March 2012 Northfield Entertainment Guide by The Entertainment Guide

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Contents

Exhibits ................................................... 2 Happenings ......................................... 2-15 Theater ................................................... 3 Positively Division Street ................ 17 Clubs, Classes & More .....................19 Just Curious: Rich Larson..........20-21

your source for Northfield-area happenings since 2005

Vol. 7, Issue 3

March 2012 17 Bridge Square Northfield, MN 55057

507/663-7937 neg@northfieldguide.com Publisher: Rob Schanilec By All Means Graphics Advertising: info@northfieldguide.com or 507/663-7937 Contributors: Felicia Crosby Susan Hvistendahl Locallygrownnorthfield.org Northfield.org Northfield Music Collective

On the Cover:

Online: at northfieldguide.com! A flippin’ cool digital edition, downloadable PDF, archives and content submission form.

MARCH 2012

March Gigs..............................................21 Home, Garden & Local Services Special Advertising Section: ..22-26 Historic Happenings .................. 27-29 Dining .................................................. 30 Advertisers’ Index ............................ 30 Community Guide: Professional Pride Realty ...... 31-32

This portrait by Julie Fakler is part of Paradise Center for the Art’s Prairie’s Edge Human Society Portraits exhibit. Fakler is also part of the Northfield Arts Guild’s exhibit, New Work. See page 2 for more info.

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Paradise Center for the Arts Eclectic Goat – 418 Division St. 507/786-9595 • Tu/W 10am-5pm, Th 10am-7pm, F/Sa 10am5pm, Su 12-4pm – More than 120 artists represented. “A shop where...ART RULES!”

The Flaten Art Museum/ Dittmann Center 1520 St. Olaf Ave. • 507/646-3556 • stolaf.edu/depts/art/ M/Tu/W/F 10am-5pm, Th until 8pm, Sa/Su 2-5pm. Yoshida Hodaka and Post-World War II Japanese and American Artistic Exchange, Through April 1 – this exhibition focuses on the rich artistic and cultural exchange that has taken place between Japan and the United States since WWII. Tracing the remarkable career of Yoshida Hodaka, the exhibition explores issues of cultural identity and globalization for Japanese and Japanese Americans. Guest Curator Matthew Rohn will give a talk March 6, 7:30pm.

321 Central Ave., Faribault • 507/332-7372 paradisecenterforthearts.org Tu/W/F/Sa 12-5pm, Th 12-8pm, Su/M closed. Carlander Family Gallery: Prairie’s Edge Humane Society Portraits – March 2-April 17 – paintings of adoptable animals from the Prairie’s Edge Humane Society. The images of the animals represent their energy, personality and physical attributes. There are a wide variety of wonderful animals in need of your help at the humane society. This exhibit and body of work are made possible by a grant provided by the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council and McKnight Foundation. Opening Reception: March 2, 5-7pm. Vranesh Boardroom Gallery: Photography by Paul Swanson – March 2-April 17 – The advent of computer manipulation and digital photography has given Swanson (a photographer since 1984) an almost endless reign of possibilities. Opening Reception: March 2, 5-7pm.

Groot Gallery: Student Art Show – Through April 1 – juried art exhibition featuring work by St. Olaf art students.

Corey Lyn Creger Memorial Gallery: Student Work – March 2-April 17 – the Center for the Arts celebrates “Youth Art Month 2012” with this exhibit highlighting the work of local school-age artists. Opening Reception: March 2, 5-7pm.

Northfield Arts Guild

Studio Elements

304 Division St. • 507/645-8877 northfieldartsguild.org M-F 10am-5pm New Work – Through March 31 – featuring Julie Fakler, Philip Taylor and John Wells. Fakler creates vibrant domestic animal paintings using acrylic on hardboard (see this month’s cover); Taylor paints improvisational with acrylic canvas. Wells applies paint and other materials in layers to create abstract works. Gallery Talk with Taylor and Wells: March 1, 7-8pm.

16 Bridge Square 507/786-9393 studioelements.net • Th 10am-5pm, F/Sa 10am-5pm, Su 12-4pm. Fine art, unique gifts and fun junk.

Northfield Arts Guild at Allina Clinic 1440 Jefferson Rd. • M-T 7am-8pm, F 7am-7pm, Sa 9am-3pm Close to Home – Through April 9 – oil paintings of local interest by Marsha Kolstad Morrill Kitchel.

Northfield Historical Society 408 Division St. • 507/645-9268 M-Sa 10am-5:30pm, Su 1-5:30pm The History of Telephones in Northfield – Through June 22 – discover the telecommunications history of Northfield and Dundas. Highlights include phones, switchboards, advertisements, tools of the telephone trade and much more from 1880 to 2011.

Northfield Senior Center Gallery 1651 Jefferson Pkwy. • 507/664-3700 northfieldseniorcenter.org M-F 7am-8pm, Sa 7am-5pm, Sun 10am5pm Fiber Art Friends – March 5-April 1 – weavings by a group of regional fiber artists. Opening Reception: March 6, 5-7pm.

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Knowing what to say - and whencan help prevent underage drinking Research shows that parents are the number one influence in their children’s decisions about alcohol.* To use that influence effectively, our approach to conversations about underage drinking may have to change as our kids grow and mature. Learn more about practical strategies for each parenting stage by downloading our free parent guide at facebook.com/AnheuserBuschFamilyTalkAboutDrinking. *Roper Youth Report

College City Beverage, Inc., Dundas, MN

Theater

Naked and Alone

Giants in the Earth

March 3, 7pm and March 4, 2pm • Northfield Senior Center Presented by Readers’ Theater. Created and directed by Myrna Johnson. Readers include: Johnson, Chris Ellison, Jim McDonnell, Jon Rondestvedt and Patsy Dew. Norwegian dessert and coffee served after each performance. Tickets: $10. A Falling Out

March 11, 4pm • Northfield Arts Guild Theater A new play by Northfielder Christine Kallman, presented in a reading. The story of a 1962 small-town Iowa family that is split apart by differences of opinion about the military, war and nuclear weapons during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Rochelle, a high school senior, meets Damion, a university boy who gets her involved in protesting nukes at the local munitions plant. At the same time Rochelle’s brother, Phil, becomes a hero of the local TV station, commandeering puppets who oppose the activists and promote “patriotism.” Their Aunt Elma tries to get Phil and Rochelle to “do the right thing” – what their deceased WWII veteran father would have done. But what is that? Free and open to the public.

March 2-3, 8pm • Northfield Arts Guild Theater Sixteen short plays with one rule: only one person on stage at a time. From patently absurd to tragic, many actors will find themselves “naked and alone,” on a bare stage – representing the challenge and vulnerability of portraying a character in front of an audience when the spotlight is on only you. Some are monologues, some are dialogues with unheard characters, some interact with off-stage voices, and some are stranger still. Tickets: $10 The Taming of the Shrew

Mar. 22, 7:30pm Shattuck-Saint Mary’s, Faribault This William Shakespeare classic is presented by National Players. Adults $15, students $9. Group rates available. 507/333-1620.

Audition 7th ANNUAL VERY SHORT PLAY FESTIVAL Northfield Arts Guild • Submission Deadline: March 15 VSPF VII will be held April 28-29 at the Northfield Arts Guild Theater. For more information, click on the Special Events page at www.northfieldartsguild.org.

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MARCH 2012

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HAPPE N I NG S

Fred the Bear • 8-11pm

The Contented Cow Midnight Collision • 8-11:30pm

THURSDAY, MARCH 1

The Tavern Lounge

Gallery Talk with Taylor and Wells: New Work • 7-8pm

Theater: Naked and Alone • 8pm

Northfield Arts Guild See galleries page.

Northfield Arts Guild Theater See theater page.

Matt Arthur & the Bratlanders • 8-11pm

Karaoke

The Contented Cow Original foot-stompin’ protest songs, hollerin’ gospel blues, and classic covers from such American legends as Johnny Cash, Leadbelly, Blind Lemon Jefferson and Hank Williams.

Rueb ‘N’ Stein • 9pm Castle Rock and Roll • 9pm Jesse James Lanes • 10pm Mark Mraz

Mark Mraz • 8:30-11pm

Froggy Bottoms Forget about life for awhile with the piano man. From Billy Joel to Kermit the Frog – Mraz tickles the ivories and entertains requests from the audience.

The Tavern Lounge Forget about life for awhile with the piano man. From Billy Joel to Kermit the Frog – Mraz tickles the ivories and entertains requests from the audience. Karaoke • 9:30pm

Froggy Bottoms

SATURDAY, MARCH 3 Andrew Walesch • 2-5pm

FRIDAY, MARCH 2

Cannon River Winery, Cannon Falls Blues and Jazz. “The boy with the voice.” A great variety of classics and originals.

Exhibit Opening Reception: Prairie’s Edge Humane Society Portraits, Photographer Paul Swanson and Claire Ellendson, Student Work • 5-7pm

Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault See galleries page. Nichole Peper • 5-8pm

Cannon River Winery, Cannon Falls

MARCH 2012

In the Spirit of Fluxus, Tokyo, by Zeitgeist 2pm Andrew Walesch

Dittmann Center, Groot Gallery This engaging, zany Fluxus performance is held in conjunction with the exhibit “Yoshida Hodaka and Post World War II Japanese and American Artistic Exchange.” Be prepared for all kinds of unanticipated actions.

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MONDAY, MARCH 5

HAPPENINGS Saturday, March 3, continued Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra: Beethoven • 7pm

Northfield United Methodist Church This classical orchestra concert will feature Beethoven with violinist Brian Buckstead including The Sixth Symphony, Leonore III Overture, and Violin Concerto. Tickets: Adults $10, students (under 18) $5 and available at the door, northfieldartsguild.org or by calling 507/645-8877. Theater: Giants in the Earth • 7pm

Flaten Lecture Series: Jeweler Emily Johnson • 7pm

Dittmann 305, St. Olaf Johnson received her BFA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design with a concentration in sculpture. She continually draws from her fine art background to create unique and sculptural pieces of jewelry. Often described as subtle but edgy, EC Design jewelry is a playful mix of simple shapes and unexpected details. Northern Roots Session • 7:30pm

The Contented Cow An informal weekly gathering of musicians to play acoustic music with roots in the north, particularly the Nordic countries. Participants and listeners of all ages and levels of experience are welcome.

Northfield Senior Center See theater page. Theater: Naked and Alone • 8pm

Northfield Arts Guild Theater See theater page.

Study Hall • 9:30pm-12am

The Contented Cow This includes Peter Lynn and Terry VanDeWalker and these guys really rock the house – digging deep into obscure covers and original tunes.

Lonesome Dan Kase • 8-11:30pm

The Tavern Lounge Think music from O Brother, Where Art Thou? and mix in a little more ragtime and a hint of bluegrass.

TUESDAY, MARCH 6 Exhibit Opening Reception: Fiber Art Friends • 5-7pm

DJ Music

Castle Rock and Roll • 9pm Rueb ‘N’ Stein

Northfield Senior Center See galleries page.

Lonesome Dan Kase

Whiskey Trick

Froggy Bottoms Frustrated by the lack of any good old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll, Whiskey Trick broke open a few bottles of JD and cranked up the Marshall amps, blasting out quality music and bringing back the lost art of rock; no perms or lycra catsuits in sight. This is rock the way it should be!

Gallery talk: Prof. Matthew Rohn 7:30pm

Dittmann Center, Flaten Museum, St. Olaf Guest curator Rohn will discuss the current exhibit, Yoshida Hodaka and Post World War II Japanese and American Artistic Exchange (see gallery page).

Fiber Art Friends

SUNDAY, MARCH 4

Acoustic Jam Session • 7:30-10pm

Theater: Giants in the Earth • 2pm

The Contented Cow Every Tuesday night show up with your unplugged instrument of choice and jam – or just show up and listen.

Northfield Senior Center See theater page. Andrew Walesch • 2-5pm

Cannon River Winery, Cannon Falls Blues and jazz. “The boy with the voice.” A great variety of classics and originals. Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra • 4pm

Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault This classical orchestra concert will feature Beethoven with violinist Brian Buckstead including The Sixth Symphony, Leonore III Overture, and Violin Concerto. Tickets: $15 members, $19 nonmembers, $8 children under 12 and available at the door or by calling 507/332-7372. Politics and a Pint • 6pm

Traditional Irish Music Session • 7-9pm

The Contented Cow A gathering of musicians and listeners in a relaxed, informal setting. Along with the music enjoy conversation, camaraderie and perhaps even a few Irish dance steps. Speed Dating: Straight • 7:30-8:30pm

The Contented Cow Alison Rae • 10pm-12am

Brian Buckstead

Contented Cow Join in on discussions concerning local issues at this “lightly moderated” open forum. For more information on topics, go to www. contentedcow.com. Quiz Night • 8pm

Contented Cow Stop in anytime to sign up for this four-person team competition; prizes and the winning team may drink from the Winners Mug the week following their triumph!

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7

The Contented Cow St. Paul-based musician “whose voice and songs come at you with all the power and hype of a falling snowflake…her talent has instantly hushed a room.” – Jim Walsh, MinnPost. Voted the Entertainment Guide’s No. 1 musician 2010. THURSDAY, MARCH 8 Greece: Between and Rock and a Hard Place • 10:30am

Northfield Senior Center Discussion about current crisis in Greece led by Jim May, St. Olaf Classics professor.

Erik Brandt and the Urban Hillbilly Quintet • 8-11pm

The Contented Cow What started as a jam session in late 1995 in a now burnt-out St. Paul hole-in-the-wall bar has become an international curiosity. The Urban Hillbilly Quartet has grown into an award-winning Twin Cities-based ensemble that delivers an eclectic mix of musical styles blending fiddle, electric guitar, accordion, bass and other toys – an unforgettable mix of rock and folky Americana. Marv Gohman • 8:30-11pm

The Tavern Lounge Out of the Great North Woods of suburban Minneapolis/St. Paul, comes a swaggering, foot-stompin’, heart-pumpin’ minstrel, laying waste to any instrument that comes within ten fingers of his sweaty reach. Furious fiddle and madcap mandolin struggle to punch holes in steel and guitars. Wailing harp winds up breathing hard. Has opened for notable artists including Jonny Lang, Glen Frey, Maria Muldaur, Colin Rae, Sammy Kershaw, John Michael Montgomery, Delbert McClinton, Tanya Tucker, Glen Campbell, Los Lobos, Ozark Mountain Daredevils, 38 Special, Proclaimers, Al Green and Taj Mahal; jammed with Lowen and Navarro, and sung with Arlo Guthrie and Pete Seeger. Karaoke • 9:30pm

Froggy Bottoms

MARCH 2012

FRIDAY, MARCH 9 New Moon Trio • 5-8pm

The Contented Cow Here’s a taste of 100 years of popular tunes, random requests and spontaneous harmonies featuring Ross Currier on bass, Lance Heisler on drums and Justin London on guitar. High School Jazz Band Swing Dance • 7:30-10:30pm

Northfield Ballroom Ben Aaron • 8-11:30pm

The Tavern Lounge Aaron has been playing guitar since he was ten. Finding his voice and picking up harmonica were the last steps in order to become a true folk musician. Influences include the folk revival, country blues and the new Americana music that is sweeping the nation. Karaoke

Rueb ‘N’ Stein • 9pm Castle Rock and Roll • 9pm Jesse James Lanes • 10pm SATURDAY, MARCH 10 AAUW Program: “HERstory” • 10am

Village on the Cannon Carleton College Laird Bell Professor of History Emeritus, Bill Woehrlin, will be presenting in honor of Women’s History Month. Hosted by Susan Pedersen and Anne Larson.

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HAPPENINGS Saturday, March 10, continued

SUNDAY, MARCH 11 Joel Kachel • 1-4pm

Tank Tasting • 1-4pm

Cannon River Winery, Cannon Falls Original singer/songwriter, a child of the new acoustic pop rock wave with an engaging stage presence and lively music. This high-energy acoustic guitar player and singer will be sure to have you off your seat and wanting more.

Cannon River Winery, Cannon Falls Samples from the tanks of the 2011 grapes as they continue to become award-winning Cannon River wines. Live music by Tim Brown. Free and open to the public. Comedian Kevin Meaney • 8pm

Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault With an inspired blend of lunacy that includes physical humor, impersonations, stylized caricatures of nightclub singers and his signature “man on the street” interviews, Emmy Award-winner Kevin Meaney has been one of the country’s most popular standup comedians for more than 25 years. He’s appeared on The Tonight Show, Saturday Night Live, The Late Show with David Letterman, Regis, Opera and Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Tickets: $17 members, $22 non-members. As Is • 8-11pm

The Contented Cow Joe Meyer • 8-11:30pm

The Tavern Lounge

Theater: A Falling Out • 4pm Joel Kachel

Northfield Arts Guild Theater See theater page.

Politics and a Pint • 6pm

Contented Cow Join in on discussions concerning local issues at this “lightly moderated” open forum. For more information on topics, go to www. contentedcow.com. Quiz Night • 8pm

Contented Cow Stop in anytime to sign up for this four-person team competition; prizes and the winning team may drink from the Winners Mug the week following their triumph!

DJ Music

MONDAY, MARCH 12

Castle Rock and Roll • 9pm Rueb ‘N’ Stein

Northern Roots Session • 7:30pm

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Study Hall • 9:30pm-12am

The Contented Cow This includes Peter Lynn and Terry VanDeWalker and these guys really rock the house – digging deep into obscure covers and original tunes. TUESDAY, MARCH 13 Acoustic Jam Session • 7:30-10pm Study Hall

The Contented Cow Every Tuesday night show up with your unplugged instrument of choice and jam – or just show up and listen.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14 Traditional Irish Music Session • 7-9pm

that q.” Very philosophical – but unfortunately, nothing to do with the name of the band. Dan had a band in Chicago of the same name, and so asked if he could keep it for this one. They said “no.” Influences include Elvis Costello, The Beach Boys, Willie Nelson, The Walkmen, The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, M. Ward, Slayer and Sergie Rachmaninoff. Mark Mraz • 8:30-11pm

The Tavern Lounge Forget about life for awhile with the piano man. From Billy Joel to Kermit the Frog – Mraz tickles the ivories and entertains requests from the audience. Karaoke • 9:30pm

Froggy Bottoms FRIDAY, MARCH 16 Carey Langer • 5-7pm

The Contented Cow A gathering of musicians and listeners in a relaxed, informal setting. Along with the music enjoy conversation, camaraderie and perhaps even a few Irish dance steps.

The Contented Cow A solo artist covering six decades and seven styles of music. From The Everly Brothers and Frank Sinatra, to Rick Springfield, Dave Matthews and Jimmy Eat World, plus original music.

THURSDAY, MARCH 15 The Counterfactuals • 8-11pm

The Contented Cow Founders Jason Decker (guitar) and Dan Groll (vocals, songwriting, guitar and drums) are both philosophy professors at Carleton. A counterfactual is a conditional sentence of the form “If it had been that p, it would have been

MARCH 2012

Jaggedease • 5-8pm

Cannon River Winery, Cannon Falls The creative sound of a five-piece band with Gabe Holmes (acoustic guitar and vocals), Steve Hanson (bass), Kevin Dobbe (drums) and Charlie Lacey (lead guitar).

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Aleka • 7pm

HAPPENINGS Friday, March 16, continued Ring of Kerry • 7:30pm

Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault A bursting-with-energy Irish music group that captures the hearts of all ages. From the thunder of the Irish bodhran drum to the sparkle of the hammered dulcimer; from the lile and rhythm of fiddle and guitar to the haunting wails of the flute and pennywhistles, the band has developed a blend that is animated, ruggedly beautiful and fun. Tickets: $15 members, $19 nonmembers, $8 children under 12. Matthew Griswold • 8-11:30pm

The Tavern Lounge Acoustic/folk rock/pop. Karaoke

Rueb ‘N’ Stein • 9pm Castle Rock and Roll • 9pm Jesse James Lanes • 10pm

Northfield Arts Guild Theater Born near the foot of Mt. Olympus in Greece, Aleka’s music blends an ancient civilization’s voice with modern consonance. Her throaty voice, at times a prayer and at times a lament, and riveting piano crescendo transports the listener through a graceful odyssey of what lies within and around the Alpha and Omega of human existence. Tickets: $15. Jeff Ray • 8-11:30pm

The Tavern Lounge Mighty fine guitar and harp. Ray walks a thin line between blues and folk, one minute strutting a slide-guitar ballad on the resonator guitar, the next minute blasting off into a one-man-band train ride. “Ray has a quality that could only come by blending the birthplaces of Bob Dylan and the blues.” – Des Moines Register. The Mad Ripple and Matt Arthur & the Bratlanders 9pm-1am

Whiskey Trick

The Contented Cow Mad Ripple is the musical alter-ego of Minneapolis writer/songwriter Jim Walsh. Matt Arthur is Southern Minnesota’s most distinctive vocalist. DJ Music

Castle Rock and Roll • 9pm Rueb ‘N’ Stein St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

SATURDAY, MARCH 17 Wake-Robin • 12-1pm

Froggy Bottoms Drink specials, music, corned beef and cabbage dinner.

Bittersweet Acoustic duo playing Civil War period tunes.

SUNDAY, MARCH 18

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration • 12-5pm

Library Beach Party • 1-4pm

Cannon River Winery, Cannon Falls Get out our green garb and celebrate! Wear green and try your luck at winning a Reserve Wine Tasting for Four gift certificate. Live music by Tim Patrick and his Blue Eyes Band (see March 18 description). Free and open to the public. Chance Meetings 5-7pm

The Contented Cow A group of Northfield musicians that met “by chance” at local jams and other events. They are John Hiscox, Chris Moen, Gail Moll, Neil Rowley and Steve Shroyer, making for a real mix of styles and genres.

Northfield Public Library Mini-golf, laser tag, cake walk, wii games and more! $3 TAB funraiser. Tim Patrick and his Blue Eyes Band • 1-4pm

Cannon River Winery, Cannon Falls Less than eight years ago, Patrick found himself and his shaky voice in the spotlight at Nye’s Piano Bar in Minneapolis. The rest is history: opera, musicals, a CD in 2006 that got him discovered by Joanne Grauer (pianist to Andy Williams, The Osmonds, The Lennon Sisters and more), a second CD under her direction, a gig with the Minnesota Jazz Orchestra and more. In 2009 he made LA jazz critic Scott Yanow’s book, The Jazz Singers: The Ultimate Guide, and was named Gigmaster.com’s choice for the 2008 Rising Star Award for Best Jazz Singer.

Northfield Historical Society Annual Meeting and Membership Ball • Doors 6pm, Program at 7.

Great Hall, Carleton This is the Northfield Historical Society’s 36th Annual Meeting. The program will honor three long-time members and volunteers: Marion, David and Susan Hvistendahl. Members of the Northfield High School Orchestra will perform during the social hour after the short Annual Meeting. Hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. Free admission with paid NHS membership.

MARCH 2012

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HAPPENINGS Sunday, March 18, continued

Study Hall • 9:30pm-12am

Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School • 2-5pm

The Contented Cow This includes Peter Lynn and Terry VanDeWalker and these guys really rock the house – digging deep into obscure covers and original tunes.

The Contented Cow Join Dr. Sketchy and sketch! Types of media allowed: preferably dry but tidy, no cameras. Bring your own easels, etc. Models supplied – artists with instinctively good lines and body awareness – from burlesque dancers, roller derby girls to belly dancers and sideshow type folk. Not your typical life-drawing session. Experienced and beginning artists welcome to compete in irreverent contests for fanciful prizes. Food and cocktails available. Must be 21 or older or accompanied by an adult. No reservations necessary but seating is limited, so arrive early. $7 ($5 students).

TUESDAY, MARCH 20 Magician Tim Freeland • 1pm

Northfield Public Library Appearing exclusively at the public library for two days only! Due to popular demand and limited space, it’s requested that you come to only one show. Also March 22.

Politics and a Pint • 6pm

Acoustic Jam Session • 7:30-10pm

Contented Cow Join in on discussions concerning local issues at this “lightly moderated” open forum. For more information on topics, go to www. contentedcow.com.

The Contented Cow Every Tuesday night show up with your unplugged instrument of choice and jam – or just show up and listen.

Quiz Night • 8pm

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21 Traditional Irish Music Session 7-9pm

Contented Cow Stop in anytime to sign up for this four-person team competition; prizes and the winning team may drink from the Winners Mug the week following their triumph!

The Contented Cow A gathering of musicians and listeners in a relaxed, informal setting. Along with the music enjoy conversation, camaraderie and perhaps even a few Irish dance steps.

MONDAY, MARCH 19 Northern Roots Session • 7:30pm

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Speed Dating: GLBT • 7:30-8:30pm

The Contented Cow

Alison Rae • 10pm-12am

FRIDAY, MARCH 23

Occasional Jazz • 5-7pm

THURSDAY, MARCH 22

Cannon River Winery, Cannon Falls

Magician Tim Freeland • 1pm

Mike Pattison • 8-11:30pm

Northfield Public Library See March 20 description.

The Tavern Lounge Karaoke

Theater: The Taming of the Shrew • 7:30pm

Shattuck-Saint Mary’s, Faribault See theater page.

Rueb ‘N’ Stein • 9pm Castle Rock and Roll • 9pm Jesse James Lanes • 10pm

Midnight Collision • 8-11pm

Mark Mraz

The Contented Cow Ian Alexy • 8:30-11pm

The Tavern Lounge Singer/songwriter/guitarist Ian Alexy offers deft finger-picking, jazzy melodies and heartwarming tales of a well-traveled 20-something-year-old. Karaoke • 9:30pm

Froggy Bottoms

MARCH 2012

The Contented Cow Mainstream classic jazz of Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, Dave Brubeck and others in the same style. Maud Hixson • 5-8pm

Froggy Bottoms Forget about life for awhile with the piano man. From Billy Joel to Kermit the Frog – Mraz tickles the ivories and entertains requests from the audience. SATURDAY, MARCH 24 The Average Janes • 2-5pm

Cannon River Winery, Cannon Falls Music from the ’70s, ’80s and today. A little country without the twang.

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HAPPENINGS

Saturday, March 24, continued Annual Dinner and Auction for the Animals

Northfield Eagles Silent auction kicks off at 4pm, Chad Mills of the Minnesota State Patrol will keynote at 5 with a lasagna dinner to follow at 6. $15. Reservations and silent auction list available at prairiesedgehs.org.

Northern Roots Session • 7:30-9pm

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28

Traditional Irish Music Session 7-9pm

Study Hall • 9:30pm-12am

Chad Mills and Arco

Guitarist Rich Priener • 8-11:30pm

The Tavern Lounge The 8th Street Band • 9pm

Rueb ‘N’ Stein Chad Johnson and Russell Franek are known for spot-on harmonies and diverse acoustic style. They are at the crossroads of rock and country with a touch of modern folk. Classic covers from Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash and modern covers from Train to The Zac Brown Band, plus originals. DJ Music

Castle Rock and Roll • 9pm Rueb ‘N’ Stein

The Contented Cow This includes Peter Lynn and Terry VanDeWalker and these guys really rock the house – digging deep into obscure covers and original tunes. TUESDAY, MARCH 27 Is Owning a Home Right for Me? • 7pm

Millstream Commons Own or rent? From single family home, to one-level town house or condo, to assisted living and future continuum or care. Information for smart planning as we age. Assessing your needs for housing and how aging is a factor for safe living. Presented by Paul Reiland with Edina Realty. Part of an informational series on subjects of importance to seniors today. Acoustic Jam Session • 7:30-10pm

The Contented Cow Every Tuesday night show up with your unplugged instrument of choice and jam – or just show up and listen.

High School Gym God, Gangs, and Drugs in Central America • 7pm

Viking Theater, St. Olaf Author Robert Brenneman interviewed 63 former gang members from the “Northern Triangle” of Central America – Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras – most of whom left their gang for evangelicalism. Brenneman will share stories from his new book on gang conversions, Homies and Hermanos: God and Gangs in Central America, Oxford 2012, before concluding with a discussion of the spiral of drug-trafficking and violence ravaging the region today.

SUNDAY, MARCH 25 Daniel Switch • 1-4pm

Cannon River Winery, Cannon Falls Acoustic cover artist with great guitar ballads. Politics and a Pint • 6pm

Contented Cow Join in on discussions concerning local issues at this “lightly moderated” open forum. For more information on topics, go to www.contentedcow.com. Quiz Night • 8pm

Contented Cow Stop in anytime to sign up for this fourperson team competition; prizes and the winning team may drink from the Winners Mug the week following their triumph! MONDAY, MARCH 26 Flaten Lecture Series: Photographer Beth Dow • 7pm

Dittmann 305, St. Olaf Dow uses historical references and traditional processes to address contemporary issues of land use and our experience of time. Her award-winning work has been exhibited in America, Britain, Japan and China. She lives in Minneapolis.

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Mark Mraz • 8:30-11pm

SATURDAY, MARCH 31

The Tavern Lounge Forget about life for awhile with the piano man. From Billy Joel to Kermit the Frog – Mraz tickles the ivories and entertains requests from the audience.

Home and Garden Business Showcase • 9am-3pm

Karaoke • 9:30pm

Froggy Bottoms FRIDAY, MARCH 30

Northfield Arena Award-winning Minnesota garden designer and writer Don Engebretson, “The Renegade Gardener” will be the keynote speaker, giving three presentations throughout the day. An exciting mix of home, garden and business exhibitors. Register for great door prizes. Free admission. More on page 25. Michael Loonan • 1-4pm

Barb Piper • 5-7pm

The Contented Cow Modern folk, vocals/guitar with influences from Hoagy Carmichael, The Beatles and Bonnie Raitt to Susan Tedeschi, Brandi Carlile and Indigo Girls. Paula Lammers • 5-8pm

Cannon River Winery, Cannon Falls Sasha Mercedes • 8-11:30pm

Cannon River Winery, Cannon Falls Seasoned pianoman, playing popular standards, contemporary classics, jazz and classical. Wine and Cheese Fondue Pairing • 5-8pm

Cannon River Winery, Cannon Falls Pairing cheese fondue with award-winning wine. Music by treVeld. Free and open to the public. Jim Anthony • 7-9pm

The Tavern Lounge A chick-singer, guitarist and songwriter, her songs are filled with honesty and substance and sung with passion. Topics like brothels, one-night stands and transvestites are not taboo for this edgy yet charming northern gal. She has shared the stage with Dar Williams, Tracy Bonham, Guy Davis, Pete Seeger and others.

The Contented Cow Nashville songwriter performs in support of his new album.

Karaoke

The Contented Cow Nashville songwriter performing in support of his new album, Press On.

Rueb ‘N’ Stein • 9pm Castle Rock and Roll • 9pm Jesse James Lanes • 10pm

Swing into Spring • 7pm

Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault Featuring Jivin’ Ivan and the Kings of Swing. 7pm swing dance lessons, 7:30pm music and dancing. $12 members, $15 non-members. Jim Anthony • 7-9pm

Norwegian Cowboy • 8-11:30pm

The Tavern Lounge Old-school country, ’80s rock, alt-country and alt-rock. Songs you don’t want to admit you like. Not really a cowboy. DJ Music

Castle Rock and Roll • 9pm; Rueb ‘N’ Stein

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The Big Wu last month at the Upstairs Rueb-N-Stein

By Rich Larson The Big Wu is, arguably, the most successful band ever to come from Northfield. They began as three scruffy St. Olaf students in 1992, and evolved into a successful business organization. They have traipsed across the country countless times, even toured Japan, spreading their own particular brand of joy through their songs, their infectious rhythms, and their considerable charm. Along the way they have acquired something most bands can never dream of: longevity. One would assume, then, that they feel a strong sense of pride and accomplishment looking back and celebrating their 20 years together. One would be wrong. “Chris thinks this is stupid,” says Wu drummer and co-founder Terry VanDeWalker. He’s talking about one of his band mates, and the other active co-founder in the band, guitarist Chris Castino. “I’m a sentimental guy, and I think we need to acknowledge that we’ve been playing together for 20 years. Chris doesn’t get it. He’s pretty sure that nobody cares how long we’ve done this.” Its obvious people do, however. On the coldest night of what has been a mercifully easy winter, it’s wall-to-wall bodies at the Upstairs Rueb. This is a homecoming show for The Big Wu. The Upstairs Rueb-N-Stein was where they played their first “off-Campus” show and it was their home for the years they were at St. Olaf. “We’re a Northfield band,” VanDeWalker tells me. “After St. Olaf, we had a practice space behind the Archer House. We’d play Tuesday nights at The Terminal in Northeast Minneapolis, Thursday nights in St. Cloud, and Sundays at Mario’s Pizza. So, we’d drive down to Northfield on Mondays and practice. We wrote some of our best songs in that space. And then we’d drive up to Minneapolis and play the show.” Eventually, this local hippy band – its name taken from a bad Tom Hanks movie – became the house band at the legendary Cabooze in Minneapolis. Making the move from familiar, smaller bars to a large capacity club wasn’t the most comfortable idea to VanDeWalker. “It was kind of scary. It was the first time we started charging a cover, and I didn’t think anyone would show up. But they did. And they paid the cover.” They played the Cabooze for almost two years, and in the midst of that run, they started garnering national attention. They entered and won a Battle of The Bands contest at First Avenue, which gave them a spot on the H.O.R.D.E. tour, a travelling festival, and they fit right in amongst the headliners Neil Young and Beck. They’ve recorded four studio albums. But their focus was always on performing. Over the course of 20 years, the band has played more than 1600 shows. They’ve played in Alaska, Florida, Maine and California. They played the Knitting Factory in New York and The

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Troubadour in Los Angeles. They were the first band to play on the first day of the first Bonnaroo Festival. They spent a week as the house band for Carson Daly’s NBC talk show. They are the living embodiment of the Johnny Cash song. They’ve been everywhere. “We just kept getting in the van,” VanDeWalker says. “Someone shows you an itinerary, and says this is where you’re going to play for the next six months. And we just said, OK. That’s how we got those great shows. We worked for them. It happens incrementally. You play this crappy club, and then another one, and then you play the 14 Below in Los Angeles, and then you play The Troubadour. We were persistent and resilient. We were willing to go wherever our agents and management sent us.” In 1998, they started thinking about holding their own summer music festival. That led to the creation of The Big Wu Family Reunion, an annual three-day event that VanDeWalker’s wife, Beth, produced and ran for ten years in Wisconsin and Southern Minnesota. At its peak, The Big Wu Family Reunion drew 4000 people, and featured up-and-coming acts like the Yonder Mountain String Band and Derek Trucks. “Those were fun,” he says. “We wanted to do a festival where all the bands were taken care of. We did that.” In the middle of 2002, there was a seismic personnel change with the departure of the third founding member, Jason Fladagar. “The change was for the better,” VanDeWalker says, but there is no doubt that the experience began to slow them down. By the end of 2006, they were tired. “Things just weren’t getting done. We didn’t really have any management at the time. There wasn’t a cohesive direction. It just needed to be quiet for a while.” They went from playing 122 shows in 2005 to five in 2008. Lately though, there’s been an uptick in their activity. Mark Grundhoefer has injected some new blood and enthusiasm into the band first as a manager, and later on stage. “He just came to us, and said I’m going to get you some shows. I want to help you. And he also plays guitar. So, one day, Chris said he was going to invite Mark to band practice. Mark’s a great player, and he’s got a lot of energy.” And on the Upstairs Rueb stage, the new guy is leading the celebration, both as a fan and a performer. There’s no way to know whether his energy will bring the Big Wu out of semi-retirement. But 20 years on, it’s obvious the band still loves to play, they still have those great songs, that infectious rhythm, and all that charm. When the show is over, the stage is filled with people smiling and hugging each other like they’re family at a birthday party. And why shouldn’t they? After all these years, and who knows how many miles, The Big Wu is finally home. Rich Larson is local music promoter and booking agent with LeftHanded Entertainment. Contact him at rich@left-handed entertainment.com. For more information, visit www.left-handed entertainment.com.

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Portraits in Devotion

One of the extraordinary things about pets is that – no matter how ill-served – they rarely give up on us humans. Shelters give them a second chance to find love and the Prairie’s Edge Humane Society Portraits exhibit at the Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault gives these would-be companions space to plead their cases. Featuring the very real and adoptable animals at the shelter, this exquisite collection of beautifully rendered paintings by artist Julie M. Fakler proves that dignity is not a human trait alone. The exhibit runs from March 2 to April 17, with the artist’s reception on March 2, from 5 to 7. For more information, call 507/332-7372 or go to www.paradisecenterforthearts.org. And while enjoying the artwork, you just might look into the eyes of your new best friend. New Month, New Work Shakespeare on the Range

Enjoy Shakespeare’s classic “The Taming of the Shrew,” wild-west style – where the verbal duels come outfitted in the best cowboy gear. Presented on March 22 at 7:30 pm at Shattuck-St Mary’s, this delightful comedy about the ultimate battle of wills is performed by the National Players, America’s longest running theater company, and is part of Shattuck’s Shakespeare Week. For tickets and information, call 507/333-1620, ext. 2, or go online at http://www. s-sm.org/arts/events/fesler-lampert-series/. Just make sure to keep yer spurs out of the aisle. T’anks for the Harvest

Join the wine makers of Cannon River Winery on Saturday, March 10 from 1 to 4 as they lift a glass to the fall 2011 harvest crews, and offer samples from the tanks that become award-winning Cannon River wines. The event is free and open to the public, and features live music by Tim Brown. For information about the event – as well as to find out how to be a much-pampered picker yourself next fall – call 507/263-7400, or go to info@cannonriverwinery. com. And quaff away.

For more visual inspiration, head downtown to the Northfield Arts Guild for New Work, an exhibit featuring painters Philip Taylor, John Wells and Julie Fakler (see above). From Fakler’s vibrant animal paintings to Taylor’s improvisational acrylics and Wells’ layered abstractions. The Arts Guild brings three diverse and exciting artists together for a dynamic show. Join Taylor and Wells for a Gallery Talk on Thursday, March 1, from 7 to 8 in the Arts Guild Gallery. The show runs through the 31st of March. For more information, call 507/645-8877, or go to www.northfieldarts guild.org.

Send us your shorts! (keep ‘em brief) Send to neg@northfieldguide.com by mid-month.

Making Your Mark With Poetry

Calling all poets, all ages and with all levels of experience! The Arts and Culture Commission wants your poetry, and wants it from March 1-31 for its 2012 Sidewalk Pubic Poetry competition. Submit up to two short poems (public-sphere appropriate) for the chance to have your work stamped on Northfield sidewalks. Up to 10 poems will be written in stone; others will be considered for additional public purposes. For more information, go to www.north fieldlibraryfriends.org. Winners will be announced in April, National Poetry month. Watch for results in the April Guide.

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Clubs, Classes and More… Cannon River Woodcarving Club – 507/339-0336 Third Monday of the month, 7pm, Ivan Whillock Studio, Faribault Coffee with a Geek – mrjst.com/coffee_with_a_geek.html, 507/581-3346 – Saturdays, March 10, 17, 24 and 31, 9-11am, Bittersweet Cafe – a weekly program presented by Mr. JST Technology Consulting offering simple diagnosis, troubleshooting and discussion of technology issues in a comfortable setting. Cub Scout Pack 300 – 612/490-4048, www.cubs300.org Glass Garden Beads Beading Class – 507/645-0301

First and third Mondays Just Food Co-op – 507/650-0106 – Mondays: Knitting Night,

7-9pm, 507/645-6331 – knit, chat, share ideas and get help. MOMS Club – northfieldmomsclub@gmail.com – First Wednesday of each month, 10am, St. Peter’s Church. If you are a full-time or part-time stay-at-home mom, this club may be for you. MOMS Club is a local chapter of the International MOMS Club, an organization dedicated to providing support and a sense of community for stay-at-home moms. Northfield Arts Guild – 507/645-8877 – Find classes for kids and adults at www.northfieldartsguild.org. Northfield Buddhist Meditation Center – Children’s Circle Class (ages 3-9) – Sundays, 3-4pm – Children and their parents meditate, do yoga and learn about Buddhism in a fun, peaceful atmosphere of exploration. Everyone welcome. Northfield Public Library – 507/645-6606 First Steps Early Literacy Center, Mon, Fri and Sat, 10-2pm Patty Cake Infant Lapsit, Tue, 10-11am Toddler Rhyme Time, Tue, 1pm and Wed, 10-11am Preschool Story & Craft Time, Thu, 10-11am Hot Read for Cold Nights, through March 2 – reading program for adults. Read books, earn Chamber dollars. Sign up at the upstairs reference desk. Northfield Public Schools Community Services – 507/664-3649

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Northfield Senior Center – www.northfieldseniorcenter.org

507/664-3700 – Programs for active older adults in a premier fitness facility with an indoor pool and certified fitness instructors. Bike club, hiking trips, ping pong, nutrition talks, art classes, writing classes, card groups, dining center, fitness classes and more. Northfield Yarn – 507/645-1330 – Open Stitching, third Thursday of each month, 6-8pm. Bring a project and share in the fun. Free. Paradise Center for the Arts – 507/332-7372 Find art-related classes for kids and adults at www.paradisecenterforthearts.org. Kids Clay Hand Building for Spring Break, March 19-22, 12-1:30pm – Dianne Lockerby is teaching kids hand building over spring break. Be creative while learning three-dimensional techniques. $54.50 members, $66.50 non-members. River Bend Nature Center, 507/332-7151 – classes and activities at www.rbnc.org. Time Travel – History Tours of River Bend – Join a naturalist for a journey back in time to discover the history of the land. Travel is by golf cart. Tours last 1.5 hours and can accommodate up to five people. Call to schedule. Donations welcome. VFW – Sundowners Car Club – First Wednesday of each month, 7:30pm. Anyone who has an interest in street rods, customs, antiques, special interest or foreign is welcome to attend.

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Just Curious about

By Felicia Crosby Meet Rich Larson. The newest member of the Entertainment Guide team, Rich is the owner of Left-Handed Entertainment (more on that below), and he’ll be bringing his passion for all things music to his new monthly column – lucky us! Take a minute now to get to know this devoted family man, Minnesota Twins employee, band member all-the-way-back-from-his-St Olaf days – and why the word “Townie” gets his blood boiling. So, what is Left-Handed Entertainment? Left-Handed Entertainment is a company that books, promotes and produces live music. We represent musicians looking for gigs and match the right band with the right venue. Once the show is booked, we promote it with a coordinated, aggressive marketing campaign. We’re not just a booking agency, and we’re not just a promotion company. One goes hand-in-hand with the other. A lot of folks in the business don’t see it that way, but that’s what sets us apart. You’re a St Olaf grad – any chance you were a music major? Ha! Uh…..no. My degree is in political science. I sang in the choir for a couple years, but I wasn’t exactly St. Olaf Choir material. A bit about your band, South on Natchez: At school, my roommate, Travis, and I played in a band together. Another friend, Kate Peterson, was kind of a solo performer on campus. About a year ago we began playing again, and we came upon a pair of brothers-in-law from Prior Lake who added a rock solid rhythm section. We play mostly covers like Ryan Adams, John Hiatt, R.E.M., Elvis and Cher (yes, Cher). We mix in a couple originals, just to keep it honest. By no means are we terribly serious about this thing; we have no delusions of becoming rock stars. We all just love to play music. The band name is from our rehearsal space in Prior Lake. To get there, you have to turn south on Natchez Avenue. For the record, I don’t really care for the name. We played our first show last year as Kate & The Differents, which is a name I really like. However, there was a band vote, and I lost 4-1. For better or worse, I have to respect democracy in action. But I don’t have to like it. What would you do musically, if you knew you could? That’s a great question, because I have a deep passion for music. Rock & Roll changed my life. Lately, I’ve really enjoyed playing

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country music. It’s honest and simple, and I’m a sucker for a good melody. Country music is all about good melody. I laughingly refer to myself as a guitar player; I’m not very good. I’d love to learn how to truly play the blues – I love slide guitar. And I wish I had the intelligence and ability to play great jazz. Music and the family Larson: My wife, Annie, is a great fan of music, as are the girls. My daughters were raised on music and baseball; it was practically spoon fed to them from birth. Sara (a freshman at the U) sang in the Northfield Concert Choir and the Madrigal Singers in high school. Katie (9th grade) plays a little guitar. Recently I was trying to figure out how to play the U2 song “One.” Not only did Kate correct my chord progression, she showed me a chord I didn’t know. It was a great moment as a father, and an embarrassing one as a guitar player. On being what’s referred to as a “somewhat-longtime Northfielder”: Ok, here’s a question: how long do I have to live here before I’m considered a Townie? This is a debate I’ve been having for a while. My family and I have lived here for ten years. College friends tell me I’m a Townie – I think so, too. But I’ve been told that I have to be here for 25 years to be a real Townie. Some tell me that if I wasn’t born and raised here, I’m not. And what about my daughters, who moved here when they were 8 and 4? Are you going to tell me that they aren’t Townies? If I ever run for city council, defining the term “Townie” will be a major part of my platform. I want Townie cred. Northfield’s always felt like home to me. We love that it’s a true small town, but close enough to the Cities to take advantage of big city amenities. We also love that it’s a college town – there’s a commitment to good education that goes along with that. It also provides fertile ground for a strong arts community. Working for the Minnesota Twins, predictions about the 2012 season, and – your all-time favorite player: Music and baseball – my two great cultural passions; I love being around the game. I shake my head when I think that I get paid to go to the ballpark every day. This upcoming season’s going to be interesting. Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel are both gone now, and they haven’t done a whole lot to improve their pitching – but as long as Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau are healthy, anything is possible. My favorite players are the old school guys like Kirby Puckett, Jack Morris and Bert Blyleven. My absolute favorite Twin is Rod Carew. He’s a true gentleman, and a class act.

Bringing a musical column to the Entertainment Guide: I’m really excited to be doing this; the Northfield music scene is near and dear to my heart. I hope I can use this column to bring attention to what’s happening musically in our town; there are some real hidden gems down here that deserve to be uncovered.

scene. I intend to preach that gospel. (See inaugural column on page 17). And......are you left-handed yourself? Nope. Just a tree huggin’ liberal.

I also intend to use the space as a bit of a bully pulpit – I’m an opinionated, passionate guy. For a community of 20,000 people, our town has a ridiculously strong music

March Gigs 8th Street Band ....................................................................24 – Rueb Ben Aaron ........................................................................... 9 – Tavern Acoustic Jam Session.................................................Tuesdays – Cow Aleka .......................................................................17 – NAG Theater Ian Alexy............................................................................ 22 – Tavern Jim Anthony .........................................................................31 – Cow As Is .......................................................................................10 – Cow Average Janes ......................................................... 24 – Cannon Falls Erik Brandt and the Urban Hillbilly Quintet ......................8 – Cow Tim Brown ............................................................. 10 – Cannon Falls CVRO ......................................... 3 – United Methodist, 4 – Paradise Chance Meetings ..................................................................17 – Cow Counterfactuals ....................................................................15 – Cow Fred the Bear...........................................................................2 – Cow Marv Gohman .................................................................... 8 – Tavern Matthew Griswold............................................................ 16 – Tavern High School Jazz Band...................................................9 – Ballroom Maud Hixson ......................................................... 23 – Cannon Falls Jaggedease .............................................................. 16 – Cannon Falls Jivin’ Ivan and the Kings of Swing ............................... 31 – Paradise Joel Kachel.............................................................. 11 – Cannon Falls Paula Lammers ...................................................... 30 – Cannon Falls Carey Langer .........................................................................16 – Cow Lonesome Dan Kase........................................................... 3 – Tavern Michael Loonan .................................................... 31 – Cannon Falls Mad Ripple ...........................................................................17 – Cow

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Matt Arthur & the Bratlanders .......................................1, 17 – Cow Sasha Mercedes ................................................................. 30 – Tavern Joe Meyer .......................................................................... 10 – Tavern Midnight Collision........................................... 2 – Tavern, 22 – Cow Mark Mraz .........................................1, 15, 29 – Tavern, 2, 23 – Frog New Moon Trio ......................................................................9 – Cow Northern Roots Session ........................................... Mondays – Cow Norwegian Cowboy ......................................................... 31 – Tavern Occasional Jazz .....................................................................23 – Cow Mike Pattison .................................................................... 23 – Tavern Nichole Peper................................................................. Cannon Falls Barb Piper .............................................................................30 – Cow Rich Priener ...................................................................... 24 – Tavern Public Schools Orchestras ..................................... 29 – High School Alison Rae .........................................................................7, 21 – Cow Jeff Ray .............................................................................. 17 – Tavern Ring of Kerry ................................................................. 16 – Paradise Study Hall ................................................................. Mondays – Cow Daniel Switch ......................................................... 25 – Cannon Falls Tim Patrick & His Blue Eyes Band ................ 17, 18 – Cannon Falls Traditional Irish Music .......................................Wednesdays – Cow Wake-Robin ...............................................................17 – Bittersweet Andrew Walesch .................................................. 3, 4 – Cannon Falls Whiskey Trick ...................................................................3, 16 – Frog treVeld .................................................................... 31 – Cannon Falls

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HOME, Garden & Seasonal Services

A spring-like winter can drag on just as long. As a reminder that the growing season is not far away, the Northfield Entertainment Guide is once again offering our readers this SPECIAL ADVERTISER SECTION that features local service providers who not only make a difference by making the Entertainment Guide possible with their advertising support, but are at the ready to help make your spring projects and dreams a reality. Call them first for your spring-time needs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and let them know you saw them in the Guide!

MARCH 2012

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Home and Garden Business Showcase Features Home-Grown Services and The Renegade Gardener Home & Garden Show, Washington, DC; The Northfielders enjoy living in Philadelphia Home & Flower Show; The Oklaand among charming homes homa City Home & Garden Show; The Jacksonand neighborhoods, nestled ville Home & Garden Show; The Houston House within a natural setting Beautiful Show; The Portland Home & Garden defined in part by the Canon Show; The Minneapolis Home & Garden Show; River and by being on the The Green Bay Botanical Center, and many other edge of the Big Woods of consumer shows and trade symposia across the Minnesota. What makes that package all the more country. satisfying are the home-grown, reliable and quality-rich services that our community offers. The Engebretson has published five books on gardenNorthfield Home and Garden Business Showcase, ing and landscaping. He is field editor and garden presented by the Northfield Area Chamber of scout for Better Homes and Gardens and garden Commerce, is the place to be Saturday, March editor and columnist for Mpls. St. Paul Magazine. 31, 9am-3pm at the Northfield Arena. The event For three seasons he was the gardening expert sponsor is Culligan. Many local and area busiDon Egebretson is on HGTVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s TIPical MaryEllen show and in 2002 nesses will be exhibiting, and Don Engebretson, The Renegade Gardener served as landscaping consultant to the PBS the Renegade Gardenerâ&#x201E;˘, will give the following Television series HOMETIME. presentations: 9:30am ........ Common Garden Myths and the Mayhem They Cause His articles on gardening, landscape design and the landscap11:30am ............... Yes You Can! Landscape Design for Homeowners ing industry have appeared in many local, regional and national 1:30pm ......................... Really Cool Plants for Minnesota Gardeners magazines and newspapers, including Better Homes and Gardens, Midwest Living, Garden, Deck and Landscape and the Seattle Times. Engebretson is a nationally recognized authority on landscaping Don is a six-time winner of the Garden Writers Association Garden and garden design. He has been a featured speaker at the Capital Globe Award for excellence in garden writing.

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Lawns – the First Steps in Going from Winter’s Brown to Summer’s Green March – with temperatures are 50°F or more after the snow has melted, walk around your yard and clear out general debris. Mid-April – when the ground has thawed and is no longer muddy: • Inspect for pet damage and snow mold (dead looking patches with a pinkish color). Lightly rake areas to separate matted grass blades. • DO NOT rake wet or damp grounds, you’ll pull grass out by its roots and damage the lawn.

• Rake when grounds are completely thawed and dry – use a leaf rake, not a rigid metal-pronged one. • Once thoroughly raked, apply starter fertilizer and grass seed to bare patches (from traffic, dog issues or general neglect). Five weeks after grass sprouts – Apply quick-release nitrogen fertilizer. This may not be necessary if you applied fertilizer in the fall. If you’ve had crabgrass problems in the past, you should hit those areas with a pre-emergent herbicide to inhibit crabgrass seed germination.

Coming Next Month – Mark Your Calendars! April 13-15 and 20-22: Theater – Paper Daddy Northfield Arts Guild Theater

April 27: Comedian C. Willi Myles • 8pm Paradise Center for the Arts

April 14: AAUW Program – Dr. Jane Nofer Poskanzer 11:30am • Northfield Golf Club Clinical Child Psychologist of Autism and related disabilities.

April 27-28: Seventh Annual Very Short Play Festival Northfield Arts Guild Theater

April 15: Ole and Lena • 7-10pm Northfield Historical Society April 20: Breast Cancer Fundraiser Wine Tasting Dinner 7pm • Cannon River Winery

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April 29: An Evening of Barbershop • 4pm Paradise Center for the Arts The Lakelander Barbershop Chorus performs its precision four-part harmonies for all ages. Keep us posted • info@northfieldguide.com • 507/663-7937

HISTORIC

HAPPENINGS NORTHFIELD STYLE By Susan Hvistendahl Jed Dommeyer

The Bundgaard-Finholt Era of Basketball in Northfield The opening game of the 1965-66 basketball season of the Northfield High School Raiders was to be played on the court of a new opponent, South St. Paul. The NHS team had won only four and lost 18 the previous season, with just one win and nine losses in Big 9 Conference play. Head coach Jed Dommeyer had five returning lettermen, but only one of the five had played as a regular. Dommeyer told the Northfield News of Nov. 18, “It is difficult at this point to say who will be starting at what positions. Only time will tell, as this team has a lot of potential yet to be put in action.” The Northfield News headline of Nov. 25 was “First Victory This Season Shows Poise,” as the Raiders won over South St. Paul 54-45, with Barry Holden and Peter Bierman at guard, Tim Sellers and Dave Follansbee at forward and Eric Bundgaard at center. Bundgaard was singled out for “clutch shooting” in the contest. Eric Bundgaard was a 6'5" junior transfer from Brookings, S.D., who had come to Northfield with his family when his father, Axel Bundgaard, became the new athletic director at St. Olaf College that fall. Eric had been the leading scorer in South Dakota his sophomore year so, as Eric told me recently, his arrival in Northfield came with “some hoo-hah.” Moving was “a little bit of a shock,” said Eric, “but I adjusted.”

Dave Finholt

Eric Bundgaard

Northfielder Dave Finholt was destined to be linked to Eric as one of the best “one-two punches” in Northfield basketball

Dave Finholt

Eric Bundgaard

history. From his home in Tampa, Florida, Dave recalled a day when Eric and his father came by the Finholt house in the summer of 1965. (Dave’s father, Albert Finholt, was Vice President and Dean of St. Olaf.) “Eric and I went to Longfellow School and shot some hoops,” said Dave. Though Eric was not wearing basketball attire or shoes, Dave said, “It was clear he was a good player, even with wingtips on asphalt.” Eric told me he had been “a little concerned about basketball” in Northfield, but after he met and liked coach Dommeyer, he had a “sense of hopefulness.” Dommeyer had, after all, been a leading scorer on the University of Minnesota basketball team and was working to build up Northfield’s program since his arrival from Windom in 1963. Northfield was the smallest school of the Big 9, which consisted of Northfield, Austin, Albert Lea, Red Wing, Owatonna, Winona, Mankato, Faribault and Rochester John Marshall (later adding Rochester Mayo). In the second game, the Northfield News of Dec. 2, 1965, reported that Owatonna got “caught in the weeds,” with the Raiders winning 77-61. “The man of the hour was Bundgaard, whose 31 points and 18 rebounds for the evening should create a small ‘shock wave’ in the Big 9 conference circles.” The Raiders’ first defeat came in the next game from Austin, 79-65, with Eric scoring 28 points. A win over LeSueur was followed by two losses to Mankato and Windom. Dave Finholt (6'6"), who had broken his collarbone in the last football game that fall, returned to start in a 70-55 away win over the arch-rival Faribault Falcons, “providing a big boost to solidify the team,” Eric told me. The team set records while cruising to victories over Minneapolis Marshall (scoring 81 points) and Minneapolis West (with Eric scoring 35 points). On Feb. 11, 1966, NHS faced league-leading Winona. Eric scored an eye-popping 42 points in an 81-72 Raider loss at home, a record for points scored in a single game which still stands at Northfield High School. Eric told me, “I was in a zone and my teammates kept feeding me the ball. We played them pretty well and were disappointed with the loss.” The Raiders had a 4-6 Big 9 record, finishing 10-8 in regular play overall, giving Dommeyer his first winning season. Eric ended the season with a league-leading average of 26.4 points per game in conference play.

The 1965-66 Northfield High School District 4 Champion basketball team.

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But wait! There’s more. The Northfield News story of March 10 detailed the 72-58 victory over Waseca, which gave the Raiders a District 4 tournament win. Tough defense from Waseca held Eric to only five points in the first half, but he ended the game with 23 points,

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with Dave scoring 22. that “dunking” the ball The Raiders then gained was allowed in high a berth in the District 4 school play. championship game at After an 81-73 comeOwatonna by beating from-behind victory Faribault 69-63, with over Winona, with Dave Eric hitting 26 points. scoring 29 points and Claremont High School Eric 20, the Raiders were then fell to the Raiders rated the fourth best 80-62 by virtue of the team in a state newspasuperior rebounding per poll. But then came and team play of the losses to Waseca, Albert Raiders, with Eric again Lea, LeSueur, Kenyon leading the scoring with and Austin, broken up 27 points. With a minute by a one-point vicLeft: Pete Bierman (left) and Dave Finholt (right); Center: Eric Bundgaard shooting his 42nd point left, reported the North– still a Northfield High School record; Right: Holding the District Championship trophy high, tory over Mankato. In field News on March 17, Barry Holden receives a pat on the back from Coach Dommeyer. the win over Mankato, 1966, “The more than Dave clinched the game capacity crowd, made up mostly of Northfield fans, went wild as with a jump shot with 13 seconds left. Dave had 24 points, Eric 23. Coach Dommeyer emptied the bench, letting his regulars bask in Another exciting 70-68 win came over Rochester John Marshall in the glory of the District Four Championship.” For the first time a home game which was tied 38 times, as Eric hit a jump shot with since 1943, the Raiders had earned a trip to regionals in Rochester one second left, then hit a free throw in the victory. Eric scored 27, to play against the Blooming Prairie Blossoms, the winners of Dave 21. An 85-75 win over Owatonna (where a new team record District 2 over Austin. for points scored was set, as Eric hit for 27 points and Dave 22) Tournament fever swept through Northfield. Eric told me that and a loss to Red Wing concluded the season, leaving the Raiders winning District was “a big deal, the town really embraced it. It with a 7-5 record, tied for fourth. Eric won his second Big 9 scoring was fun. We all felt the support of the community.” Only 31 other title, with a 21.6 point average, barely beating out Dave’s 21.5 point towns in Minnesota had reached this stage out of 500 high schools average. in the state. Eric said, “If you were the state champion, you were the Then came district play. The March 2, 1967, Northfield News said, only state champion in basketball.” He spoke of the scenario in the “Dave Finholt’s unbelievable 40-foot desperation basket at the final 1986 movie “Hoosiers,” where a small town Indiana high school buzzer gave NHS a thrilling 75-73 win over Faribault in the District was able to win the state championship over much bigger schools. 4 opener at Kenyon last Friday.” NHS led most of the way with Unfortunately, the “Hoosiers” movie ending did not take place for Dave hitting for 28 points. (Dave said to me, jokingly, “I hogged the Northfield. The March 24, 1966, Northfield News reported, “The ball my senior year.”) The Raiders again won the District 4 champiBlooming Prairie Blossoms could do no wrong last Wednesday onship by defeating Waseca 61-55 in finals at Owatonna. The Raidnight as they ran over the Northfield Raiders 81-53 before a capacers overcame a 33-25 halftime deficit, responding to Dommeyer’s ity crowd at Rochester-Mayo Civic auditorium.” The team with the exhortation, “We’ve got nothing to save ourselves for. It’s up there benign name then defeated Red Wing 59-54 for their first Region I if you want it.” Dave scored 29 points, with Eric scoring 16 and title. (Edina ended up winning three straight state championships having a season-high 23 rebounds. The team moved on to Region I from 1966-68.) Dave said simply, “We played badly.” Eric told me, play against Chatfield in Rochester, coming away with a 73-64 vic“The loss to Blooming Prairie was a tough one.” Coach Dommeyer tory (the Raiders had a 31-14 free throw advantage in the game). told the Northfield News, “I’ve enjoyed working with this club more Playing against Hayfield in the regional finals, the Raiders lost their than any other I’ve had here.” He said he would build next season’s way by a score of 68-59. Dave remembered, “Our senior year, we team around “the two big kids, Eric Bundgaard and Dave Finholt.” expected to win, we should have won. The most painful loss was Eric was awarded All-Conference honors and named to the WCCO to Hayfield.” This time free throws favored the opponent, with Radio All-State Team. And in May, as the NHS track team won the Hayfield canning 24 and Northfield 11. Dave scored 18 points and District 4 meet, Eric set a district and school record in the hurdles Eric, triple-teamed all night, was held to 11. of 19.9, a record he then broke his senior year with 19.6 at the state Eric ended his NHS career with a total of 1,059 points in just two outdoor track meet. years, the all-time scoring record to that date, at a time when there The 1966-67 basketball season started with the first basketball was no 3-point shot. (The 1,000 point mark has since also been game in the new Senior High School, a 70-48 clobbering of South surpassed by Brendon Moersch, Jeff Hoxie, Scott Christensen, Paul St. Paul, with Eric pouring in 35 points and Dave 17. A close loss to Richardson and Zach Filzen). Eric scored 20 or more points 34 newly formed Rochester Mayo was followed by wins over Owatimes. Also All-Conference in football, Eric was again a member tonna, Red Wing, Faribault and Minneapolis Marshall. Dave said, of the WCCO All-State basketball team and was named to the of Eric, “There was absolutely nobody that could stop him,” no High School All-America squad with Dave being given honorable matter what defense they threw at him. mention. Eric and Dave shared the “Athlete of the Year” award that spring at NHS. As 1967 commenced, the Raiders defeated St. Peter 64-52 at Williams Arena in Minneapolis, a preliminary game to the U. of Given their talents, did they ever feel a competitive rivalry with Minn.-Chicago Loyola match-up. Eric has memories of the arena’s each other? Dave said only in practice, when the first team would “bouncy floor” with elevated floorboards which made him wish play against other teammates. He noted that he and Eric enjoyed

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after-practice shooting against Coach Dommeyer and assistant Al Berkvam. Dommeyer, who still resides in Northfield, recalled how much fun that was and told me that he felt Dave and Eric “were equal in talents and equal in value to our team. I enjoyed coaching both of them immensely.”

Seven or eight busloads of Jackrabbit fans had come from Brookings, expecting a victory. Despite a height advantage of the Jackrabbits, St. Olaf put together “a complete effort in every phase of the game,“ as coach Bob Gelle said. St. Olaf was behind by two points, 39-37, at halftime but pulled away to win 87-72. The Manitou Messenger said that Eric “came up with a big second half, hitting for 15 points and providing the muchneeded muscle under the boards for the Oles” with 14 rebounds. Eric told me that when the teams exchanged handshakes after the game, one of the S.D. State players said, “We didn’t realize how quick you guys would be.” The euphoria of the upset ended with a 97-81 loss to Lincoln University of Jefferson City, Mo., in the NCAA semifinals in St. Louis.

Eric and Dave ended up playing at St. Olaf under head coach Bob Gelle, after testing hardwood elsewhere. Eric started out at the University of Colorado and Dave at Harvard. (Dave told me the basketball was “awful” at Harvard, with 21 losing seasons.) Dave became eligible to play at St. Olaf on Jan. 31, 1969, and soon led the Eric Bundgaard in action for the Oles in 1971. Right: team with an average of 18 points a game. Left: Dave Finholt (45) at NCAA 1969 tournament in Missouri. St. Olaf won its first undisputed Midwest Photos courtesy St. Olaf Archives. Conference crown, with a 16-2 league record (17-5 overall) and a 76-64 defeat of cross-town rival CarDave Finholt graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical leton in which Dave (much to his pleasure) scored 27 points. The Ole team then lost 75-47 to Southwest Missouri State in the NCAA School in 1975 and trained in pediatrics at the Stanford University Medical Center and in Pediatric Critical Care in Philadelphia. He small college division tournament in Springfield, Mo. took training in anesthesia at the University of Virginia, staying In December of 1969, Dave scored a school record 42 points (11 on the faculty for an additional two years before working for 16 field goals and 20 of 24 free throws) in an 83-81 overtime victory years at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. He was an anesthetist over Augsburg and in January of 1970 tied a Midwest conference for children at the Shriners Hospital in Greenville, S. Carolina, and mark of 36 points in a 92-79 win over Knox. In February Eric has worked the past two years at two outpatient service centers for played his first college game with Dave, as St. Olaf won a 66-57 children in Tampa, Florida. This August he will begin a master’s in home victory over league-leading Carleton. Eric scored 16 and Exercise Science at the University of Southern Florida in Tampa. Dave 14. (Before the game, Carleton’s Coach Jack Thurnblad, His wife Deborah Steed served as a Lutheran parish pastor in Viranticipating a “wild one,” said, “I’ll take my tranquilizer before the ginia, Cincinnati and Greenville and does hospice work. Dave and game and watch the action.”) The team finished with an overall 13- Deborah have two children, Ben and Rachel, and one-year-old twin 9 record, 10-8 in the conference, with Dave leading the Ole scoring grandchildren, Alexandra and Vanessa, from son Ben. with an average of 19 points a game and setting a school record for After St. Olaf, Eric Bundgaard played basketball one year overseas the most rebounds in a season (251). on a Mozambique team in a Portuguese league. He worked for Xerox The 1970-71 St. Olaf team lost only two games during the regular Corporation, went to graduate school in hospital administration at season, to Valparaiso University at a tournament there on Dec. 12 the University of Minnesota and was a hospital administrator in Salt and at Ripon College on Feb. 13. The high-powered tone for the Lake City, Utah, and St. Louis Park in Minnesota and CEO of Iowa season was set with a 97-96 overtime victory at St. John’s in the first Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines. His last position was at a children’s game on Dec. 5. On Feb. 5, 1971, the team won an away game at hospital in Denver. After leaving hospital work, he was SuperintenGrinnell by a school record score of 117-79. dent of Schools in Fairplay, Colorado, for several years. In 2005 he and his wife Denise moved to Northfield. Eric has two sons from a Particularly satisfying were back-to-back wins over Carleton in the previous marriage, Trygve and Tycen, and two grandchildren, Ella last week of January, with Eric and Dave in double figures in both games. In the home contest, St. Olaf hit 33 of 39 free throws, a team (6) and Trystan (5). Denise works as Faculty Data Coordinator at St. Olaf and Eric works part-time for the St. Olaf Athletic Department. record in Midwest Conference play, with Dave hitting a perfect He says that while he does attend St. Olaf basketball games, he has 11 out of 11 from the foul line. Just one week later, at Cornell, the not played basketball for a number of years because “it is a young team made a staggering 39 of 42 free throw attempts. St. Olaf won the 1970-71 Midwest Conference championship with a 17-1 record person’s game” and not easily played after age 35. and established a slew of Ole records, before falling to the nation’s Eric and Dave saw each other last month when St. Olaf brought tenth ranked Kentucky Wesleyan 94-79 in the first round of the back players and coaches who had been part of the very successful Midwest regional NCAA tournament in Kirksville, Mo. and to Ole basketball program from 1968-72. They were honored at the North Dakota State 96-94 in the consolation round. halftime of the St. Olaf-St. John’s basketball game on Feb. 11. Eric told me, “We’ve kept in touch. I have good feelings about playing Dave graduated in 1971. Eric played the 1971-72 season, in which with him. He was an excellent basketball player and a pure shooter. St. Olaf had 17 wins and five losses in the regular season and We’ll always share a common history.” Dave said he regards Eric as shared the Midwest Conference crown with Ripon. On March 6, “the best athlete in the history of Northfield.” 1972, Eric played in a game at Skoglund Athletic Center against South Dakota State where his father had been athletic director Both Eric and Dave have created memories which still resonate before taking that position at St. Olaf. At stake was a berth in the for those who lived in Northfield during the duo’s “glory days” of NCAA regional tournament in St. Louis. Eric considers this game unparalleled athletic achievement. one of the “most memorable” of his basketball career. Bleachers were even set up on the Skoglund stage and, as Eric told me, “every Thanks to Jane Anderson Currer, NHS class of 1967, for loan of the Norhians and Jim Christensen for sharing basketball stats with me. nook and cranny was filled, with peopleCheck hangingusfrom rafters.” outthe online at www.northfi eldguide.com

MARCH 2012

DINING Bittersweet Cafe

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212 Division St., lobby level (Archer House Inn) •bittersweeteatery.com • 507/645-5661 Mon-Fri 7am-8pm, Sat 7am-5pm, Sun 7am-2pm. Fair trade/organic coffee; baked goods; gluten-free treats; sandwiches and salads, Bridgeman’s ice cream, catering and events. Castle Rock N Roll Bar and Grill – 27798

Chippendale Ave • 507/645-0676 • Facebook: Castle Rock N Roll Bar and Grill – 11-1am (every day). Great burgers and pizza, with daily specials. Located at the corner of Hwy. 3 and Cty. Rd. 86. Private party room available. The Cheese Cave – 318 Central Ave., Suite 6,

Faribault • www.cheesecave.net 507/334-3988 – Wed 10am-5:30pm, Thu-Sat 10am-8pm – A light menu of fresh salads and sandwiches, a couple gourmet pizzas and cheese plates to compliment whatever you are drinking. Wines, spirits and Summit beer on tap. Fireside Restaurant – 37540 Goodhue Ave., Dennison • 507/645-9992 • firesidelounge.net T-F 11am-close, Sa/Su 9am-close, closed Mon. A menu to satisfy all tastes, from burgers and sandwiches to steaks and shrimp dinners. Friday night fish special, Saturday night prime rib special and Sat/Sun breakfast specials. Froggy Bottoms River Pub

inside back

307 S. Water St., 507/301-3611 • Sun 11am9pm, Mon/Tue 11am-11pm, Wed-Sat 11am-1am – Upper-class bar food including appetizers, salads, burgers and more. Open for lunch and dinner. Entrees starting at 5pm.

Mandarin Garden Restaurant – 107 East 4th St. • MandarinGardenNorthfield.com 507/645-7101, Lunch: Wed-Fri 11:30am2pm, Dinner: Tue-Thu 4:30-9pm. Open until 10 Fri and Sat. Authentic Peking and Szechuan cuisine, freshly prepared, dine-in or take-out. Northfield Golf Club – 707 Prairie St. 507/645-4026 • Sun-Thu 11am-8pm, Fri/Sat 11am-9pm – Whether seated in the main dining room, bar, or member’s lounge, beautiful panoramic views of the golf course provide a charming atmosphere. Lunch and dinner menus with a variety of cuisine to savor. The Ole Store Restaurant – 1011 St. Olaf Ave. • 507/786-9400• www.olestorerestaurant.com – Mon-Th 11am-9pm, Fri/Sat 11am-10pm (breakfast: Sat 7am-12pm, Sun 7am-1pm), closed Sundays – Contemporary dining with neighborhood charm. Relax at a table with linens and fresh flowers or sit in our cozy lounge. A full menu including appetizers, rustic flatbread pizzas, salads, soups, entrees, steaks, fresh seafood, sandwiches and gourmet desserts. Reservations available. Perkins Restaurant & Bakery – 1401

Riverview Drive • 507/645-4830 • Sun-Wed 5am-11pm, Thu-Sat 24 hrs – Breakfast all day. Favorites include buttermilk pancakes, three-egg omelettes and hearty scrambler dishes. Also serving sandwiches and dinner entrees. Weekday breakfast and lunch specials. Free wi-fi available. Quarterback Club

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421 Division St. • 507/664-0400 Mon-Fri, 6am-10pm, Sat-Sun 7am-10pm – Cozy bistro atmosphere serving unique appetizers and sandwiches. Coffee drinks, wine and beer specialties.

116 3rd St. W. • 507/645-7886 • Mon-Sat 6am-9pm, Sun 10:30am-8pm – Family friendly dining in Northfield for 37 years. House specialties include broasted chicken, BBQ ribs and flame-broiled hamburgers.

James Gang Coffeehouse & Eatery – 2018

Subway

The HideAway

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Jefferson Rd. • 507/663-6060 • Mon-Fri 6am-8pm, Sat-Sun 7am-5pm – Voted Best Coffeehouse in southern Minnesota. Fresh daily roasted coffee. Wraps, soups, sandwiches, salads, desserts, ice cream and non-espresso drinks. Free wireless internet and business catering available. J. Grundy’s Rueb ‘N’ Stein

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503 Division St. • www.ruebnstein.com 507/645-6691 • 11am-close – Great burgers and famous Ruebens. Casual relaxing atmosphere. Huge selection of imported and domestic beers, fine spirits and wines. Game room, happy hour 3:30-6pm, Karaoke on Fridays at 9pm.

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Hwy. 3 and 19 • 507/645-7226 • Open 24 hours/7 days a week – Fresh sandwiches, salads, flatbread, breakfast and more. The Tavern of Northfield – 212 Division St. 507/663-0342 www.tavernofnorthfield.com Sun-Thu 6:30am-10pm, Fri-Sat 6:30am11pm, lounge open daily 3pm-midnight. Located in the historic Archer House since 1984, The Tavern offers casual dining with a wide variety of homemade menu items and specials daily featuring fresh fish on Fridays and prime rib on Saturdays. The Tavern Lounge sports a deck overlooking the Cannon River, appetizers and a full bar with live music Thur-Sat.

Support Our Advertisers Aleka ...................................................................19 America’s Mattress/Furniture 2 Go .........23 Anna’s Closet ................................................... 15 Aquatic Pets...................................................... 13 Bittersweet Café ..............................................21 Budget Blinds ...................................................26 Buff & Coat........................................................25 Cannon River Winery ................................... 14 Cannon Valley Orchestra ..........inside front Carleton Bookstore .....................inside front College City Beverage .................................... 2 Community Resource Bank .......................24 Eclectic Goat ..................................................... 13 Eco Gardens .....................................................25 Froggy Bottoms River Pub ........ inside back Graphic Mailbox .............................................10 Girls Night Out ................................................... 5 H&R Block ........................................................... 1 Halvorson Land Surveying .........................26 The HideAway Coffeehouse and Winebar ...................... 14 Michael Jordon, Realtor............................... 12 Just Food Co-op .............................back cover Left-Handed Entertainment........................10 Kildahl Park Pointe ........................................32 Diane Kyte, Realtor .......................................19 KYMN 1080AM, Kymnradio.net ................ 4 Left Field............................................................... 3 Left-Handed Entertainment........................10 Mabel’s Draperys Park II .............................25 Mr. JST Technology Consulting................... 7 Northfield Arts & Culture Commission..... 5 Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce ....... front banner Northfield Arts Guild ....................................... 8 Northfield Historical Society ....inside front Northfield Lines...............................................19 Northfield Liquor Store ................................ 13 Northfield Senior Center............inside front Norwex...............................................................23 Paradise Center for the Arts ......................... 1 Prairie’s Edge Humane Society ................... 7 Professional Pride Realty............................. 16 Quality Appliance...........................................23 Quarterback Club ........................................... 12 Ragstock .............................................................. 8 The Rare Pair ................................. inside back Reboot Computers......................................... 15 Rooms by Tagg2 ............................................31 Rueb ‘N’ Stein .................................................... 9 St. Olaf Bookstore ........................ inside back Schmidt Homes Remodeling .....................22 Seven Gables Books & Antiques ..............10 Shattuck-St. Mary’s.........................................18 Sisters Ugly.................................................13, 15 Sketchy Artist ................................................... 15 Subway...............................................................10 Verizon Wireless ............................................... 7 Welcome Services ..........................................18 NWitt ORTHFIELD ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE Bros., Service, Inc ..................................10

Professional Pride Realty Supporting the Guide since THEIR founding in 2011.

By Felicia Crosby The interior of the Professional Pride Realty office is much like the new company it houses: elegant, warm and modern, bathed in celadon and silver, smooth woods and leather. A little chic, and very relaxing. And then there’s the oversized Victorian doll house. It sits perched in the front of the lobby, as welcoming as a giant toddler’s embrace, and – built some years back by the team that now makes up Professional Pride Realty – it serves as a cheerful metaphor for the people who’ve made this new company come alive. Pete Mergens, Professional Pride’s broker/owner, is still – to some degree – pinching himself that it’s all actually come together. He describes his feeling about this young business as one of “pure excitement.” “It’s pride that I feel,” he smiles. “Like the name says. I really do feel a strong sense of pride and professionalism when I see every (yard) sign; it’s a surreal feeling, really.” So where did Professional Pride Realty come from? Pete chuckles a little and shakes his head. “Professional Pride Realty started as an idea in my head about how I wanted to be treated. When we moved to Northfield about 11 years ago, I decided to sell my former home myself, and (in the process), saw that this path I was on, that it was leading to something. All the things I’d done to that point were all culminating in real estate.” Back in 2000, the real estate industry was a very different animal than it is now, he points out. “There was a wide range of quality of people in this business at that time,” he says. “A lot of what went on back then put the focus on making money, rather than the important things.”

“My dad is an exceptional person,” Pete says. “I worked in printing and packaging sales for ten years for the company my father ran. He taught me real values: caring, trust – how to inspire people to be the best they can be. I saw that the 70-some people that worked for him loved and trusted him, too. He showed me that good things do happen to good people.” Growing Broker/owner Pete Mergens up in St. Paul, both Pete’s parents instilled in him early the value of community, and his wife Deb’s trust enabled Pete to make a very large leap into the unknown when he began Professional Pride. “Deb’s always believed in me – even when she shouldn’t!” Pete laughs. “And after 18 years of marriage, when I decided to leave a very stable situation (with a previous real estate company) and try this, she didn’t hesitate. She might have thought it was a little grand – but she trusted me!” “I hope – I believe – she’s pleased.” As the new kid on the real estate block, business at Professional Pride Realty is going very, very well. And the team of Realtors Pete’s gathered is a seasoned group he’s proud to have to work up to. “This team is such an opportunity, and it’s humbling for me,” he says. The time they’ve put into this business equals or exceeds my Professional Pride continued on next page.

And the focus of good real estate business, Pete says, is something very different. “It’s about helping people make difficult decisions.” He’s quiet for a moment. “Being a Realtor is almost like being a counselor,” he explains. “You’re working with marriages, with finances, the choice of home, of course – even helping with paint colors. There are a lot of variables in the market, and it requires a tremendous amount of trust. You’re often dealing with adversity, and you have to calmly take each step and find a solution – and you stick with it till it’s done. “You forge relationships that don’t end when you walk away from the closing table.” The value of honorable business relationships comes almost genetically to Pete; his father was the model of the businessperson he wanted to be, and Pete is quick to credit his dad’s teachings.

MARCH 2012

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Professional Pride continued from previous page. own. I couldn’t have asked for anything better than this! We help and feed off each other; each is an independent contractor, as all Realtors are, but we’re stronger together.” It’s the same with the other Realtors in town. “The real estate companies in this town are exceptional,” Pete explains. “To compete with them on the same level is really a dream.” And to compete at all, the housing market – that 800 lb. gorilla that hunkers down in any room where economic conversations start – needs to show signs of improvement. It is, Pete believes, and the recovery signs are real and sincere. But it’s a very different market, post-collapse, and a professional Realtor makes all the difference for anyone wading these murky waters. “Between the short sales, foreclosures, bankruptcies and changed lending laws, it’s not easy to buy a house,” he says, “even for people with excellent credit. A good Realtor defines a path that needs to be followed to successfully negotiate the process. (The Realtor) should know absolutely everything there is to know about the path you’ll be taking people on.” “But” he point out, “our inventory is as low as it’s been for several years, and we’re starting to see multiple offers on some homes.” The bottom line? “A clean and de-cluttered home should sell.” And the Victorian doll house in the lobby, a smaller scale of so many 19th-century Northfield homes, stands as an emblem of how real estate can move into the 21st century. Starting with the very old-fashioned values of respect, pride and professionalism.

205 3rd St. W., Suite B Northfield, MN 55057 507/663-1100 professionalpriderealty.com

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MARCH 2012

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