MCA presents 2014 Summer Dance Intensive Showcase

WINONA, Minn. — The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will present the Summer Dance Intensive showcase at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 26, at the Valéncia Arts Center Academy Theatre, 1164 West 10th St.

The showcase, which is free and open to the public, features works that the students participating in the Summer Dance Intensive have learned in their two-week dance camp.  A variety of dance forms will be presented, including classical and contemporary ballet, jazz, musical theatre dance, and modern dance. The works were choreographed by MCA guest artists Dustyn Martincich, Allan Kinzie, Jen TeBeest and Tammy Schmidt.

In addition to learning showcase pieces, students have been participating in comprehensive dance training including technique and theory classes throughout the two-week process. Class studies have included ballet, pointe, variations, pas de deux, repertory, jazz, hip hop, rhythm tap, modern, musical theatre dance, piyo, choreography and improvisation.

The students are from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa; range in age from 11 to 16; and were selected for the program by audition.

For more information about the Summer Dance Intensive showcase or future MCA program offerings, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” them on Facebook, or call (507) 453-5500.

Saint Mary’s string camp students to perform public concerts July 18-20

WINONA, Minn. — Through Saint Mary’s University’s String Camp — held on campus July 13-20 — students ages 12-18 will work on developing their skills and musicianship to master many important aspects of string playing in the contemporary era. Throughout this eight-day camp, participants will have the opportunity to work closely and intensively with Saint Mary’s faculty to improve their skills in solo, chamber music and orchestral playing.

The public is invited to three free and public concerts by these talented young musicians:

July 18 — 7:30 p.m., student solo recitals
July 19 — 7:30 p.m., student chamber music recital
July 20 — noon, string orchestra concert

All concerts will be held in Figliulo Recital Hall, located in the Saint Mary’s Performance Center.

The string orchestra will perform Mozart’s “Divertimento in F major, K. 138”; Coreelli’s “Concerto Grosso in D Major, opus 6 no. 4”; “Company” by Philip Glass; and “Capriol Suite” by Warlock. The student solo recital will include works by Mendelssohn, Bach, Vaughan Williams and Beethoven. The chamber music concert will include string quartets by Haydn, Mozart and Ravel.

Award winners announced from regional science, engineering fair at SMU

WINONA, Minn. — One hundred and forty two students competed at the 61st annual Southeastern Minnesota, Western Wisconsin Regional Science and Engineering Fair, hosted by Saint Mary's University of Minnesota in conjunction with Winona State University on Feb. 28.  Students from nine local schools participated including: La Crescent Middle School, Winona Middle School, Bluffview Montessori School, Cotter Junior High, Chatfield Middle School, Chatfield High School, Cochrane-Fountain City High School, Cotter High School and Winona Senior High School.

Advancing to the International Science and Engineering Fair (May 11-16 in Los Angeles, Calif.) is Lucas Derbyshire from WSHS with his chemistry project “Optical Activity of Saccharides.” Alternate projects to ISEF were first observer Michael Oldendorf from C-FC High School with a project in Botany on “Effect of Indolebuytric Acid on Germination Rate” and second observer Matthew Dietz from Chatfield High School with a project in Medicine and Health on “ The Effect of Cell Density and Growth Supplements on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Attachment and Growth on an Artificial Matrix.”

Students who will be advancing to the State Science & Engineering Fair on March 30-April 1 for the Senior Division are: Shae Alcamo, Dicey Spring, Lucas Derbyshire, Ivan Kovala, Lucas Larson and Emma Walsky from WSHS; and Luke Dietz, Justin Friedrich and Matthew Dietz from Chatfield High School. Those advancing to the Junior Division are Max Derbyshire, Armon Parsi, Anthony Trombetta and Austin Weatherhead from Winona Middle School; Lincoln Salisbury from Chatfield Middle School; Julie Walker from Cotter Junior High; and Ella Baudek, Hannah Clarkin, Alex Bourdreau, Payton Dryden, Russell Drye, Garrett Fields, Molly Franzose, Keaton Keip, Michael Luoma, Grant Nutter, Jenny Olson, Connor Siegersma, Paige Pasvogel and Anastasia Veselovsky from La Crescent Middle School.

Students from Cochrane-Fountain City High School that will be participating at the Badger State Science Fair, to be held March 22 at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, are Anna Hoesley and Michael Oldendorf.

In addition to projects, students also will be presenting research papers. Advancing to state for the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium competition at the senior level are: Matthew Dietz and Justin Friedrich from Chatfield High School and Lucas Derbyshire from Winona Senior High. Students who will be advancing to state for the junior level are Austin Weatherhead, Parker Hawkinson, Anthony Trombetta, Max Derbyshire, and Evan Ferstl from Winona Middle School and Bennett Gathje from Chatfield Middle School.

Special awards were also given out.  The awards and the recipients are:
  
US Air Force:  Dylan Celius (Winona Middle School), Zach Roline (Chatfield Middle School), Nathan Graff and Connor Zukowski (Cotter Junior High)
                          
American Psychological Association: Jenny Olson and Connor Siegersma (La Crescent Middle School)                  
                      
Bartlett W. Foster Award: Luke Dietz (Chatfield High School) and Max Derbyshire (Winona Middle School)

Broadcom MASTERS: Anthony Trombetta and Max Derbyshire (WMS), Michael Luoma, Grant Nutter, Payton Dryden, Keaton Keip, Paige Pasvogel (La Crescent MS) and Julie Walker (Cotter Junior High)

Genius Olympiad International High School Project Fair on Environment: Payton Dryden (La Crescent Middle School) and Anthony Trombetta (Winona Middle School)
                      
Mu Alpha Theta: Sang-Hyuk Lee (Cotter High School)                      
                      
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Mitchell Williamson (Winona Middle School)
                                      
U.S. Metric Association: Shae Alcamo and Dicey Spring (Winona Senior High)

U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize: Emerald Thompson-Jereczek (Cochrane-Fountain City High School)

Winona State University Department of Chemistry Excellence in Chemistry Award: Lucas Derbyshire (Winona Senior High)
          
The fair committee would like to thank science and engineering contingent of the region for volunteering to be judges. 

Saint Mary’s to host regional science, engineering fair

WINONA, Minn. — The 61st annual Southeast Minnesota and Western Wisconsin Regional Science and Engineering Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, in the Saint Mary’s University gymnasium. The regional fair is a joint venture between SMU, Winona State University and community members, and the two colleges alternate hosting the event. Approximately 120 students from regional middle school and high schools will participate in the fair. These schools will include La Crescent Middle School, Bluffview Montessori School, Winona Middle School, Cotter Junior High and Cotter High School, Cochrane-Fountain City High School, Luck High School, Chatfield Schools, Shattuck St. Mary’s and Winona Senior High School. The student exhibits are open to the public from 3 to 5 p.m. An award ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. in the gymnasium. Students are chosen to advance to either the Minnesota Academy of Science or the Badger State Science fairs. Additionally one senior-level project is chosen to advance to the International Science and Engineering Fair.

Page Series event Jan. 28 brings children’s favorite stories to life

WINONA, Minn. — Theatreworks USA will perform “Teacher From the Black Lagoon and Other Storybooks” Tuesday, Jan. 28, as part of Saint Mary’s University’s Page Series.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. in 
Page Theatre. 


Introducing children to the wonderful world of live theatre is something Theatreworks USA knows about. For 50 years they have brought together some of the finest young talent and seasoned professionals to tour the country, bringing literature to life on stage.

This production is a new musical adaptation of seven story books including “The Teacher From The Black Lagoon,” “Dogzilla,” “Grumpy Bird,” “I Want My Hat Back,” “Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse,” “Love Splat (Splat The Cat),” and “The Grasshopper And The Ant.” These classics are on every child’s must read story list.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students and are available at the SMU Box Office, (507) 457-1715, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Explore the comedic side of science with Doktor Kaboom Jan. 16 at SMU

WINONA, Minn. — Audiences will explode with laughter as Doktor Kaboom takes the stage during Saint Mary’s University’s next Page Series offering Thursday, Jan. 16.

The event, which begins at 6:30 p.m. in SMU’s Page Theatre, creatively blends theatre arts with the wonders of scientific exploration. Doktor Kaboom keeps his crowds riveted with interest and rolling with laughter. Join him for a sidesplitting journey of increasingly spectacular, and often successful, experiments and demonstrations. Using masterful improvisational skills, the artist takes his audience on an amusing tour of the modern scientific method while demonstrating spectacular applications of the physical sciences.

Doktor Kaboom is the creation of actor/comedian David Epley, who says he has been fortunate enough to discover two passions in his life. His first, science, took him to studies at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. His second, performing, became his career, and for 20 years Epley has made his living writing, performing and directing original interactive comedy across the U.S. and Canada. He now brings his passions together with an explosive style that refuses to allow his audiences time to catch a breath.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students and are available at the SMU Box Office Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., (507) 457-1715, or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

SMU hosts Theatreworks USA with ‘Peter Pan’ Nov. 14

WINONA, Minn. — Audience members of all ages will enjoy a unique retelling of the classic tale “Peter Pan” as Theatreworks USA takes the Page Theatre stage Thursday, Nov. 14, at Saint Mary’s University.

This Page Series offering will begin at 6:30 p.m.

A story within a story, this version of “Peter Pan” is an adapted version of J.M. Barrie’s classic tale created by John Caird and Trevor Nunn. The performance begins with a group of children in turn-of-the-century London who use their imaginations — and some props from their room — to reenact the story of Peter Pan. This story empowers children to create their own world of make-believe. As the children fly to Neverland and escape the evil Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, they recognize the importance of friendship as well as the value of being part of a family.

Theatreworks USA often visits the Page stage; last season they performed “Bunnicula.” Since their founding in 1961, they have presented more than 90 million children and their families with opportunities to enjoy their theatrical productions in 49 states and Canada.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students and are available at www.pagetheatre.org or at the SMU Box Office, (507) 457-1715, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Winona National Bank is also sponsoring this performance.

Halloween Fun Night is Oct. 28 at Saint Mary’s

WINONA, Minn. — Elementary and preschool children from the Winona area are invited to attend the 13th annual Saint Mary’s University Halloween Fun Night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28.

Participants should stop at the guard booth at the main entrance of the Winona campus for directions on where to park. 

Young trick-or-treaters should start out the evening at the Hall of Fame Room, located in the Toner Student Center, where tattoos and stickers, a coloring station, and other fun games will be offered, and the Cardinal mascot will greet pint-sized ghosts and goblins.

From there, SMU students will lead groups of trick-or-treaters through the residence halls of the university, where they can go door to door for candy.

Last year more than 750 youth participated in this free, safe and fun event, sponsored by the Office of Residence Life of Saint Mary’s.

Page Series to bring classic fairy tales with warped twists to life Oct. 3 at SMU

WINONA, Minn. — Young and old alike will enjoy the Griffin Theatre Company performance of “
Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales” 
Thursday, Oct. 3, at Saint Mary’s University.

This Page Series production will begin at 6:30 p.m. in SMU’s Page Theatre.

Jack has a problem. He’s successfully grown an enormous beanstalk, scaled to the top, and stolen a golden harp and gold-laying goose from the sleeping giant. Things get a bit sketchy when said giant wakes up. Find out how old, slightly warped, fairy tales come to his rescue.


Over the past 22 years, the Griffin Theatre Company of Chicago has provided a wide range of work including world and mid-west premieres of acclaimed scripts, critically lauded productions of Shakespeare and original adaptations of novels.


Tickets are $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students and are available online at www.pagetheatre.org or at the SMU Box Office, (507) 457-1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

A “Gathering for Jack” will begin at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, in the Winona Public Library Children’s Room. Enjoy some tall tales and fabulous shorts, and take a chance at winning tickets to the Oct. 3 performance.

Area schools invited to matinee performances at Saint Mary’s

WINONA, Minn. — The Performance Center of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is pleased to announce the 2013-2014 school-only matinees. This year’s matinee performances provide inexpensive opportunities for area students in kindergarten through grade 12 to experience the best in performing arts.

Interested schools should contact Adam Wiltgen, SMU Box Office manager, at amwilt04@smumn.edu to reserve seating for their school groups. Include “SCHOOL MATINEE” in the subject line and include the following information:

• Name of School

• Contact name, phone number, and email address

• Number of students expected to attend

• Grade level or age range of students (whichever is applicable)

• Number of expected chaperones

• Any needed accessibility services

All seats cost $3 per person (for students and chaperones) and payment is due upon arrival. Schools are asked to limit chaperones to one adult per 10 students, when possible. You will be contacted to confirm your school’s participation.

Groups should plan to arrive between 20 and 30 minutes prior to the performance. Those who arrive earliest are seated first. Most events last 50 to 60 minutes and offer study guides with pre- and post-performance activities and discussion topics.

Go to www.pagetheatre.org to find more information about the artists, study guides and links to artist websites. Click on the “School Matinee” link to find more information.

School matinees 2013-14

Stinky Cheese Man and Other Stories

THURSDAY • OCT. 3 • 10 a.m.

* Recommended for kindergarteners through fourth-graders

Poor Jack. He’s got to use his wits to save himself from the terrible Giant, but a host of familiar fairytale characters keep messing up his plans—and then there’s that annoying Stinky Cheese Man! The show deconstructs the tradition of the fairy tale. Characters slide in and out of tales; Cinderella rebuffs Rumpelstiltskin, and Goldilocks meets the Three Elephants. Nothing is quite the same as you remember it.

Over the past 22 years the Griffin Theatre Company of Chicago has provided a wide range of work including world and mid-west premieres of acclaimed scripts, critically lauded productions of Shakespeare and original adaptations of novels.

Peter Pan

Theatreworks USA

THURSDAY • NOV. 14 • 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.

*Recommended for first-graders through fifth-graders

Peter Pan is an adapted version of J.M. Barrie’s classic tale created by John Caird and Trevor Nunn. This touring production explores the journey of a group of children in turn-of-the-century London who use their imaginations to reenact the story of Peter Pan. This story empowers children to create their own world of make-believe. As the children fly to Neverland and escape the evil Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, they recognize the importance of friendship as well as the value of being part of a family. This production encourages children to let their imaginations take “flight” and to create their own adventures using household objects as props and puppets as characters.

Theatreworks USA was last seen at the Page with Bunnicula. Their alumni include Henry Winkler and John Glover. Celebrating their 51st year of producing high quality touring family friendly theatre, this New York City based company is a Page Series favorite.

NOW FILLED – Doktor Kaboom

THURSDAY • JAN. 16, 2014

Teacher from the Black Lagoon and Other Storybooks

Theatreworks USA

WEDNESDAY • JAN. 29, 2014 • 10 or 12:30 p.m. (limited room for both shows)

*Recommended for kindergarteners through fourth-graders

An exciting new musical revue based on favorite contemporary children’s books including: Teacher From the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler and Jared Lee, Dogzilla by Dav Pilkey, Grumpy Bird by Jeremy Tankard, I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen, Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes, Love Splat, Splat the Cat by Rob Scotton, and The Grasshopper and the Ant.

Theatreworks USA often visits the Page stage, last season they performed Bunnicula. Since their founding in 1961, they have presented more than 90 million children and their families with opportunities to enjoy their theatrical productions in 49 states and Canada.

Spring Concert

Dance Repertory Company and SMU Dept. of Theatre and Dance

THURSDAY • APRIL 24, 2014 • 10 a.m.

* Recommended for third-graders and older

Suitable and appealing for all ages, the annual spring concert by the Dance Repertory Company offers a well-rounded dance experience by including a variety of dance styles in its performances. Full of youthful exuberance, effervescent spirit and burgeoning talent, the company upholds high artistic standards and commitment to technique, discipline and fun. From contemporary ballet to tap, and from jazz to hip hop, this concert promises delightful choreography performed by an equally delightful company of student dancers.

Arts Educational opportunities are supported in part by generous donations from Xcel Energy and Target.

Saint Mary’s announces next Page Series season

WINONA, Minn. — The 27th season of the Saint Mary’s University Page Series is once again filled with music, dance, theatre and family-friendly offerings from around the world! You don’t have to travel far for world-class entertainment. Season subscriptions go on sale June 19. Individual tickets go on sale Aug. 20.

Purchase tickets to three or more events to receive a 10 percent discount for new subscribers; returning 2012-13 subscribers receive 25 percent off the total order. Subscribers also have exchange privileges and guaranteed seating choice.

To order after June 19, go online to www.pagetheatre.org or call the box office, (507) 457-1715, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The 2013-2014 Page Series

• Thursday, Sept. 5, 7:30 p.m.
Second City Comedy: On Tour
Improv from America’s best
Tickets: $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and students
America’s famed comedy troupe, The Second City, is coming to town with "Happily Ever Laughter." From the company that launched the careers of Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray and more, comes the next generation of the comedy world’s best and brightest in an evening of hilarious sketch comedy and Second City’s trademark improvisation.

The Second City celebrates more than 50 years of cutting edge satiric revues and continues to deliver the leading voices in comedy while touring the globe. With scripted and improvisational elements, audiences always enjoy being part of the show and playing along with the next generation of comic legends. Whether it's ripped from the morning headlines or a classic gem from their 50-year archives, The Second City is always a laugh out loud hit.

• Tuesday, Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m.
Christopher O’Riley
NPR’s most famous pianist
Tickets: $24 for adults, $22 for seniors and students
From his groundbreaking transcriptions of Radiohead, Elliott Smith and Nick Drake to his unforgettably sublime interpretations of the classical canon, pianist Christopher O’Riley has stretched the piano beyond conventional boundaries.  For his visit to Winona he will interpret contemporary popular music including the Cocteau Twins, R.E.M. and Pink Floyd.

O’Riley has taken his unique vision to both traditional classical music venues and symphonic settings, as well as to entirely new audiences on the radio, at universities and even clubs. As host of the popular classical music radio show, National Public Radio’s From The Top, O’Riley works and performs with the next generation of brilliant young musicians, demonstrating to audiences that these young artists are as interesting and diverse in their personal lives as they are in their music-making.

O’Riley has toured the U.S. with the world-famous Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Orchestra. He has appeared with the philharmonic orchestras of Los Angeles, New York, Moscow and the Royal Philharmonic in London, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the symphonies of Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Baltimore, Philadelphia and San Francisco.

• Thursday, Oct. 3, 6:30 p.m.
Stinky Cheese Man and Other Stories
A fun twist on family favorites
Tickets: $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students
Jack has a problem. He’s successfully grown an enormous beanstalk, scaled to the top, and stolen a golden harp and gold-laying goose from the sleeping giant. However, the giant has now awoken and Jack has scurried back down the beanstalk in the hopes of chopping it down before the giant can catch him. Jack could possibly even make a clean escape if only the Little Red Hen would quit harping on and on about all the lazy animals who refuse to help her with her wheat. He devises a method to keep the giant somewhat diverted, by offering to tell him stories. The stories are all based upon other classic fairy tales with some fairly “stupid” twists.

Over the past 22 years the Griffin Theatre Company of Chicago has provided a wide range of work including world and mid-west premieres of acclaimed scripts, critically lauded productions of Shakespeare and original adaptations of novels. Each year the main-stage offers three full-length productions and one children’s production. Many of the Griffin’s 100-plus productions have appeared on Chicago area critics “Best of the Year” lists.

Last seen on the Page stage with the moving Letters Home production in 2011, the Page Series is pleased to present the Griffin Theatre Company in an entirely different light this time around.

• Wednesday, Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m.
Susan Werner
Folksinger’s Hayseed Project
Tickets: $24 for adults, $22 for seniors and students
Born in Manchester, Iowa, Werner grew up on her family’s hog farm, but she took to singing rather than farming. When she was 3, she grabbed attention at a family party with her rendition of a beer commercial jingle. “That was it. My life direction was fixed,” Werner told Paul McKay of the Ottawa Citizen. She began making a name for herself in the folk scene of the early 1990s in Philadelphia, New York and Boston. She recorded five albums from 1993 to 2001 in the folk genre. Her next recording in 2004, I Can't Be New, was a departure encompassing Tin Pan Alley, early torch, and jazz standards. Now based in Chicago, Warner's most recent music is infused with the rustic roots of American folk, blues and country music. Her 11th recording, Kicking the Beehive, includes guest appearances by Vince Gill, Mo'Keb, Paul Franklin.

Werner’s newest project Hayseed, contains 12 songs on the subject matter of farming, rural America, locavores, food safety, and the comic potential of herbicides. Werner grew up on a family farm in eastern Iowa, where her parents still farm—and in Hayseed, she returns to the language and characters she knows best. Supporting three organizations she believes in this tour will help out Practical Farmers of Iowa, Ames, Iowa, Midwest Organic and Sustainability Education Service (M.O.S.E.S.), Spring Valley, Wis., and The Land Institute, Salina, Kan.

• Thursday, Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m.
Peter Pan by Theatreworks USA
Neverland by our favorite company
Tickets: $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students
This version of Peter Pan is an adapted version of J.M. Barrie’s classic tale created by John Caird and Trevor Nunn. This touring production by Theatreworks USA explores the journey of a group of children in turn-of-the-century London who use their imaginations to reenact the story of Peter Pan. This story empowers children to create their own world of make-believe. As the children fly to Neverland and escape the evil Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, they recognize the importance of friendship as well as the value of being part of a family.

Theatreworks USA often visits the Page stage; last season they performed Bunnicula. Since their founding in 1961, they have presented to more than 90 million children and their families, with opportunities to enjoy their theatrical productions in 49 states and Canada.


• Wednesday, Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m.
River North Dance Chicago
One of Chicago’s most physical dance ensembles
Tickets: $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and students
    Founded in 1989, the company is recognized as one of Chicago’s leading dance companies, receiving critical acclaim both on a national and international level. Under the direction of Artistic Director Frank Chaves, the jazz-based contemporary company embodies a true flavor of “Americana” in its dynamic repertoire.

They will present a mixed repertoire including “Simply Miles, Simply Us” featuring the music of Miles Davis; “Train,” an abstract ritual in three parts set to a percussive live recording; and “Super Straight Is Coming Down,” a fiercely physical, urban meltdown of epic proportions; as well as other pieces from their 20-year repertoire. A pre-show talk with company manager will be offered as well.

“Not only did the troupe’s bravura dancers pull out all the stops from first move to last, inspiring rapturous applause at every turn, but they demonstrated that River North is one of this city’s most accomplished ensembles.” Chicago Sun Times


• Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014, 6:30 p.m.
Doktor Kaboom
Mad science
Tickets: $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students
Creatively blending theatre arts with the wonders of scientific exploration, Doktor Kaboom keeps his crowds riveted with interest and rolling with laughter. Join him for a sidesplitting journey of increasingly spectacular — and often successful — experiments and demonstrations. Using masterful improvisational skills, the artist takes his audience on a sidesplitting tour of the modern scientific method while demonstrating spectacular applications of the physical sciences.

Doktor Kaboom is the creation of actor/comedian David Epley, who has been fortunate enough to discover two passions in his life. His first, science, took him to studies at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. His second, performing, became his career, and for 20 years he has made his living writing, performing, and directing original interactive comedy across the U.S. and Canada. He now brings his passions together with an explosive style that refuses to allow his audiences time to catch a breath.


• Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014, 7:30 p.m.
The Travelin’ McCourys
Bluegrass’ legendary sons
Tickets: $24 for adults, $22 for seniors and students
Ronnie McCoury on mandolin, Rob McCoury on banjo, Jason Carter on fiddle, and Alan Bartram on bass, comprise the latest incarnation of the most awarded band in the history of bluegrass – The Del McCoury Band. No other band today has the same credentials for playing traditional and progressive acoustic music. As the sons of bluegrass legend Del McCoury, Ronnie and Rob continue their father’s work – a lifelong dedication to the power of bluegrass music to bring joy into people’s lives. Based in tradition, the ensemble is loved and respected by the bluegrass faithful, but they also bring something fresh and rejuvenating to the stage. Recently the McCourys debuted the widely successful festival on wheels called The Bluegrass Ball, bringing spontaneous live collaborations, the hallmark of the McCourys, to clubs across the country. The band has a confidence that comes with having paid their dues with 20 years on the bluegrass road. They are known not only for their individual prowess on their instruments but also the tight rhythm, the soulful material and the confidence in taking bluegrass from the safety of the shore into uncharted waters.

The Travelin’ McCourys are quickly becoming known amongst fans and musical icons alike collaborating with the likes of Vince Gill, The Allman Brothers, Phish, Warren Haynes, Steve Earle, Dierks Bentley, Yonder Mountain String Band and many more.

• Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, 6:30 p.m.
Teacher from the Black Lagoon and Other Stories
Theatreworks USA Production
Tickets: $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students
This is an exciting new musical revue based on favorite contemporary children’s books including: Teacher From the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler and Jared Lee, Dogzilla by Dav Pilkey, Grumpy Bird by Jeremy Tankard, I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen, Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes, Love Splat, Splat the Cat by Rob Scotton, and The Grasshopper and the Ant.
Some of Theatreworks USA’s most famous alumni include actor Henry Winkler, four-time Tony-winning director Jerry Zaks, two time-Tony Award winner Robert Lopez, and well-known actors Jesse Tyler Ferguson, John Glover and many more.


• Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, 7:30 p.m.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
South African a capella legends
Tickets: $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and students
Nominated 16 times for the Grammy awards, South African a cappella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, led by founder and leader Joseph Shabalala, celebrates more than 50 years of joyous and uplifting music that marries the intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South African musical traditions to the sounds and sentiments of Christian gospel music.

Assembled in the early 1960s in South Africa by Shabalala – then a young farmboy turned factory worker – the group took the name Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Ladysmith is the name of Shabalala’s rural hometown; Black is a reference to oxen, the strongest of all farm animals; and Mambazo which is the Zulu word for axe, a symbol of the group’s ability to “chop down” any singing rival who might challenge them.

Paul Simon visited South Africa in the 1980s and incorporated Black Mambazo’s rich tenor/alto/bass harmonies into his Graceland album – a landmark 1986 recording that was considered seminal in introducing world music to mainstream audiences.

Since that time they have maintained a respect and a reverence for their past. The centuries-old story of their homeland – sometimes joyous, sometimes troubled, but always rich and exhilarating – has been at the very foundation of this vocal group since its very beginning. But alongside the South African history witnessed by an entire world, there’s a quieter, more personal past shared by the members of Ladysmith Black Mambazo – a time of youth and innocence, when the world consisted of nothing more than the hills and open fields of their parents’ farms in Zulu country.

The Page Series is pleased to welcome the most widely known a cappella group in the world back to the SMU stage since they first visited Winona in 2006.



Saint Mary’s is a fiscal year 2012 recipient of an Institutional Presenter Support grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008.

* PLEASE NOTE: Online orders will incur additional fees.

Student price includes ages 4 and older. $10 student rush tickets may be available for some events 20 minutes before curtain.

A limited number of $6 tickets will be available for 5- to 14-year-olds for the following shows: Christopher O'Riley, Susan Werner, River North Chicago Dance Company, The Travelin' McCourys, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. 

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.

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 Page Series brings ‘The Gruffalo’ to life Feb. 27

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University’s Page Series is hosting the Tall Stories production of “The Gruffalo” 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, in SMU’s Page Theatre.

Children ages 4 and older (and their parents) will enjoy watching as Mouse goes on an adventurous journey through the deep, dark woods in this magical, musical adaptation of the Blue Peter award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Mouse can scare hungry animals away with tall stories of the terrifying Gruffalo, but what happens when he comes face to face with the very creature he imagined? Let your imagination run wild with songs, laughs and scary fun.

Tall Stories, from London, England, was founded in 1996 by joint artistic directors Olivia Jacobs and Toby Mitchell. The company has grown to become a highly acclaimed, internationally touring, not-for-profit organization. They present old, new and timeless stories in fresh and exciting ways, and their productions tour to theatres, community venues and schools in the UK, Europe, North America and Asia. Tall Stories aims to tell stories in a physical, visual style, and their performances link original music with movement and a lot of laughs.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 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.

Xcel Energy gives grant to 2012-2013 SMU Page Series

WINONA, Minn. — In December, the 2012-2013 Page Series Educational Programs at Saint Mary’s University received a $5,000 grant from Xcel Energy.

The grant was made possible through the Arts & Culture focus area for Xcel Energy’s corporate giving, part of the company’s effort to support nonprofit agencies providing services in towns and cities served by Xcel Energy.

Grants connect Xcel Energy to Communities

“The success of our company is directly related to the health of our communities,” said Monique Lovato, Xcel Energy’s director of Corporate Giving. “While Xcel Energy’s employees invest in our local communities with charitable contributions and volunteer time, these grants are another way Xcel Energy shows our commitment to improving the quality of life in the towns and cities we serve.”

Through its focus area grants, Xcel Energy supports nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations that: improve science, technology, engineering, economics and math education; improve and enhance the natural environment; help individuals achieve economic self-sufficiency; and that provide access to arts and culture. In 2011, the company contributed $3.9 million in focus area grants to organizations across its eight-state service territory, which includes Minnesota.

Grant assists with Page Series educational opportunities

Funding from Xcel Energy is assisting Saint Mary's University of Minnesota with its arts educational programming through the Page Series — including eight matinee events for K-12 school groups and families, and four workshops for students and community members.

For the 2012-2013 season, Saint Mary’s Performance Center is offering eight educational opportunities for area school groups to experience and learn from established performing arts groups. The artists were selected based upon their touring history, artistic quality, and their commitment to meet educational and curriculum standards for grades K-12.

The Page Series season has included a performance by the Tibetan Monks of the Drepung Loseling Monastery; two performances by Theatreworks USA of Bunnicula, a musical adaptation of the popular children’s book of James and Deborah Howe; The Nutcracker ballet performed by the Dance Repertory Company; and two performances of Zorro by the Scottish company Visible Fictions. Yet to come is an adaptation of The Gruffalo book by Tall Stories company of England; and the Spring Concert by the Dance Repertory Company.

In addition, hands-on workshops have enhanced students’ experiences. The Tibetan Monks created a sand mandala painting using colored sands and students had an opportunity to work on a community sand mandala. The Tibetan Monks also presented a workshop on the history of the Tibetan culture. In February, The Hornheads, a jazz musical quintet, will offer a workshop open to area jazz students; and in March Irish-American fiddler Eileen Ivers will offer a lecture-demonstration at the Winona County History Center on the history of the Irish diaspora and their music.

MCA announces winter programming

WINONA, Minn. — The new Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts Winter Semester II Catalog is now available. Registrations are being accepted. Offerings run from Jan. 14 to March 23 and include:

•    Architecture for Kids (new) for youth in grades 1-3 and 4-6.
•    Creative Drama and Visual Art and Creative Music and Movement (new) for children ages 3 to 5. Enroll your child in these classes and take Nia and Mindfulness classes at the same time for only $10. Pay-as-you-go options are available.
•    Jazz Combos (new) with well-known Winona director Dave Gudmastad. Three options are available.
•    Dance Technique for Boys for male students, ages 8-12. This $10 class focuses on the development of dance technique used in classical and contemporary disciplines in addition to increasing flexibility, range of motion, physical strength and stamina.
•    Advanced Ballet Packages (new) for individuals serious about ballet training. Additional classes have been added.
•    Theatre Division Classes (new) for students in grades 4-6, and grades 7 and up.
•    Adult Wellness Classes — Including Mindfulness (new), Nia, Dance Conditioning, Clogging, Ballet, and Tap and Jazz. Parents who have a child enrolled in a MCA class can take an Adult Wellness Class for 10. Pay-as-you-go options are available for Nia and Mindfulness.

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” the MCA on Facebook, or call (507) 453-5500. Interested students may register online, by mail, or in person at MCA’s Valéncia Arts Center.

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts offers programming in Dance, Music, Visual Art, and Theatre, year-round. Classes, lessons, workshops, and camps are offered for ages 3 to adult at the Valéncia Arts Center located at 1164 West 10th St.

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. The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is an affiliate program of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

Students celebrate National Chemistry Week during Saint Mary’s Chemistry Nights

WINONA, Minn. — Many area high school juniors and seniors will perform hands-on chemistry projects during upcoming Chemistry Nights at Saint Mary’s University, which will run 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Oct. 25 and Nov. 1.

Chemistry Night, sponsored by the SMU Department of Chemistry and the La Crosse-Winona local section of the American Chemical Society, is an annual event designed to help students explore the discipline of chemistry and appreciate the positive role that chemistry plays in our everyday world.

Each year students solve challenging but fun chemical problems, based on the National Chemistry Week (Oct. 21-27) theme.  This year the theme is “Nanotechnology: The Smallest Big Idea in Science,” and the experiments will involve liquid crystals, gold nanoparticles and magnetic fluids.

Students will work in small teams, using wet chemistry and working with chemical instrumentation in the SMU Department of Chemistry, under the guidance of SMU chemistry and biochemistry majors.

Prizes will be awarded to the teams that have the greatest success in solving the chemical problems. Prizes will include SMU scholarships of $2,000 and $1,000.

Eight area schools and approximately 50 students are participating this year.

For more information, contact Dr. Brett Bodsgard at (507) 457-6972.

Halloween Fun Night is Oct. 29 at Saint Mary’s

WINONA, Minn. — Elementary and preschool children from the Winona area are invited to attend the 12th annual Saint Mary’s University Halloween Fun Night from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29.

Participants should stop at the guard booth at the main entrance of the Winona campus for directions on where to park.

Young trick-or-treaters should start out the evening at the Hall of Fame Room, located in the Toner Student Center, where tattoos and stickers, a coloring station, and other fun games will be offered, and the Cardinal mascot will greet pint-sized ghosts and goblins.

From there, SMU students will lead groups of trick-or-treaters through the residence halls of the university, where they can go door to door for candy.

Last year more than 750 youth participated in this free, safe and fun event, sponsored by the Office of Residence Life of Saint Mary’s.

Saint Mary’s Page Series brings ‘Bunnicula’ to life Oct. 9

WINONA, Minn. — Audiences of all ages will enjoy the hauntingly fun children’s favorite “Bunnicula” beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9, at Saint Mary’s University’s Page Theatre.

Lock up your lettuce! Protect your parsley! Rescue your rutabaga!

A floppy-eared bunny with mysterious habits is staking out its place in TheatreworksUSA’s spine-tingling new musical, co-written by Tony-nominated playwright Charles Busch and based on the best-selling books by James & Deborah Howe, “Bunnicula!”

Chester the cat and Harold the dog get along like ... well ... cats and dogs, even though underneath their furry exteriors, they’re really the best of pals. But one dark and stormy night, the Monroe family comes home from the movies with an orphaned rabbit they found under their seats. He’s a very strange baby rabbit who has sharp fangs instead of buckteeth, and who sleeps all day and prowls around his cage all night.

Meanwhile, all the vegetables in the house are drained of their color and turn white. Could this possibly be a coincidence, or could Bunnicula be a vampire? Chester thinks so, and he’ll stop at nothing until he vanquishes the new arrival, even if it means the end of his friendship with Harold.

Tickets for this Page Series production are $12 for adults, $5 for seniors and students and are available at the SMU Box Office, (507) 457-1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Area schools invited to matinee performances at Saint Mary’s

WINONA, Minn. — The Performance Center of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is pleased to announce the 2012-2013 school-only matinees. This year’s matinee performances provide inexpensive opportunities for area students in kindergarten through grade 12 to experience the best in performing arts.

Interested schools should contact Tove Wiggs at (507) 457-1716 or twiggs@smumn.edu to reserve seating for their school groups. If e-mailing, include “SCHOOL MATINEE” in the subject line and include the following information:
• Name of School
• Contact name, phone number, and email address
• Number of students expected to attend
• Grade level or age range of students (whichever is applicable)
• Number of expected chaperones
• Any needed accessibility services

All seats cost $3 per person (for students and chaperones) and payment is due upon arrival. Schools are asked to limit chaperones to one adult per 10 students, when possible. You will be contacted to confirm your school’s participation.

Groups should plan to arrive between 20 and 30 minutes prior to the performance. Those who arrive earliest are seated first. Most events last 50 to 60 minutes and offer study guides with pre- and post-performance activities and discussion topics.

Go to www.pagetheatre.org to find more information about the artists, study guides and links to artist websites. Click on the “School Matinee” link to find more information.

School matinees 2012-13

Bunnicula
Theatreworks USA
TUESDAY • OCT. 9 • 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.
A bunny tale of mystery
* Recommended for grades 2-6
“Bunnicula” is new musical co-written by Tony-nominated playwright Charles Busch and based on the best-selling books by James & Deborah Howe. Chester the cat and Harold the dog get along like ... well... cats and dogs, even though underneath their furry exteriors, they’re really the best of pals. A very strange baby rabbit who has sharp fangs instead of buckteeth, and who sleeps all day and prowls around his cage all night arrives to rattle their friendship. Will Harold and Chester remain friends? Will Bunnicula find his mother before it’s too late? Will the nocturnal assault on all that is good and green continue?

Theatreworks USA was last seen at the Page with Duck for President and Other Stories. Celebrating their 50th year of high quality touring family friendly theatre, this New York City based company is a Page Series favorite.

‘The Nutcracker’
Dance Repertory Company and SMU Dept. of Theatre and Dance
WEDNESDAY • NOV. 28 • 10 a.m.
Traditional Christmas-time tale
*Recommended for first-graders and above
The ballet tells the story of a young girl, Clara, who on Christmas Eve dreams of a battle between the Nutcracker Prince and the Rat King and his band of mice. At a pivotal moment, Clara comes to the aid of the Prince and helps him win the battle. To reward Clara for her help, the Prince takes her to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets where she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy and sees a beautiful array of ethnic dances.

Zorro
Visible Fictions of Scotland
WEDNESDAY • JAN. 23, 2013 • 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.
A mysterious figure has arrived in town
*Recommended for grades 3-8
With a mask and a cape, Don Diego becomes Zorro and fights for the good of the people and the woman he loves. No tyrant or traitor is safe from the justice of the mysterious Zorro, who leaves his mark — a distinctive “Z” carved with his sword — on those who bully, torture, steal and threaten the lives of others. Visible Fictions has been internationally touring award-winning theatre for young people for 17 years. This is their first visit to the Page Theatre. PLEASE NOTE: Run time is 65 minutes

The Gruffalo
Tall Stories of England
WEDNESDAY • FEB. 27, 2013 • 10 a.m.
One scary forest monster
*Recommended for pre-k students through third-graders
Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep, dark wood in this magical, musical adaptation of the Blue Peter award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Mouse can scare hungry animals away with tall stories of the terrifying Gruffalo, but what happens when he comes face to face with the very creature he imagined?  Songs, laughs and scary fun for children and their adults. Let your imagination run wild!
Tall Stories, from London, England, was founded in 1996 by joint artistic directors Olivia Jacobs and Toby Mitchell. They present old, new and timeless stories in fresh and exciting ways and their productions tour to theatres, community venues and schools in the UK, Europe, North America and Asia.

Spring Concert
Dance Repertory Company and SMU Dept. of Theatre and Dance
THURSDAY • APRIL 24, 2013 • 10 a.m.
Exciting dance by area dancers
* Recommended for grades 3 and older
Suitable and appealing for all ages, the annual spring concert by Dance Repertory Company offers a well-rounded dance experience by including a variety of dance styles in its performances. Full of youthful exuberance, effervescent spirit and burgeoning talent, the company upholds high artistic standards and commitment to technique, discipline and fun. From contemporary ballet to tap, and from jazz to hip hop, this concert promises delightful choreography performed by an equally delightful company of student dancers.