andArts Culture

August Events

Emerging Artist Brennan Schachtner

Hockey, football, lacrosse—these topics belong on the Sports page! That is, unless Brennan Schachtner, sports photographer and 2023 White Bear graduate, is involved. Then, a winning point becomes expertly lensed art.

The word “expert” is not used lightly; Schachtner won the 2023 MN Football Hub Photo of the Year, the 2023 MN Hockey Hub Photo of the Year winner, and the Spring 2023 Balfour Yearbooks Sports Action Photo. While these accolades are built on years of Schachtner’s artistic craftsmanship, not all of those years were spent in photography.

“I have always been pretty creative,” Schachtner explains, “When I was younger I used to draw… As I got older, I started getting into creating graphics, digital images, and managing social media… which would jump me into taking photos. That began in the fall of 2021.”

Brennan’s web skills and photography passion clicked together, framing a unique opportunity: a freelance sports photography business. Schachtner’s site gallery features shots a seasoned professional would envy: a triumphant slam dunk at a state tournament, a midair hurrah at a football game, an adorable face-off at a five-year-olds’ hockey scrimmage. WHERE did Brennan gain such impeccable style?

“I mostly learn from YouTube, other creators, and grow from my mistakes…” Brennan reveals, “I would say my style is pretty unique to myself. All creators stick to their own editing style…”

A clear artistic voice is already tricky enough to find at such a young age, but using that ability to start a business is intrepid. Brennan will be the first to admit, however, that the business hasn’t always been a snap.

“I have grown in many ways since beginning this. Overall, communication and social skills… Taking feedback and constructive criticism is the number one thing to figure out what I can work on to do better, and if people are enjoying what I am putting out there,” Schachtner explains.

Brennan is likely on the right course with that work ethic. Lakeville South Football has hired him for their 2023 season. Steady artistic professional work at 18 years old is, then, perhaps his greatest accomplishment. His advice on how to capture such a singular career, ironically, is universal.

“…just keep going,” Brennan encourages, “Don’t give up, even when things get hard or don’t feel like everything’s going in your way… Just get creative, be unique, and see how it turns out.”

To view Brennan Schachtner’s (truly stunning) portfolio, visit brennanschachtnerphotos.com

TALE AS OLD AS TIME… AND AS YOUNG AS EIGHT

When I was three years old, I saw my first movie in theaters— 1991’s Beauty and the Beast. Driving up to the Hanifl Arts Center to interview the cast of Children’s Performing Arts’ upcoming Beauty and the Beast production, I naturally feel nostalgic. Then a sudden downpour hits.

A little damp, I begin interviewing the cast…when the power goes out. 30 kids are on stage in pitch black. Instead or chaos, however, the emergency lights come on, and everyone is calmly sitting semicircle listening to the director.

“Everyone really wants to be here,” Molly Heil, the stage manager, explains, “There’s such a grandness to the show. There’s a castle, enchanted objects—all those magic touches.”

The “grandness” is certainly apparent—a hefty protruding balcony and zigzag staircases loom backstage—and the show’s notoriety is hardly lost on director Tami Provencher.

“This is one of those shows that’s on everybody’s checklist,” Tami gushes admirably. When asked how she makes even the smallest kid feel included, Tami gets a gleeful smile. “First, they’re the baker’s kids doing errands… Then they’re the wolves,” she chuckles, “It’s the most adorably terrifying thing you’ll ever see! …And they’re great at all of it. I’ve worked with kids for years, and they ALWAYS surprise me.”

One of those surprises is undoubtedly Eleanor Cannon, soon-to-be eighth grader and this production’s Belle. Almost all of the other main roles went to high-schoolers, and auditions were packed. I asked why, given the steep competition, Cannon still decided to try out for Belle.

“I didn’t!” Eleanor exclaims, “I only recently got back into performing [Cannon put theatre on hold during COVID]. I just kept getting callbacks… When I found out why, I was so excited that I couldn’t sleep. And I had school the next day, too, so I really needed to sleep!”

Eleanor’s focus on academics is something she finds in common with Belle, and Cannon credits that love of learning, especially reading, with understanding Belle as a character.

“You see so many points of view when you read,” Eleanor reflects, “I think it’s taught me empathy.” One thing it hasn’t taught Eleanor, however, is forgiveness. “That’s where Belle and I differ,” she reveals, “If someone kidnapped MY dad? I’d hold a grudge… Maybe that’s something I need to work on.”

Were Eleanor to look for advice in that regard, she could turn to her co-star Oliver Grawe, who plays The Beast. “I was a big bully in elementary school,” Grawe admits, “I was aggressive. It was bad until my parents got me to see someone.” I ask Oliver why he thinks he was able to overcome his anger while The Beast can’t. “He cuts himself off from everyone,” Oliver explains, “I like that sometimes, but I’m an extrovert.”

Upon learning that Eleanor’s connection to Belle is reading, Oliver smirks, “Well, I DON’T like reading, and The Beast CAN’T read, so there.” After I remind Oliver that people will have to read about the show if they’re going to see it, he laughs, then proclaims, “We’re really good. Better than anybody else who’s done it—unless you’re my parents reading this. Then, we’re humble.”

Director Tami concurs, “I think people underestimate kids—especially THESE kids. I mean, just look at them and listen!” I do. 30 kids joyfully belt out “Be our Guest” during a power outage in the middle of a storm—and I feel like I’m three years old again.

Hop On Pops On The Porch

Two years ago, a storm whipped across White Bear Lake, ominously advancing towards a crowd of picnickers on the Fillebrown-House lawn. Few chose to leave, though, because they didn’t want the music to stop. Only when the band leader cut off the ensemble and urged the audience to find shelter did the attendees pack up.

“That’s commitment,” Allison Lincoln, Director of Member and Donor Services for the White Bear Lake Historical Society, observes. The storm story is just one anecdote in the storied history of Pops on the Porch, the annual music event celebrating White Bear’s old resort culture.

The 14-piece band behind this magnetism, the Moonlight Serenaders, has been doing Big-Band-era hits for Pops on the Porch since 1985!

“We love entertaining people,” says Linda Ness, the band’s history buff, “making them happy by creating new memories as well as bringing back old memories.”

Ness isn’t just blowing smoke, either. “We were even hired to play at a nursing home, monthly, for a lady who was an accordion player for Lawrence Welk,” she fondly recounts, “Her daughter claims that we extended her mother’s life by playing for her.”

Normally, rock-stepping swing dancers twirl around the Serenaders’ events in the Wabasha Street Caves, but Pops on the Porch is best appreciated with a meal.

“The event has always been free,” Lincoln touts, “so bring a chair, food, or a blanket!”

When questioned if people bring alcohol, Lincoln shrugs, “I can neither confirm nor deny its presence at this event.”

A speakeasy atmosphere would be appropriate, but hardly explains the event’s longevity and appeal. Pops on the Porch regularly attracts over 200 listeners.

“White Bear LOVES White Bear,” Lincoln, a Northfield transplant, states with admiration, “and the Fillebrown House is the heart of the Historical Society.” Pops on

Explore upcoming Avenue of the Arts events with CPA, LPT and WBCA

INTO

Nature Community Reception

Where: White Bear Center for the Arts

When: Thursday, August 17 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Celebrate WBCA’s annual plein air competition during the community reception where you’ll hear from judge Joshua Cunningham and learn this year’s award winners.

Beginning Clay

Where: White Bear Center for the Arts

When: 5 Tuesdays, August 1-29 6-8:30 p.m.

New to the potter’s wheel or want to revisit the fundamentals of thrown pottery? Learn the skills and process to transform a lump of clay into incredible functional forms in this intro class.

Intergenerational Friday

Where: White Bear Center for the Arts

When: Friday, August 11, 10 a.m.Noon

Create plein air art inspired by the Into Nature Competition in this family event. It’s perfect for grandparents and grandchildren to do together!

AUG. SCHOOL EVENTS

WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME

The Hanifl Performing Arts Center

August 18, 19 at 7:30 p.m.

August 20 at 2 p.m.

In this hilarious, hopeful, and achingly human show, playwright Heidi Schrek resurrects her teenage self in order to trace the profound relationship between four generations of women and the founding document that shaped their lives. Recommended for ages 14+.

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the Porch’s popularity, then, results from a harmony of vintage music performed at a vintage location.

“Lake Avenue is the one place that kinda still resembles the look of the 1920s.” Lincoln explains, “Close your eyes while listening to that music? You step back in time.”

To learn more about the Fillebrown House, visit www.whitebearhistory.org

To learn more about the Moonlight Serenaders, visit their Facebook page “Moonlight Serenaders of Minnesota.”