SMU jazz groups to present jazz history performance

WINONA, Minn. — As part of Saint Mary’s yearlong Centennial celebration, the SMU Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo One will present “Jazztennial - 100 Years of Jazz History” on Thursday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m. in Page Theatre with an encore presentation Thursday, April 18, at 7 p.m. in the Slaggie Family Lobby of the Winona County History Center.

The performance will trace the development of jazz throughout the 20th century, from the early beginnings to exciting contemporary explorations. A special tribute to the “Marinotes,” the Saint Mary’s “Big Band” that toured and performed dances throughout the upper Midwest in the late 1950s, will be one of many featured attractions.

A pre-concert performance will include a performance by Les Fields and the Turkey River All-Stars. Inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame in 2005, the Turkeys have performed traditional Dixieland jazz for more than 40 years, including appearances in New Orleans and on the Delta and Mississippi Queen riverboats.

According to music director A. Eric Heukeshoven, the hardest part of planning this performance was deciding what not to include. Early years in jazz will be represented by the likes of Duke Ellington and Lester Young. The Big Band Era – saluting the Marinotes – will focus on music from the Glenn Miller Orchestra and highlight SMU freshman Gabriel Verges singing an early Frank Sinatra hit, “You Make Me Feel So Young.” Moving into the middle of the last century, selections by legendary jazz composers the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Antonio Carlos Jobim, and Miles Davis will be performed by both Jazz Combo One and Jazz Ensemble. Rounding out the evening will be contemporary selections including the funk-inspired 1974 hit, “Pick Up the Pieces,” “Chronometry” by Lawrence University composer/educator Fred Sturm, and the Charles Mingus raucous original, “Moanin.’ ”

Tickets for the Page Theatre performance on April 11 are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students. Call the SMU Box Office at Ext. 1715 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or order online at www.pagetheatre.org.

The April 18 encore at the Winona County History Center is free and open to the public. Donations will be gratefully accepted at the door.

For more information, contact Heukeshoven at 457-7292 or eheukesh@smumn.edu.

Saint Mary’s awards honorary doctorate to Branford Marsalis

Brother President William Mann and Dr. Donna Aronson, vice president for Academic Affairs, present Branford Marsalis with an honorary doctorate from Saint Mary's University.

 

 

Dr. Ned Kirk and Branford Marsalis

WINONA, Minn. — Branford Marsalis, renowned Grammy Award-winning saxophonist, Tony Award nominee composer and former “Tonight Show” bandleader, received an honorary doctorate Tuesday, March 26, from Saint Mary’s University.

Marsalis was on campus Tuesday to collaborate with pianist Dr. Ned Kirk, SMU professor of music. SMU students had the opportunity to hear the duo perform and ask questions of the legendary musician.

Brother William Mann, SMU president, presented Marsalis with an honorary Doctor of Arts Leadership. The award reads:

Whereas, Branford Marsalis is an inspirational composer, legendary saxophonist, and outstanding bandleader who has contributed to multiple musical genres;

Whereas, Branford Marsalis embodies a commitment to musical excellence that has garnered him renown as a Grammy Award winner, a Drama Desk Award winner, a Tony Award nominee, and a recipient, with his father and brothers, of the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts 2011 Jazz Masters Fellowship;

Whereas, Branford Marsalis is known and admired for his commitment to excellence and to forward-thinking, innovative, and creative responses to new challenges in his profession;

Whereas, Branford Marsalis has, by combining his love for music and passion for education, dedicated himself to sharing his knowledge with others, promoting the careers of promising new jazz musicians, changing the future of jazz in the classroom, and inspiring students and lovers of music all around the world;

Whereas, Branford Marsalis has also demonstrated compassion by his role — performing alongside Sting and Phil Collins at London Live Aid in 1985 — in raising funds for the relief of those ravaged by the ongoing Ethiopian famine, and great leadership by his role after 2005 Hurricane Katrina in working with Harry Connick, Jr. and others to develop the Habitat Musicians’ Village in New Orleans to alleviate the plight of those whose lives were devastated and homes were lost, including displaced musicians and their families;

The Board of Trustees of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota bestows on Branford Marsalis the degree of Doctor of Arts Leadership, honoris causa.

“Branford Marsalis presented our students with an amazing learning opportunity,” said Donna Aronson, vice president for Academic Affairs. “We’re so grateful he joined us on campus for a special performance with music professor Ned Kirk. Saint Mary’s Honorary Doctorate of Arts Leadership recognizes his work as an artist and humanitarian.”

Annual SMU benefit raises $12,000 for student

This year's recipient, Sabrina Bushlack, poses with the benefit's namesake, Taylor Richmond.

Nearly 500 people attended the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance March 23 at Saint Mary's University.

WINONA, Minn. — Nearly 500 people attended Saint Mary’s University’s 13th annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance on March 23.

Proceeds from the dance — and a silent auction held on campus — raised more than $12,000 for this year’s beneficiary Sabrina Bushlack, a senior biochemistry major who was seriously injured last summer by a drunk driver in Fort Wayne, Ind. The accident left Bushlack, a Mapleton resident, in a medically induced coma for several weeks. She is back on campus for the spring 2013 semester and making great strides. During her Saint Mary’s career she has been active in varsity volleyball, liturgical ministry, and as an orientation leader.

The benefit dance has become an annual tradition since it was started by students in 2001 in honor of Taylor Richmond, son of Saint Mary’s employee Nikki Richmond and Nick Richmond. Taylor has a genetic terminal illness called Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T) and the money from his benefit was used to fulfill Taylor’s dream of going to Disneyworld. Each year this event benefits someone in the SMU community in need.

Donations are still being accepted. To help, send checks — payable to the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance — to Lance Thompson, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, 700 Terrace Heights No. 1528, Winona, MN 55987.

Saint Mary’s alum returns to direct modern version of ‘Hamlet’

Andrew Russell (Claudius) and Sarah Anderson (Gertrude) watch over Aaron Pepple (Hamlet) and Taylor Marshall-Miernicki (Ophelia) in the Saint Mary’s University Department of Theatre and Dance’s modern adaptation of “Hamlet,” to be staged April 4-7.

WINONA, Minn. — This is isn’t your grandfather’s “Hamlet.”

Saint Mary’s University alum and Winona native Ann Keen ’94 has returned to her alma mater to direct students in a modern — and rockin’ — version of the familiar Shakespearean tragedy, “Hamlet” April 4-7.

Keen, who now lives in St. Charles, Ill., had originally set the classic play in the modern and edgy setting of rock superstardom with her theatre company, Polarity Ensemble Theatre, in Chicago, back in 2008.

Despite taking some serious risks, the play garnered the theatre company (which she founded 10 years ago), the title “Best Emerging Theatre Company in Chicago” by The Chicago Reader.

“I Love Hamlet, but I found that even when it was done with exotic settings, there was still something that dated it,” she said. It was a heavy rock song that sparked Keen’s decision to create a modern, rock-related setting, complete with an original rock score. Hamlet wears black leather; Gertrude is a real cougar in five-inch heels; and Horatio … is a woman.

“In modern times, more roles are filled by women,” she explains.

Her goal is to not only make “Hamlet” accessible but also resonant to larger audiences. “People will know these characters,” she said. “It’s a universal story, with breakups and family tensions, and revenge. Shakespeare makes people nervous because of the language. I’ve had people tell me after seeing our show, ‘I finally understood it, and I loved it.’ And that’s exactly the reaction we were hoping for.”

Keen admits her version is undeniably more violent and “in your face” than the traditional “Hamlet,” reflecting the realities of society today.

While staging the show with her theatre company, Keen had thought that it would be perfect for college students as it’s set in their world. Faculty in the SMU Department of Theatre and Dance agreed and are happy to welcome Keen back.

The show runs 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, April 4-6, and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 7, in Page Theatre.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available online at www.pagetheatre.org or by calling the box office Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at (507) 457-1715.

Saint Mary’s Relay for Life raises more than $17,500

WINONA, Minn. — On Friday and Saturday, March 15-16, the Saint Mary’s University community participated in the Relay for Life. More than 175 students, faculty, and staff came together to celebrate and remember those who have defeated cancer, those currently battling cancer, and those who have lost their lives to this disease. A record 22 cancer survivors were in attendance. The event raised more than $17,500 for the American Cancer Society and donations are still coming in. Team members spent the night walking around SMU’s indoor track from dusk to dawn to represent the 24-hour fight against cancer.

Saint Mary’s invites nonprofits to submit ‘to-do’ lists for ‘Spruce Up Winona Day’

WINONA, Minn. — In recognition of “Spruce Up Winona Day,” Saint Mary’s University’s Volunteer Mentors group is inviting Winona nonprofit agencies to submit requests for service.

Do you need someone to help with your spring cleaning, to rake leaves, to do some painting, or to help with construction? Saint Mary’s University student volunteers will be available to volunteer from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, to help local individuals, groups, churches and organizations in recognition of “Spruce Up Winona Day.”

Saint Mary’s will supply the workers, if you supply the materials needed (paint, brushes, rakes, tools, etc.).  Requests must be made by Tuesday, April 16, to Chris McClead at (507) 457-7268 or cmcclead@smumn.edu.

Conservatory jazz combos to perform April 3

WINONA, Minn. — On Wednesday, April 3, beginning at 5 p.m., the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts Jazz Combos will perform at Jefferson Pub and Grill, 58 Center St. This community outreach event will showcase three new jazz combos. Everyone is invited to enjoy an evening of jazz and show support for these talented young musicians.

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit arts organization, offers programming in dance, music, visual art, and theatre year-round. Classes, lessons, workshops, and camps are offered for youth ages 3 and older through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center, located at 1164 West 10th St.

For more information, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” them on Facebook, or call (507) 453-5500.

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

Conservatory accepting spring, summer registration

WINONA, Minn. — Registration is now open for spring and summer offerings at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts.

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit arts organization, offers programming in dance, music, visual art, and theatre year-round. Classes, lessons, workshops, and camps are offered for youth ages 3 and older through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center, located at 1164 West 10th St.

The new spring and summer catalog is now available and contains wonderful new programming. Some of the offerings include:

•           New Sing It Out: Glee Summer School Camp
•           Dance programming in Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Tap in May and June
•           New Folk Music Workshops
•           New My Grownup and Me: Creative Music and Movement class in July
•           Private Music Lessons
•           New Winona Arts Camps with half-day and full-day options!

Class days, times and tuition vary.  Financial need-based scholarships are available. For a brochure and a complete listing, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” them on Facebook, or call (507) 453-5500.  Interested students may registration online, by mail, or in person at MCA’s Valéncia Arts Center.

Conservatory announces winter music concert

WINONA, Minn. — On Monday, March 25, beginning at 7 p.m., the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will hold its Winter Music Division Concert at Saint Mary’s University’s Figliulo Recital Hall. The concert will showcase three new jazz combos and a variety of private lesson students.

Admission is a freewill donation, and all proceeds support the music division.

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit arts organization, offers programming in dance, music, visual art and theatre year-round. Classes, lessons, workshops, and camps are offered for children ages 3 and older through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center (VAC) located at 1164 West 10th St.

For more information, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” them on Facebook, or call (507) 453-5500.

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

Public invited to March 24 Easter egg hunt at SMU

WINONA, Minn. — Winona-area children in grade four and younger are invited to attend an Easter egg hunt at Saint Mary’s University from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 24.

Young Easter-egg hunters should gather at Saint Mary’s park, located behind Saint Mary’s Hall, where fun games will be offered until the egg hunt begins. In the case of bad weather, the event will be held in Gostomski Fieldhouse, located in SMU’s Toner Student Center.

This Easter egg hunt is an opportunity for children to play games, win prizes and enjoy a day on campus. It is modeled after SMU’s annual Halloween Fun Night, which draws more than 700 youth to campus for trick-or-treating each year.

SMU students have planned the community outreach event, which is sponsored by the SMU Office of Residence Life. Several local businesses have also supported the event through donations.

For more information, e-mail SMU-easteregg@smumn.edu.

Saint Mary’s Taylor Richmond benefit to assist Sabrina Bushlack

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s will present the 13th annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance from 8:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday, March 23.

The beneficiary of this year’s formal dance — open to the public — is Sabrina Bushlack, a senior biochemistry major, who was seriously injured last summer by a drunk driver in Fort Wayne, Ind. The accident left Bushlack, a Mapleton resident, in a medically induced coma for several weeks. She is back on campus for the spring 2013 semester and making great strides. During her Saint Mary’s career she has been active in varsity volleyball, liturgical ministry, and as an orientation leader.

The benefit dance has become an annual tradition since its start in 2001 by students in honor of Taylor Richmond, son of SMU staff member Nikki Richmond and Nick Richmond of Cochrane, Wis. Each year this event benefits someone in the SMU community in need.

The dance, featuring music by the Johnny Holm Band, will be held in the gymnasium. Ticket prices are $18 per person or $30 per couple. To purchase tickets or receive more information, contact Lance Thompson at (507) 457-1686. Dance tickets will also be available at the door.

In combination with the dance, a silent auction will be held on campus from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 21-22. A variety of homemade goods, gift baskets and specialty items will be on display in the game room, located in the Toner Student Center. The public is welcome to bid. Donations are still needed.

To make a donation, send checks — payable to the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance — to Lance Thompson, Saint Mary’s University, 700 Terrace Heights #1528, Winona, MN 55987.

Saint Mary’s to host discussion about ‘fragile’ nations March 20

WINONA, Minn. — The public is invited to a panel discussion about “Fragile Nations and the Minnesota Connection” Tuesday, March 19, and Wednesday, March 20, at Saint Mary’s University's Twin Cities and Winona campuses.

More than 50 nations are in a state of fragility or conflict today. From Haiti to Somalia, these countries suffer from weak infrastructure, internal conflict and economic despair, often severely impacting the security and well-being of their local populations — with global consequences. Throughout the world, efforts are being made to stabilize these nations. Does peace finally have a chance?

Fred de Sam Lazaro, director of the “Under-Told Stories Project” at SMU and a correspondent for PBS NewsHour with Jim Lehrer will lead an in-depth look at these fragile nations, the peacebuilding efforts to stabilize them and a panel discussion on the local impact for Minnesota communities.

Special guests will include Jina Moore, a Pulitzer Center journalist who specializes in post-conflict and human rights reporting;  Dr. David Lynch, chair of the Saint Mary’s Department of Social Science (on March 20); and  Hassen Hussein, adjunct professor, M.A. in Management Program (on March 19).

This events will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, in the Saint Mary's University Center, 2540 Park Ave., Minneapolis, and 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, in Figliulo Recital Hall, located in the SMU Performance Center on the Winona campus.

This events are made possible by the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, the Under-Told Stories Project as seen on the PBS NewsHour, and are sponsored by the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

The “Under-Told Stories Project,” produced by and in partnership with Saint Mary’s University, shares stories from around the globe through PBS NewsHour and other media organizations. The partnership brings de Sam Lazaro to the university’s Minneapolis campus, provides new learning opportunities to Saint Mary’s students, and is intended to raise awareness for the local ramifications of global issues.

Saint Mary’s Page Series hosts champion fiddler Eileen Ivers

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University’s Page Series will welcome champion violinist Eileen Ivers Saturday, March 16.

Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul will perform at 7:30 p.m. in SMU’s Page Theatre.

Described by the New York Times as “The Jimi Hendrix of the Violin,” Ivers is a founding member of Cherish the Ladies, is an original musical star of Riverdance, and has appeared with London Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony at The Kennedy Center, and the Boston Pops, as well as The Chieftains, Sting, and Hall and Oates. A Grammy winner, her music has been heard on numerous movie soundtracks including “Gangs of New York,” and she has performed for presidents and royalty worldwide.

The daughter of Irish immigrants, Ivers grew up in the culturally diverse neighborhood of Bronx, New York. Rooted in traditional Irish music scene since the age of 8, she proceeded to win nine All-Ireland Fiddle Championships, as well as numerous other awards.

In 1999, she established Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul, a compelling mix of African and Latin percussion and bass, traditional Irish instruments and soulful American vocals. Ivers’ recording credits include over 80 contemporary and traditional recordings as well as numerous film scores.

Tickets are $22 for adults, $18 for seniors and students. Call the SMU Box Office at (507) 457-1715 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or go online at www.pagetheatre.org.

In a related Page in History Event March 16, Ivers will discuss the Irish influence on popular music, using instruments to explain. The event will be held at 2 p.m. at the Winona County History Center.

Saint Mary’s offers two new majors in partnership with Mayo

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University is announcing two new majors in collaboration with the Mayo School of Health Sciences.

Beginning as early as this fall, Saint Mary’s students can pursue majors in Radiography and Echocardiography. Radiography is a highly sophisticated medical technology using x-rays, and echocardiography involves sonography of the heart. Both programs are designed so that students study two years at Saint Mary’s and then finish their degrees after studying two years at Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

According to Dr. Jeanne Minnerath of the SMU Biology Department, “these are exciting additions to our collaboration with Mayo for in-demand healthcare fields.” Saint Mary’s is the only private college in Minnesota to partner with Mayo in these programs. Saint Mary’s also has affiliated programs with Mayo including Nuclear Medicine Technology, Cytotechnology, and Medical Laboratory Science.

Saint Mary’s invites public to Relay for Life March 15-16

WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary’s University Colleges Against Cancer group invites the community to its 2013 Relay for Life — to be held 6:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday, March 15-16, in Saint Mary’s Gostomski Fieldhouse.

Teams comprised of friends, families and co-workers will join together for this fundraising effort, which celebrates people who have battled cancer, remembers loved ones lost, and provides an opportunity to fight back against the disease.

Last year more than 300 people participated in the event which raised more than $36,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Team members will spend the night walking around SMU’s indoor track from dusk to dawn to represent the 24-hour fight against cancer. Each team raises money for the American Cancer Society. This year’s theme is “Be a hero and fight back against cancer, because not all heroes wear capes!”

Activities planned through the night include a silent auction, student performances, a newlywed game, late-night Zumba and a chance to win a Kindle Fire.

If you are thinking about creating a team; if you would like to come and support the American Cancer Society’s efforts; if you would like to celebrate cancer survivors and remember those you have lost; or if you would like to be recognized as a survivor and have your success celebrated — come to this event. Participants are welcome to stay for as much or as little as their schedules allow.

To sign up, go to www.relayforlife.org/smu.

For more information, e-mail collegesagainstcancer@smumn.edu.

SMU offers ‘Tri-Swimming’ Clinic March 4-June 8

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s is offering “Tri-Swimming,” an individual open-water swim training clinic, March 4 through June 8. This clinic is for beginning or advanced swimmers who are looking for a swim clinic to complement their triathlon training goals.

Athletes must be able to swim one length of the pool without the assistance of a flotation device.

Tri-Swimming is geared toward bringing people together to train and learn proper swimming skills and techniques. Whether training for the next Trinona, or setting different goals, swimmers are welcome to join — or try out the clinic for one week for no cost.

The group meets three days a week, Mondays from 6 to 7:15 p.m., Wednesdays from 6 to 7:15 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 to 9:15 a.m. The clinic will be held at the eight-lane Jul Gernes Pool at Saint Mary’s. The instructors are Jami Severson, a former competitive swimmer with open-water swimming experience, and Mark Ross, a current SMU swim team member.

While the weather is cold, participants will swim in the pool to build confidence and endurance. As the weather gets warmer, the class will transition to Lake Goodview and Lake Winona for open-water practice.

The course fee is $200 ($150 for SMU community members). Register and pay online at www.smumn.edu/triswim. For more information, call Ext. 6921.

Exhibit at Saint Mary’s to make statement about industrialism

WINONA, Minn. — Oklahoma artist Matt Boonstra will display his sculptures March 11 through April 6 at Saint Mary’s University’s Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries. His work is an investigation into how socioeconomic circumstances impact our natural environment.

 Ideas for “Running to Conclusions” are developed from research he has collected from interviewing generations of industrial workers, tours of factories, and visits to industrial wastelands. Boonstra is originally from the Detroit, Mich., area.

“My observations of the changing relationship between people, industry, and environment are then refocused and juxtaposed in order to motivate social change,” Boonstra said. For example, he explained that his recent piece “Have You Tried Walking?” captures the transformation of a human figure into a gasoline funnel and signifies the dizzying physical and psychological relationship with oil.

A reception for the show will be held 4:30 to 6 on Thursday, March 21. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and the show is free and open to the public.