INSIDE: BLUE MAN GROUP // SOVEREIGN SECT // THE AREA’S BEST CALENDAR
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YOUR MONTHLY RESOURCE FOR THE BEST EVENTS IN FARGO-MOORHEAD
EVENTS
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National Youth Art Month All Month Plains Art Museum
During the entire month of March the Plains Art Museum will be celebrating Youth Art Month by displaying children’s art from around the region.
O 365 Days to 50 & The sheARTS Project 1st - 26th from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sundays: Noon - 5 p.m. Hjemkomst Center
Two exhibits, happening now, 365 Days to 50 and The sheARTS Project: Art Hats for Breast Cancer Awareness, showcase how art heals the soul in times of life’s challenges. Both projects were created by local artist and designer, Claudia M. Pratt, who has faced breast cancer head-on over the last five years. 6
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Sports
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Old Man Winter Roots and Brew Fest 2012 3rd at Noon The Venue
Featuring: Buddy Guy, Quinn Sullivan, Johnson Family Band, and more. Music starts at 1 p.m. 21+ welcome. $19 general admission, $29 reserved seating.
HFM Derby Girls 3rd at 7 p.m.
Fargo Civic Center
Watch the FMDG travel teams battle it out against the visiting teams. The Furies take on the Grand Rapids Iron Maidens followed by the Northern Pains versus the Sioux City Roller Dames. These are two bouts you DON’T want to miss.
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Hansen Theatre (MSUM)
Plains Art Museum
James Sewell Ballet and the Arsenal Trio 3rd at 7:30 p.m. MSUM’s Cheryl Nelson Lossett Performing Arts Series brings the James Sewell Ballet to the community featuring choreography to Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio and new work by Sewell. The ballet also features the Aresenal Trio (violinist, pianist and cellist). Purchase tickets at the door or for more info visit: mnstate. edu/perform.
School Spirit Artist Reception 4th at 1:30 p.m. An artist reception for students, friends,and family with entertainment by local students, art-making activities, light refreshments, and fabulous student art from across the region.
HSportman’s Boat, Camping and Vacation Show 4th at 10 a.m. Fargodome
This is your last day to check out North Dakota’s largest sports show. This show is rated one of the most successful customer trade shows in the Northwest.
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Percussion Ensemble 6th at 7:30 p.m. Festival Concert Hall NDSU
Free and open to the public.
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Fargo Theatre
An international festival featuring independent, silent and classic films. For more information visit www. fargofilmfestival.org.
The Stage at Island Park
The audience gets to play along as the familiar characters from the Parker Brothers’ board game sing and dance their way to discovering the killer.
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Girls Night Out 8th at 4 p.m.
The Crystal Ballroom at the Ramada
A home, beauty and fashion expo.
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Don Hertzfeldt 8th at 7 p.m. Fargo Theatre
Academy Award-nominee animator, Don Hertzfeldt, will appear in person for the Fargo Film Festival. Hertzfeldt has also been selected as the 2012
For more information go to the North Dakota High School Activities Association website, www.ndhsaa.com.
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1st Annual Bunny Lebowski Pro-Am Invitational 8th at 9:30 p.m. All-Star Bowl
Join the Fargo Film Festival for an event that will include a Big Lebowski-themed costume contest, a Lebowski/Coenfocused trivia contest, and a Lebowski edition of the Fargo Film Festival’s popular 2-Minute Movie Contest. A limited number of tickets are available for $10 per person and may be purchased in advance at the Fargo Theatre. Ticket price includes shoe rental and bowling. The event is open to all ages.
HND Class A State Basketball 8th - 10th
Fargo Theatre
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Enjoy the entrees of the popular two minute movie contest. People from around the area make a short movie that’s quick and to the point.
Red Raven Espresso Parlor
Taste of Home Cooking Show 10th at 3 p.m.
Singer Songwriter SnoCase 9th at 7:30 p.m.
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Clue: The Musical 7th – 10th at 7:30 p.m. and 11th at 2 p.m.
Fargodome
Come out to hear some local musicians: Matt Florence, Sarah Bomb, Molly McLain, Tom Peckskamp and the Cold Bright.
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Ramada Plaza Suites
Shopping, food and wine sampling. Gift bags and door prizes given away throughout the night.
Don Williams 9th at 8 p.m.
Shooting Star Casino
Recently inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010, Don “The Gentle Giant” Williams is bringing his talents to the Shooting Star stage. With 17 Number One hits, including “Tulsa Time,” “I Believe in You” and “You’re My Best Friend,” this “Good Ole Boy” is sure to put on a “Cracker Jack” of a show. Tickets start at $20. More info visit: www.starcasino. com.
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Fargo Film Festival Two Minute Movie Contest 9th at 9:30 p.m.
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Ladies Night 10th and 31st at 10 p.m. Radisson
Ladies enjoy 1/2 price top shelf cocktails at this “Sophisticated Saturday.” 7
EVENTS
Fargo Film Festival 6th - 10th
Fargo Film Festival’s Ted M. Larson Award recipient.
Javier Colon, winner of NBC’s The Voice, will be performing at the Fargo Theatre. Tickets vary from $27.50 to $35.50.
HIce Revue
10th - 11th
Fargo Coliseum
At the end of each year’s skating season, students from each of the Park District classes present an Ice Skating Revue. 10th at 7 p.m. and the11th at 2 p.m.
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Concertmaster of the FM Symphony, Ben Sung, started the 8th Street String Quartet. They will be performing their final performance as part of the Chamber Music Series.
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Metropolitan Opera – Ernani 14th at 6:30 p.m.
Urban Overture “Symphony 101” 14th at 5:30 p.m.
HMen’s Roller Derby
Studio 222
11th at 6:30 p.m.
Hipcheck Murphys vs. Quad Brawlers.
Skaters who participate in Moorhead Parks and Recreation skating programs present their annual Ice Show! Tickets are available at the door an hour before show time. 16th and 17th at 7 p.m. and 18th at 1 p.m.
Dakota Magic Casino
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Concordia Main Gym
Moorhead Ice Show 16th - 18th
James Otto 16th at 8 p.m.
Marcus Century 10
Concordia Choir Home Concert 11th at 4 p.m.
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Moorhead Sports Center
Learn about camels and why they are known as “ships of the desert.”
First Presbyterian Church
Javier Colon 13th at 8 p.m.
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Red River Zoo
Ben’s Farewell / 8th Street String Quartet 11th at 2 p.m
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Ships of the Desert 15th at 3:15 p.m.
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Skateland
with a membership. Register online at www.fmsymphony. org.
With a membership to this free group you will be able to attend free parties at Studio 222 and learn what symphony’s are all about, meet friends, network and enjoy some free wine tastings. A great perk is the $10 symphony tickets you can buy
March 2012
Get up close and personal with award winning country star, James Otto. Tickets start at $25. More info visit: www. dakotamagic.com.
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Bouncin’ Bash & More 16th – 17th Veterans Memorial Arena
Obstacle courses, giant slides, bouncy castles, Volcano Climb, Kiddie Land, laser tag, concessions and more. Great for families and open to all ages. Kids 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: $8 - wristband. Hours: 16th: 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.; 17th: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
EVENTS
hJay and Silent Bob 6th at 8 p.m.
Fargo Theatre
Jay and Silent Bob are the iconic characters in Kevin Smith’s movies like “Clerks,” “Mallrats,” “Chasing Amy,” “Dogma,” “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” and “Clerks 2.” Reserved seating costs $35 and $45; fees may apply. For more information visit www.jadepresents.com
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Pop Goes the Rock by Cirque Dreams 14th at 7:30 p.m. Fargodome
Pop Goes the Rock by Cirque Dreams is a roller–coaster ride of Twists, Turns and Wows … a new musical of unexpected sights and sounds that explode on stage like a Rock n’ Roll party set in a carnival funhouse. Re-live popular and timeless tunes with a kaleidoscope of Cirque Dreams talent, extravagant costumes and theatrical mayhem. Ticket Prices: $54, $41.50 and $26.50
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Red River Zoo
Downtown Fargo
Predator-Prey 17th at 2 p.m.
Did you know some animals are vegetarians? Within the food chain there are carnivores, omnivores, herbivores, and more. Can one live without the other? Examine how all are linked in the delicate circle of life. Cost: $5 - RRZ members, $7.50 non-members.
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Ravel, Hayden and Bartok 17th - 18th at 8 p.m. and 2 p.m. NDSU Festival Concert Hall
This concert celebrates the talents and accomplishments of musicians of the FargoMoorhead Symphony.
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Celtic Festival 17th at 10 a.m.
Hjemkomst Center
The Celtic Festival celebrates the rich cultures of the seven Celtic nations featuring the intriguing history, arts and traditions of Brittany (France), Cornwall (UK), Isle of Man, Galicia (Spain), Ireland and Northern Ireland (UK), Scotland (UK) and Wales (UK). .
St. Patrick’s Day Parade 17th at 3 p.m.
HFM Derby Girls Double
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Entry forms available at fmdowntown.com.
Fargo Civic Center
Moorhead Center Mall
HSt. Patrick’s Day 5K Run 17th at 3 p.m.
Downtown Fargo
St. Patrick’s 5K for the FM area. Register online ($25) by February 29 to be guaranteed a long-sleeve shirt. Race day registration is 12:30 - 2 p.m. with a fee of $35. Packet pick-up from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. on Saturday March 17 at The Great Northern Bicycle Company. Results will be posted on www.pickleevents. com.
Header 17th at 7 p.m.
The Fighting Suzies face off against the Monkey Wenches and the Haute Dishes take on Battlescar Galactica.
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St. Patrick’s Day Get Lucky Bash 17th at 9:30 p.m. The Venue
$500 cash give away inside one box of Lucky Charms. 21+ welcome, no cover.
Antique & Collectible Show 17th and 18th, all day long
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FM Crusaders Motorcycle Club 37th Annual Motorcycle Show & Party 17th - 18th The Ramada
More info visit: www. fmcrusadersmc.com
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Cosmic Bowling 18th at 1 p.m.
West Acres Bowl
Enjoy bowling at its wildest. Music and lights will add to the party atmosphere. Prizes will be given away throughout the event. Register early. Limited spots available. Fee: $8 per person (groups of 4 or 5 preferred). More info: www.fargoparks.com.
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Birdhouses 19th - Apr. 2nd
Plains Art Museum
The Plains Art Museum will display innovative birdhouse designs of second-year NDSU architecture students. 11
EVENTS
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UG Unplugged 21st at 8 p.m.
CMU Underground at MSUM
MSUM’s annual acoustic music competition sponsored by the Campus Activities Board. Free and open to the public.
HNDSU Swing Night
burials. Reverend Mother Regina, a former circus performer, and her crazy flock of nuns, decide to put on a variety show in the school gym. Shows: Thur-Sat 7:30 p.m., Sun: 2 p.m.
Pictures with the Easter Bunny 23rd - Apr. 7th
Little Donnie and the Groovetones will be performing so you can dance
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Troubadour 23rd at 9 p.m. The Venue
Cadillac Ranch (The Hub)
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the night away.
Vince Gill 23rd at 8 p.m.
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Shooting Star Casino
The Stage at Island Park
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West Fargo Memorial Arena
Round will be 50 Rinehart targets. Concession available. 24th: 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 25th: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. For more info call 701.733.0123.
HFargo Force vs. Des Scheels Arena
When the Little Sisters of Hoboken discover that their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, accidentally poisoned 52 of the sisters, they must raise money fast for the
Shoot 24th - 25th
The Easter Bunny will be available for photos in the Macy’s court.
MU Great Plains Ballroom
It’s only fitting to call country singer Vince Gill “neotraditional” because of his unique sound that’s reminiscent of mid-1900s country music. His sound, along with his multiinstrumental talent, has
March 2012
the Shrine Circus Elephants. Advanced Tickets: General Admission - $11 Reserved - $14 Day of Show General Admission - $13 Reserved - $16
HTwin Arrows 3D Archery
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West Acres Mall
22nd at 7 p.m.
Nunsense 22nd – 25th
earned him many prestigious honors, including 27 Grammy Awards, 18 CMA Awards and even a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame. Tickets start at $40. More info visit: www.starcasino.com.
HFargo Force vs. Des Moines 24th at 7:05 p.m. Scheels Arena e
MSUM’s Percussion Concert 24th at 7:30p.m.
MSUM Hansen Theatre
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HNPC Upper Midwest
Bodybuilding Competition 24th at 6 p.m. NDSU Festival Hall
Become motivated to workout by watching these boybuilders show off their muscles. Prejudging begins at 9 a.m. on Sat. the 24th. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for the show. Tickets bought before the day of the show are $25 for main floor or $20 for balcony.
El Zagel Shrine Circus 24th - 25th
HFargo Force vs. Des
High-wire and Trapeze Acts, Clowns, Bengal Tigers and
Scheels Arena
Fargodome
Moines 24th at 7:05 p.m.
Fargo Civic Center
Gaffigan has done guest appearances in “Flight of the Conchords” and “Bored to Death” and had movie roles in “Going the Distance,” “Away We Go” and “It’s Kind of a Funny Story.”
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EVENTS
Jim Gaffigan 19th at 7 p.m.
Elton John 24th at 8 p.m.
Ralph Engelstad Arena
This will be Elton John’s first appearance in Grand Forks. He will be performing some of his hits from his past five decades of performing.
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Concordia Main Gym e
Three Choirs Concert 25th at 4 p.m.
Concordia Main Gym e
Nicholaus Meyer, Percussion 27th at 7:30 p.m. Beckwith Recital Hall
This graduate recital is free and open to the public.
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Brass Chamber Night 28th at 7:30 p.m.
Beckwith Recital Hall
Tri-College Swing Dance Club 30th at 7 p.m. MSUM CMU Underground
Anyone is welcome to this swing dance club. This free event teaches East Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa and Drag Blues. Intermediate lessons begin at 7 p.m. and beginner lessons at 8 p.m.
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Day of Percussion Performance 31st at 4 p.m. at 8 a.m. Memorial Auditorium
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Celebration of Nations 31st at 4 p.m.
MSUM CMU Ballroom
This annual event at MSUM features International students showcasing their countries art, clothing, good, dances and much more. Children’s world will begin at 4 p.m. and the opening ceremony will start at 6:30 p.m.
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Together We Rise Benefit Concert 31st at 9 p.m. Fargo VFW
This will be a concert to help raise money to support “Together We Rise,” a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of foster children across the country.
HMAX Fights 12: Proving Grounds 31st at 7 p.m. The Venue
$20 advance general admission $25 day of admission For ringside and bleacher seats, call 701.367.6592.
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Faculty Recital: Virginia Sublett, soprano 30th at 7:30 p.m. Beckwith Recital Hall
HPRCA Rodeo
30th – 31st at 7:30 p.m. Fargodome
Check out live rodeo excitement. General admission: adult $15, Kids (2-12) $7.50. More info visit www.fargodome.com
For event information visit: fmspotlight.com To submit your own event e-mail sam@fmstride.com. 15
EVENTS
Senior Honor Concert 24th at 7:30 p.m.
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80
YEARS OF MUSIC The FM Symphony orchestra brings crescendos and concertos into its 80th season
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n 1931, when the FM Symphony got its start, you could buy a new house for $6,500, gas cost 10 cents per gallon and a new car cost $600. Though a lot has changed over the past 80 years, the FM Symphony has remained consistent by providing Fargo-Moorhead with the best possible music.
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ccording to executive director, Linda Boyd Coates, the FM Symphony is marking its 80th season with some big changes and plans for the future. Music director, Bernard Rubenstein, who has been the director of the symphony for the past nine years, is stepping down at the end of this season. According to Coates, Rubenstein has organized the concerts this season to showcase the talent of the symphony and show-off how far the symphony has come under his direction. With the retirement of Rubenstein comes the search for a new music director. The FM Symphony received hundreds of applications from across the world and has narrowed the selection to five canidates. Next season, there will be five concerts and a different director will direct each concert, creating as Coates describes, “A kind of American Idol audition process.” From there a committee will select the next director. The symphony is a full orchestra with approximately 75 musicians from throughout the community. Another tradition of the FM Symphony is the “Young Artist Solo Competition.” Each year the program features a local high school musician to spotlight during a concert with a solo. This year Jenny Sun from Fargo South will be highlighted during the March 17 and 18 concerts.
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FM SYMPHONY FOR BEGINNERS A lot of people are scared to go to their first symphony but have no fear because FM Spotlight is here to help. Follow these tips and you’ll appear to be a FM Symphony patron. • • •
The Wednesday before every concert there is a Urban Overtures party at Studio 222. There will be free wine and hors d’oeuvres as well as a lecture about the concert. Dress at the FM Symphony ranges from tuxedos to blue jeans. Dress up for a night out or wear what you wore to work. It’s up to you. Forty-five minutes before the concert begins the Music Director will give a lecture on what to expect from the concert and what to listen for. These talks are very beneficial for people who have never been to the symphony.
Tickets for the FM Symphony can be purchased at www.fmsymphony.org or by calling the box office at 701-478-3676
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MARCH FM SYMPHONY RAVEL, HAYDN AND BARTOK March 17 at 8 p.m., March 18 at 2 p.m. NDSU Festival Concert Hall BEN’S FAREWELL / 8TH STREET STRING QUARTET March 11 at 2 p.m First Presbyterian Church MUSIC FOR THE HEART March 8 and 22 at noon Sanford Health on Broadway
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6th - Blind Pilot 9th - Soap with O’fosho 10th - Sean Anonymous 12th - Electric Six 13th - Comeback Kid & Living with Lions 28th - The Wooden Sky 31st - Banner Pilot
M A R C H
LIVE MUSIC 24
THE AQUARIUM
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O’LEARY’S
2nd, 3rd - The Fillers 9th - Skyline 16th - Jeez Loueez 23rd - 8th Hour 30th, 31st - Tune In Tokyo
HUB
3rd - Buddy Guy 8th - 24Seven 9th - October Road 15th - Jeez Loueez 16th - BoomTown 22nd - 8th Hour 23rd - Troubadour 29th - Skyline
CHUMLEY’S 10th - Jeez Loueez
M&J SALOON
2nd, 3rd - 8th Hour 23rd, 24th - Carmen The Cactus 30th, 31st - 24Seven March 2012
JT CIGARRO
3rd - Feedback 9th, 10th - Chester Bay 13th - Open Mic Night 14th - Dirty Word 16th - DJ Fossa 17th - The Authors 23rd, 24th - Sell Out Stereo 27th - Open Mic Night 30th - Back For More 31st - Skyline
LUCKY’s 13 2nd - Sideline 3rd - Acoustic Addiction 9th, 10th - Madd Hatter 16th - Chase Burkhart 17th - Skooba 23rd - Any Day Now 24th - Mick Klein 30th - The Dead Beats 31st - Generator
HODO
1st - Heavy is Bad 8th - D Mills & The Thrills 12th - Tom and Diane 15th - Evergreen Grass Band 22nd - Eric Koskinen and Molly Maher 29th - Two Many Banjos
SIDESTREET
3rd - Viva La Vox & Rachel Brook 10th - The Dirty Hurlers with Less Than Organic
SPECKS BAR 2nd, 3rd - Liquor Up 8th, 9th - Smoking Gun 15th, 16th - Flashback 30th, 31st - Fire Water Burn
NESTOR
24th - Cappadonna (of the Wu Tang Clan)
RADISSON 10th, 31st - DJ Nola 16th - Front Fenders
BIG D’s
2nd, 3rd - Skyline 9th - Good for Gary 10th - Cherry Gun 16th - Epic Five 17th - Shaylo Lee & The Rush River 23rd - October Road 24th - Brat Pack Radio 30th, 31st - Tripwire
SPIRITS LOUNGE
THE NEW DIRECTION
MAPLETON HAGGES
VFW (Downtown)
RICKS
VFW (West Fargo)
2nd, 3rd - Jeez Loueez 9th, 10th - Fuse 16th, 17th - Ugly Stick 23rd, 24th - The S.O.L. Band 30th, 31st - Triple Play
2nd, 3rd - The Roosters 10th - Dead Beats 16th, 17th - Mother Shipton 24th - Blues Tonic
2nd, 3rd - Face for Radio 10th - S.O.P. 16th, 17th - Double Forte 30th, 31st - Relevant
17th - Bitedown, Remiss, Graduating Summer 18th - Aseethe 20th - Lighthouses & Tierra Park
9th - Ciro & Topher 10th - Moody River Band 16th - Anthony Chaput 17th - The Dirty Hurlers 23rd - 3rd & Main
2nd, 3rd - Billy D and the Crystals 9th, 10th - Front Fenders 16th, 17th - 24Seven 23th, 24th - Silverado 30th, 31st - Troubadour
RED RAVEN
10th - John Bondy’s Moving Away Show: The One Times, JOEge w BOSCH, Remember Me, Gypsy Heart
DEMPSEY’S
9th - The Fillers 23rd - The San Haven Chuckle
WINDBREAK
4th - 8th Hour 8th, 9th - Tripwire 16th - Our Last Secret 17th - Face For Radio, Jeez Loueez 22nd - 24Seven 24th, 25th - Face For Radio 31st - October Road 25
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BEHIN BLUE GUYS
BLUE MAN GROUP // APRIL 3rd and 4th // FARGODOME
A LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES OF BLUE MAN GROUP Combine percussion, science, humor, technology, lights, paint and three mysterious blue guys who never utter a word and you’ve got Blue Man Group. A theatrical group whose founding roots date back to the 1987 New York City scene, Blue Man Group has become such a success that parent company, Blue Man Productions, now produces shows on a world-wide level. FM Spotlight brings you an exclusive interview with Blue Man, Kalen Allmandinger, for a rare glimpse at one of the guys behind the blue. 34
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PHOTOGRAPHY: Paul Kolnik
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KALEN ALLMANDINGER
has performed with Blue Man Group all over the world. He studied acting at Chicago College of Performing Arts where he worked with Looking Glass, About Face and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre company.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Paul Kolnik 35
Q&A WITH
KALEN ALLMANDINGER SPOTLIGHT: Where are you at right now? Little Rock, Arkansas. We’re down here for a show this week. SPOTLIGHT: I bet the weather down there is a bit nicer than Fargo. Yeah, it’s not too bad down here. SPOTLIGHT: So where are you originally from, where’d you grow up? I grew up in Iowa, around the Quad Cities, and I went to high school in Davenport. Sort of a farming community. SPOTLIGHT: Are you married, have kids? I’m married and actually my wife travels around with Blue Man Group and helps sell our merchandise. It’s nice to be able to travel with her. SPOTLIGHT: What do you do during your time off? It usually varies. Last summer we had a lot of shows but I try to spend time with my family and travel to Iowa to see them. SPOTLIGHT: How long have you been performing with Blue Man Group? Let’s see…it’s been about eleven years now. I took some time off for a little while but for the most part I’ve been performing with Blue Man for eleven years. 36
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SPOTLIGHT: Where has touring taken you? I’ve been to a lot of places all around the world. I started here in the states in Boston for two years. I’ve been everywhere from Houston to Chicago, did shows in London and Berlin. Also spent a year in Tokyo. SPOTLIGHT: How was Tokyo? It was great and I loved it…met a lot of friends over there. I would’ve stayed in Tokyo longer but I really needed a break from the show. SPOTLIGHT: So right now you’re touring around North America? Yes. We’re in Little Rock, Arkansas right now. We usually stay about a week at each place we travel to. We’re about three-quarters of the way through this tour. So a few more stops, head up to Canada and then we’ll be making our way to Fargo. SPOTLIGHT: Have you ever been to Fargo? I haven’t yet, but I’ve been to Grand Forks.
SPOTLIGHT: Grand Forks? Pfshhh…what pops into mind when you hear the name Fargo? Well…[pause]…I guess I think of Grand Forks [laughing], so that’s really the only association I have with the area. But, hearing Fargo, every once in a while an image of Francis McDormand pops into my head too. SPOTLIGHT: [Laughing] That’s a great movie, isn’t it? Yeah, it really is. I guess that area around Fargo certainly has a different feel to it. I’ve spent time in Minnesota and I actually lived in Wisconsin for a while – right in the middle of the state where it’s sort of woodsy and all carved out by topography and glaciers [pause] and there are those long, cold winters. I really enjoyed being up there though. The area’s almost like a distant relative.
SPOTLIGHT: So what type of show are you putting on at the Fargodome? This show is its own beast. We’ve got some musical numbers that are original to when Blue Man Group first started but we also have some slight variations. It’s nice touring this show because the size of where we perform is in between. Some places have just 300 seats and the stage and others are more like big rock concerts with a larger audience. This show has the essence of all of them – the spectacle and flash stimulation, huge video elements, visceral music. We do have quieter and more intimate moments and we pull people out of the crowd. SPOTLIGHT: Pulling people out of the crowd! It’s not like other shows where there’s that sort of distance between actors on stage and a crowd watching. Yes! And for us the most satisfying parts to the show is being able to have that direct connection with the audience. The audience influences how the show goes. Basically there’s no “fourth wall” and each Blue Man is not in some other place or pretending to be in some other setting…he’s right there in that theatre.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Paul Kolnik
SPOTLIGHT: Well, you’re already blue so you’d fit well into the Fargo scene. Corny joke. [Laughs.]
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SPOTLIGHT: What’s also crazy is that your show is based on a lot of nonverbal communication, so a Blue Man never talks. Is it difficult to communicate with the audience? When you’re first hired in the position you learn the characteristics and what makes the character…basically how to be a Blue Man. Really, a Blue Man consists of honesty. You don’t say anything, but if you’re feeling that something is real it’s all circumstantial and what the character finds himself in. If you [the audience member] see an honest reaction you can fil in the blanks and the words the Blue Man would be saying if he was talking. If we show we are truthfully affected by them [the audience] then you can trust it wil read. Facial expressions are the deadpan and, for us, it all comes down to the eyes. The truth is there even though there’s sort of a mystery behind each Blue Man. SPOTLIGHT: So why blue? Why not green or red? Well, blue is kind of a beautiful color. We’re a rich, deep cobalt blue. Yves Klein [French artist] was also influential. The shades he used to paint monochromatic paintings… canvases painted in blue, some with textures and patterns…sometimes just a blue canvas. That was part of the inspiration. If we were green people would think aliens, red and people would think angry. Blue is sort of a neutral color, like the ocean. SPOTLIGHT: What is the blue? Is it paint? Yes, it’s grease paint put on heavy and thick – like theatrical makeup like a clown’s, but thicker. SPOTLIGHT: What about your hair? We have bald caps we put on. We slap on the paint and it stays wet. SPOTLIGHT: So if someone touched your face they’d have blue all over? Yes. 37
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SPOTLIGHT: Doesn’t that stuff get hot? It gets very hot. And the show is very physical and our storytelling is done through just actions, since it’s not verbal. It gets hot but we have a lot of stamina. SPOTLIGHT: Ever had any big disasters while performing? One of the advantages to these shows is, because we don’t have any lines, if something goes wrong we don’t have to scramble to make something up on the spot. The story is that these characters are working together to make a connection with the audience – it’s a share of experiences. In that form
SPOTLIGHT: Any pre-show rituals? No, I wouldn’t say I have any superstitions or practices or even any sacred warm ups or rituals. I like to get warmed up and to get the blood flowing we play a lot of percussion so I focus on warming up the hands. We really try to act like maniacs and get loose and out of our heads to get into the right mindset.
For tickets and more information go to www.fargodome.com
PHOTOGRAPHY: Paul Kolnik
they have success even through their failures and those failures are usually written into the show. One character fails and it’s fun to watch the struggle. If something actually does go wrong all we have to do is stay in character and sort of roll with it. Anything can happen so it’s not a surprise and we embrace that. It’s so interactive that 90% of the time it [the show] happens without anything going wrong. But sometimes when we do bring people on stage there can be some issues. But basically, for the structure of the show, we get from point A to B to C and the way we do that is based on the performers of that week and the audience. To sum it up, we embrace the chaos.
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FILM FESTIVAL Photo: REPOR PHOTOGRAPHY
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MARCH 6 - 10// FARGO THEATRE This month the Fargo Film Festival is celebrating its 12th year at the historic Fargo Theatre. This five day moviepacked event that got its start in March of 2000 has been on the rise in popularity. Jam-packed with celebrity appearances, informational and provocative presentations and a wide variety of film categories, this is one film festival movie lovers won’t want to miss.
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EMILY BECK Executive Director of the Fargo Theatre, Beck, is excited to play a part in directing and coordinating the Fargo Film Festival. 53
Jay and Silent Bob
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Jay and Silent Bob, the iconic characters in Kevin Smith’s movies “Clerks,” “Mallrats,” “Chasing Amy,” “Dogma,” “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” and “Clerks 2” will kick off the opening night of the 2012 Fargo Film Festival at 8 p.m. on March 6 at the Fargo Theatre.
2 Minute Movie Contest The “2-Minute Movie Contest” is a competitive contest that features movies no longer than two minutes in length. Films are submitted for the competition and selected by a panel of film festival judges.
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nce again the Fargo Film Festival is bringing first class movies to the area. Between March 6 and 10 the Fargo Theatre will show more than 100 movies from seven different categories that range from animations to documentaries.
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The entertainment doesn’t end with the movies. There will be a slew of speakers at the festival including “Mad Men” actor, Rich Sommer, and also Jay and Silent Bob as the headlining speakers at 8 p.m. on March 6. This year the Fargo Film Festival will feature the
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first Fargo Lebowski Fest. This fest, which will feature all things related to the film “The Big Lebowski,” will take place at 9:30 p.m. at All-Star Bowl in Moorhead. It will feature a Big Lebowski-themed costume contest, Lebowski trivia contest and much more.
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Lebowski Bowling On March 8th from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. join the Fargo Film Festival at Moorhead’s All-Star Bowl. The event will include a Big Lebowskithemed costume contest, a Lebowski/Coenfocused trivia contest and a Lebowski edition of the Fargo Film Festival’s popular 2-Minute Movie Contest.
Rich Sommer
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There are seven categories that submissions could be entered into: animation, documentary short or feature, experimental, narrative short or feature and student. This year the festival received a record 150+ submissions. Films will begin showing at 9 a.m. everyday of the
Sommer received a BA in Theatre Arts from Concordia College in Moorhead and an MFA in Acting from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Best known for his role as Harry Crane on AMC’s multiple Emmy and Golden Globe-winning show “Mad Men,” Sommer has also appeared on “The Office,” “Law & Order” and starred as Anne Hathaway’s drinking buddy, Doug, in “The Devil Wears Prada.”
Fargo Film Festival and will run in both theatres until the evening when the smaller theatre will show its regularly scheduled programming. This year the festival will feature three Oscar nominated short films and several films from MSUM film students.
Tickets to the Fargo Film Festival can be purchased by contacting the Fargo Theatre box office by calling 701-239-8385. For more information visit the Fargo Film Festival’s website, www.fargofilmfestival.com. 55
THE
INTERROGATION ROOM WITH
Rosie Bruz-her
League president of the Fargo Moorhead Derby Girls
There’s more to the Fargo Moorhead Derby Girls than quad skates, hip checks and fast skaters. In fact, there’s an entire business behind this skater owned and skater operated flat track roller derby league that has been entertaining and supporting the FM area since 2009. FM Spotlight dragged FMDG’s league president, Rosie Bruzher, into the Interrogation Room for a closer look at the nonprofit organization, the skaters and the hard-hitting sport of roller derby. 58
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PHOTOGRAPHY // REPOR PHOTO 59
ROSIE BRUZ-HER INTERVIEW FMSPOTLIGHT: What FMDG teams are you a part of? ROSIE BRUZ-HER: I’m a Monkey Wench (one of four home teams) and a Northern Pain (one of two travel teams). FMSPOTLIGHT: How long have you been president of FMDG? ROSIE BRUZ-HER: I started skating for FMDG in 2009 and became president in October of 2010. FMSPOTLIGHT: What’s a typical day in the life of Rosie Bruz-her? ROSIE BRUZ-HER: Oh gosh…in the morning I get my kids up and ready for school, then I go to school and serve breakfast and lunch, then come home and answer e-mails till I get the kids, then we come home and I help them with homework, get dinner ready then head to derby practice. Then I get home and I go to bed…okay, well maybe with a drink somewhere between getting home and going to bed. 60
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FMSPOTLIGHT: What life tools have you incorporated from your day jobs into your position as FMDG’s league president? ROSIE BRUZ-HER: As a florist you deal with a lot of personal issues – deaths, weddings, babies – you have to read who you’re dealing with and adjust to that person. I’ve met and continue to meet many different types of women. I think that’s the best training I could have for this position. FMSPOTLIGHT: How has the league progressed? ROSIE BRUZ-HER: I think the league has progressed as far as skaters and their skating ability. When FMDG first started a lot of the girls who joined were coming in and just learning how to skate. Now we have women coming to us who are already skaters. Skater agility and ability have come a long way.
FMSPOTLIGHT: What challenges has FMDG faced? ROSIE BRUZ-HER: One of our challenges has been our growth in numbers at such a fast rate. The number of skaters really exploded between Season I and Season II and it was a huge undertaking. FMSPOTLIGHT: What’s your favorite derby move to lay out the competition? ROSIE BRUZ-HER: The full- body shoulder hit… that’s my signature move. I gotta work on it a bit so I have a few aces up my sleeve when we play the Fighting Suzies in March. FMSPOTLIGHT: What’s the biggest misconception about roller derby?
realizes how much time and effort we put in to playing roller derby and even how much time we take away from our families. FMSPOTLIGHT: What are you most proud of helping the league achieve? ROSIE BRUZ-HER: WFTDA. Joining the WFTDA (Women’s Flat Track Derby Association) means we’re going to be able to be ranked in our region. It also means that we’ve made it to the big girl level of the sport. We’re going to get a lot of recognition and I’m confident we’re going to compete well. There are a lot of teams at different stages and levels around the area so there are going to be a lot of teams who will be a big challenge for us. We’re going to create some big rivals.
ROSIE BRUZ-HER: That it’s still staged like it used to be in the 1970s. I don’t think anyone
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[HE SAID/ SHE SAID] Get your questions answered at www.1079thefox.com and www.froggyweb.com
[HE SAID]
Well congrats Michelle! Sounds like your new puppy is excited but needs just a little housetraining. He’s excited...about you. Thats all, dont read too far into it other than that! At least at the moment...but its up to YOU to bring that leash in a little, gently mind you, and just let him know that its important for you to take it slow...get rid of any baggage you both may be carrying, and just TAKE YOUR TIME. This is meant to last a lifetime...treat it with the respect it deserves and I totally PROMISE it’ll work out like it should. Just be sure to be kind to each other. And would it kill you to lose the bra and give him a motorboat ride every now and then? Just a thought. Best wishes to you both!
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[QUESTION]
My boyfriend popped the question on Valentine’s Day. I said, YES and have since regretted it. He is really excited to get married and already talking about kids. I have already put on the brakes and want to be engaged for at least two more years. I think he is the one, but I am just not sure. I don’t know if I should just call off the engagement or if I should just stick it out and see what happens? -Michelle, Fargo
[SHE SAID]
Oh Honey! I get that it’s not easy to say NO when someone proposes to you and it can be overwhelming and a ton of emotions, but if you already have doubts…That’s not good. Getting engaged is supposed to be a very exciting time in your life. Everyone questions whether or not they may or not be ready and that’s normal. I think if you have to ask others what to do….Then you’re not ready for the commitment. He is clearly ready to settle down and start a family. The sooner you put the brakes on the engagement the better. Once you start making wedding plans it’s going to become a lot harder to turn back and call it off. If it’s meant to be it will be and things will work out when the time is right. I know that sounds cliché, but it’s true. DO NOT lead him to believe you’re ready for something that you’re not…Be honest because in the end he will respect you a lot more.
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3 GUYS AT 1 TIME! ...REPOR PHOTOGRAPHY
216 Broadway N. Downtown, Fargo
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