, so I can’t complain about it.

You’re juggling a ton of things, fun things. It’s a lot of plates in the air, but I love all the plates!

Do you approach smaller venues differently than a big arena?

Absolutely! While I love playing on all different stages, in a stadium, in an arena, in a theater, I am a storyteller at heart, so the opportunity to have a little more space in my show to tell the stories and connect with these fans one on one, it’s something that I don’t get to do in a stadium, you know you’re kinda just playing the songs, you don’t really talk very much. I’m excited to break down a lot of the walls that get put up with a big show with the lights and the band and strip it down to just me.

What has been your biggest challenge as a songwriter and as a performer/singer?

One thing that I’ve been learning a lot in this season of life and through making this record was, to just be comfortable in my own skin. It’s taken me a lot of years to get to that place. I’ve always been the person who shows up to the party on full blast, always smiling, always happy, when maybe I was struggling inside or hurting inside. I think for a lot of years putting on a face really wore me down and was really exhausting.

Through the process of making this record has brought me to this place of being comfortable with being vulnerable, brought me to this place of being a mess. I don’t have it all figured out but I’m trying. Not acting like I have it all together. Social media has exacerbated this idea that everybody needs to post their highlight reel and act like everything is great. I’ve been really trying to undo a lot of that.

I’m not there yet but I am trying for sure.

What are you aspiring to yet?

If anything?

My hope and dream is that I can continue to make real honest raw music for the rest of my life, music that inspires me and inspires other people. Also balance is always at the top of my list of things I want to find; striving for balance to be a good and present wife, and mom. But then also still check off the things on my bucket list. Hopefully I can model and teach my kids that you can do anything you put your mind to.

Well I think you’re doing a great job at that.

Caitlyn’s new album High & Low will be released April 14 on Monument Records, available wherever you get music. 

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

Caitlyn Smith is preparing to release her new album, “High & Low.”

By JANE TURPIN MOORE Guest Contributor

At least one member of the Fat City All-Stars band — a hot ticket on the Southern Minnesota performance circuit — insists he’s not a star. But Steve Bracht’s sheer longevity, coupled with a continued demand for his bass guitar services, suggest otherwise.

With gigs for the group’s broad rock, country and pop repertoire on the books for Madelia, Fairmont, Nicollet, Owatonna, Zumbrota and beyond, the Fat City All-Stars are rockin’ their groove year-round and have numerous dates lined up for the coming months.

Find out what makes Bracht, the “old man” of this group, keep making music while spreading joy through community as part of this regional band.

How long have the Fat City All-Stars been together?

At least a dozen years. I’ll have been with them five years as of this month. Guitarist Dale Wolters started it with his two brothers, Chad and Nick, who played with Dale long before Fat City in a different band, 69 Cents. Chad and Nick currently have real careers apart from Fat City, though we’re fortunate to still have Chad as our booking agent.

our musicians include main vocalist/acoustic guitarist Tommy Harroun, Dale on guitar/vocals, Skyler Osborn on guitar, Mark Kurseth on drums and Braden Saulsbury on keyboards/vocals. Tommy’s wife, Tiffany, and Abbie Jane, run

Mankato’s Steve Bracht loves to delight crowds with Fat City All-Stars

our lights and Dale also does sound, among other things. We’re a Mankato-ish band.

And … why “Fat City All-Stars?”

I’m told “Fat City” is an old Mankato nickname, and as for stars — well, I am certainly anything but a “star,” and this group truly has some of the most humble guys around. We’re fortunate that we stay reasonably busy, and we always appreciate inquiries about dates. We try to play nearly every weekend,

though a lot of times it’s Saturday only, and in the summer it’s busier — we play a lot of Friday/Saturdays then. In winter, if a band has three gigs a month, you’re good. I love to see people having fun, and we really like the summer jobs with

Steve Bracht has provided the bass guitar for Fat City All-Stars the past five years.

Steve Bracht and the rest of Fat City All-Stars have earned a loyal fanbase in Southern Minnesota.

lots of people coming together in community. I love it when people are happy and dancing.

How would you describe Fat City AllStars’ music?

We call ourselves a variety band, with a repertoire of over 100 songs. We pay close attention to if people are dancing and enjoying themselves; a song doesn’t stay with us very long if people are walking off the dance floor. We keep trying things that are popular, whether that’s rock, pop, country, hip-hop or something else, just to see what lands right with audiences.

Any personal favorites?

I like the stuff that moves, something that gets up and goes and has some percussion. I’m a mildly percussive type of bassist, so I like percussive-type music that tends to encourage people to let loose and have fun. If it does that, we’re on the right track. But at home, I usually have Classical MPR on in the background.

So, at 58, you’re the old man of the group?

Yes. For what seemed like a lot of years, I was the young guy; all of a sudden, I’m the old fossil. Mark and Dale are a little younger than me, and the rest are in their 30s. Hey, I’m just happy to be here playing with this fine group of people.

Mankato is your hometown, right?

I’m a 1983 Mankato West graduate, the youngest of six kids. I couldn’t have chosen better parents than Colleen and Joe Bracht; I really miss them a lot. Growing up, my friends also highly approved of them. I’ve been a Type 1 diabetic since I was five, and that’s been rough at times. There have been a whole lot of advancements for diabetics since my diagnosis and I have to thank God because everything is going okay. I can’t complain because, for a guy in my shoes, I’ve been very, very fortunate, healthwise, despite many close calls throughout my life.

How did you get started with music? Were you involved at school?

My dad liked country music. He had a guitar he loved to strum melodies on and he was good at it, but he was never in a band. My parents bought an organ when I was four or five, and a couple of my older sisters and I took organ lessons but we never continued on it. That was a nice introduction for me. But I wasn’t in band at school. And my parents had one of those big console stereos. As the youngest of six, I always loved listening to whatever my older siblings had playing—the Beatles and all the popular stuff. As it happened, even early on I gravitated towards listening to the bass parts.

What prompted your bass guitar interest?

When I was in seventh grade at Lincoln Junior High, my friend Stacy Gravatte was quite an amazing guitarist for an eighth grader. He played Queen, KISS, Styx, Pink Floyd and other classics of that time—and he nailed the parts. He needed a bass player for a little band he was putting together for a talent show and asked me if I wanted to do it. I said, “Yeah, that sounds fun.” That was August 1977. My dad took me to Brown’s Music at the top of Madison Avenue hill and bought me my first guitar —a copy of a ’62 Fender jazz bass—from Rod Scheitel, who now owns Scheitel’s Music. I loved it right away. I just did what a lot of guys did—listened to songs I liked and tried to learn ‘em. And I’ve got to bring God into this because I trusted Him with my life quite awhile back and frankly, that’s the only reason I’m still here and why anything good ever happens. I believe everyone has at least one gift, and it’s a real blessing to find it. I thank God Stacy asked me to play because this has been something I’ve really enjoyed over the course of my whole life.

You’ve been playing for decades.

As of this August, I’ll have been playing with bands on and off for 46 years.

Do you still own that first bass?

No. I’ve had 80 basses over the years, because I’m always on a quest for better tone — truly a major addiction for me. There are lots of bass guitar variations; color is secondary to me now.

I’m down to four that I really like, all Ibanez brand. They’re not the higher-end basses, but I think they’re better than the most expensive ones I’ve ever played. I set up basses for myself and other musicians, do my own restringing. I prefer Elixir bass strings.

I hear you’re also a cat-lover.

I am. My current cat is a Russian Blue, named Bear Man, and he’s a real stud muffin, very talkative and extra smart. He’s very vocal and could be an extremely good fit as a lead vocalist for a BeeGees tribute band.

Are you writing music, too?

I’ve been a dabbler all my life, and I’m always working on ideas. Whether anything ever gets completed is another story — other musicians might relate to that.

And the Fat City All-Stars are a congenial bunch?

We all get along; there are no egos, just nine people who are easy to do music with and are friends. As long as it’s still fun, something must be going right. You know how you appreciate things a little more as you get older? I’m enjoying this, and I’ll be doing it as long as I possibly can.

Find the Fat City All-Stars and their upcoming appearance schedule on Facebook. For booking, call Chad Wolters at 507-327-4668.  Freelance writer/collaborative pianist Jane Turpin Moore grew up in the Mankato area and is now based in Northfield. She blogs at timeformoore566445504.wordpress. com and fields emails at jturpinmoore@gmail.com.

Review

Pittsburgh Blue Steakhouse in Rochester

Rochester finally has the steakhouse it deserves. Located in the heart of downtown, 10 E. Center St. (Hilton Mayo Clinic Area), Pittsburgh Blue serves wet-aged beef, hand-cut by master butchers, along with super-fresh seafood and the city’s best burgers. Join PBSR for dinner nightly, and for daily happy hour beginning at 4 p.m. every day. This exquisite venue brought to you by Beth Coons, General Manager, and Adam Bangert, Executive Chef. Other key kitchen support: Sous Chef Andres Mares and Sous Chef James Capek. Pittsburgh Blue is part of the Parasole Restaurant Holdings in Edina. Customers rated the best steak in the house as the Cowboy, a 22-ounce bone-in Ribeye, and it has a style and reputation all its own. It is robust and full of flavor, due to its abundant marbling. Sea Scallop’s Benedict is the perfect way to start off your meal. Pan-seared scallops atop applewood-smoked bacon, hollandaise and lightly toasted brioche bread.

Pittsburgh’s signature Hash Browns Blue style and Buffalo Brussel Sprouts are the eatery’s most popular side dishes. Finish off your impeccable meal with either the New York Cheesecake with Strawberries or the Pittsburgh Blue Brownie.

“For those who want a unique and challengeable steak, we offer the 50-ounce Bludgeon of Beef, 45-day dry-aged Tomahawk,” said Beth.

The tap beers are all hyper local, including two from the Little Thistle establishment. Beth and Adam feature an amazing wine selection and have won the Wine Spectator Award three years running. The staff is

friendly, personable, knowledgeable, and they all possess great customer skills.

Make mine

Pittsburgh Blue

Say the word and the chefs will serve it up charred on the outside, raw on the inside; the way Pittsburgh steelworkers ate their steak. It was the result of throwing slabs of meat directly onto the blast furnaces. (Ask for our recommendation, though, and we’ll steer you to medium-rare). If steak is not for you tonight, maybe you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, a perfectly roasted chicken, or the world’s best burger.

Many other Blue Goodies

CALAMARI—sweet peppers, lemon aioli; BOURBON MAPLE GLAZED BACON—sweet corn purée, spoon-bread, jalapeños; JUMBO LUMP CRAB CAKE—herb aioli; COCONUT SHRIMP—spicy ginger pineapple chutney; JUMBO SHRIMP COCKTAIL—cocktail sauce & fresh horseradish; SEA SCALLOPS BENEDICT—applewood-smoked bacon, hollandaise, brioche bread

Burgers & sandwiches

Served with hand-cut parmesan fries; CLASSIC BURGER—lettuce, tomato, onion - add cheese $1 - add applewood-smoked bacon $2; PRIME RIB FRENCH DIP—handselected, center-cut & naturally-aged for tenderness & flavor; HORSERADISH-CRUSTED FILET—topped with horseradish, applewoodsmoked bacon & toasted bread crumbs; MUSHROOM-CAPPED FILET—broiled with a mushroom & fresh herb crust; BLUE CHEESE-CRUSTED FILET—topped with a blue cheese crust; FILET AMERICAN—topped with

tillamook cheddar & applewood-smoked bacon; FILET “OSCAR”—topped with a lump crab cake, asparagus & béarnaise; OVENROASTED CHICKEN—rosemary-lemon pan jus; PISTACHIO CRUSTED WALLEYE—lemondill butter sauce; CRAB LEGS—with drawn butter; SOY MISO GLAZED SEA BASS— horseradish-parmesan crust, whole-grain mustard sauce; VEGETARIAN LINGUINI—seasonal vegetables, compound herb butter, shaved parmesan, balsamic drizzle

Desserts

KEY LIME PIE; COCONUT TRES LECHES CAKE; CARROT CAKE — with butter brickle ice cream; NEW YORK CHEESECAKE — with strawberries add $2

The Definitive Steakhouse

“We feature hand-cut, perfectly aged Midwestern beef, trimmed to our specifications and cooked to yours. You’ll see deep booths and a deeper wine list. We have a bar that makes everything better. And we offer the kind of service everyone deserves but hardly ever receives. Welcome to Pittsburgh Blue. You’re about to eat very, very well,” said Coons.

Private Dining, Done to Order: From intimate celebrations to company-wide business gatherings, simply tell PB what you need, and their staff will help you plan every detail, including menu, décor, audio/ video and more. This is the perfect choice for family, friends, colleagues and customers. Gift cards are welcomed at all Pittsburgh Blue locations, and at the entire family of Parasole restaurants. Open 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily; happy hour is Saturday 4 to 6 p.m. and Sunday 4 p.m. to close; visit pittsburghbluesteak.com for more information. 

By MOLLY PENNY mollypenny@gmail.com

Owatonna’s Jason Lennox is a local health care executive, author, entrepreneur and person in recovery who has advocated for changes in the addiction treatment industry at all the levels.

His roots in the recovery community stem from Southern Minnesota. He recently published a memoir, “A Perfect Tragedy.” Here, Jason answers my questions about the book and sheds light on his experience as a newly published author.

Your memoir, “A Perfect Tragedy.” launched in December, aligning with your 12-year sobriety date. For those who have not yet read the book, tell us how the decision to write a memoir of your journey came about and just how long it took to complete.

After a few years in recovery, I started to get more comfortable with my past and began sharing it in more public settings, including social media. The response was generally very positive, and I began to see how others who might normally have had stigmatizing thoughts about addiction developed new perspectives. I also heard from enough people about how my writing and speaking inspired new ways of thinking and being within their own recovery. I knew a book had to be in my future, for the sake of those struggling and those watching others struggle.

In 2017, I started with an opening introduction and never made it beyond that. Two years later, in 2019, I went back to the beginning and documented my life through my blog site – Recovery Reinspired. In 2022, I submitted a consolidation of my blog posts to an editor, and she returned it, letting me know it needed an overhaul. In July 2022, I began a whole new version and finished it by September 2022.

How has life been since the launch? I know you have been busy promoting the

UNPACKING ‘A PERFECT TRAGEDY’: An interview with author Jason Lennox

book. Have any doors opened for you?

Life has been amazing. I hosted a launch party with my family and had several interviews with different media channels in the early weeks of the launch. I’ve also landed on a handful of podcasts since then and have been connected with several promising connections. Most of all, it has given me some great discussion with family, friends, colleagues, and strangers. My formal marketing plan has been launched and I’ll be sharing on many podcasts and with other organizations in the upcoming months.

Your book launch seemed like a very memorable evening for you. Can you talk more about that event?

My book launch was a week after it went live. The date was December 16th, a meaningful date for several reasons. It was the date I was transferred from jail to treatment in 2010, and I felt all those feelings come back on the day of the launch. More meaningful than that, though, that date is also my Grammie’s birthday. My memoir was dedicated to her, and the title, book, and much of my recovery were inspired by the relationship I had and didn’t have with her. I can’t spoil it any more than that, so you’ll have to read it to learn the rest of the story.

The launch party was in Waseca, with 40 family members and very close friends showing up. I had some of the most important people in my life there. My dad’s sisters and brother from the east coast, who’ve never visited me here, came out and spent a long weekend here, and I had three other cousins fly in and surprise me real time. I signed a LOT of books, a handful of my closest people shared some amazing memories, and we finished by singing happy birthday to my Grammie and listening to her favorite song. It was quite possibly the most incredible night I’ve ever experienced.

How did you decompress and how did it feel once the final edit went to publish?

I don’t think I truly decompressed until a week or so after the book launch. Once the final edit was completed, I had a hard time sleeping. It was a Thursday night as things were finalizing on Amazon, and on Friday morning everything was live, and I announced it across all my

platforms. I remember standing up during a welcome meeting at work, for new employees, and my legs and body were shaking from that launch announcement. I don’t often get like that, but whatever was happening had me trembling from head to toe, in a good way. It was years of putting together something that a fraction of a single percentage of people do and was so surreal to experience.

What is the most common feedback you have received about your book?

Several single words come to mind – honest, raw, inspiring and vulnerable. So many people reached out telling me they didn’t know it was so bad, even my closest family. It really goes to show that we never really know what’s going on inside someone’s inner self. I also received a lot of messages from family and friends that said they couldn’t put it down, read it from start to end without stopping, and other comments of that sort.

You were very vulnerable in sharing some very deep, personal experiences and private thoughts in the book. Was there ever a moment in your writing where you paused or felt that you needed to “hold back?” Did you hold back?

I’ve been sharing my story for years and have mostly been comfortable sharing some deep things from my life. However, this was definitely a little different, and I included things I probably never shared in other settings. I didn’t really hesitate sharing as I wrote the manuscript, but as I reviewed some of it toward the end of the project, some feelings of shame and embarrassment crept in. I felt like backing out of the project as late as a few weeks before launch. At that point, I left the review alone and never actually read through it in its final form. I knew I’d pick it apart and hesitate.

There are certain things not included, but nearly all of those were held back out of respect

CONTINUED page 10

Owatonna native Jason Lennox revisits the West Hills Lodge, where he spent four months in early recovery from alcohol and drug addiction 12 years ago. Lennox’s tell-all memoir on his life through addiction and recovery became available to the public in December 2022. (File photo/southernminn.com)

for others, not because I wasn’t willing to share from my perspective.

Who are some of your favorite authors? Are there any books that have stood out or made an impact in your life?

Rhonda Byrne, Don Miguel Ruiz, and Eckhart Tolle are some of my favorite authors. They’ve all written books that will forever stand out and will continue to serve me as I re-read them: The Secret, The Four Agreements, The Power of Now. These are all books that I continue to learn from, even after reading them multiple times per year.

Who has guided you the most when it comes the writing process?

My cousin Sarah is an author, and she was really the driving force behind my start on the book and continued to guide me through the process. My editor and designer were also very instrumental in keeping me on track and keeping my perspective in a state of reality.

What did you learn about yourself while taking on the challenge of writing a memoir?

I learned that I always have a little more in me than I think. There were many times along the way I thought I was at my limit, and those times often coincided with what I thought was the end of the hardest stage of the memoir. I learned there were several more “hardest” stages to come and that I always find a way to get through them.

Explain your writing process; do you tend to take breaks, write when the mood takes you?

I usually dedicate set times to writing. My life is built on structure and building in time is a requirement to make any meaningful progress. Especially during the last round of writing, in which I wrote a new version in less than a couple months, I dedicated time every morning and sometimes every night.

You are a captivating storyteller. Do you plan to write more? If so, will you stick with non-fiction, or do you have any interest in branching out to creative/fiction writing?

If you’d have asked me three months ago, I’d have answered with a hard no. Now that I’ve come back down and had a chance to breathe from the intensity that came with the last six months of the project, I’ve already thought about a follow-up book that focuses more on the principles and practices I’ve learned that not only contributed to my personal recovery, but also everything I’ve learned as a consultant in the healthcare business. I’ve also thought about some fiction writing – I did some of that as a very young boy and found some magic in that. The former is more likely, at least in the foreseeable future.

What do you hope that people take away from A Perfect Tragedy?

Three things:

i. A reason to believe a new life is possible, no matter how deep someone falls into addiction or struggles with mental health and self-worth.

ii. A newfound understanding of what it’s like for people suffering from addiction, and consequently, a less stigmatizing and more compassionate perspective in those who watch others struggle.

iii. A spark to do something meaningful in life.

What is a good way for people to find your book?

Amazon is a great way, though my website links to Amazon and has all kinds of other information about the book, my speaking, and more. www.jasonlennox.com

Any final comments you would like or readers to know?

Addiction is one of the most misunderstood conditions on the planet, both by those afflicted and by those witnessing it from near and far. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, A Perfect Tragedy will shed new light on what the world believes about addiction and all the struggles that contribute to and come with it.

I’m forever grateful for all the support I’ve received and will receive, and more grateful and honored to have the opportunity to share some support in return.

What is the best way for people to reach out to you with any questions?

Social media – LinkedIn or Facebook; my website – jasonlennox.com; or email – jason@ jasonlennox.com. 

Molly Penny is a local radio personality and MNSU alum. It was her love of pop culture that got her interested in doing a radio show for KOWZ 100.9, and she is now the music and promotions director at KOWZ & KRUE Radio in Owatonna. She resides in Mankato with her movie buff husband and YouTube obsessed children. Catch her on Twitter at @mollyhoodUSA.

Jason Lennox

By JANE TURPIN MOORE Guest Contributor

She may be retired from fulltime employment, but multitalented musician/composer Barbara Piper of Northfield, formerly of Faribault, is more musically active than ever.

Piper, who relocated to the Northfield area in 2017 after living in Faribault for a quartercentury, is currently involved with at least four area ensembles and is producing her own compositions to boot.

Finding Piper in action will be easy in the coming months. Read on to learn more of Piper’s back-story.

Tell me what you did in Faribault.

I was a music teacher for 22 years and then taught remedial reading at Faribault Middle School for three years. Altogether, I had a 34year teaching career.

How did you prepare for that?

My undergraduate degree is in music education, and I have a master’s in education and a second master’s degree in literacy. I studied at St. Cloud State, St. Mary’s, Mankato State and the University of Minnesota. I’m just an overeducated fool!

Has music always been in your life?

I have memories from around age 3 of my dad singing to me and playing his guitar—I loved that so much—and my mom played piano, French horn and accordion. Most of my family members, including my parents, still make music.

You were a music teacher for a long time; what are your primary instruments?

Guitar and voice, first of all, but I also play piano and really love classical composers; Chopin and Grieg are among my favorites. French horn was my main instrument, and I played that in the Faribault community band for 15 years. And as a band teacher, I have a working knowledge of all band instruments because that was my

Q & A with Northfield musician Barbara Piper

job. I’ve been teaching myself to play the violin for the last four years—that’s a hard instrument, but I can play some fiddle tunes now. And I play flute when I have to.

That’s really impressive. And you’re are also an active composer. How long have you been writing music?

I’ve had lots of notes for songs hanging around my house forever, and I formulated my first real song in 2009 after going to a music camp in North Carolina where we learned from the best-of-the-best Nashville songwriters. I often find myself writing music from a personal perspective—or a silly perspective. For me, there’s nothing really in between. I do like the personal stuff, though I don’t know how receptive other people are to it—but I do it anyway. I feel I communicate better through music than I do through normal conversations.

And you’ve produced at least two albums to date?

Yes, “Guilty” in 2011 and “Sheep” in 2019. Lately I’ve been working on videos of the songs in my first album, to put a visual to them, and I’ve finished the first few. That album, “Guilty,” refers to my Catholic upbringing; no matter what you do, you’re always “guilty.” But producing that album was very cathartic. And I have a new CD of my own compositions in progress with Craig Wasner of Wasner Audio.

Who’s influenced your musical style?

I love well-written stuff, where the composer pays attention to all the details and little chord changes. Modern composers I like are Freddie Mercury of Queen—his music is full of details and so creative—and Paul McCartney.

How would you categorize your music?

I can’t put myself into a category, because I’ve never stuck to just one genre. I sang pop music while growing up, I play classical music, I write with a guitar and I gather inspiration from various things. What drives my music is strong melodies, and I love harmonies. When my daughter and sister sing with me, it’s really gratifying.

You mention your daughter and sister. Are other family members musicians?

My son is also involved with music, and with my brother I’m in a classic country and blues band, “Lone Rock,” that performs a few times throughout the year. My brother is lead guitarist in that group.

But wait, there’s more!

Yes, my partner Ed Treinen plays the harmonica and sings in “Lone Rock,” too.

I’m also part of a duo (with Doug Madow on keys) called MadPipes that’s played many times at Faribault’s “Concert in the Parks” series, at Heritage Days and at restaurants like Redemption and Reunion. I’d call it easy listening.

As of late, I’m in a jazz-focused duo called CuBa with keyboardist Curt Johnson. We’ll be performing at the Northfield Arts Guild’s April 29 fundraiser at Armory Square. It’s themed “Art and All that Jazz,” so we’ll be doing a full jazz set that will include a smattering of original compositions.

The Northfield Arts Guild is a gift to the community and one of the best-kept secrets in town. It supports the arts and creativity and is just a rich, rich place for art. I paint watercolors, too, so I appreciate all that the Guild does.

And I’ve been involved in shows at Faribault’s Paradise Center for the Arts—another terrific arts organization.

And you’ve had more recent Northfield Arts Guild involvement?

Last September and in late January, I was in

the Broadway musical revue CASTastrophe 3. That was such a supportive group, with excellent musicianship, and having a choice in the songs we performed was really nice. I met some great people in that show.

And on June 17, I’ll be in a Simon & Garfunkel-themed show—“Feelin’ Groovy.” That will be at the Northfield Arts Guild Theater and includes drummer Steve Jennings, singer Pauline Jennings, guitarist Mike Legvold and keyboardist Craig Wasner. We’ve been working on it for awhile and have a 90-minute show prepared featuring over 25 Simon & Garfunkel numbers. It’s going to be great.

How do you find energy for everything? What else should we know?

I’m 63, running at full speed all the time; I can’t sit still very long, unless I’m working on something. I live on an acreage near the strawberry fields north of Northfield, and we have chickens. As previously mentioned, I’m currently working on a new album, “Arctic Heart,” and that sometimes feels like it’s a full-time job! You can learn more at barbarapipermusic.com.

Barbara Piper and Curt Johnson—CuBa—are one of three jazz ensembles performing at the Sat., April 29, benefit for the Northfield Arts Guild at Armory Square, Northfield. Piper will also appear in the Simon & Garfunkel show “Feelin’ Groovy” at the Northfield Arts Guild Theater on June 17. For tickets, visit northfieldartsguild.org. 

Freelance writer/collaborative pianist Jane Turpin Moore grew up in the Mankato area and is now based in Northfield. She blogs at timeformoore566445504.wordpress. com and fields emails at jturpinmoore@gmail.com.

(Jane Turpin Moore/southernminn.com)

ways to improve your putting skills

Golf requires mastery of a wide array of skills. Many novice players focus on improving skills related to their swings. Yet they shouldn’t overlook the importance of improving their short games as well.

In golf, short game refers to the golf shots golfers must make when they’re near or on the green. According to Golf Distillery, a golf play information and tips site, shots like bunker shots, chips and putts are part of the short game. Improving these skills can go a long way toward bettering one’s game.

1. Learn “green-reading” techniques. According to a Golf Magazine-sponsored study through Pinehurst Golf Academy, 65 percent of golfers under-read the break on a typical putt. Incorrect reads can add to many lost strokes. Reading the green involves determining the correct slope and distance. Golfers who take depth-perception tests and continually practice their skills at reading both the distance and the slope can improve their putts.

2. Change perspective. Different putts require different perspectives in order to assess both distance and slope, according to Todd Sones Impact Golf Schools. If the putt is downhill, Sones suggests reading it from behind the hole. If the putt is uphill, read it from behind the ball.

3. Practice consistent putter travel distance. While the total length of a putt stroke depends on the length of the putt, many golf instructors recommend consistency with the distance the putter head travels. Keep the same distance on the back stroke as on the foward stroke. This will help create a nice, even roll. Most beginners tend to short their back strokes and increase their forward strokes, resulting in less ball control.

4. Focus on an imaginary channel. When putting, imagine a three- or four-inch channel from the ball to the hole. Rather than staring at the ball, golfers can track their eyes down that imaginary line, suggests the experts at Golf Digest. Keeping a simpler focus rather than overthinking things can improve putting.

5. Keep a steady head. Instead of following the ball with one’s eyes, a golfer should hold the focus on the start of the putt to foster a more steady head.

6. Change ball placement. Try moving to position the ball just forward of the center of the stance. This helps the putter make contact at the right moment to achieve the slight lift needed for a successful putt.

Practicing at home or with a golf instructor is a good way to improve putting skills. A strong short game can be the key to improving your overall game. 

GOLF PAGES CONTINUED PAGE 14

The New Ulm Country Club is a picturesque 18-hole, par 71, semi-private course surrounded by Flandrau State Park and perched atop the bluffs of the Cottonwood River. The fairways are bordered by many mature oak trees. The Country Club was established in 1929 as a 9-hole course and expanded to 18 holes in 1967. We have leagues, tournaments and programs for every golfer.

Our clubhouse is open to the public and home of the Cottonwood Grill. With over 70 menu items, there is something for everyone. Our banquet venue is suited to host up to 250 guests for events of all ocassions.

We have a fully-stocked Pro Shop with the latest styles and equipment. Our PGA Professional, Tim Huffman, can help with any of your golf needs. Our Director of Instruction, Caleb Christensen, offers golf lessons for any age or ability.

Golf

Choose the right golf attire

Golf is played by millions of people all over the world. Throughout warm-weather seasons, courses are filled with enthusiasts driving and putting their way through 18 holes.

The right equipment is instrumental to successful game play, and golfers also need to pay attention to the clothing they wear. Etiquette and decorum are a significant part of the game of golf, and that includes the clothing golfers wear while traversing the course.

While there is no fixed dress code for golf, there are certain guidelines that golfers must follow. These rules and regulations may vary from course to course. Public and municipal courses may have very few rules, while private courses or exclusive golf clubs may have restrictive dress codes.

The following are some good rules of thumb when heading to the course.

Bottoms

Men are advised to wear long pants made of cotton or polyester. Chinos typically are recommended. According to Golf Week, some clubs will permit men to wear jeans, but many do not. Dress shorts may be allowed if they have a pleated or flat front. Similarly, women also should don long trousers. Capris or dress shorts also may be applicable. Many women opt for golf skirts, which are specially designed and cut on the front or side to enable motion in the golf swing.

Shirts

A collared shirt is the preferred attire when golfing. Opt for a polo shirt over a T-shirt. While there are newer mock or crew neck shirts endorsed by

some pro golfers, golf courses will not necessarily permit players to wear them.

Women also are encouraged to wear polo shirts, though there is more flexibility in their shirt options, including sleeveless varieties. Modest shirts are highly encouraged, especially ones that will not expose the midriff. Men and women are encouraged to tuck in their shirts.

Footwear

Sneakers (often referred to as “trainers”) tend to be off-limits on many courses. Golf shoes are a sport standard, and should include soft spikes rather than metal spikes, which may be banned on certain courses.

Socks

Socks should match one’s choice of trousers. Light-colored socks are advised when wearing shorts. Some clubs require socks be a certain length when wearing dress shorts. Above all, socks should complement the clothing.

Hats

Golfers can wear baseball-style hats or visors to offer protection from the sun. Straw hats known as “Ben Hogan caps” also may be permitted. Other types of headwear is generally not appropriate.

Players should keep in mind that attire that is acceptable on the course may not be suitable to wear inside of the club, including dining spaces or bars.

A degree of formality is evident in the game of golf, and that often is reflected in players’ attire. Players should confirm dress code with their respective clubs or golf courses before hitting the links. 

The creative journey of Mankato photographer Kay Herbst Helms

By AUDREY KLETSCHER HELBLING Minnesota Prairie Roots

hen I first viewed a photography exhibit by Kay Herbst Helms in 2012 at the Arts Center of Saint Peter, I felt an instant connection. Her rural-themed black-and-white images with accompanying short stories and selected poetry resonated. At the time, I viewed her “Seeking What Sustains Us: considering the hands and the land of rural south central Minnesota” as honest as a hard day’s work on the farm. Given my Redwood County farm upbringing, the hands and country scenes she photographed felt comfortably familiar.

Eventually, our creativity merged at a Mankato exhibit, “Image and the Word.” I and other poets penned poetry inspired by photos, including Helms’. We would connect again, when I read an original water-themed poem at Helms’ “Seeking What Sustains Us—a photographic journey of hands and water” capstone event at the Carnegie Art Center in Mankato. A year later, Helms invited me to read at a celebration of water at the Treaty Site History Center in St. Peter which was hosting her “Water Rights” and other water-focused exhibits, including a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street Program. That Helms cares deeply about the subjects she photographs has always been apparent to me. From photos of hands to photos of the natural world, especially water, her images are not only connective, but also thoughtprovoking. And that’s exactly what this creative hopes, that her photos will prompt people to pause and think. About water. About the environment. And more.

Through years of developing her craft, Helms has been the recipient of numerous grants from the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council and also from the Minnesota Artist Initiative Program. She’s also won countless awards in exhibits throughout the region. She’s deserving. As a photographer, her work is important, inspiring and impactful.

While this artist is stepping away from new solo shows, she plans to participate in group photo exhibits. And she will continue to create, following a life-long path of creativity rooted in her childhood. Here is Helms’ story, in Q & A format, of her creative journey.

Our backgrounds help shape who we are as individuals and who we are as creatives. Tell me about yours—where you grew up, family, post secondary education, occupation, etc.—basically a snapshot bio of your life.

I grew up in a small town in Illinois, the daughter of a business owner father and an elementary school teacher mother. I graduated from Bradley University and then taught elementary school. I received an MS degree and worked as a guidance counselor, social worker and a naturalist. I’ve lived in Canada, Wisconsin, and now Minnesota, exploring my love of the outdoors in each state. I have three sons, seven grandchildren and five great grandchil-

dren—all wonderful!!

WAs a child, were you already creating, maybe not with a camera, but in some other way?

Coloring books were always a favorite and drawing came about from that. I had many “How to Draw” (horses, dogs, whatever) books. I loved to play in the dirt, making roads and towns around the roots of trees. I also wrote little stories, but never showed them to anyone, until fifth grade.

Many creatives recall an individual who encouraged them or something in their lives which influenced them in their craft. How about you?

In fifth grade Miss Garber, a most amazing teacher, started an after school “Scribble and Sketch Club,” which encouraged me to do some writing as well as drawing. Thank you, thank you to Miss Garber and to all our teachers who make a difference in their students’ lives!

When did you realize you wanted to seriously pursue photography and when were you actually able to do that? Why photography?

I liked to take photos of my sons as they grew up. We all loved to hike, bike, swim, canoe and just be outdoors in nature. Photographing the beauty around us was soon added to my family photos. Through the years there were classes

and workshops that enhanced my knowledge. I think my “decisive moment” was when I took a printing class and learned that I loved “developing” my photographs in Photoshop and printing them with my own printer as much as I loved making the photo in camera.

How would you describe your work?

Artistic, documentary, intentionallyfocused…?

At this point my work is mainly focused on how to reach people so they might think about what we humans are doing to the natural world. I would like people to step back a minute and understand how they/we might change to make the planet a better place—not through hate or greed, but through caring.

Your photography has focused many times on hands, from Catholic sisters to farmers to artists. You’ve also focused on rural scenes and now often on water. Why photograph these subjects?

I was a volunteer at the Living Earth Center on the Good Counsel Campus in Mankato when I first met Sister Dorothy. We became friends who shared a common interest in nature. She often talked about Thomas Berry and the importance of the Universe story. At that point, photography was a hobby for

CONTINUED page 16

TOP: “Autumn Greets Winter at Minneopa Falls” by Kay Herbst Helms

RIGHT: “Glorious sunset at Kasota Prairie” by Kay Herbst Helms.

LOWER:“Honor the trees that help to manage storm waters” by Kay Herbst Helms

CONTINUED from page 15

me, but the more I got to know Sister Dorothy and hear about all the amazing experiences from the other Sisters, the more I thought I’d like to tell their stories through interviews and photographs of their hands. The exhibit, “Blessed Are the Hands That Have Served,” was very well received and I decided to continue with the hands of other groups of people—artists, musicians, writers, farmers and refugees. Let’s talk water. I’m especially drawn to this sentence in an artist’s statement you wrote: “Water is the foundation of our existence from our beginnings in a watery womb to our ends when ice is all we can swallow.” That’s so relatable. When you photograph water, what are you attempting to convey? Is there a message in your photos?

From the time I waded barefoot in puddles as a child, I’ve always loved the water. My reading and my work with environmental groups have opened my eyes to the problems we humans are causing, not only for the water, but for the world as well. That is my focus at this point.

Sometimes I’m just amazed by the beauty of our waters and its crucial role in our existence. I hope to record that in my photographs. Sometimes I’m looking for a scene that might wake us up to how little we are concerned about our water. Sometimes I’m looking for a scene that will illustrate/accompany a quote that I believe is important for people to hear and see. I’m an avid reader about water and the natural world and find so many wonderful quotes (some beautiful, some a wake-up call) by amazing writers that I want to share with others.

Years ago I took an Environmental Studies class where I first heard about “The Commons.”

“The Commons” is the cultural and natural resources accessible to all members of a society, including natural materials such as air, water and a habitable earth. These resources are held in common, not owned privately... It is one of the few ways we have to acknowledge our debt to the past generations, and to embody our link to future generations. It shows we believe in ourselves as an enduring civilization, not an economy. I hope that my photographs help to convey that idea.

To quote Sharon Day, the founder of the Nibi Walks for Water: “What does it matter who ben-

efits or gets richer if we lose our precious water and continue to destroy the land?”

What are you working on now?

And where can readers see your current or next photo exhibits?

I will continue to take and print photographs of all the exhibits held at the Carnegie Art Center in Mankato, which I’ve done since 2013. I just finished transferring all of them to a new database, where they’ll serve as an historical record as well.

“Honor the Water” at the Carnegie in February was probably my last new solo exhibit. However, I still plan to participate in member exhibits at Carnegie, the Arts Center of Saint Peter, and The Grand Center for Arts and Cul-

ture in New Ulm. My photos will also be in The Bend of the River Photo Club exhibits at the Blue Earth County Library and the Blue Earth County Historical Society.

I am exploring how to put my work online in the hope of reaching more people and am working on a children’s book about our connections with water.

Audrey Kletscher Helbling creates with her Canon camera and words from her home base in Faribault. She focuses on the ordinary, on everyday life. You can find more of her work on her blog: https://mnprairieroots.com 

Audrey Kletscher Helbling creates with her Canon camera and words from her home base in Faribault. She focuses on the ordinary, on everyday life. You can find more of her work on her blog: https://mnprairieroots.com

ABOVE: Kay Herbst Helms.

UPPER RIGHT: “Derek and Friend Frog” by Kay Herbst Helms

RIGHT: “Prairie at a Ramsar Site Wetland of International Importance” by Kay Herbst Helms.

LOWER RIGHT: “Pasque Flower at Watonwan Waterfowl Production Area” by Kay Herbst Helms.

A promo for Kay Herbst Helms’ 2015 capstone event in Mankato in which other art forms were melded with her photo exhibit. Promo image courtesy of Kay Herbst Helms.

“Treasure the Miracle that is Water” by Kay Herbst Helms.

“Laudato Si--Prayers for our Common Home” by Kay Herbst Helms.

TOP: “KIDS! The next generation of nature protectors-- Grass and Roots Outdoors.org” by Kay Herbst Helms.

MIDDLE: “Belted Kingfisher on the Cannon River” by Kay Herbst Helms.

BOTTOM: This image of a child drinking water was taken at Kay’s 2016 “Water Rights” exhibit at the Treaty Site History Center in St. Peter. Photo by Audrey Kletscher Helbling.

LEFT: Kay’s artist statement from “Water Rights” posted at her 2016 exhibit.

Photo by Audrey Kletscher Helbling.

LOWER LEFT: An interactive element of Kay’s “Water Rights” exhibit at the Treaty Site History Center in 2016.

TOP: “Some of the rural-themed images taken by Kay for her rural south central Minnesota focused exhibit in St. Peter in 2012. Photo by Audrey Kletscher Helbling.

ABOVE: From Kay’s 2012 “What Sustains Us” exhibit at the Arts Center of Saint Peter, her story about Joanne and Eugene Schwarz and a photo of their hands.

Photo by Audrey Kletscher Helbling.

By PAT GARRY Guest Contributor

Owatonna’s Chris Norbury is the award-winning author of the mysterysuspense-thrillers “Straight River,” “Castle Danger,” and “Dangerous Straits.”

He’s written for several websites as a freelance writer. His essays on wilderness canoeing have been published in the Boundary Waters Journal. Chris is a member of both the Twin Cities and national chapters of Sisters in Crime. He’s also a member of the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi).

As a volunteer Big Brother for 20 years and now a “Big Brother Emeritus,” Chris donates a portion of all book sales to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Minnesota.

During the golf season in Minnesota, he works on perfecting his golf game. It’s an impossible dream but also a good excuse to get out of the office. Recently, I visited with Mr. Norbury

Southern Minn Scene: Do you work at a job other than your writing profession?

Chris Norbury: Writing is my main job, although I sometimes feel like golfing is my fulltime job during the golf season. My previous work background includes teaching instrumental music in a public school, financial planning, wine consulting, and private investing.

SMS: What is your latest book and briefly, what is it about?

CN: My latest book, “Dangerous Straits,” was published in 2022. It’s the third book in the Matt Lanier mystery-thriller series. Lanier is a professional musician whose life was nearly destroyed when he uncovered a violent conspiracy

Owatonna author obtains national audience

and tried to stop it.

In “Dangerous Straits,” Lanier has been hiding from the conspiracy’s hit men and the police because the conspirators framed him for murdering a cop. He’s now homeless, survives by playing guitar on the streets of Minneapolis for spare change, and suffers from PTSD. At rock bottom, Lanier has almost no hope of clearing his name, stopping the conspiracy, and reclaiming a normal life. But when he gains an unlikely ally, he gets one last chance to stop the conspiracy once and for all--or die trying.

SMS: When did you first know that you wanted to become an author?

CN: It certainly wasn’t from an early age like most authors. I was always a good English student and could write a proper essay. Still, I was never interested in being an author until my early 50s. Having become disillusioned with the investing world during the Great Recession of 2007-2008, I was looking for something new to stimulate my intellect. On a whim, my wife suggested I try writing. I figured, what the heck? I love to read. Perhaps writing the kind of book I wanted to read would be worth exploring. However, I started slowly, writing terrible short stories and doing freelance non-fiction work. After selling a canoeing article to the Boundary Waters Journal for a surprising amount, I figured I might be good enough to write a full-length novel that people would buy. On the day I got that check in the mail, I decided to give authorship my best shot. Ten years later, I’m still writing novels.

SMS: What is your chosen genre?

CN: My genre of choice is crime fiction—which can encompass mystery, thriller, suspense, detective, and many sub-genres. I write crime novels because that’s the genre I’ve read and enjoyed most. Inspiration most certainly does not come from “above.”

I get inspired by many things: a news story,

another book I’ve read, someone I meet who I think would make a worthy story character, a place, or even the weather. Especially in Minnesota, our extreme weather can be strategically incorporated into a story. I’ve used the weather to directly affect the plot. But my primary inspiration comes from asking “What if?” questions. By asking one, then another based on the possibilities of the first and doing that repeatedly, I’ve come up with the basic plots for all my books. Then it’s a matter of letting my creativity loose when writing the first draft. From there, I flesh out the characters and settings, develop a plot that flows but contains surprises, and sharpen dialogue, so the characters sound natural, and the reader stays engaged.

SMS: What kind of creative patterns, routines or rituals do you have?

CN: My creative patterns and rituals have evolved with each book. At first, I wrote only basic outlines and story ideas. Next, I wrote a shaky first draft. I had to revise it too often because the original idea and plot were weak.

With each novel, I’ve outlined more and more and revised less and less. So the ritual of finetuning an outline is the most important factor right now. At the beginning of the process, I’ll write detailed biographies of the main characters before I start writing page one. That way, I “hit the ground running” with a character’s voice, mannerisms, traits, likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, etc. I prefer to write in public from late morning to mid-afternoon. Coffee shops are ideal because I can dedicate nearly 100% of my attention to writing. I’m not distracted like I am at home by honey-do requests, the temptations of TV or books, or finding a household chore to do instead of writing. Writing in public is also a good way to get character, voice, and dialogue ideas. Finally, I never push myself to keep writing past roughly a four-hour block of time. My creative mind can’t function well after that much concentration and focus.

SMS: How do you deal with low-creativity times, and where do you sell your work?

Chris Norbury, of Owatonna, released the third novel in the Matt Lanier trilogy in 2022. (File photo/ southernminn.com)

Award-winning Owatonna author Chris Norbury has been a volunteer Big Brother for 20 years. (Photo courtesy of BBBS)

“I live in Owatonna and have been happily ensconced there with my wife for 23+ years.”

- Chris Norbury

CN: I don’t believe in writer’s block mainly because too many writers use it as a crutch, an excuse for not wanting to write. That’s not to say I don’t have periods of low creativity that many writers call “writer’s block.” Every writer does. But when I’m stuck trying to figure out a scene, a setting, dialogue, or a plot sequence, I don’t force anything out. I’ve learned that getting stuck is my brain’s way of telling me something’s not working. I don’t always know what that “something” is. It often has nothing to do with the particular issue I’m dealing with that day. So I go for a walk, get out into nature, listen to music, read, or just take the rest of the day off. I sell my work primarily at book fairs and festivals, arts & crafts markets, street fairs, and other book-related events. I have also sold some to area libraries and bookstores. Still, it’s more challenging for indie authors to get books into those venues, so I don’t actively market to them other than local or in-state. I’ve also sold a surprising number of books individually to people I meet in coffee shops, golf courses, or other places. I always carry a few books in my car and in my laptop bag. So when I’m out writing, I can make a sale if the opportunity arises. One of my most effective marketing tools is the sign I printed from my computer and stuck to the lid of my laptop that features my book covers. It’s a great conversation starter for coffee shop patrons. I’ve sold dozens of books this way.

SMS: What, in your opinion, is the most difficult step in creating a “masterpiece”?

CN: Based on my inner concept/criterion of a masterpiece, I’d say it’s the successful combination of beautiful prose, and a unique story told in a distinctive voice. I’ve read so-called masterpieces full of beautiful prose that tell stories that are flat and go nowhere. I’ve also read dozens of books written by master storytellers who break most of the rules of “great writing” but

still end up on bestseller lists. But I’ve read very few books that combine both into what I’d call a masterpiece.

SMS: Do you have any interesting anecdotes about an experience involving your writing?

CN: I was at a book festival in remote little Hackensack, MN, last August when to my surprise, four high-school classmates I hadn’t seen in more than forty years showed up at my table. They own summer homes in the area and happened to be there the weekend of the book festival. I’ve run into a few other classmates at book events in the Twin Cities, where I grew up, but the Hackensack encounter was totally unexpected. Another time last year, I sold a book to the owner of the canoe outfitter I used for a BWCAW trip. During our email communications before my trip, he noticed that I was an author because of my email signature. When I returned the canoe after my trip, he asked me about my books and bought one on the spot (because I always travel with a few books in my car). You never know when or where your advertising will work.

SMS: Professionally speaking, what is your goal?

CN: My next book, soon to be published, is a middlegrade adventure novel whose two protagonists are a Big Brother and a Little Brother in the BBBS program. The title is Little Mountain, Big Trouble. After that book is published, I’ll start work on the next book in the Matt Lanier series (for more information, visit Chris’s website @ https://chrisnorbury.com).

“I live in Owatonna and have been happily ensconced there with my wife for 23+ years.”

Chris Norbury 

Journalist-Copywriter-Editor-Feature Writer. My experience spans over 20 years, and I will apply my skills to help beef up any lifeless copy within your website, brochure, press release, catalog, etc. Reach out at patgarry@charter.net.

Chris Norbury signs a copy of his novel “Castle Danger.” (Submitted photo)

Don’t be afraid of

Summer is almost here, and with it comes a whole host of exciting events to attend. From outdoor concerts and summer festivals to patio parties and sports events, there’s something for everyone.

But sometimes, the thought of attending these events can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure of what to wear or have had past experiences that have been a letdown. Many of you are so sure the events were curated for someone younger, someone more interesting or someone more social.

Perhaps you struggle with anxiety or are just not a social butter y, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying all that summer has to offer.

One way to boost your con dence and make the most out of your summer events is by dressing for your desired outcome. When you take time to plan your look to how you want to feel, it can make all the difference in how you experience an event. It is the secret the women you envy already know.

So, let’s dive into the different events you might attend this summer and how you can dress to get what you want out of every event.

Summer festivals are the perfect op-

portunity to let loose and have fun. Whether you’re attending a music festival or an outdoor food festival, it’s time to go all out with your out t. Think bold patterns, bright colors, and statement accessories. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different prints and textures to create a unique and eye-catching look. And remember, it’s all about having fun and being playful with your fashion choices. In Minnesota, the most common choice is denim, but you can apply these suggestions to your choice of tops and shoes without going too far out of your comfort zone.

Next up, patio parties. These are all about relaxation and spending time with friends and family. Think casual and comfortable, but with a touch of sophistication. Opt for a cute sundress, a pair of wedges or sandals, and some statement jewelry to complete the look. Don’t be afraid to add a pop of color or a bold pattern to show off your personality. And if you’re feeling daring, try out a new hairstyle or makeup look to complete the ensemble. It is a good idea to check with the host if there is a theme. If it is a dinner party be sure to plan an extra layer that coordinates with your look. Hoodies are not all occasion;)

Sports events are all about showing your team spirit. Whether you’re attending a basketball game or a football game, it’s all about representing your team. Think about incorpo-

rating your team’s colors into your out t, either through clothing or accessories. You can also consider wearing a jersey or T-shirt with your team’s logo on it for a more casual look. And don’t forget to accessorize with hats, scarves, socks or even sunglasses in your team’s colors.

Summer markets are here to stay, so plan to take part. The farmer’s market and local vendor markets are a great way to support locals and get some fresh produce and unique products. Dress comfortably in a pair of denim shorts and a cute tank top or t-shirt. Add a natural ber woven bag and some matching shoes for a fun summer touch. Our St. Peter MarketFest has been a fun place for many to show off their street styles and enjoy learning new styles from others. Your style should be unique to your personality, but it is refreshing to be inspired by others creativity.

Outdoor weddings have become a big trend and we don’t see that ending anytime soon. An outdoor wedding can be tricky to dress for, as you want to look stylish but also stay comfortable in the heat. Opt for a light and airy maxi dress or a jumpsuit in a pastel or oral print. Keep your shoes comfortable, like a pair of low block heels or dressy sandals. Again, remember to consider a cooler night and the bugs that darkness brings. Be stylishly prepared with an outer layer that coordinates with your look. There are great natural bug repellents that

won’t offend others and will keep you from swatting the night away.

Finally, concerts are always a great time to dress to impress. It’s always a good idea to dress to the genre of music, even if it’s not your typical fashion statement. For example, if you’re attending a country concert, think about wearing cowboy boots and a cute sundress or denim shorts with a plaid shirt tied around your waist. If you’re attending a hip-hop concert, think about wearing a pair of sneakers, distressed jeans, and a graphic t-shirt or hoodie. By immersing yourself in the event, you’ll feel more connected to the music and the overall experience.

The warmer months are a great time to reserve your place at events with people you want to know or be with. Don’t let anxiety or past experiences hold you back from enjoying all that summer has to offer. By taking the time to plan your out ts to your desired outcome, you’ll feel more con dent and ready to take on any event that comes your way. Whether you’re attending a summer festival, patio party, sports event, market, wedding, or concert, embrace your unique style and have fun with it. Get excited and make the most of your summer events. 

Many are called, few are chosen

Iam part of an elite and exclusive club. Most people go their entire lives without having the privilege of even glimpsing this world, this alternative lifestyle. Long cloaked in darkness and occasionally shame, it’s a world not for the faint of heart (or the extremely sweaty).

Yes, I’m talking about being a mascot.

My fascination with mascots started at the delicate age of 35. I was strongarming my way through a group of kids at the State Fair to get to the front of the line to have my picture taken with the Department of Natural Resources mascot — a catfish in full uniform. After all, how often does a gal have a chance to have her picture taken with a 6-foot-tall fish? He was wearing a hat for heaven’s sake; how could I miss that?

My maiden voyage into the mascot culture began in the midst of a cold, fall morn at the University of Minnesota (U of M) Homecoming Parade. The air was ripe with excitement, as I looked forward to my debut as the character who rules the world of crescent rolls and has that recognizable giggle. Yes, I was ready to bring to life the beloved Pillsbury Doughboy.

One of the many details not offered prior to your mascot showcase is that when wearing said costume, you won’t be able to see anything … and I mean anything … at all.

Your only window to the outside world is via the actual smile on the inflatable costume.

This teeny porthole will be fogged up with your own breath in a matter of minutes. Also not mentioned is the fact that it will be unbelievably hot inside the costume and you better not be wearing much more than cotton spankies, a bra and socks.

Let me paint you a quick picture. You’re basically standing naked inside a closed MRI machine, outdoor on an asphalt parking lot in Florida during a record-breaking heat wave. The only sounds you hear are the distant voices of what sound like a school of dolphins, but turn out to be squealing children. These voices help you get your bearings right before you plead with God to take you and end it all.

When I crawled inside the puffy white skin for the first time, I had just one thing in mind: “Get me the hell out of here.” I had no idea how claustrophobic I was until I got all the way in; it was inflated and I was sealed into my slippery vinyl coffin. I immediately backed out, took a few deep breaths, and tried again.

The costume itself is roomy and keeps its shape no matter where your arms are. The sponsors just want you to dance around and entertain people. Take pictures with the tots, hug a few college students, get the crowd whipped up, that sorta thing. Unbeknownst to me, was the fact that everyone (did I make it clear? everyone) you encounter along the parade route will want to poke your belly and see if you make the high-pitched sound the illustrious character

makes. Fun fact, the belly button of the costume was located exactly over my crotch.

The entire parade consisted of me hearing the faint phrase, “See if he makes the noise,” only moments before being rushed by drunken frat boys who would ram their fists into my nether regions over and over while laughing like crazed hyenas.

Surprise attacks from behind caused me to teeter into a pile of cheerleaders who wanted to know “if there was a girl or a boy inside there” while they attempted to put a U of M sweatshirt over my voluminous head. Somebody grabbed my arms and wanted to dance which caused me to spin in circles and nearly topple over a concession table. Little kids threw their arms around my marshmallow-like legs and practically dragged me to the ground when they wouldn’t let go. Every once in a while, a strong wind would kick up and cause my costume to act like a sail. I would find myself tipping back and forth like it was Pledge Week at my old sorority and beer was free.

You would think I had learned my lesson after that adventure. However, Round 2 was soon upon me.

I’ve had a pretty extensive background in the theatre arts beginning with my fifth-grade portrayal of a Wiseman in the religious play “Cool in the Furnace.” Not to be confused with my internationally acclaimed debut as a woman playing a man playing a woman in a college performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” My one line in that Shakespeare piece opened the play and really was the highlight of the twohour show.

My command of the stage that night is perhaps what led me to my burning desire to share my stellar talent and transform into “Honey.“

“Hi, my name is Honey. Do you think I’m pretty? Would you like to have your picture taken with me?” This is what I found myself repeating endlessly to a tsunami of tradeshow attendees during my second foray into the magical mascot world.

I was performing at the New York Licensing Tradeshow with a few gazillion stressed-out exhibitors. We were showcasing a line of products with inspirational messages targeted to young girls and women. I was a very tall, lime greenhaired doll named “Honey.”

I had a giant tent-like fuchsia/orange shiny dress, big blue paddle hands and huge ballshaped blue feet. My handmade costume was produced in Minneapolis by the same agency who did the Sesame Street characters. I thought I was in the big leagues.

I wasn’t instantly recognizable like most of the A-list cartoon characters, but the Asian attendees seemed especially smitten with me. Everyone wanted a picture. Most likely they were going home and laughing about the weird creature with the enormous head that they had met in the Big Apple.

One of the best parts of the whole adventure was getting to dress in the official mascot changing room. It was an industrial space filled with half-naked, primarily shorter young people stuffing hair dryers into all the orifices of their costumes to dry them out. The preferred clothing inside these suffocating skins was white cotton underwear, socks and T-shirts. Each performer had piles of these items to have a fresh change every time they donned their alternate persona.

Because these sweaty costumes are basically impossible to see out of, you’re required to have a handler when you’re performing. This person’s entire job is to help you maneuver through crowds. The handlers call out directions and alert you to stairs and other troublesome obstacles.

They let you know when there are VIP’s who want photos and they sometimes hold your arm to steady you. Basically, they make sure you know when it’s time to ham it up. Being that I’m 6’1” before I put my costume on, my handler’s main task was helping me get my

gargantuan head unstuck from a plethora of low-hanging devices.

Much like the rest of life, there’s a hierarchy among the characters in the costumed world. People immediately want to know your “mascot credentials.” It became apparent relatively quickly that if you were the only person who wore your costume that was custom-designed for you, you were a BDD (Big-Damn-Deal).

If the costume was handmade, you traveled to perform as that character year-round, you had a business card in your character’s name, and you had more than one variation of said costume (i.e. Scooby Doo, NASCAR Scooby Doo, Surfing Scooby Doo, etc.), you were basically Beyonce. I quickly discovered I was low man on the totem pole.

A bottom feeder if you will, all because my costume had an open face. To make matters worse, I just wore it this one time to help out some friends who were exhibiting at the show. Serious performers are completely shrouded in their character’s skin. A costume with a human face showing ruins the illusion of you “being” the character.

I immediately flashed back to grade school and getting picked last for dodge ball when my fellow mascots started questioning me. Do you do this full-time? Was the costume made for you? Do you do any cruise ship work? Do you perform internationally?

Little did I know wearing an open-face costume in the performance world was the equivalent of putting a “Kick me” sign on your back in high school or having someone discover you’re a closet Celine Dion fan. Being dissed by a 4’ 10” teenage girl dressed as a Mutant Ninja Turtle is something you don’t soon forget.

When I admitted I had only performed one other time, didn’t travel with my own handler or have an agent, a hush fell over the room. Once they realized I hadn’t suffered ringworm from sharing a costume or fainted in a theme park, I was basically shunned. None of the Power Rangers would speak to me and Felix the Cat moved his dressing area to the opposite side of the room.

Back to being Honey … my “hair” weighed about 20 pounds. Every once in a while, I would bend over to hug a child and forget that it was so massive, I needed assistance straightening back up. My bulbous noggin also tended to hit doorframes and thrust me backward.

Once that happened, I would tip over like a beetle unable to right myself. That never ended well. Did I mention my open-face outfit prevented any peripheral vision and my big, puffy dress meant I wasn’t able to view my own feet, and I tended to get my snowshoe-sized shoes stuck on all sorts of hazards.

This is also when I learned about the hardcore performers who wore “ice vests” inside their costumes to keep their internal organs cool and prevent them from passing out. Hence the reason those characters you see outside at Disney World Florida only perform for short stretches at a time. You can’t take your head off or pass out in front of an audience. Your handler has to sneak you away to throw up in a back hallway if things go awry.

Sure, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Stuart Little (the mouse) and Miffy the Bunny were impressive, but Scooby Doo with a NASCAR outfit who also works the cruise line circuit was treated like a rockstar. The most impressive creatures were the stilt-wearing army of 10’ tall Japanese robots that made their own scary sound effects and had costumed handlers who looked like Secret Service agents. It was like watching Brad Pitt saunter through the crowd. All action stopped when those gargantuan silver robots stormed the tradeshow aisle.

In the real world, mascots are just dorky fun. Who doesn’t love the giant cob of corn that has to work the mall food court or the roadside Statue of Liberty during tax season?

I infiltrated their secret world, and I had a blast. I can hardly wait for Round 3. 

THURSDAY, MAR 30

Build on this Gesture - North eld-- St. Olaf Collect Flaten Art Museum. Build on this Gesture features eight studio artists currently working and teaching within St. Olaf College’s Department of Art and Art History and Flaten Art Museum. Open during regular museum hours.

Photographic

Journeys - St. Peter-- 1-5 p.m., Arts Center of Saint Peter, 315 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. See the landscape photography of Jonathan Zierdt, showing during normal gallery hours through March 23.

Beeswax Collage Workshop - Montgomery-3:30 p.m., Montgomery Public Library.

Learn how to turn simple blocks of wood, photocopies, and beeswax into personal works of art. With their lived-in patina, these storyblocks offer endless options to personalize. Free. Supplies provided.

Tony Sammis - Owatonna-- 6-8 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 111 N Walnut Ave, Owatonna. Tony is no stranger to the brewery scene, jamming out all across the Twin Cities with the occasional trip to Florida even. Tony plays the best acoustic jams around.

FRIDAY, MAR 31

Convocation with Emily Ford - North eld--

10:50-11:50 a.m., Emily Ford is an aspiring winter adventurer and thru-hiker based in Duluth, Minnesota. She has completed many thru-hikes in the midwest including the 1,200-mile Ice Age trail, which crosses Wisconsin east to west from Potawatomi State Park to St. Croix State Park on the Minnesota border.

Gallery Opening - Faribault-- 5-7 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. In the Carlander Gallery are works by Jodi Reeb; in the Lois Vranesh Boardroom Gallery are works by Pamela Christensen; in the K&M Gallery are works by Ethan Edvenson and Members’ Corner; and in the Corey Lyn Creger Memorial Gallery are works by Shattuck-St. Mary’s students. Shows regular hours through May 6.

Arboretum Springtime Egg Hunt - St. Peter-- 10 a.m., Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 West College Ave, St. Peter. Search for egg treasures under the branches and down the trails of the Arboretum. Options for kids of all ages, and prizes in the eggs. Kids must be accompanied by adults. Free and open to the public. Snacks provided. Free will donations suggested.

April Fools Shenanigans - New Prague-6-8 p.m., Music from duo Shenanigans and food from Sunny Days Comfort Food. Crazy good vocals.

Rush River

Delta & Little Wing

Dessa - Faribault-- 7:30 p.m., Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Faribault. Singer, rapper, and writer Dessa has made a career of bucking genres and defying expectations — her résumé as a musician includes performances at Lollapalooza and Glastonbury, co-compositions for 100-voice choir, performances with the Minnesota Orchestra, and top-200 entries on the Billboard charts. Tickets online.

4-H Easter Egg HuntFaribault-10:30-11:30 a.m., Rice County 4-H Building, 1900 Fairgrounds Dr. #17, Faribault. This free event is open to the community and geared toward ages 2 through fth grade. For more information, go to the Rice County Extension website at z.umn.edu/RiceEasterEggHunt.

Phil Berbig - Owatonna-- 1-3 p.m., Foremost Brewing Cooperative, 131 W. Broadway St, Owatonna. Craft beer and live music.

Hops for Habitat

- Northeld-- 7-10 p.m., Grand Event Center, 316 Washington St., North eld.

The full seven-piece band will hit the stage at 8 p.m., with the always fantastic Little Wing opening the show at 7 p.m. This is sure to be a night you won’t want to miss. Two bands and a full bar at the beautiful and intimate historic theater. $15 at the door.

Wicked Garden - Owatonna-- 8:30 p.m., Reggie’s Brewhouse, 220 N. Cedar Ave., Owatonna. Join at Reggie’s Brewhouse for rock hits from the 90s from bands like Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Stone Temple Pilots, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, Tool, Metallica, Smashing Pumpkins and many more.

The Play That Goes Wrong-- 7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. What would happen if Sherlock Holmes and Monty Python had an illegitimate Broadway baby? You’d get The Play That Goes Wrong, Broadway and London’s award-winning smash comedy. Shows March 31, April 1, 6, 7, 8 at 7:30 p.m., plus April 2 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $17 for adults and $10 for students 18 and under. Tickets online or at the box of ce.

SATURDAY, APR 01

Riverwalk Winter Market - North eld-10 a.m.-2 p.m., 115 Fifth St. W., North eld. Riverwalk Market Fair hosts indoor Winter Markets at the old North eld News Building. Offering unique one of a kind, handcrafted art and crafts, food, and locally grown produce. Don’t wait until the summer to get your Riverwalk x. Last indoor market of the winter.

- Owatonna-- 3-7 p.m., Four Seasons Centre, 1525 S. Elm Ave., Owatonna. Come sample local and statewide beers, seltzers and wines. Live music, a food truck and corn hole will be back by popular demand. Tickets available for online purchase soon.

Gun & Cash Bingo

- Le Center-- 4 p.m., A fun night of Bingo to win cash and guns to support the Le Sueur County Free Fair.

MONDAY, APR 03

Action Figure

Terrariums

- Waseca-- 1 p.m., Waseca Public Library, 408 N. State ST. Teens will create adorable tiny environments for their mini action gures at Waseca Public Library. This free event is exclusively for ages 13-18.

TUESDAY, APR 04

Youth Naturalist Series:

The JamBoyz - Janesville-- 5:30-8:30 p.m., Performing upbeat music acoustically.

Nature Art - Henderson-9-10 a.m., Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson. Art about nature; nature made into art. Get inspired as Ney tries some fun nature crafts that bring out your child’s creative side.

Easter Egg HuntOwatonna-- 4-5 p.m., Benedictine Living Community, 2255 30th St NW, Owatonna. Ages 3 and under at 4 p.m. Ages 4-6 at 4:15 p.m.

Ages 7 and up at 4:30 p.m. To be held indoors. Mask required and provided for individuals 3 and over.

WEDNESDAY, APR 05

Health nders Film

Screening - Northeld-- 5:30-8:30 p.m., Imminent Brewing, 519 Division Street South Unit 2. A free lm screening and panel discussion on youth and mental health, as part of the spring lm festival and in preparation for the Armory Square gala fundraiser.

THURSDAY, APR 06

Minnesota’s Most Haunted Locations

- Faribault-- 6-7 p.m., Buckham Memorial Library, 11 Division St. E, Faribault. Paranormal Investigator Chad Lewis tells us about the many haunted locations in Minnesota in this Legacyfunded event. Are there haunted places in your city? This event will be ASL interpreted.

FRIDAY, APR 07

Convocation with Matthew MacWilliams - North eld-10:50-11:50

a.m., Carleton College Skinner Memorial Chapel. MacWilliams has launched surveys and qualitative research exploring the global rise of authoritarianism and discussed the implications of his ndings for the future of democracy with elected of cials and civil society leaders across the United States, Europe, and Eurasia.

Giant Sorry and Yahtzee - Waseca-1-3 p.m., Waseca Public Library, 408 N. State ST. Turn up the notch on your favorite games with these oversized versions. Free and exclusively for ages 13-18.

Paul StewartJanesville-- 6-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Paul Stewart performs 50s, 60s, country, rock, and blues.

Adult Prom Night - New Prague-- 7-10 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. Next Chapter Winery presents their rst ever Adult Prom Night Featuring Singer and looping performer Tony Williams. Don whatever your heart desires, but prom dresses/suites (especially those from the 80’ and 90’s) are encouraged. Cover charge is $5 at the door.

SATURDAY, APR 08

Easter Egg Hunt and Breakfast - St. Peter-8-11 a.m., St. Peter Community Center, 600 S. Fifth St., St. peter. Dad’s Belgium waf es from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., followed by the hunt at 10:30 a.m. Breakfast is $10 in advance, $12 at the door for adults; $8 in advance for kids 6-10 and $10 at the door; kids eat free. All proceeds go to the annual hunt.

Le Sueur Lions Easter Egg Hunt-10-11 a.m., The Le Sueur Lions are excited to be having its annual Easter Egg hunt at the Legion Park and can’t wait to see all kids. The Easter egg hunt is open to third grade (ages 8-9) and younger.

Jeff ReinartzOwatonna-- 1 p.m., Foremost Brewing Cooperative, 131 W. Broadway St, Owatonna.

Jeff Reinartz is a singer/songwriter from Austin, Minnesota. He’s been performing live for over 30 years and is a veteran of several bands. He is now a solo acoustic performer and has released two EPs that were produced by Scotty Rohr at Zension Studio in Austin.

Betty and The NoiseOwatonna-- 8 p.m., Reggie’s Brewhouse, 220 N. Cedar Ave., Owatonna. Bring your dancing shoes.

A Tribute to Roy Oribson w/ Elvis - Northeld-- 2-5 p.m., Grand Event Center, 316 Washington St., North eld. David K rocks The Grand as Roy Orbison, this year bringing along Elvis Presley in this matinee performance. Tickets online.

Scene Steve BoykenOwatonna-6:30-8:30 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 111 N Walnut Ave, Owatonna. Special solo performance by Steve Boyken, half of Ron & Steve Unplugged. Enjoy acoustic pop and rock classics from the 70s and 80s.

Smokescreen - Kasota-- 9 p.m., The Blue Moon Bar & Grill, 300 S. Webster St., Kasota. Rocking the Blue Moon in Kasota, Smokescreen takes the stage at 9 p.m., playing a variety of rock and country music.

TUESDAY, APR 11

Angela Two Stars TalkNorth eld-- 4-5 p.m., In this conversation, Two Stars will talk about her role as the director of All My Relations Arts, a program of the Native American Community Development Institute, in Minneapolis. Two Stars’ artwork is rooted in language revitalization, and she uses her own language journey to share a deeper understanding of cultural identity and healing through the Dakota language. Free and open to all.

WEDNESDAY, APR 12

Geocaching for Bunny Baskets - Henderson-- 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson. Celebrate the spring with one of our favorite animals, the rabbit. Ney will have themed bunny baskets hidden throughout the park for your family to discover and enjoy. At the beginning of your session, staff will send GPS coordinates where your basket is located. Staff will be available on site, but this is designed to be an “on-yourown-adventure.” Tickets online - $12 members; $15 non-members. April 8 and 9 morning and afternoon sessions available.

Community Egg Hunt - Faribault-- 10:3011:30 a.m., Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Faribault. Bring your family and friends to the Shattuck-St. Mary’s School campus to hunt for eggs throughout the campus. Ages 1-11 are welcome to attend.

Easter Egg Hunt - Waseca-- 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Clear Lake Park, Waseca. Location is not nalized and is dependent on weather conditions.

Mitchell Hall & The Tennessee TrioMontgomery-- 7-10 p.m., Revival on Main, 209 First St. S., Montgomery. Mitchell Hall and the Tennessee Trio bring their Johnny Cash & June Carter tribute show.

Music of Buddy HollyKasota-- 7:30 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. Enjoy the early Rock n’ Roll stylings of the Hoppers and the divine vocal harmonies of the Silver Belles as they travel through the ‘50s and ‘60s and explore the roots of Rhythm and Blues. Tickets available online.

BrandedOwatonna-- 8 p.m., Owatonna Eagles 1791, 141 E. Rose St., Owatonna. Branded performs all the latest hot country songs.

Pints for Pride - North eld-- 5-8 p.m., Imminent Brewing, 519 Division Street South Unit

2. Help the Pride in the Park committee raise funds for North eld’s third annual Pride celebration. Pints for Pride, hosted by North eld’s own Mrs. Moxie, will include fun, games, and a silent auction, as well as opportunities to simply donate directly.

THURSDAY, APR 13

Todd Michael JamesonOwatonna-6-8 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 111 N Walnut Ave, Owatonna.

Todd Michael Jameson is a seasoned musician and Rock

Steady Records recording artist, with many years of experience. Along with performing originals and covers as a solo artist, Todd also plays bass in Hawt Beir (Original Rock and Roll). Playing over 175 gigs per year, Todd travels across many genres and entertains audiences of all sizes.

Chick Flicks Trivia Night - Waseca-- 6-8 p.m., The Bar on Main, 100 N. State St, Waseca. Trivia about your favorite chick flicks. Register for free online: facebook.com/thebaronmain.

Gustavus Dance Company in Concert - St. Peter-8-10 p.m., Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 West College Ave, St. Peter. Join in reveling in the ephemeral nature of dance, existing solely in the body, revealing the essence of each moment in all its scintillating beauty and raw, courageous vulnerability. Shows 8 p.m. April 14-16, plus 2 p.m. April 16.

FRIDAY, APR 14

Convocation with Gaelynn Lea - Northfield-- 10:50-11:50 a.m., Carleton College, 1 N College St., Northfield. Gaelynn Lea won NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Contest in 2016. Since then, she has captivated audiences around the world with her haunting original songs and traditional fiddle tunes. Gaelynn Lea has opened for Wilco, The Decemberists, LOW, and the industrial rock supergroup Pigface. Masks strongly encouraged.

Gwen Westerman

Keynote Address - Northfield-- 4-5:30

p.m., St. Olaf College, 1520 St Olaf Ave., Northfield. The St. Olaf College

Lutheran Center for Faith, Values, and Community is hosting Dr. Gwen Westerman, Dakota author, artist, and Minnesota’s poet laureate. Westerman’s visit will focus educating the community about the Dakota land that St. Olaf resides on and how St. Olaf can live out its land acknowledgment statement. Free.

Comedy Under The Bridge - Faribault-7-10:30 p.m., 10,000 Drops, 28 4th St NE, Faribault. For $12 (pre-sale) you’ll get four amazing comedians, tons of laughs, and access to stellar cocktails, beer and wine.

Greg Coleman headlines, with Courtney Baka and James Stanley. Drew Hehir is hosting. Tickets also available at the door at $15.

EZ JazzOwatonna-7 p.m., Foremost Brewing Cooperative, 131 W. Broadway St, Owatonna. They play a combination of original, modern, and standard jazz. Stop down to Foremost for an evening of jazz music and beer with friends.

The WildwoodsOwatonna-- 7-9 p.m., Owatonna Art Center, 435 Garden View Ln, Owatonna. Enjoy some acoustic guitar, violin and bass at the Art Center.

SUNDAY, APR 16

Bee Balm Fields - New Ulm-- 7-9 p.m., Grand Center for Arts & Culture, 210 N Minnesota St, New Ulm. Bee Balm Fields draws inspiration from many different styles of music but has been described as an Indie Folk/Americana band. Karels is a big fan of Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline and Roger Miller. This event is free and all are welcome.

SATURDAY, APR 15

Community Market Fair

- Dundas-- 9 a.m., Dundas Dome, 2033-2198 Cannon Road, Northfield. More than just a home and garden show, join for this year’s Community Market Fair featuring local exhibitors for all your home, garden, lifestyle, health and leisure needs.

Bridal Show - Waseca-- 11 a.m.-2 p.m., The Mill Event Center, 310 2nd Ave SW, Waseca.

TUESDAY, APR 18

Inventor’s Lab - Montgomery-3:30 p.m., Montgomery Public Library. Invent toys using Hanz Inventors Lab kits. These pieces can be rearranged into hundreds of different combinations. Ages 7-12.

THURSDAY, APR 20

Melissa Kugler ExhibitionNorthfield-12 a.m., Northfield Arts Guild, 304 Division St. S., Northfield. Found and thrifted puzzles provide the base for Melissa’s dynamic and textural works. Open during regular gallery hours at the Up Gallery.

Habitat Hops & Vine - New Prague-- 5-7:30 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. Support Habitat for Humanity South Central Minnesota at this fun event.

Square Dance - Dundas-- 4-7 p.m., Keepsake Cidery, 135th St. East, Dundas. No experience necessary, all are welcome. All you need to do is show up ready to dance and the rest will be done for you. Music by Steam Machine and friends. Dance calling by Ann Carter. Cost is $10; free for kids 11 and under.

Vendors from all around the southern Minnesota area. Swag bags will be given to the first 50 brides through the door. If you RSVP prior to the event your name will go in a second time to the door prize drawings.

MONDAY, APR 17

Finding Clara Author Talk - Northfield-7-7:30 p.m., Northfield Public Library, 210 Washington St., Northfield. Join Jeri Fuller for a presentation on the genealogical journey that culminated in a book, “Finding Clara.” The titular Clara was born in 1875 in Northfield. A Q&A and book signing will follow.

Montgomery Farmers Market-- 4-7 p.m., The Revival on Main, Montgomery. The final 2023 indoor Montgomery Farmers Market before the weather warms up.

Pollinator Gardens - Faribault-6-7 p.m., Buckham Memorial Library, 11 Division St. E, Faribault. In the third part of a four-part gardening series, master gardener

Lisa Reuvers presents how to put together a pollinator garden. Registration is requested at 507-334-2089. The program is free.

Los T - Janesville-- 5:30-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Los T offers Tex Mex music.

Dosh - Faribault-- 6 p.m., Cathedral of Our Merciful Savior, 515 NW 2nd Ave., Faribault. Martin Chavez Dosh, better known mononymously as Dosh, is a multi-instrumentalist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Industrial Hemp Talk - Northfield-- 6:307:30 p.m., Northfield Public Library, 210 Washington St., Northfield. Tom Michaels is a Professor with the UMN Department of Horticultural Science. His research projects focus on plant breeding and genetics of horticultural and specialty crops. During his 40-year career, he has released 25 new crop varieties, mostly dry edible beans, and is currently working toward the release of new industrial hemp, sweet sorghum, lettuce, and dry bean varieties.

Tell Me A

Story - St.

Peter-- 7:309:30 p.m., Arts Center of Saint Peter, 315 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. A collection of individuals volunteer to tell stories, up to 5 minutes long, on a given topic. This will be the second in a four-part series for 2023 at the Arts Center. The third and four parts are Oct. 12 and Nov. 16. Topics to be announced.

FRIDAY, APR 21

Deuces

WildKasota--

6-9:30 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota.

Sing, clap, laugh and drink along with Dave & Ted: Deuces Wild. For over 19 years they have traveled coast to coast in the USA, Canada, Panama, and Mexico as the most sought-after dueling piano act in the country. Their highenergy mix of comedy, music and extensive audience participation makes this a show unlike any other. Tickets online.

Bryce Leppert - Owatonna-6-9 p.m., Owatonna Elks, 126 E Vine St. Enjoy some live music at the bar.

Amy Manette BandNew Ulm- 7-9 p.m., Grand Center for Arts & Culture, 210 N Minnesota St, New Ulm.

Amy Manette has an amazing dynamic range unmatched by most singers. She has a powerful, soulful voice but can also sing with great tenderness. She’ll perform with Brad Holmberg on electric and acoustic guitar, Andrew McNamara on piano, Ethan Pinto on six-string electric bass and upright acoustic bass, and Marvin Topp on drums and vocals. Free and open to the public.

Messier Marathon - Kenyon-- 7 p.m., Cherry Grove Observatory, 8485 520th St., Kenyon. A Messier Marathon is an attempt to find as many Messier objects as possible during one night. The Messier catalogue was compiled by French astronomer Charles Messier during the late 18th century and consists of 110 relatively bright deep sky objects (galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters).

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?Owatonna-- 7:30 p.m., Little Theatre of Owatonna, 560 Dunnell Dr # A, Owatonna. George, a professor at a small college, and his wife, Martha, have just returned home, drunk from a Saturday night party. Martha announces, amidst general profanity, that she has invited a young couple — an opportunistic new professor at the college and his shatteringly naïve new bride — to stop by for a nightcap. When they arrive, the games begin. For mature audiences. Tickets are $19 for adults and $14 for students. Purchase online or at the box office.

SATURDAY, APR 22

Earth Day

Celebration

- Northfield-12 a.m., Northfield. Northfield is offering a weekend of celebrating Earth Day, including a Sip n’ Swap at Imminent Brewing Thursday night 6-8 p.m., a Contra Dance from 7-10 p.m. Friday night at Armory Square, and music, speakers, food, exhibitors and more all afternoon at Bridge Square Saturday.

Tree Jamboree - Henderson-- 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson.

Welcome to the Tree Jamboree, an exciting new Earth Day event at Ney celebrating the beauty and importance of trees in our environment. This event is filled with fun activities for people of all ages to enjoy, with live music, delicious food, arts and crafts, informative booths, tree plantings and more.

Cannon Valley Farmers MarketNorthfield-12-3 p.m., Bridge Square, Northfield. The Cannon Valley Farmers’ Market is focused on local foods and farm products.

Adam Moe

- Owatonna-5:30-8:30 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 111 N Walnut Ave, Owatonna. Adam Moe is a fiddler and singer/ songwriter based in Duluth, MN. In 2012, he started the folky-tonk duo Pushing Chain with then partner Boyd Blomberg. For the next eight years, Pushing Chain toured the US and Canada, playing venues big and small and gaining fans the oldfashioned way — face to face, one at a time.

Marv and Kaat - Janesville-- 5:308:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Enjoy live music with your food and drinks.

Matt Hannah - Owatonna-- 7-9 p.m., Foremost Brewing Cooperative, 131 W. Broadway St, Owatonna. Matt Hannah is a Minneapolis-based folk Americana singer-songwriter. His third fulllength studio album House of Illusion (March 2022) charted on NACC 200 and was lauded as a “standout album” by WVIA Host George Graham.

Carpenter’s Close to You - Faribault-7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. Singer and playwright Lisa Rock has compiled a moving tribute to the music and life of Karen Carpenter and brings it to the stage with her 6-piece backing band.

SUNDAY, APR 23

Wedding Fair - New Prague-- 12-3 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. Join for a day of celebration, food tastings, live music, and of course, wine and beer, as you work on securing the last of your wedding details! This low-pressure, small-scale wedding fair is meant to help bring couples and vendors together in a relaxed, casual, and fun environment. Free to attend.

Sean BenzKasota-- 4-7 p.m., Westwood Marina Bar & Grill, 1400 Lake Washington Access Rd., Kasota. Come and join me for three hours of great fun.

TUESDAY, APR 25

Northfield Hospital Auxiliary Book Fair- 5-9 p.m., One of the biggest book fairs you’re likely to find, this event runs for five days: 5-9 p.m. Tuesday; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday. Free books are then given away from 1-3 p.m. Saturday.

WEDNESDAY, APR 26

Ag Career Exploration - Waseca-- 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Farmamerica, 7367 360th Ave, Waseca. Our Ag Career Exploration days are designed for students in seventh and eighth grade. The event explores all six sectors of the Minnesota career wheel and shows how every sector connects back to agriculture through a hands on experience. Professionals in ag-based careers teach the sectors and talk about their jobs to students. Open to all; pre-registration at jdelnay@ farmamerica.org or 507-835-2052.

Do you want to submit an event to this calendar? Send details to editor@ southernminnscene.com.

Did we miss something? Let us know! We may still be able to get an important event on one of our weekly pages that run in the newspapers.

‘OCME,’ ‘All the Beauty in the World’ and more

OCME:

Life in America’s Top Forensic Medical Center

by Bruce Goldfarb

c.2023, Steerforth Press $19.00 240 pages

There are, they say, two certainties in life: death and taxes.

With a little hard work and some creativity, you probably could avoid the latter but it wouldn’t be easyl and let’s be honest: avoidance wouldn’t be any fun. As for the former certainty, it’ll get us all sooner or later. Death and taxes are inevitable and, as in the new book “OCME” by Bruce Goldfarb, so are politics.

The old saying is not true. Dead men do tell tales.

More than a decade ago, that was something Bruce Goldfarb was about to learn. He’d worked as an emergency medical technician in Memphis, then with the re department there, got a nursing degree, and was “ ddling around with writing” when “one story [he penned] altered my life in an unpredictable way.” He wrote about the Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death at the OCME (Of ce of Chief Medical Examiner) of Maryland; not long afterward, he had a job there as the executive assistant to the chief ME.

Once upon a time, Baltimore was not a place to die.

In the early 1800s, says Goldfarb, grave robbing was common in Baltimore because of the need for cadavers in the city’s colleges and classes. There was public outcry for better facilities for the dead and in 1887, an ordinance was passed to create a morgue but it went unfunded. A building was erected in 1890 but it was very basic; not until 1925 was a then-state-of-the-art facility created.

Nearly ninety years later, at his new job, Goldfarb says his phone rang constantly. In charge of public relations, he spent his days answering questions from the press and families whose loved ones lay in the morgue. He handled some requests; denied those that were illegal, unsafe, or just plain creepy; and he explained countless times that there’s a difference between cause and manner of death. And when someone asks him today how they can possibly go on without a loved one, he offers six simple words...

According to author Bruce Goldfarb, actor Jack Klugman’s portrait hangs in the hallway of the Of ce of Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore, because of Klugman’s lead role in Quincy, M.E. That’s about the closest television gets to real life inside this intriguing book.

And yet – don’t dive in without testing the waters rst.

“OCME” is a tale of autopsies, death, corpses, and crime, and Goldfarb doesn’t soften those realities –though this book isn’t gratuitously gruesome. He was very familiar with big cases during his time at OCME, such as those of Freddie Gray and Tyrone West, but he offers no new information because this isn’t that kind of book, either. Instead, this is a lively and educational story written with authenticity and the right amount of jaw-droppers, and it abundantly shows how bureaucracy can catch up with you, even after you’re dead.

CSI fans, true crime lovers, and anyone with a curious mind will want this book in their lap this weekend.

“OCME” is real, factual, fascinating, and never, ever taxing.

All the Beauty in the World:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me

by Patrick Bringley c/2023, Simon & Schuster $27.99 240 pages

One hundred eighty degrees.

That’s where you want to be after something very bad has occurred. You want as far as possible away from it, miles out of reach, an exact opposite situation, pronto, thank you. A new schedule, different place, rearrangement, anything that’s not that anymore. As in the new book “All the Beauty in the World” by Patrick Bringley, you reframe everything in your life.

The day Patrick Bringley was supposed to be married was the day of his brother’s funeral.

As the oldest child in the family, Tom had been someone Bringley loved and admired. He was strong, smart, funny, and he was supposed to be a witness in Bringley’s wedding, but Tom died of soft-tissue sarcoma before that could happen, at age twenty-six.

In the days afterward, Bringley felt instinctively that he needed something in his life, something to replace “hospital” with healing. When he was a child, the Metropolitan Museum of Art had been a treat to visit; he remembered that his mother, an art historian and sometime performer, took him there occasionally, scraping small change together for the admission fee. Once, as an adolescent, he physically “experienced the great beauty of” a work of art, and he was somewhat abashed about it. Still, the Met was a place of awestriking grandness and serenity to him.

Bringley set aside his college years, quit his highpro le job, and he became a security guard at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Guarding the Met “was the most straight-forward job I

could think of in the most beautiful place I knew.”

Being a security guard requires lots of standing solo, Bringley says; there are usually people around but there’s often plenty of alone-time. Before becoming a guard at the Met, he loved working at a high-end New York magazine where people said he was surely ‘going places.’

Standing in place, grieving, observing, thinking, he said of the museum, “I nd myself happy to be going nowhere.”

When it comes to the things you have hanging on your wall or gracing a tabletop, you know what you like. Dogs playing poker? Perfect. A folk-art bowl? Even better. “All the Beauty in the World” on a bookshelf? Yep, you’ll like that, too.

But you should know this rst: in telling his story, author Patrick Bringley doesn’t seem to care if you can’t tell Egyptian art from an exit sign. If you’re never set foot in an art museum, no problem. It doesn’t matter here.

This does: Bringley writes sometimes about the history of art and the history of the Met, but his book is more about beauty met in quiet places and the healing it facilitated. Yes, there are Cassatts and kouros here, but compassion and kindness appear brighter.

Whether it’s the art that tugs at your heart, or the sweetly-charming, soothing stories of people lost and people found that appeal to you, “All the Beauty in the World” is a unique and gently different kind of book. Just picture yourself with it.

Device Free Weekend: A Thrille

by Sean Doolittle

c.2023, Grand Central Publishing $28.00 288 pages

You have a lot of catching up to do.

How long has it been since you were all together last? Doesn’t matter, the years fall away when you’re with your oldest, longest friends. There was a time when you were inseparable and man, it feels good to reconnect but, as in the new novel, “Device Free Weekend” by Sean Doolittle, how well do you still know them?

Had it actually been twenty years since the Stillwater Seven was together?

Stephen Rollins added it up on his Chicago-to-Denver ight. Yep, it had been every bit of two decades since his college chums had all been in the same room. Last time was Will and Perry’s wedding day, and yeah, it’d been awhile.

He’d kept up with everyone, sometimes, more or less. Will and Perry lled him in on Emma’s life in Minnesota; he’d semi-followed Beau and Lainey (known as Blainey) on YouTube. As for Ryan, well, Stephen watched from afar: his old roommate was too busy running a multinational, multi-multi-million-dollar social media corporation to stay in frequent touch.

So when the fancy invitation arrived with glitter and silver and a number on the back, Stephen waf ed: did he want to keep the window shut, and skip the weekend at Ryan Cloverhill’s private Paci c Northwest island? Then again, how could he pass up an allexpenses-paid three days of boating, whale-watching, and reminiscing?

He was really glad to see Emma on the same ight, Denver to Seattle. Once, Stephen was in love with her and so was Ryan, and there were regrets – but reconnecting with her felt right. This would be good.

Not good, though: once they’d arrived, Ryan con scated everyone’s cell phones, tablets, and watches, and he acted weird. Also not good: Ryan looked awful, and he singled Stephen out to say that he had cancer, and that the weekend was his last hurrah.

It was so unlike him.

He begged Stephen not to tell the others.

And then he drugged everyone at supper the rst night, and Ryan disappeared....

Draw the connections however you want, between social media, the online world, ubiquitous devices, techxperts and all – the fact is that with one nger on a digital pulse and one on a trigger, “Device Free Weekend” is a pretty ne thriller.

While you might sense what’s going to happen in the rst few pages – and you’d be right – author Sean Doolittle keeps readers guessing on the details of this novel – details that readers will be happy to note are believable without going full I.T. on anyone. Reading this book doesn’t take you into CPU territory; no, it’s current but with the usual, comfortingly familiar elements of a thriller – revenge, bullets, spy devices, high-speed chases – perched on a tightrope between good and greed and killers with morals.

Like many thrillers, “Device Free Weekend” can lag sometimes, but take it as a chance to snag a breath before being plunged back into a story that turns you every which way. If you’re up for that, it’s a book to catch.

Storm Watch

by by C.J. Box

c.2023, Putnam $29.00 353 pages

You just can’t see it.

There’s something in the way, bad weather, a roadblock, a geographical shape that blocks your view, something physical. You can’t see it. Or you can’t see because you’re unfamiliar, dubious, uninformed, or you just plain don’t want to see it. But as in the new novel “Storm Watch” by C.J. Box, you really need to watch out.

For the rst time since he’d moved to Saddlestring, Wyoming, Game Warden Joe Pickett hated the winter weather.

Snow hadn’t bothered him much before but when he got a call about a wounded elk cow that needed to be put down up on the Double Diamond Ranch, he eyed his easy-chair and wished he were anywhere else. A snowstorm was coming over the Big Horn Mountains, but it was Joe’s responsibility to see to that elk.

He tracked the animal a fair ways before he found her, and the source of a whooshing sound that echoed loudly through the valley.

Someone had erected a small shed there, crammed with large fans that screamed like airplanes on tarmac. Hanging from a window was the bottom half of a man who’d been shoved head- rst into those fans. But when deputies went to retrieve what was left of the guy, there was no blood, no body. And Joe was told to keep the whole thing under wraps.

Just north of Joe Pickett’s new house, Nate Romanowski plowed his driveway with a modi ed 1948 Dodge so that fellow falconer and friend, Geronimo Jones, could get to Nate’s compound safely. Jones was on his way with a business proposal but the rst person up the driveway was a stranger with a different kind of offer.

Jason Demo invited Nate to a meeting to talk about how “coastal elites” see folks in the West, and how his group, The Keystoners, weren’t going to “stand down.” Yep, things were going to change in this country, starting in Saddlestring, Wyoming...

So, have you followed the news much lately? Maybe brushed up on your current events? You’ll need ‘em before you tackle “Storm Watch.”

Take that as a bit of a warning: author C.J. Box ripped newspaper headlines pages one through six to craft this very ne thriller, and you’ll be happier and have a better understanding of this tale if you’re at least a little bit in the know. Like Box’s last couple novels, this one brushes against the edges of the newest technology and the bad guys get savvier. It should be noted that they’re also more violent, angrier, but more purposeful than you might nd in a usual thriller; the outlaws inside “Storm Watch,” aren’t madmen, which is a bit unsettling and can remain so for awhile, long after the semi-cliff-hanging ending of this book.

Still, fans of western thrillers won’t want to be without this novel on the table next to their easychairs. Just brush up on your current events rst, is all, know what’s going on in the world, and yeah, “Storm Watch.” You could see it.

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

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