Top Hat TheatreCelebrating 12 Years!

2016-2017 Performing Arts SeasonBarry J. Houglum Auditorium

27 2nd Street NW, Ulen, MN 56585218-596-8853 • www.thetophattheatre.com

2 www.thetophattheatre.com Top Hat Theatre

New Website Unveiled This Season…Check It Out!You can now order your season tickets online with a

credit card at no extra cost! www.thetophattheatre.com

Welcome to our 12th exciting season, which includes a variety of great entertainment at an exceptional value! Remember, this is only possible because of the important partnerships within our community — Friends of the Theatre, business sponsors, and the school district. We invite you to enjoy this season and all that it has to offer!

All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays, except for Brulé on Friday, November 4, 2016 and the Craig Karges show on Friday, March 10, 2017, in the Barry J. Houglum Auditorium, Ulen, Minnesota.

In the event a performance is cancelled due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, Top Hat Theatre will make every effort to reschedule the performance. How-ever, we can make no guarantees due to booking schedules of performers. If the weather is questionable, please check Top Hat Theatre’s Facebook page or call 218-596-8262 for a recorded message. You can also sign up on Top Hat Theatre’s website www.thetophatthe-atre.com to receive direct email message updates.

Season Tickets in PersonSeason tickets are available at the Ulen-Hitterdal School office, Northwestern Bank in Ulen, and State Bank of Lake Park in Hitterdal. Cost is $65 for an individual ticket and $145 for a family (2 adults and 2 students; add $5 for each additional student).

Season Tickets Online or by MailOnline: Go to www.thetophattheatre.com and order with your Visa or MC with no extra fees charged. You can then choose will call or mail delivery. Mail: Send check to Ulen-Hitterdal School, PO Box 389, Ulen, MN 56585 (see form on pg. 7). You can either pick up opening night, or pay $2 mailing fee.

Single Performance Tickets($15 adult, $10 student) Tickets are available in the school office, or they may be reserved by calling 218-596-8853 or by email to Therese Vogel, tvogel@ulenhitterdal.k12.mn.us, and then picked up at the door the night of the show. They may also be ordered by credit card through Top Hat Theatre’s new website: www.thetophattheatre.com with no extra fees. Tickets will also be sold at the door unless a performance sells out.

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The Nadas have independently cultivated a career by relying on solid songwriting, memo-rable lyrics, outstanding musicianship, and a fiercely loyal fan base. The Nadas are Iowa’s signature alt-roots band, fronted by founding members Mike Butterworth (vocals, guitar) and Jason Walsmith (vocals, guitar), who have deftly handled co-lead and co-writing roles since the band began. Butterworth and Walsmith are superbly backed by Neil Stoffregen (keys), Brandon Stone (percussion), and Brian Duffey (horns and bass).

Formed in Ames, Iowa, in 1995, this indie group’s clever, rootsy, melodic folk-rock began as a collegiate extracurricular activity, and then spread through the heartland and eventually across the country. www.thenadas.com

The Nadas October 15, 2016

Memphis & The Meantimes is a celebration of the music from Sun Records and the Grand Ole Opry that changed the world. This is not New Country – this is the stuff New Country can only dream of being! Featuring songs from Cash, Haggard, Lewis, Orbison, Elvis, and many others, Memphis & The Meantimes have been thrilling audiences for years by providing the audience with a powerful 8-piece presentation.

Featuring the amazing lead vocalists Mick Sterling, Cate Fierro, and Shalo Lee, along with an incredibly talented backing band – Dan Neale on guitar, Lisi Wright on fiddle, Peter Guertin on keys, John Wright on bass, and Ben Kaplan on drums – Memphis & The Meantimes is a joyful noise celebrating the best of American popular music. http://www.newfolkbooking.com/#/memphis-the-meantimes/

Memphis & The Meantimes September 24, 2016

Paul LaRoche is the founder and producer of the award-winning Native American music group Brulé. The group is best known for thrilling audiences with a mergence of cultural rock and theatrical instrumentations. Now in their 20th season, their national performanc-es carry the same contagious excitement as Trans Siberian Orchestra, Celtic Thunder, and Riverdance—but with the emotional impact of the American Indian culture.

Brulé has pushed the boundaries of contemporary Native American rhythms and classic rock in their genre-blending selections. Their electrifying show consists of a 5-piece rock ensemble augmented with an array of traditional Native American instrumentation. Paired with the stunning steps of one of the top Native American dance troupes, their authenticity brings a multi-dimensional art form to this cultural rock opera.

Brulé is seen regularly on national PBS affiliates across the country. Their history-making concert, “Brulé, Live at Mount Rushmore—Concert for Reconciliation of the Cultures,” has become the longest running Native American concert special on national TV.www.brulerecords.com

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Hark! The Herald A Cappella Boys Sing!

Six Appeal returns to Ulen-Hitterdal to lift your holiday spirits using just their voices! They are excited to present their holiday vocal show: Ugly Sweater Party!

Six Appeal is a nationally touring, dynamic vocal ensemble infused with sharp comedic timing and the energy and vitality of a rock band. Swearing off instruments, this award-winning vocal band takes you on a mu-sical journey that spans decades as they perform classic oldies, current chart toppers, catchy origi-nal tunes, and holi-day favorites new and old. Bring your friends, family, and that special someone you’d like to catch under the mistletoe! And be sure to wear your ugly sweater!

Six Appeal December 3, 2016

- Ugly Sweater Party!Brulé Friday, November 4, 2016

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The music of Simon & Garfunkel remains among the most treasured in American popular music and is forever ingrained into our hearts and minds. Sound of Simon will take the stage at Top Hat Theatre and let you soak in the sounds of those iconic musicians.

Sound of Simon is headlined by lifelong friends Eric Roberts and Eric Trelstad, an incredible harmonizing duo joined by a full band to present the hits of Simon & Garfunkel. From “Sound of Silence” to “Scarborough Fair,” from “Bridge Over Troubled Water” to “Cecilia,” you will smile your way through this amazing evening of music and harmony.www.facebook.com/soundofsimon

Sound of SimonFebruary 11, 2017

- A Tribute to Simon & GarfunkelAward-winning quartet We Banjo 3 (+1), from Galway, Ireland, combine Irish music with old-time American and bluegrass influences to reveal the banjo’s rich roots and legacy. When this band of brothers takes flight in a wave of virtuosity, verve, and joie-de-vivre, feet tap and pulses race. Enda & Fergal Scahill and Martin & David Howley are among the most celebrated and distinguished young musicians in Ireland today.

Featuring banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, vocals, and percussion, We Banjo 3 make a bold and extraordinary musical statement. Creativity, sensitivity, and passion are present in full measure, and Irish music is at the heart of what they play.

Collectively, We Banjo 3 have been at the forefront of Irish banjo and fiddle for two de-cades. Their competitive success is unrivaled, with Martin holding seven All Ireland titles,

Enda with four, and Fergal and David holding All Ireland titles on banjo, fiddle, bodhran, and guitar.

We Banjo 3 thoroughly reinventing the banjo band sound. Modern rhythms, traditional melodies, virtuosic tech-nique, and innovative arrangements of music and song are guaranteed to put a smile on your face and get your feet tapping.www.webanjo3.com

We Banjo 3 January 21, 2017

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Kat Perkins May 13, 2017

In 2014, Kat Perkins reached the TOP 5 on Season 6 of NBC’s “THE VOICE,” whose music director, Paul Mirkovich, hailed Perkins as “the best female rock singer we’ve ever had on the show.” Since then, Perkins has released three albums: Kat Perkins, Fearless, and A Kat Perkins Christmas. Her music is a cross between rock and Top 40 pop. Kat’s career has taken her all over the world, and she has per-formed alongside acts like Bon Jovi and The Foo Fighters, to name a few.

Over the past few years Perkins has devoted time to helping others follow their dreams through her “Fearless” campaign and “Dream It, Do It” school assemblies. And in June 2016, she led the first Kat Perkins Badlands (North Dakota) Rising Star Camp, a four-day opportunity for kids 12–18 years of age to learn music and lead-ership skills. She will be conducting a residency program with Ulen-Hitterdal choir students on May 12.www.katperkinsmusic.com

Friday, March 10, 2017

Craig Karges’ performance is a touch of magic in an age dominated by technology. He com-bines the art of magic with the science of psychology and the power of intuition to create extraordinary events, live, on stage. Karges dazzles the eye and captivates the mind during

his spellbinding performance as tables float, minds are read and metal bends. When the curtain falls, you are not cer-tain whether you have been under the spell of a wonderful illusion or you have witnessed an extraordinary reality.

In the uncanny world of Craig Karges there is no smoke and there are no mirrors, just an engaging personality and a powerful presentation that will leave you with the sense of having experienced something truly amaz-ing! Craig Karges and Experience the Extraordinary! - an incredible one-man show unlike anything you’ve ever seen. To describe it is impossible ... to see it is unforgettable!www.craigkarges.com

Craig Karges- presents…Experience the Extraordinary!

Season Tickets Available Through October 15, 2016Mail Ticket Order Form

______individual season @ $65 each $__________

______family season @ $145 $__________

$2 mailing fee (or pick up at the door) $__________

Total Enclosed $__________

Name ______________________________

Address ______________________________

Phone ______________________________

Email ______________________________

Become a “Friend of the Theatre”An annual contribution is an important way for you to show your support of the arts in our community and to contribute to the experiences that have been close to your heart. Consider making a donation. Please complete the membership form below and return with your donation. Thank you!

Soloist Chorus Director Producer CorporateBenefits of Membership: $25-$49 $50-$99 $100-$199 $200-$499 $500 & OverTax-Deductible Donation x x x x xName on Plaque x x x xName in Program x x xReception with Performer x x xTwo Single Complimentary Tickets x x xDinner for Two - Selected Performer x xTwo Season Tickets x

Soloist Chorus Director Producer Corporate$25-$49 $50-$99 $100-$199 $200-$499 $500 & Over

Friend of the Theatre2016-2017 Membership Form

Yes, I/we wish to support the Top Hat Theatre.

Name ________________ Address _________________

City________________ State ________ Zip _________

Telephone ______________ Email _________________

How would you like your program listing to read?

______________________________________I/we do not wish to be listed on programs.

Please make checks payable to Ulen-Hitterdal School and mail or drop off to

Ulen-Hitterdal SchoolP.O. Box 389

Ulen, MN 56585

Please indicate your level of support below. Please check one.

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Non-Profit OrganizationUS PostagePAIDPermit #5 Ulen, MN 56585

P.O. Box 389Ulen, MN 56585

September 24, 2016

Memphis & The Meantimes October 15, 2016

The NadasNovember 4, 2016

BruléDecember 3, 2016

Six AppealJanuary 21, 2017

We Banjo 3February 11, 2017

Sound of SimonMarch 10, 2017

Craig KargesMay 13, 2017

Kat Perkins