SCENE FEBRUARY 2025

DAILYSPECIALS

CATERING OPEN7DAYSAWEEK

6

NEVER MISS AN EVENT Scene

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31

5 p.m. – Medallion hunt, sponsored by David Detlefsen Agency, starts.

6 p.m. – Winterfest Opening Ceremony Official reading of the first Medallion Hunt clue

7 p.m. – Flurries and Fireworks - The band The Hype performing at Johnson Hall on Nicollet County Fairgrounds campus. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are available on Ambassadors website. Ticket fees help raise money for July 4th fireworks.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1

Polar Plunge -Hundreds will jump in the icy waters of Hallett’s Pond. Be a participant or spectator.

6 p.m. – WinterMania - Professional wrestling event at Johnson Hall on the Nicollet County Fairgrounds campus. Tickets are available on Ambassadors website.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8

1 p.m. – Poker Walk - Start at Red Men Club, build poker hand by visiting downtown establishments, make final stop Patrick’s for awarding of prizes.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9

8 a.m. to noon – Belgian Waffle Breakfast by the Saint Peter Lions at the Saint Peter Community Center. Buy tickets from Lions members at the Chamber office or at the door on the morning of the event.

*Have an event you would like prompted under the Winterfest umbrella? Call us at 943-3400 or email edlee@stpeterchamber.com and we’ll happily add it!*

***Visit the Chamber website for more additions to Winterfest 2025 and/or updates***

Events

Dreaming of ideal wedding locales in Southern Minnesota

By JANE TURPIN MOORE Guest Contributor

Wedding bells are ringing, but they’re not pealing as often from church belfries.

In 2023, an American Enterprise Institute survey reported that only 30% of weddings since 2013 had occurred in churches.

And the average age of marriage has consistently crept higher, with the online wedding website The Knot sharing that, as of 2022, Minnesotans were marrying on average at 30.

Even so, the Pew Research Center confirms that 75% of Americans are married by age 40. Where, if not in churches, are all these nuptials happening?

In lovely settings, sometimes rural, where all-in-one events—some starting with cocktail hours, progressing to ceremonies, continuing to dinner and dancing—are increasingly popular

Reception halls, wineries, tricked-out barns, golf and country clubs and straight-up farms are now more the norm than the exception.

Couples seeking the ideal spot to suit their style, personalities and budget are in luck; southern Minnesota brims with lovely sites catering to weddings.

Two resourceful, hard-working families are among those who have created wedding locales in the area. Red Barn Farm, Northfield, and Oak View Weddings and Events, Owatonna, are family-run operations where enthusiastically hosting the bride and groom’s perfect day is the name of the game.

Oak View Weddings and Events

7921 S. County Road 45, Owatonna. oakviewweddingsandevents.com 507-456-4359 dan@oakviewweddingsandevents.com.

“Weddings have evolved into a much more personalized experience for couples,” said Katie Haberman, co-owner of Oak View Weddings and Events with her husband Dan.

“They can add their own flair and get as creative as

Red Barn Farm

Oak View Weddings and

they want to nowadays.”

Katie contrasts that to her own nuptials 29 years ago, which she terms as fairly “cookiecutter.”

“Each wedding these days is unique and tailored to each couple to suit them and their style, which is really fun.”

The eight-acre Oak View Weddings and Events offers lush green nature settings yet is located six miles south of Owatonna, just east of I-35 and south of Highway 14. That means Oak View is chosen by couples not only from the greater Owatonna area but from throughout the region.

Dan Haberman grew up there, and before Oak View was developed into a wedding venue it was a pumpkin patch and landscaping business.

“People coming to buy trees, plants and pumpkins were always telling us how beautiful it was here,” said Katie, who credits Dan for his professional landscaping skills.

Thus, Oak View became a go-to wedding site by request.

“One year, we had friends ask if they could get married in our yard,” said Katie. “The next year, three more couples wanted to get married here.”

The Habermans are now in their eighth year of offering a thriving wedding venue that’s been shaped specifically to meet the requests and needs associated with weddings.

Accommodating up to 220 guests, Oak View has three fireplaces, multiple fountains and abundant natural surroundings that allow for numerous photo opportunities.

All buildings — a reception space, bar, bridal suite and groom suite — are temperaturecontrolled for everyone’s maximum comfort.

“We have two ceremony sites—the Grand Willow Tree ceremony area and the Enchanted Woods Ceremony area,” said Katie, mentioning that the latter is new beginning this year.

“It’s a fantastic indoor/outdoor experience, it’s magical here at night and brides and photographers love the photos they get.”

Oak View’s pricing is posted directly on their website so couples can immediately assess how the costs will work with their budgets.

“They get the venue from 10 a.m. to midnight, can take their time decorating and hang onto the suites throughout the day and evening,” said Katie.

“We do everything we can to keep things stress-free for the brides so they can enjoy the entire day.”

questions about specifics, though their website is quite thorough.

“We’re booking into 2026, but we have some spots left for 2025,” assured Katie. “There’s plenty of time to have a wedding.”

And at Oak View, every wedding is a special occasion.

“It’s so fun,” said Katie. “We get to help couples have their best day, and we make it as magical for them as we can.”

Red Barn Farm

10063 110th St. East, Northfield. redbarnfarmweddingsmn.com

507-664-0304

contact@redbarnfarmweddingsmn.com.

Tammy and Patrick Winter, along with their children Hannah and Max, have endured the storms of life so you and your wedding party won’t have to.

“Wedding days can be chaotic, but we have the experience and service mentality to make your day extra special,” said Patrick.

“We do the work and make this a one-stop shop so you can have a good time on what will be one of the best days of your life.”

Over the past 15 years, the Winter family has perfected the art of hosting weddings, and they’ve created the perfect rural site (located about four miles east of Northfield) to do so.

“We have 10 beautifully landscaped acres for weddings from May through October,” said Patrick.

Not only is Oak View family operated— besides Katie’s hands-on expertise and Dan’s landscaping and maintenance prowess, their son assists Dan with all behind-the-scenes work and their daughter helps with Oak View’s website, photos and social media presence—it’s also a family-friendly place for weddings.

“We have corn hole, giant Jenga and a playground area for younger kids,” said Katie. Oh, and a couple’s dog (or cat) can be part of the ceremony too, if desired.

And Oak View lets couples choose from a list of preferred caterers, all of whom are from southern Minnesota.

“They know our site and that makes it seamless for everyone,” said Katie. “We offer a variety of choices and the response has been phenomenal. The brides are thrilled the whole time, which is what we want.”

The Habermans are happy to answer

“Every photographer is always excited with the structures and agricultural settings because there are photo opps everywhere.”

The Winters say Red Barn Farm offers a “relaxed vibe” that sets the tone for every wedding, starting from the moment couples tour the facility.

“It’s their big day, and we want to make it as relaxed and easy-going as possible by taking care of the details so they can enjoy themselves,” Patrick said, noting they are poised to begin their 16th season of Now, about those storms…

The existing 6,600 square-foot red barn, just over five years old, is a climate-controlled space that comfortably accommodates up to 300 guests. Well-appointed indoor restrooms, an indoor/outdoor bar, custom-made tables so

handsome that most couples opt only for table runners, separate getting-ready rooms for the bridal parties and accessible entries are some of the main space’s highlights.

But on Sept. 20, 2018, the Winter family was in the “old” red barn celebrating a family birthday when a tornado blew through the

area. They made it safely to the barn’s basement and silage room in the nick of time, sheltering in place until it was over.

“We were all okay, but when we crawled out, we were in shock,” Patrick recalled, explaining

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Barn Farm

ABOVE PHOTOS: Oak View Weddings and Events

that trees, debris and buildings were in disarray—and the old barn was destroyed.

“They say, ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,’ and good things can come from bad,” said Patrick. “That’s crazy, but it’s true.

“Now we have a state-of-the-art wedding barn and farm that was created just for weddings and events, not for milking cows and drying hay.”

The Winters incorporated into the new structure the wish list they’d jotted down in the preceding years of providing weddings — because constant improvement, even when everything seems to go perfectly, is always their goal.

“We review everything annually and make a list for the next year,” said Patrick.

What differentiates Red Barn Farm from similar rural wedding venues?

“Our proximity to Northfield — only about five minutes away — means there are multiple bus services couples can hire,” said Patrick, also noting that guests are welcome to leave cars parked on site overnight for no additional fee. In fact, there’s no parking fee to begin with, and no security guards are required since the venue is in a safe, quiet setting.

Other wedding venue options in the Southern Minn Scene region include:

Ahavah Cottage, 510 MN-60 W., Elysian. ahavahcottage.com, 507-384-7581, ahavahcottage@gmail.com.

Cannon River Winery, 421 Mill St. W., Cannon Falls. cannonriverweddings.com, 651792-5044, events@cannonriverwinery.com.

Chankaska Creek Ranch Winery & Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. chankaskawineryweddings.com, 507-931-0089, ext. 104, cynthias@chankaskawines.com.

The Capitol Room, 419 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. capitolroom.com, 507-380-0220, hello@capitolroom.com

The Gardens of Castle Rock, 26601 Chippendale Ave., Northfield. thegardensofcastlerock.com, 651-264-9510, info@thegardensofcastlerock.com.

Indian Island Winery, 18018 631st Ave.., Janesville. Indianislandwinery.com/weddings, 507-317-7914, indianislandwinery@yahoo. com.

JR’s Barn Wedding Venue, 21573 45th St., Waldorf. jrsbarn.com, 507-327-7047, jrsbarn@gmail.com

The Mill Event Center, 310 2nd Ave. SW, Waseca. themilleventcentermn.com, 507-4611434, themillwaseca@gmail.com.

Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. nextchapterwinery.com/weddings, 612-756-3012, nextchapterwinery@ gmail.com.

Northfield Golf Club, 707 Prairie St., Northfield. northfieldgolfclub.com/weddings, 507-645-4026, ext. 3, beth@northfieldgolfclub.com.

North Star Farm Event Center, 34234 322nd St., Le Sueur. northstarfarmevents. com, 612-275-7195.

Owatonna Country Club, 1991 Lemond Road, Owatonna. owatonnacc.com/weddingsand-events, 507-451-6120.

Shepherd’s Hill Farm, 10970 Cody Lake Trail, Montgomery. shepherdshillfarmmn. com, 612-889-9963, events@shepherdshillfarmmn.com.

Starfire Event Center, 206 2nd Ave. SW, Waseca. On Facebook; 507-461-1387, starfireeventcenter@wasecamac.com.

“And we don’t require a day-of wedding planner,” he continued. “The money you’d spend for one can be redirected for flowers or saved for something else because we and our staff are on site the whole day.

“We greet and orient the vendors, we know how the days flow, we are a full-service operation. If you have a need, we’re here to fill it.”

That said, Red Barn Farm charges a reliable base price that won’t inch upward with unexpected charges.

“There are no ‘extras,’” said Patrick. “We have one flat fee that includes everything, including taxes, insurance, garbage and recycling removal, set-up and tear-down. It’s full-service, one-stop shopping.”

A golf cart is available to help shuttle guests and bridal party members around the property, whether needed for mobility purposes or to keep the bride’s gown intact while moving between photo opps.

“Brides never want to sweat,” smiled Patrick.

He emphasized that their getting-ready suites are available for use from start to finish, and that Red Barn Farm’s liquor permit allows bridal parties to bring drinks of their choice—perhaps mimosas for the bridesmaids and beer for the guys—to enjoy during the preparation and photo hours preceding

guests’ arrival.

Oh, and don’t forget the dartboard in the men’s suite, corn hole in the yard and horses and chickens to delight everyone.

“Our horses love wedding days,” said Patrick. “They soak up the attention, and kids love to see the animals.”

Tammy’s penchant for flowers, combined with her green thumb, mean the Red Barn Farm’s grounds are always attractive and colorful.

But it’s the welcoming smiles of the Winter family that likely put wedding parties and guests most at ease.

“We’re the experts,” Patrick said. “You’re hopefully only doing a wedding once, but we do them up to 50 times a year so we definitely have the expertise to help you out.

“You’re treated like guests in our own backyard, and we have the experience and service mentality to make your wedding day extra special.

“We enjoy contributing to a beautiful day for couples who are starting their lives together.” 

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.

The 3 Ten Event Venue, 310 Central Ave. N., Faribault. 3teneventvenue.com, 651-253-6584, sales@3teneventvenue.com

Thyme on Main, 100 State St. N., Waseca. thymeonmain.com/weddings, 507-201-3225, sarahkay@thymeonmain.com.

PHOTOS: Red Barn Farm

Mollywood BLVD MOLLY

LMolly Penny is a local radio personality and MNSU alum. It was her love of pop culture that got her interested in doing a morning show for KOWZ 100.9 in 2011 where she is now brand manager for the three-cluster radio station, as well as music director for Q102 FM out of Willmar & on-air personality on Mankato’s Hot 96.7. She enjoys volunteering, time with her kids/family and cat Salem. Catch her on Twitter at @mollyhoodUSA.

romance films that won Best Picture

ove is not always just a trope in movies.

In recent years, the Academy has tried to combat its reputation for being “stuffy” and “white” leaning in their Oscar picks, especially for Best Picture. One thing I have witnessed a few times in my life, and found hilarious, is just how angry people get when Best Picture goes to a romance film rather than a drama or period piece.

The thing is, it has happened several times in the nearly 100-year history of the awards — some certainly merited, others debatable. Turns out the Academy is a simp for a good love story, so let’s take a jaunt down Oscars memory lane and recognize 10 sizzling romance films that won Best Picture.

Gone With the Wind, 1939

I don’t think anyone was upset about this one. Gone With the Wind was the first color movie to win the award, and it basically swept the night winning eight awards after being nominated for thirteen. It starred Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable and is based on a 1936 novel by Margaret Mitchell. The film, despite a runtime of 3 hours and 58 minutes, was a huge success when it was first released, holding the record for highestgrossing film for over 25 years.

Casablanca, 1942

Most agree that Academy members made the right choice with this Humphrey Bogart-Ingrid Bergman classic winning Best Picture at the 1944 Awards, but some were put off by Jack Warner (Warner Bros executive) stealing the Oscars statuette from producer Hal Wallis on stage. In addition to Best Picture, Casablanca won Best Director (Micheal Curtiz) and Best Screenplay.

From Here to Eternity, 1953

Released in 1953, From Here to Eternity won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film, named after Rudyard Kipling’s 1892 poem, “gentlemen-rankers,” was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2002. The plot follows a career soldier who was once a professional boxer who is transferred to a rifle company on the island of Hawaii. He joins a social club where he becomes attracted to a woman named Lorene.

West Side Story, 1961

Titanic, 1998

Talk about a sweepWest Side Story won ten Academy Awards at the 34th Annual Oscars in 1962 where Bob Hope was the Master of Ceremonies! West Side Story was an undisputed masterpiece at the time. It is a modern-day Romeo and Juliet and has also been deemed “culturally significant” and was selected to the National Film Registry in 1997. The film also won a Grammy for Best Soundtrack.

My Fair Lady, 1964

George Cukor’s My Fair Lady was an adaptation of a stage musical with the same name. Starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison, My Fair Lady was the second highest grossing film of 1964. In addition to Best Picture, the film won Best Director and Best Actor. Like West Side Story, it was another musical!

Annie Hall, 1978

Star Wars fans were irate about this win for Woody Allen. The 50th Academy Awards saw some stiff competition, with nominations for the films Julia, The Goodbye Girl, Star Wars and The Turning Point. Star Wars had taken the pop-culture world by storm, so the public assumed it would take Best Picture. Instead, it was the satirical rom-com Annie Hall. Allen himself is problematic, but this is still one of my favorite movies ever, mostly thanks to a stellar performance by Diane Keaton. Hard to know where I would have stood on the issue back in the 70s but I am not mad about this choice.

The English Patient, 1996

After sweeping BAFTA and the Golden Globes, most predicted that The English Patient would win Best Picture at the 69th Academy Awards. The film was nominated for twelve Academy Awards. Not only did it win Best Picture, it took home nine in total: Best Director, Best Supporting Actress, Art Direction, Cinematography, Costume Design, Editing, and Sound.

A year after The English Patient, another love story won Best Picture. This was a significant achievement for Director James Cameron. It received 14 nominations and 11 Oscars in total. The film itself was a masterpiece that was very popular among moviegoers. The on-screen chemistry between Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio was palpable. Celine Dion’s song, “My Heart Will Go On” from the film won Best Original song as well.

Shakespeare in Love, 1999

I distinctly remember there being a lot of controversy over this win. Why? Because it was up against Saving Private Ryan. The Academy received much backlash for choosing Shakespeare in Love. Industry pundits speculated that Producer Harvey Weinstein led a campaign to get the film to win, and it worked. Mark Gill, then Mirima President, said that “for Shakespeare in Love, we used the playbook for the English Patient, turbo-charged on steroids.” Sorry, I saw both in theatres that year, frothy and lighthearted does not win in the court of public opinion. The Oscar should have gone to Spielberg for Saving Private Ryan, period.

The Shape of Water, 2017

A recent film to win Best Picture, The Shape of Water was nominated for 13 but only won in four categories. Yes, it is a Guillermo del Toro fantasy film, but who doesn’t crave a good love story between a mute and a humanoid amphibian? It is only the second fantasy film to win Best Picture since Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Action, horror and drama continue to be the most popular genre for moviegoers, but clearly if your goal is to win an Oscar, you should think about penning a Romance screenplay.

THE AWARDS

The Academy Awards have been hosted in Hollywood since 1929. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences consists of a group of individuals working in the film industry, including actors, directors, writers and more. The ceremony includes a red carpet, stage performance and award presentations for film and is considered the most prestigious award in the entertainment industry. Due to the wildfires which ravished the area early this year, some events leading up to the ceremony have changed, but the 97th Oscar awards are scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 2 at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles.

Southern Minn singersongwriters answer

By ASHLEY HANLEY Guest Contributor

Music has a special way of connecting us all. But this time of year, love songs have a way of cutting straight to the heart. We caught up with some local artists to ask them about how and why they write love songs, and what makes them so special.

Our first feature artist is Clark Machtemes. He is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, farmer, traveler and teacher. He is also the founder of Traveled Ground. From their website, Traveled Ground offers a unique combination of the Americana sound from Folk, Blues, Jazz and Roots Rock. Traveled Ground’s music crosses the spectrum of the Roots Music scene, hailing out of Waconia, Minnesota. This group has kept a busy schedule playing local, regional and national stages for over 34 years.

Another artist we spoke to is Jeff Reinartz. He is an acoustic musician and recording artist from Austin, Minnesota. He’s been performing live for over 30 years as well.

Here’s Machtemes and Reinartz explaining, in their, own words, how a singer-songwriter approaches, creates, and finds purpose in love songs. So, the next time you’re searching for that perfect love song, or just looking for the right words to say, maybe these writers can help make music through your heartstrings.

Q: What makes it easy to write a love song?

CM: Having a true love that I was lucky enough to run into along the way (we have been married for 36years now) plus having loved and having relationships that just didn’t work out before that. Living gives one a certain perspective on things.

JR: I think feeling that emotion is a good start. You have to really feel love in your heart as you write. My song “For You” was written to my daughter, who was experiencing severe medical issues as a child, and my song “The Minute You Met Her” was written to a friend whose wife passed away unexpectedly. Both songs wrote themselves in about 15 minutes, I believe because I was so emotionally invested. It was as if my hand was being guided as I wrote.

Q: What makes it hard?

JR: It’s been hard when I’ve tried too hard to make it happen rather than just feeling it and letting it come to me. I was commissioned to write my song “I Do” for a couple’s wedding. Although I had their entire love story, I struggled at first because I was trying to force it with the audience in mind, and it wasn’t coming. I finally arrived at a song we were all happy with, but later I saw an interview with successful music producer Rick Rubin who said, “The audience should come last. Write for yourself rather than trying to write something people will like. In the end it’s the best thing you can do for your audience.” That really resonated with me, and I’ve since adopted that philosophy in my writing.

Q: What are the key ingredients to a good love song?

CM: Writing songs that might have been from a past relationship that didn’t work out. Sometimes reflecting on failures makes one regret past actions. But life is about learning from the past, I guess. Being true and real about relationships and love. It will shine through, especially when we perform live.

JR: I think it’s important that it connects with the listener. Love is an emotion we all feel, so if I can capture that feeling and someone else can relate to it, I think that’s a good recipe. I also take care to make sure it’s not too sappy, so holding the cheese from the recipe is important, at least to me!

Clark Machtemes is a regularly performing singer-songwriter in the Southern Minn Scene region, who isn’t afraid of a good love song.

Clark Machtemes leads the group Traveled Ground.

Q: How important is it to make it personal?

CM: It must be personal for me, or it won’t ring true.

JR: As I said, everyone is familiar with the emotion of love, so it’s hard for a love song to not be personal on some level, but I suppose it depends on whether I’m writing the song to a particular person or just writing about love in general. When I wrote my song “Head Over Heels,” I was writing my wife’s and my story, but I have another one I just finished about a hopeless romantic that isn’t about anyone in particular. Still, it’s personal to me.

Q: Do you like writing love songs?

CM: I do because they come to me in a moment of happy or sad reflection, so they come quickly.

JR: Yes. Mostly I enjoy writing any song that I’m able to complete! I usually have 5-10 unfinished

songs sitting in my notebook at any given time. I even have some that go back as much as twenty years. If I can write a good love song, though, I feel a real sense of accomplishment.

Q: What percentage of the songs you write are love songs?

CM: I’d say 25% of my songs are love songs. Not all are about a person they can be about a place or experience and even love for self.

JR: I’d say about 20%.

Q: What is the best part of writing the songs?

CM: The first 15 minutes can be the best. It’s often therapeutic in a way. And when the audience connects to the songs you know the song hits all the hearts involved.

JR: I think it’s when one of my songs connects with someone and I get asked to play it when I’m performing. It’s always a nice feeling

Jeff Reinartz is a singer and songwriter in the local Southern Minn Scene region, who has plenty of original love songs on offer.

to know that somebody appreciates a song I wrote, even if it’s only one person. It allows me to feel that I’m giving a little something back to the world, where I didn’t feel that way in my previous vocation sitting in a cubicle.

Q: Do you have a target audience in mind when you write them?

CM: The target audience depends on the situation. Marriage, infatuation, an eye glance. Lifetime love. It varies Love is something all of us feel in many different situations and levels. By just watching and writing about it, it brings out a very human side to living we all can relate to.

JR: Not necessarily. Since seeing the Rubin interview, I try to write without any audience in mind and just go with what feels good to me as opposed to what people will think about it when it’s done. In the early going that was my chief concern. I feel as though I’ve written better songs since seeing that interview. 

Ashley Hanley is a wife and mom of three kids under the

age of 6 in North Mankato. When she’s not handing out snacks or kissing boo-boos, you can find her cheering on her favorite Minnesota sports teams and is a firm believer they will win a championship in her lifetime.

Here are just a handful more of the other great singer-songwriters that you might hear playing original love songs in the Southern Minn Scene region:

Forrest Hunter - facebook.com/forrest. johnston.9

Fred the Bear - facebook.com/FredtheBearRochester

Dallas Musselman - facebook.com/dallas. musselman

Tony Rook Band- facebook.com/tonyrookmusic

Melissa Schulz - facebook.com/MelissaSchulzWasecaMN

The Wendt Sisters - facebook.com/wendtsisters

Jeff Reinartz plays frequently at local venues in the area.

Rants & RAVES

EFinding online!?

very year at this time, my editor asks me to write about love.

Hmm … I love lots of things, but I think he means the whole romantic aspect. I keep telling him that I’m the wrong gal for the assignment, but he doesn’t back down easily.

I haven’t been on a date in a million years. I do recall a festive night out in college where I forgot something in my date’s car. He came to my dorm room the next day to return it, and I unfortunately answered the door. I’m sure he was enticed by the fact that I had conditioner in my hair that was wrapped in tin foil with a wool beanie over it. Maybe it was the yellow egg mask on my face or the fact that I was wearing my Dad’s bathrobe. Suffice to say, things never really progressed from there.

Everyone keeps telling me “You have to do online dating!” It sounds like everything I hate wrapped into one event. I just don’t have the energy at my age to write a dating profile. I have absolutely no idea about how I could make myself sound alluring to the current dating site types.

So, of course, I Googled it.

“Focus on being honest and authentic, highlighting your key interests and personality traits, while also including a few conversation starters to encourage potential matches to reach out.”

The online Gods say you need the following 6 components for a successful online presence. Here’s what I have so far…

A COMPELLING HEADLINE:

BAD at measuring, GREAT at parties!

Wobbly ankles but sturdy teeth!

Limited skeletons in this closet!

Will shave legs for special occasions!

Plenty of baggage but I can carry it myself!

BRIEF INTRODUCTION:

Hopelessly middle-aged (but still 38 in her own mind) gal seeks guy who doesn’t kill stuff for fun!

Life has made this gal bitter, but she makes a terrific crème brulee!

Fifth Grade - 4-H Largest & Tallest Sunflower winner. Still available!

Amazing gift wrapper who also knows how to RSVP. Let’s get together!

Bad sense of direction but great sense of humor! Let’s get married!

I love the white noise of a C-PAP machine. We’re meant to be together!

This woman likes her men a little broken, so they don’t have the energy to run! Text me!

Tired and have basically lost the will to fight back? Call me!

INTERESTS AND HOBBIES:

Crafts

Macaroni & Cheese

Finding jeans that are long enough.

PERSONALITY TRAITS:

Loud

Opinionated

Biting Sarcasm

Cranky When Not Fed on Consistent Basis

Always Has to Have the Last Word

Has Never Met a Stranger

Can Talk Anyone into Inviting Her to Dinner.

WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR:

Someone who has been to the dentist in the last decade.

The guy who has thrown away all of his high-school wardrobe and doesn’t wear t-shirts with stupid sayings.

The sort of guy who likes sports but NEVER makes me have to hear about sports.

A fellow who can use a chainsaw!

The male partner type that wants to live in his own house and just get together for dinner & “relations” on occasion.

Someone who is willing to trash all their guy décor and let me choose everything! The

wagon wheel coffee table and the Beer Meister have to go!

Must have great health insurance…bonus points for eye coverage.

CONVERSATION STARTERS:

If I invite you to spend the night and there’s only one toothbrush in the bathroom, would you use it?

Do you have bumper stickers on your car?

Got any jailhouse tattoos?

May I see a copy of your tax returns?

Did you know you only have to be dead for 3 years now before you can be on a US postage stamp?

I always get the corner piece of every dessert. Are you a corner or center person?

How often do you give your Mom flowers?

Do you know how to talk like a pirate?

Did you know you can litterbox train a pet opossum?

MY FINAL THOUGHTS:

I don’t look like I did when I was 25. I kinda

wish I had spent my spare time photographing myself naked that year. Back in the day, I was super friendly and open-minded, but I can barely remember that era. To say that I’m set in my ways is a gargantuan understatement. How can I enter the dating world now?! I know those people of the male persuasion are gonna fold my towels wrong and touch my stuff. I hate both those things!

As I’ve said a million times, I don’t like the outdoors. The only reason I go outside is to get to my car. So, that whole “long walks on the beach” thing is definitely out. Live music annoys me, and I will scratch your eyes out if I have to listen to Jazz. I like me some sappy Hallmark Christmas movies but would never admit to it. I also read People magazine, but I’m smart enough to delete my browsing history.

I donate blood regularly to atone for my many, many sins. Plus, I’m 6’1” and there’s a lot of “short people blood” floating around at the Red Cross. Oh, and I’m always thirsty. A good deal of our relationship will include you having to get me bottles of ice-cold spring water. Not that gross purified stuff.

Look for this scintillating ad online soon. 

What to WATCH

Mangold masters the music biopic with ‘A Complete Unknown’

Twenty years ago, a biopic changed the way I listen to music.

I was thirteen. It was the year of Green Day’s American Idiot, Mariah Carey’s The Emancipation of Mimi, and Kanye West’s Late Registration (three albums I still love to this day). And I was being dragged to the theater by my grandmother and great-grandmother to watch what I thought would be a stuffy, boring movie about a musician with whom I had virtually no relationship.

WTL-297R Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon portray musicians Johnny Cash and June Carter in WALK THE LINE. Photo credit: Suzanne Tenner TM and © 2005 Twentieth Century Fox. All Rights Reserved. Not for sale or duplication.

The movie was Walk The Line (streaming on Hulu), and the musician was Johnny Cash. I left the theater a little awestruck. While the movie itself was great, I was shaken by the music of “The Man In Black.”

I had never known songwriting to be an exercise in autobiography, a tool for reflection and self-discovery. Prior to hearing Johnny Cash, I didn’t know songs (and by extension, albums) could be deep, literary works of art.

tell one of the entertainment industry’s great love stories. It’s superbly paced, by turns meditative and exhilarating; and features two of the greatest acting performances of this century (Witherspoon rightfully won the Oscar for Best Actress).

What Phoenix and Witherspoon accomplish

four-year evolution from a guitar-strumming folkster at The Gaslight Café to a worldconquering, innovative superstar. It culminates at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965, when Dylan infamously breaks with the folk scene by playing electric instruments and embracing a more rock-n-rollforward sound.

Now, instead of just seeking out the sugar rush of hooky pop melodies, I was more focused on the mechanics of lyrical storytelling. Instead of just grooving to R&B synths, I was moved by the intimacy of acoustic guitar. And instead of being a purist for pitch-perfect vocals, I was equally intrigued by the rough-hewn voice of lived experience.

Johnny Cash led me to Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and the artist of my life, Bruce Springsteen. Contemporary troubadours like Tyler Childers, Jason Isbell, Zach Bryan, and Chris Stapleton continue to populate the upper-reaches of my Spotify Wrapped.

As a movie, Walk The Line is still my favorite music biopic by a country mile. Released in November 2005, director James Mangold brought together Joaquin Phoenix (as Cash) and Reese Witherspoon (as Cash’s countrysinging, mistress-turned-wife, June Carter) to

is nothing short of remarkable. They revive Johnny and June, body and soul. They even do their own singing, convincingly and beautifully.

So many music biopics are merely good (Ray, Selena) or downright mediocre (Bohemian Rhapsody, Bob Marley: One Love). Bad lip-syncing, cartoonish imitations, and cliched scripts still largely plague the genre. But Walk The Line ranks among the greats like What’s Love Got To Do With It and Coal Miner’s Daughter.

Mangold has broken the music biopic mold again with A Complete Unknown (currently in theaters).

Loosely based on Elijah Wald’s 2015 book Dylan Goes Electric!: Newport, Seeger, Dylan, and the Night That Split the Sixties, the film begins with a young Bob Dylan (Timothee Chalamet) arriving in New York City’s Greenwich Village in 1961 and follows his

Like Phoenix in Walk The Line, Chalamet does his own singing and fully embodies his real-life character. He will almost certainly be nominated for Best Actor at the Oscars this year, and would be a deserving winner. Monica Barbaro also stuns as Joan Baez.

Once again, Mangold gets the period details just right. Though the film is about four years in the life of Dylan, it’s also about four years in the life of a rapidlychanging America. We feel the fear of the Cuban Missile Crises, we feel the sadness of the JFK assassination, and we feel the liberation of breaking free from the strictures of the old-fashioned folk establishment.

The common critique from Dylan diehards seems to be that A Complete Unknown is too conventional, that it does not properly wrestle with the mystique of a shape-shifting musical genius. I would argue they’re taking it all a little too seriously. While Dylan is indisputably one of the greatest songwriters ever, he’s also just a gangly kid from northern Minnesota with a bad attitude and a serious cigarette addiction who’s constantly trying to outrun his past.

No, A Complete Unknown is probably not be the best movie about Dylan, but it’s far more accessible than Todd Haynes’ experimental I’m Not There (streaming on Amazon Prime), and far less daunting than Martin Scorsese’s 208-minute documentary, No Direction Home (streaming on PBS).

And while Inside Llewyn Davis (streaming on PlutoTV) may better capture the ‘60s Greenwich Village folk scene and the early days of the Dylan phenomenon, it’s still a cerebral Joel and Ethan Coen movie that’s not explicitly about Bob.

What the Dylan diehards should also not discount is the potential for A Complete Unknown to be a portal for a younger generation to discover Dylan’s genius, just as 13-year-old Kyle discovered Cash twenty years ago in Walk The Line. The star power of Chalamet will inevitably lure in Gen Z fans and expose them to Dylan for the very first time. Perhaps the film will inspire them to seek out songs that are longer than a Tik Tok and deeper than that “me-espresso.”

The times, they may be a-changin’. 

Kyle Hoffman is a writer, communications and marketing professional, and lifelong movie lover from Mankato. Follow him on Letterboxd: kylejhoffman.

Through a SOMINN LENS

AUDREY KLETSCHER HELBLING

Audrey Kletscher Helbling of Faribault captures people, places and events via her detail-rich writing and photography. Find more of her work at mnprairieroots.com. She also writes award-winning poetry, short stories and creative nonfiction.

FOR THE

Love

in Southern Minnesota is ...

February focuses thoughts on romantic love as we celebrate Valentine’s Day. But love is so much more. I’ve seen that as I’ve been out and about in southern Minnesota following backroads, exploring small towns. Wandering indoors and out with my 35mm camera, I notice the nuances of love in life.

I see love in words, art, nature. I observe it, too, in watching people as they gather, converse, hold hands, snuggle, wrap arms around one another. Love is a beautiful thing to observe close up and from afar.

Family and friends center much of our love. I see that in person and in photographs.

But love is also about community, about the connections we make in the places we live and work, the places we visit. Community love comes in

volunteering, in small town celebrations, in public art installations, in friendly shopkeepers, in simply being there for one another...

And then there are the activities we love, such as shopping, fishing, reading, attending car shows, perusing flea markets, hiking or, like me, photographing people, places, things and events. Those also fit the definition of love. When I focus my camera, I often see love. And I love that. Inspiring words. Art that touches me. People who make me smile simply by exuding love and joy.

February focuses our thoughts on love, love that is much more than chocolates and roses and dinner out. Love is living our best lives doing the things we love with the people we love in the places we love. And it’s also about daily sharing our love with others through kindness, care and compassion. 

FOR THE LOVE OF ART & OF BOOKS...Kathy Ness and Kate Woodstrup painted the spines of beloved children’s picture books on steps leading to the Northfield Library as part of Artists on Main Street.

LOVE OF ART & COMMUNITY...Scarlett, dressed in Czech attire with a heart on her sleeve, waters a floral wing on LaNette’s Coffee Shop. This is part of the Montgomery Wings Mural Walk.

FOR THE LOVE OF ART...Love shines in a stained glass heart created by Sandra Sargant of Bending Sunlight Glassworks and for sale at the Straight River Arts Festival, Faribault.

FOR THE LOVE OF FRIENDS...Friends gather along Central Avenue in downtown Faribault.

FAR LEFT: FOR THE LOVE OF FAMILY... The tender love and care of a family shows in this photo taken along the Cannon River in Northfield during June 2024 flooding.

LEFT: FOR THE LOVE OF FAMILY, FRIENDS & LIFE...Loving words are written on boots of a veteran who committed suicide. Boots were placed at the Rice County Veterans’ Memorial, Faribault, during an Operation: 23 to 0 watch on Veterans’ Day. The organization aims to prevent veterans’ suicides.

FOR THE

OF

FOR THE

OF

LEFT:

LOVE

LOVE & OF MINNESOTA...A couple cuddles on an oversized Paul Bunyan bed during a photo op outside the Faribault Mill in October 2024.

FOR THE LOVE OF FAMILY...Signage at Mercado Local, a marketplace for immigrant vendors in Northfield, stresses the importance of family.

FAR LEFT: FOR THE LOVE OF WORDS... Inspiring words spotted on a vehicle at the Rice County Steam & Gas Engines Show, rural Dundas.

LEFT:

LOVE

FAMILY...A father holds his young child as he drives a vintage tractor at the Rice County Steam & Gas Engines Show, rural Dundas.

FAR LEFT: FOR THE LOVE OF FRIENDS... Friends walk hand-in-hand at Faribault Car Cruise Night.

FOR THE LOVE OF WORDS...A loving message spotted on a vehicle parked by Father Slevin Park, Faribault.

FOR THE LOVE OF FAMILY...This photo of a sweet child loved by someone is for sale at Something For All thrift shop in Lonsdale.

FOR THE LOVE OF COMMUNITY...Heart art was added to this checkerboard at Northfield’s Bridge

ABOVE: FOR THE

words

LEFT: FOR THE LOVE OF FAMILY & OF ART... Strong family love shows in this image of Rebecca and Lily with the tie dyed shirts they created and sold outside their Northfield apartment last fall.

FAR LEFT: FOR THE LOVE OF FRIENDS & OF FISHING...Friends set out from shore to fish Dudley Lake, rural Faribault, on a stunning autumn day.

FOR THE LOVE OF FRIENDS (OR FAMILY) & OF SHOPPING...Shopping together on a beautiful autumn day in downtown St. Peter.

LEFT: FOR THE LOVE OF LOVE...A couple holds hands, right, as they look at vehicles during Faribault’s summer Car Cruise Night.

LOVE OF WORDS...Inspiring

grace a tombstone at Valley Grove Cemetery, rural Nerstrand.

Square

FOR THE LOVE OF COMMUNITY...These photos displayed inside All Seasons Thrift Store, Kenyon, honor Harold and Louise Nielson, founders of the nonprofit

FOR THE LOVE OF LOVE & OF NATURE...A couple enjoys time with each other along the Cannon River in Faribault.

FOR THE LOVE OF FRIENDS...This loving photo of three friends, all soldiers serving during WWII, was found in Texas by a vendor selling goods at the Rice County Steam & Gas Engines Show Flea Market, rural Dundas.

FOR THE LOVE OF NATURE & FAMILY...Geese nurture family along the Cannon River in Faribault.

THURSDAY, JAN 30

Dr. Lisa Humfeld-Wilson Author Talk - Faribault-- 6-7 p.m., Buckham Memorial Library, 11 Division St. E, Faribault. Author/Speaker Dr. Lisa Humfeld-Wilson talks about getting healthy and her book “Get Back in the Game of Life.”

H.M. Bouwman Author Talk - Northfield-- 7 p.m., Content Bookstore, 314 Division St. S, Northfield. Reading from her new middle-grade novel “Scattergood.” In rural Iowa in 1941, 12-year-old Peggy’s quiet life is turned upside down by refugee arrivals, first love, and a heartbreaking diagnosis.

Them Coulee Boys - Faribault-- 7:30 p.m., Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Faribault. A brand of Americana that blends folk, punk, bluegrass, and rock & roll. They sing their conversational songs in 4 part harmony, often with a banjo stomp and rhythm section punch that drives the audience onto the dance floor and into community. Tickets online.

Do

Send

FRIDAY, JAN 31

Ben Scruggs - St. Peter-- 6-9 p.m., Flame Bar and Grill, 225 Nassau St., St. Peter. Folk/blues/ Americana singer songwriter from Mankato.

Flurries & Fireworks - St. Peter-- 6:30 p.m., Johnson Hall, Nicollet County Fairgrounds, 400 W. Union St., St. Peter. Music from The Hype will provide entertainment starting at 7:30 p.m., with an opening band starting at 6:30 p.m. The show will raise money for the annual Fourth of July fireworks show in St. Peter. The Hype playa tribute to classic rock bands Def Leppard, Aerosmith, Motley Crue, Poison, Bon Jovi, and more. Tickets online.

Buddy Holly, Oh Boy - Faribault-- 7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. A re-staging of Buddy Holly’s 1959 Winter Dance Party, featuring music of Buddy’s co-stars on that fateful night: Ritchie Valens (“La Bamba”), Dion & the Belmonts (“Teenager in Love”), The Big Bopper (“Chantilly Lace”) and Frankie Sardo (“Fake Out”).

SATURDAY, FEB 01

Snow Day in the Park - St. Peter-- 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Veterans Memorial Park, 311 N. 5th St., St. Peter. Ice skating, bonfire, music, snowshoeing and more.

Polar Plunge - St. Peter-- 12 p.m., Hallett’s Pond, St. Peter. Part of St. Peter WinterFest, raising funds for Minnesota Special Olympics, plungers jump into the cold water of Hallett’s Pond in the winter. Details and registration online.

James Dahl - Kasota-- 2-5 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. Singer/guitarist performing easy listening vocal and acoustic guitar music.

Gallery Reception - St. Peter-3-5 p.m., Arts Center of Saint Peter, 315 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Dana Sikkila’s solo exhibition “Ghost Stories With The Cutie Bears.” A queer Minnesotabased interdisciplinary maker and creator. Known for her social practice and activism programs, creative consulting, public speaking, and her theory development within creative curriculum, Sikkila’s practices span from working in communities from rural to the Twin Cities. “Ghost Stories With The Cutie Bears” shares narratives of her history, hardships and life celebrations.

CONTINUED page 18

Artist Reception - Waseca-- 5-7 p.m., Waseca Art Center, 200 N. State St. In the Beckmann Gallery is Barbara Bauer and in the Harguth Gallery is Kim Harty. The exhibition runs through Feb. 28.

Barn Boys - Janesville-- 5:30-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Live guitar and vocals, playing old country.

Jack Backbone & TJ Brown - Owatonna-- 6-8 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 111 N Walnut Ave, Owatonna. Jack Backbone was a basement band. Years ago, the name was coined as Jack Backbone & the Vertebrae. I was Jack. A lot of time passed, the name was recycled. Also known as Steve Pool, or SP. Tj Brown is a real name. Tom, Tommy, for real.

Murder Mystery Dinner - Le Sueur County-6-9:30 p.m., All aboard the HMS Loveboat where the sounds of love songs, midnight kisses, and screams can be heard on the high seas. A ship of grandeur and intrigue, where people are not who they seem, and it’s up to you to discover the murderer hiding in endless love. Get more info and tickets online.

WinterMania - St. Peter-- 6 p.m., Johnson Hall, Nicollet County Fairgrounds, 400 W. Union St., St. Peter. A pro wrestling show from Paradise City Wrestling entertains during St. Peter’s Winterfest celebration. Tickets online.

SUNDAY, FEB 02

Skarlett Woods - St. Peter-- 4-7 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. Profoundly introspective, Skarlett Woods is an American singersongwriter who has never been one to follow what most people view as conventional.

Laura Caviani & David Milne - Northfield-5 p.m., Imminent Brewing, 519 Division Street South Unit 2. Laura Caviani heads the Jazz Area at Carleton College, plays with her trio every Sunday at Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis, and has numerous recordings under her own name. David Milne is Professor Emeritus of Music at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, and an Artist-Clinician for Selmer Saxophones and Vandoren Woodwind Products. Laura and David recently released a project through Bandcamp called “Tableaux,” a jazz/classical saxophone & piano duo that features jazz interpretations of “Impressionist” works.

THURSDAY, FEB 06

Pickleball Classic Tournament - Waseca-- 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., The Mill Event Center, 310 2nd Ave SW, Waseca. A day of exciting matches and friendly rivalry. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, this event is perfect for all levels. Sign up online.

Penguin Plunge - Le Sueur County-- 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Westwood Marina Bar & Grill, 1400 Lake Washington Access Rd., Kasota. Teams of two will take the plunge into Lake Washington. Live entertainment provided. CONTINUED from page 17

SATURDAY, FEB 08

Do you want to submit an event to this calendar?

Send details to editor@southernminnscene.com

Exhibition Tour with Sara Cluggish - Northfield-- 12-1 p.m., Perlman Teaching Museum, Carleton. Join Director & Curator Sara Cluggish for a tour of the Perlman Teaching Museum’s winter 2025 exhibition: Basel Abbas and Ruanne Abou-Rahme: Only sounds that tremble through us.

Emma Josephine - Owatonna-- 5 p.m., Grapeful Wine Bar, 306 N. Cedar Ave., Suite 2, Owatonna. A voice that echoes generations of singer/songwriters with resonant stories and an acoustic guitar. Her lyrics are brought to life with the melodies of an old soul and the nostalgia of growing up.

Rock of Ages - St. Peter-- 6-9 p.m., Flame Bar and Grill, 225 Nassau St., St. Peter. Listen to some rock and blues.

Jigsaw Puzzle Competition - Kasota-- 6-9 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. An exciting evening of puzzling, sipping, and competition. Form a team of up to four people to complete a 500-piece puzzle. Two bottles of wine and a charcuterie board with admission. Tickets online.

Melissa Schulz - Northfield-- 7 p.m., Flaherty’s Northfield Lanes, 1700 Highway 3 S. A vocalist and virtuoso of the keyboards with a special brand of pop, rock, country and instrumentals.

upbeat music acoustically

Tractorhead - Northfield-- 6 p.m., Imminent Brewing, 519 Division Street South Unit 2. Bluegrass, country-western and

Ben Scruggs - St. Peter-6-9 p.m., Tremendous Brewing Co., 228 W. Mulberry St., St. Peter. An original folk/blues/ americana musician from Mankato. He accompanies himself with

acoustic guitar and blues harmonica, weaving tales of folk-spun humor and hard luck times throughout his sets of all-original music.

Patsy Cline TributeOwatonna-7-8 p.m., Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Ln, Owatonna. A night of music honoring a classic country and pop artist.

The Two of Us - Le Center-- 7-10 p.m., Le Center Municipal Liquors, 20 N Waterville Ave. Live music and fun.

Do you want to submit an event to this calendar?

Send details to editor@ southernminnscene.com

Joe Tougas & Associates - St. Peter-- 8-11 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. Joe Tougas and Associates is an eight-piece ensemble of songwriters and players and an instant party.

HickTown Mafia - Kasota-- 9 p.m.-1 a.m., The Blue Moon Bar & Grill, 300 S. Webster St., Kasota. Playing classic and current country hits and classic 70s, 80s, and 90s rock, HickTown Mafia’s members boast a combined 100+ years of stage experience covering everything from Johnny Cash to AC/DC. Add some southern rock to the mix, and you have a night of great music.

SUNDAY, FEB

09

Galentine Sip & Shop - Le Sueur County-- 1-4 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. Friends, shopping, unique vendors, fun

delicious wine,

for a

and

St. Olaf Winter Band Concert - Northfield-3:30 p.m., Skoglund Center, 1634 Campus Drive, Northfield. The St. Olaf band performs “Resilience” as its winter 2025 show, with Henry Dorn as conductor.

CONTINUED page 20

cocktails,

pizza,

a beautiful venue make

perfect weekend outing with your girlfriends.

Christopher Atzinger - Owatonna-- 2 p.m., Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Ln, Owatonna. A professor of music at St Olaf College, the program will feature the following works: Harold Craxton: Siciliano and Rigadon; Benjamin Godard: 3 Morceaux, Op. 16; Max Bruch: Two Piano Pieces, Op. 14; Einojuhani Rautavaara: Piano Sonata No. 2, Op. 64, “The Fire Sermon”; Robert Schumann: Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13.

THURSDAY, FEB 13

Galentine’s Day Girl Dinner - Kasota-- 6-7:30 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. A fun evening of small bites and wine pairings, girl dinner style.Savor a five-course pairing expertly crafted for a fun and unforgettable Galentine’s Night. Tickets online.

Love Stinks

Name That

Tune - Owatonna-- 6 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 111 N Walnut Ave, Owatonna. An Anti-Valentine’s Day celebration. The hosts play clips of songs, and your team tries to guess the song title and the artist. The more you get correct, the more points you receive. Free to play; cash prizes.

FRIDAY, FEB 14

Valentine’s Tea Party - Northfield-- 11 a.m., Cottage Tearoom & Fare, 13 Bridge Square, Northfield. Lunch tea service, available from Feb.

Do

10-16, boasts

a four-course menu featuring: Red Velvet scones with chantilly cream, fruit salad, antipasto skewers, cucumber cream cheese tea sandwiches, egg salad tea sandwiches, and assorted desserts. Reservation info online.

A Valentine’s Escape - Kilkenny-- 3-8 p.m., Vintage Escapes Winery & Vineyard, 8950 Dodd Rd., Kilkenny. Love is in the air and relaxation is on the menu. Enjoy live music by Mark Denn in a cozy setting while indulging in a decadent chocolate and wine pairing, specially curated by our winemaker and featuring exquisite chocolates from Costa’s Candies in Owatonna. No reservations.

100 Years of Pickin - St. Peter-- 6-9 p.m., Flame Bar and Grill, 225 Nassau St., St. Peter. Guitar pickin and playin.

Murder Mystery Dinner - Le Sueur County-6-9:30 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. All aboard the HMS Loveboat where the sounds of love songs, midnight kisses, and screams can be heard on the high seas. A ship of grandeur and intrigue, where people are not who they seem, and it’s up to you to discover the murderer hiding in endless love. Get more info and tickets online.

A Little Love, A Lot of Rock ‘n’ Roll - St. Peter-- 6:30 p.m., The Capitol Room, 419 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. The day of love is upon us. Celebrate with that person or group of people that you love and party the night away with IV Play Tickets online.

SATURDAY, FEB 15

Valentine’s Dinner - Janesville-- 5:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Includes all of the following: wine tastings for each person, two glasses of wine, two three-course dinners (catered by Oscar’s), entertainment by Generation Gap, a rose, and multiple gifts for each couple. Tickets online.

Tony Rook Band - Northfield-- 6 p.m., Imminent Brewing, 519 Division Street South Unit 2. “Thoughtful arrangements serve the songs and allow the players to add nice touches. This is fine bluegrass music rooted in tradition, but with a contemporary feel.” Backed by a band with awesome chemistry, Tony Rook’s considerable skills as a singer, picker, and songwriter shine through.

Candlelight Walk, Snowshoe, Ski - Henderson-- 6-9 p.m., Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson. Enjoy this beautiful winter night snowshoeing, hiking, or skiing by candlelight along our peaceful trails. Stop in the education building to say hi and grab a cup of cocoa or a s’mores ticket to take with you to the S’more Stop next to the pond. Cocoa and s’mores also available, plus snowshoe and ski rental options.

Maybury

- St.

comedy career. Her relatable experiences as a single parent, combined with her quick wit and Southern charm, have made her a hit with audiences everywhere. Tickets online.

Around the World in 80 Days - Faribault-7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. The play races its way around the globe, taking in continents, intrigue, love and even an elephant--all in the name of a bet. The eccentric Phileas Fogg wagers his life’s fortune that he can circumnavigate the globe in just eighty days with his traveling companion Passepartout. The complicating factor? In Victorian England there are no planes. Shows 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14, 15, 21 and 22, plus Feb. 16 and 23 at 2 p.m. Tickets online.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - Owatonna-- 7:30 p.m., Little Theatre of Owatonna, 560 Dunnell Dr # A, Owatonna. An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives. Tickets online. Shows 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1315 and 20-22, plus 2 p.m. Feb. 16 and 23.

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

Wendy

Comedy

Peter-- 7 p.m., 2nd Story Comedy, 303 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. A Southern belle from the heart of Dixie who has taken the comedy world by storm. Wendy is a single mother who balances raising her kiddo with a successful stand-up

SUNDAY, FEB 16

The Super Bastards - St. Peter-- 1-4 p.m., Paddlefish Brewing, 108 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Bringing their unique blend of folk, rock, and banter. Come enjoy some fine original music and brews.

Andrea Gilat Author Talk - Northfield-- 2 p.m., Content Bookstore, 314 Division St. S, Northfield. A reading from “Radical Endurance: Growing Old in an Age of Longevity.” A personal guide to the transformations, hard truths, profound pleasures, and infinite possibilities of aging.

St. Olaf Winter Choir Concert - Northfield-3:30 p.m., Skoglund Center, 1634 Campus Drive, Northfield.

performs its winter 2025 show, with Anton Armstrong as conductor.

-

-- 4-7 p.m.,

on

THURSDAY, FEB 20

‘Alien Being’ - Owatonna-- 1-5 p.m., Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Ln, Owatonna. From the artist Stephen McKinzie, printmaker: “Printmaking is my medium and it was during my undergraduate years at St. John’s University that I was first introduced to this form of artmaking … The ‘Alien Being’ series initially developed from abstract work. During a printing session I came upon a piece of cardboard that appeared vaguely figurative, and I incorporated the form into my work.” Shows through Feb. 23.

Jeremy Jewell - St. Peter-- 5-7 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. Jeremy Jewell is a happy guy who likes to sing sad songs. Pretty guitar chords, a weathered yet charming voice and honest

lyrics are what you’ll see at one of his shows.

Galentine’s Day - St. Peter-- 6-9 p.m., Paddlefish Brewing, 108 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. A night to support CADA, which offers help to survivors of relationship abuse and sexual violence. Bring your bestie, your mom, your book club, or anyone in your support system for a fun night out. This event is open to everyone. There will be a food truck serving delicious eats and a lively Bingo game for extra fun.

Hooded History - Faribault-- 6 p.m., Buckham Memorial Library, 11 Division St. E, Faribault. History enthusiast and speaker Nancy Vaillancort presents a program about the Ku Klux Klan in Minnesota, including Faribault, Owatonna and surrounding areas.

FRIDAY,

FEB 21

Convocation with Claire McFadden - Northfield-- 10:50-11:50 a.m., Skinner Memorial Chapel, 405 1st St. E. A comedy writer and performer, currently starring in her second Mainstage revue at The Second City. Previously, she was a staff writer and Managing Editor at Jackbox Games, where she designed and pitched the games Blather ‘Round and Quixort, as well as writing on favorites like Quiplash, Drawful, and Trivia Murder Party.

Paradise Gallery Opening - Faribault-- 5 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. In the Carlander Gallery is Dan Petrov; in the Vranesh Gallery is Kendell Laurent; In the K&M Gallery is Olivia Hoppe and creative aging class instructor Sandra Sargent.

The Donner Party - St. Peter-- 6-9 p.m., Flame Bar and Grill, 225 Nassau St., St. Peter. Playing the roots of classic country.

Line Dancing - Le Sueur County-- 6-9 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. Learn three to four dances from award-winning choreographer Kerry Maus. Songs will be a mix of pop and country music. Tickets online.

SATURDAY, FEB 22

Cabin Fever Party - Faribault-- 11 a.m.-3 p.m., CONTINUED page 22

Tuesday

Saturday 10 - 3

- 5 Wednesday 10 - 5 Thursday 10 - 5 Friday 10 - 5

The St. Olaf choir

Kit Kildahl

St. Peter

Patrick’s

Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. Hear some tunes from veterans musician Kit Kildahl.

Faribault Harley Davidson, 2704 W. Airport Dr. Tacos in a bag, pink lemonade, plus s’mores by the fire from 11am ‘til they’re gone. At 11:30 a.m., a 2025 new model bike review. From noon-3 p.m., Todd Michael Jameson will serenade the crowd.

Bob Fest - Owatonna-- 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Foremost Brewing Cooperative, 131 W. Broadway St, Owatonna. Includes the tapping of a new bock beer, outside beer poking, and live music in the evening by Bonnie

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In A Bind - Janesville-5:30-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Playing a variety of hit music.

Johnny Cash Tribute - Northfield-- 6-8:30 p.m., Grand Event Center, 316 Washington St., Northfield. Mitchell Hall and the Tennessee Trio will play just like Johnny did back in the 1950s. Get ready to sing along and have a great time with friends and fellow music lovers.

Jake SchrodtBlooming Prairie-- 7 p.m., Blooming Prairie Cue Company, 302 Main St E, Blooming Prairie. Specializing in rock, country and Americana music with vocals in the style of Chris Stapleton and Van Morrison.

GUESS WHO FROSTY

IS!

Use clues to guess who the well-known member of the Waseca community is. Clues are published weekly starting Jan. 16.

Around the World in 80 Days - Faribault-- 7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. The play races its way around the globe, taking in continents, intrigue, love and even an elephant--all in the name of a bet. The eccentric Phileas Fogg wagers his life’s fortune that he can circumnavigate the globe in just eighty days with his traveling companion Passepartout. The complicating factor? In Victorian England there are no planes. Shows 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 and 22, plus Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. Tickets online.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - Owatonna-- 7:30 p.m., Little Theatre of Owatonna, 560 Dunnell Dr # A, Owatonna. An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives. Tickets online. Shows 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20-22, plus 2 p.m. Feb. 23.

Tyler Herwig - Le Center-- 8-11 p.m., Le Center Municipal Liquors, 20 N Waterville Ave. A reputation

FIND THE MEDALLION

Use clues to find the medallion that is hidden somewhere in Waseca. Clues are published weekly starting Jan. 16. When medallion is found, it must be brought to one of our official dropoff points: Waseca Chamber of commerce 210 North State Street or Waseca Music company 111 South State Street.

SLEIGH & CUTTER PARADE

for high energy performances and deep emotional musical interpretations that captivate all audiences.

WEDNESDAY, FEB 26

William Kent Krueger Author Talk - St. Peter-- 6 p.m., St. Peter High School, 100 Lincoln Drive. Meet Minnesota’s Edgar Award-winning and bestselling author William Kent Krueger. This series is free and open to the public. The author will be signing books at the event.

FOR MORE DETAILS AND A FULL LIST OF WINTER EVENTS IN THE WASECA AREA, VISIT OUR WEBSITE: sleighandcutterfestival.org

Frosty’s identity will be revealed and awards will be presented on February 21 at 8:30PM during the Sleigh & Cutter Festival dinner and dance held at Starfire Event Center. Contest rules and additional information found on our Facebook page and www.sleighandcutterfestival.org.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22

NOON, DOWNTOWN WASECA

The nation’s longest running Sleigh & Cutter parade features various horse breeds, mounted law enforcement groups, festival royalty and many others.

ICE SCULPTURES by SAKATAH CARVERS on display at the Public Safety Building starting Feb 19

FIREWORKS DISPLAY after sunset over Clear Lake Wrap up the day enjoying an impressive display of fireworks compliments of the Waseca Sleigh & Cutter Festival and our local sponsors.

Drunken Lad.

Murder Mystery - Kasota-- 8 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. Set sail and catch a killer. Come dressed in cruise attire, whether that be formally dressed for dinner or Hawaiian shirts and resort wear, all are welcome. Tickets online.

SoMinn THE BOOKWORM SEZ

Winter reading, ‘Cher’, ‘How to Winter’, ‘On Love’ and more

Cher:

The Memoir Part One by Cher

c.2024, Dey St. $36.00 413 pages Mother knows best.

At least that’s what she’d like you to think because she said it a hundred times while you were growing up, until you actually believed. One day, though, if you were lucky, you learned that Mother didn’t always know best, but she did her best – like in the new book “Cher: The Memoir Part One” by Cher, when Mom helped make a star. Though she doesn’t remember it, little Cheryl Sarkisian spent a few weeks in a Catholic Charities orphanage when she was tiny, because her father had disappeared and her mother couldn’t afford to take care of her. “Cheryl,” by the way, was the name on her birth certificate, although her mother meant to name her “Cherilyn.”

That first time wasn’t the last time little Cher was left with someone other than her mother, Jackie Jean, a beautiful, talented struggling singer-actress who’d been born into poverty and stayed there much of her life. When money was tight, she temporarily dropped her daughter off with friends or family, or the little family moved from house to house and state to state. Along the way, relocating in and out of California gave Cher opportunities to act, sing, and to learn the art of performance, which is what she loved best.

In the meantime, Jackie Jean married and married again, five or six husbands in all; she changed her name to Georgia, worked in the movies and on TV, and she gave Cher a little sister, moved the family again, landed odd jobs, and did what it took to keep the lights on.

As Cher grew up in the shadow of her glamorous mother, she gained a bit of glam herself, becoming sassy and independent, and prone to separation anxiety, which she blamed on her abandonment as a small child. In her mother’s shadow, she’d always been surrounded by movie and TV stars and, taking acting classes, she met even more.

And then she met Salvatore “Sonny” Bono, who was a friend before he was a lover….

So, here’s the very, very happy surprise: “Cher: The Memoir Part One” is a downright fun book to read. If you’ve ever seen author Cher in interviews or on late night TV, what you saw is what you get here: bald-faced truth, sarcastic humor, sass, and no pity-partying. She tells a good story, ending this book with her nascent movie career, and she leaves readers hanging in anticipation of the stories she’ll tell in her next book.

The other happy surprise is that this memoir isn’t just about her. Cher spends a good amount of the first half writing about her mother and her grandmother, both complicated women who fought to keep their heads and those of their offspring above water. Readers looking between the lines will be enthralled.

Surely, “Cher: The Memoir Part One” is a fan’s delight, but it’s also a great memoir for anyone who particularly loves the genre and doesn’t mind a bit of profanity. If that’s you, then you got this, babe.

How to Winter:

Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days

by Kari Leibowitz, PhD

c.2024, Penguin Life $29.00 304 pages

Two pairs of socks.

Hand warmers inside a pair of gloves inside mittens, thermal pants and shirt, sweatshirt, a fluffy jacket, and a thick stocking cap. You can barely move, but at least you’re fortified enough to try going outside now. You’re wearing everything you need to stay warm but, until you read “How to Winter” by Kari Leibowitz, PhD, you don’t have everything for the season.

Growing up along the Jersey Shore, Kari Leibowitz was no fan of winter. She always thought that beaches were better but that all changed when, as a researcher, she

landed a Fulbright Scholarship at the University of Tromsø in Norway. She planned to study “winter mindsets” to understand why people choose to live in cold-weather climates.

There, she says, she “fell in love with winter myself.”

In Tromsø, winter lasts nine months and two of those months are opaquely dark because of a “diffused” sunrise. Temperatures aren’t Arctic, but they aren’t exactly go-without-a-coat weather, either. Still, residents know how to live well and happy in the dark and cold, and they taught Leibowitz their secrets.

First and foremost, she says, adjust your mindset. If you expect to hate winter, you will hate it. Think about nights spent in front of the fireplace, warm blankets and hot drinks, and consider them as koselig, a Norwegian compliment indicating that something’s perfectly cozy. Reach for things that elevate your hygge, or your “cozy contentment.”

You don’t have to be cold. You don’t have to be grumpy, and you don’t have to hate the season. In fact, says Leibowitz, “The chance to enjoy it is a relief.”

“Appreciate winter,” she says, and pay attention to the magic of snowy nights and chilly-weather nature. “Make it special,” by setting yourself up for fun things to do and happy events you know you’ll eagerly anticipate. The Norwegians say, “’There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing,’” so bundle up warm, go outside, and enjoy.

Your nose is froze. And so are your toes. But follow the advice inside “How to Winter,” and you’ll be so busy smiling through this season that you won’t mind a bit.

That’s because there’s a pretty high level of joy inside this book, in every word of advice, and inside the tales that author Kari Leibowitz, PhD tells of her time in Norway and the wonder of the season she found there. It’s almost enough to make you book a ticket and go yourself but instead, read and learn to love the white stuff in your own yard. Just know that it might not be easy – even Leibowitz admits that but with time, what you learn here may eventually help you look out your window with more contentment and less contempt.

If you long for the same kind of happiness a snowy day gave you as a kid, “How to Winter” will help you recapture that feeling. If you need a cold weather mood-booster, that’s here, too. Miss this book, though, and it’ll just leave you cold.

On Love

by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

c.2024, Harper Collins, Martin Luther King Jr. Library $18.99 289 pages

Turn the volume up, please.

You need it louder because this is something you’ve been waiting to hear. You need to listen very closely; these words mean a great deal to you and they might change your life. As in the new book, “On Love” by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the message beneath the message is the most important.

As the grandson and great-grandson of pastors and the son of the senior pastor at Ebeneezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, it may seem as though young Martin Luther King, Jr., born in 1929, already had his life set.

King entered college at age fifteen and after graduation, he was named associate pastor at his father’s church.

At age twenty-five, he became the pastor at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. In late 1956, he was apprehended for his part in the bus boycott there, his first of may arrests for non-violent protests and activism for Civil Rights.

But when asked if those things were what he hoped he’d be honored for in years to come, King said he wanted to be remembered as “’someone who tried to love somebody.’”

His words, essays, letters, and speeches reflect that desire.

In a 1955 sermon in Montgomery, he used a parable to explain why white people needed love to gain

compassion. In 1956, he wrote about the bombing of his home, telling his readers that no retaliation was needed, that to “confront the problem with love” was the righteous and better thing to do.

Later that year, he said, “I want you to love our enemies… Love them and let them know you love them.”

And in November, 1956, he said, “… if you have not love, it means nothing.”

“Love is the greatest force in all the world,” he said in 1962.

He wrote a book on the subject, Strength to Love, in 1963.

In 1967, just months before his assassination, he said that “power at its best is love…”

When we talk about Dr. King’s life and his legacy, so much focus is put on his work on behalf of Civil Rights and equality that it’s easy to lose sight of the thing which he felt was more important. In “On Love,” any omission is rectified nicely.

This book, “excerpted to highlight the material where King specifically addressed the topic of love,” is full of pleasant surprises, words with impact, and thoughtprovokers. King’s speeches hammered home a need to love one’s enemies, woven into messages of gentle resistance and strength. He explained the different “levels” of love in a way that makes sense when related to equality and justice. The bits and pieces collected here will linger in reader’s minds, poking and prodding and reminding.

If your shelves are full of books about Dr. King, know that this is a unique one, and it’s perfect for our times, now. Don’t race through it; instead, savor what you’ll read and keep it close. “On Love” is a book you’ll want to turn to, often..

Witchcraft

for Wayward Girls

by Grady Hendrix c.2025,

Berkley $30.00 496 pages

So when are you due?

Do you want to know now, long before then, or will you wait to see if your baby’s a boy or a girl? Another question: will you buy pink clothes, blue ones or, as in the new book “Witchcraft for Wayward Girls” by Grady Hendrix, will you wait to know witch?

She tried to keep her pregnancy under wraps, literally

It was the spring of 1970 and Neva had been wearing elastic girdles around her belly for weeks but hiding her bulge was now impossible; soon, everybody’d know she was a “loose girl” who destroyed her virtue by sleeping with a boy out of wedlock. That wouldn’t do for her parents, who didn’t want everyone to see the family’s shame, so Neva’s father took her to a Home for Unwed Mothers in Florida and he left without saying goodbye.

Then Miss Wellwood, owner of the Home, stripped Neva of her identity.

On that day, Neva became “Fern.”

Though she was devastated – she just wanted everything normal again – Fern adjusted and even made friends. There was beautiful Rose, who planned on keeping her baby despite her parents’ wishes and Miss Wellwood’s demands; Zinnia, the only “colored” girl at the Home, who was Fern’s voice of reason; and little Holly, barely fourteen years old, who refused to talk.

But one day, Holly did talk, and she told her roommates that she was molested by her preacher since she was eight years old. The preacher would adopt her baby, Holly would be sent home, and probably abused again.

Outraged, Fern, Zinnia, and Rose began to conjure a plan. The Home’s bookmobile librarian had just given Fern a book of witchcraft, and Fern devoured everything she read. There was help for Holly there, and revenge for Rose, Fern was sure.

And so, on a summer evening, the girls sneaked away to the woods, to a clearing by the trees. It was warm and moonlit, a fine night for casting a curse…

Scary?

Eh, not terribly so, but “Witchcraft for Wayward Girls” is definitely edgy, in a V. C. Andrews sort of way, like those kinds of adolescent-girl, witchy-occult paperback books from the ‘70s. Indeed, author Grady Hendrix sets this story directly in that time-frame, which gives it just the right vibe. It has its moments of hair-raising and it can lag a little

here and there, but like its forebears from fifty years ago, it’s mostly tame and mostly safe.

It’s also quite readable, with a cast of young women on the cusp of adulthood, paying for something that, historically, wouldn’t be shameful soon because feminism and new attitudes were on their way. Readers old enough to remember this time and this enduringly popular novel genre will be flush with nostalgia in this book.

Readers too young to remember: welcome to the fold. Be aware of the content, and “Witchcraft for Wayward Girls” can be enjoyed by any horror-occult fan ages 16 and up. If you’ve been waiting for a book like this, you’re overdue.

The Sun Won’t Come Out Tomorrow

The Dark History of American Orphanhood

by Kristen Martin

c.2025, Bold Type Books $32.00 352 pages

The childhood you had was not the one you were meant for Chores and work weren’t for you; not when you could’ve been adopted by a rich bald man who lived in a mansion, who sang and danced with you and took you on adventures. That was the life you should’ve had but alas, you were just a normal kid.

That’s probably for the better although – as in the new book, “The Sun Won’t Come Out Tomorrow” by Kristen Martin – you still weren’t meant for any hard luck life.

Quick: think of an orphan.

Did you imagine of a curly-headed moppet in a red dress, a scruffy dog.by her side? That, says Kristen Martin, is an old trope, mostly overused in literature, pop culture, TV, and movies. The truth is that what most people think of when they think of orphans – kids who have no living parents – are generally rare these days.

Even the orphanages that come to mind aren’t true to history. Yes, for nearly two hundred years, orphanages sheltered parentless children with otherwise no family, but many institutions went a step further: white parents who couldn’t care for their kids could temporarily place them in orphanages, reclaiming them when things got better.

As for Black children, they were on their own.

While religious organizations always seemed willing to take in children to educate, starting in the 1860s, a New York City organization shipped random children – not necessarily orphaned ones – via trains across America to be adopted by loosely-vetted strangers. Similarly, a Catholic nun created a “foundling” shelter for unwanted babies, some who were likewise dispatched on trains. Infant travelers were generally adopted and raised by loving families but many older kids who were sent cross-country worked hard and went unloved, which led the New York American Society for the Cruelty to Animals to take up the plight of abused, homeless, poor, or abandoned children. This, says Martin, wasn’t the worst of it.

The worst, she says, came from our federal government…

Do you have tunes from a certain movie or Broadway show stuck in your head right now, or thoughts of a popular novel you’ve read? Yeah, that’s mostly fantasy, says author Kristen Martin and in “The Sun Won’t Come Out Tomorrow,” she uses personal stories and real history to set the story straight.

Eye-opening, part autobiography, part social science, part history, this book reaches back nearly two centuries before bringing readers to modern times, making careful distinction between the types of orphans that exist and putting fictional treatments into perspective by highlighting reality, versus common beliefs. Toward the end of her book, Martin gives readers an honest gut-punch overview of the treatment of Black and Native children before examining today’s foster system and explaining how we can do better. By then, you’ll want to know. Most readers love a good underdog story, and this one has that feel but without fictional drama. If you want an absorbing, sometimes shocking social history, “The Sun Won’t Come Out Tomorrow” is the one meant for you.

For more information & tickets: www.paradisecenterforthearts.org

507.332.7372

321 Central Avenue North, Faribault, MN

Around The World in 80 Days

Presented by Paradise Community Theatre

By Laura Eason, Director: Patrick Braucher.

February 14, 15, 21, and 22 at 7:30 PM February 16 & 23 at 2:00 PM

Member: $17.50, Non-Member: $19.50, Student: $13.50

AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS races its way around the globe, taking in continents, intrigue, love, and even an elephant – all in the name of a bet. The eccentric Phileas Fogg wagers his life’s fortune that he can circumnavigate the globe in just eighty days with his traveling companion Passepartout. The complicating factor? In Victorian England, there are no planes. This is an incredible tale of adventure for all the family.

Sponsored by Faribault Interiors, Faribault Transportation, Faribault Daily News, The Bahl Foundation, and Quality Appliance.

Comedian Tommy Ryman

Friday, February 28 at 7:30 PM

Member: $21.50

Non-Member: $26.50

Student: $16.50

Tommy Ryman, a semifinalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, is an acclaimed comedian. His oddly-adorable standup landed him No. 1 on iTunes comedy charts for his album Party Troll. Named Best of the Midwest at Gilda’s Laugh Fest, Tommy grew up in Minnesota jamming on the clarinet for his new-age mom and kale-chip-making dad. He performs at top clubs, colleges, and festivals across the nation including the Great American Comedy Festival.

Sponsored by Bart JacksonAmerican Family Insurance

Gallery Opening Reception

February 21, 5pm-7pm.

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Vranesh Gallery - Kendell Laurent K&M Gallery –Olivia Hoppe, Creative aging class Sandra Sargent.

Creger Gallery - Randi Selbrade Exhibition Dates: February 17 – March 29. Sponsored by Southern Heights Dental Group

Become a member of both the Paradise Center for the Arts and River Bend Nature Center for $100. The promotion runs through March 15.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Carlander Gallery

Dan Petrov