Scene December 2015 by Waseca County News

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Scene Happy Holidays SoMinn!

Cultural Christmas Traditions in SoMinn - PG 8 A d d y o u r e v e n t f o r F R E E t o t h e T I M E L I N E c a l e n d a r . G O TO w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent

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DECEMBER 2015 / VOLUME 3 / ISSUE 12

Decorating with Gratitude “Gratitude turns what we have into enough” “Do not indulge in dreams of having what you have not, but reckon up the chief of the blessings you do possess, and then thankfully remember how you would crave for them if they were not yours.” ~ Marcus Aurelius

t’s the most wonderful time of the year. Fa La La La. As I write this, there are six Mondays left until Christmas. I’m feeling bad for Thanksgiving, as I do most years. Every year, it’s all goblins, ghouls, and ghosts and then November 1st hits and BAM! Santa’s knocking on your chimney and blowing up the aisles of Target (or wherever you’re shopping.) Like hello people, how about Plymouth Rock and the pilgrims and all that? If that hadn’t happened, you wouldn’t be here and you wouldn’t be celebrating Christmas (or Hanukkah, Kwanza, etc.) here. So ah, let’s be Thankful shall we? Anyways… Remember when you were a young child and you scribbled down your Christmas list and knew exactly what you wanted to find under the Tree or in your Stocking? I sure do. Heck, I still know what items I’d like to unwrap. Somehow, over the years my taste has gotten even more expensive, and I just have to give myself whatever present it is I think I need. That’s the thing though isn’t it? I don’t NEED those THINGS. You don’t either. I might think that Patagonia pullover or another Fossil watch will complete my life (closet) and while I may have to talk myself out of it: I really don’t need those items.

The things we need are to be with loved ones and to enjoy their PRESENCE. Let your friends, families, pets, what have you, decorate the Christmas Tree that is your life. We should be thankful for what we do have—on Christmas Day, New Years Day and every other day in between. I mean, I’m thankful for the somewhat obvious: a job (paycheck, benefits, 401k, blah, blah,blah), a roof over my head, food in my refrigerator, a vehicle to drive, the freedoms of being a United States citizen, and friends and family that put up with my crap (wit and charm). I’m also thankful for the opportunity to write up varying degrees of nonsense on a monthly basis to validate the five years I spent in college earning a creative writing degree, not to mention the opportunity to attend college. I’m thankful that I can read and write, see and smell and taste and whatever the other two senses are. I’m thankful for JK Rowling and her imagination, farmers and the food they grow (and ultimately put in the aforementioned fridge,) religion and political beliefs and chai tea lattes at The Hideaway. Okay, so I might have overindulged—I would be able to make it through life without some of those parts of life. Mostly, I’m thankful for a positive outlook on life and the people who keep pushing me along even when it’s not sunshine-y. By now we’ve said goodbye to the wishbones and sweet potatoes of Thanksgiving until 2016 and in a blink Christmas, New Years and the rest of the winter holidays will be over, too. The ornaments and wreathes will be packed away and we will all move onto whatever is next. But guess what? We don’t need the holidays to be thankful and grateful for what and who we have decorating our lives. The important “things” shouldn’t be packed away every year, just as being thankful for them shouldn’t be limited to just one day or season.

Got a question about sex, love, romance or the meaning of life? MaxSCENE has an answer. Give her a shout at maxSCENE@southernminnscene.com

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4 MaxSCENE Column

Decorating with gratitude.

6 SoMinn State of Mind

Fathers and Sons, Morality and Mortality.

7 SoMinn SOUND

Our favorite festy explorer wraps up 2015 by expounding on one last daylong party.

8 Cultural Christmas

Traditions in SoMinn

• Poinsettias, Kings and Latin American Christmas • Christmas in New Prague • Keeping a ‘Frohe Weihnachten’ in New Ulm • (Nearly) Lost Norwegian Yuletide Traditions

14 Amy’s TV Crush

The Charles Schulz classic is a little oasis of grace in a time when we all should be hibernating.

18 The TimeLine

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

33 CD Reviews:

• A musically ambiguous group from Minneapolis makes a beautifully scary album. • No old school purple. • The “Girl who writes sad songs on a happy instrument” sounds anything but. • The Heart and Soul of the Rolling Stones reveals an authentic, but wayward heart that still beats strong.

36 SportsBall

A tribute to the coach.

38 The Bearded Life

An argument for why ‘A Muppet Family Christmas’ is one of the greatest accomplishments of our time.

16 Movies and Mistletoe

and Kris Kringle Killers: these are a few of my favorite films

The Best, Worst, Weirdest and Weepiest movies to watch during the Holiday Season.

Scene Southern minn

ABOUT

Publisher & Editor: Rich Larson, 507.645.1104, rlarson@southernminnSCENE.com Calendar listings: 507.333.3130, editor@southernminnSCENE.com

Advertising: Northfield/South Metro - Chad Hjellming, 507.645.1110, chjellming@northfieldnews.com Lonsdale - Lori Nickel, 507.744.2551, lnickel@lonsdalenewsreview.com Faribault - Mark Nelson, 507.333.3109, mnelson@faribault.com Kenyon - Mark Nelson, 507.333.3148, mnelson@faribault.com Steele County - Debbie Ensley, 507.444.2386, densley@owatonna.com LeSueur & Waseca Counties - Julie Frazier, 507.837.5442, jfrazier@wasecacountynews.com Copyright 2015 SouthernminnSCENE.com retains the publication rights to all content produced or supplied to the SCENE. Use of said materials without the written consent of SoutherminnSCENE.com is prohibited. Contents copyrighted; all rights reserved.

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RICH LARSON Rich Larson is the publisher and editor of SouthernMinn Scene. You can reach him at rlarson@southernminnscene.com.

SoMinn STATE

twenties. To be sure, we loved each other but we didn’t always like each other very much. To his utter consternation, I was, and still am, a liberal. He was a true veteran of the Cold War, having served in Naval intelligence both on active duty and in the reserves for thirty years. I loved to tease him that he had made me into a Democrat when he introduced me to Walter Mondale on my 7th birthday. He used to quote Winston Churchill at me: “If you are not a liberal by the time you are 20, you have no heart. If you are not a conservative by the time you are 30 [my son, my son] you have no head.” Growing up, his office was in our basement, next to my bedroom, and I spent a lot of time in there when he was gone (I was a teenager in the age before the internet and that’s where the phone was). He had a little chart taped to the wall that showed the progression of a son’s attitude toward his dad, starting from a toddler telling people his dad was the smartest man in the world, to that same kid at 21 dismissing everything his dad had to say, to the son as an old man, saying that his father was the smartest man he ever knew. Even at 14 or 15, I understood that chart was probably right on, but I still dismissed most of what he had to say until I was way past 21. I worked for him as a sales rep in his company for ten years after I got out of college. It took all ten of those years, driving criss-cross through the Upper Midwest, for us to really come to an understanding of each other. Some of those car rides were hellish. He was hard of hearing, due to his years as a naval aviator and his lifelong love of trap shooting, not once ever thinking that he should use

Mom and Dad, June 2014.

MIND

an enormous heart, especially where his family was concerned. He taught me how to be a dad. He taught me that there are no limits on what one can do for one’s children. He taught me that a father’s love knows no bounds. Sometimes his love could be tough - more than once it was in the form of a size 10½ D firmly placed into my posterior – but it all came from the same place. I am so glad I understood that before he was gone. The Old Man was, and still is, my moral compass. Even when I couldn’t listen to one more of his damn lectures, I would use his morality as a baseline for my own decisions. When I consider something, my first thought is always “What would the Old Man do?” Depending on the situation, I might agree with him (which generally is accompanied by relieved resignation), or I’ll spend the time necessary convincing myself that he’s wrong. I have done this my entire adult life, and like that chart on his wall predicted, I have slowly found myself agreeing with him more often than not. I miss him dearly and I talk to him all the time. He doesn’t answer, but he doesn’t need to. I know exactly what he’d have to say to me:

Fathers and Sons, Morality and Mortality

can hear his voice clear as a bell. My dad loved to pontificate to me. He loved to instruct me on the things he’d learned in his life. He loved to deliver ten minute lectures on politics, work ethic, the importance of a clean car and polished shoes, or why I had to be a better driver. When he realized that he’d gone on too long, which he always did, he would end it with that phrase, making sure to call me his son twice. I never told him, but I really grew fond of him saying “my son, my son.” Last November when my mom called me to let me know that he had a brain tumor, I wasn’t thinking in terms of The End. At 82 years old, Reub Larson had faced down his fair share of health problems. There was a triple bypass in 1987 and a quintuple bypass a few years after that. This wasn’t even the first time he’d had cancer; there

had been a bought with Stage 3 colon cancer in the early 2000’s that had been dispatched in about six weeks. This man once fell out of a tree while holding a running chain saw and had limped away with nothing more than a sprained ankle. I was convinced that my old man was indestructible. I used to call him a force of nature. It was going to take more than something called Glioblastoma to take him down. But three weeks after that phone call, he was gone. My dad was dead in the blink of an eye. My mother, my brother, my sister and I were all just left there with this feeling of “What the hell just happened?” I was with him the night before he died. It wasn’t pretty. He’d had surgery to remove what they could of the tumor. His surgeon had very gently explained to us that this was a particularly aggressive thing. His initial prognosis was three or four months. We expected him to wake up and have a little time to get things together, enjoy the holidays and spend what time he had left with all of us. It didn’t go that way. That was December 3. In the year since, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about him, the way he lived his life, our relationship and the things he wanted me to know. Like many fathers and sons, we didn’t get along very well when I was in my teens and

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ear protection. Consequently, he couldn’t hear the turn signal in his car, even when it had been on My dad, Reub en Larson. Th for so long that the is was probab Christmas in ly taken at ‘87. alarm would beep at him. And God help you if you told him that his signal was on. “Dad, the turn signal alarm is beeping at you.” “Yes, Richard,” he would say in his most aggravated tone. “I know.” When I die and go to Hell, I will be in the passenger seat as my dad is driving that grey ‘96 Cadillac DeVille. We’ll be on Highway 60 driving to - but never reaching - Sioux Falls. It will be eternally February and snowing. Rush Limbaugh will always be on the radio. We’ll be stuck behind a truck going no faster than 40 mph. The alarm will be beeping because of the turn signal, and I’ll let him know. And he’ll grumble at me. And that alarm will keep beeping for all eternity. With all that said, by the time he got sick I knew two things beyond a shadow of a doubt: nobody ever loved me as much as my dad did, and he was the kind of man I want to be. He had A d d y o u r e v e n t f o r F R E E t o t h e T I M E L I N E c a l e n d a r . G O TO w w w. s o u t h ernminn . c o m / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent

S.O. Minn SOUND

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

#NowPlaying CHVRCHES - Recently dropping their sophomore effort, Every Open Eye, the Irish trio returns delivering heartbreaking truths over solid irresistible electronic melodies.

Laura Marling

BORNS - Riding momentum from the success of his monster single “Electric Love” BORNS full length, Dopamine is just that. High fructose smart pop jams that serve only to make a person want to dance. Shawn Mendes Satisfy your inner boy band craving with this soulful cougar bait. He’s half Bieber fever and half Ed Sheeran. The lyrics are corny and sweet but much less cringeworthy than 90s era ‘N Sync and BSB.

Remember

Festival Palomino?

ow that the weather is starting to turn on us, it probably seems like Festival Palomino was light years ago, back when we didn’t need hoodies and we hadn’t seen any white stuff yet. Don’t forget, Palomino is by definition, a fall festival, and this year the weather gods smiled down on Canterbury Park with highs in the 70s and the sun injecting everyone there with a full dosage of vitamin D. The weather wasn’t the only difference at this year’s festival. Instead of two larger stages and one smaller stage, they decided two stages was more than enough. They also took a cue from Soundset, and had those two stages set up right next to each other, with the bands playing consecutively. While one band played, another set up. Even with the pain of moving from one side to the other, this schedule allows fans to see every band on the bill, versus regular festival scheduling which looks jammed with all stars until you realize you only get to see half of those people due to shared set times. A credit to Dave Simonett and the guys from Trampled By Turtles (it’s their festival), they also stole some style tips from Eaux Claires, investing in a Instagram photo op of giant letters that read “Palomino”. They also choose beard friendly hipster vendors, like Duluth Pack (who made a custom Trampled pack, because duh), beard oil, cigar box banjos, MN pride paraphernalia etc. And it would not be hipster territory without a decent selection of craft beer on hand as well. The lineup did not falter. How do you follow up last year’s monster folk act The Head and the Heart? You get Dr. Dog and Father John Misty. The lesser known acts held up their end of the bargain also. Laura Marling may look delicate but her thick velvet alto and give-no-fucks attitude catered to no one. Shakey Graves showed up full band in tow giving his backwoods sound density and flavor. His energy and charm could be felt from the front of the stage to the back of the field. Dr. Dog is a stand up, fun, laid back jam band. And they definitely have a devoted following in this town. That said, if I were in charge of set order, I would’ve put them before Father John Misty instead of opposite. Mr. Misty (the singer, not the frozen treat) was a spectacle of indescribable proportions. Whether you like his music or hate it, or like him or hate him, it was impossible to take your eyes off him. He dances like a sexy hippie meth-head, flipping his mic stand, shaking his booty, doing some leg kicks. It’s all fair

Father John Misty

Prof - Bonus #np, Minneapolis’s own non-stop party crasher dropped his new album Liability. It’s balls out, it’s crass, it’s full of jaw droppers and booty shakers, not for the faint of heart.

Go See Rhymesayers 20 Year Anniversary Party - Dec 4, Target Center, not many indie hip hop labels can fill the Target Center but Rhymesayers isn’t just any label and their line up isn’t full of just any rappers either. Bringing the heat are Atmosphere, Brother Ali, Aesop Rock, Prof, P.O.S, Dilated Peoples, Grieves and a barrage of other top quality local talent. I’d also be shocked if a couple surprise guests were not in the mix. Brace yourselves for what is sure to be a evening of epic proportions. Subtle hint: DO NOT MISS THIS. Home Free - Dec 2, Mayo Civic Center hosts MN’s own harmony squad. Erik Koskinen - Any time you can catch this guy, you should. December might as well be called Home Town Month for Twin Cities concerts because when national acts decide not to trek here in the snow, local acts get the glory. Erik is one of the best. I will plug him every show, every time. The songs never get old.

This Happened Adele - Sorry T Swift. Play time is officially over. The queen is back and people are losing their shit over her new single “Hello” (not to be confused with Lionel Richie’s classic). Her music video on Vevo reached 27 million views in the first 24 hours it was up which made T’s 21 million views for Bad Blood look like nothing. Hype for her album (which drops the same day as this fine publication) could not be higher.

game in the dance move handbook of Mr. Misty. And the best part of his schrade, is the drama that unfolds as the stage technicians watch him nervously, trying to predict his next move. One man continuously ran out to extend the mic cord when he would spontaneously decide to wander into the audience. Another one exercised cat-like reflexes when Misty threw his acoustic guitar at him. I would say that move was planned if not for the terrified/surprised look on the man’s face when he caught it. He indulged the crowd more than a couple times, one time taking a girl’s cell phone and recording himself singing into the camera. He was everything you wanted him to be

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

and more. He made a lot of sideways comments, got a lot cheers and one lucky person apparently grabbed his behind during one of his audience visits. A friend who was also in attendance and not standing near me at the time he mentioned the incident texted “Was that you?” My response: “OF COURSE”. By the time Trampled joined the party, the sun had gone down, the weather had a lovely chill and folks were ready to dance to some bluegrass. They played primarily jams off last year’s Wild Animals, mixing in covers and some of their classic gems like “Wait So Long” and “Alone”. It was storybook ending for a perfect MN fall evening.

The Purple One Strikes Again - One time your devoted music columnist trekked out to the land known as Chanhassen for a chance to witness one of these all night parties at Paisley Park. But instead of shaking it to Raspberry Beret, she was treated to soul-funk cover band and a free private screening of Divergent. Since then, Prince has shown up multiple times, inviting other music journalists to hang out. Other guests of late include the one and only Madonna and the 3 time champs the MN Lynx. I don’t know what gives? I like pancakes. I’ll play ball. I’ll cleanse myself in the waters of Lake Minnetonka, whatever! Where’s my invite Prince? I’m waiting...

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Poinsettias, Kings and Latin American Christmas By J. Edwin Bishop editor@southernminnscene.com

o you like poinsettias? I know I do. I wish my cat did. She’s allergic, so if I bring one home, she gets sick. And then I suffer. She’s like a petulant child, annoyed because I had the audacity to bring something beautiful into our home only to make her feel sick. But really, aren’t poinsettias beautiful, and therefore kind of worth the allergic dangers? Anyway, if you’re as into poinsettias as I am, then you might be as interested as I was to learn where they come from.

Latin America. They’re a part of the Christmas tradition throughout Latin America. In fact, they originate from there. The poinsettia is the traditional flower of the holiday season, and this tradition has spread throughout the world. You always see them showing up in markets and flower stores as the holiday season gets in to full swing. Much like here in North America, Christmas traditions in Latin America flow in from many different channels. There is a rich history of both native roots and influences from the immigrants who became a part of the culture. Christmas in Latin America is a mix of Christian tradition adapted from European countries like Germany, Italy and Spain along with a strong history of the indigenous people of the land. The traditions have similarities to other

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cultures, but also have their own distinct features. It’s a celebration of life and belief, and it’s more than just one day. Christmas starts during the first week of December, with El Dia de Reyes (The Day of Kings) on December 6th. This is the day that gifts are traditionally left for children (rather than Christmas day), generally set by their shoes. In tradition in Latin American countries, the Three Wise Men are actually the givers of gifts during the holiday season, just as they offered up gifts to the new born baby Jesus. The Three Wise Men are an integral part of the holiday celebration and how they factor in to the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. They traveled together to the manger and offered up gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the newborn child. Luckily, they’ve since expanded their

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offerings and children receive many other things than that now. The holiday is a celebration of birth and the young baby Jesus, so gifts are generally only given to children and it is a celebration of life. As in most countries outside of the United States, Santa Claus has only become a more recent addition to the holiday in Latin America, but is far less important than the gifts of the Three Wise Men. After all, giving gifts is kind of what the Three Wise Men are known for. And who wouldn’t want gifts from three people rather than one, right? Another very important feature of El Dia de Reyes is to eat a Rosca de Reyes (a king’s cake). Hidden inside the Rosca de Reyes is a small effigy of the baby Jesus. The hidden effigy symbolized that the birthplace of the baby Jesus had to be hidden from King Herod to spare his life. Traditionally, whoever finds the effigy inside the cake is then obligated to host a celebration on Dia de la Candalaria, the official end to the holiday season which doesn’t take place until February 2nd. The celebration typically consists of the person who is hosting must make tamales for their guests. The baby Jesus from the Nativity set is often dressed this day and held up to be celebrated. This part of the holiday coincides with a tradition in many European countries, called Candelmas. This holiday is often celebrated by also eating local foods (for example, in France they eat crepes on this day). It also coincides with Groundhogs day in the United States, which seems kind of odd until you think about the fact that both celebrations being the end or changing of a season. Tianguis Markets start opening up (essentially street markets) in the month of November, selling goods specifically related to the Christmas season. Poinsettias

are a major item at these markets. But most important is the Nativity scene, often displayed in homes, offices and public places. The Nativity is incredibly important in Latin American culture, to display the scene of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth and the Three Wise Men arriving to witness his birth. The set is similar to North American Nativity sets, with the Three Wise Men, Mary & Joseph and farm animals around the manger. The star directing the Three Wise Men to the birth of Jesus is generally lit up as a spotlight on the Nativity set. One interesting feature is that Nativity sets don’t include the baby Jesus until Noche Buena, also called Buenanoche, or the good night, which is Christmas Eve, the most important night of the holiday. The baby Jesus now starts appearing in the Nativity sets throughout, generally much bigger than the other figures in the set (often close to a life-size baby), and these Nativity sets generally stay up until the end of the season on February 2nd. The night starts by attending Misa de Gallo (Midnight Mass). Then the celebration continues by familiess hosting a large feast, generally with Roasted Pig as the centerpiece of the meal. This is the largest meal of the holiday and the high point of the celebrations. So maybe I’ll check by my shoes this December 6th and see if there’s something there. I know I’m not a child any more, but I feel like a newborn to these traditions. Does that count? Will they leave me a poinsettia this year? I know Santa never got me that motorcycle or jet pack I asked for, like, every year. Maybe the Three Wise Men will come through for me. After all, a poinsettia is maybe a more reasonable request, and would look great on my desk at work (and not at home with my allergic cat).

Christmas in New Prague By Autumn Van Ravenhorst editor@southernminnscene.com

“

merican Christmas is really commercialized,” says Deb Ziskovsky, cofounder of the Domáci (Hometown) Czech Folk Dancers. Deb and her husband, Arnie, are both of 100-percent Czech decent and graduated high school from New Prague, the heart of Minnesota’s Czech Country.

She explained that the purpose of the dancers is to preserve Czech heritage through traditions like music, dance and song. It is safe to say they have succeeded in that endeavor, winning the Czernin Palace Award in 2011, presented to them by the Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs. This award is given to individuals who have enriched and improved Czech-American relations. The first major migration of Czech’s happened in the mid-1800s, later making significant settlements in the Midwest including New Prague, named after the capital of the Czech Republic, Montgomery, Lonsdale and Litomsyl, a township south of Owatonna, named after an eastern Bohemian city. Minnesota has the fourth largest population of Czech Americans in the country and the little cluster surrounding New Prague is the densest Czech community in the state. So, even if you aren’t Czech, they make up a large portion of our history. This information will be pertinent to you.

Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, it’s Christmas time and we are doing a four-part series so buckle-up, buttercup. There are different echelons of adoration for the holidays. There are even hesitations from indulging in this exploited season, for fear of actually falling in love with it. Drink that hot cocoa out of your oversized reindeer cup; Start rituals that truly matter. The bastardization of American Christmas unfortunately has made it a dreadful time of year for many of us. But the Czechs know that it is a whimsical time that should be relished. The Czechs came with hot dish and traditions and these variations in how they celebrate the days leading up to December 25 are what truly make a Czech Christmas unique and special. We do share the big picture—a tree, family dinner and time spent with our loved ones. But let’s get down to specifics. Festivities begin on Saint Nicholas Day, Dec. 6, and in New Prague, Saint Nicholas, or Svatý Mikuláš, can be found wandering the streets with an angel and devil. Mikuláš will inquire if children have been good or bad. Those who answer “good” will be rewarded with sweets and if they are told “bad,” the child is given a piece of coal or rotten potato. The latter obviously rarely happens. The city will hold its 6th European Christmas event this year on Saint Nicholas Day to celebrate the community’s heritage. “The original intent was to have a local Czech celebration and have both dancers and singers perform. But we wanted to expand on that a little bit so we do have the local vendors and crafters but German and Hungarian entertainment from the Twin Cities will be joining us as

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well. We wanted to have a nice family event for everyone,” said Deb who helps organize the event. Special guest will be Egg Artist Daniela Mahoney. Decorated eggs are a symbol of Czech Easter and these eggs can be made in to Christmas tree ornaments. The art is done by painting or applying wax to the eggs. There are many different techniques, the most popular being etching. New Prague also appoints Junior Royalty of the Czech Heritage through a coronation during the festival. Deb and

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Though Štedrý den (Christmas Eve) translated means “Generous Day” in part because of the profusion of food, there is one stipulation to dinner—you cannot eat until the first star has been seen. In other words, you eat late. But there are those who partake in another custom involving what is called the “golden piglet.” He who fasts all day until dinner will see the golden piglet on the wall. I would start seeing things too if I was deprived of all that holiday goodness.

Arnie began this as a way to give the youth a chance to represent their heritage at surrounding festivals and basically be like, “Hey, we are Czech and we are proud.” They are responsible for spreading the word the following year of being chosen. Moving on to the most cherished facet of the holidays—food. The meal occurs on Christmas Eve and the main course is carp. Yes, carp. The fish that most of us southern Minnesotans despise. The fish that people quite literally shoot with

a bow-and-arrow. On the streets of Town Square in the Czech Republic, you will find tubs lined up, filled to the brim with live carp. These are Christmas carp, specially raised in manmade ponds and sold for Christmas Eve dinner. I would ask the patron selling me the fish to please take care of the gutting and cleaning business, however, it is commonplace to take them home, live, to swim around your bathtub for a couple days. Frequent readers probably know me as a sarcastic broad by now, but that my friends, is straight up fact. “It is usually a temporary pet but a lot of kids become attached to the carp so they will go out and release it back into the lake,” said Deb. The carp serve one more purpose before harvest. Czech heritage is filled with customs and superstitions, some of which still exist and many that involve foretelling of marriage, luck and destiny. The scales are kept to ensure money and wealth and placed in your wallet all year to ensure that money will not run out. “Our cousins still do that, they actually gave us some scales not too long ago,” said Deb. Paired with the carp most often is potato salad, sometimes followed by mushrooms, sauerkraut or fish soup (from what is left of the carp). A barley hot dish is also popular as well as Vánocka, a sweet bread with raisins or other candied fruit baked inside.

When everyone is finally at the dinner table, instead of the big-bellied man with a magical sack of never ending toys is Baby Jesus, the distributor of gifts. An angel will ring the doorbell and Baby Jesus, often played by a family member, will present the children with their presents. The night can end in a number of ways but it is very possible you will see your destiny through an apple core. And Christmas Day is a time for relaxation. That is how it should be. No one tradition is perfect. Whether you are shaking the Elder Tree or blaring holiday music on a PA system that is synchronized with the light show on your home—Christmas is Christmas. Just enjoy it. Veselé Vánoce! Autumn Van Ravenhorst is a staff writer for SouthernMinn Scene. Drop her a line at autumn.vanravenhorst@gmail.com.

Keeping a ‘Frohe Weihnachten’ in New Ulm By Grace Webb editor@southernminnscene.com hristmastime is almost here—and that means diving into all the delightful holiday traditions we’ve grown up with: decorating a Christmas tree, hanging stocking in front of the fireplace, counting down the days on an Advent calendar, listening to carolers sing “Silent Night.” What you might not realize, though, is that those traditions all stem from Germany. And perhaps no city in Minnesota is better at celebrating a traditional German Christmas than New Ulm. From meeting Santa on St. Nicholas Day to the breathtaking Parade of Lights, New Ulm more than embraces Christmas—and the city’s unique German way of celebrating it.

George Glotzbach is a New Ulm native and probably one of the city’s top experts on its German heritage—including its holiday traditions. According to Glotzbach, New Ulm began its yearly tradition of decorating the

downtown area with lights way back in 1925, when wires would be strung across the street to hang garlands. This always took place before the Parade of Lights, the annual Christmas parade. The parade included floats, marching bands, Santa Claus and more. “[The parade] was a Bavarian celebration,” Glotzbach explained. “New Ulm is a very Bavarian town. We drink a lot, sing a lot, and have a lot of fun.” After the parade, folks would head over to City Hall, where the mayor would light the Christmas tree. The whole event was informally considered the kickoff to Christmas shopping, and stores would stay open until noon on Christmas day, when the whole downtown area shut down (except for essential businesses such as gas stations, which would take turns staying open). “In those days, when the saloons were closed, you knew it was important,” Glotzbach said with a grin. During the holiday season, the city also used to put on a program for school kids on St. Nicholas Day. In German tradition, St. Nicholas Day is on Dec. 6, and children receive little presents and lots of candy. For the program, kids got a visit both from Santa Claus and his creepy assistant, Krampus—a sort of anti-Santa Claus who gave coal to naughty children. (For an especially creepy take on that German tradition, check out Hollywood’s newest horror flick, Krampus, which details what happens when a little boy stops believing in Santa Claus and Krampus finds out.

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Suffice to say, he isn’t happy.) While the city has stopped organizing these programs, Glotzbach said he and fellow members of the Stammtisch Society, which strives to keep German traditions alive, have begun organizing them instead. Last year was their first attempt, and more than 60 kids participated. Glotzbach said he hopes to set up a scavenger hunt this year, which will lead kids from the New Ulm Public Library to the American Legion. Another tradition Glotzbach remembers is learning Christmas carols in school. He attended classes at the Catholic school in town, and students there learned carols in English, German and Latin. Every year, they would travel to the St. Alexander Home for the Aged, which was full of first-generation immigrants who often only spoke German. “We always sang ‘Silent Night’ last, and we did it in German,” he said. “There was never a dry eye in the house.” Christmas night was considered a special time for family. People often went to church services in the morning, then gathered for big meals at home afterwards: turkey, stuffing, potatoes, apple pie, cranberries. Interestingly, the post office was kept open on Christmas, and mail carriers would deliver mail several times a day since they were so

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inundated with Christmas cards. There were also visits from Santa. For more than 40 years, Santa was played by New Ulm resident Leo Schuck, who was visiting classrooms back in 1915. There were years where he managed to visit as many as 55 homes on Christmas Eve. He even managed to visit his own children several times without getting recognized. While Glotzbach cherishes his German heritage and the traditions that come with it, he said it has been difficult keeping those customs alive over the years. “These kinds of traditions are kind of dying out,” he said. “It’s amazing we have kept our culture and traditions for seven generations, but I see it slowly but surely disappearing.” But if there’s anywhere you can see those precious traditions, it’s in New Ulm. The Parade of Lights still happens every year (this year, it was on Nov. 27), while the St. Nicholas Day Celebration is on Dec. 5. If you visit the city’s downtown district, you’ll see garland hanging across the street and more than 60 evergreen trees lining the walkways. There’s also the Menzel Christmas Village, which features more than 1,000 figurines collected by Louise Fritsche Menzel since 1937. The figurines include animals, people, angels, buildings and more—a veritable com-

munity made up of pieces from Germany, West Germany, Japan, England and Czechoslovakia. Menzel donated her collection to the Brown County Historical Society in 1983, and the society displays it throughout the Christmas season. Finally, there’s the Christmas Luminaries Display at Schell’s Brewery, when the brewery family lights luminaries on their grounds and invites the public to walk through the beautiful location. The lights are lit on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at 6 p.m. If that’s not enough holiday cheer for you, check out a full list of activities here: http://www.newulm.com/visitorscommunity/festivals/holidays-in-new-ulm/. Grace Webb is a freelance writer in Southern Minnesota. She can be contacted at grace.webb2013@gmail.com

(Nearly) Lost Norwegian Yuletide Traditions By Amy Boxrud editor@southernminnscene.com ating lutefisk and lefse, making sandbakkels and rosettes, and opening gifts on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas Day: These are all holiday traditions still practiced in many Norwegian-American families. But over the years, other immigrant yuletide traditions have fallen by the wayside. Sharing a bundle of grain with the birds, brewing Christmas beer, and Christmas masquerading are for most Norwegian-American families lost traditions of past generations. Read on, and you may discover an idea or two worth reviving for your own holiday celebrations.

Christmas Brewing Since Viking times, beer has played an important role in Norwegian celebrations. And while there may not seem to be an obvious connection between brewing beer and the religious holiday of Christmas, there is a long-standing association in Norway, stretching back to early Christian laws. In Keeping Christmas, Yuletide Traditions in Norway and the New Land (Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2001), Kathleen Stokker explains: “When the 10th-century Viking king Haakon the Good moved the mid-winter festival of jól to December 25 to coincide with the Christian Christmas celebration, he accompanied that decree with the mandate that every peasant brew a measure of beer for Christmas.” Medieval laws upheld the custom and

imposed stiff fines on any landowner who didn’t brew an ample supply for the celebration. The local priests enforced these laws, going from farm to farm to inspect and test the quality of the beer. In time, a farm’s reputation within the community rested on the quality of the beer it produced, and brewing became an important part of Christmas preparations. The Norwegian website, Ølakademiet.no, (“Beer Academy” in English) describes Christmas beer as it was made “in the old days” as “full of malt flavor and not too bitter.” On the organization’s blog, “Bjarte Brewmaster” advises: “Christmas beer should be both sweet and strong!” In some areas, juniper was used as an ingredient for bitterness, and blueberries for sweetness. Norwegians were a superstitious lot, and brewing was no exception. They followed careful rituals to ensure the strength and quality of the beer, including consecrating the brewing vessel with hot steel or a burning branch, protecting the vessel with a knife or a piece of steel, and screaming at the yeast to “startle” it into action. Norwegian immigrants continued the practice of brewing when they left the old country, and some maintained the folk beliefs of their Norwegian ancestors, according to Stokker. “Before cooking the wort, the brewer drove his sheath knife into the wooden barrel above the tap to keep troldskab [supernatural mischief created by the huldrefolk, or hidden people] away, so the brew could proceed without the interference of djævelskab [bedevilment],” she writes.

The landscape of home brewing changed with the advent of Prohibition in 1919, banning the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol, including beer made at home. While Prohibition was repealed in 1933, the legislation left out the homebrewing of beer, which remained illegal on a federal level until 1979. “Prohibition wiped out most beer styles,” says Randy Clay, co-founder of Imminent Brewing in Northfield. “As with a lot of obscure beer styles, it’s up to the homebrewing community and small craft brewers to keep these alive or revive them.” One craft brewery reviving the tradition is HammerHeart Brewing Company (hammerheartbrewing.com) in Lino Lakes, Minn. Co-founder Austin Lunn completed an internship at a Norwegian brewery before returning home to establish HammerHeart. The brewery’s dark ale with spices, called Midvinter Øl, is inspired by the Norwegian juleøl tradition.

A Feast for the Birds A popular Norwegian tradition with an unknown origin is the sharing of a julenek, or bundle of grain, as a Christmas feast for the birds. The first written reference to the tradition is in 1753, when a prominent clergyman, Erik Pontappidan, described it as the “Norwegian peasant’s hospitality extending to the birds which he invites to be his guests by placing an unthreshed sheaf of grain on a pole against the barn door.”

Turn

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making the bundles, which she has done since 2009, using grain from her family farms in western Minnesota: “Dad plants regular field wheat, which I generally cut in late July or early August — before the combine comes to harvest. We originally toyed with the idea of using an old fashioned binder, but it was too aggressive to make nice bundles. Now I cut by hand; that seems to be best method,” Halvorson Brunko says.

Many priests in the 1700s denounced the tradition as a pagan custom, which has led to speculation that the Christmas sheaf tradition goes back to pre-Christian times. In the folk tradition, the sheaf was said to predict the following year’s harvest. If many birds flocked to the sheaf, it predicted a good harvest, but if few birds came and ate only a little, famine or a bad harvest was in store. Over time, the custom became a popular motif in works of art as part of an idealized Norwegian Christmas, particularly during the mid-1800s. “The julenek has become a symbol of Christmas generosity and commonly appears on Norwegian Christmas cards, wrapping paper, and gift tags,” writes Stokker. This custom of providing the birds a special meal at Christmas time carried over to the new land. But while the tradition is still practiced widely in both rural and urban areas in Norway, it is not widely seen in the United States. A Norwegian-American who has revived the tradition, however, is Sarah Halvorson Brunko of Andover, Minn. A third-generation Norwegian-American, she learned about the julenek tradition while living with relatives in Norway in the 1980s. Halvorson Brunko describes the process of

Christmas Fooling Maybe the most unusual bygone holiday tradition is to gå julebukk, or julebukking, as it is often called in America. A julebukk is literally a “Christmas buck” — a male goat. The name’s pre-Christian roots may refer to a goat that was slaughtered for the jol celebration, or the goats in Norse mythology that pulled the chariot for the God Thor. The custom is also known as Christmas fooling, masquerading, or mumming. Imagine Christmas trick-or-treating for entire families, or groups of adults, with the disguised, uninvited guests attempting to go unrecognized by their

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hosts. Oscar Hertsgaard’s memories of julebukking in his hometown of Kindred, North Dakota, during the 1880s and 1890s, are found in the archives of the NorwegianAmerican Historical Association: “At no other time of the year did sociability take over like Christmas. It might border on the hilarious when big and small groups would set out on what was called “julebukk” parties. Both men and women would dress up in all sorts of disguises, like a bunch of buffoons. They would pile into bobsleds and drive from one farm to another to do their stunts of entertaining, dancing and joking and trying to keep everyone from guessing ‘who’s who.’ Some kind of treats were expected at each place, as a slight sign of appreciation.” Practices varied from place to place. Stokker writes, “Entire families might participate together, or julebukkers might go in uniform age and single-sex groups, refreshments could heavily favor alcohol or avoid it entirely. Singing or instrumental music might accompany the julebukking, but just as often did not; everyone in a particular neighborhood might be visited, or only scattered close friends.” The widespread practice of julebukking came to an end in most Norwegian-American communities in the late 1930s or early ’40s. Reasons for its demise, according to Stokker, include increased mobility, causing neighborhoods to be less homogeneous; a trend toward more standardized lifestyles; a growing suspicion of strangers; cars and tractors replacing the horse and sleigh (the traditional mode of transportation for julebukking); and the end of Prohibition, which eliminated alcohol as a motivating force behind the custom. While the tradition may be faded, it hasn’t disappeared completely. What began as a custom for individuals and families has been revived by communities and cultural groups. Norwegian-American hotspots such as Viroqua, Wisc. and Petersburg, Ala. were home to celebrations during the 2014 holiday season that included julebukking, and Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum and Heritage Center in Decorah, Iowa, includes a reenactment of the custom each year during its annual Norwegian Christmas celebration. Amy Boxrud is director of the Norwegian-American Historical Association in Northfield. For more information, visit naha.stolaf.edu.

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The Therapuetic Effect of A Charlie Brown Christmas

very year about mid-October, the anxiety starts to take hold. I know what’s coming, and I start to brace myself. The soulsucking, gray-skied, freezing, snow-covered tundra is settling down for a long nap. By December, I’m basically a ball of nerves and anger hiding under a giant blanket wondering if it would be feasible to move to Australia. I’m desperately scrolling through my phone trying to remember what my friends look like. I’m only exaggerating a little bit. For me, winter in Minnesota is not just an inconvenience, it’s an oppressive experience. That whole seasonal affective thing is no joke. So every year in December, when I settle down to write about my favorite passive pastime, it comes out all cynical and mean. Don’t get me wrong, I like making fun of stuff. But I don’t actually like feeling genuinely angry just because the networks continue to air Shrek the Halls. This year, I’m going to practice a little optimism. I’m going to try to find the joy in being manipulated by all the nostalgia being crammed down my throat. Maybe I can find something nice to say about all of the mediocre holiday specials that are designed to sell a bunch of toys at Target. Maybe.

I’ll start here: This year is the 50th Anniversary of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” I was

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disgusted to hear that ABC will be surrounding the show with two full hours of filler to “celebrate,” but I might just tune in for 25 minutes. The Peanuts special is a surprising exception to my unwavering hatred of holiday programming. I guess because I kind of like that sad little tree. And whether or not you think Jesus is the Reason for the Season, I could listen to Linus and his little lisp recite Bible verses all day. It’s so cute. It calms me. Don’t misunderstand, I don’t even like the Peanuts comic strip, and I think “The Great Pumpkin” is unwatchable, even for nostalgia’s sake. I really don’t care that Charles M. Schulz is a homegrown Minnesota boy. But the Christmas special airs at just the right time to paint a vivid picture of my emotional life. The general tone of the show, with its meandering jazzy soundtrack and minimalist landscapes seems to be the perfect backdrop for the flawed characters that inhabit it. It’s like my own version of the movie “Inside Out.”

Schroeder is super anti-social and oblivious to the people around him. Sometimes he’s downright rude. He’s also really overly-fixated on his hobby. I don’t have a toy piano, but I have about 30 pairs of knitting needles that get way more attention than, say, conversation. Snoopy tries to hide his pain by escaping into some pretty vivid fantasies. It’s kind of sad. Even as the World War I flying Ace, he is a failed hero. I think it has been well-established that with the full power of the remote in my hand, I find my own means of escape, however ineffec-

tual. Like myself, Lucy recognizes the value of a good mental health evaluation. She’s also kind of a bitch. Enough said. Charlie Brown, that blockhead, has a good heart but he really needs to work on his interpersonal relationships. Using sarcasm to mask insecurity isn’t always the best approach. Or so I’ve heard. Linus, of course, is the wise one, the figure that offers all of us hope. I suspect it’s because he is never without his blankie. We could all learn from him.

I realize that not hating “A Charlie Brown Christmas” doesn’t exactly count as optimism. But I’m working on it. If good ol’ Charlie Brown has taught me anything, it is that failing repeatedly is no reason to give up. That sad little tree made a pretty triumphant recovery with the help of a blankie and a few good friends.

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Jan 30th 2016

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Jan 30th 2016

502 North Main Street, Mantorville, MN | 507.635.2331

Tickets on Sale Now Exclusively at Northfield Olive Oils and Vinegars individual seat and table prices available call for info 507-645-4008

Tickets on Sale Now Exclusively at Northfield Olive Oils and Vineg individual seat and table prices available call for info 507-645-40

Tickets on Sale Now Exclusively at Northfield Olive Oils and Vinegars individual seat and table prices available call for info 507-645-4008

18 Bridge Square, Northfield

507-645-4008 northfieldoliveoilsandvinegars.com Hours: Mon-Sat 10am to 7pm • Sun 11am to 6pm

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By Kate pehrson editor@southernminnscene.com

THE BEST

hen our editor asked for an article about the best, the worst, the weepiest, and the weirdest holiday movies, I got excited. Then I got overwhelmed. Most of us have our favorite holiday films. They’re sitting in our media libraries just waiting for those lazy end-of-the-year days. Perhaps your family gathers around the flat screen fireplace in matching pajamas for It’s a Wonderful Life or A Christmas Story. For me and mine, it’s a given that we will pull out Love Actually and Scrooged. I have warm memories of being allowed to sleep over at my cousin’s house to watch a late-night broadcast of Holiday Inn. I also distinctly remember going to see Moonstruck with my parents. Released for the holiday season in 1987, I marveled at Cher slapping Nic Cage, and watched my reserved Norwegian father laugh tears down his cheeks in solidarity of confusion with Feodor Chaliapin. When I’m finally sick of family though, I watch The Ref. Yes, it’s all Hallmark and Norman Rockwell and footed pajamas and hot cocoa and angels getting their wings all over the damn place. But what about when it isn’t? Most holiday-themed movies are…watchable. Not great, not bad, but not memorable. Hollywood has an even harder time finding something new to say about Christmas Spirit, so it keeps making remakes, adaptations, or barely-disguised knockoffs. Movie after movie where the grumpy guy finds hope, the cute pet makes it back to its owner, someone believes in a miracle, true love is declared, a wrong is righted, and a Christmas frown is turned upside down. So, if you want the really good or the really bad, you’ve got to step up your game, because the bar has been set, folks. Same when you want to tug my heartstrings. If I actually cry - and not because the movie’s so bad - you will be in rare company. And then there’s just weird films that shouldn’t have made it past that demented drunken brainstorming session. So I’ve had to put my back into this one. I’ve read and deconstructed some lists, re-watched a couple films, and made some decisions. You should know that I’ve included some made-for-television movies and specials, because they’re generally considered part of the genre. I’ve also not watched all of these films, as many are not available to watch any longer, and because I have some of my life and dignity left. I’ve chosen 12 in each category to be lamely clever, but they are not in any particular order. I’m not that kind of listochist. Finally, I am fully aware that some of you may disagree with my choices, so I’ll be clear on that point: I don’t care. Merry Friggin’ Christmas.

The best of the genre have made their way to the top of our national consciousness, and have become part of our cultural identity. We quote them, we mash them up, and we ingest them into our very fiber.

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a Wonderful Life (1946) sets the golden bar. The 1 It’s James Stewart classic has it all: a compelling story, archetype

characters, beautiful production, angels, joy, bells, and an iconic ending. The American individualist dream tied up in a pretty bow of cellulose acetate film.

Carol. I don’t know if the number of remakes 2 AandChristmas adaptations can even be counted. Check out the

1951 version starring Alastair Sim. You also might try the musical Scrooge! (1970) which got Albert Finney a Golden Globe; the Muppets Christmas Carol (1992) with Michael Caine; or Bill Murray’s Scrooged (1988). Some say Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol (1962) can’t be left out.

on 34th Street (1947) When it comes to miracles, 3 Miracle you’ll either take the leap of faith or you won’t. A lawyer proves Santa definitively in court, but that’s hardly the point. Recently deceased Maureen O’Hara stars.

Alone (1990) With Rube Goldberg devices, height4 Home of-his-career Macaulay Culkin battles no-good burglars Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern, who slowly lose their mind as the little sh*t takes them at every turn.

Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) Chevy 5 National Chase. Jelly-of-the-month club. Christmas lights. Yuppie neighbors. Randy Quaid empties his RV toilet. Say Grace and carve the bird already.

Christmas Story (1983) Non-Americans who list this 6 Amovie as one of our favorites take special care to point out the BB gun. We know that’s not the point. It’s about recess and fudge.

Santa Clause (1994) Santa dies on Tim Allen’s roof. 7 The According to the rules, Tim gets Santa’s job and body mass index. Funny, cute, warm, clever, and a must for Tim Allen fans.

(2003) I acknowledge that he bugs some people, but Will 8 Elf Ferrell found the perfect match in this role. A great vehicle for Bob Newhart’s dry-as-a-martini humor. And Peter Dinklage.

Inn/White Christmas (1942/1954) Danny Kaye, 9 Holiday Bing Crosbie, Fred Astaire, 50s blondes and glamour, big movie studio budgets, and Irving Berlin. Classic post-war escapism. Either one works.

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Hard (1988) Bruce Willis’ iconic role. Alan Rickman 10 Die is going down. Way down. Yippee Kay-yay Christmas. Weapon (1987): Have some coke with Mel. 11 Lethal Heartbroken cops, the 3 stooges, big hair, justice, and a Christmas tree lot shoot-out. Mel’s star has fallen, but here’s what made it rise.

Ref (1994): Family. Amiright? Kevin Spacey and 12 The Judy Davis are everything you hate about East Coast

WASPs. Dennis Leary at the height of Leary: smoking, alltheswears and cat piss. Special Mention: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005): Robert Downey, Jr. Christmas shops with a five-finger discount. And Val Kilmer. Downey, a lifelong Angeleno, speaks one of my favorite antiCalifornian quotes of all time.

Seriously, when you’re ready for it, pretty much any Holiday movie can make you cry. Hell, when Frosty melted, I almost lost my damn 4-yr-old mind.

Sometimes, they’re so bad they’re good. Sometimes they’re neither and they’re just freakin’ odd.

Nightmare before Christmas (1993) may be cool… 1 The but it is weird. You know I’m right. the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964). Yes, a classic. 2 Rudolph But I have mixed feelings about the stop-motion anthropo My experience has shown that the bad films often end up available on Netflix streaming. Red flags to look out for: bad puns in the title, or numbers after the title.

Santa (2003) Depending on your point of view, possible 1 Bad “best” movie as well. But, wow. Editor’s note: Wow all you want. Bad Santa is a Yuletide Classic. “I loved a woman who wasn’t clean.”

morphization of animals and toys. Being a kid in the 60s and 70s was weird, but Burl Ives made a cuddly snowman long before Olaf.

Python’s Life of Brian (1979). Brian and Jesus, 3 Monty born on the same day. Mistaken identities, haggling and

mass-sing-alongs with criminals hanging from crosses. Like Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar before it, Monty Python ain’t for everyone, but everyone ain’t Monty Python.

a Wonderful Life (1946). If you’re not crying, you’re 1 It’s the Grinch. the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966): What’s a 2 How Grinch? All of Whoville knows. Mr. Stink-Stank-McStunkersons took all their presents. But guess who grows his heart 3 sizes that day?

Noel (2005). The famous sing-along WWI Christmas 3 Joyeux Day truce. German tenors and Scottish bagpipes. One can

dream of a day when the military gets the hell out of the damn way.

Littlest Angel (1950, 1997). I just can’t watch this. 4 The You parents know what I’m sayin’. Word to the wise: the animated films are the sweetest. The Johnny Whitaker 1969 live-action version is a time capsule for those of you who want to relive it.

Actually (2003). Shameless manipulation using beautiRare Exports: A Christmas Tale Finland (2010) Appar5 Love Fred Claus (2007) Vince Vaughan, Mr. Snark himself, plays 4 ful famous British people, cute accents and extra syllables. ently a really good film. It’s on my list to track down for my 2 brother to Paul Giamatti’s Santa. Siblings suck. Stop it. 2015 Holidays. The real Santa knows if you’ve been naughty or Home Alone 4 (2002). Someone call family services. nice. If you’ve been naughty, you better run back to Helsinki like the Jack Frost (1998), the one with Michael Keaton. C’mon… 3 6 Devil’s after you. (Spoiler alert)…The Dad dies. Surviving Christmas (2004): I seriously want the real Ben 4 Affleck to step forward. Because he’s played some screwy-ass Santa Claus (1959). Santa in space. Lucifer and minion subMagnolias (1989). A big chunk of what will make you 5 devils, 50s expressive dance. semi-sociopathic screen roles, and I’m starting to wonder. 7 Steel cry has to do with Christmas. Nuts (1994). Steve Martin runs the suicide hotline on Claus Conquers the Martians (1964). MST3K me in St. Louis (1944). Judy Garland sings “Have 5 Mixed Christmas Eve. Hilarity ensues. 8 Meet 6 Santa elevated this nonsense to the sublime. Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Tissue please. Saves Christmas (1989): Doofus cab-driver chauffor Another Christmas (1964).What was it with And then there are some films that make me cry with laughter or 6 Ernest feurs Santa around Miami. Bad accents ensue. 7 Carol 1964? United Nations propaganda vehicle, sponsored by the weep for humanity. Xerox Corporation and created by Rod Serling. Seriously. Passions of Carol. 1975. A blue version of A ChristScrooged (1989). Eventually even Bill Murray just can’t stop 7 The mas Carol. See the YouTube clip with the ghost of Christmas Elves (1989): Actually, one elf. What else? Um, Dan Haggerty. 9 blubbering the good news. Sing with me now! You in the 8 Future, a hooker, and Time Square in the 70s. Yuck. And Nazis. Okay. That’s enough. back of the theater! Black Christmas (1974, 2006) Turns out you can blame Brazil (1985): All Mommy wants for Christmas is a new face. Scissorhands (1990): Whaddya mean Johnny 8 Canada for this one. 10 Edward 9 I had forgotten DeNiro is in this. and Winona aren’t still together?! Edward will open those presents lickety-split, though. Winona Ryder in grandma makeup, Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever (2014). Feline 2 (1989): I love me the Ghostbusters. 9 Grumpy 10 Ghostbusters in a rocking chair, telling a story to her grandchildren about a tragic memes and movies. Blame Lifetime. But Vigo, Scourge of Carpathia, Sorrow of Moldavia, love affair on a snowy winter night makes me so upset I have to the Cruel, The Despised, The Torturer, the Unholy, the Butch is not Frost (1997, 2000) released one year before the leave the room. 10 Jack invited for Christmas dinner. Michael Keaton film of the same name. Genetic experiKinkade’s Christmas Cottage (2008). They ments, a serial killer, snow, bad jokes, and what appears to be snow(1984): Nope. It’s not a puppy. But there will 11 Thomas turned one of his “paintings” into a movie. With Peter man rape. Vomit. 11 Gremlins be accidents on the carpet. Spielberg classic, but again, O’Toole and Marsha Gay Harden. I can’t cry hard enough. it’s weird and you know I’m right about that. Open Til Christmas (1984) Death comes to 11 Don’t Mountain Christmas (1986): Dolly Parton. London’s Santas. Scotland Yard is on the case. Returns (1992) Perhaps Michelle Pfeiffer in a 12 ALeeSmokey Majors. Appalachian good-cheer amidst devastating 12 Batman latex catsuit was what you asked for. Silent Night, Deadly Night 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5S. poverty. A hermit. A witch. There aren’t enough tears. 12 (1983-1991) That’s one, two, three, four and five. Special Mention: The Star Wars Holiday Special. Made for Special Mention: Santa with Muscles (1996). Hulk Hogan. Amnesia. I’ll stop there. To be determined: Krampus coming out this December. Toni Collette and killer Jack-in-the-Box clown toys. Sing with me now: “All around the mulberry bush, the monkey chased the weasel, The monkey thought ‘twas all in fun. POP! Goes the…HOLY MOTHER OF GAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!”

TV and cobbled-together with B-list actors, duct tape, and a little (new) hope. (See what I did there?) Also Sweden. The national channel broadcasts Kalle Anka (aka Donald Duck) at 3 pm on Christmas Eve for an hour of programming and animated shorts that follows a strict, traditional lineup. In recent years, the younger kiddos haven’t been quite so serious, but for Generation Xers and before, watching an hour of Donald Duck with the family is as sacred as the Superbowl. Don’t interrupt.

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Netflix says there’s “A Very Murray Christmas” coming in December. THAT better be good, or I’ll be crying through New Year’s. Second Editor’s Note: May we also recommend, ‘Holy Night,’ the holiday themed episode from the fourth season of The West Wing, if for no other reason than to hear the Whiffenpoofs sing O Holy Night?

Kate Pehrson is one-half of the dynamic SouthernMinn Scene movie-critic duo. Look for her annual Academy Awards Preview with Liv Tollefson in the March issue of Scene.w

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THE A dd y o u r e v e n t f o r FREE to the TIMELINE c a l e nda r . G O TO w w w. s o u t h ern minn . c o mm / s c ene / c a len d a r & C l i c k + A d d a n E v ent

Christmas in the Village Friday - Sunday, Dec. 5-6

Village of Yesteryear, Owatonna On the list of holidays that have become the most commercialized trap from the marketing underworld, Christmas is at the tiptop adorned with matching plastic ornaments. We all need to remember what the holidays should be and Christmas in the Village will take you back . . . way back. The Village of Yesteryear is operated by the Steele County Historical Society and offers a setting of what life used to be like in Owatonna. The Dunnell House will display décor and host a cookie sale while Mrs. Claus can be found with Santa’s reindeer over at the Large Cabin. A Christmas Carol sing-a-long will be held at Saco Church and children will have the much-needed opportunity of constructing their own ornaments at the Schoolhouse. Lefse demos, mulled sider, cookie decorating and the Historical Society Carolers will all be at the General Store with a myriad of other activities happening at the History Center including live music and sleigh rides. Even though the premature decorating makes Christmas seem like it lasted for two months, it is easy for us to feel like we missed it. Don’t let over-played melodies and cartoon caricatures allow apathy to set in. Make a list and become part of meaningful traditions.

Nov 20-28: MNSure Enrollment Events: 20-Nov, 9:00 AM, Rochester, MN, , Rochester, MN, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE hands-on help from a MNsure certified navigator. Below is the schedule for Rochester, MN events! Olmsted County Family Support & Assistance (Walk-in service: 2117 Campus Dr SE, Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55904) M-F: 9 a.m. 12 p.m. AND 1 p.m. 4 p.m. RCTC/University Center Rochester (when classes in session) (Walk-in service: Student Health Services, HS140, 851 30th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904) 2nd Monday (THROUGH 5/9/2016): 11 a.m. 3p.m. 4th Tuesday (THROUGH 5/9/2016): 11 a.m. 3p.m. Planned Parenthood (Walk-in service: 1212 7th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901) Mondays: 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Salvation Army Lunch Program (Walk-in service: 20 1st Ave NE, Rochester, MN 55906) Thursdays: 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m. Visit www.MNsure.org for info about all state health insurance programs, including those for low-income residents, and special enrollment options for life changes (or call 1-855-366-7873) PLEASE BRING: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND ANY IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS; BIRTHDATES OF ALL IN HOUSEHOLD DETAILS ABOUT ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME EXPECTED IN 2015 INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE, including any employer sponsored insurance available to the applicants, even if they didnt enroll in it (Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns are helpful!) For more information and questions, please call the Health Access Rochester MN Office: 507-589-8649. Shop the Block: 20-Nov, 9:00 AM, Zumbrota, , Zumbrota, Free. On Friday and Saturday, November 20 and 21, the Zumbrota Downtown Business Alliance (ZIBA)will be sponsoring their annual SHOP THE BLOCK. Shop the local businesses for in store specials and then stop by a local restaurant or lounge for food and drink. Shopping an independent business is a great way to enjoy unique shopping experiences, while giving your local economy a boost. Dollars spent at community-based merchants create a multiplier in the local economy, meaning that from each dollar spent at a local independent merchant, 2 to 3.5 recirculates in the local economy compared to a dollar spent at chain-owned businesses. Grab your friends and have a great time in Zumbrota. Morning Storytime: 20-Nov, 10:00 AM, Lonsdale Public Library, 1006 NE Birch St, Lonsdale, Free. Bring your kids and your sense of fun to our storytimes! Help your children develop literacy and a lifelong love of books and learning. All ages are welcome. No registration necessary. Morning Story Time: 20-Nov, 10:00 AM, Northfield City Hall, 801 Washington St, Northfield, Free. Join us for fun, relaxed and educational story times every Wednesday & Friday at 10-11 am We will be in the City Hall Council Chambers at 801 Washington St.. We will have stories, fingerplays, movement and songs ready for children and caregivers who attend. No charge! No sign up needed. We will end this session on Wednesday, Nov. 25th. Moments of Life: 20-Nov, 10:00 AM, Bethel Lutheran Church, 810 Third Ave SE, Rochester, Free. Greater Rochester Area Hospice Providers, a consortium consisting of Heartland Hospice, Mayo Hospice, Sea-

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sons Hospice, and St. Croix Hospice, will be hosting an educational event on Friday, Nov. 20, from 10 a.m 5 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church to help the community understand how important hospice and palliative care can be. This event is part of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. In November, hospices across the country are reaching out to raise awareness about the highest quality care for all people coping with life-limiting illness. KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Lores Vlaminck, RN, BSN, MA, CHPN TIME: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. / Lunch served Noon - 12:30 p.m. TITLE: What Matters Most? Discussions and Decisions when Faced with a Serious Illness When diagnosed with a serious illness, a patient and/or family is not only faced with a new reality, but potentially many choices and decisions. Consider attending to learn about ways to communicate your questions, anxieties and express what matters most to you with your health care provider. Information will include information on palliative and hospice care. * Please register at http://www.tinyurl. com/momentsoflife to guarantee a seat for the keynote speaker and lunch ** CEUs available for nursing, social work, and healthcare staff ABOUT LORES VLAMINCK: Lores Vlaminck is a nationally-known and respected consulting educator on end-of-life care and related issues. Through her experience as an administrator/director of a hospice and home care program, Lores shares her professional expertise on creating excellence in delivery of care and services. Lores is a certified hospice and palliative care nurse as well as a trainer for the End-of-Life-Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) and Education for Physicians on End-of-Life Care (EPEC) curriculum encompassing palliative and hospice care. Additional breakout sessions and speakers will be scheduled throughout the day. Amy Cass/Missy Hagen: 20-Nov, 10:00 AM, Crossings, 320 East Ave, Zumbrota, Free. In its November exhibit, Crossings features two Rochester artists who have been friends for years. Missy Hagen works in watercolor, pen/ink and collage; Amy Cass is a ceramist. The exhibit runs Oct. 26 Nov. 28. A free public reception is Fri., Nov. 27, 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Hagen, who has acted in and choreographed for Rochester musical theater for years, has created works for this exhibit that combine her interest in music with her interest in painting. She made a series of works that evoke lyrics from songs of the past ... a kind of visual Name that Tune. Having dubbed herself the Lyrics Nerd, she combines

– – Autumn Van Ravenhorst, editor@southernminnscene.com

beautiful saturated colors with decorative penwork and playful collage to create images that visually stand on their own, but also point to the songs that are ever-present in her head. Viewers will have some special clues to help them identify the songs from which lyrics are pulled in Hagens interactive installation. Hagen taught computer graphics, graphic design and online learning at Rochester Community and Technical College and was director of Educational Technology there until retiring in 2013. She cant remember a time when she didnt draw, paint and experiment in a variety of art forms. Cass received a B.A. in Art Education from the University of Iowa and has had a varied career as an artist. She taught high school art at Lourdes in Rochester, then spent 20 years as a painter specializing in trompe loeil while living in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In 2003, Cass changed her medium from painting to ceramics. Drawing on her past education and by reverting to the student again, she honed her pottery skills. The foundation of my art is surface decoration. The art of ceramics gives me the freedom to express my love of color, texture, and pattern. Similar to a painter facing a blank canvas, the 3-dimensional surface of a pot becomes my vehicle for expression, she has said. Cass has attended many workshops at the Northern Clay Center in Minneapolis and the Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass, Colo. She has studied under Walter Ostrom at the University of Nova Scotia and Ursala Hargens at the University of Minnesota. Currently working out of her home studio, Cass sells her utilitarian pottery in retail stores and online. For the show at Crossings, she has created a new body of work focusing on plates in a variety of forms. Holiday Art Fair: 20-Nov, 1:00 PM, Crossings at Carnegie, 320 East Avenue, Zumbrota, Free. Crossings welcomes special guest artists including Bubbles by Brooks, Stella Sparrow Designs, and wood carver Chris Whillock to the gallery and gift shop for our 21st Annual Holiday Art Fair Nov. 20-22. Many clay studio members will have their work on display and for sale. Hot cider and sweet treats served; Van Morrison tribute concert Saturday as well as Zumbrota’s Shop Around the Block event Saturday when shoppers enjoy savings and a chance to win prizes. (507) 732-7616 Gallery Opening: 20-Nov, 5:00 PM, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave., Faribault, Free. Carlander Family Gallery: Members Exhibit Lois Vranesh Boardroom

Gallery: George Sierakowski Exhibition Runs November. 17 January. 5, 2016 Part of the 2015 KDHL/POWER 96 Gallery Season. www. paradisecenterforthearts.org. Full Belly Soup Kitchen: 20-Nov, 5:00 PM, Cathedral Guild House, 515 2nd Ave, Faribault, Donations welcome.. Full meal served. The Choo Choo Bob Show: 20-Nov, 7:30 PM, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave., Faribault, $12-$15. $8 Students. Emmywinning, live-action television program for the whole family, The Choo Choo Bob Show is now live on stage. Join Choo Choo Bob and all his friends at the Bobville Clubhouse, where they get mixed up in all sorts of wacky train adventures! Watch as St. Paul, Minnesotas Favorite Train Story comes to life live on stage.. www.paradisecenterforthearts.org. Morning, Noon, and Night: 20-Nov, 7:30 PM, Christ United Methodist Church, 400 5th Ave SW, Rochester, $10-$25. In addition to being one of the richest and most powerful families of the Habsburg monarchy, the Esterhzys were also music lovers. When Haydn began his tenure in their court in Eisenstadt, his first worksa set of three symphonies soon nicknamed Le Matin (Morning), Le Midi (Noon), and Le Soir (Night)took full advantage of the variety and virtuosity of his musicians. Lyra is excited to welcome back beloved guest Marc Destrub to lead a full orchestra in these delightful, exuberant, symphonies. Donny & Marie: 20-Nov, 8:00 PM, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd, Prior Lake, $79-$119. The brother and sister duo have entertained audiences since the mid 70s with their Friday night variety show, Donny and Marie. From the show came one of their most famous duets, Im A Little Bit Country, Im A Little Bit Rock & Roll. Since the beloved show, Donny and Marie hosted their own talk show and have performed for millions of loyal fans in Las Vegas. The singing siblings and their live show earned three of the Las Vegas Review-Journals Best of Las Vegas Awards in 2012 including Best Show, Best All-Around Performers and Best Singer. Donny & Marie Celebrating the Holidays is a family-friendly show that incorporates dancing, humor, holiday classics, hit songs and clips from their 70s holiday shows. From their family to yours, its a show that invigorates the holiday spirit and demonstrates that family is the reason for celebrating the season. For more information, visit www.donnyandmarietour.com. (952) 445-9000

Teen Night: 20-Nov, 9:00 PM, J&J Bowling Center, 1802 4th St. NW, Faribault, $10 . All you can bowl for $10 per person (based on 3 people per lane.) Call in reservations early as lanes will fill fast 507-334-3262.

relationships. Please bring a photo ID with your birthdate. And, remember, you may only visit one Channel One site per month.

Ming Chiao Asian Brush Painting: 20-Nov, All Day, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, Free. Ming Chiao Asian Brush Painting exhibition at the Owatonna Arts Center Nov 7th through 29th. 30 artists form Minnesota and Wisconsin will be represented. Works will include watercolor collage and brush paintings created with the four treasures Ink, Ink Stone, Wumi-e brush and Rice paper. Opening reception on November 7th from1-4PM the public is invited to meet the artists.

Aydrens Cancer Benefit: 21-Nov, 10:30 AM, Eagles Club, 14th Ave SE, rochester, $6 . Aydren (2 years old) is a local girl who was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Leukemia. She has 6 older siblings and her mom is pregnant with baby number 7. Come to Support Aydren and Family, Stay for the Music! Music Line up 11:00 am. Bailey Williams Acoustic Folk (Rochester,MN) 12:00 pm Tracy Lea Landis and Rhonda Whitman Kids &Holiday Music Duo (Menomonie WI) 1:00 pm Citizen Mohs Hip Hop Duo (Minneapolis,MN) 2:00 pm Suite Featuring Lil Crazed Classic Funk/Hip Hop(Rochester, MN) 3:00 pm St.Paul Slim Hip Hop (St. Paul, MN) Silent Auction featuring Mon Petite Cupcakes, Osaka, Victorias, Ye Ol Butcher Shoppe, Brueggers Bagels, Headliners Salon, Beauty Gallery, Rennings Flowers and many many more! Dress as your Favorite Super Hero and win a prize!!!! $6.00 cover- proceeds donated to Aydren’s family. This will include Sloppy Joe Dinner and Music. PLEASE SHARE AND INVITE ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!

Festival Of Trees: 20-Nov, All Day, Holiday Inn & Suites - Owatonna, 2365 43rd St. NW, Owatonna, $30 . Benefiting the Advocates for Developmental Disabilities serving Steele County, the Festival of Trees will be held at the Holiday Inn is open to the public and is the annual fundraiser for the organization. It will be held from Friday, Nov. 20 through Saturday, Nov. 28. It will feature live and silent auctions as well as a cash bar, hors d’oeuvres and dessert. Event tickets are available at Cash Wise, Hy-Vee, Kottke Jewelers and Insty Prints. (507) 444-2371 Channel One Food Bank Week: 20-Nov, All Day, Minnesota Children’s Museum Rochester, 1643 N. Broadway, Rochester, $0-$5.50. Museum Admission: $5.50 Ages 1-101; Free Children Under 1. November 14th 22nd is National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. This weeks organization is Channel One Food Bank. We will be collecting food donations all week, along with having a giving-themed Storytime on Friday at 11am. Each day you bring in a donation, you will receive a ticket for a raffle to win a family membership! Check out the calendar on our website for more details on Channel Ones wish list! AlAnon for Familes and Friends of Alcoholics: 21-Nov, 9:00 AM, Alano Club Faribault, 217 Central Ave., Faribault, Free. New comers welcome. For more info contact 334-3434. Channel One Supermarket Saturday: 21-Nov, 10:00 AM, Oasis Church, 1815 38th St NW, Rochester, Free. On the third Saturday of each month, Oasis Church serves Olmsted County residents in need of food assistance by providing free supplemental groceries, a free meal, and an opportunity to build

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Amy Cass/Missy Hagen: 21-Nov, 10:00 AM, Crossings, 320 East Ave, Zumbrota, Free.

Annual Hormel Historic Home Holiday Open House: 21-Nov, 1:00 PM, Hormel Historic Home, 208 4th Ave NW, Austin, $10 . Treat your self to a tour of the 1871 home stylishly decorated for Christmas, and tea and a traditional holiday tea menu with entertainment. All ages welcome. Tickets are $10 per person, available at the Hormel Historic Home or online at www.hormelhistorichome.org. Call 507-433-4243 for more information. Norwegian Bake Sale and Tea: 21-Nov, 1:00 PM, Chatfield Lutheran Church, 304 Fillmore St SE, Chatfield, Free. Featuring Lefse, Fattigman, Krumkake, Rosettes, Flatbread, Sandbakkels, and many other baked goods. There will be a drawing for a quilt and you need not be present to win. Write-in For National Novel Writing Month: 21-Nov, 2:00 PM, Friends (Quaker) Meetinghouse, 512 Washington St, Northfield, Free. Writing a novel this month for NaNoWriMo? Gather with your fellow NaNoWriMos for a write-in every Saturday in November. Curtis and Loretta CD Release Performance: 21-Nov, 2:00 PM, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, $5

suggested Donation. Curtis and Loretta, Minnesota Folk musicians will have a CD release on November 21 at 2PM. The Orphanage Museum and the Arts Center are presenting Curtis and Loretta. The CD is made up of 12 songs Loretta wrote about real people who overcame great challenges in their lives, including Harvey Ronglien and Peter Razor who grew up at the State School. Hobibo Hjaji was the quest speaker at last year’s Friends of the Art Center Luncheon and the author of ‘Conquering the odds-Journey of a Shepard Girl’. Her story is alos one of the new songs. Loretta Simonet is a fiscal year 2015 recipient of an Artist Initiative grant form the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation form the arts and cultural heritage fund. supported in part by the Minnesota Public School Orphanage Museum and the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old Time Music Association. Suggested donation of $5 at the door. Get Ready for High Flying Fun: 21-Nov, 2:00 PM, Apache Mall, 333 Apache Mall, Rochester, Free. Join us on November 21, 2pm at Macys Apache as we celebrate the 89th Annual Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade with some of your favorite larger-than-life characters. Throughout the afternoon, well have exciting activities, goodies galore, colorful confetti, and special surprises for kids of all ages! For more info, log onto: macys. com/events. Full Belly Soup Kitchen: 21-Nov, 5:00 PM, Cathedral Guild House, 515 2nd Ave, Faribault, Donations welcome. Full meal served. Joseph Hall Elvis Rock N Roll Remembers: 21-Nov, 7:00 PM, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave., Faribault, $20 . Elvis is coming to Faribault! Direct from Branson NBCs America’s Got Talent 2008 Top Ten Finalist Joseph Elvis Rock N Roll Remembers. Colleen Raye Show and Dance: 21-Nov, 7:00 PM, Eagles Club Owatonna, 141 E Rose St, Owatonna, $25 . The Womans Club of Owatonna will be presenting Sail Away with Colleen Raye. Proceeds will benefit Ride for the Brand, Lets Smile and the Homestead Hospice House. Tickets are $25 and are available at Kottke Jewelers otherwise they are $30 at the door. Ticket includes musical performance, appetizers and dessert, served during intermission and dancing. This event is open to the public. Rochester Community Band: 21-Nov,

• 301 Division St. S • • www.MrJST.com • • 507-786-9578 • Like us on at Facebook.com/MrJSTTech

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7:00 PM, Hill Theatre RCTC, 851 30th Ave SE, Rochester, Free. The Rochester Community Band (RCB) has been making music together for 20 great years connecting musicians, enriching the community, and entertaining family audiences. Our concert will be some of our favorites from our past performances Second Suite for Military Band in F major, Greensleeves, Molly on the Shore, and Overture to Candide. Also, to celebrate, we commissioned the creation of an original piece of music composed by one of our long time members - Eric Straubmuller. RCB is under the direction of Mike Mangan and performed by music lovers from all walks of life and all ages. Come and join in our celebration!!! For more information, call (507) 285-9915. Dancing at Lughnasa: 21-Nov, 7:30 PM, Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland Community College, 1900 8th Ave NW, Austin, $16 . The story of five unmarried sisters eking out their lives in a small village in Ireland in 1936. When unexpected visitors arrive, the past and present collide and begin to destroy the foundation of the family forever. Suggested for ages 10 and up. Tickets are $16 or $50 for a season pass; may be purchased by going to www.riverland.edu/theatre/tickets or at the box office in person or by phone. For more information or to order tickets, call 507-433-0595. Tim Hawkins: 21-Nov, 7:30 PM, Autumn Ridge Church, 3611 Salem Road Southwest, Rochester, See Website. It is no exaggeration to say that Tim Hawkins is the biggest name in clean comedy today. Hawkins is a comedian, songwriter, and singer, best known for parodying popular songs, such as Carrie Underwood’s ‘Jesus Take The Wheel’ and ‘The Candy Man’, along with stand-up material based on topics like marriage, schooling, and parenting. Hawkins has released five CDs and six DVDs since 2002. His online videos had more than 200 million views by 2013. (507) 288-8880 Beautiful Vision: The Essential Songs of Van Morrison: 21-Nov, 7:30 PM, Zumbrota State Theatre, 88 E 4th St., Zumbrota, $24-$28. The many incarnations of Van Morrison, from Brown-Eyed Girl, and Domino, to Into The Mystic, and Cleaning Windows, are celebrated and led by Twin Cities soul and blues man Mick Sterling. 507-732-5210 Donny & Marie: 21-Nov, 8:00 PM, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd, Prior Lake, $79-$119. (952) 445-9000 All Request Dance Party: 21-Nov, 9:30 PM, Babe’s Music Bar, 20685 Holyoke Ave. S., Lakeville, See Website. Babe’s is the best place for great drinks, music and atmosphere. We feature multiple giant big screens and a great dance floor. Join us tonight for our all request dance party! http://www.babesmusicbar.com/Events.asp. (952) 469-5200 Ming Chiao Asian Brush Painting: 21-Nov, All Day, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, Free. Channel One Food Bank Week: 21-Nov, All Day, Minnesota Children’s Museum Rochester, 1643 N. Broadway, Rochester, $0-$5.50. Museum Admission: $5.50 Ages 1-101; Free Children Under 1. November 14th 22nd is National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. This weeks organization is Channel One Food Bank. We will be collecting food donations all week, along with having a giving-themed Storytime on Friday at 11am. Each day you bring in a donation, you will receive a ticket for a raffle to win a family membership! Check out the calendar on our website for more details on Channel Ones wish list! Fall Festival: 21-Nov, All Day, Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church Hall, 625 E 4th St, Winona, Free. Sat. Nov. 21st. 4pm Mass with The Blue Heron Consort. 5pm to close-Lunch available, Raffle, Booths, Children’s Games. Chances sold on Special Viking and Packer Fan Baskets, Polish Coffee Cakes for sale. Booths include: Candy, Theme Baskets, Baked Goods, Crafts and Quilts. Sunday Nov. 22nd 10am Mass with The Blue Heron Consort. 11am-1pm --Roast Pork Dinner with Sauerkraut and sausages (Cost $9’ tickets available at door) 11am-5:30pm Raffle, Booths, Children’s Games, Special Viking and Packer Fan Baskets, Lunch available after 1:30pm. 5:30pm Big Ticket Drawing,( $7,100 in prizes). We are Handicapped Accessible. Come join the fun. Northfield Humanist Roundtable: Moral Dilemmas: 22-Nov, 10:00 AM, Northfield Senior Center, 1651 Jefferson Parkway, Northfield, Free. Lawrence Kohlberg developed a comprehensive theory of moral development in the middle years of the twentieth century. As part of his research, Kohlberg created a

series of stories, each of which posed a moral dilemma. His most famous one is the story of Heinz: A woman was near death from a special kind of cancer. There was one drug that the doctors thought might save her. It was a form of radium that a druggist in the same town had recently discovered. The drug was expensive to make, but the druggist was charging ten times what the drug cost him to produce. He paid $200 for the radium and charged $2,000 for a small dose of the drug. The sick womans husband, Heinz, went to everyone he knew to borrow the money, but he could only get together about $1,000 which is half of what it cost. He told the druggist that his wife was dying and asked him to sell it cheaper or let him pay later. But the druggist said: No, I discovered the drug and Im going to make money from it. So Heinz got desperate and broke into the mans laboratory to steal the drug for his wife. Should Heinz have broken into the laboratory to steal the drug for his wife? Why or why not? We will look at a number of these stories and discuss how we would resolve the dilemmas they present and what moral reasoning we would use to reach our decisions. You can learn more at www. northfieldhumanistroundtable.org. Amy Cass/Missy Hagen: 22-Nov, 10:00 AM, Crossings, 320 East Ave, Zumbrota, Free. Fall Festval: 22-Nov, 11:00 AM, Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church Hall, 625 E 4th St, Winona, Free. Sat. Nov. 21st. 4pm Mass with The Blue Heron Consort 5pm to close-Lunch available, Raffle, Booths, Children’s Games Special Vikings & Packer Fan Baskets Polish Coffee Cakes for sale Booths include: Candy, Theme Baskets, Baked Goods, Crafts and Quilts. Sun. Nov.22nd. 10am Mass with The Blue Heron Consort 11am - 1pm -- Roast Pork Dinner with Sauerkraut and Sausages ( Cost $9.00, tickets sold at the door) 11am to 5:30pm Raffle, Booths, Children’s Games Special Vikings & Packer Fan Baskets Lunch available after 1:30pm 5:30 Big Ticket Drawing ($7,100 in prizes) We are Handicapped Accessible Come join us for a fun-filled time. Holiday Art Fair: 22-Nov, 11:00 AM, Crossings, 320 East Ave, Zumbrota, Free. . . Channel One Food Bank Week: 22-Nov, 12:00 PM, Minnesota Children’s Museum Rochester, 1643 N. Broadway, Rochester, $0-$5.50. Museum Admission: $5.50 Ages 1-101; Free Children Under 1. November 14th 22nd is National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. This weeks organization is Channel One Food Bank. We will be collecting food donations all week, along with having a giving-themed Storytime on Friday at 11am. Each day you bring in a donation, you will receive a ticket for a raffle to win a family membership! Check out the calendar on our website for more details on Channel Ones wish list! 507-282-8481 Ming Chiao Asian Brush Painting: 22-Nov, 1:00 PM, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, Free. Dancing at Lughnasa: 22-Nov, 2:00 PM, Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland Community College, 1900 8th Ave NW, Austin, $16 . The story of five unmarried sisters eking out their lives in a small village in Ireland in 1936. When unexpected visitors arrive, the past and present collide and begin to destroy the foundation of the family forever. Suggested for ages 10 and up. Tickets are $16 or $50 for a season pass; may be purchased by going to www.riverland.edu/theatre/tickets or at the box office in person or by phone. For more information or to order tickets, call 507-433-0595. Civic Live presents: Jazz Jam: 22-Nov, 5:30 PM, Rochester Civic Theatre, 20 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, Free. Come enjoy an evening of live jazz & open mic at the Rochester Civic Theatre, hosted by John Sievers and the DSievers. Bring your instrument or your voice and sign up to play or sing a tune with a live jazz rhythm section. Musicians of all experience levels are welcome. Come with songs in mind and bring changes for the rhythm section if you are playing an unusual tune or in an unusual key. Free and open to the public! Amazing Love Recovery Group: 22-Nov, 6:00 PM, St. Luke’s Church, 1100 Ninth Ave S.W., Faribault, Free. A recovery group for spiritual growth. All who struggle with addiction are invited to join to learn, encourage and support one another as Christians seeking to recover from the effects of addiction.. . Secured Fall Cleaning Shred Event: 23-Nov, 8:30 AM, Thrivent Financial, Diane Beckmann’s Office, 201 2nd St NE, Waseca, Cash donations accepted will be going to the Waseca Schools.. Thrivent Financial, Diane Beckmanns office, will be hosting a Secured Fall Cleaning Shred Event, from November

2nd, through November 23rd. Bring your documents, limit of up to 5 boxes, to 201 2nd St NE, from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Thursday. MNSure Enrollment Events: 23-Nov, 9:00 AM, Rochester, MN, , Rochester, MN, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE hands-on help from a MNsure certified navigator. Below is the schedule for Rochester, MN events! Olmsted County Family Support & Assistance (Walk-in service: 2117 Campus Dr SE, Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55904) M-F: 9 a.m. 12 p.m. AND 1 p.m. 4 p.m. RCTC/University Center Rochester (when classes in session) (Walk-in service: Student Health Services, HS140, 851 30th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904) 2nd Monday (THROUGH 5/9/2016): 11 a.m. 3p.m. 4th Tuesday (THROUGH 5/9/2016): 11 a.m. 3p.m. Planned Parenthood (Walk-in service: 1212 7th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901) Mondays: 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Salvation Army Lunch Program (Walk-in service: 20 1st Ave NE, Rochester, MN 55906) Thursdays: 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m. Visit www.MNsure.org for info about all state health insurance programs, including those for low-income residents, and special enrollment options for life changes (or call 1-855-366-7873) PLEASE BRING: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND ANY IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS; BIRTHDATES OF ALL IN HOUSEHOLD DETAILS ABOUT ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME EXPECTED IN 2015 INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE, including any employer sponsored insurance available to the applicants, even if they didnt enroll in it (Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns are helpful!) For more information and questions, please call the Health Access Rochester MN Office: 507-589-8649. . Amy Cass/Missy Hagen: 23-Nov, 10:00 AM, Crossings, 320 East Ave, Zumbrota, Free. Le Sueur Economic Development Authority Meeting: 23-Nov, 5:15 PM, Le Sueur City Hall Council Chambers, 203 S 2nd St., Le Sueur, Free. Le Sueur Economic Development Authority meeting.. . MNSure Enrollment Events: 24-Nov, 9:00 AM, Rochester, MN, , Rochester, MN, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE hands-on help from a MNsure certified navigator. Below is the schedule for Rochester, MN events! Olmsted County Family Support & Assistance (Walk-in service: 2117 Campus Dr SE, Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55904) M-F: 9 a.m. 12 p.m. AND 1 p.m. 4 p.m. RCTC/University Center Rochester (when classes in session) (Walk-in service: Student Health Services, HS140, 851 30th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904) 2nd Monday (THROUGH 5/9/2016): 11 a.m. 3p.m. 4th Tuesday (THROUGH 5/9/2016): 11 a.m. 3p.m. Planned Parenthood (Walk-in service: 1212 7th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901) Mondays: 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Salvation Army Lunch Program (Walk-in service: 20 1st Ave NE, Rochester, MN 55906) Thursdays: 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m. Visit www.MNsure.org for info about all state health insurance programs, including those for low-income residents, and special enrollment options for life changes (or call 1-855-366-7873) PLEASE BRING: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND ANY IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS; BIRTHDATES OF ALL IN HOUSEHOLD DETAILS ABOUT ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME EXPECTED IN 2015 INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE, including any employer sponsored insurance available to the applicants, even if they didnt enroll in it (Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns are helpful!) For more information and questions, please call the Health Access Rochester MN Office: 507-589-8649. Free Tutoring for Adults: 24-Nov, 9:30 AM, Washington Community Center, 117 Shumway Ave, Faribault, Free. Free individualized tutoring in math, reading or writing. No registration necessary. 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 6-8 p.m. Amy Cass/Missy Hagen: 24-Nov, 10:00 AM, Crossings, 320 East Ave, Zumbrota, Free. MNSure Enrollment Events: 24-Nov, 12:00 PM, MNPrairie County Alliance Waseca, 299 Johnson Avenue SW, Waseca, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE hands-on help from a MNsure certified navigator. 4th Tuesday of every month from 12:00pm6:00pm MNPrairie County Alliance - Waseca 299 Johnson Avenue SW, Suite 160 Waseca, MN 56093 Walk-ins Welcome. Visit www. MNsure.org for info about all state health insurance programs, including those for low-income residents, and special enrollment options for life changes (or call 1-855-366-

7873) PLEASE BRING: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND ANY IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS; BIRTHDATES OF ALL IN HOUSEHOLD DETAILS ABOUT ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME EXPECTED IN 2015 INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE, including any employer sponsored insurance available to the applicants, even if they didnt enroll in it (Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns are helpful!) For more information or questions, please call the Health Access Rochester MN Office: 507-589-8649. Ming Chiao Asian Brush Painting: 24-Nov, 1:00 PM, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, Free. Community Cathedral Cafe: 24-Nov, 5:00 PM, Cathedral Guild House, 101 Sixth St. N.W., Faribault, Free. Free nutritious meal. Bedtime Storytime: 24-Nov, 6:30 PM, Lonsdale Public Library, 1006 NE Birch St, Lonsdale, Free. Bring your kids and your sense of fun to our storytimes! Help your children develop literacy and a lifelong love of books and learning. Tuesday storytimes usually also include a craft to take home. All ages are welcome. No registration necessary. Infants Remembered in Silence (IRIS): 24-Nov, 7:00 PM, Infants Remembered in Silence, 218 Third Ave NW, Faribault, Free. Infants Remembered In Silence, Inc. (IRIS) Support Groups are designed for anyone who has ever experienced the death of a child during early pregnancy (ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, miscarriage, etc.) or from stillbirth, neo-natal death, birth defects, illness, accident, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), and all other types of infants and early childhood death. Meetings are informal and are attended by other bereaved parents who know and understand how your feels. Meetings are a safe, supportive, and confidential place to talk about your feelings, frustrations, and emotions. Meetings are the perfect place to talk openly about our precious children. Meetings are open to parents and whoever they would like to have join them. IRIS Support Group Meetings are the perfect place to share your keepsakes; you are encouraged to bring items such as pictures, CDs, poems, blankets, etc. We would love to see all of them. If you have any question regarding the IRIS support groups or any other IRIS service please feel free to contact the IRIS office at (507) 334-4748 or visit our website: www. irisRemembers.org. 507-334-4748 Open Mic Night: 24-Nov, 7:00 PM, Babe’s Music Bar, 20685 Holyoke Ave. S., Lakeville, See Website. Babe’s is the best place for great drinks, music and atmosphere. We feature multiple giant big screens and a great dance floor. Join us every Tuesday for open mic night! http://www.babesmusicbar.com/Events. asp. (952) 469-5200 Euchre Night: 24-Nov, 7:00 PM, Morristown American Legion, 101 W. Main St., Morristown, $3 . Euchre night. 507-685-2288 Area Suicide Grief Support Group Meeting: 24-Nov, 7:00 PM, Mayo Clinic Health System (Hospital), 301 2nd St NE, New Prague, Free. Fourth Tuesday of the month, in the Jameen Mape Conference Room. For more information call Tom Handrich at 952445-0107 or 952-913-3994. 952-758-4431

100 miles of Christmas

Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5-6 Downtown Winona

The Mississippi River Valley, Lake Pepin area joined with communities along the Great River Road to form the Mississippi Valley Partners. For over 100 miles, a Christmas weekend itinerary is an adventure along the river that gives travelers an opportunity to see these quaint municipalities through a holiday lens. The river valley and bluffs that populate southeastern Minnesota are some of the most stunning landscapes with nestled towns, all incomparable. On this weekend, many of the towns will hold holiday events that will include everything from luminaries and sleigh bells to decorated storefronts and fireworks. Begin with Red Wing’s Holiday Stroll and saunter down to Winona for a Trester Trolley Christmas Light Tour. This holiday weekend is taken very seriously—it is a Christmas extravaganza. It could get a little crazy, darting in and out of warmly lit shops trying to experience it all, every last warm, flakey pastry. It isn’t about seeing each Christmas light, it is simply about getting out there and participating in an old-fashioned Christmas. Many of us sacrifice a relaxing holiday for rushing to every family gathering; sometimes up to four; sometimes out of guilt. Take this time to relish the season. – – Autumn Van Ravenhorst, editor@southernminnscene.com

River Bend Nursing Home Week: 25Nov, 9:00 AM, Minnesota Children’s Museum Rochester, 1643 N. Broadway, Rochester, $0-$5.50. Museum Admission: $5.50 Ages 1-101; Free Children Under 1. Our last week of Give Back Month will feature River Bend Nursing Home, which is right across the parking lot! We will be making placemats to be donated for meal times, a program we like to call Small Hands, Big Hearts. Also, join us for one last giving-themed story time on Friday at 11am! The Museum will be closed on Thursday, November 26th for Thanksgiving Day.

schedule for Rochester, MN events! Olmsted County Family Support & Assistance (Walk-in service: 2117 Campus Dr SE, Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55904) M-F: 9 a.m. 12 p.m. AND 1 p.m. 4 p.m. RCTC/University Center Rochester (when classes in session) (Walk-in service: Student Health Services, HS140, 851 30th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904) 2nd Monday (THROUGH 5/9/2016): 11 a.m. 3p.m. 4th Tuesday (THROUGH 5/9/2016): 11 a.m. 3p.m. Planned Parenthood (Walk-in service: 1212 7th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901) Mondays: 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Salvation Army Lunch Program (Walk-in service: 20 1st Ave NE, Rochester, MN 55906) Thursdays: 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m. Visit www.MNsure.org for info about all state health insurance programs, including those for low-income residents, and special enrollment options for life changes (or call 1-855-366-7873) PLEASE BRING: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND ANY IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS; BIRTHDATES OF ALL IN HOUSEHOLD DETAILS ABOUT ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME EXPECTED IN 2015 INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE, including any employer sponsored insurance available to the applicants, even if they didnt enroll in it (Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns are helpful!) For more information and questions, please call the Health Access Rochester MN Office: 507-589-8649.

MNSure Enrollment Events: 25-Nov, 9:00 AM, Rochester, MN, , Rochester, MN, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE hands-on help from a MNsure certified navigator. Below is the

MNSure Enrollment Events: 25-Nov, 9:00 AM, Winona County Social Services, 202 East Third Street, Winona, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE hands-on help from a MNsure certified

Women’s A Capella Chorus: 24-Nov, 7:00 PM, Trinity Lutheran Church Rochester, 222 6th AV SW, Rochester, Free. Women over 18 who love to sing. Be our guest any Tuesday at 7 p.m. We have a young energetic director with a degree in music. Voice lessons are available if desired. Bingo: 24-Nov, 7:00 PM, Celt’s Pub, 14506 South Robert Trail, Rosemount, Free. Looking for something to do on Tuesday Nights, bring your friends and head to Celts for BINGO! We will play 15 games, with 75% payback on all games and 100% payback on games 5, 10 and 15 up to $300! www.celts-pub.com.

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

Mississippi-river.org

navigator. Every Tuesday of each month: 9:00am-3:00pm (by appointment only) Every Wednesday of each month: 9:00am-3:00pm (walk-ins and appointments welcome) Winona County Social Services 202 East Third Street Winona, MN 55987 For appointments, call 507-457-6500. Visit www.MNsure. org for info about all state health insurance programs, including those for low-income residents, and special enrollment options for life changes (or call 1-855-366-7873) PLEASE BRING: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND ANY IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS; BIRTHDATES OF ALL IN HOUSEHOLD DETAILS ABOUT ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME EXPECTED IN 2015 INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE, including any employer sponsored insurance available to the applicants, even if they didnt enroll in it (Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns are helpful!) For more information or questions, please call the Health Access Rochester MN: 507-589-8649. Free Tutoring for Adults: 25-Nov, 9:30 AM, Washington Community Center, 117 Shumway Ave, Faribault, Free. Free individualized tutoring in math, reading or writing. No registration necessary. 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 6-8 p.m. Morning Story Time: 25-Nov, 10:00 AM, Northfield City Hall, 801 Washington St, Northfield, Free. Join us for fun, relaxed and educational story times every Wednesday & Friday at 10-11 am We will be in the City Hall Council Chambers at 801 Washington St.. We will have stories, fingerplays, movement and

songs ready for children and caregivers who attend. No charge! No sign up needed. We will end this session on Wednesday, Nov. 25th. Amy Cass/Missy Hagen: 25-Nov, 10:00 AM, Crossings, 320 East Ave, Zumbrota, Free. Ming Chiao Asian Brush Painting: 25-Nov, 1:00 PM, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, Free. Parkinson’s Support Group: 25-Nov, 2:00 PM, Northfield Hospital, 2000 North Ave, Northfield, Free. Everyone is welcome. For more information, email nancy.soth@gmail. com. . 507-646-1000 IRIS 7th Annual Turkey Trot - Early Check-in: 25-Nov, 4:00 PM, Faribault Middle School, 704 17th Street SW, Faribault, $15-$35. Price depends on events Memorial Opportunities. Early Check-in for the IRIS Turkey Trot that will be held on Thanksgiving morning. 5K Walk, 5K Run, 10K Run, Tot Trot, and Gobble Wobble. (507) 334-4748 Full Belly Soup Kitchen: 25-Nov, 5:00 PM, Cathedral Guild House, 515 2nd Ave, Faribault, Donations welcome. Full meal served. Bar Bingo: 25-Nov, 7:00 PM, Babe’s Music Bar, 20685 Holyoke Ave. S., Lakeville, See Website. Babe’s is the best place for great drinks, music and atmosphere. We feature multiple giant big screens and a great dance floor. Join us every Wednesday night for Bar Bingo!. www.babesmusicbar.com. (952) 469-5200

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From 19 IRIS Turkey Trot: 26-Nov, 7:00 AM, Faribault Middle School, 704 17th Street SW, Faribault, $15-$35. Join us for the 7th Annual Turkey Trot 5K walk, 5K & 10K Run Gobble Wobble and Tot Trot Thanksgiving morning Held regardless of the weather conditions Early Check-in: Nov. 25th--4:00 to 6:30 pm Day of Check-in: Nov. 26th--7:00 am Event Times: 7:00 am - Line Up Kids Events 8:00 am - Gobble Wobble 8:10 am - Tot Trot 8:20 am - 5K & 10K Line Up 8:30 am - 10K Timed Run 8:35 am - 5K Timed Run 8:40 am - 5K Walk Register at www.irisRemembers.org Register by November 9th to guarantee your T-shirt. . (507) 334-4748 Amy Cass/Missy Hagen: 26-Nov, 10:00 AM, Crossings, 320 East Ave, Zumbrota, Free. Bar Bingo: 26-Nov, 6:00 PM, Faribault Eagles Club, 2027 Grant Street N.W., Faribault, $1 . Join us for a night of Bar Bingo! Here Comes Santa Claus: 27-Nov, 6:00 AM, Peace Plaza, 1st Ave SW & 1st St SW, Rochester, Free. Here Comes Santa Claus, downtown Rochesters cherished holiday tradition, returns Friday, November 27, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The magical evening kicks-off with a thrilling rooftop rescue by the Rochester Fire Department atop Old City Hall (224 1st Avenue SW) at 6:00 p.m. In his 41st consecutive year, Santa will make his dramatic rooftop landing and grand downtown debut. River Bend Nursing Home Week: 27-Nov, 9:00 AM, Minnesota Children’s Museum Rochester, 1643 N. Broadway, Rochester, $0-$5.50. Museum Admission: $5.50 Ages 1-101; Free Children Under 1. Our last week of Give Back Month will feature River Bend Nursing Home, which is right across the parking lot! We will be making placemats to be donated for meal times, a program we like to call Small Hands, Big Hearts. Also, join us for one last giving-themed story time on Friday at 11am! The Museum will be closed on Thursday, November 26th for Thanksgiving Day. Morning Storytime: 27-Nov, 10:00 AM, Lonsdale Public Library, 1006 NE Birch St, Lonsdale, Free. Bring your kids and your sense of fun to our storytimes! Help your children develop literacy and a lifelong love of books and learning. All ages are welcome. No registration necessary. (507) 387-8443 Amy Cass/Missy Hagen: 27-Nov, 10:00 AM, Crossings, 320 East Ave, Zumbrota, Free. Native American Heritage Day: 27-Nov, 12:00 PM, Treasure Island Resort

and Casino Minnesota, 5734 Sturgeon Lake Road, Welch, Free. Native American Heritage Day Come watch, listen and learn about the Native American culture and history at the Celebrate Native American Heritage Day with the Prairie Island Tinta Wita Takoja drum and dance troupe. Theyll be performing at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Parlay Lounge on Friday, November 27 at noon. The public is welcome to attend this free event. Ming Chiao Asian Brush Painting: 27-Nov, 1:00 PM, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, Free. Gallery: All-Members Show: 27-Nov, 5:00 PM, Austin ArtWorks Center, 300 North Main Street, Austin, Free. Join us in celebrating work by our own AACA members! Reception is free and open to the public, with refreshments provided in part by Hy Vee.. . Full Belly Soup Kitchen: 27-Nov, 5:00 PM, Cathedral Guild House, 515 2nd Ave, Faribault, Donations welcome.. Full meal served. Here Comes Santa Claus: 27-Nov, 6:00 PM, Peace Plaza, 1st Ave SW & 1st St SW, Rochester, Free. Here Comes Santa Claus. Minnesota State Hockey: 27-Nov, 7:00 PM, Verizon Wireless Center Mankato MN, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, See Website. vs. Alaska Anchorage. 1-800-222-7077 Fabulous Armadillos: 27-Nov, 7:30 PM, State Theater, 96 E 4th St, Zumbrota, $34-$38. The Fabulous Armadillos, a talent-packed band that wows audiences with their themed cover concerts, return to the State Theatre. The Dillos deliver a dose of fun and rock and roll. Audience members walk out of these concerts asking when the band is scheduled to return. Since 2006 they have established a large and loyal following in the state with their spot-on recreations of songs from many genres of music. Listeners close their eyes and are listening to all those vinyl records again. Teen Night: 27-Nov, 9:00 PM, J&J Bowling Center, 1802 4th St. NW, Faribault, $10 . All you can bowl for $10 per person (based on 3 people per lane.) Call in reservations early as lanes will fill fast 507-334-3262. AlAnon for Familes and Friends of Alcoholics: 28-Nov, 9:00 AM, Alano Club Faribault, 217 Central Ave., Faribault, Free. New comers welcome. For more info contact 334-3434. Small Business Saturday at Pauley Alpaca Company: 28-Nov, 9:00 AM, Pauley Alpaca Company Farm, 4220 Eastwood Road SE, Rochester, Free. Pauley Alpaca Company invites you to their

farm less than 5 miles from downtown Rochester to meet the alpacas, learn more about these inquisitive, unique animals, and visit their rustic gift shop. Ming Chiao Asian Brush Painting: 28-Nov, 1:00 PM, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, Free. Bingo: 28-Nov, 1:00 PM, American Legion, 315 First Avenue NW, Rochester, See Website. Bingo is held the second and fourth Saturday of the month. Come join friends for lunch and play. Write-in For National Novel Writing Month: 28-Nov, 2:00 PM, Friends (Quaker) Meetinghouse, 512 Washington St, Northfield, Free. Writing a novel this month for NaNoWriMo? Gather with your fellow NaNoWriMos for a write-in every Saturday in November. Full Belly Soup Kitchen: 28-Nov, 5:00 PM, Cathedral Guild House, 515 2nd Ave, Faribault, Donations welcome. Full meal served. Cancer Benefit: 28-Nov, 5:00 PM, Eagles Club Owatonna, 141 E Rose St, Owatonna, $10 . Spaghetti Dinner & Silent Auction to raise money for Richard Gonzales (aka: Speedy Gonzales). Mayo Clinic diagnosed him mid-September with stage four kidney cancer and has spread rapidly since. Please join us to help support the Richard while undergoing extensive treatment. Lourdes Baseball/Softball Comedy Night 2015: 28-Nov, 6:00 PM, Rochester International Event Center, 7333 Airport View Dr SW, Rochester, $25-$200. $25 per person or $200 for a table of eight.. Join us for a great night of comedy featuring Same Griesbaum (http://www. samgriesbaum.com/) on Saturday, November 28 at the Rochester International Event Center. 6:00 PM - Social Hour & Silent Auction. Cash bar and hors d’oeuvres served. 7:30 PM - Live Auction. Benefits Fund the Need. 8:30 PM - Show. Must be 21 or older to attend. $25 per person or $200 for a table of eight. Help us hit it out of the park for our spring trips to Florida and other essential program needs! For tickets, contact your favorite LHS Baseball/Softball player or: Mike or Linda Muehlenbein - muehlenbein@ charter.net Becky Macken - bmacken@ rcsmn.org Dan Herold - lhs.bb.coach@ gmail.com or #5077-254-2705 Tickets are also sold at the Lourdes Activities Office All proceeds benefit the LHS Baseball and Girls Softball Programs. Donations Accepted. Minnesota State Hockey: 28-Nov, 7:00 PM, Verizon Wireless Center Mankato MN, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, See Website. vs. Alaska Anchorage. (507) 387-8443

Open Daily @ 11AM

Michael Johnson: 28-Nov, 7:30 PM, Crossings at Carnegie, 320 East Avenue, Zumbrota, $22-$25. Best known for his 1978 hit, Bluer than Blue, Michael Johnsons music career has moved forward with a 2012 album, Moonlit Dj vu. Johnsons music is more varied than those who know him only from his pop music might guess. He also has had number one hits in country and R&B, all graced by the warmth in his voice even as his style evolved. Though hes known for pop hits like, Bluer than Blue, This Night Wont Last Forever, and Thats That, his first love is the intimacy and spontaneity of a solo concert. (507) 732-7616

who struggle with addiction are invited to join to learn, encourage and support one another as Christians seeking to recover from the effects of addiction.

All Request Dance Party: 28-Nov, 9:30 PM, Babe’s Music Bar, 20685 Holyoke Ave. S., Lakeville, See Website. Babe’s is the best place for great drinks, music and atmosphere. We feature multiple giant big screens and a great dance floor. Join us tonight for our all request dance party!. www.babesmusicbar. com. (952) 469-5200

MNSure Enrollment Events: 30-Nov, 9:00 AM, Rochester, MN, , Rochester, MN, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE handson help from a MNsure certified navigator. Below is the schedule for Rochester, MN events! Olmsted County Family Support & Assistance (Walk-in service: 2117 Campus Dr SE, Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55904) M-F: 9 a.m. 12 p.m. AND 1 p.m. 4 p.m. RCTC/University Center Rochester (when classes in session) (Walk-in service: Student Health Services, HS140, 851 30th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904) 2nd Monday (THROUGH 5/9/2016): 11 a.m. 3p.m. 4th Tuesday (THROUGH 5/9/2016): 11 a.m. 3p.m. Planned Parenthood (Walk-in service: 1212 7th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901) Mondays: 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Salvation Army Lunch Program (Walk-in service: 20 1st Ave NE, Rochester, MN 55906) Thursdays: 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m. Visit www. MNsure.org for info about all state health insurance programs, including those for low-income residents, and special enrollment options for life changes (or call 1-855-366-7873) PLEASE BRING: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND ANY IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS; BIRTHDATES OF ALL IN HOUSEHOLD DETAILS ABOUT ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME EXPECTED IN 2015 INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE, including any employer sponsored insurance available to the applicants, even if they didnt enroll in it (Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns are helpful!) For more information and questions, please call the Health Access Rochester MN Office: 507-589-8649.

Christmas Anonymous Donation Center: 30-Nov, 8:00 AM, Christ United Methodist Church, 400 5th Ave SW, Rochester, Free. Donate your new or gently used toys, books, games, stuffed animals, winter outerwear and sports balls to Christmas Anonymous. These items will be distributed to children of families in need in Olmsted County in order to have a Merry Christmas. Volunteers are needed to also staff the donation center. Website: www.christmasanonymous.org.

River Bend Nursing Home Week: 28-Nov, All Day, Minnesota Children’s Museum Rochester, 1643 N. Broadway, Rochester, $0-$5.50. Museum Admission: $5.50 Ages 1-101; Free Children Under 1.

Nov 28-Dec 5: River Bend Nursing Home Week: 29-Nov, 12:00 PM, Minnesota Children’s Museum Rochester, 1643 N. Broadway, Rochester, $0-$5.50. Museum Admission: $5.50 Ages 1-101; Free Children Under 1. Our last week of Give Back Month will feature River Bend Nursing Home, which is right across the parking lot! We will be making placemats to be donated for meal times, a program we like to call Small Hands, Big Hearts. Also, join us for one last giving-themed story time on Friday at 11am! The Museum will be closed on Thursday, November 26th for Thanksgiving Day. Ming Chiao Asian Brush Painting: 29-Nov, 1:00 PM, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, Free. Ming Chiao Asian Brush Painting exhibition at the Owatonna Arts Center Nov 7th through 29th. 30 artists form Minnesota and Wisconsin will be represented. Works will include watercolor collage and brush paintings created with the four treasures Ink, Ink Stone, Wumi-e brush and Rice paper. Opening reception on November 7th from1-4PM the public is invited to meet the artists.

Christmas Anonymous Donation Center: 1-Dec, 8:00 AM, Christ United Methodist Church, 400 5th Ave SW, Rochester, Free. MNSure Enrollment Events: 1-Dec, 9:00 AM, Centro Campesino, 216 North

Amazing Love Recovery Group: 29-Nov, 6:00 PM, St. Luke’s Church, 1100 Ninth Ave S.W., Faribault, Free. A recovery group for spiritual growth. All

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Canadian Pacific Holiday Train

Rochester, Owatonna, Waseca, Janesville, Austin, La Crescent, Winona, Wabasha and Hastings In its 17th year, the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is an anticipated event that families flock to every year. Though the event is free, attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items or a cash donation for their local food shelf. Partnering with communities, it has raised over $10.6 million and over 3.6 million pounds of food donations. And in effort to combat heart disease, this year they have laid out a few recommendations because, truthfully, people deserve a little something better than that 2-year-old can of Manwich in your cupboard. Performing on board the decorated locomotive for southern Minnesota will be Doc Walker and Kira Isabella. Walker is one of the most recognized country acts in Canada who has won awards from Canadian Country Music, CMT and JUNO. Isabella is only 22 and has already been nominated for numerous awards, winning Canadian Country Music’s Female Artist of the Year and Rising Star Award. She even made the Canadian Hot 100 with her first single at the age of 18. The train will visit the following SoMinn communities: Rochester: Dec. 6 at 1:30 p.m. Owatonna: Dec. 6 at 4:05 p.m. Waseca: Dec. 6 at 5:45 p.m.

Janesville: Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Austin: Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. La Crescent: Dec. 8 at 8:30 p.m. Winona: Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. Hastings: Dec. 9 at 8:30 p.m.

I won’t tell you precisely where I’ll be or when, but I may or may not be the short female somewhat aggressively making her way to the front with a toddler. Photo by Michael Berry

From 21 Oak Avenue, Owatonna, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE hands-on help from a MNsure certified navigator. 1st and 3rd Tuesday of EVERY month: 9;00am-12:00pm By Appointment Only! For appointments, call 507-369-3321 Visit www.MNsure.org for info about all state health insurance programs, including those for low-income residents, and special enrollment options for life changes (or call 1-855-366-7873) PLEASE BRING: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND ANY IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS; BIRTHDATES OF ALL IN HOUSEHOLD DETAILS ABOUT ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME EXPECTED IN 2015 INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE, including any employer sponsored insurance available to the applicants, even if they didnt enroll in it (Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns are helpful!) For more information or questions, please call the Health Access Rochester MN Office: 507-589-8649. MNSure Enrollment Events: 1-Dec, 9:00 AM, Rochester, MN, , Rochester, MN, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE hands-on help from a MNsure certified navigator. Below is the schedule for Rochester, MN events! Olmsted County Family Support & Assistance (Walk-in

– – Autumn Van Ravenhorst, editor@southernminnscene.com

service: 2117 Campus Dr SE, Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55904) M-F: 9 a.m. 12 p.m. AND 1 p.m. 4 p.m. RCTC/University Center Rochester (when classes in session) (Walk-in service: Student Health Services, HS140, 851 30th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904) 2nd Monday (THROUGH 5/9/2016): 11 a.m. 3p.m. 4th Tuesday (THROUGH 5/9/2016): 11 a.m. 3p.m. Planned Parenthood (Walk-in service: 1212 7th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901) Mondays: 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Salvation Army Lunch Program (Walk-in service: 20 1st Ave NE, Rochester, MN 55906) Thursdays: 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m. Visit www.MNsure.org for info about all state health insurance programs, including those for low-income residents, and special enrollment options for life changes (or call 1-855-366-7873) PLEASE BRING: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND ANY IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS; BIRTHDATES OF ALL IN HOUSEHOLD DETAILS ABOUT ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME EXPECTED IN 2015 INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE, including any employer sponsored insurance available to the applicants, even if they didnt enroll in it (Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns are helpful!) For more information and questions, please call the Health Access Rochester MN Office: 507-589-8649. MNSure Enrollment Events: 1-Dec, 9:00

AM, Winona County Social Services, 202 East Third Street, Winona, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE hands-on help from a MNsure certified navigator. Every Tuesday of each month: 9:00am-3:00pm (by appointment only) Every Wednesday of each month: 9:00am-3:00pm (walk-ins and appointments welcome) Winona County Social Services 202 East Third Street Winona, MN 55987 For appointments, call 507-457-6500. Visit www.MNsure. org for info about all state health insurance programs, including those for low-income residents, and special enrollment options for life changes (or call 1-855-366-7873) PLEASE BRING: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND ANY IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS; BIRTHDATES OF ALL IN HOUSEHOLD DETAILS ABOUT ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME EXPECTED IN 2015 INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE, including any employer sponsored insurance available to the applicants, even if they didnt enroll in it (Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns are helpful!) For more information or questions, please call the Health Access Rochester MN: 507-589-8649. Free Tutoring for Adults: 1-Dec, 9:30 AM, Washington Community Center, 117 Shumway Ave, Faribault, Free. Free individualized tutoring in math, reading or writing.

No registration necessary. 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 6-8 p.m.. . MNSure Enrollment Events: 1-Dec, 1:00 PM, Steele County Admin Center, 630 Florence Avenue, Owatonna, Free. . . Caregiver Support Group: 1-Dec, 1:30 PM, Elder Network Northgate Shopping Center, 1130 1/2 7th Street NW, Suite 205, Rochester, See Website. Are you caring for an older adult such as a family member, friend or neighbor? This is an opportunity to meet with other caregivers to exchange helpful tips, give and receive support, as well as learn about new resources. Contact Holly Brown at (507) 285-5272 for more information.. www. elder-network.org. Santa Visits Altra: 1-Dec, 3:30 PM, Altra Federal Credit Union, 123 16th Ave SW Suite 500, Rochester, Free. Santa will visit each of our offices, giving parents and grandparents the opportunity to take photos with their children and Santa. Santa will hand out a goody package to the first 20 children that visit and special treats to all of the visitors. Depending on time and traffic, Santa will read Christmas stories to the children. Make sure to stop by a branch early to pick up a wish list you can give to Santa! Community Cathedral Cafe: 1-Dec, 5:00 PM, Cathedral Guild House, 101 Sixth St. N.W., Faribault, Free. Free nutritious meal.. .

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Bedtime Storytime: 1-Dec, 6:30 PM, Lonsdale Public Library, 1006 NE Birch St, Lonsdale, Free. Bring your kids and your sense of fun to our storytimes! Help your children develop literacy and a lifelong love of books and learning. Tuesday storytimes usually also include a craft to take home. All ages are welcome. No registration necessary. Euchre Night: 1-Dec, 7:00 PM, Morristown American Legion, 101 W. Main St., Morristown, $3 . Euchre night.. . 507-685-2288 Women’s A Capella Chorus: 1-Dec, 7:00 PM, Trinity Lutheran Church Rochester, 222 6th AV SW, Rochester, Free. Women over 18 who love to sing. Be our guest any Tuesday at 7 p.m. We have a young energetic director with a degree in music. Voice lessons are available if desired. Christmas Anonymous Donation Center: 2-Dec, 8:00 AM, Christ United Methodist Church, 400 5th Ave SW, Rochester, Free. MNSure Enrollment Events: 2-Dec, 9:00 AM, Mower County Health and Human Services, 201 1st Street NE, Austin, Free. MNSure Enrollment Events: 2-Dec, 9:00 AM, Steele County Admin Center, 630 Florence Avenue, Owatonna, Free. MNSure Enrollment Events: 2-Dec, 9:00 AM, Rochester, MN, Rochester, MN, Free. MNSure Enrollment Events: 2-Dec, 9:00

AM, Winona County Social Services, 202 East Third Street, Winona, Free. (507) 645-8546 Free Tutoring for Adults: 2-Dec, 9:30 AM, Washington Community Center, 117 Shumway Ave, Faribault, Free. Free individualized tutoring in math, reading or writing. No registration necessary. 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 6-8 p.m. FLC Advent Recital and Lunch, Eric Bate, Violinist: 2-Dec, 11:00 AM, First Lutheran Church, 301 W Clark Street, Albert Lea, $6 . 11:00 am: Devotion and Prayer 11:30 am: Lunch (Reserve by noon on Monday, 11/30/15) 12:30 - 1:15 pm: Recital 1:15 pm: Stroll through the Nativity Walk Violinist Eric Bate is an active performer in both Wisconsin and Minnesota. Mr. Bate is associate concertmaster of the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra and a substitute violinist for the Minnesota Orchestra. He is the founder and artistic director of Il Dolce String Quartet, a talented group of professional musicians residing in the Twin Cities. Full Belly Soup Kitchen: 2-Dec, 5:00 PM, Cathedral Guild House, 515 2nd Ave, Faribault, Donations welcome.. Full meal served. One Life Tour Concert: 2-Dec, 5:30 PM, The Way Cafe, 210 4th St NE, Austin, $10 . Tickets are $6 in advance for group sales for 6 or more, $8 in advance, $10 at the door, and $20 VIP (early entry to the show, meet

the bands, a KNLW 98.9FM show laminate to wear, and a concert poster for autographs). Doors at 5:30 pm and showtime at 6:00 pm. Since 1992, Disciple has been rocking the Christian music scene with many hits such as Dear X You Dont Own Me, Invisible, Radical, I Just Know, Big Bad Wolf, The Wait Is Over, and Love Hate (On and On) and recently ‘Racial’, ‘Angels and Demons’ and ‘Dead Militia’. Joining the tour is Christian rapper KJ-52; he was awarded the Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year for ‘Never Look Away’ and Rap/ Hip Hop Album of the Year at the GMA Dove Awards of 2007. The Christian dance band Loftland has played many venues in southeast Minnesota. The band, The Protest is a Christian hard rock band from New Castle, IN. For more information, call 507-481-7491. Sundowners Car Club Meeting: 2-Dec, 7:30 PM, Northfield VFW Post 4393, 516 Division Street, Northfield, Free. Founded in 1992, the Sundowners Car Club is for the car enthusiast that likes special interest vehicles. Whether you own one, are building one, or just dreaming of owning one, this is the club for you. Christmas Anonymous Donation Center: 3-Dec, 8:00 AM, Christ United Methodist Church, 400 5th Ave SW, Rochester, Free.

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TheWoods grill & bar

The Woods Winter Hours effective Sunday, November 15th HOURS: November 15th - December 23rd Tuesday - Friday: 11:00 -1:30 & 4:00 - 8:00 Saturday: 4:00 - 8:00 Sunday: 9:00am - 1:30pm for breakfast only Closed Sunday Evening Monday: Closed All Day Available Sunday night and Mondays for private party bookings

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EARLY BIRD DINNER SPECIALS: Tuesday thru Friday from 4:00 PM till 5:30 PM

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

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Rock the Tree Top, Faribault 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 18 Downtown Faribault I rarely use the word “traditional” to describe anything I have a penchant for. But Christmas time? Yeah, I am pretty traditional. I want my cider; I want my gingerbread house; I want festive jammies. I do not want the Elf on the Shelf—that creep can go to hell. And those stop-motion puppet-animated Christmas movies are just the best. However, music is something I can be slightly selective over. It couldn’t possibly have anything to do with department stores assaulting your ear drums every time you need a gallon of milk, ammi right? Not quite your wine and candles kind of music and definitely not “A Very Brutal Christmas.” Rock the Tree Top gives timelessly fantastic holiday tunes a classic rock ‘n’ roll twist. The night will feature Mark Allen who is called many things which all seem to “fit together in a nice, tidy playlist of kick ass relaxing music.” The Over and Back Band, a local bluegrass, swing and jazz group, is led by Faribault’s Mike Hildebrandt. Both will be producing music that even the most persnickety Christmas music critic can enjoy. Hang out, relax, and enjoy holiday tuneage that falls satisfyingly in the middle of the extreme spectrum that is Christmas music. – – Autumn Van Ravenhorst, editor@southernminnscene.com

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From 22 MNSure Enrollment Events: 3-Dec, 9:00 AM, Rochester, MN, , Rochester, MN, Free. MNSure Enrollment Events: 3-Dec, 9:00 AM, Wabasha County Social Services, 411 Hiawatha Drive East, Wabasha, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE hands-on help from a MNsure certified navigator. 1st Thursday of every month from 9:00am-3:30pm. Wabasha County Social Services 411 Hiawatha Drive East Wabasha, MN 55981 Walk-ins and appointments welcome. For appointments, call 651-565-3028 Visit www.MNsure. org for info about all state health insurance programs, including those for low-income residents, and special enrollment options for life changes (or call 1-855-366-7873) PLEASE BRING: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND ANY IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS; BIRTHDATES OF ALL IN HOUSEHOLD DETAILS ABOUT ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME EXPECTED IN 2015 INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE, including any employer sponsored insurance available to the applicants, even if they didnt enroll in it (Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns are helpful!) For more information or questions, please call the Health Access Rochester MN Office: 507-589-8649. Weekly Shot Clinic: 3-Dec, 3:00 PM,

Mower County Health and Human Services, 201 1st Street NE, Austin, See Website. Weekly shot clinics at Mower County Health and Human Services will be changing from Friday afternoons to Thursday afternoons beginning October 4. The time will be from 3pm - 4:30pm each Thursday afternoon. Weekly shot clinics will be at the same location, the Health and Human Services building at the Oak Park Mall in Austin. Any questions, please contact Mower County Health and Human Services at 507-437-9701. Bar Bingo: 3-Dec, 6:00 PM, Faribault Eagles Club, 2027 Grant Street N.W., Faribault, $1 . Join us for a night of Bar Bingo! Baskets served from 5-7 p.m. George Maurer Group: 3-Dec, 7:30 PM, Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, 1000 Shumway Ave, Faribault, $5-$20. Dress smart, act casual, look like you know what you are doing, and wait for somebody to count to four. Thats the George Maurer Groups motto, and it fits. The George Maurer Group mixes just the right proportions of refinement and relatability as they play straight-ahead jazz with their trademark lighthearted flair. Their music adds a note of elegance and a nice dash of energy to any event, and their repertoire of swinging classics by jazz legends packs the dance floor set after set. With an accessible playlist and timeless sound, the musicians can provide all-ages centerpiece entertainment for a dance or quietly fill the background. They can adapt

to any size room, starting with a four-piece but able to expand to a six-piece variety band or nine-piece big band complete with a horn section. - See more at: http://www.georgemaurer.com/group/#sthash.vNdJzgYs.dpuf. Christmas Anonymous Donation Center: 4-Dec, 8:00 AM, Christ United Methodist Church, 400 5th Ave SW, Rochester, Free. MNSure Enrollment Events: 4-Dec, 9:00 AM, Rochester, MN, Rochester, MN, Free. Morning Storytime: 4-Dec, 10:00 AM, Lonsdale Public Library, 1006 NE Birch St, Lonsdale, Free. Bring your kids and your sense of fun to our storytimes! Help your children develop literacy and a lifelong love of books and learning. All ages are welcome. No registration necessary. Full Belly Soup Kitchen: 4-Dec, 5:00 PM, Cathedral Guild House, 515 2nd Ave, Faribault, Donations welcome. Full meal served. Twice the Cheer This Year!: 4-Dec, 7:30 PM, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave., Faribault, $15-$16. $10 Students. Two heart-warming family favorites for the holidays presented live on stage for just one ticket. In The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the Herdman children invade the local church, after being told they serve snacks, just in time to be cast in the annual Christmas Pageant. Christmas will never be the same again. Then, the classic TV special, A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life, with all its

wonderful characters caught up in the rush of the holiday season, until Linus reminds them of the true meaning of Christmas.. www. paradisecenterforthearts.org. Chris Young: 4-Dec, 7:30 PM, Mayo Civic Center Arena, 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, See Website. Chris Young has accomplished more by 29 than some artists do in a lifetime. Already a Grammy-nominated recording artist,he’s also a dynamic live performer consistently in demand, an international ambassador for his genre, a talented songwriter with sixNumber Ones to his name by the way, he wrote four of them and a handsome charmer to boot. Now, with the release of hisfourth album, A.M., the man known for his classic baritone and melt-your-heart ballads knows how to have a good time, too. Still, when all is said and done, it only takes two words to sum up the career of Chris Young: Definitely country. ‘I’ve always loved country music, and I really liked singing it as a kid,’ Young remembers. ‘So I was like, ‘That’s what I want todo.’ I just kind of always knew.’ His first record purchase was Keith Whitley’s L.A. to Miami, followed by the likes of Randy Travis, TracyLawrence and Brooks & Dunn. He sang so much around the house that he jokes his parents ‘blocked him out.’ But as pubertyapproached, the young tenor found himself facing adversity for the first time. ‘I was singing all of Vince Gill’s stuff, and then my voicechanged,’ Young laughs. ‘For about a year there, I thought, ‘Oh

my God, I’m ruined. It’s the end of the world!’ And then I realized Icould sing Randy Travis songs. It worked out well.’ That’s something of an understatement for the Murfreesboro, TN native. Blessed with parents who encouraged his art,Young soon found his way into musical theater, jazz training, and six years of classical voice, which honed his emerging baritone intosomething truly special. In his early teens, Young convinced his mom to drive him into Nashville so he could sit in with bands and workwith local songwriters; by 16, he’d formed a band with some older guys from Middle Tennessee State University, and they startedplaying George Strait and Garth Brooks covers in whatever clubs would have them. ‘I was entirely too young to be playing in bars,’Young says. ‘I would have these big Xs in chunky black marker on my hands. I can’t imagine we were that good, but really, that wasme enjoying the heck out of what I did.’ Everyone starts somewhere, and Young was starting to hone his craft. ‘People were telling me to learn to writesongs,’ he says. ‘I’d written poems and stuff, but I didn’t really know how. Which is funny, because you don’t necessarilyhave to know how to write a song. You just sit down and create something. You make it up.’ He cut his first independentrecord after high school, using his own money to fund 500 or so CDs and take himself on a short tour of Florida, where heplayed mostly Borders bookstores. ‘One day, I played to three people,’ Young remembers. ‘Two were

playing chess, andthe other person was reading a book. When I said, ‘Well, this will be my last song,’ the lady reading the book clapped.’ If you’re starting to think, Wow, this kid has a work ethic, you’re getting the idea. Three semesters at Nashville’sBelmont University and a short stint at MTSU taught him he wasn’t cut out for college life. Instead, he picked up more thana diploma interning for a song publishing company owned by Laura Stroud, the wife of his future producer, James Stroud. Soon after, he scored an offer for a regular weekly gig as the frontman for the house band at Cowboys Dancehall inArlington, one of the biggest country clubs in Texas. He dropped out of college, and began earning an equivalent of a Ph.Din the honky tonks of Texas, where he played more than 150 dates a year. He was 20. ‘We would open for anybody whocame through Lonestar, Dwight Yoakam. That’s where I got real experience working with a band, lights, in-ear monitors,everything. I’m pretty lucky,’ he admits. ‘When I dropped out of college and moved to Texas, my parents didn’t disownme.’ He soon returned to Tennessee and landed a recording contract with RCA Nashville. ‘I loved that label,’ Young says.’It was a heritage label that some of my favorite artists had been on. Keith Whitley. John Anderson. I think it’s where I wassupposed to be.’ Four albums and seven years later, Young looks back with some amazement. ‘It’s wild to think that I’ve beenaround that long,’ he says. ‘People always told me, ‘Hey, the record deal isn’t the finish line.’ It’s the beginning of the work,’he says. ‘I probably did four full radio tours starting out, just going around saying, ‘Hey, still here not going away ‘ I thinkRCA saw my work ethic. They kept me around.’ Ask Young today how it felt as the momentum began to turn, and he’ll say,with typical humility, ‘After the first hit [‘Getting You Home (The Little Black Dress Song)’], it was like, ‘Okay, thank God Imade enough money that I can buy a really small place to live.’ After the second hit [‘The Man I Want To Be’], it was amixture of validation and just relief. ‘Okay, I’m not a one hit wonder.’’ Far from it: He would chart five consecutive Number One singles, co-writing four of them, and receiving plenty of Grammy, ACM, and CMA nominations along the way. With A.M., this self-professed ‘studio nerd’ is ready to launch phase two ofa plan he cooked up years ago with longtime producer James Stroud. ‘When we started making The Man I Want To Be, we talkedit out,’ Young says. ‘He told me, ‘Man, I had this vision that we would do this record and the next to really establish what yoursound is. After that, you get to grow and stretch and play.’ That’s what we did with A.M. I could kind of do whatever I wanted.’ Young co-wrote six of the eleven tracks on the record, including the Top 5 hit ‘Aw Naw,’ which sets the toneimmediately. An irreverent story about what Young calls ‘an accidental party ‘Hey, I just came to have one, and ended up stayingall night,’’ it’s got an addictive

four-on-the-floor vibe that’s tailor made for live sing-alongs, and a tongue-in-cheek title that’s bothridiculous and ridiculously inescapable. ‘It’s just a slang way of saying, ‘Oh, hell no,’’ Young explains. ‘The guy that brought it upwas [co-writer] Ashley Gorley. He goes, ‘Aw naw!’ And it was like, ‘How do you spell that?’’ Combined with the album’s equally raucous title track, one might expect A.M. to be something of a concept albumabout things getting crazy after midnight. Instead, ‘It’s things that you wouldn’t necessarily expect,’ says Young, citing tracks likethe albums second single, ‘Who I Am With You,’ which reached the top of the singles charts and sold more than 500,000 copies.The tender, traditional love song called ‘Goodbye’ is further evidence that there’s something deeper going on in the hours beforethe dawn. ‘’Lighters in the Air’ is about meeting someone and falling in love at a concert, losing yourself in that night with theband playing in the background,’ he says. ‘And ‘Goodbye’ when you look at the title, you might assume it’s a breakup song. Butit’s about a relationship worth fighting for, showing up at somebody’s house in the middle of the night and trying to work it out.’ More than anything, A.M. is defiantly, definitely country. ‘Everybody’s got a definition of what country music is,’ Youngsays. ‘Never before has it been so broad as to what can be on a country radio station, and what country music can be. It really justhas to be what you feel as an artist.’ With its double guitars and occasional moments of arena-rock glory, A.M. sounds unlike anyalbum Young has ever made but that doesn’t change what he calls the ‘core principle’ of his music: ‘I’m never going to lose theacoustic guitar and the steel and the story in the song,’ he says. ‘When I open my mouth, I sound country. No one’s going toconfuse my records with being outside of the genre. Will I push some boundaries for some people? Hopefully. But I’m a countrysinger.’ And for anyone who knows the real Chris Young, the party anthems on A.M. won’t come as that much of a surprise. Thoughhe’s made his name on mature, sensitive, heartfelt hits like ‘Tomorrow,’ ‘You,’ and ‘Voices,’ he is, at heart, just like any other 29 year-old guy. ‘If I wanted my friends to describe me any way possible,’ Young says, ‘it would be ‘He’s fun to hang out with.’’ On hisrare days off from the road or the studio, you’ll find him fishing with his dad, geeking out on music from old-school Nashville to early’90s New Jack Swing, sitting in with a band at a hole-in-the-wall club, or simply closing down the bars on Lower Broadway with hisbuddies, ordering pizza and playing song wars on the jukebox until dawn. ‘I’m a normal dude,’ says Young. ‘I just happen to have areally freakin’ cool job.’ Recently named one of the summer’s top tour openers by Entertainment Weekly, Young is on the road

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Lutheran Church, 35957 State Hwy 30, Lanesboro, $0-$8. Adults and Carry outs $8, ages 6-12 - $4, under 6 - Free. We are celebrating our Norwegian heritage at our annual Norwegian Christmas Fest with gospel and bluegrass music performed by ‘One-Man Band’ Gary Froiland and serve lunch featuring a hot beef sandwich, rommegrot, sweet soup. lefse, flatbread and Norwegian bakings. We also have a Bake Sale and Card Sale that starts at 10:00 am. Adults and Carry outs $8, ages 6-12 - $4, under 6 - Free. Church is handicapped accessible. Merry Christmas Tuba: 5-Dec, 2:30 PM, The Historic Paramount Theatre, 125 4th Ave NE, Austin, Free. Enjoy this festive annual event featuring tubas, sousaphones, euphoniums and basses playing favorite holiday classics to open the holiday season. All players of these instruments are invited to participate - registration begins at 10 pm, followed by rehearsal and lunch, then the free concert. For more information, call 507-437-4563. Full Belly Soup Kitchen: 5-Dec, 5:00 PM, Cathedral Guild House, 515 2nd Ave, Faribault, Donations welcome. Full meal served.

Photo by Peter Lee

Charlie Parr and Bob Bovee, Lanesboro 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 3 St. Mane Theatre, Lanesboro There is something clean about Charlie Parr’s long, stringy hair and unkempt beard. He has wholesome grit. He makes you want to give up all your goals, have a garden, sit on your porch and drink tea. That would be your prime objective in life. You don’t just get to sing folk music, you have to be vetted and approved by all the folksingers that came before you. And seeing as how Charlie has traveled all over, he is—not an authority because this is folk music we’re talking about—but a gatekeeper. An Austin native, he has been playing since he was 7 years old when his dad got him his first guitar. His dad traded a 9.9 horsepower Johnson outboard boat motor, which any good Minnesotan ought to know is the perfect motor for a tin fishing boat. He developed his musical taste from listening to his father’s record collection but Parr said in an interview he didn’t write much until after his dad died. The 12-string blues style picking of his new album “Stumpjumper” brings new sounds and truly exposes his genuine roots on his first ever signed label. There is no telling what he has planned for the future as Parr once explained, “I’m like a balled-up Kleenex in a windstorm. I’ve just kind of gone wherever I felt like the day has wanted me to go.” – – Autumn Van Ravenhorst, editor@southernminnscene.com

From 24 with Dierks Bentleyon the ‘Riser Tour’ the latest in a string of high-profile supporting slots including tours with Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, BradPaisley and George Strait. He’s also plotting his next headlining run, with an eye on playing a stadium someday. And with the release ofA.M. he says, ‘I’m happy. I think this is probably the happiest I’ve been in my life. I love the record that I made, I’m happy that it’sdifferent, that I’m stretching a little bit and that people seem to be liking it. And I’m on a great tour. It’s just a really, really good timeright now. Maybe that’s why I felt so compelled to put party songs on this record. ‘Cause that’s kind of how I feel.’ Teen Night: 4-Dec, 9:00 PM, J&J Bowling Center, 1802 4th St. NW, Faribault, $10 . All you can bowl for $10 per person (based on 3 people per lane.) Call in reservations early as lanes will fill fast 507-334-3262.

AlAnon for Familes and Friends of Alcoholics: 5-Dec, 9:00 AM, Alano Club Faribault, 217 Central Ave., Faribault, Free. New comers welcome. For more info contact 334-3434. Quarry Hill Bird Walk: 5-Dec, 9:00 AM, Quarry Hill Nature Center, 701 Silver Creek Rd NE, Rochester, Free. Join us for a casual walk through Quarry Hill Park. Bring binoculars if you have them, some are available to borrow from the Nature Center. Dress for the weather. Families and children are welcome. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last about an hour. Free and open to the public - no registration required. Audubon leaders: Terry and Joyce Grier. Christmas Anonymous KTTC Toy Drive: 5-Dec, 9:00 AM, KTTC Television Station, 6301 Bandel Road NW, Rochester, Free. Donate new toys, games, sports balls, children’s bikes, and other gifts for children of families in need in Olmsted County in order to have a Merry Christmas.

Triton Events Winter 5K Series: 5-Dec, 10:00 AM, Soldier’s Field Rochester, 300 7th Street SW, Rochester, $25 . Triton Events is bringing back the Winter 5k Series by popular demand! We made some great improvements to this years race series, one being the run course. We listened to your suggestions last year about the course and so you will get a fantastic new course this year. The second change to the series are the prices. We also listened to your suggestions and made the series registration less expensive. The only draw back is less swag included, but there will be swag for sale. 50 & Over Singles Club: 5-Dec, 11:00 AM, Country Kitchen, I-35 and Highway 60, Faribault, $0-$10. $10 Annual Charge. Get together for great conversation with others your age. Cost of membership is $10 per year. Contact Joanne at 507-334-5961 for more info. 26th Annual Norwegian Christmas Fest: 5-Dec, 11:00 AM, North Prairie

Livestock: A Christmas Celebration of Giving and Music: 5-Dec, 5:00 PM, Crossview Covenant Church, 2000 Howard Drive W., North Mankato, $10-$20. Food and beverage options will be available beginning at 5:00pm.. Two spectacular Christmas concert events under one roof! Main Concert featuring Dara Maclean and Chris August {$20} Kids Concert/Kids’ Zone {$10} www. LivestockMN.com. Twice the Cheer This Year!: 5-Dec, 7:30 PM, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave., Faribault, $15-$16. $10 Students. Two heart-warming family favorites for the holidays presented live on stage for just one ticket. In The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the Herdman children invade the local church, after being told they serve snacks, just in time to be cast in the annual Christmas Pageant. Christmas will never be the same again. Then, the classic TV special, A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life, with all its wonderful characters caught up in the rush of the holiday season, until Linus reminds them of the true meaning of Christmas.. www. paradisecenterforthearts.org. WindWorks: 5-Dec, 7:30 PM, Christ United Methodist Church, 400 5th Ave SW, Rochester, Free. Rochester Chamber Music Society is pleased to present WindWorks, a Northfield and Twin Cities professional woodwind quintet founded in 1993. They will be making their Rochester debut with music by Dring, Klughardt, Arnold, and Thuille. Members of the group are Kay Sahlin, flute, Dana Maeda, oboe, Jo Ann Polley, clarinet, Josh John, bassoon, and Becky Jyrkas, horn. Joining them to open and close the program is pianist Horacio Nuguid. Visit our website rochesterchambermusic.org for more details. There is no admission charge for RCMS concerts. SimpleGifts with Billy McLaughlin: 5-Dec, 7:30 PM, Crossings at Carnegie, 320 East Avenue, Zumbrota, $25-$28. SimpleGifts with Billy McLaughlin combines violin, celtic whistle, piano, acoustic guitar and percussion with angelic three-part female vocals to deliver a modern Old World sound in Christmas carols and hymns. (507) 732-7616

Dec 6-12: An Olde Fashioned Christmas Breakfast: 6-Dec, 8:00 AM, Green Prairie Place Library, 810 2nd Ave. NW, Plainview, $15 . A breakfast feast for the entire family in the ambiance of elegant dining.

Norwegian Lutefisk & Meatball Buffet & Christmas Shop: 6-Dec, 10:30 AM, Christ Lutheran Church, 509 Kansas St NW, Preston, $0-$17. Paid in Advance: Adults $15.00 Paid at the Door: $17.00 Children Under 10: $5.00 Preschool: Free!. Reservations recommended; seating limited to 150 each hour. Advance tickets sold for designated hours; carryouts available. Christmas Gift Shoppe opens at 10:30 AM. Serving on the hour 11 AM, Noon, 1PM, 2PM, 3PM, 4PM, 5,PM Menu: Lutefisk with drawn butter, mashed potatoes, meatballs and gravy, orange glazed carrots, coleslaw, cranberry relish, lefse, flatbread, rolls, sweet soup, rommegrot, strull, rosettes, sandbakkels, Christmas cookies, coffee & milk. Please respect the one hour seating schedule. You may continue your visiting in the comfort of the Heritage Room or Sanctuary. Tickets Prices: Paid in Advance: Adults $15.00 Paid at the Door: $17.00 Children Under 10: $5.00 Preschool: Free! Tickets may be purchased at the church office between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday-Thursday or by mail. Send your check to the church and your tickets will be held for pickup on the day of the dinner or you may send a self addressed stamped envelope with your check and the tickets will be mailed to you. (You may wish to indicated a second choice for the time.) If there are any unsold tickets, they may be purchased at the door, however you may want to call the church to find out what is available. Handicap entrance is on the lower level, north side of the church. For further information, call the church office at 507-765-2161 or 765-2432. Mail checks to: Christ Lutheran, PO Box 526, Preston, MN 55965. Explore the Museum: 6-Dec, 12:00 PM, Minnesota Children’s Museum Rochester, 1643 N. Broadway, Rochester, Free. Thanks to the generosity of Bremer Bank, visitors can explore the Minnesota Children’s Museum Rochester free of charge, the first Sunday of each month, from 12 p.m. 4 p.m. www. rochester.mcm.org. The Playfulness of Snow: 6-Dec, 1:00 PM, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, Free. ‘The Playfulness of Snow’ the Owaotnna Arts Center’s Annual Christmas Display opens on Sunday Dec 6 and runs through the 27th. Gallery hours are 1-5PM Tuesday through Sunday, Closed Mondays. the month of December is time for all of to become playful children and enjoy the drifting mounds of swirling snowflakes. We see the little darlings all warmly bundled up to play with the powdered magic dust or to glide on crystalline water. Delightful little Snowbabies from department 56 in all their playfulness will be apart of ‘the Playfulness of Snow’ . The frozen pond with its diamond surface is perfect for a dance on skates. Yes, Jerry Shore is engineering the dance and Marilyn Henke has fashioned the skaters. The child in all of us will also enjoy the world of a time gone by in London with the infamous character who had lost his joy (Scrooge) the Dickens Village by Department 56 is a part of our display. The Arts Center will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and New Years EVE and New Years Day. The Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party: 6-Dec, 1:00 PM, Kahler Apache, 1517 16th St SW, Rochester, $18 . The Rochester Dance Company will once again host its annual holiday tradition, the Sugar Plum Fairy Tea! Enjoy a delightful afternoon tea with the graceful Sugar Plum Fairy and other costumed characters from RDCs production of The Nutcracker. There will be a scrumptious array of treats and goodies, and a hot chocolate bar with a variety of delicious fixings. When the Sugar Plum Fairy enters with her entourage of Nutcracker characters, it will be time for a sneak preview of The Nutcracker, to be performed

at the Mayo Civic Center, December 12 & 13. Tea Details: Sunday, December 6, 2015 | 1:00 PM & 3:30 PM The Kahler Apache Hotel Ballroom 1517 16th St SW, Rochester $18 per person Wear your holiday finery and bring your camera! Tables of eight may be reserved; please indicate your seating wishes on your order and coordinate with friends & family accordingly. Tea registration and payment can be accepted online only. Complete the online order form. You will be connected to PayPal at the end of the form to complete payment with credit card or PayPal account. Reservations must be received by Sunday, November 22, 2015. www.rochesterdancecompany.org Rochester Dance Company, founded in 2003, is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization. Twice the Cheer This Year!: 6-Dec, 2:00 PM, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave., Faribault, $15-$16. $10 Students. Two heart-warming family favorites for the holidays presented live on stage for just one ticket. In The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the Herdman children invade the local church, after being told they serve snacks, just in time to be cast in the annual Christmas Pageant. Christmas will never be the same again. Then, the classic TV special, A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life, with all its wonderful characters caught up in the rush of the holiday season, until Linus reminds them of the true meaning of Christmas. www. paradisecenterforthearts.org. IRIS Holiday Service Of Remembrance: 6-Dec, 2:00 PM, Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, 1000 Shumway Ave, Faribault, Free. 22nd Annual Holiday Service of Remembrance held by Infants Remembered In Silence, Inc. (IRIS) This holiday memorial service is held annual on the first Sunday in December to honor all Infants and Young Children that have died in early pregnancy (miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, etc.), from stillbirth, neo-natal death, birth defects, illness, SIDS, SUDC, accidents, and all other types of infant or early childhood death. Everyone who has experienced or been touched by the death of a child, regardless of where or when is invited to attend. The Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party: 6-Dec, 3:30 PM, Kahler Apache, 1517 16th St SW, Rochester, $18 . The Rochester Dance Company will once again host its annual holiday tradition, the Sugar Plum Fairy Tea! Enjoy a delightful afternoon tea with the graceful Sugar Plum Fairy and other costumed characters from RDCs production of The Nutcracker. There will be a scrumptious array of treats and goodies, and a hot chocolate bar with a variety of delicious fixings. When the Sugar Plum Fairy enters with her entourage of Nutcracker characters, it will be time for a sneak preview of The Nutcracker, to be performed at the Mayo Civic Center, December 12 & 13. Tea Details: Sunday, December 6, 2015 | 1:00 PM & 3:30 PM The Kahler Apache Hotel Ballroom 1517 16th St SW, Rochester $18 per person Wear your holiday finery and bring your camera! Tables of eight may be reserved; please indicate your seating wishes on your order and coordinate with friends & family accordingly. Tea registration and payment can be accepted online only. Complete the online order form. You will be connected to PayPal at the end of the form to complete payment with credit card or PayPal account. Reservations must be received by Sunday, November 22, 2015. www.rochesterdancecompany.org Rochester Dance Company, founded in 2003, is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization. Carols at the OAC: 6-Dec, 4:00 PM, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, Free. The Owatonna High school Carolers will Carol at the Owatonna Arts Center. The public is welcome to enjoy the music of the season.

6:00 PM, St. Luke’s Church, 1100 Ninth Ave S.W., Faribault, Free. A recovery group for spiritual growth. All who struggle with addiction are invited to join to learn, encourage and support one another as Christians seeking to recover from the effects of addiction. MNSure Enrollment Events: 7-Dec, 9:00 AM, Rochester, MN, , Rochester, MN, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE hands-on help from a MNsure certified navigator. Below is the schedule for Rochester, MN events! Olmsted County Family Support & Assistance (Walk-in service: 2117 Campus Dr SE, Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55904) M-F: 9 a.m. 12 p.m. AND 1 p.m. 4 p.m. RCTC/University Center Rochester (when classes in session) (Walk-in service: Student Health Services, HS140, 851 30th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904) 2nd Monday (THROUGH 5/9/2016): 11 a.m. 3p.m. 4th Tuesday (THROUGH 5/9/2016): 11 a.m. 3p.m. Planned Parenthood (Walk-in service: 1212 7th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901) Mondays: 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Salvation Army Lunch Program (Walk-in service: 20 1st Ave NE, Rochester, MN 55906) Thursdays: 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m. Visit www.MNsure.org for info about all state health insurance programs, including those for low-income residents, and special enrollment options for life changes (or call 1-855-366-7873) PLEASE BRING: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND ANY IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS; BIRTHDATES OF ALL IN HOUSEHOLD DETAILS ABOUT ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME EXPECTED IN 2015 INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE, including any employer sponsored insurance available to the applicants, even if they didnt enroll in it (Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns are helpful!) For more information and questions, please call the Health Access Rochester MN Office: 507-589-8649. FHS Class of ‘48 lunch: 7-Dec, 1:00 PM, Perkins, 333 Western Ave NW, Faribault, Free. FHS Class of ‘48 will meet for lunch at Perkins every first Monday of the month unless there is a holiday. They will then meet the second Monday. Free Tutoring for Adults: 8-Dec, 9:00 AM, Washington Community Center, 117 Shumway Ave, Faribault, Free. Free individualized tutoring in math, reading or writing. No registration necessary. 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 6-8 p.m. Bedtime Storytime: 8-Dec, 9:00 AM, Lonsdale Public Library, 1006 NE Birch St, Lonsdale, Free. Bring your kids and your sense of fun to our storytimes! Help your children develop literacy and a lifelong love of books and learning. Tuesday storytimes usually also include a craft to take home. All ages are welcome. No registration necessary. MNSure Enrollment Events: 8-Dec, 9:30 AM, Rochester, MN, , Rochester, MN, Free. MNSure Enrollment Events: 8-Dec, 11:00 AM, Winona County Social Services, 202 East Third Street, Winona, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE hands-on help from a MNsure certified navigator. Every Tuesday of each month: 9:00am-3:00pm (by appointment only) Every Wednesday of each month: 9:00am-3:00pm (walk-ins and appointments welcome) Winona County Social Services 202 East Third Street Winona, MN 55987 For appointments, call 507-457-6500. Visit www.MNsure. org for info about all state health insurance programs, including those for low-income residents, and special enrollment options for life changes (or call 1-855-366-7873) PLEASE BRING: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND ANY IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR

Amazing Love Recovery Group: 6-Dec,

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Business on Belgrade Presents THE SECOND ANNUAL

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HOLIDAY EVENT FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY! Trolley Rides along Belgrade Ave, Medallion Hunt, Santa & Elves, Local Caroling Groups and more!

Join us on Belgrade Ave in Beautiful Lower North Mankato on Saturday December 5, 2015 from 3pm to 6pm. This event is for THE CHILDREN and brought to you FREE OF CHARGE by the Business on Belgrade Association.

WINTER WONDERLAND PARADE AT 6:30 PM Have your children experience Christmas at its finest!

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Photo by Griff Wigley

Winter Walk, Northfield 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 10 Downtown Northfield My dutiful research for these events happens long before you pick up the monthly issue of Scene. So naturally when December Sceney comes knocking on my door, I am bombarded with winter holiday attractions before Halloween. Chya. It is some of the darkest hours. But when I have finally managed to select the worthy few to make it on our calendar, you know they are the best of the best. Winner of the 2015 Best Holiday Event of SoMinn, the Winter Walk in Northfield is that one, intimate holiday event that makes you truly unwind and enjoy the season for what it is. There is nothing flashy about this event, not even the name. Your stroll through town square will be accompanied by carolers, shopping and dining, horsedrawn wagon rides, festive store fronts and a fire to warm you if ole El Nino fails to give us a little relief this year. Chris Farley did confirm on Twitter that the Nino would give us a break. Other attractions such as the Festival of Wreaths, delicacies from Quality Bakery, warm refreshments from Jesse James Hideaway and small town charm highlight why this has become a tradition for many. Grab your Starbucks and head to a true “Christmas in a Small Town” gathering. Err, Northfielders don’t drink Starbucks, do they? – – Autumn Van Ravenhorst, editor@southernminnscene.com

From 26 ALL APPLICANTS; BIRTHDATES OF ALL IN HOUSEHOLD DETAILS ABOUT ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME EXPECTED IN 2015 INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE, including any employer sponsored insurance available to the applicants, even if they didnt enroll in it (Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns are helpful!) For more information or questions, please call the Health Access Rochester MN: 507-589-8649. 507-685-2288 MNSure Enrollment Events: 8-Dec, 1:00 PM, MNPrairie County Alliance - Dodge, 22 6th Street East, Mantorville, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE hands-on help from a MNsure certified navigator. 2nd Tuesday of every month from 11:00am-6:00pm. MNPrairie County Alliance - Dodge 22 6th Street East Mantorville, MN 55955 Walk-ins and appointments welcome. For appointments, call 507-589-8649. Visit www.MNsure. org for info about all state health insurance programs, including those for low-income residents, and special enrollment options for life changes (or call 1-855-366-7873) PLEASE BRING: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND ANY IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS; BIRTHDATES OF ALL IN HOUSEHOLD DETAILS ABOUT ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME EXPECTED IN 2015 INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE, including any employer

sponsored insurance available to the applicants, even if they didnt enroll in it (Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns are helpful!) For more information or questions, please call the Health Access Rochester MN Office: 507-589-8649. The Playfulness of Snow: 8-Dec, 3:30 PM, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, Free. Santa Visits Altra - Winona: 8-Dec, 6:30 PM, Altra Federal Credit Union, 526 Orrin St, Winona, Free. Santa will visit each of our offices, giving parents and grandparents the opportunity to take photos with their children and Santa. Santa will hand out a goody package to the first 20 children that visit and special treats to all of the visitors. Depending on time and traffic, Santa will read Christmas stories to the children. Make sure to stop by a branch early to pick up a wish list you can give to Santa! Guests of Santa will also have the opportunity to decorate cookies! Euchre Night: 8-Dec, 7:00 PM, Morristown American Legion, 101 W. Main St., Morristown, $3 . Euchre night. FLC Advent Lunch and Recital - John Sens, Trombone: 9-Dec, 9:00 AM, First Lutheran Church, 301 W Clark Street, Albert Lea, $6 . 11:00 am: Devotion and Prayer 11:30 am: Lunch (Reservation by noon on Monday, December 7) 12:30 pm - 1:15 pm: Recital 1:15 pm: Stroll through the Nativity Walk Fee is for lunch, recital is free.

John Sens plays many instruments, with his principal instrument being the Bass Trombone. He completed his Master’s degree in Trombone Performance at the University of Minnesota in 2013. John has performed with a number of ensembles in the Des Moines and Minneapolis area. Free Tutoring for Adults: 9-Dec, 9:00 AM, Washington Community Center, 117 Shumway Ave, Faribault, Free. Free individualized tutoring in math, reading or writing. No registration necessary. 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 6-8 p.m. Infants Remembered in Silence (IRIS): 9-Dec, 9:30 AM, Infants Remembered in Silence, 218 Third Ave NW, Faribault, Free. Infants Remembered In Silence, Inc. (IRIS) Support Groups are designed for anyone who has ever experienced the death of a child during early pregnancy (ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, miscarriage, etc.) or from stillbirth, neo-natal death, birth defects, illness, accident, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), and all other types of infants and early childhood death. Meetings are informal and are attended by other bereaved parents who know and understand how your feels. Meetings are a safe, supportive, and confidential place to talk about your feelings, frustrations, and emotions. Meetings are the perfect place to talk openly about our precious children. Meetings are open to parents and whoever they would like to have join them. IRIS Sup-

port Group Meetings are the perfect place to share your keepsakes; you are encouraged to bring items such as pictures, CDs, poems, blankets, etc. We would love to see all of them. If you have any question regarding the IRIS support groups or any other IRIS service please feel free to contact the IRIS office at (507) 334-4748 or visit our website: www. irisRemembers.org. 507-334-4748 Full Belly Soup Kitchen: 9-Dec, 11:00 AM, Cathedral Guild House, 515 2nd Ave, Faribault, Donations welcome.. Full meal served. MNSure Enrollment Events: 9-Dec, 11:00 AM, Steele County Admin Center, 630 Florence Avenue, Owatonna, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE hands-on help from a MNsure certified navigator. 1st and 3rd Tuesday of EACH month: 1:00pm-7:00pm Every Wednesday: 9:00am-4:00pm MNPrairie County Alliance 630 Florence Avenue Owatonna, MN 55060 Walk-ins and appointments welcome. For appointments, call 507-5898649. Visit www.MNsure.org for info about all state health insurance programs, including those for low-income residents, and special enrollment options for life changes (or call 1-855-366-7873) PLEASE BRING: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND ANY IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS; BIRTHDATES OF ALL IN HOUSEHOLD DETAILS ABOUT ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME EXPECTED IN 2015 INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE, including any employer sponsored insurance available to the applicants, even if they didnt enroll in it (Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns are helpful!) For more information and questions, please call the Health Access Rochester MN Office: 507-589-8649. The Playfulness of Snow: 9-Dec, 1:00 PM, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, Free. ‘The Playfulness of Snow’ the Owaotnna Arts Center’s Annual Christmas Display opens on Sunday Dec 6 and runs through the 27th. Gallery hours are 1-5PM Tuesday through Sunday, Closed Mondays. the month of December is time for all of to become playful children and enjoy the drifting mounds of swirling snowflakes. We see the little darlings all warmly bundled up to play with the powdered magic dust or to glide on crystalline water. Delightful little Snowbabies from department 56 in all their playfulness will be apart of ‘the Playfulness of Snow’ . The frozen pond with its diamond surface is perfect for a dance on skates. Yes, Jerry Shore is engineering the dance and Marilyn Henke has fashioned the skaters. The child in all of us will also enjoy the world of a time gone by in London with the infamous character who had lost his joy (Scrooge) the Dickens Village by Department 56 is a part of our display. The Arts Center will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and New Years EVE and New Years Day. MNSure Enrollment Events: 9-Dec, 5:00 PM, Winona County Social Services, 202 East Third Street, Winona, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE hands-on help from a MNsure certified navigator. Every Tuesday of each month: 9:00am3:00pm (by appointment only) Every Wednesday of each month: 9:00am-3:00pm (walk-ins and appointments welcome) Winona County Social Services 202 East Third Street Winona, MN 55987 For appointments, call 507-4576500. Visit www.MNsure.

org for info about all state health insurance programs, including those for low-income residents, and special enrollment options for life changes (or call 1-855-366-7873) PLEASE BRING: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND ANY IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS; BIRTHDATES OF ALL IN HOUSEHOLD DETAILS ABOUT ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME EXPECTED IN 2015 INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE, including any employer sponsored insurance available to the applicants, even if they didnt enroll in it (Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns are helpful!) For more information or questions, please call the Health Access Rochester MN: 507-589-8649. Weekly Shot Clinic: 10-Dec, 9:00 AM, Mower County Health and Human Services, 201 1st Street NE, Austin, See Website. Weekly shot clinics at Mower County Health and Human Services will be changing from Friday afternoons to Thursday afternoons beginning October 4. The time will be from 3pm - 4:30pm each Thursday afternoon. Weekly shot clinics will be at the same location, the Health and Human Services building at the Oak Park Mall in Austin. Any questions, please contact Mower County Health and Human Services at 507-437-9701. Bar Bingo: 10-Dec, 1:00 PM, Faribault Eagles Club, 2027 Grant Street N.W., Faribault, $1. Baskets served from 5-7 p.m. Twice the Cheer This Year!: 10-Dec, 3:00 PM, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave., Faribault, $15-$16. $10 Students. Two heart-warming family favorites for the holidays presented live on stage for just one ticket. In The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the Herdman children invade the local church, after being told they serve snacks, just in time to be cast in the annual Christmas Pageant. Christmas will never be the same again. Then, the classic TV special, A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life, with all its wonderful characters caught up in the rush of the holiday season, until Linus reminds them of the true meaning of Christmas. www. paradisecenterforthearts.org. The Playfulness of Snow: 10-Dec, 6:00 PM, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, Free. MNSure Enrollment Events: 10-Dec, 7:30 PM, Rochester, MN, , Rochester, MN, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE hands-on help from a MNsure certified navigator. Below is the schedule for Rochester, MN events! Olmsted County Family Support & Assistance (Walk-in service: 2117 Campus Dr SE, Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55904) M-F: 9 a.m. 12 p.m. AND 1 p.m. 4 p.m. RCTC/University Center Rochester (when classes in session) (Walk-in service: Student Health Services, HS140, 851 30th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904) 2nd Monday (THROUGH 5/9/2016): 11 a.m.

3p.m. 4th Tuesday (THROUGH 5/9/2016): 11 a.m. 3p.m. Planned Parenthood (Walk-in service: 1212 7th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901) Mondays: 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Salvation Army Lunch Program (Walk-in service: 20 1st Ave NE, Rochester, MN 55906) Thursdays: 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m. Visit www.MNsure.org for info about all state health insurance programs, including those for low-income residents, and special enrollment options for life changes (or call 1-855-366-7873) PLEASE BRING: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND ANY IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS; BIRTHDATES OF ALL IN HOUSEHOLD DETAILS ABOUT ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME EXPECTED IN 2015 INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE, including any employer sponsored insurance available to the applicants, even if they didnt enroll in it (Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns are helpful!) For more information and questions, please call the Health Access Rochester MN Office: 507-589-8649. . Full Belly Soup Kitchen: 11-Dec, 5:00 PM, Cathedral Guild House, 515 2nd Ave, Faribault, Donations welcome.. Full meal served. Twice the Cheer This Year!: 11-Dec, 7:30 PM, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave., Faribault, $15-$16. $10 Students. Two heart-warming family favorites for the holidays presented live on stage for just one ticket. In The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the Herdman children invade the local church, after being told they serve snacks, just in time to be cast in the annual Christmas Pageant. Christmas will never be the same again. Then, the classic TV special, A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life, with all its wonderful characters caught up in the rush of the holiday season, until Linus reminds them of the true meaning of Christmas. www. paradisecenterforthearts.org. Teen Night: 11-Dec, 9:00 PM, J&J Bowling Center, 1802 4th St. NW, Faribault, $10 . All you can bowl for $10 per person (based on 3 people per lane.) Call in reservations early as lanes will fill fast 507-334-3262. Morning Storytime: 11-Dec, 10:00 AM, Lonsdale Public Library, 1006 NE Birch St, Lonsdale, Free. Bring your kids and your sense of fun to our storytimes! Help your children develop literacy and a lifelong love of books and learning. All ages are welcome. No registration necessary. Minnesota State Hockey: 11-Dec, 7:00 PM, Verizon Wireless Center Mankato MN, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, See Website. vs.Alabama-Huntsville. (507) 387-8443 The Playfulness of Snow: 11-Dec, 1:00 PM, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, Free. Choral Arts Ensemble: Christmas as Assisi: 11-Dec, 7:30 PM, Assisi Heights,

1001 14th Street NW, Rochester, $17-$28. Ticket prices are higher at the door.. For many, the Christmas season is not really begun until theyve heard Christmas at Assisi. Our annual performance in the glorious acoustics of the Lourdes Chapel at Assisi Heights will feature music from the Renaissance to the brand-new 2015 Ketterling Christmas Carol and will include a collaboration with the Ardee award-winning Honors Concert Choir and performances with classical guitarist Jeffrey Van. MNSure Enrollment Events: 11-Dec, 9:00 AM, Rochester, MN, , Rochester, MN, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE hands-on help from a MNsure certified navigator. Below is the schedule for Rochester, MN events! Olmsted County Family Support & Assistance (Walk-in service: 2117 Campus Dr SE, Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55904) M-F: 9 a.m. 12 p.m. AND 1 p.m. 4 p.m. RCTC/University Center Rochester (when classes in session) (Walk-in service: Student Health Services, HS140, 851 30th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904) 2nd Monday (THROUGH 5/9/2016): 11 a.m. 3p.m. 4th Tuesday (THROUGH 5/9/2016): 11 a.m. 3p.m. Planned Parenthood (Walk-in service: 1212 7th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901) Mondays: 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Salvation Army Lunch Program (Walk-in service: 20 1st Ave NE, Rochester, MN 55906) Thursdays: 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m. Visit www.MNsure.org for info about all state health insurance programs, including those for low-income residents, and special enrollment options for life changes (or call 1-855-366-7873) PLEASE BRING: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND ANY IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS; BIRTHDATES OF ALL IN HOUSEHOLD DETAILS ABOUT ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME EXPECTED IN 2015 INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE, including any employer sponsored insurance available to the applicants, even if they didnt enroll in it (Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns are helpful!) For more information and questions, please call the Health Access Rochester MN Office: 507-589-8649. AlAnon for Familes and Friends of Alcoholics: 12-Dec, 8:00 AM, Alano Club Faribault, 217 Central Ave., Faribault, Free. New comers welcome. For more info contact 334-3434. Full Belly Soup Kitchen: 12-Dec, 9:00 AM, Cathedral Guild House, 515 2nd Ave, Faribault, Donations welcome.. Full meal served. Twice the Cheer This Year!: 12-Dec, 10:00 AM, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave., Faribault, $15-$16. $10 Students. Two heart-warming family favorites for the holidays presented live on stage for just one ticket. In The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the Herdman children invade the local

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RESERVED! TICKETS ON SALE NOW! THE PREMIER, LOCAL HOLIDAY NUTCRACKER FAMILY TRADITION!. DATES AND TIMES: Saturday, December 12, 2015 3PM and 7PM Sunday, December 13, 2015 2PM WHERE: Mayo Civic Center Presentation Hall 20 Civic Center Drive SE Rochester, MN 55904 507-328-2220 NOTES TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Get your tickets now for the Rochester Dance Companys classic holiday tradition, ‘The Nutcracker’ directed by Ted Sothern! This production has it all for audience members young and old: professionally designed lavish costumes, hand painted sets, the timeless music of Tchaikovsky, the mischievous activity of the mice, toy soldiers, a Christmas tree that magically grows and superb dancing by more than 40 local Rochester Dance Company dancers ages 6-18, and featuring professional guest artists Julie Benirschke and Adam Kittelberger, making this Nutcracker the premier local classical ballet family tradition for all ages. Tickets $22 and $18 (Includes $1 Mayo Civic Center convenience fee). All seats reserved. TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Group Sales Information 507-3282127 Tickets available at the box office in person or by calling 507-328-2220 or online at Ticketmaster where you can choose your seat. Tickets available at the door day of show. Please join us for our holiday classic now in its 13th season. Audience members from Rochester, the region and from worldwide who are in Rochester for the weekend have been delighted by our performances for 12 years. The show includes an intermission and refreshments available from Mayo Civic Center concessions. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund. Visit us at www.rochesterdance company.org and on Facebook. Choral Arts Ensemble: Christmas as Assisi: 12-Dec, 7:30 PM, Assisi Heights, 1001 14th Street NW, Rochester, $17-$28. Ticket prices are higher at the door.. For many, the Christmas season is not really begun until theyve heard Christmas at Assisi. Our annual performance in the glorious acoustics of the Lourdes Chapel at Assisi Heights will feature music from the Renaissance to the brand-new 2015 Ketterling Christmas Carol and will include a collaboration with the Ardee award-winning Honors Concert Choir and performances with classical guitarist Jeffrey Van. Zwingli UCC Pre-Christmas Bake Sale: 12-Dec, 7:30 PM, Zwingli United Church of Christ, 23148 County Highway 24, West Concord, Free. Purchase holiday cookies, bratzelies, breads, angel food cakes, pear bread and many other goodies. Containers provided. Don Juans: 12-Dec, 9:00 PM, Crossings at Carnegie, 320 East Avenue, Zumbrota,

church, after being told they serve snacks, just in time to be cast in the annual Christmas Pageant. Christmas will never be the same again. Then, the classic TV special, A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life, with all its wonderful characters caught up in the rush of the holiday season, until Linus reminds them of the true meaning of Christmas.. www. paradisecenterforthearts.org. Minnesota State Hockey: 12-Dec, 1:00 PM, Verizon Wireless Center Mankato MN, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, See Website. vs.Alabama-Huntsville. (507) 387-8443 Cocoa with Santa and Mrs. Claus: 12-Dec, 1:00 PM, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, Free. Cocoa with Santa and Mrs Clause at the Owatonna Arts Center Dec 12, from 10 Am to 11:30 Am. This is a great time for the child in all of us to tell Santa our Christmas wishes before the big day. Come and join Santa and Mrs Clause at the piano for a cup of cocoa and a Christmas Story. The Playfulness of Snow: 12-Dec, 3:00 PM, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, Free. ‘The Playfulness of Snow’ the Owaotnna Arts Center’s Annual Christmas Display opens on Sunday Dec 6 and runs through the 27th. Gallery hours are 1-5PM Tuesday through Sunday, Closed Mondays. the month of December is time for all of to become playful children and enjoy the drifting mounds of swirling snowflakes. We see the little darlings all warmly bundled up to play with the powdered magic dust or to glide on crystalline water. Delightful little Snowbabies from department 56 in all their playfulness will be apart of ‘the Playfulness of Snow’ . The frozen pond with its diamond surface is perfect for a dance on skates. Yes, Jerry Shore is engineering the dance and Marilyn Henke has fashioned the skaters. The child in all of us will also enjoy the world of a time gone by in London with the infamous character who had lost his joy (Scrooge) the Dickens Village by Department 56 is a part of our display. The Arts Center will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and New Years EVE and New Years Day. Christmas Anonymous Store Day: 12-Dec, 5:00 PM, Christ United Methodist Church, 400 5th Ave SW, Rochester, Free. Volunteers are needed to help escort parents through the Christmas Anonymous Store and select Christmas gifts for their children. Come be a part of the joy of giving. Available shifts are: 8:00 am - 11:30 am; 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.; and 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Bingo: 12-Dec, 7:00 PM, American Legion, 315 First Avenue NW, Rochester, See Website. Bingo is held the second and fourth Saturday of the month. Come join friends for lunch and play. The Nutcracker: 12-Dec, 7:00 PM, Mayo Civic Center Presentation Hall, 20 Civic Center Drive SE, Rochester, $18-$22. ALL SEATS

$19-$22. By their name people might assume that the Don Juans rely merely on their good looks. However, folks will be impressed to know that the group includes two Grammyaward-winning songwriters, Don Henry and Jon Vezner. The concert will feature original songs, including holiday music. (507) 732-7616

Dec 13-19: Twice the Cheer This Year!: 13-Dec, 1:00 PM, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave., Faribault, $15-$16. $10 Students. Two heart-warming family favorites for the holidays presented live on stage for just one ticket. In The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the Herdman children invade the local church, after being told they serve snacks, just in time to be cast in the annual Christmas Pageant. Christmas will never be the same again. Then, the classic TV special, A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life, with all its wonderful characters caught up in the rush of the holiday season, until Linus reminds them of the true meaning of Christmas.. www. paradisecenterforthearts.org. Amazing Love Recovery Group: 13-Dec, 2:00 PM, St. Luke’s Church, 1100 Ninth Ave S.W., Faribault, Free. A recovery group for spiritual growth. All who struggle with addiction are invited to join to learn, encourage and support one another as Christians seeking to recover from the effects of addiction. Meteor Watching & Astronomy: 13-Dec, 2:00 PM, River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Road, Faribault, $3-$5. All ages welcome. $5 per person ($3 per member). Pre-registration not required, but is appreciated.. Come view the Geminid meteor shower at River Bend! Hot cocoa and tea will be provided. There will be telescopes to view other astronomical wonders as we learn about winter constellations. Dress warmly! Bring a red light rather than a flashlight if possible. The Playfulness of Snow: 13-Dec, 4:00 PM, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, Free. ‘The Playfulness of Snow’ the Owaotnna Arts Center’s Annual Christmas Display opens on Sunday Dec 6 and runs through the 27th. Gallery hours are 1-5PM Tuesday through Sunday, Closed Mondays. the month of December is time for all of to become playful children and enjoy the drifting mounds of swirling snowflakes. We see the little darlings all warmly bundled up to play with the powdered magic dust or to glide on crystalline water. Delightful little Snowbabies from department 56 in all their playfulness will be apart of ‘the Playfulness of Snow’ . The frozen pond with its diamond surface is perfect for a dance on skates. Yes, Jerry Shore is engineering the dance and Marilyn Henke has fashioned the skaters. The child in all of us will also enjoy the world of a time gone by in London with the infamous character who had lost his joy (Scrooge) the

Dickens Village by Department 56 is a part of our display. The Arts Center will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and New Years EVE and New Years Day. Rochester Dance Company: 13-Dec, 6:00 PM, Mayo Civic Center Presenta, 20, Rochester, $18-$22. THE PREMIER FAMILY HOLIDAY TRADITION OF THE NUTCRACKER FOR SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA NOW IN ITS 13TH YEAR!. Get your tickets now for the Rochester Dance Companys classic holiday tradition, ‘The Nutcracker’ directed by Ted Sothern! This production has it all for audience members young and old: professionally designed lavish costumes, hand painted sets, the timeless music of Tchaikovsky, the mischievous activity of the mice, toy soldiers, a Christmas tree that magically grows and superb dancing by more than 40 local Rochester Dance Company dancers ages 6-18, and featuring professional guest artists Julie Benirschke and Adam Kittelberger, making this Nutcracker the premier local classical ballet family tradition for all ages. Tickets $22 and $18 (Includes $1 Mayo Civic Center convenience fee). All seats reserved. TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Group Sales Information 507328-2127 Tickets available at the box office in person or by calling 507-328-2220 or online at Ticketmaster where you can choose your seat. Tickets available at the door day of show. Please join us for our holiday classic now in its 13th season. Audience members from Rochester, the region and from worldwide who are in Rochester for the weekend have been delighted by our performances for 12 years. The show includes an intermission and refreshments available from Mayo Civic Center concessions. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund. Visit us at www.rochesterdance company.org and on Facebook. Choral Arts Ensemble: Christmas as Assisi: 13-Dec, 9:00 PM, Assisi Heights, 1001 14th Street NW, Rochester, $17-$28. Ticket prices are higher at the door.. For many, the Christmas season is not really begun until theyve heard Christmas at Assisi. Our annual performance in the glorious acoustics of the Lourdes Chapel at Assisi Heights will feature music from the Renaissance to the brand-new 2015 Ketterling Christmas Carol and will include a collaboration with the Ardee award-winning Honors Concert Choir and performances with classical guitarist Jeffrey Van. Support Group for Adults with Chronic Conditions: 14-Dec, 9:00 AM, Elder Network Northgate Shopping Center, 1130 1/2 7th Street NW, Suite 205, Rochester, See Website. Do you have a condition such as high blood pressure, chronic pain, diabetes, COPD, heart

Photo by Wendy Newcomer

Sawyer Brown

3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 19 Sheldon Theatre, Red Wing Sawyer Brown is not a one-man show. And no, it is not the name of the lead singer even though he is frequently referred to as such. That was a terrible assumption for me to make considering many of the greats have actually taken the name of another band mate—Fleetwood Mac, J. Geils Band and Pink Floyd, to name a few. The case with this group is the road in Tennessee where they practiced separated two farms, Sawyer and Brown, and that divider was predictably dubbed Sawyer Brown Road. So, not that interesting of a story but needs to be known in case you happen to meet Mark Miller and carelessly call him Sawyer Brown. Though there is some history beyond 1983, Sawyer Brown made their mark on music this year when they landed a spot on Star Search—talented group, ridiculous performance. Country music stars were definitely not immune to the stage theatrics, obscene fashion and feathery haircuts of the ‘80s. Today, the band consists of unprecedented talent. Lead singer Mark Miller who has won a Grammy for his work as producer for Casting Crowns, a drummer who has served on the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and sought-after band mates that have recorded with renowned artists like LeAnn Rimes. Described as a group of blue collar, working class dudes that virtuously love making music, they are a country band that tells simple stories with various tones. But don’t be surprised if you see one of them sporting a Tommy Bahama. – – Autumn Van Ravenhorst, editor@southernminnscene.com

Turn

December

th -

HISTORY CENTER 1700 Austin Rd VILLAGE OF YESTERYEAR 1448 Austin Rd

in the history center: All weekend: Join Santa in his sleigh

Sponsored by:

Friday: Soup and Chili Supper: 4:30- 6:30 pm $7 per person, children’s hotdog meal $4 Saturday: Artisan Market: 10 AM-2 PM In the Village: All weekend: fun activities for everyone

Soup Supper Sponsored by: Rocon Music in the History Center Sponsored by: Express Personnel

Friday: Saco Church: 5:30-7:30 pm: Christmas Carol “Sing-a-long” In Steele County: Sunday: Historic Holiday House Tour Visit our website for a list of all the activities

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

w w w. s o u t h e r N m I N n SCENE. c o m

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Big Bad Voodoo Daddy 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 31 Mystic Lake Casino There are recent Billboard topping songs that have been making a big smash with the younger generation that have extraordinarily similar qualities to songs and styles of the past. It is a bit frustrating when people are unaware of the roots, but I’ll save that for another occasion. Pop culture in its entirety—fashion, music, attitudes—is as cyclical as the seasons. Things come and go then come again and we wonder why they are so great, such as the resurgence of both folk and funk that have been irresistible, even to a 2 year old. Once we got through all the hair, flannels and heroin of the ‘90s, we were met with zoot suits and brass instruments. Some of you may know the Squirrel Nut Zippers and maybe even misidentified this band for the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies. But Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy, prominently known for “You & Me & the Bottle Makes 3 Tonight (Baby),” have stuck around, continuing to tour sold out shows and have been featured on “Dancing with the Stars” and Super Bowl XXXIII, whenever the hell that was. The name is even one of significance. Albert Collins, the “King of the Telecaster,” signed an autograph for founder Scotty Morris to, “Scotty, the big bad voodoo daddy.” Swing is a little bit of ska, little bit of rockabilly mixed with the original genre of the ‘40s. If you haven’t checked contemporary swing off the list of shows you have attended, you should at least go for bragging rights because it might be something that fades away, as music trends often do. Or these guys will just get too old. – – Autumn Van Ravenhorst, editor@southernminnscene.com

Facebook.com/bigbadvoodoodaddy

From 29 disease, arthritis, depression or anxiety? Are you dealing with residuals from a stroke, the effects of long term chemotherapy or trying to manage a dialysis treatment regime? MNSure Enrollment Events: 14-Dec, 2:00 PM, Rochester, MN, , Rochester, MN, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE hands-on help from a MNsure certified navigator. Below is the schedule for Rochester, MN events! Olmsted County Family Support & Assistance (Walk-in service: 2117 Campus Dr SE, Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55904) M-F: 9 a.m. 12 p.m. AND 1 p.m. 4 p.m. RCTC/University Center Rochester (when classes in session) (Walk-in service: Student Health Services, HS140, 851 30th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904) 2nd Monday (THROUGH 5/9/2016): 11 a.m. 3p.m. 4th Tuesday (THROUGH 5/9/2016): 11 a.m. 3p.m. Planned Parenthood (Walk-in service: 1212 7th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901) Mondays: 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Salvation Army Lunch Program (Walk-in service: 20 1st Ave NE, Rochester, MN 55906) Thursdays: 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m. Visit www.MNsure.org for info about all state health insurance programs, including those for low-income residents, and special enrollment options for life changes (or call 1-855-366-7873) PLEASE BRING: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

AND ANY IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS; BIRTHDATES OF ALL IN HOUSEHOLD DETAILS ABOUT ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME EXPECTED IN 2015 INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE, including any employer sponsored insurance available to the applicants, even if they didnt enroll in it (Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns are helpful!) For more information and questions, please call the Health Access Rochester MN Office: 507-589-8649. Free Tutoring for Adults: 15-Dec, 9:00 AM, Washington Community Center, 117 Shumway Ave, Faribault, Free. Free individualized tutoring in math, reading or writing. No registration necessary. 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 6-8 p.m. Bedtime Storytime: 15-Dec, 9:00 AM, Lonsdale Public Library, 1006 NE Birch St, Lonsdale, Free. Bring your kids and your sense of fun to our storytimes! Help your children develop literacy and a lifelong love of books and learning. Tuesday storytimes usually also include a craft to take home. All ages are welcome. No registration necessary. Euchre Night: 15-Dec, 9:30 AM, Morristown American Legion, 101 W. Main St., Morristown, $3 . Euchre night.. . 507-685-2288 MNSure Enrollment Events: 15-Dec,

1:00 PM, Centro Campesino, 216 North Oak Avenue, Owatonna, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE hands-on help from a MNsure certified navigator. 1st and 3rd Tuesday of EVERY month: 9;00am-12:00pm By Appointment Only! For appointments, call 507-369-3321 Visit www.MNsure.org for info about all state health insurance programs, including those for low-income residents, and special enrollment options for life changes (or call 1-855-366-7873) PLEASE BRING: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND ANY IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS; BIRTHDATES OF ALL IN HOUSEHOLD DETAILS ABOUT ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME EXPECTED IN 2015 INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE, including any employer sponsored insurance available to the applicants, even if they didnt enroll in it (Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns are helpful!) For more information or questions, please call the Health Access Rochester MN Office: 507-589-8649. The Playfulness of Snow: 15-Dec, 6:30 PM, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, Free. MNSure Enrollment Events: 15-Dec, 7:00 PM, Rochester, MN, , Rochester, MN, Free. Tim O’Shields, Organ and Piano: 16-Dec, 9:00 AM, First Lutheran Church,

301 W Clark Street, Albert Lea, $6 . 11:00 am: Devotion and Prayer 11:30 am: Lunch - Reserve by Monday, December 14th 12:30 am - 1:15 pm: Recital 1:15 pm: Stroll through the Nativity Walk Fee is for lunch, recital is free. Tim O’Shields is Minister of Worship and Music at First Lutheran Church. He will present a mixed-media recital on the Austin Organ Opus 2233 (53 rank, 3 manual gallery instrument) and Steinway piano. MNSure Enrollment Events: 16-Dec, 9:00 AM, Riverland Community College, 1900 8th Avenue NW, Austin, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE hands-on help from a MNsure certified navigator. 3rd Wednesday of EACH month: 9:00am-12:30pm Riverland Community College 1900 8th Avenue NW Austin, MN 55912 Appointments Only! For appointments, call 507-369-3321 Visit www.MNsure. org for info about all state health insurance programs, including those for low-income residents, and special enrollment options for life changes (or call 1-855-366-7873) PLEASE BRING: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND ANY IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS; BIRTHDATES OF ALL IN HOUSEHOLD DETAILS ABOUT ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME EXPECTED IN 2015 INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE, including any employer sponsored insurance available to the ap-

plicants, even if they didnt enroll in it (Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns are helpful!) For more information or questions, please call the Health Access MN Rochester Office: 507-589-8649. Free Tutoring for Adults: 16-Dec, 9:00 AM, Washington Community Center, 117 Shumway Ave, Faribault, Free. Free individualized tutoring in math, reading or writing. No registration necessary. 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 6-8 p.m. Full Belly Soup Kitchen: 16-Dec, 9:30 AM, Cathedral Guild House, 515 2nd Ave, Faribault, Donations welcome.. Full meal served. MNSure Enrollment Events: 16-Dec, 10:00 AM, Steele County Admin Center, 630 Florence Avenue, Owatonna, Free. The Playfulness of Snow: 16-Dec, 11:00 AM, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, Free. Caregiver Support Group: 16-Dec, 1:00 PM, Elder Network Northgate Shopping Center, 1130 1/2 7th Street NW, Suite 205, Rochester, Free. Are you caring for an older adult such as a family member, friend or neighbor? Meet with other caregivers to exchange helpful tips, give and receive support, as well as learn about new resources. Elder Network’s Caregiver Support Groups

are held the 1st Tuesday of each month from 1:30-2:30pm and the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 10-11am. Same location. Community Car Seat Check: 16-Dec, 1:30 PM, Rochester Fire Station #2, 2185 Wheelock Drive NE, Rochester, Free. Ensure that children are traveling safe in the vehicle by attending a free car seat inspection clinic. Certified child passenger safety technicians will be on-site to assist with the correct and safe installation of car seats and booster seats. Appointments are required and space is limited. The child must be present to properly fit them to their car seat. Contact the Mayo Clinic Trauma Department to schedule an appointment 507-255-5066; Lombard. kimberly@mayo.edu. MNSure Enrollment Events: 16-Dec, 4:00 PM, Rochester, MN, , Rochester, MN, Free. MNSure Enrollment Events: 16-Dec, 5:00 PM, Winona County Social Services, 202 East Third Street, Winona, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE hands-on help from a MNsure certified navigator. Every Tuesday of each month: 9:00am-3:00pm (by appointment only) Every Wednesday of each month: 9:00am-3:00pm (walk-ins and appointments welcome) Winona County Social Services 202 East Third Street Winona, MN 55987 For appointments, call 507-457-6500. Visit www.MNsure.

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Memberships start at just $55. Visit naha.stolaf.edu or call 507-786-3221 to learn more.

1510 St. Olaf Ave • Northfield, MN 55057 Follow us

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

Eagles Club, 2027 Grant Street N.W., Faribault, $1 . Join us for a night of Bar Bingo! Baskets served from 5-7 p.m. The Playfulness of Snow: 17-Dec, 3:00 PM, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, Free. MNSure Enrollment Events: 17-Dec, 6:00 PM, Fillmore County Human Services, 902 Houston Street SW, Preston, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE hands-on help from a MNsure certified navigator. 3rd Thursday of every month from 9:00am-3:30pm. Fillmore County Social Services Building 902 Houston Street NW, Suite 1 Preston, MN 55965 Walk-ins and appointments welcome. For appointments, call 507-765-2615 or 507-319-5431. Visit www.MNsure.org for info about all state health insurance programs, including those for low-income residents, and special enrollment options for life changes (or call 1-855-366-7873) PLEASE BRING: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND ANY IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS; BIRTHDATES OF ALL IN HOUSEHOLD DETAILS ABOUT ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME EXPECTED IN 2015 INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE, including any employer sponsored insurance available to the applicants, even if they didnt enroll in it (Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns are helpful!) For more information or questions, please call the Health Access Rochester MN Office: 507-589-8649. MNSure Enrollment Events: 17-Dec, 6:00 PM, Rochester, MN, Rochester, MN, Free. Full Belly Soup Kitchen: 18-Dec, 9:00 AM, Cathedral Guild House, 515 2nd Ave, Faribault, Donations welcome.. Full meal served. Rock The Tree Top: 18-Dec, 10:00 AM, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave., Faribault, $15-$20. $10 Students. PEACE. JOY. AND ROCK AND ROLL! Look out there is a different kind of Santa coming to town! Get ready to Rock the Tree Top this holiday season as audiences are taken on a wild Sleigh Ride as beloved Holiday Classics are turned into the classic rock and roll you love.. www.paradisecenterforthearts.org. Teen Night: 18-Dec, 1:00 PM, J&J Bowling Center, 1802 4th St. NW, Faribault, $10 . All you can bowl for $10 per person (based on 3 people per lane.) Call in reservations early as lanes will fill fast 507-334-3262. Morning Storytime: 18-Dec, 5:00 PM, Lonsdale Public Library, 1006 NE Birch St, Lonsdale, Free. Bring your kids and your sense of fun to our storytimes! Help your children develop literacy and a lifelong love of books and learning. All ages are welcome. No registration necessary. The Playfulness of Snow: 18-Dec, 7:30 PM, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, Free. . . MNSure Enrollment Events: 18-Dec, 7:30 PM, Rochester, MN, , Rochester, MN, Free. ‘Songs for a Winter Solstice’ by Ann Reed with Joan Griffith: 18-Dec, 9:00 PM, Crossings at Carnegie, 320 East Avenue, Zumbrota, $16-$18. Singer, songwriter and guitarist Ann Reed and bassist/ instrumentalist Joan Griffith will perform songs sure to brighten even the darkest night. Reed has been performing and creating community for more than 35 years with songs that find a permanent place in the heart. Of course, some of her songs and stories might end up closer to your funny bone a little irreverence never hurt anyone.. . (507) 732-7616 AlAnon for Familes and Friends of Alcoholics: 19-Dec, 9:00 AM, Alano Club Faribault, 217 Central Ave., Faribault, Free. New comers welcome. For more info contact 334-3434. Full Belly Soup Kitchen: 19-Dec, 1:00 PM, Cathedral Guild House, 515 2nd Ave, Faribault, Donations welcome.. Full meal served. The Playfulness of Snow: 19-Dec, 5:00 PM, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, Free. The Tenors: 19-Dec, 7:30 PM, Treasure Island Resort and Casino Minnesota, 5734 Sturgeon Lake Road, Welch, $23.50-$33.50. The Tenors are bringing their unique blend of classical music and contemporary pop to the Event Center at Treasure Island Resort & Casino on December 19, just in time for the holidays. The voices of Clifton Murray, Fraser Walters, Remigio Pereira and Victor Micallef will fill the Event Center with songs from their current album, Under One Sky, along with songs from their previous albums and more. For ticket or other information contact the Island Box Office at 1-877-849-1640.Tickets are $23.50, $28.50 & $33.50. The show is Saturday, December 19. Doors open at 7pm and concert starts 8pm. Must be 12 years of age or older to attend. Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian. 1-800-222-7077 Bluegrass Holiday Show: 19-Dec, 8:00 PM, Crossings at Carnegie, 320 East Avenue, Zumbrota, $16-$19. The High 48s make music that combines the soulful sound of classic bluegrass with a modern attitude. Theyll bring that sensibility to their Bluegrass Holiday Show. As traditional bluegrass bands go, The High 48s are about as non-traditional as they come. (507) 732-7616

Dec 20-26: MNSure Enrollment Events: 20-Dec, 1:00 PM, MNPrairie County Alliance - Waseca, 299 Johnson Avenue SW, Waseca, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE hands-on help from a MNsure certified navigator. 4th Tuesday of every month from 12:00pm-6:00pm MNPrairie County Alliance - Waseca 299 Johnson Avenue SW, Suite 160 Waseca, MN 56093 Walk-ins Welcome. Visit www. MNsure.org for info about all state health insurance programs, including those for low-income residents, and special enrollment options for life changes (or call 1-855-366-7873) PLEASE BRING: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND ANY IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS; BIRTHDATES OF ALL IN HOUSEHOLD DETAILS ABOUT ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME EXPECTED IN 2015 INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE, including any employer sponsored insurance available to the applicants, even if they didnt enroll in it (Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns are helpful!) For more information or questions, please call the Health Access Rochester MN Office: 507-589-8649. Preston Community Christmas Turkey Dinner:

20-Dec, 6:00 PM, Preston Servicemen’s Club, 217 St Paul St SW, Preston, Free. Free to anyone in the area who is alone or away from family on Christmas! Singles, couples and children welcome! For reservations please contact Ib Gatzke at 507.251.0206 or Gabby Kinneberg at 507.259.7532 or email gabbykinneberg@gmail.com If you are interested in donating to the dinner in any way, please contact Ib or Gabby. We hope to see you there!

507.645.8877 northfieldartsguild.org

Amazing Love Recovery Group: 21-Dec, 9:00 AM, St. Luke’s Church, 1100 Ninth Ave S.W., Faribault, Free. A recovery group for spiritual growth. All who struggle with addiction are invited to join to learn, encourage and support one another as Christians seeking to recover from the effects of addiction.

December at the Guild

Tuyet Trang: 21-Dec, 6:30 PM, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd, Prior Lake, $23-$32. Spend Christmas Day with some of Vietnams most amazing artists, including Ngoc Anh, Luong Tung Quang, Mai Thie Van, Thien Ton, Henry Chuc and Huong Tram. The Ban Nhac Hoang Thi Thi will also showcase their extraordinary talents at this event filled with fun, laughter and world-class entertainment. The Playfulness of Snow: 22-Dec, 9:00 AM, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, Free. ‘The Playfulness of Snow’ the Owaotnna Arts Center’s Annual Christmas Display opens on Sunday Dec 6 and runs through the 27th. Gallery hours are 1-5PM Tuesday through Sunday, Closed Mondays. the month of December is time for all of to become playful children and enjoy the drifting mounds of swirling snowflakes. We see the little darlings all warmly bundled up to play with the powdered magic dust or to glide on crystalline water. Delightful little Snowbabies from department 56 in all their playfulness will be apart of ‘the Playfulness of Snow’ . The frozen pond with its diamond surface is perfect for a dance on skates. Yes, Jerry Shore is engineering the dance and Marilyn Henke has fashioned the skaters. The child in all of us will also enjoy the world of a time gone by in London with the infamous character who had lost his joy (Scrooge) the Dickens Village by Department 56 is a part of our display. The Arts Center will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and New Years EVE and New Years Day. Euchre Night: 22-Dec, 9:30 AM, Morristown American Legion, 101 W. Main St., Morristown, $3 . Euchre night. The Playfulness of Snow: 22-Dec, 12:00 PM, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, Free. 507-685-2288 MNSure Enrollment Events: 22-Dec, 1:00 PM, Winona County Social Services, 202 East Third Street, Winona, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE hands-on help from a MNsure certified navigator. Every Tuesday of each month: 9:00am-3:00pm (by appointment only) Every Wednesday of each month: 9:00am-3:00pm (walk-ins and appointments welcome) Winona County Social Services 202 East Third Street Winona, MN 55987 For appointments, call 507-457-6500. Visit www. MNsure.org for info about all state health insurance programs, including those for low-income residents, and special enrollment options for life changes (or call 1-855-366-7873) PLEASE BRING: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND ANY IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS; BIRTHDATES OF ALL IN HOUSEHOLD DETAILS ABOUT ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME EXPECTED IN 2015 INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE, including any employer sponsored insurance available to the applicants, even if they didnt enroll in it (Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns are helpful!) For more information or questions, please call the Health Access Rochester MN: 507-589-8649. . 952-758-4431 MNSure Enrollment Events: 22-Dec, 5:00 PM, Rochester, MN, , Rochester, MN, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE hands-on help from a MNsure certified navigator. Below is the schedule for Rochester, MN events! Olmsted County Family Support & Assistance (Walk-in service: 2117 Campus Dr SE, Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55904) M-F: 9 a.m. 12 p.m. AND 1 p.m. 4 p.m. RCTC/University Center Rochester (when classes in session) (Walk-in service: Student Health Services, HS140, 851 30th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904) 2nd Monday (THROUGH 5/9/2016): 11 a.m. 3p.m. 4th Tuesday (THROUGH 5/9/2016): 11 a.m. 3p.m. Planned Parenthood (Walk-in service: 1212 7th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901) Mondays: 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Salvation Army Lunch Program (Walk-in service: 20 1st Ave NE, Rochester, MN 55906) Thursdays: 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m. Visit www.MNsure.org for info about all state health insurance programs, including those for low-income residents, and special enrollment options for life changes (or call 1-855-366-7873) PLEASE BRING: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND ANY IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS; BIRTHDATES OF ALL IN HOUSEHOLD DETAILS ABOUT ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME EXPECTED IN 2015 INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE, including any employer sponsored insurance available to the applicants, even if they didnt enroll in it (Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns are helpful!) For more information and questions, please call the Health Access Rochester MN Office: 507-589-8649. AlAnon for Familes and Friends of Alcoholics: 22-Dec, 6:30 PM, Alano Club Faribault, 217 Central Ave., Faribault, Free. New comers welcome. For more info contact 334-3434. Full Belly Soup Kitchen: 22-Dec, 7:00 PM, Cathedral Guild House, 515 2nd Ave, Faribault, Donations welcome. Full meal served. The Playfulness of Snow: 22-Dec, 7:00 PM, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, Free. MNSure Enrollment Events: 23-Dec, 9:00 AM, Rochester, MN, , Rochester, MN, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE hands-on help from a MNsure certified navigator. Below is the schedule for Rochester, MN events! Olmsted County Family Support & Assistance (Walk-in service: 2117 Campus Dr SE, Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55904) M-F: 9 a.m. 12 p.m. AND 1 p.m. 4 p.m. RCTC/University Center Rochester (when classes in session) (Walk-in service: Student Health Services, HS140, 851 30th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904) 2nd Monday (THROUGH

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A Christmas Carol

Friday & Saturday at 7:30 p.m. / Sunday at 2 p.m. Dec. 4-6, 10-13 Little Theatre, Owatonna

It takes infectious enthusiasm to put on a great show. It takes even more fervor to keep those shows going and actually become part of a community. Participation, patronage and hard work are what have kept the Little Theatre of Owatonna going for 50 years, a milestone the troupe recently celebrated. And in that time, the community has put on 201 plays under 57 different directors, according to Jerry Ganfield of the Steele County Historical Society. The second production of their 2015-2016 50th anniversary season is “A Christmas Carol,” based on the novel by Charles Dickens and adapted to stage by Romulus Linney. The play is sponsored by Wells Fargo and directed by Jeffrey Jackson. This classic novella was first published in London in 1843 and tells the eminent story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformation into a kindlier man, providing the audience with nearly simultaneous feelings of joy and despair. The Little Theatre has provided Owatonna with culture, an outlet or for some, a way to be brave and get involved. Local theatre teaches knowledge of history, creativity and above all else, self-expression. – – Autumn Van Ravenhorst, editor@southernminnscene.com

“Winter Wonderettes” A 60s Musical Holiday Gift

December 11 - 20 Arts Guild Theater 411 W. Third Street Tickets $18 Adults, $13 Seniors & Students

CVRO Handel’s Messiah Christmas Edition December 11 @ 7:30 pm Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour, Faribault

December 13 @ 3 pm

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St. Wenceslaus Church, New Prague Tickets $15 Adults, $10 Seniors & Students

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Richard Thompson Trio

7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 3 - Mayo Civic Center, Rochester I write quite a bit about musicians who are not famous but should be. Figuring that less than 1% of all professional musicians go on to become big time - or even moderately famous - rock stars, the list of people I have to write about is substantial. Some of them people are simply victims of bad timing and never being in exactly the right place at the right time. Others make incredibly good music that doesn’t fit a certain genre and therefore is never able to find a place on the radio. Others get their shot and for any number of reasons just aren’t able to capitalize on it. And then there are the people who are famous despite themselves. There are people out there who make incredible music, but have zero interest in fame because they value their privacy, don’t want to play the game and jump through all the hoops required to become an actual rock star, or just simply don’t have the intestinal fortitude to give themselves over to the public. Leonard Cohen comes to mind. Joe Cocker was a little bit like that. Joni Mitchell is another one. Kurt Cobain and Bob Dylan both fall on that list. Richard Thompson is most certainly in that group. Thompson was the guitar player and main songwriter for the British folkpop group Fairport Convention in the late 1960’s, and by the time he left the group in 1971 he was already considered a guitar hero. Thompson’s recording

career has been uneven through the 45 years since he went solo, but he has recorded some classics. Shoot Out the Lights, the album he recorded with his wife Linda in 1982 as their marriage was unraveling, is considered to be a classic of honest, raw emotion. His 1991 album Rumor and Sigh includes “1952 Vincent Black Lightning,” which is the very model of the perfect modern Irish Folk Ballad. His songs have been recorded by everyone from Patty Loveless to David Gilmour to The Blind Boys of Alabama. The man is a master songwriter, but his real skill is playing the guitar. I’d stack Thompson up against anybody in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. If you’ve never heard of him, that’s okay with Thompson. He wants to play his music and make a living, but he doesn’t care if you know who he is or not. That attitude has probably cost him millions of dollars and a place in many history books. Instead of being world famous, Thompson is a musician’s musician – he’s the guy that all those famous people revere. So, this minor legend will come to SoMinn on December 3, playing a show at the Mayo Civic Center. Don’t think too much about whether or not you’ll know any of his songs. Just go. – – Autumn Van Ravenhorst, editor@southernminnscene.com

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From 31 5/9/2016): 11 a.m. 3p.m. 4th Tuesday (THROUGH 5/9/2016): 11 a.m. 3p.m. Planned Parenthood (Walk-in service: 1212 7th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901) Mondays: 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Salvation Army Lunch Program (Walk-in service: 20 1st Ave NE, Rochester, MN 55906) Thursdays: 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m. Visit www.MNsure.org for info about all state health insurance programs, including those for low-income residents, and special enrollment options for life changes (or call 1-855-366-7873) PLEASE BRING: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND ANY IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS; BIRTHDATES OF ALL IN HOUSEHOLD DETAILS ABOUT ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME EXPECTED IN 2015 INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE, including any employer sponsored insurance available to the applicants, even if they didnt enroll in it (Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns are helpful!) For more information and questions, please call the Health Access Rochester MN Office: 507-589-8649. Free Tutoring for Adults: 23-Dec, 9:00 AM, Washington Community Center, 117 Shumway Ave, Faribault, Free. Free individualized tutoring in math, reading or writing. No registration necessary. 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 6-8 p.m. Community Cathedral Cafe: 23-Dec, 9:00

AM, Cathedral Guild House, 101 Sixth St. N.W., Faribault, Free. Free nutritious meal. Area Suicide Grief Support Group Meeting: 23-Dec, 9:30 AM, Mayo Clinic Health System (Hospital), 301 2nd St NE, New Prague, Free. Fourth Tuesday of the month, in the Jameen Mape Conference Room. For more information call Tom Handrich at 952445-0107 or 952-913-3994. Free Tutoring for Adults: 23-Dec, 1:00 PM, Washington Community Center, 117 Shumway Ave, Faribault, Free. Free individualized tutoring in math, reading or writing. No registration necessary. 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 6-8 p.m. The Playfulness of Snow: 23-Dec, 2:00 PM, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, Free. MNSure Enrollment Events: 23-Dec, 5:00 PM, Winona County Social Services, 202 East Third Street, Winona, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE hands-on help from a MNsure certified navigator. Every Tuesday of each month: 9:00am-3:00pm (by appointment only) Every Wednesday of each month: 9:00am-3:00pm (walk-ins and appointments welcome) Winona County Social Services 202 East Third Street Winona, MN 55987 For appointments, call 507-457-6500. Visit www.MNsure. org for info about all state health insurance programs, including those for low-income

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residents, and special enrollment options for life changes (or call 1-855-366-7873) PLEASE BRING: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND ANY IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS; BIRTHDATES OF ALL IN HOUSEHOLD DETAILS ABOUT ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME EXPECTED IN 2015 INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE, including any employer sponsored insurance available to the applicants, even if they didnt enroll in it (Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns are helpful!) For more information or questions, please call the Health Access Rochester MN: 507-589-8649. Deck the Halls: 24-Dec, 3:00 PM, Rochester Senior Center, 121 N Broadway Ave, Rochester, $7-$10. Tickets are $7 for members and $10 for non-member. This wonderful four person show consists of a baritone, who has played with the Minnesota Opera, a jazz singer pianist, who has performed regularly at The Saint Paul Hotel, along with a marvelous bassist and violinist! These are four skilled musicians who love to celebrate all of the music of the Christmas Season from classical to swing, with joy and beauty! Cookies and treats will be provided after the show. Tickets are $7 for members and $10 for non-member and can be picked up from the Rochester Senior Center Business Office. Bedtime Storytime: 26-Dec, 9:00 AM, Lonsdale Public Library, 1006 NE Birch St,

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Lonsdale, Free. Bring your kids and your sense of fun to our storytimes! Help your children develop literacy and a lifelong love of books and learning. Tuesday storytimes usually also include a craft to take home. All ages are welcome. No registration necessary. Full Belly Soup Kitchen: 26-Dec, 1:00 PM, Cathedral Guild House, 515 2nd Ave, Faribault, Donations welcome. Full meal served. MNSure Enrollment Events: 26-Dec, 1:00 PM, Steele County Admin Center, 630 Florence Avenue, Owatonna, Free. Open enrollment is November 1, 2015-January 31, 2016. Get FREE hands-on help from a MNsure certified navigator. 1st and 3rd Tuesday of EACH month: 1:00pm-7:00pm Every Wednesday: 9:00am-4:00pm MNPrairie County Alliance 630 Florence Avenue Owatonna, MN 55060 Walk-ins and appointments welcome. For appointments, call 507-5898649. Visit www.MNsure.org for info about all state health insurance programs, including those for low-income residents, and special enrollment options for life changes (or call 1-855-366-7873) PLEASE BRING: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND ANY IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS; BIRTHDATES OF ALL IN HOUSEHOLD DETAILS ABOUT ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME EXPECTED IN 2015 INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE, including any employer sponsored insurance

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available to the applicants, even if they didnt enroll in it (Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns are helpful!) For more information and questions, please call the Health Access Rochester MN Office: 507-589-8649.

tion are invited to join to learn, encourage and support one another as Christians seeking to recover from the effects of addiction. Community Cathedral Cafe: 29-Dec, 5:00 PM, Cathedral Guild House, 101 Sixth St. N.W., Faribault, Free. Free nutritious meal.

Full Belly Soup Kitchen: 26-Dec, 5:00 PM, Cathedral Guild House, 515 2nd Ave, Faribault, Donations welcome.. Full meal served.

Bar Bingo: 29-Dec, 6:30 PM, Faribault Eagles Club, 2027 Grant Street N.W., Faribault, $1 . Join us for a night of Bar Bingo! Baskets served from 5-7 p.m.

Dec 27-31:

The Playfulness of Snow: 30-Dec, 9:30 AM, Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, Free. ‘The Playfulness of Snow’ the Owaotnna Arts Center’s Annual Christmas Display opens on Sunday Dec 6 and runs through the 27th. Gallery hours are 1-5PM Tuesday through Sunday, Closed Mondays. the month of December is time for all of to become playful children and enjoy the drifting mounds of swirling snowflakes. We see the little darlings all warmly bundled up to play with the powdered magic dust or to glide on crystalline water. Delightful little Snowbabies from department 56 in all their playfulness will be apart of ‘the Playfulness of Snow’ . The frozen pond with its diamond surface is perfect for a dance on skates. Yes, Jerry Shore is engineering the dance and Marilyn Henke has fashioned the skaters. The child in all of us will also enjoy the world of a time gone by in London with the infamous character who had lost his joy (Scrooge) the

Euchre Night: 27-Dec, 6:00 PM, Morristown American Legion, 101 W. Main St., Morristown, $3 . Euchre night.. . Weekly Shot Clinic: 28-Dec, 6:30 PM, Mower County Health and Human Services, 201 1st Street NE, Austin, See Website. Weekly shot clinics at Mower County Health and Human Services will be changing from Friday afternoons to Thursday afternoons beginning October 4. The time will be from 3pm - 4:30pm each Thursday afternoon. Weekly shot clinics will be at the same location, the Health and Human Services building at the Oak Park Mall in Austin. Any questions, please contact Mower County Health and Human Services at 507-437-9701. Amazing Love Recovery Group: 29-Dec, 9:30 AM, St. Luke’s Church, 1100 Ninth Ave S.W., Faribault, Free. A recovery group for spiritual growth. All who struggle with addic-

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Dickens Village by Department 56 is a part of our display. The Arts Center will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and New Years EVE and New Years Day. Bedtime Storytime: 30-Dec, 5:00 PM, Lonsdale Public Library, 1006 NE Birch St, Lonsdale, Free. Bring your kids and your sense of fun to our storytimes! Help your children develop literacy and a lifelong love of books and learning. Tuesday storytimes usually also include a craft to take home. All ages are welcome. No registration necessary. Free Tutoring for Adults: 31-Dec, 3:00 PM, Washington Community Center, 117 Shumway Ave, Faribault, Free. Free individualized tutoring in math, reading or writing. No registration necessary. 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 6-8 p.m. Full Belly Soup Kitchen: 31-Dec, 6:00 PM, Cathedral Guild House, 515 2nd Ave, Faribault, Donations welcome. Full meal served. New Year’s Eve Bash with the Shane Martin Band: 31-Dec, 8:00 PM, New Ulm Event Center, 301 20th Street South, New Ulm, $10 . Come help us bring in the New Year at the New Ulm Event Center, with the Shane Martin Band! Doors will open at 8:00 p.m. Band will play from 8:30-12:30 a.m. 21+ event Tickets will be $10 and sold only at the door!

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

CD REVIEWS By Sarah Osterbauer editor@southernminnscene.com

Embrace Kill the Vultures’ Carnelian

inneapolis band Kill the Vultures have always produced a sound that is genre defying. It’s easy enough to describe them simply as a rapper and a producer, yet, the resulting creation cannot be encompassed in that description alone. Anatomy’s production resembles a vagabond street band brought together by winds of chance and circumstance. Meanwhile rapper Crescent Moon spits culturally aware lyrics too smart for a casual listener. On their fourth full length jaunt, these two cats are firing on all cylinders. Where previously they may have been holding back, they go all in on Carnelian. Reminiscent of Tom Waits’ Bone Machine, the album has a distinct junk yard vibe decorated in an eerie feeling of impending doom. Moon’s fearless analogies can run so thick he’s practically speaking in tongues and it can be a challenge just to keep up. Album opener “Shake Your Bones” reads like the precursor to a fight. The ceremonial snare and solemn horns play escort to a deranged violin. Crescent Moon’s aggressive delivery comes down as a warning. “Shake your bones, rattle your nerves, chase the devil out.” As the violin convulses into a seizure, you wonder when the

By Karlee Kanz editor@southernminnscene.com

U No Old School Purple

nless you’ve been living under a rock all of your life whilst living in Minnesota you know who Prince is, and what he’s about. He formed what we call around these parts “Minneapolis Sound”, which is a hybrid mixture of funk, rock, pop, synth-pop and new wave. In his early years between 1982’s 1999 and 1989’s Batman soundtrack his sound was impeccable, fresh, and new. A little after came one of the greatest soundtracks to be ever made (in my most humble opinion), Purple Rain. With that release Prince showed the world that he isn’t fooling around; he had something about him.

producers from True Blood with catch wind of this track and how long it’ll be before they claim it for their theme song. All of the tracks on Carnelian are bone chilling. As the album progresses, so does the darkness. On “Broke” the same six piano notes play on repeat making you question if you’re somewhere in a straight jacket. The frenzied violin and wind sounds do nothing to deter the thought. The song changes course the last 30 seconds when horror movie strings lead into “The River”. A xylophone and chimes give “The River” a horror story feel, the sepia toned Nosferatu type of story. On “Vandal” dissonant horns and trash can percussion move to hip hop beat. It’s one of only a couple songs on the album that feel like hip hop. Another one is “Crown” where a low hum coupled with a half moan transitions into blood curdling screams and sirens. It is as unsettling as it sounds. Many of Carnelian’s tracks are ceremonial in nature not in a royal sense but in a voodoo magic way. Is a skeleton key going to appear when I get through all these songs? Definitely can’t rule it out. When Crescent Moon wants to make a point he’ll repeat the same line a few times to ensure it carves itself into your headspace. Those same lines could just as easily be the spell KTV is trying

to put on you. Religious references play a big role, with God, the devil and Jesus called out many times, their existence and authority questioned. On “Smoke In The Temple” the chorus chants “whoever said worship was simple, baptize the info and feed it to your kinfolk.” The track making a comment on the motivation behind and validity of organized religion. On “Amnesia” Crescent Moon assures us that “the drugs won’t save you and Jesus won’t either.” Amongst the fray of horrifying sounds, Carnelian has a lot to say about religion, history, and culture from the point of view of a mixed race person. It may sound strange to tell you to listen to this album after mentioning the music can be borderline frightening at times. The album is an earbender, to say the least. It will make you feel uncomfortable. But you should see it more like a great novel. Because it’s full of words that should be read with care and openness. Your ears will want to look away and you’ll need to train them to stare this music straight in the eyes. Make friends with it. Let it teach you things. And try not to be frightened by it.

People say he started to drop off and lose his sound in the 2000’s. But you see kids, Prince is like a Pokemon; he keeps evolving. I mean for the love of god he is constantly changing; his hairstyle, clothing (or lack there of), sound, and even turning his name into a damn symbol. How can you be so hasty to say he still isn’t the same Prince? 2015’s HITnRun Phase One has been the closest “old school Prince” we have gotten in a long time. HITnRUN contains the same kind of moxie, swagger, and fervor of creation that has always been commensurable with his best work. It opens up with the glorious drum sounds of the 80’s, and quickly swings you into that electro-funk-pop we all know and love. Prince doesn’t stop there,

adding some EDM inspired sounds in his songs, including “This Could Be Us”. This album doesn’t seem like a music legend trying to stay up and hip with the times, but a skilled musical veteran bending and morphing new age technology and sounds with the precision of a brain surgeon. If you bought this album thinking Prince would finally ‘go back to his roots’ and produce another Purple Rain type album, I’m sorry, but it isn’t that. Prince is a damn majestic and ever evolving sequoia tree, with strong roots that’ll never stop growing with layers among layers of talent.

Sarah Osterbauer is the SouthernMinn Scene music columnist. She’s a music critic and loves to meet the people who make the city’s heart beat (and sometimes break). Follow her on twitter @ SarahOwrites.

Karlee Kanz is a freelance writer in Southern Minnesota. Contact her at editor@southernminnscene.com.

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CD REVIEWS By RICH LARSON editor@southernminnscene.com

Katy Vernon delivers an exquisite, multidimensional ‘Present’

ccording to her press bio, Katy Vernon would have you believe that she writes “sad songs on a happy instrument.” The London native – who has made her home in the Twin Cities for better than 20 years - has a British sensibility that dictates art must offer a sense of dismal circumstances and/or expectations in order to be valid. That may have been the case on her debut Solo album, 2012’s Before I Forget, but her new album, Present, puts her at odds with that philosophy. The little British girl who had a straight-up Dickensian childhood (she lost both her parents as a teenager) has become a happily married suburban mother armed with a ukulele and a healthy, well-adjusted attitude. With this new album, Vernon destroys the idea that artists have to suffer to create great and vital art. Present shows us a mature, wise woman with a deep love for her family and an even deeper wisdom that has been allowed to inform her music. She wastes no time making this point, with the opening track “23.” Over simply strummed ukulele chords, her voice happily bounces off the first line “I’m never gonna be/The girl I was at 23/But I don’t mind at all/She drove me up the wall” and then proceeds to make a statement

By Daniel G. Moir editor@southernminnscene.com

Authentic Rock & Roll from a True Master

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ndoubtedly, Keith Richards is a legend. Aside from co-creating what can be arguably called “the greatest band in the world,” he formed one to rival them with his solo band, “The X-Pensive Winos.” Stripping away the excess and “Jive” sometimes associated with the Rolling Stones, the Winos play with an unpretentious directness missing from Stones records since the late 70’s. Opening with a title track recalling the 1936 recordings made by bluesman Robert Johnson, Keith Richards uses his first solo album in 21 years to openly acknowledge his roots and influences. While, he may lack the clean technical precision that Johnson displayed, Richards more than matches the troubled Delta legend in authentic heart and soul. “Heartstopper” begins the album proper and fills the ears with sinewy guitar lines that effortlessly glide around the melody delivered by Richard’s sandpaper voice. Tense guitar rhythms give way to a spirited solo played in a style reminiscent of Richards’ hero, Chuck Berry. You just don’t hear this kind of timeless playing anymore. “Robbed Blind” is the type of aching country ballad that he excels in. Avoiding detail, he tells of betrayal, heartbreak and unclear consequences. Richards gravely drawls that he “can’t involve the cops,” leading not only to a feeling of dread for whoever crossed him, but also a bit of a smile considering the singer’s legendary past. More about mood than plot, he never reveals exactly what has, or will happen but lets the words mix

about strength, individuality and expression coming from within. “23” is followed by “Lilly,” a song that celebrates her youngest daughter’s point of view. “Day starts to fade/To a dark midnight blue/But you prefer a deep aqua-marine/Then you start to think of tickle-me pink/neon tumbleweeds blow right through your dreams/Oh Lilly, Lilly, Lilly You paint the world/So bright.” Whether Lilly is actually painting or just enamored with one of those deluxe boxes of Crayolas is beside the point. Vernon’s lyrics, melody and exuberant delivery show how much pride she has in her daughter. In a world where clichéd songs about your kids are a dime a dozen, this one stands out not just for its creativity, but also for its authenticity. And if you want to hear pure optimism in a three-minute song, check out “Loving You.” A person who doesn’t smile listening to Vernon proclaiming “1-2-3-400 people care about you” is clearly dead inside. This is not to say that Present all just happy songs about the best things in life, however. Vernon offers plenty of her sad songs in happy packages, as well. The centerpiece of the album is the pop gem, “Pearl.” Set against a tale of heartbreak and resilience, Vernon offers a captivating and haunting melody, complete with a gorgeous, lush, nearly instrumental chorus. A friend once told me that he thought the best lyrics in rock & roll are “ohhh” and “wooooh.” If that’s the case,

with the sound of the track to convey his story. You might not know the details, but still know exactly what happened. “Trouble” serves an instant blast of fun. Guitar riffs careen unexpectedly into beats and slide across the track as Richards lectures a friend whose actions suggest that “trouble is your middle name.” Talk about the pot and the kettle. If you are getting this kind of lecture from Keef, you might want to reconsider your life choices. However, if this leads to such tasty guitar interplay as shown between Richards and Winos guitarist Waddy Wachtel, it might be worth it. The joy among the players is palpable. Even while revealing, and reveling in his influences, Richards own playing shows his uniqueness. As a guitarist and singer, his style can be best described as “unsteady genius.” It is nearly impossible to replicate his sense of rhythm and ability to find spaces between beats for just the right note or stuttered chord. He plays both ahead of, and behind the beat following his own particular swagger. His ability is perfectly timed unsteadiness. Throughout “Crosseyed Heart,” drummer Steve Jordan continues to prove that, aside from Mick Jagger, he is Richard’s most reliable conspirator. In addition to co-writing much of the album, his drums drive the party, especially the fifties-styled “Blues In The Morning” giving us one last chance to hear the late Bobby Keys on saxophone. This blistering track sounds like a late night bleeding into morning. “Nothing On Me” is a groove-oriented delight fueled by Jordan’s mid-tempo playing. While this song doesn’t really “go anywhere,” the sound of

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Rich Larson is the publisher and editor of SouthernMinn Scene. You can reach him at rlarson@southernminnscene.com.

top-notch talent playing so deep in the pocket, trading licks and lines effortlessly, make this an indelible piece of ear candy for the rock fan. This also holds true for the joyously sloppy mess that is “Something For Nothing.” With a catchy melody and quirky structure, this could be a polished, perfectly recorded “studio hit” if handled by “the music industry.” Richards and Jordan thankfully choose feel over perfection and deliver something that lives and breathes on its own without studio trickery. Such is their authentic, wayward genius. The American Folk standard “Goodnight Irene” has a strange listing quality to it, as if it were a drunk staggering to and fro under misty late night West London streetlights. Richards’ makes no hesitation in using Lead Belly’s original lyrics telling of desperation, and suicidal thoughts. Richards weary vocals and alternating guitar finger patterns throughout the song make the thought that he could “take a great notion to jump in the river and drown” utterly believable. This is the genuine sound of someone living a life equal to the story being told. Sadly, the last tracks of the album wander off aimlessly. “Substantial Damage” in particular is a flat, poorly constructed groove that goes nowhere and quickly overstays its welcome after the first minute. Album finale “Lover’s Plea” is slightly better but is an unnecessary formulaic ballad making it clear that the album would have been much stronger had it ended two songs earlier with “Goodnight Irene.” Rich Larson is the publisher and editor of SouthernMinn Scene. You can reach him at rlarson@southernminnscene.com.

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“Pearl” is the living proof. Vernon may write her music on a ukulele, but she’s become quite adept at writing for a full band. Assisted on this album by her touring group and well-regarded Twin Cities producer Kevin Bowe, Vernon’s sound has been fleshed out by giving space to her compatriots. From Paul Odegaard’s perfectly placed trumpet during the chorus of 23 (another well crafted, wordless chorus, by the way), to the ragtime jazzy piano played by Simon Husbands on “Loving You,” the musicians have as much to do with the emotions in the song as the writer herself. Clay Williams’ lonesome guitar is the perfect compliment to Vernon’s regretful lyrics on “Lost My Head.” Throughout the entire album, drummer Chris McAtee and bass player Reed Pagel are able to deftly create just the right groove to reflect Vernon’s ever-changing moods. With her first album, Vernon made it known that she was a standout singer and songwriter, even in the sea of talent that exists in the Twin Cities. Present shows us her emotional depth and precision, along with heavy doses of insight, pop sensibility and irresistible charm. The woman who writes sad songs on a happy instrument is feeling pretty good about life. This album will make you feel that way, too.

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lip Saunders’ uncle once told him he wished that Flip could be four inches taller, to which a younger Flip responded that he wouldn’t have tried so hard if he had been four inches taller. His height never once stood in the way of his superb career as a player or coach. He had heart, determination, skill, and a drive like no other. On October 25th Philip Daniel “Flip” Saunders passed away after a battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He was 60. Saunders is survived by his wife, Debbie; daughters Rachel, Mindy and Kimberly, and his oldest child, son Ryan, a Wolves assistant coach. Flip started off as a prep basketball star at Cuyahoga Heights High School, where he was named the state’s player of the year after averaging 32 points a game during his senior season. Right out of high school he went off to play for the Minnesota Golden Gophers and then started his coaching career at Golden Valley Lutheran College in St. Paul. He coached for over 35 years working the sidelines of colleges, minor leagues, and the NBA. He had over 1,000 coaching wins and tagged on two CBA championships with the La Crosse Catbirds during his stint there. He then began coaching the Timberwolves in 1995 where he molded this certain lanky tall kid from Greenville, South Carolina into one of the best NBA players of our time. His

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KARLEE KANZ Karlee Kanz is a freelance writer in Southern Minnesota. Contact her at editor@southernminnscene.com.

name might ring a bell, Kevin Garnett. During his time with the Timberwolves he brought them to 8 straight playoff appearances. In 2013 Flip returned to the Timberwolves after being gone for 8 years to become the team president and also a part owner. He spent no time dilly dallying, and went full swing into making a brand new stateof-the-art training facility for the team, also making long awaited (and needed) renovations to Target Center. He didn’t stop there. Flip decided to get the band back together and bring “Big Ticket” Kevin Garnett back to the land of 10,000 lakes. I always dreamt of the day where Garnett would come back and finish his career with the Timberwolves. Not even a writer for Disney could’ve made this story any better, with Flip Saunders and Kevin Garnett back together. Memories of my childhood flooded my brain, remembering all of the excitement those two brought to the team, the city, and to my life. Like all of us, Flip was excited to see this team that he built in such a short time grow into something great. I bet just seeing Garnett use the skills he instilled in him years ago to teach the likes of Andrew Wiggins and Karl Anthony Towns made him feel like the most proud father. He never stopped believing in this team, this state, and the people. We welcomed him back with open arms, like an old friend. And we’ll mourn him just the same, like an old friend we never stopped caring about.

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An argument for why

KEVIN KREIN

‘A Muppet Family Christmas’ Kevin Krein is an award winning music blogger, an observational essayist, a part time bookseller, a writer for two newspapers, and a cool rabbit dad. He is also a curmudgeon about the holidays but somehow found something nice to write about this year. Follow his curmudgeonly tweets: @ KevEFly.

is one of the greatest accomplishments of our time

hen you think about the last 30 years, and all of the incredible accomplishments that mankind has made, what comes to mind? No matter what your answer was (if you really thought about that question) it’s probably wrong, unless you said “A Muppet Family Christmas.” Originally airing on television in 1987,”A Muppet Family Christmas” is one of the greatest accomplishments for both humans and Muppets in the last 30 years, and maybe even longer than that. Let me back up a little though. The holidays—no matter which one you opt to celebrate—mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. However, they are all based in tradition: you traditionally go to someone’s house for some kind of gathering, or you traditionally make the same food every year since someone is expecting you to make that one thing everyone likes. I, traditionally speaking, would prefer that the holiday just bypass me all together. But I’m not magical so that has never happened to me, and I too have a family or whatever, and they want me to show up at gatherings and eat the thing that someone was expected to make since we all apparently like it so much. Despite our best efforts, my wife and I have developed our own holiday traditions in our small, two person and one rabbit household—one of those traditions involves begrudgingly listening to whatever radio station is playing nothing but Christmas music between Halloween and December 24th. The other tradition we have is the annual viewing of “A Muppet Family Christmas,” taped off of the ABC affiliate based of Rockford, Illinois, in 19871. So that means digging out the VCR and carefully inserting the fragile VHS tape. With every year that goes by, the tape gets older and older, and we worry about just how fragile it is becoming. You may be saying to yourself, “Gosh Kevin, I don’t even own a VCR anymore. You’re pretty awesome for still having one, but, my pal, why don’t you just go and buy this on DVD?” Well, loyal reader, the reason I can’t go out and buy this on DVD is because IT DOESN’T EXIST. And that, friend, is one of the many reasons why “A Muppet Family Christmas” is an incredibly important thing. The reason it doesn’t exist on DVD has to do with the fact that home video rights for the songs used in the special were not secured at the time—so when it has been released on DVD in the past (once in 2002) a number of scenes had to be altered or cut completely. So really, the special, seen as intended by its creators, is only available to those that were smart enough to tape it and HANG ONTO THEIR TAPES in the 1980s.

Also I guess it exists in our memories or whatever. And on You Tube, since, like, everything exists on there, right? Prior to introducing my wife to this during the first Christmas we lived together in 2006, she did not believe that “A Muppet Family Christmas” was a real thing. Even after I sent her the Internet Movie Database link for it, she still was not convinced that it existed. And who can blame her, because it sounds just too good to be true.

having a “nice quite Christmas in the country.” Much to his chagrin, he’s stuck in a cramped farmhouse with Muppets. Needless to say, hilarity ensues, and Doc comes to understand and even learns to like the Muppets once he realizes he is not that much different from them; he even goes out in a snowstorm to find Miss Piggy—who stayed behind in “the city” to finish Christmas shopping, and is stuck in a horrible blizzard on her way to the

that he has to spend the holidays with Muppets. “Weirdos,” he calls them. But then he has some kind of unprecedented discovery and reversal, and exclaims that spending the holidays with the Muppets is better than he anticipated. I asked my wife why she thought that “A Muppet Family Christmas” was one of the most important accomplishments of the last 30 years and she said it’s because of the fact that it’s such an emotional rollercoaster—you find yourself laughing; you find yourself crying. You’re laughing because everyone is at their absolute best—Fozzie forms a new comedy duo with a talking snowman and they sing a song together and it is amazing; Rolf The Dog shows up late and tells a joke about how he was chasing a mail truck the whole way there and he’s “exhausted.” “That’s a dog joke,” he said as an aside, in case you didn’t get the subtle humor. You’re crying because at some point, you’re worried Miss Piggy isn’t going to make it out to the farmhouse; you’re worried that Swedish Chef is really going to try to cook Big Bird as the Christmas turkey, but then he changes his mind after a token of friendship is offered. You cry because Jim Henson, the gawd himself, shows up at the end to wash the dishes—the benevolent creator who has blessed us with this beautiful gift.

Possibly the greatest comedy duo of all time, Mr. Snowman and Jim Henson, his sweater, and a dog named Sprocket look upon the magic that has been created with “A Fozzie Bear. Muppet Family Christmas.” A quick explanation of the plot of “A farmhouse (a plot device Muppet Family Christmas”: that is used as main source of suspense Why is “A Muppet Family Christmas” Fozzie Bear impulsively decides to to keep the action moving forward.) on of the greatest accomplishments of visit his mother, Emily, for the holidays. Once the gang is finally all together, our time? Well it’s because of the larger Emily, a single bear mother, lives alone in they gather around the fireplace conceit2 and that is because it’s a lot an old farmhouse. Fozzie rounds up the and sing a rather lengthy medley of like life itself, you see—it’s poignant entire Muppet gang—and I mean every holiday tunes—including the absolutely and touching, it’s sad, it’s funny, and in fucking Muppet, including everyone devastating refrain from “It’s In Every certain moments, it’s all of those at the One of Us” by John Denver, sung by from Sesame Street, a cameo from same time. the Muppet Babies, and a bit of a plot Robin The Frog, which never ceases to stretch to include the Fraggles—and then make me sob uncontrollably—which is 1 - my tape is complete with commercials from the they all converge on the Bear farmhouse another reason why “A Muppet Family 1980s, including My First Sony products, Double Mint gum ads with twins wearing sweater vests, and myriad Christmas” is an incredibly important on Christmas Eve. McDonald’s commercials that are simply incredible. As fate would have it, Emily Bear accomplishment. 2 - an even LARGER conceit that I can’t even get into wants to spend Christmas in Hawaii, and Of course the main conceit of the due to column length is ‘the icy patch,’ which despite has rented her property to Doc (from special is about putting aside one’s everyone’s warning, people still slip on as they enter into the farmhouse. This too can be seen as a metaphor for life. “Fraggle Rock”) who is hell bent on differences—at first, Doc is pissed as hell

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The Choo Choo Bob Show

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November 20, 7pm $12 Members // $15 Non-Members // $8 Students Part of the 2015 Crossroads Family Season

December 18, 7:30pm $15 Members // $20 Non-Members // $10 Students $5 Student Rush: Available 15 minutes before curtain time, cash only with valid student I.D.

Join Choo Choo Bob and all his friends at the Bobville Clubhouse, where they get mixed up in all sorts of wacky train adventures! Watch as St. Paul, Minnesota’s Favorite Train Story comes to life live on stage.

Joseph Hall’s Elvis Rock N’Remember Tribute

PEACE. JOY. AND ROCK AND ROLL! Look out there is a different kind of Santa coming to town! Get ready to Rock the Tree Top this holiday season as audiences are taken on a wild Sleigh Ride as beloved Holiday Classics are turned into the classic rock and roll you love.

November 21, 7pm $20 Members // $25 Non-Members Sponsor: State Bank of Faribault

UPCOMING CLASSES

Elvis is in the building, and we challenge you not to jump out of your seats! Joseph Hall is thrilled to be bringing his Elvis Rock N’Remember tribute show to the Paradise Center. A fast paced show which caters to young and old, Elvis Rock N’Remember traces the roots of the Elvis phenomenon - the voice, the charm, and the moves. Joseph Hall achieves a powerful flashback experience that will take you back to a time when fans fell in love with the talented, handsome, energetic, high-spirited young man who was Elvis Presley.

December 5, 11am-12noon $7 Members // $9 Non-Members

Paradise Community Theatre Presents

Twice the Cheer this Year The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and A Charlie Brown Christmas Directed by Rachel Heider December 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 7:30pm December 6, 13 2pm $15 Members // $16 Non-Members // $10 Students Sponsored by Reliance Bank Part of the 2015 Faribault Daily News Theatre Season Two heart-warming family favorites for the holidays presented live on stage for just one ticket. In The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the Herdman children invade the local church, after being told they serve snacks, just in time to be cast in the annual Christmas Pageant. Christmas will never be the same again. Then, the classic TV special, A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life, with all its wonderful characters caught up in the rush of the holiday season, until Linus reminds them of the true meaning of Christmas.

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Mary Jane Alm January 8, 7:30pm $17 Members // $22 Non-Members // $10 Students $5 Student Rush: Available 15 minutes before curtain time, cash only with valid student I.D. Part of the 2016 KGP Companies Music Series Winner of the Minnesota Music Awards’ Best Female Vocalist (multiple years) and Artist of the Year, Mary Jane Alm brings her brand of musical magic to the Paradise, covering styles from blues to rock and everything in between. “Of all Twin Cities performers, no one is more adored than Mary Jane Alm, a talented charmer with golden vocal chords, disarming sincerity, an impressive collection of original tunes and a hot, high-caliber band.” - St. Paul Pioneer Press

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

ParadiseCenterForTheArts.org Note: Ticket processing fee added at purchase.

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