january 2013 entertainment guide

January 2013FREE

WhitesideWalls Rock N Roll RevieW

Jan 25 - Zumbrota

Gypsy jazz jam sessioN

Jan 8, 22 - Northfield

mu daiko Jan 17 - Faribault

Covering Cannon Falls, Faribault, Farmington, Lakeville, Northfield,

Owatonna & Surrounding Areas

[email protected] © Northfield eNtertaiNmeNt Guide

JaNuary 2013 Check us out online at www.northfieldguide.com 1

ContentsExhibits ��2Theater ��3Shorts ��4-5Vintage Band Festival 2013 ��6

Happenings�� 7-24

Living Treasure Award �� 24Sidewalk Poetry �� 25Regional Arts Grants �� 28Just Curious: Paul Niemisto �� 29Positively Division Street ��30-31Historic Happenings: Larry Gould – Part 2 ��32-36January Gigs �� 36 Clubs, Classes & More �� 37 Paraskefidekatriaphobia �� 38Advertisers’ Index �� 38Dining ��39-40NEG Coupons ��39-40

On the Cover: The Upper Midwest’s premier doo-wop, rockabilly and rock and roll band – The Whitesidewalls – will present a Rock N Roll Revue Jan. 25 at the Zumbrota State The-ater. Photo credit: Sharron Roman Nelson

your source for happenings since 2005

Vol. 8, Issue 1January 201317 Bridge SquareNorthfield, MN 55057507/[email protected]

Publisher:Rob SchanilecBy All Means Graphics

Advertising:Teresa Tilson, Sales Manager [email protected]

Contributors:Felicia CrosbySusan HvistendahlRich LarsonLocallygrownnorthfield.org Northfield.orgNorthfield Music Collective

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

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Crossings at Carnegie320 East Ave., Zumbrota • crossingsatcarnegie.com 507/732-7616 • M/T/W/F 10am-5pm, Thu 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-4pmJust Figures – Jan. 1-31 – group show of depictions of the human figure. Opening Reception: Jan. 5, 7pm.

Eclectic Goat – 413 Division St. S. • 507/645-0301 • M-Sa 10am-5:30pm, Th until 7pm, Su Noon-4pm – Hip Handmade Goods!

Flaten Art Museum1520 St. Olaf Avenue • 507/786-3556 • stolaf.edu/collections/flaten • M/T/W/F 10am-5pm, Thu 10am-8pm, Sa/Su 2-5pm

Gallery closed Jan. 31-Feb. 6Sunday Night Supper Club – Jan. 11-Feb. 15 – featuring the 2013 St. Olaf Art Appren-tices Mat Brutger, Anders Nienstaedt, Sheila Novak,

Justina Ny, Anda Tanaka and James Wilson. Opening Recep-tion: Jan. 12, 7-9pm.

Kaare Nygaard: Sculpture and Drawings – Jan. 4-23 – A native of Norway, Dr. Nygaard began sculpting in 1951 after establishing a successful career as a surgeon in the United States. His work during WWII caring for 4,000 sick or injured Norwegian seamen at White Plains Hospital in New York led to

knighthood by King Haakon in 1948. Subject of two books, he also won the United Nations Commemorative Stamp Contest with his “Hiroshima” sculpture of refugees. He founded the Nygaard Foundation to foster an appreciation and understanding of the medical profession, visual arts and the Norwegian heritage of St. Olaf College. Some of his collection is presented as he is recognized for the scope, breadth and humanity of his life work. Opening Reception: Jan. 12, 7-9pm.

Northfield Arts Guild 304 Division St. • 507/645-8877 • northfieldartsguild.org M-F 10am-5pm, visit web site for weekend hours2012 Members Show – Through Jan. 4 – a collection of North-field Arts Guild member artists’ work will be on display and for sale. A wide variety of works including ceramics, photography, drawings and paintings. Participating in the show are local artists whose works have been collected by museums, corporations and community organizations.

Nirthfolde Visitors’ Bureau – Jan. 11-Feb. 9. Nirthfolde: a bucolic, yet bustling burg situated in a parallel universe that neatly overlaps Northfield, Minnesota, has existed relatively unnoticed for over a century and a half. This installation will in-clude misinformation panels, historical artifacts and other mildly

perplexing displays. Featured prominently among the attractions will be a map and information orienting the general public to the pleasures of the Cowling Arboretum Contemplative Transit System, a display about Nirthfolde’s place in the pop pantheon, Hitsburg USA – Record Factory of the Upper Midwest (1958-1973), a dubiously informative exhibit on Nirthfolde’s mysterious Monoliths of Mystery and a scale model of a prehistoric beaver lodge metropolis that many believe graced the Cannon River right where downtown Nirthfolde now stands. Creative directors: David Lefkowitz and Doug Bratland. Opening Reception: Jan. 11, 6-9pm. The opening celebration continues down the block from the Guild at The Chapel, 310-1/2 Division St., with a special Nirthfolde-tinged concert and dance party as Kinda Kinky, the Twin Cities premier Kinks cover band, will perform The Village Green Preservation Society and other Kinks Classics. No cover. Quasi-Fictional Places: The Nirthfolde Visitors’ Bureau and Other Original Facsimiles – a talk by David Lefkowitz: Jan. 30, 7:30pm, Weitz Center for Creativity Cinema, Carleton.

Northfield Historical Society408 Division St. • 507/645-9268 • northfieldhistory.orgM-Sa 10am-5:30pm, Su 1-5:30pm1862 – Through Rice County’s Eyes – the exhibit outlines the tragic events surrounding the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 and ex-plores the stories of the people of Rice County that were involved.

Dear Northfield Exhibit – Jan. 24-April 12 – based off the website DearPhotograph.com, vintage Northfield photos are superimposed over contemporary views of the same area, with the old photo held up in reference.

Northfield Senior Center Gallery 1651 Jefferson Pkwy. • 507/664-3700 northfieldseniorcenter.orgSenior Open Art Exhibit – more than 20 artists cover a wide range of mediums in this 3rd Annual Exhibit. – through Jan. 6.

Paradise Center for the Arts321 Central Ave., Faribault • 507/332-7372Tu/W/F/Sa 12-5pm, Th 12-8pm, Su/M closed

Carlander Family Gallery: Kathleen Putrah: Crèches from Around the World – through Jan. 8.

Tom Willis – Jan. 8-Feb. 26. Tom Willis was thinking about retirement when he took a pottery class at the Faribault Art Center in 2000. He has been a potter ever since and continues to increase his skills by working in his studio and taking classes

from well-known potters. Tom recently received an Established Artist Grant through the Southeastern Min-nesota Arts Council to develop glazes that compliment his work and turn clay body into ceramic art. Artist Reception: Jan. 11, 5-7pm.

Mary Lingen: Landscape in Time – Jan. 8-Feb. 26. Artist Reception: Jan. 11, 5-7pm.

Mary Lingen


TheaterSpontaneous ProductionsJan. 19, 7:30pm; Para-dise Center for the Arts, FaribaultFamily, friendly, fun impro-visation theater for all ages. Don’t miss this special performance and all the hilar-ity that ensues as you laugh until it hurts at this one night

only comedic performance. Tickets: $10 adults, $5 students, $1 off members.

Vranesh Boardroom Gallery: Loraine Schweich Capturing a Moment in Time – through Jan. 8. “This show represents images from everyday life that caught my attention. After shooting a photo I translate onto

paper or canvas what I saw or felt at the time. I created these pieces using a variety of mediums such as pencil, pen & ink, pastel and one acrylic piece.”

Jennifer Smoody: Modification of Com-mercialism – Jan. 8-Feb. 26. Artist Recep-tion: Jan. 11, 5-7pm.

Corey Lyn Creger Memorial Gallery:Kaelen Kurtzweil – through Jan. 8

Paradise Center Health Arts Gallery at District One Hospital200 State Ave., Faribault Art by Barb Bruns, Dee Teller, Julie Fakler, Mary Ruth, Mary Warner, Tom Fakler, Paul Swanson and Linda Van Lear

Studio Elements16 Bridge Square • 507/786-9393 • studioelements.net Th 10am-5pm, F/Sa 10am-5pm, Su 12-4pm.Fine art, unique gifts and fun junk.

Jennifer Smoody


By Felicia Crosby

Beginning the New Year with Old Friends Bill and Kate Isles are quintessential singer-songwriter partners with the rare gift of finding that secret place in your heart,

and settling on in. This Duluth-based duo draws on folk roots to tell our stories, with a love of both audience and each other that makes the experience as intimate as a gathering of your nearest and dearest. Join them on Jan. 4 at the Crossings at Carnegie in Zumbrota at 7:30 and start the New Year right. For more informa-tion, call 507/732-7616 or go to crossingsatcarnegie.com.

Jammin’ Jazz, Gypsy-Style Upstairs at the Rueb is the place to find Northfield’s newest music series, this in the style of the legendary ’30’s guitarist Django Reinhardt. Combining hot jazz and cool swing with an unmistakable Romany vibe come Gypsy jazz cellist/vocalist Martha Larson and a stable of talented guests; join them on Jan.

8 and 22 from 7 to 9 and feel it to the ends of your fingers. The first night features guest artist Mark Kreitzer, Carleton College instructor in American folk instruments and front man of the ac-claimed Mark Kreitzer Band. Jan. 22 will feature Sam Militch of the renowned Clearwater Hot Club. Drop-in musicians are welcome; this is your chance to be a part of one of the most dynamic music scenes in town.

Nirthfolde, We Hardly Know Ye Apparently, for 150 years, there has existed next to Northfield the bustling parallel universe town of Nirthfolde. You didn’t

know? Neither did we. Fortunately for us, the Nirthfolde Visitors Bureau is chock-a-block with artifacts, information – and self-pro-claimed misinformation – about the archeological and sociological wonders of this mysterious village; it’s all at the heart of the new exhibit at the Northfield Center for the Arts, courtesy of artists Doug Bratland and David Lefkowitz. The show runs from Jan. 11- Feb. 8, with an opening reception on Friday, Jan. 11 from 7 to 9, at the Center for the Arts in downtown Northfield. Explore the multi-media brilliance of what might have been – or might still be – right alongside what we call home. For more information, call 507/645-8877 or go to northfieldartsguild.org.

Mu Daiko at Shattuck “Taiko” means “drum” in Japa-nese, and the art of kumi-daiko – ensemble taiko drumming – is a heart-pumping, foot-tapping celebration of rhythm, movement and music. Part of the Fesler-Lampert Perform-

ing Arts Series, taiko comes to the historic Newhall Auditorium at Shattuck-St. Mary’s on Jan. 17, at 7:30, performed by the Twin Cities’ own Mu Daiko. Mu – which began in 1992 as Theater Mu

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– is Minnesota’s only pan-Asian performing arts organization, dedicated to bringing Asian-American voices to the stage, and Mu Daiko, the Midwest’s foremost drumming ensemble, is guaranteed to win new fans to this thunderous art form. For more information and reservations, call 507/333-1620 or go to s-sm.org.

The Dream is Alive Through the Arts Martin Luther King’s dreams of unity and equality are more relevant than ever in this often-shattered world, and the Arcadia Charter School invites everyone to reflect on the words, the work and the hope of the man who believed most of all

in the possibility of humankind with The Arts for Martin, Jan. 18 at 7pm, at the Arcadia Charter School of Northfield. Music, dance, visual art and poetry combine for an evening of thoughtful perfor-mance; guest presenters are Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin and the talented Latino Playwrights of the Northfield High School. All are

welcome to this free event. For more informa-tion, call 507/663-8806 ex 212 or go to artech.k12.mn.us.

Straighten Up and Fly Right Thus is the show by Old Friend Productions, performed at the Lakeville Area Arts Center on Jan. 19 at 7:30pm, and featuring the works and genius of the one-and-only Nat King

Cole. Cole’s music helped form the sound track for lovers and others of the 20th century; his brilliance shaped – and was shaped by – the transformative times in which he lived. And this show, per-formed by a seven-piece ensemble of Twin Cities’ leading perform-ing and recording artists, promises to make the evening nothing short of Unforgettable. For more information, call 952/985-4640 or go to www.ci.lakeville.mn.us.

A Watershed Thaw Join the good folks at the Cannon Valley Winery as they team up with the Cannon River Watershed Partnership to support that organization’s environmental good works – and enjoy a glass of wine in the process. The Winter Thaw Wine Tast-

ing and Auction takes place Jan. 27 at the Cannon River Winery in Cannon Falls and runs from 3 to 6. Among the treats are local foods from the Cheese Cave and Thousand Hills Cattle Company, bids on a variety of excellent goods and services and – naturally – a wine tasting. What an easy way to do good. For more information, call 507/786-3915 or go to cannonriverwinery.com.

…..and a February short sneak peak:

The Man In Black Is Back Pinch yourself to make sure you’re not hear-ing things, but even that probably won’t work. Hailed around the world for his spot-on re-semblance to Johnny Cash, Philip Bauer’s ex-traordinary tribute to the country music icon is a masterwork of presence and performance. Hear him for yourself at the Johnny Cash Tribute, at Lakeville South High School on Feb. 2 at 7:30 and fall in love with the Great

One’s music all over again. Co-sponsored by the Lakeville Area Arts Center and the Lakeville Rotary, this show is a singular treat for all who love Johnny – and the man who brings him back to life. For information, call 952/985-4640 or go to ci.lakeville.mn.us.

Send us your shorts! (keep ‘em brief). Send to [email protected] by the 15th of the month.


TUESDAYS: Open Mic Night 7pm-midnightBabe’s Music Bar, Lakeville

WEDNESDAYS: Babe’s Bar Bingo • 7pmBabe’s Music Bar, Lakeville

THURSDAYS: Water Pong Tourneys 9-11pmBabe’s Music Bar, Lakeville

Live DJ and Karaoke 9:30pmFroggy Bottoms, NorthfieldBy Speedo Entertainment.

FRIDAYS: Karaoke • 9pmRueb ‘N’ Stein, Northfield Castle Rock N Roll, Castle Rock

SATURDAY, JAN. 19 Euchre Tourney • 12:30pmFroggy Bottoms, NorthfieldSign up at noon.

SATURDAYS: DJ Music • 9pmRueb ‘N’ Stein, NorthfieldCastle Rock N Roll, Castle Rock

All Request Dance Party 9:30pm-midnightBabe’s Music Bar, Lakeville

Free Jukebox Saturday Night Froggy Bottoms, Northfield

SUNDAYS: Babe’s Poker Tourney • 4 and 6:30pmBabe’s Music Bar, Lakeville

Quiz Night • 8pmContented Cow, NorthfieldFour-person teams compete for prizes.

HAPPE N I NG SWEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2

Traditional Irish Music Session • 7-9pmHogan Brothers Acoustic Café, NorthfieldA gathering of musicians and listeners in a relaxed, informal set-ting. Along with the music enjoy conversation, camaraderie and perhaps even a few Irish dance steps.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3

Barb Piper • 5-7pmContented Cow, NorthfieldModern folk, vocals/guitar with influ-ences from Hoagy Carmichael, The Beatles and Bonnie Raitt to Susan Tede-schi, Brandi Carlile and Indigo Girls. Fronts the blues/rock band, Top Shelf, and performs with a Faribault musical theater group at Paradise Center for the Arts.


Jonathan Rundman • 8:30-11pmTavern Lounge, NorthfieldMinneapolis-based Jonathan Rundman has been writing songs and performing across the country since he was 18 years old. He emerged on the national music scene in the late-’90s as a Chicago-based touring artist, generating rave reviews in

Billboard, The New York Times, Performing Songwriter and Paste. He continues to tour and record. His songs can be heard on radio stations across America, Scandinavia and England, and have been featured on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. In 2012 Salt Lady Records released his 20-song, self-titled, retrospective album, collecting his best songs from the previous decade, plus remixes, alternate ver-sions and brand new songs. See more at jonathanrundman.com/.

FRIDay, JaNuaRy 4

Bill and Kate Isles • 7:30pmCrossings at Carnegie, ZumbrotaBill and Kate Isles’ voices were made to be together and this perfect pairing in life and music makes them a folk singing/songwrit-ing couple not to be missed. This is their 10th year ringing in the new year at Cross-ings.

Ben aaron • 8-11:30pmTavern Lounge, NorthfieldBen Aaron returns to Northfield with his original folk, blues and Americana songs for a night of great live entertain-ment. Sit back and relax as he plays

your favorite popular songs from the past and present. Find him at benaaronmusic.com.

Rebel Queens • 9:30pmBabe’s Music Bar, LakevilleA high energy all female rock band performing the music of Joan Jett along with inspired classics.

Shawn Vaughan • 9:30pmFroggy Bottoms, NorthfieldAcoustic pop. Vocals, guitar and vocal percussion.

Sweet Siren • 10pm-closeGrandpa Al’s, FaribaultPlaying hot Top 40 hits along with classic rock and edgy country, this band puts its own flare to the music with hip arrangements. The members

have collectively shared stages with over 100 national acts includ-ing Joan Jett, Night Ranger, .38 Special, Kansas, Great White, REO Speedwagon and BlackHawk.

HAPPENINGS Thursday, January 3, continued


SaTuRDay, JaNuaRy 5

Wake-Robin • 12-1pmBittersweet, NorthfieldWake-Robin is John Hanson and Brad Easter-son, playing live acoustic (mostly Celtic) and traditional American music (including Civil War tunes).

Kildahl and Vonderharr • 2-5pmCannon River Winery, Cannon FallsIf it’s any indication of their talent, The Minnesota Blues Society has offered to manage a donation fund to help send Kildahl and Vonderharr to the 2013 International Blues Challenge in Memphis.

Exhibit Opening Reception: Just Figures • 7pmCrossings at Carnegie, ZumbrotaSee galleries page.

ulufudu • 8-10:30pmContented Cow, Northfield

Nick Leet • 8-11:30pmTavern Lounge, NorthfieldFounding member and chief song-writer of the popular band High On Stress, Leet’s “heart on your sleeve” approach to songwriting has been

praised by local and international music scribes as well as numer-ous Minneapolis rock ‘n’ roll luminaries. His solo shows are often filled with biting humor and songs that are honest, refreshing and can pack a punch.

Heaven’s Gate and Friends • 10pm-closeGrandpa Al’s, FaribaultTimeless metal/rock out of Faribault.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 6

Jason Richards • 2-5pmCannon River Winery, Cannon FallsThink Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Tony Ben-nett. This Mankato native (out of Minneapolis) brings back the flavor of the legendary crooners.

MONDAY, JANUARY 7

Faculty Recital: Connie Martin • 7pmUrness Recital Hall, St. Olaf, NorthfieldConnie Martin (string bass), Kay Sahlin (flute), Dana Maeda (oboe), JoAnn Polley (clarinet), Andrea Een (violin/viola) and Elinor Niemisto (harp).

Northern Roots Session • 7:30-9pmContented Cow, NorthfieldAn informal weekly gathering of musicians to play acoustic music with roots in the north, particularly the Nordic countries. Partici-pants and listeners of all ages and levels of experience are welcome.


THURSDAY, JANUARY 10

Acoustic Roots Music Series: Michael Johnson • 7:30pmNewhall Auditorium, Shattuck-St. Mary’s, FaribaultMichael Johnson’s Moonlit Déjà Vu Tour celebrates his first new studio album in 15 years. His voice immediately identifies him as the man who sings Bluer Than Blue, Almost Like Being in Love, This Night Won’t

Last Forever and other landmark songs. “One of our smoothest bal-ladeers demonstrates he still has the master’s touch...soft, intricate vocals...elegant production.” – Billboard. Visit mjblue.com. $15 adults, $9 students.

Saint anyway • 8-10:30pmContented Cow, NorthfieldA “stomp-grass” trio comprised of Tony Petersen, Jamie Kallestad, and Dane Levinski. The band honed its chops in the tightly knit indie music incubator of Duluth, Minnesota and is poised to strike out into the nation’s exploding roots/folk scene at large with its early 20th Century Americana/rare strain of hell-fire energy.

Mark Mraz • 8:30-11pmTavern Lounge, NorthfieldEverybody’s favorite “piano man” tickles the ivories and performs favorite sing-along songs, golden oldies and classic covers from the pop music archives.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 8

Gypsy Jazz Jam Session • 7-9pmUpstairs Rueb, NorthfieldGypsy jazz cellist and vocalist Martha Larson, a recent transplant from Chicago’s popular Gypsy jazz scene, along with a rotation of featured guest artists, will host an evening of acoustic Gypsy swing and hot club jazz in the eclectic musical style pioneered by guitarist

Django Reinhardt. Bring your own instrument or just sit back and enjoy an evening of great live music. No cover. Also Jan. 22. Jan. 8 features guest artist Mark Kreitzer, Carleton College instructor in American folk instruments and front man of the acclaimed Mark Kreitzer Band.

acoustic Jam Session • 7:30-10pmContented Cow, NorthfieldEvery Tuesday night show up with your unplugged instrument of choice and jam – or just show up and listen!

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9



the Dixie Chicks. Caitlyn’s toured with Willie Nelson and Jamey Johnson. Complimentary light appetizers.

Exhibit Opening Reception: Nirthfolde: Nirthfolde Visitor’s Bureau • 6-9pmNorthfield Arts Guild GallerySee galleries page.

Beguine Bros Old Time Country and Western Revue • 8-10:30pmContented Cow, NorthfieldBilled as an old-time country and west-ern revue with smatterings of the Urban Hillbilly Quintet, among others.

Matthew Griswold • 8-11:30pmTavern Lounge, NorthfieldMatthew Griswold supplies bone shakin’ voodoo grooves, paying tribute to the Delta Blues with a side order of thistle and shamrock. Classic covers, reinvented traditionals and well-crafted originals. More at matthewgriswold.net.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11

artist Reception: Tom Willis • 5-7pmParadise Center for the Arts, FaribaultSee galleries page.

New Moon Trio • 5-7pmContented Cow, NorthfieldHere’s a taste of 100 years of popu-lar tunes, random requests and spontaneous harmonies featur-ing Ross Currier on bass, Lance

Heisler on drums and Justin London on guitar.

Caitlyn Smith • 5:30-8:30pmCannon River Winery, Cannon FallsOne of music city’s hottest up and coming songwriters, this Min-neapolis performer released three independent records and toured throughout the United States by the time she was 20. Her undeni-able ability to grab someone by the heart strings with only a guitar and her astounding voice proves to be an experience one does not forget. Musical influences include Patty Griffin, Alison Krauss and


Kinda Kinky • 9pmThe Chapel, NorthfieldThis Twin Cities Kinks tribute band returns to Northfield for an evening of classic rock and roll as part of the Nirthfolde exhibit opening (see exhibits page), playing favorites such

as Lola, You Really Got Me, and Come Dancing as well as lesser-known gems from The Kinks’ timeless catalog. Kinda Kinky is Dave Randall (vocals, guitar), Keith Patterson (guitar, vocals), Lynn Zecca (bass, vocals) and Steve Kent (drums, vocals). More at getkindakinky.com.

Skewed View • 9:30pmBabe’s Music Bar, LakevilleGreat chemistry. Great talent. Great show.

Whiskey Trick • 9:30pmFroggy Bottoms, NorthfieldFor those of you who thought bands had stopped making decent original rock music – think again. Frustrated at the lack of any good old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll, Whiskey Trick broke open a few bottles of JD and cranked up the Marshall amps, blasting out qual-ity music and bringing back the lost art of rock with no perms or lycra catsuits in sight. This is rock the way it should be!

Space Needle • 10pm-closeGrandpa Al’s, Faribault

SATURDAY, JANUARY 12

Tony Williams • 2-5pmCannon River Winery, Cannon FallsTony Williams’ solo performance fea-tures a variety of classical, flamenco and jazz originals as well as some Americana/classic cover songs. During the summer

of 2011 he was voted the winner of the KARE 11 “The Voice: Min-nesota” contest.

Exhibit Opening Reception: Kaare Nygaard and Sunday Night Supper Club 7-9pmFlaten Art Museum, St. Olaf, NorthfieldSee galleries page.

Comedians Ron Lamprecht and Isaac Witty • 7-9pmCannon River Winery, Cannon FallsEmceed by Josh Florhaug. Lamprecht was raised in small town Minnesota and has all the unique insight and wit you would expect from someone raised in cornfields. Ron’s story-telling style and easy delivery make him a crowd favorite at clubs, colleges and military bases everywhere. Witty has performed on David Letterman and a host of other amazing venues. Florhaug is taking the comedy world by storm. His self-deprecating charm and clever delivery make him one of the most sought-after emcees in the Minneapolis comedy scene. Complimentary light appetizers will be served. $25 in advance and space is limited. Must be 21 years of age or older to attend.

HAPPENINGS Friday, January 11, continued


Stranger Days • 10pm-closeGrandpa Al’s, Faribault

SUNDAY, JANUARY 13

Faculty/Guest Recital: “East Meets West” Part One • 2pmUrness Recital Hall, St. Olaf, NorthfieldThe Aritria String Quartet will play the complete cycle of Shostakovich String quartets. Works from Russia, Czechoslovakia, Britain and America. There will be two parts to the concert: part one on Jan. 13 and part two on Jan. 14.

Don Paulson • 2-5pmCannon River Winery, Cannon FallsBluegrass and folk with influences by the likes of The Beatles, Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill and Nickel Creek.

MONDay, JaNuaRy 14

Faculty/Guest Recital: “East Meets West” Part Two • 7pmUrness Recital Hall, St. Olaf, NorthfieldSee Jan. 13 description.


Peter Mulvey • 7:30pmCrossings at Carnegie, ZumbrotaEclectic songwriter and musician Peter Mulvey recently released a new album. Opening for him will be the whimsically monikered Danielle Ate

the Sandwich. Mulvey’s latest CD, The Good Stuff, was recorded fast and loose with his new band, the Crumbling Beauties, and is an inspired sifting through the treasure trove of songs by the likes of Tom Waits, Jolie Holland, Leonard Cohen and classics by Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk and Bobby Charles.

Same Difference • 8-10:30pmContented Cow, Northfield

Barb Piper • 8-11:30pmTavern Lounge, NorthfieldModern folk, vocals/guitar with influences from Hoagy Carmi-chael, The Beatles and Bonnie Raitt to Susan Tedeschi, Brandi Carlile and Indigo Girls. Fronts the blues/rock band, Top Shelf, and performs with a Faribault musical theater group at Paradise Center for the Arts.

Martin Anderson and the Goods 9pm-12amRueb ‘N’ Stein, NorthfieldA fantastic mix of classic rock, alt country and Americana -- everything from Bruce Springsteen, The Waterboys, and Bob Dylan to the Kinks, Bowie and The Beatles. No cover charge. More at martinandersonandthegoods.com.


TuESDay, JaNuaRy 15



Traditional Irish Music Session 7-9pmHogan Brothers Acoustic Café, NorthfieldA gathering of musicians and listeners in a relaxed, informal setting. Along with the music enjoy conversation, camaraderie and perhaps even a few Irish dance steps.

Jazz Band Concert • 7-9:30pmOwatonna High School


Fesler-Lampert Performing Arts Series: Mu Daiko • 7:30pm

Newhall Auditorium, Shattuck-St. Mary’s, FaribaultMu Daiko, a nation-ally recognized taiko drumming ensemble, master-

fully blends movement, music, rhythm and drumming to stretch the boundar-ies of their American taiko art form. Feel the thunder of the drums. More at muperformingarts.org/mu-daiko. $15 adults, $9 students.

Guest Recital: David Kassler, Euphonium; Ina Selvelieva, Piano 8:15pmUrness Recital Hall, St. Olaf, Northfield

Dave Mehling • 8:30-11pmTavern Lounge, NorthfieldAn eclectic mix of original pop à la Jeff Buckley and Elliot Smith with some inspired performances of standards ranging from Billy Holiday to Phillip Glass. He has shared the stage with Low, Clem Snide and Andrew Bird. A Duluth native, he currently writes and performs in Minneapolis.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 18

Cedar Paddle Band • 5:30-8:30pmCannon River Winery, Cannon FallsFavorite tunes by Jimmy Buffett, Bob Dylan, Gordon Lighfoot, John Prine, Hank Williams Sr. and a host of others. Compli-mentary light appetizers.

Arts for Martin: Gathering Community, Creating Art, Celebrating Martin Luther King • 7pmArcadia Charter School, NorthfieldJoin Northfield’s

performing artists from all disciplines, ages and levels for an evening of reflection on the life and work of Martin Luther King. Music, dance, spoken word, poetry and visual art meld together into a performance that thoughtfully and intentionally speaks to the legacy that Dr. King left us. Guest presenters are Northfield High School’s Latino Playwrights in conjunction with Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin. This is a free event.

Sasha Mercedes 8-11:30pmTavern Lounge, NorthfieldA feisty folk-rocker that draws you in with her compelling and powerful vocal stylings. Lyrical, genre-bending,

thought-provoking, inspiring, catchy, easy to relate to, easy to listen to. Find her at sashamercedes.com.

KickStart • 9:30pmBabe’s Music Bar, Lakeville’70’s, ’80’s and 90’s hits from Tom Petty to Stone Temple Pilots to AC/DC.

Dan Switch • 9:30pmFroggy Bottoms, NorthfieldA fantastic and engaging acoustic artist who plays a large variety of well-known covers.

Common Ground • 10pm-closeGrandpa Al’s, Faribault


Varsity One act Play Festival • 8:30amStewartville High SchoolByron Public Schools, Cotter Schools, Goodhue, Kasson-Mantorville School, Ken-yon-Wanamingo, La Crescent, Lake City, Pine Island, Rochester Lourdes, Stewartville School District, Zumbrota-Mazeppa and Triton.

andrew Walesch • 1-4pmCannon River Winery, Cannon FallsBlues and jazz by “the boy with the voice.” A great vari-ety of classics and originals.


Straighten up and Fly Right • 7:30pmLakeville Arts CenterOld Friend Productions presents this one-of-a-kind performance exploring the genius of Nat King Cole and a hit-filled career (1939-1962). Through song and narration, a tumultuous and transforma-tive period in America is captured and the career of a creative and influential musi-cian who helped shape, and was shaped by, the times is honored. Performed by a seven-piece ensemble composed of lead-ing Twin Cities performing and recording artists. Tickets $18, call 952/985-4640.

Pieta Brown • 7:30pmNorthfield Arts Guild TheaterAn American musician and singer-songwriter who has released five critically acclaimed albums and three EPs in the last decade. She has performed with artists such as Mark Knopfler, John Prine, Amos Lee and Calexico. Tickets: $15 in advance, $17 at the door.

accordion-O-Rama • 7:30pmCrossings at Carnegie, ZumbrotaFour masters of the accordion play together and in turns. Performers include Dan “Daddy Squeeze” Newton, Simone Perrin, Rad Lorkovis and Denny Malmberg.

treVeld • 5-8pmCannon River Winery, Cannon FallsA group of string musicians who perform music that blends genres such as gypsy, swing, old time, Celtic, bluegrass, blues, chamber and Nordic roots.

ashes for april • 5:30-8:30pmCannon River Winery, Cannon FallsFour guys plus six acoustic instruments

plus retro pop songs equals Ashes for April. Lincoln Ash-bury (acoustic guitar, mandolin, vocals), Chubby Ashton (upright bass, vocals), Rocco C’Ash (drums, percussion), Mickey Mash (acoustic guitar, ganjo, vocals). Complimentary light appetizers.

Jivin’ Ivan and the Kings of Swing • 7:30-11:30pmSignature Bar and Grill, FaribaultClassic acoustic swing, hot pick-ing and stellar singing.

HAPPENINGS Saturday, January 19, continued


SUNDAY, JANUARY 20

andrew Walesch • 1-4pmCannon River Winery, Cannon FallsBlues and jazz by “the boy with the voice.” A great variety of classics and originals.

St. Olaf Orchestra • 3:30pmBoe Chapel, St. Olaf, NorthfieldConducted by Steve Amundson.

MONDAY, JANUARY 21

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Community Celebration • 7pmEmmaus Baptist Church, NorthfieldEmceed by Bruce King. Keynote speaker, Caroline Ticarro-Parker, founder of Catalyst Foundation, will speak on working together to protect human rights. There will be entertain-ment, refreshments and the Northfield Human

Rights Award will be presented to Judy Dirks. Free, ASL inter-preted.


Theater: Spontaneous Productions • 7:30pmParadise Center for the Arts, FaribaultSee theater page.

Optimum Trajectory 8-10:30pmContented Cow, NorthfieldTogether for six years, this band takes a tune and gives it their own unique twist. Origi-nals plus well-known rock

and blues tunes. They know how to play and entertain. Original acoustic jazzy kinda stuff.

alison Rae • 8-11:30pmTavern Lounge, NorthfieldKnown for her mesmerizing vocals and insightful lyrics, this talented and criti-cally acclaimed artist delivers songs that touch on the simple beauty of the world around us. Samples of her original music

can be found at alisonrae.bandcamp.com/album/birds.

Bad Girlfriends • 10pm-closeGrandpa Al’s, FaribaultMinnesota’s premier Girls Night Out party band performing current and classic rock, a little country and favorite dance hits.


TUESDAY, JANUARY 22

Gypsy Jazz Jam Session • 7-9pmUpstairs Rueb, NorthfieldSee Jan. 8 description. Featuring guest artist Sam Militch of the renowned Clearwater Hot Club.




THuRSDay, JaNuaRy 24

Mark Mraz • 8:30-11pmTavern Lounge, NorthfieldEverybody’s favorite “piano man” tickles the ivories and performs favorite sing-along songs, golden oldies and classic covers from the pop music archives.

FRIDay, JaNuaRy 25

Occasional Jazz • 5-7pmContented Cow, NorthfieldMainstream classic jazz of Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, Dave Brubeck and others in the same style.

ashes for april • 5:30-8:30pmCannon River Winery, Cannon FallsFour guys plus six acoustic instruments plus retro pop songs equals Ashes for April. Lincoln Ashbury (acoustic guitar, mando-lin, vocals), Chubby Ashton (upright bass, vocals), Rocco C’Ash (drums, percussion), Mickey Mash (acoustic guitar, ganjo, vocals). Complimentary light appetizers.

Stepping Out for Mr. Northfield • 6-10pmGrand Event Center, NorthfieldA tribute to and fundraiser for Danny Free-man, aka Mr. Northfield. Silent and live auction, raffle, toast-and-roast and, of course, a lot of fun and hijinx – we are talking about Danny, after all.

Whitesidewalls Rock N Roll Revue • 7:30pmZumbrota State TheaterWhitesidewalls has been a fixture in the Twin Cities music scene for 40 years. A celebration of doo-wop, rockabilly and rock and roll music that will have audiences dancing in their seats. The band first formed in 1971 and was inducted into the Mid-American Music Hall of Fame in 2012. One of the early members, Dave “Swannee” Swanson, brought the group back together in 2007. Founder of the group, Pat Brown “Hound Dog”, continues to play guitar, drums and bass as well as sing and is the band’s musical director. Tickets $20 in advance, $23 day of show. Doors open at 6:30pm. Call 507/732-7616 to reserve seats.



Caitlyn Smith • 1-4pmCannon River Winery, Cannon FallsOne of music city’s hottest up and coming songwriters, this Minneapolis performer released three independent records and toured throughout the United States by the time she was 20. Her undeniable abil-ity to grab someone by the heart strings with only a guitar and her astounding voice proves to be an experience one does not forget. Musical influences include Patty Griffin, Alison Krauss, and the Dixie Chicks. Caitlyn’s toured with Willie Nelson and Jamey Johnson.

Brooke Ellis 5-8pmCannon River Win-ery, Cannon FallsA 20-something-year-old singer/songwriter from Hastings, Minnesota who plays guitar, keyboards and ukulele. Originals as well as covers.

Paradise UnPlugged: Sweet Jazz 8-10pmBoston’s, FaribaultChristina Schwietz (vocals); Peter Webb (keyboard); David Miller (drums, flugel-horn, melodica) and Bruce Jensen (bass). Their name says it all.

Lonesome Dan Kase • 8-11:30pmTavern Lounge, NorthfieldFor the last 15 years, Lonesome Dan Kase has been playing his unique brand of country-blues on stages through-out the U.S. His live performances showcase both his unique finger-picking style and warm vocals as well as his depth of knowledge in the history of the blues. See lonesomedan.com.

Hitchville • 9pm-closeGrandpa Al’s, FaribaultHeidi Owens and Matt Kneefe (lead vocals), Martial Besombes (keyboards), Kris Stauffer (bass/primary backup vocals), Marv Gohman (fiddle/mandolin/guitars/vocals), Jeremy Harvey (drums/vocals), Kirk Humbert (lead guitar/vocals).

Smokescreen • 9:30pmBabe’s Music Bar, LakevilleA rock band that has been entertaining audiences around the Upper Midwest for more than 20 years.

Timothy Howe 9:30pmFroggy Bottoms, NorthfieldSilky vocals, melodic lines, acoustic guitar. Howe’s been compared to Jason Mraz, Gavin Degraw, Bruno Mars, John Mayer and Howie Day.

Hitchville


SUNDAY, JANUARY 27

Prairie’s Edge Humane Society Annual Pancake Breakfast 8:30am-noonNorthfield Eagles ClubAll proceeds benefit the animals at Prairie’s Edge Humane Society. Tickets $6.

Riverfest • 12-4pmRiver Bend Nature Center, FaribaultA celebration of winter with horse-drawn sleigh rides, dog sled rides, winter games, snowshoeing and more. Details at rbnc.org.

Jagged Ease • 2-5pmCannon River Winery, Cannon FallsThe creative sound of a five-piece band with Gabe Holmes (acous-tic guitar, vocals), Steve Hanson (bass), Kevin Dobbe (drums) and Charlie Lacey (lead guitar).

Erin aldridge • 2pmLakeville Arts CenterViolin virtuoso, Erin Aldridge, concertmaster of the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra is accompanied by Beth Gilbert on piano as part of this Highway Hills Coffee Concert Series. Tickets $14.50 adults/$12 seniors and students, call 952/985-4640. Full coffee concert series discount available.

Winter Thaw Wine Tasting and auction • 3-6pmCannon River Winery, Cannon FallsA tantalizing wine tasting and auction experience supporting the Cannon River Watershed Partnership and their work for clean water. Enjoy an afternoon with friends sampling local wines from Cannon Valley Winery, local cheeses from The Cheese Cave, Thou-sand Hills Cattle Company and more. Auction updates and more at crwp.net. Tickets $30 each or two for $50. Email [email protected] or call 507/786-3915.

MONDAY, JANUARY 28

Faculty Recital: Hodel and McWilliams • 7pmUrness Recital Hall, St. Olaf, NorthfieldMartin Hodel (trumpet) and Kent McWilliams (piano).

Music: January Thaw, Rock n Soul Review • 7pmParadise Center for the Arts, FaribaultDance off the winter blues with an evening filled with unbelievable music featuring . $15 members, $19 nonmembers, $10 students.

Relativity • 8-11:30pmTavern Lounge, NorthfieldVoted one of Northfield’s best bands, this trio plays music from popular artists such as Missy Higgins and the Avett Brothers as well as many classic rock tunes from bands like Fleetwood Mac and John Mellencamp to such varied artists as the Indigo Girls, Damien Rice and Sarah McLachlan. Sit back and enjoy power harmonies by twin sisters Linda Wilson and Sandy Jensen (who also adds mandolin, harmonica and percussion) and solid guitar and bluesy vocals by Toby Jensen.

Pop Rocks • 10pm-closeGrandpa Al’s, FaribaultThe ultimate dance party rock show.

Matt Arthur & The Bratlanders, Ol’ Yeller and Martin Devaney • 8pmThe Chapel, NorthfieldMatt Arthur and the Bratland-ers brings rootsy Americana, country-folk and fire-breathing rock & roll. This is one of the area’s favorite bands and they’re about to debut their highly anticipated second album. Matt Arthur (vocals, acoustic guitar, banjo), Don Bratland (electric guitar, harmonica, banjo), Doug Bratland (bass guitar, mandolin) and Joel Beithon (drums and percussion).

Matt Arthur and the Bratlanders

HAPPENINGS Saturday, January 26, continued


TUESDAY, JANUARY 29

Dance: alice Project Performance • 7:30pmWagner/Bundgaard Studio One, Dittmann Center, St. Olaf, NorthfieldSee Jan. 28 description.




Dance: alice Project Performance • 7:30pmWagner/Bundgaard Studio One, Dittmann Center, St. Olaf, NorthfieldAn interdisciplinary, participatory, percussive dance and musical theatrical spectacle loosely based on Alice in Wonderland. Directed by Joe Chvala, artistic director of The Flying Foot Forum, and St. Olaf studio art member Irve Dell. This performance is the culmi-nation of a month of creative collaboration with students from dance, theater, art, music and technical theater. Also Jan. 29.


HAPPENINGS Monday, January 28, continued


Quasi-Fictional Places: The Nirthfolde Visitors’ Bureau and Other Original Facsimiles – a talk by David Lefkowitz • 7:30pmWeitz Center for Creativity Cinema, Carleton, NorthfieldSee galleries page.


Billy Johnson • 8:30-11pmTavern Lounge, Northfield“Commitment-free rock ‘n’ roll. While he’s been moonlighting with George Scot McKelvey in the B-Team, former Hillcats singer Billy Johnson confirms he belongs on the A-list alongside G.B. Leighton as one of the Twin Cities’ best feel-good, blue-collar, barroom-rousing tune smiths with his first solo album, tellingly titled It’s a Good Life.” – Chris Riemenschneider, Star Tribune. Billy has opened for the BoDeans, Five For Fighting, Train, Poco, Paul Thorn, Van Hunt, Lowen and Navarro, Old 97s, and more. See billyjohnsonmusic.com.

Northfield Arts & Culture Commission announces Living Treasure Award recipient

The Arts and Culture Commission of the City of Northfield has named Dr. Paul Niemisto as the 2013 recipient of its Living Treasure Award. The award annually honors a Northfield area resident who makes an outstanding and lasting contribu-tion to the city’s identity and quality of life through and on behalf of arts and culture.

Niemisto founded the Cannon Valley Regional Or-chestra and has served as its conductor for 34 years. The CVRO offers opportunity both to area musi-cians and to area audiences to experience classical music. He also founded, directs and performs with his own Finnish brass septet and the Northfield Trombones. As well, he conceived and organizes the International Vintage Band Festival which during the summers of 2006 and 2010 brought more than 25 brass bands from Europe and across the United States to Northfield offering more than 100 free performances in parks and halls around town. A third Festival is scheduled for 2013.

“Tuba Christmas,” another of Niemisto’s endeavors which he initiated 15 years ago, brings hundreds of tuba and euphonium players of all ages flocking to St. Olaf from around the state and the Midwest each year to play Christmas carols in St. Olaf College’s Buntrock Commons. The whole community is invited to listen to this exuberant holiday concert which occurs during St. Olaf ’s an-nual Christmas Festival time.

With a doctorate in Music Education from the University of Min-nesota, Niemisto currently holds the position of Associate Profes-sor of Music at St. Olaf College where he specializes in the teaching

and performance of low brass instruments. Niemisto has had a national and international influence through his research and writing, working as a clinician and soloist at music festivals and leading student volunteers in efforts at Lutheran congregations in Russia.

In nominating Niemisto, Jane Rinehart, Heather Scott and Joan Behr affirm that “Three qualities of Paul’s contributions exemplify his genius in reaching out to the whole community: inclusiveness, collaboration and enrichment.”

In announcing Niemisto as this year’s Living Trea-sure Award recipient, Arts and Culture Commission Chairperson Philip Spensley stated, “Because of Paul

Niemisto, Northfield is a better place,” adding, “The community is richer for his contributions and we’re for-

tunate and grateful to have him in our midst, and we are delighted to designate him as a living treasure.”

Throughout the next year, Niemisto will serve as an ambassador for the arts in Northfield, as well as continuing his other duties and activities.

A community celebration honoring the award recipient will be held early in the new year.

Previously named as Northfield Living Treasures have been Car-leton professor, artist and renowned sculptor, Ray Jacobson and Northfield Arts Guild Theatre founder, actress and director, Myrna Johnson, both for 2011; and Northfield Children’s Choir founder, long-time director and music educator, Cora Scholz, for 2012.

Paul Niemisto

HAPPENINGS Wednesday, January 30, continued


Make your mark – Northfield’s third sidewalk poetry competition announcedBoot up your computers, open up your laptops, or grab paper and pencil. For the third year running, Northfielders will have the opportunity to see their poems or those written by their friends and neighbors stamped into sidewalks around town.

The 2013 competition will be held earlier in the year than in previous years in order that winning poems can be ready for installation as soon as new sidewalks begin to be poured beginning in April, which just happens to be Poetry Month.

Thanks to a generous $10,000 grant to the Arts and Culture Commission from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Coun-cil, all Northfield residents and students of any age enrolled in Northfield schools are invited to submit up to two short poems. There is no charge for submission, though there are criteria to be followed. Up to 10 poems will be selected. The following are criteria for submission.

• Each person may submit up to two poems. Text and subject matter must be appropriate for the general public. Poems that are explicitly religious, political, graphically violent or overtly sexual will not be considered.

• Each poem must fit within a maximum of 10 lines, with no more than 40 characters per line (including spaces and punctua-tion.) The maximum number of characters for each poem is 250 (including spaces and punctuation marks). Titles are optional; if titled, count the title and any blank lines within the text limita-tions outlined above.

• Poems can be previously published or unpublished, as long as they are the original work of the entrant.

• All entries are reviewed by a panel in a blind judging process.

• All poems must be submitted in typewritten form on 8-1⁄2"x11" paper, one poem per page. No poet’s name, email, or other iden-tifying text can be on the page on which the poem appears.

• Each entrant must also include a cover page with the poet’s name, contact information, and the first line(s) of each poem submitted.

• Beginning Jan. 15, send your entry to: Friends of the Northfield Public Library, 210 Washington St., Northfield, MN, 55057, Attn: Sidewalk Poetry, or leave it at the circulation desk at the Library.

The deadline for submission of poems is Saturday, Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. Winning poems will be announced later in February and will be installed in April to celebrate Poetry Month.

Poems stamped into sidewalks will not be identified by author, but authors will be identified on websites and in all news releases.

In 2011 Northfield’s Arts and Culture Commission introduced Sidewalk Poetry to Northfield in partnership with the Friends and Foundation of the Public Library who provided $500 to get it start-ed and thanks to the Streetscape Task Force who allotted $5000. Nine poems were chosen for installation in the downtown area. In 2012 the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council funded the project with grant of $7,400, which resulted in ten more poems being installed. Grants from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council are made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Winning poems from 2011 and 2012 can be found at ci.northfield.mn.us/assets/2/2011-Winning-Poems.pdf and at ci.northfield.mn.us/assets/a/ACC-2012-_Winning-Sidewalk Poems.pdf/

Funds must be raised in addition to the SEMAC grant and if you would like to help support sidewalk poetry, contact the Friends of the Library, or Arts and Culture Commission members, Leslie Schultz ([email protected] or 507/645-8653); Philip Spens-ley ([email protected] or 507/663-7141); or Bonnie Jean Flom ([email protected] or 507/645-6845).

This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota State Arts Board through the arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State

Legislature with money from the Legacy Amendment vote of the people

of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008.


N O R T H F I E L DShop Downtown


SEMAC awards art grants throughout the regionOn Nov. 20, 2012, the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, Inc. (SEMAC) awarded 45 grants for a total of $261,581 in funding to applicants throughout southeastern Minnesota. This included 24 Arts & Cultural Heritage Grants for $204,981, six Small Towns/Rural Areas Grants for $16,100, and 15 Presenter/Production Assistance Grants for $44,500.

SEMAC is the State Arts Board-designated granting authority for local/regional arts producing and sponsoring organizations and disburses funds allocated for this purpose by the Minnesota State Legislature. The SEMAC region includes the counties of Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona.

Here are the organizations within the regional reach of the Enter-tainment Guide. Congratulations and we look forward to covering your progress in the issues to come. Keep us posted.

Dodge County

• Dodge County Historical Society received a $3,285 Arts & Cultural Heritage grant for production of A Mother’s Story at Wasioja Civil War Days.

• Mantorville Art Guild received a $3,000 Small Towns/Rural Areas grant for supplemental operating funds for the Art Guild.

Goodhue County

• Red Wing Singers received a $3,000 Presenter/Production Assistance grant for combined concert featuring a Blue-grass Mass.

• Sheldon Memorial Theatre received a $10,000 Arts & Cultural Heritage grant for Sheldon School of the Performing Arts 2013 Sessions.

Rice County

• Boys of America Brass Band received a $3,000 Presenter/Produc-tion Assistance grant for Ameriikan Poijat Brass Band commu-nity performances.

• Bridge Chamber Music Festival received a $9,900 Arts & Cultural Heritage grant for chamber music, jazz concerts and community outreach.

• Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra received a $3,000 Presenter/Production Assistance grant for CVRO Presents Concerts in Southeastern Minnesota.

• City of Northfield Arts & Culture Commission received a $10,000 Arts & Cultural Heritage grant for Northfield Sidewalk Public Poetry Project 2013.

• Laura Baker Services received a $4,905 Arts & Cultural Heritage grant for Bridging with Taiko.

• Northfield Public Schools received a $6,635 Arts & Cultural Heritage grant for Northfield Young Sculptors Project.

• Northfield Senior Citizens received a $4,096 Arts & Cultural Heritage grant for Enhancing Arts Programs: Senior Women’s Chorus and NSC Gallery.

• Vintage Band Festival received a $5,000 Arts & Cultural Heritage grant for Road to the VBF Pre-Festival Programs.

Steele County

• Merlin Players received a $3,000 Presenter/Production Assistance grant for Footloose - The Musical.

• Owatonna Arts Center received a $10,000 Arts & Cultural Heri-tage grant for 21st Annual Owatonna Festival of the Arts.

For information about the grant application process, eligibility, or grant writing assistance, contact the SEMAC office at 2778 D Commerce Dr. NW, Rochester, MN 55901 or call 507/281-4848. Information may also be found at www.semac.org.


it would be fun to do so. That decision changed my professional life.

The Vintage Band Festival was born in Northfield in 2006, and it was a sensation. How did the idea of a music festival devoted to vintage bands and music come to be? It stems from two unrelated ideas:

The first, I had been traveling to Europe over the years to attend academic conferences about band history in several towns in Italy, Germany, and Austria. Usually these were in lovely little towns with a river running through and with a lot of history and music cul-ture. At some point I realized that I lived in an American version of just such a community. So I offered to host the conference in 2006 in Northfield, not planning on any sort of festival at the point.

The second, in those years when it suddenly became fashionable in Northfield to sit at a pub with an outdoor terrace, many long-time Northfield culture mavens were together watching the Cannon River at sunset and lamenting that our town didn’t have a real first class summer music festival. Somehow part one and part two com-bined themselves in my mind, and a new thing was born.

How did the 2010 Festival differ from its predecessor? Better funded, better organized, less of an unknown risk.

And how will the 2013 Festival look? What should people expect? Even better funded and, by now, well established, but also bringing high expectations. VBF draws audiences primarily from the south suburbs and Rochester, but there is representation from all over the United States. There are some really amazing bands coming in 2013, with more international additions.

VBF for the small fry: There will be a lot of spontaneous street music by smaller groups all week during the afternoons; kids can get real close and be in contact with the musicians. In 2010 several day care groups took

Band leader. Professor. Music promoter and historian. Festival creator. These are just a few of the titles that Paul Niemisto wears and wears so well, and each one carries with it the joy of music and the discovery of all its richness to others. This August, Paul brings the third Vintage Band Festival – that indoor/out-door four-day celebration of vintage and historic music – back to Northfield for thousands to enjoy, which is in part why he’s been accorded his newest title: Northfield Living Treasure of 2013.

At home with a musical family: I grew up on a dairy farm in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. There was a lot of homegrown music in our Finnish immigrant community; every other farmer or his wife up and down the sec-tion line played a fiddle or piano or sang. My Mom grew up in a larger town where she had piano lessons and sang in choirs in high school. She taught some piano to neighborhood kids but didn’t have much success with her own kids, so my parents mostly sup-ported the effort. My brother, Patrick, is a choral conductor – and we had another family a half mile up the line who had two musi-cally professional sons, too. Maybe something in the local water table.

Instruments – first and favorites: I started trombone in fifth grade in public school just like millions of American kids. I play low brass instruments – a family of close cousins: tuba, euphonium, trombone and a few other close rela-tives. This past six months, I played tenor trombone in the Great Western Rocky Mountain Brass Band in Colorado, euphonium on a Finnish tour with my septet, bass trombone with the New Sousa Band on a Midwest tour, and tuba on some smaller events. I don’t really have a preference.

The Cannon Valley Orchestra and the Manitou Regimental Brass Band are just two of the bands/orchestras you’ve started. Is there a favorite? Anything new coming? The most recent creation is the Bridge Square Band, which you heard on site at By All Means Graphics during the Northfield Win-ter Walk. I actually haven’t had the pleasure of playing in or direct-ing that group. It will continue to function as flexible musical “swat team” that can fulfill a needed role in many community occasions. As for favorite, what would you say? Would you declare publicly which is your favorite child?

Making of Ameriikan poijat: I discovered the musical material while teaching and conducting in Finland during the 1980s, and it finally occurred to me a few years later that this music needed to be performed in North America and

Just Curious about

By Felicia Crosby

Paulniemisto

NIEMISTO continued on page 31


By Rich Larson

310½ Division Street, Northfield, MN

Toward the end of my tenure as a bartender at the Contented Cow, a lot of people would wander in and ask, “Where’s The Chapel?” It wasn’t the easiest question to answer, because it’s kind of hidden. The front door opens up to a staircase, so you can’t just peak through the window and see it. It’s above a store (The Local Joint) that’s kind of new. And you could tell people it’s above the store that used to be Diggs, but that’s been gone long enough that not everybody would know what you were talking about. Finally, it occurred to me if these people had found The Cow, which is notoriously hard to find, itself, then they could find the Chapel with the meager information I had for them. To those of you who still can’t find it, please consider the above address a public service announcement. The Chapel is located at 310½ Division St.

Now, for those of you who don’t know what I’m talking about, and haven’t heard of the Chapel, don’t worry. It’s understandable. Since about November of 2011, The Chapel has been the best kept secret in Northfield. It’s essen-tially a music venue, although proprietor Michael Morris would tell you it is much more than that. “The Chapel is an art gallery,” he tells me. As we’re talking, he’s preparing the first visual art show to be held there, featuring the work of poster artist extraordinaire Doug Bratland. “This is a space for art. All kinds of art.”

And really, this whole thing is sort of an accident. About 18 months ago, Morris was looking for office space for his companies, Plastic Horse Records and Rocking Horse Touring and Promotion. The space was available, but was too big and too expensive. Yet, he kept looking at it. As a musician, he was struck by the acoustics in the room, which are fantastic. So finally, he thought

it might be a good spot to showcase the bands that are signed to Plastic Horse Records. After making a few arrangements, he signed a lease. It wasn’t long before those showcase shows became the fo-cal point of the place. These days, there is very little office work that gets done there, although he’ll tell you that the work that goes into running a promotion company and a record label is all part of the art. “One can’t exist without the other, if you want your art to be seen or heard,” he says. So, in a sense, the Chapel is a combination gallery/performance space/giant cubicle.

It’s a bit of an austere space. Until very recently, it didn’t even have a stage. There are no concessions. There isn’t a public bathroom. If you’re looking for amenities, this is not your place. The lighting for a show is provided by a couple of floor lamps, some Christmas lights strung on the floor and a couple strategically placed candles. It provides the intimacy of a coffee house show, but can accommo-date more people than your average Dunn Brothers. Moreover, the space is just an outstanding place to play music. The high ceilings, combined with the hard surfaces, make for fantastic acoustics. “I’ve never performed in a better venue,” says local singer songwriter Jordan Taylor. “The reverb in the room makes it very easy for a singer to hear their own voice naturally rather than just through monitors. They hear it bouncing back to them from the walls and the ceiling, which feels very powerful. I think it results in better performances from the artists.”

Don Bratland, of Matt Arthur and the Bratlanders, agrees with Tay-lor. “The room’s acoustics are amazing. And maybe more impor-tantly, the sound system is excellent. Michael does an excellent job of running the sound throughout the entire performance, which is something only rarely experienced in Northfield.” Remember, on top of everything else, Morris is a busy and accomplished musician, who has experienced more live music than a lot of people will in

a lifetime. He knows what a good show looks like, sounds like and feels like.

That’s the real key to the experience at the Cha-pel: the performers are comfortable there. When they can trust that the sound is right – and they can hear themselves (you’d

be amazed at how often that isn’t the case) – they can focus all their energy on the show. When they’re more relaxed, they’re more apt to enjoy themselves, which will always translate to the audience. A happy performer makes for a happy crowd. Happy crowds make for legendary performances.

Other artists are starting to real-ize how great the place is, too. Northfield’s best kept secret is becoming not so secret anymore. In the last few months, the Cha-


pel has hosted such Twin Cities musical darlings as Lucy Michelle, Caroline Smith, Chris Koza of Rogue Valley, Communist Daughter, the Cactus Blossoms and Charlie Parr. Twin Cities music writer Jim Walsh just published a piece about the Northfield music scene, and pretty much centered it around the Chapel. “I’d say the place is getting way more attention than I had intended,” Morris says. And, that can be a bit of a concern. It would be a shame to see this sneaky little listening room evolve into something else. You don’t want people going to the place to be seen, or because it’s the place to be. That would almost immediately ruin the entire concept.

“There’s something special that happens in here,” says Morris. “This place has a cool effect on people. It brings people together, puts them in a good mood, and it isn’t alcohol that’s doing it. There’s an intimacy that happens here. And it’s not because ‘Ooh, we’re close to the performer.’ It’s that everyone is in here on the same level, and everyone is here for the express purpose of experi-encing that performer’s art. Nobody is here to get drunk, because we don’t sell alcohol.” He’s right. If you go to see a show there, you’re there to hear the music, or to see the art on the walls. That’s it. And that’s what Morris loves about the place. And that’s why he calls it the Chapel. “Make no mistake,” he says. “What happens here is sacred.”

The Chapel is located at 310½ Division Street in Northfield. The Twin Cities based Kinks Tribute band Kinda Kinky will be performing there on Friday, January 11th. Matt Arthur & The Bratlanders, along with Ol’ Yeller and Martin Devaney, will play there Saturday, Jan. 26. “Dig And Be Doug: The Poster Art Of Doug Bratland” will be up through Feb. 8.

advantage of the festival and came downtown. I hope that happens again – and even more.

How does it feel to be named Northfield’s Living Treasure for 2013? Not sure yet. I assume it comes with some expectations or respon-sibilities, though that still needs to be clarified. I’ll start to focus on that in the spring after I get through this heavy winter calendar of travel and activity. It is something I’m proud of in a way, but also feel awkward being “pointed at” knowing that there are so many other active leaders and supporters in Northfield’s cultural life. This town just continues to steadily get more and more amazing.

Life beyond VBF ‘13: Elinor and I will load up the harp in the Volvo and head up to Silverton, Colorado (10,000 ft) to participate for the third time in the Great American Rocky Mountain Brass Band Festival in mid-August. I will be somewhat distracted at that time by the fact that my teaching will resume in September at St. Olaf. I am on sabbatical this year and am trying to force myself to keep a distance. It has been a great year so far. Actually, as I write this, I’m in Chicago for a conference.

NIEMISTO continued from page 29


and on May 12,1945, Gould was selected by the trustees to succeed Donald J. Cowling as president of Carleton. The victory bell was rung at Willis Hall and students celebrated by wearing bright red clothing the next day.

Despite Gould’s popularity, his selection did not come easily, as Hillemann documents in his book. Hillemann told me that Gould’s educational philosophy was not apparent since Gould’s writings had been about scientific topics and he had “no significant fund-raising or college administrative” experience.

From the start, Gould felt there were “too many courses, too many departments, too many majors” and proceeded to make changes. The war was over, the GI Bill brought an influx of veterans to campus and new buildings were needed, includ-ing library and fine arts buildings. Con-tinuing to be a speaker in demand, Gould gave more than 70 speeches in his first year in office, including nine commence-ment addresses, on diverse topics.

Gould focused on bringing in quality faculty and Hillemann notes in the book that at the end of only 13 months in office, Gould had “personally hired fully 46 percent of his present faculty.” (This would increase to 90 percent by 1960.) Hillemann told me he felt that Gould’s most remarkable accomplishment was his “judgment about people” in the hiring that he did. “He brought some very suc-cessful people to Carleton, young people with potential…The spirit at Carleton during his years was just consistently high, the college was getting better and better. They loved their leader.” An inspiring speaker, Gould “could capture people’s imagination. He set his sights high, both personally and for Carleton,” so striving for excellence was “just always to the fore.” Even by 1950, the Dean of Yale College was listing Carleton among the “distinguished small colleges” which constituted a “lively crop of rivals.”

Gould’s popularity continued unabated. There were annual campus-wide celebra-tions of the date Gould was named presi-dent, with the city of Northfield contrib-uting a red fire truck to carry Gould and red-attired students to the festivities. At the end of the day, Larry and Peg Gould were serenaded at their home, with songs such as “Red Red Robin.”

On Sept. 16, 1952, seven weeks before the U.S. presidential election, Gould gave the official welcome to candidate

Larry Gould: Carleton’s Rock Star President, Part 2Last month Carleton College published A Beacon So Bright: The Life of Laurence McKinley Gould, a long-awaited biography of Carleton’s fourth president by Carleton archivist Eric Hillemann. In last month’s Entertainment Guide, I wrote of Gould’s life up until he accepted the presidency in 1945, a life already filled with adventure and achievement.

To recap: Gould, a native of Michigan, had earned advanced degrees in geology at the University of Michigan and, after a couple Arctic explorations, was selected to be sec-ond-in-command of Admiral Richard E. Byrd’s 1928-1930 historic expedition to the Antarctic. This expedition was highlighted by Byrd’s flight across the South Pole and a two-and-a-half-month dog sledge journey led by Gould over dangerous and icy terrain to previously unexplored land. As Hillemann told me, “Gould came back a national celebrity” and, with other expedition members, was honored with a tickertape parade in New York City and a welcome by President Hoover in Washington, D.C. Gould embarked on a nationwide lecture tour which brought him to Carleton for the first time on Oct. 14, 1930. Gould was hired to be head (and only member) of Carleton’s newly formed geology department two years later and quickly established himself as one of the college’s most popular professors. The stu-dents took note of his colorful neckwear and held “Wild Tie Days” in his honor, with the predominant color being Gould’s favorite – red.

After spending three semesters heading up the Arctic, Desert and Tropic Informa-tion Center of the Air Force during World War II, Gould returned in the fall of 1944

HISTORICHAPPENINGS

By Susan Hvistendahl

Biography of Carleton’s fourth president, Larry Gould, by Eric Hillemann, published December 2012.

Book author Eric Hillemann with Oscar, souvenir of Gould’s first Antarctic trip, now in Carleton’s Laurence McKinley Gould Library.


the wood-carved quotation above the lobby (now located in the reference room) from Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen: “The history of the human race is a continual struggle from darkness toward light. It is therefore to no purpose to discuss the use of knowledge. Man wants to know, and when he ceases to do so he is no longer man.” The official dedication was held on Sept. 22,1956, with poet and Librarian of Congress Archibald MacLeish as speak-er. MacLeish declared: “One more bulwark has been raised against ignorance and bigotry and fear: a tower which will not yield.”

Gould returned to visit Antarctica late in 1956 and in March of 1957 was awarded an Explorer’s Medal in New York, an honor his idols Amundsen, Nansen and Byrd had also received. Gould was director of the U.S. Antarctic program for the International Geo-physical Year of 1957-1958. Hillemann told me Gould considered Antarctica his “spiritual home” and was dedicated to seeing that the continent should be “devoted to peaceful purposes and interna-tional cooperation.” In February of 1958, the Scientific Commit-tee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) was created with Gould as the

Dwight David Eisenhower before more than 10,000 packed into Laird Stadium for a campaign rally meant for students. “Ike” had words of praise for small colleges for preserving “the values that have made our country great and which in turn we must apply if we are going to lead the world toward peace, security and prosper-ity.” (Hillemann told me that Gould was a Republican up to the 1964 presidential election, as was the campus, according to poles. By 1964, both the college and Gould favored Democrats. Said Hil-lemann, “He was always in sync with Carleton.”) In the fall of 1953, Eisenhower appointed Gould to the National Science Board of the National Science Foundation. Gould also became a trustee of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and of the Ford Foundation and from 1958 to 1961 served as president of the United Chapters of Phi Beta Kappa.

Gould had presided over a decade of progress by the spring of 1955. College assets had risen from $5.68 million to more than $11 million, with a marked increase in endowments and alumni sup-port. The next year on May 22, a thousand volunteers transferred the contents of the old Scoville Library to the brand new one, a major achievement of his fund-raising activities. Gould had chosen

Left: Marking the 5th anniversary of Gould’s selection as president of Carleton – Larry Gould Day 1950. Right: Presidential candidate Dwight D. Eisenhower speaks at Carleton’s Laird Stadium on Sept. 16, 1952. Gould is at right with folded arms. Photos from A Beacon So Bright.

HISTORY continued on next page


U.S. delegate and an Antarctic Treaty which set aside Antarctica as a scientific preserve was ratified on June 23, 1961. Gould wrote that it was the cooperative efforts in Antarctica, “coldest of all the continents, that witnessed the first thawing of the cold war.” (Gould went on to serve as president of SCAR from 1963-1970.)

Hillemann told me that Gould passed up many opportunities to leave Carleton, some quite lucrative. In July of 1958, while Gould was at his vacation home in Wyoming, President Eisenhower of-fered him “the opportunity to be the first director of a new govern-ment agency that would be established, which shortly thereafter got the name of NASA” (the National Aeronautics and Space Agency). Gould was in the process of a multi-million dollar fund drive for Carleton and turned it down.

The fundraising was greatly aided by the Olin Foundation giving $1,500,000 for the Olin Hall of Science, the largest single gift in Carleton’s history, announced on Feb. 6, 1959. (The building, one of several on campus designed by Minoru Yamasaki, was dedicated Oct. 14, 1961. Yamasaki became the architect of the Twin Towers of

the World Trade Center in New York City which were destroyed on Sept. 11, 2001.)

As Gould’s presidency was nearing its last year, a feature article in the Chicago Tribune of Feb. 25, 1961, called Carleton “a little Harvard,” highly exclusive and “dedicated to an aristocracy of intelligence and character.” Credit was given to Gould for having in 15 years “assembled a teaching staff of extraordinary distinction,” increasing the average faculty salary by 248 percent.

Gould announced that he would be retiring in 1962 and the trust-ees elected John W. Nason (Carleton Class of 1926) to be Gould’s successor. Nason had been president of Swarthmore College 1940-1953 and was president of the Foreign Policy Association in New York. On April 12, Larry Gould Day was declared in North-field with a “red tie” banquet at the St. Olaf Center attended by 500 friends and neighbors, the “largest testimonial dinner in town history,” despite a spring snowstorm that night. In perhaps the ulti-

Left to right: Gould and architect Minoru Yamasaki, November 1958; Gould speaking at dedication of Carleton’s library, Sept. 22, 1956, and Larry and Peg Gould in retirement in Arizona in 1986. Photos from A Beacon So Bright.

Clockwise from left: Carleton’s library was opened in 1956 and named for Gould after his death in 1995. Mount Gould in the Antarctic honors Lau-rence McKinley Gould. NSF polar research ship, R/V Laurence M. Gould, is named for Gould. Photos from A Beacon So Bright.

HISTORY continued from previous page


HISTORY continued on next page

mate compliment, St. Olaf announced that Gould would be made an honorary Ole at commencement. In June Carleton students pre-sented the Goulds with round-trip tickets to Athens and the faculty gave them a red jeep for use on their Wyoming property.

At the 17th and last commencement of Gould’s presidency, Gould was the speaker, at the invitation of Carleton’s Class of 1962. Completion of a $12 million four-year development drive was an-nounced and Gould was surprised to be made an “official alumnus by conferring upon him the Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.”

The Goulds then made their home in Tucson, Arizona, for 32 years. Gould taught at the University of Arizona (creating and directing the College of Earth Sciences in 1967) and helped start Prescott College. He also served as President of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Gould was a popular presence at Carleton alumni events and continued to give speeches throughout the country. In one address in 1967, Gould commented on the campus unrest of that era: “The courage of dissent is part of the responsibility of the intellectual

but it carries with it the reciprocal responsibility of listening.” He began to speak on environmental threats posed by overpopulation and pollution and wrote that man is “fouling his own nest” and “for the first time in history the chief danger to our survival comes from ourselves instead of the forces of nature.” Hillemann told me Gould was “worried about our stewardship of the globe” and surely would be weighing in on the topic today, “now that chunks of the Antarctic ice cover have just broken off and are gone.”

Gould once said that his “recipe for retirement” was “Winter in Tuc-son, summer at Jackson Hole, with an occasional visit to Antarctica.” Hillemann writes in his book that the year 1979 brought “multiple lasts” – Gould taught his last class, spent a last summer in Wyoming and in November, at the age of 83, went to Antarctica for the sev-enth and last time for the 50th anniversary of Byrd’s flight over the South Pole. In May of 1982, the University of Arizona gave him his 26th and last honorary degree. In 1987, Gould made his last trip to Northfield to a reunion of the Class of 1962 – their commencement


After the convocation, a small group went out to spread Gould’s ashes where his wife’s ashes had been scattered seven years before. In his eulogy, Professor Tony Obaid said, “Every spring you both will return to life with leaves and flowers of this sacred lilac hill.”

Gould’s name can be found on a geosciences building at the University of Arizona, in addition to Carleton’s library. A National Science Foundation polar research vessel and several polar geo-graphical features bear his name. Hillemann hopes his biography will keep Gould remembered as well.

“He’s worth knowing about,” Hillemann said to me. “If there is any theme to my book, it’s that however you are going to define great-ness, Larry Gould had it.” Hillemann concluded, “His relevance to today is summed up in the title, A Beacon So Bright: The Life of Laurence McKinley Gould. I think that his life is a shining example of what a human life can be, an extraordinary life – a model of how a good life can be led. He is worthy of emulation as a hero.”

Thanks to Eric Hillemann for his customary cooperation with my stories. A Beacon So Bright is available at Carleton’s bookstore, and through Carletonbookstore.org. Hillemann’s online Gould exhibit can be accessed at http://apps.carleton.edu/campus/library/now/exhibits/gould/

was the last he had presided over. (This class made news in 2012 by giving a record $30 million gift to Carleton at its 50th reunion.)

Gould’s wife, Peg, died in July of 1988 and her ashes were scattered on Carleton’s Lilac Hill by friends. Gould died June 21, 1995, two months shy of his 99th birthday. Hillemann notes in his book that “June 21 is the first day of winter in Antarctica, the darkest day of the year.”

Carleton held a convocation on Oct. 13, 1995, in Skinner Memorial Chapel, where Gould had been inaugurated as president 50 years before. On stage was a 70-pound stuffed emperor penguin called Oscar which Gould had brought back from his first trip to Antarc-tica. This bird had remained “a fixture of successive Gould homes throughout his life.” The penguin was wearing a bright red tie.

President Lewis announced that the Carleton library would henceforth be called the Laurence McKinley Gould Library. (Oscar is now in permanent residence in a special case in the library.) Hillemann told me, “I thought it was absolutely dead-on perfect for the library to be named for him” since Gould himself had called the library the heart of the college.

Ben Aaron ............................................4 – TavernAccordion-O-Rama .....................19 – CrossingsAcoustic Jam Session ................. Tuesdays – CowErin Aldridge .............27 – Lakeville Arts CenterMartin Anderson and the Goods ........12 – RuebAritria String Quartet ................13, 14 – St. OlafMatt Arthur & The Bratlanders ...... 26 – ChapelAshes for April ...19, 25 – Cannon River WineryBad Girlfriends ....................... 19 – Grandpa Al’sBeguine Bros Old Time Country

and Western Revue .............................11 – CowPieta Brown...............19 – Northfield Arts GuildCedar Paddle Band ..18 – Cannon River WineryCommon Ground .................. 18 – Grandpa Al’sMartin Devaney ............................... 26 – ChapelAndrea Een .........................................7 – St. OlafBrooke Ellis ..............26 – Cannon River WineryMatthew Griswold.............................11 – TavernHeaven’s Gate and Friends ...... 5 – Grandpa Al’sHitchville ................................. 25 – Grandpa Al’sMartin Hodel ....................................28 – St. OlafTimothy Howe.......................................25 – FrogIrish Music Session .. Wednesdays – Hogan BrosBill and Kate Isles ...........................4 – CrossingsJagged Ease ...............27 – Cannon River WineryJivin’ Ivan and

the Kings of Swing .................... 19 – SignatureBilly Johnson ......................................31 – Tavern Michael Johnson.............................10 – ShattuckLonesome Dan Kase..........................25 – Tavern

David Kassler ....................................17 – St. OlafKickStart ..............................................18 – Babe’sKildahl and Vonderharr ..........5 – Cannon River

WineryKinda Kinky ...................................... 11 – ChapelMark Kreitzer ..........................................8 – RuebMartha Larson ..................................8, 22 – RuebNick Leet ..............................................5 – TavernDoug Madow & the Rusty Nails ... 26 – ParadiseDana Maeda ........................................7 – St. OlafConnie Martin ....................................7 – St. OlafKent McWilliams ..............................28 – St. OlafDave Mehling .....................................17 – TavernSasha Mercedes ..................................18 – TavernSam Militch ...........................................22 – RuebMark Mraz ...................................10, 24 – TavernMu Daiko ........................................17 – ShattuckPeter Mulvey .................................12 – CrossingsNew Moon Trio .....................................11 – CowElinor Niemisto ..................................7 – St. OlafNorthern Roots Session ............Mondays – CowOccasional Jazz ......................................25 – CowOl’ Yeller ............................................ 26 – ChapelOptimum Trajectory .............................19 – CowOwatonna High

School Jazz Band ...............16 – Owatonna HSDon Paulson ............13 – Cannon River WineryBarb Piper .......................... 3 – Cow, 12 – TavernJoAnn Polley .......................................7 – St. OlafPop Rocks ................................ 26 – Grandpa Al’s

Alison Rae ..........................................19 – TavernRebel Queens ........................................4 – Babe’sRelativity ............................................26 – TavernJason Richards ...........6 – Cannon River WineryJonathan Rundman .............................3 – TavernKay Sahlin ...........................................7 – St. OlafSaint Anyway .........................................10 – CowSt. Olaf Orchestra .............................20 – St. OlafSame Difference.....................................12 – CowIna Selvelieva .....................................17 – St. OlafSkewed View .......................................11 – Babe’sCaitlyn Smith .....11, 26 – Cannon River WinerySmokescreen .......................................25 – Babe’sSpace Needle ........................... 11 – Grandpa Al’sStraighten Up and

Fly Right ..................19 – Lakeville Arts CenterStranger Days .......................... 12 – Grandpa Al’sSweet Jazz ........................................ 25 – Boston’sSweet Siren ................................ 4 – Grandpa Al’sDan Switch .............................................18 – FrogtreVeld ......................19 – Cannon River WineryUlufudu ....................................................5 – CowShawn Vaughan .......................................4 – FrogWake-Robin ..................................5 – BittersweetAndrew Walesch 19, 20 – Cannon River WineryWhiskey Trick ........................................11 – FrogWhitesidewalls ......25 – Zumbrota State TheaterTony Williams ..........12 – Cannon River Winery

January Gigs

HISTORY continued from previous page


Cannon River Woodcarving Club – 507/339-0336Third Monday of the month, 7pm, Ivan Whillock Studio, Faribault

Crossings at Carnegie – crossingsatcarnegie.com, 507/732-7616 Classes in the arts for preschoolers through adults – celebrate the holidays by exploring the soothing and rewarding medium of clay.

Memoir Writing Techniques: Getting Started – Jan. 12 and 19, 10am-1pm – learn a variety of ways to tell your stories. Each session will discuss two different ways of telling a personal story ranging from letter-writing to timelines to photo caption stories to poetry to traditional narrative. Students will be given writing prompts in class and writing examples to study. Each class will be given optional homework to test out one or both of the techniques discussed in class.

Screenwriting: The Form and the Film Makers – Jan. 26, 12-4pm – the seminar begins with a survey of how screenwriting dif-fers from creative fiction and play writing, the proper format of screenplays and short exercises in formatting screenplays. Practical insights into the world of independent filmmaking – its advantag-es, challenges, limitations and current script needs. The seminar will conclude with practical advice on the local market for screen-plays and how to break into acting in local filmmaking. Instructors will be Ryan Strandjord, independent filmmaker and education coordinator of the Twin Cities Film Fest; Josh Bruening, director/producer of the indie thriller Gehenna; Gary David Keast, popular indie film actor and Joan Sween, director of Minnesota Writers’ Alliance.

Cub Scout Pack 300 – 612/490-4048, cubs300.org

Just Food Co-op, Northfield – 507/650-0106 Mondays: Knitting Night, 7-9pm, 507/645-6331

MOMS Club – [email protected] – First Wednesday of each month, 10am, St. Peter’s Church, Northfield – If you are a full-time or part-time stay-at-home mom, this club may be for you. MOMS Club is a local chapter of the International MOMS Club, an organization dedicated to providing support and a sense of community for stay-at-home moms.

Northfield Arts Guild – 507/645-8877 – Find classes for kids and adults at northfieldartsguild.org.

Northfield Buddhist Meditation Center – Children’s Circle Class (ages 3-9), Sundays, 3-4pm – Children and their parents meditate, do yoga and learn about Buddhism in a fun, peaceful atmosphere of exploration. Everyone welcome.

Northfield Public Library – 507/645-6606First Steps Early Literacy Center, Mon, Fri, Sat, 10-12pmLego Club, Thu, 3:30-5pmOrigami Club, Tue, 3:30-5pmPatty Cake Infant Lapsit, Tue, 10-11amToddler Rhyme Time, Wed, 12-1pmPoetry Patch, every other Sat, 12-1pmPreschool Story & Craft Time, Thu, 10-11am

Clubs, Classes and More…Northfield Public Schools Community Services 507/664-3649

Story Time with Mary Bleckwehl – Thu, Jan 17, 6:30-7:30pm – NCRC Preschool Room – Ages birth-5 will hear stories read by local author and former teacher, Mary Bleckwehl. She will read her first book, Henry! You’re Late Again!, and Henry! You’re Hungry Again? The evening will conclude with fun art activities related to her books. This event is free, but donations to fund local early childhood scholarships are encouraged.

Funtastic Friday Movie/Literacy Night – Fri, Jan. 25, 6:30-8pm – Longfellow Gymnasium – Watch Dr. Suess’ The Lorax on the big screen and create fun artwork. Every family gets a book to take home. Don’t forget a blanket, pillow or sleeping bag to sit on while enjoying the movie and snacks. PJs are welcome. $5/family.

Northfield Senior Center – northfieldseniorcenter.org 507/664-3700 – Programs for active older adults in a premier fitness facility with an indoor pool and certified fitness instructors. Bike club, hiking trips, ping pong, nutrition talks, art classes, writ-ing classes, card groups, dining center, fitness classes and more.

Northfield Yarn – 507/645-1330 – Open Stitching, third Thursday of each month, 6-8pm. Bring a project and share in the fun. Free.

Paradise Center for the Arts, Faribault – 507/332-7372 Find art-related classes for kids and adults at paradisecenterforthearts.org.

Pottery for Adults with Tom Willis – Wed. Jan. 16-Feb. 20, 6-8pm – Age 40+. Tools optional. Any skill level. $84 members, $108 nonmembers, $36 supply fee for clay, glazing and firing.

Rice County Historical Society, Faribault 507/332-2121, rchistory.org

River Bend Nature Center, Faribault, 507/332-7151 – Classes and activities at rbnc.org.

History Tours of River Bend – Join a naturalist for a journey back in time to discover the history of the land. Travel is by golf cart. Tours last 1.5 hours and can accommodate up to five people. Call to schedule. Donations welcome.

Secure Base Counseling Centers Groups – securebasecounselingcenter.com – 507/301-3412 -

Mindful Parenting – 4th Saturday each month, 2-3pm – Parent-ing is an challenging opportunity to practice being present and mindful. This discussion group supports its members as they apply mindfulness practice to parenting.

Blended Families – 4th Tuesday each month, 7-8pm – Couples who bring children together from previous relationships have an opportunity to create a whole new family. This blending of families brings with it many rewards and many challenges. This group supports its members as they celebrate lovely aspects and grow through challenges of life in a blended family.

VFW Club, Northfield – Sundowners Car ClubFirst Wednesday of each month, 7:30pm. – Anyone who has

an interest in street rods, customs, antiques, special interest or foreign is welcome to attend.


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By Susan Hvistendahl

Happy new year 2013! We survived the Ma-yan apocalypse predicted for Dec. 21, 2012. But now, those who suffer from triskaid-ekaphobia have 365 days to live in fear! The word comes from the Greek word for 13 and the word for fear, phobia.

There are many myths about the origins of the fear of the number 13, including that it dates back to the Babylonian Code of Ham-murabi (circa 1780 BC) which supposedly omits a 13th law. Or that it originated at the Last Supper when Judas was the 13th to sit at the table. Or perhaps it was due to that trickster, the 13th Norse god Loki, who not only engineered the murder of the god of truth and light Balder but was the 13th to arrive at the funeral.

There is a superstition that if 13 people gather together, one of them will die the next year, so some opportunistic Frenchmen would hire themselves out as the 14th diner at parties. In 1881 an

influential group of New Yorkers decided to tempt fate by forming a dinner cabaret club which they called the Thirteen Club. Thirteen people came together on Friday the 13th of January, walking under a ladder at 8:13 to enter room 13 where they sat amidst spilled salt. No word if black cats were invited as guests.

A psychotherapist named Donald Dossey made up a word for fear of the supposedly

unlucky day Friday the 13th: paraskevidekatriaphobia. He told his patients, “When you learn to pronounce it, you’re cured!” There is an estimate that 800 to 900 million dollars are lost each Friday the 13th due to people avoiding events and travel on that day.

There will only be two Fridays which fall on the 13th in 2013, in September and December. And be glad that there is no 13th month so there will be no fearful anticipation of the date 13/13/13.

P A R A S K E V I D E K A T R I A P H O B I A


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Carbone’s Pizza & Sports Bar Inside Front 620 So. Water St, Northfield, MN 55057, 507/645-2300, carbones-northfield.com, Mon-Sat 11-1am, Sun 11am to midnight. Family friendly sports bar. Monthly and daily food and beverage specials. 2-for-1 happy hour daily, 11am-7pm, 10pm-12am. Half-price appetizers Mon-Fri 3-7pm.

Castle Rock N Roll Bar and Grill – 27798 Chippendale Ave 507/645-0676 • Facebook: Castle Rock N Roll Bar and Grill – 11-1am (every day). Great burgers and pizza, with daily specials. Located at the corner of Hwy. 3 and Cty. Rd. 86. Private party room available.

Chapati Page 7 214 Division St., Northfield • 645-2462 • chapati.us, closed Mondays – Cuisine of India. Variety of curry and Tandoori entrees including a large selection of vegetarian items. Wine and beer.

DININGContented Cow Page 7 302 Division St. S., Northfield • contentedcow.com • 3pm-close British-style pub with authentic British specialties and a variety of soups, salads and sandwiches. Extensive patio overlooking the Cannon River. Great selection of imported and domestic draft beer and a full selection of wine and spirits.

Culver’s Inside Front Cover 960 Highway 3, Northfield • 507/645-7700 • culvers.com/restaurants/northfield/ • 10:30am-7pm – Culver’s ButterBurgers use fresh, never fro-zen 100% Midwest beef. Our fresh frozen custard is made daily from real Wisconsin dairy. For something different, try the hearty tenderness of beef pot roast, the grilled-up-fresh goodness of a rueben or the hand-battered North Atlantic cod filet.

Fireside Lounge and Supper Club – 37540 Goodhue Ave., Dennison 507/645-9992 • firesidelounge.net – Tu-Su 10am-close, closed Mon. A menu to satisfy all tastes, from burgers and sandwiches to steaks and shrimp dinners. Friday night fish special, Saturday night prime rib special and Sat/Sun breakfast specials. Like FiresideLoungeSupperClub on Face-book and receive a coupon for a free appetizer – limited time offer.

Froggy Bottoms River Pub Page 1 307 S. Water St., Northfield • 507/301-3611 • Sun 11am-9pm, Mon/Tue 11am-11pm, Wed-Sat 11am-1am – Upper-class bar food including appetizers, salads, burgers and more. Open for lunch and dinner. Entrees starting at 5pm.

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

Hogan Brothers’ Acoustic Cafe – 415 Division St., Northfield • 645-6653 • Sun-Tue 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri and Sat 9 a.m.-10 p.m. – Hot hoagies since 1991. Also soup, sandwiches, Espresso, gourmet coffee and ice cream.

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WIRELESSWORLD

400 5th Street West • Northfield •

Next to Caribou Coffee 366-8255


Cannot be used on bill payments or with any other offer. Some restrictions apply. See Store for deails.

Good through 1-31-13

anything in the store

WIRELESSWORLD

1600 Cannon Lane • Northfield, MN507-645-5619 • 866-253-8049

APPLEAUTOS.com

$1395 OILCHANGE

Up to 5 quarts of oil, fully synthetic oil extra. Excludes diesel and hybrid engines. Plus tax and shop supplies. Must have coupon. Not valid with other coupons. Expires 2/28/13

All makes & models

Includes FREE tire rotationand car wash!

404 Wilson Ave., Faribault, MN • 507-334-9379

$2 OFFCombo Meal

limit 2 per customer

J. Grundy’s Rueb ‘N’ Stein Page 28 503 Division St., Northfield • ruebnstein.com • 507/645-6691 • 11am-close – Great burgers and famous Ruebens. Casual relaxing atmosphere. Huge selection of imported and domestic beers, fine spirits and wines. Game room, happy hour 3:30-6pm, Karaoke on Fridays at 9pm.

Johnny Angel’s Eatery & Pub Page 13 37592 Goodhue Ave., Dennison 507/645-6666 • Tue-Thu 4pm-2am, Fri-Sun 12pm-2am – American (Traditional), Italian, Pizza, Sand-wiches. Nightly specials include Wednesday-Baby Back Ribs; Thursday-Specialty Pasta; Friday-Fish Fry; Saturday-King Cut Prime Rib.

Mandarin Garden Restaurant – 107 East 4th St., Northfield 507/645-7101 – MandarinGardenNorthfield.com, Lunch: Wed-Fri 11:30am-2pm, Dinner: Tue-Thu 4:30-9pm. Fri/Sat, 4:30-10pm. Authentic Peking and Szechuan cuisine, freshly prepared, dine-in or take-out.

The Ole Store Restaurant – 1011 St. Olaf Ave., Northfield 507/786-9400 • olestorerestaurant.com – Mon-Th 11am-9pm, Fri/Sat 11am-10pm (breakfast: Sat 7am-12pm, Sun 7am-1pm) – Contem-porary dining with neighborhood charm. Relax at a table with linens and fresh flowers or sit in our cozy lounge. A full menu including appetizers, rustic flatbread pizzas, salads, soups, entrees, steaks, fresh seafood, sandwiches and gourmet desserts. Reservations available.

Quality Bakery and Coffee Shop – 410 Division St., Northfield 645-8392 – Opens 6 a.m. Tuesday-Saturday – Owned and operated by the Klinkhammer family since 1949. Quality baking from scratch using delicious family recipes with no preservatives. Custom cakes, homemade breads, donuts, pies, cookies, espresso, lunch and more.

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

The Tavern of Northfield – 212 Division St., Northfield 507/663-0342 • tavernofnorthfield.com • Sun-Thu 6:30am-10pm, Fri-Sat 6:30am-11pm, lounge open daily 3pm-midnight. Located in the historic Archer House since 1984, The Tavern offers casual dining with a wide variety of homemade menu items and specials daily featuring fresh fish on Fridays and prime rib on Saturdays. The Tavern Lounge sports a deck overlooking the Cannon River, appetizers and a full bar with live music Thur-Sat.

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1200 S Hwy 3, Northfield, MN • cannonvalleyvet.com • 507-650-7208

10% off entire retail purchase of food, dog & cat supplies, toys and treats.

PAUL’S VO ICE ON YOUR ANSWERING MACHINE • A SOUVENIR P IN GETS YOU A D ISCOUNT • BANDS FROM NORTHF IELD, THE REG ION , THE STATE , THE WORLD • DONATE $25 OR MORE AND GET A SOUVENIR P IN • DO -NATE $5 OR MORE AND YOU ’RE ENTERED INTO A RAFFLE FOR PAUL’S NAME ON YOUR ANSWERING MACHINE • OPPORTUNIT IES TO VOLUNTEER • OPPORTUNIT IES TO HOST MUSIC • VOLUNTEERS NEEDED • HOUSE A MUSIC IAN • HOUSE A BAND • 4 DAYS – 30 BANDS – 100 CONCERTS • MONTHLY UPDATES IN EVERY ISSUE OF THE GU IDE AND AT WWW.V IN -TAGEBANDFEST IVAL .ORG • PAUL’S VO ICE ON YOUR ANSWERING MA -CHINE • A SOUVENIR P IN GETS YOU A D ISCOUNT • BANDS FROM NORTH -F IELD, THE REG ION , THE STATE , THE WORLD • DONATE $25 OR MORE AND GET A SOUVENIR P IN • DONATE $5 OR MORE AND YOU ’RE ENTERED INTO A RAFFLE FOR PAUL’S NAME ON YOUR ANSWERING MACHINE • OP -PORTUNIT IES TO VOLUNTEER • OPPORTUNIT IES TO HOST MUSIC • VOL -UNTEERS NEEDED • HOUSE A MUSIC IAN • HOUSE A BAND • 4 DAYS – 30 BANDS – 100 CONCERTS • MONTHLY UPDATES IN EVERY ISSUE OF THE GU IDE AND AT WWW.V INTAGEBANDFEST IVAL .ORG • PAUL’S VO ICE ON YOUR ANSWERING MACHINE • A SOUVENIR P IN GETS YOU A D ISCOUNT • BANDS FROM NORTHF IELD, THE REG ION , THE STATE , THE WORLD • DO -NATE $25 OR MORE AND GET A SOUVENIR P IN • DONATE $5 OR MORE AND YOU ’RE ENTERED INTO A RAFFLE FOR PAUL’S NAME ON YOUR AN -SWERING MACHINE • OPPORTUNIT IES TO VOLUNTEER • OPPORTUNIT IES TO HOST MUSIC • VOLUNTEERS NEEDED • HOUSE A MUSIC IAN • HOUSE A BAND • 4 DAYS – 30 BANDS – 100 CONCERTS • MONTHLY UPDATES IN EVERY ISSUE OF THE GU IDE AND AT WWW.V INTAGEBANDFEST IVAL .ORG •

Proud Partners for VBF 2013

During VBF 2013:Lunch, Listen and Learn Concerts and Live Vintage Band music outdoors every evening at the Contented CowLive Vintage Band Music and the best in Indian food at Chapati

Vintage Band Fe stival

August 1-4, 2013

SAVE THE DATE

4 Days • 30 Bands 100 Concerts

northfield, mnOur great partners include:

&

&

Look for details and updates at

vintagebandfestival.org and in every

Entertainment Guide

Chapati.usContentedCow.com

january 2013 entertainment guide

Documents

pm gallery

northfield arts guild

pm hip handmade goods

visual arts

rock n roll revue

regional arts grants

historic happenings

olaf art appren