Saint Mary’s announces next Page Series season

WINONA, Minn. — The 25th 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 performances. Season subscriptions go on sale May 16-July 29 and Aug. 15-Sept. 9. Individual tickets go on sale Aug. 15.

Purchase tickets to three or more events to receive a 10 percent discount for new subscribers; returning 2010-11 subscribers receive 25 percent off the total order. Subscribers also have exchange privileges and guaranteed seating choice.

To order, go online to www.pagetheatre.org or call the box office, (507) 457-1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Summer box office hours, May 16-July 29, are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The 2011-2012 Page Series


• Friday Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m. Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience
Grammy winner from Louisiana Tickets: $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students
For more than two decades Grammy-award winning artist Terrance Simien, an eighth-generation Louisiana Creole has been shattering the myths about what his indigenous Creole Zydeco music is and is not. Leading his Zydeco Experience Band, Simien has become one of the most respected and internationally recognized touring and recording artists in roots music today. He has performed over 5,000 concerts, toured to over 40 countries and reached at least a million people during his eventful 25-year career. In December of 2009, Disney Pictures released a Pixar animated film, “The Princess & The Frog,” set in New Orleans, which was scored by Randy Newman and features the music of Simien, Terence Blanchard and Dr. John.

• Saturday Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m. Luna Negra Dance Theater
Contemporary Latin Dance Tickets: $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students
Founded by Cuban-born dancer and choreographer Eduardo Vilaro, Luna Negra celebrates the richness and diversity of Latino culture through the creation of works by contemporary Latino choreographers and through intensive, hands-on education programs that encourage discovery and exploration of personal and community identity. Steering away from stereotypes and folkloric representations, the company performs works of contemporary Latino dance with energy, power, and passion. Founded in 1999, Luna Negra Dance Theater makes its home in Chicago.


• Tuesday, Nov. 1, 6:30 p.m. “Letters Home” by Griffin Theatre
Present day soldiers and families connect Tickets: $12 for adults, $5 for seniors and students
“Letters Home” puts the current war in Iraq front and center by bringing actual letters — written by soldiers serving in the Middle East — to life. The production is inspired by the New York Times Op-Ed Article, “The Things They Wrote” and the subsequent HBO documentary, “Last Letters Home” and additionally uses letters and correspondences from Frank Schaeffer’s books, “Voices From the Front,” “Letters Home From America’s Military Family,” “Faith of Our Sons,” and “Keeping Faith.” The play without politicizing gives audiences a powerful portrait of the soldier experience in the ongoing war.


• Thursday, Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m. The Good Lovelies
Award winning Canadian trio Tickets: $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students
Part folk-roots, part Western Swing, this Toronto-based trio relies on unerring three-part vocal harmonies, clever songs, and convulsively funny repartee drawn from a seemingly endless succession of comedic adventures on the road. The Good Lovelies released a 12-track Christmas album, “Under The Mistletoe,” in November 2009, which includes three original Christmas songs, as well as a number of old classics. Get in the spirit for the holidays with this trio.

• Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012, 7:30 p.m. Yuval Ron Ensemble
Middle Eastern rhythms and Sufi dancer Tickets: $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students
The Yuval Ron Ensemble endeavors to alleviate national, racial, religious and cultural divides by uniting the music and dance of the opposing people of the Middle East into a unique mystical, spiritual and inspiring musical celebration. Led by Oscar-winning composer Yuval Ron (who wrote the music for the Oscar-winning short film “West Bank Story”), the ensemble features the oud, harmonium and woodwinds, and the evening’s performance will include Aziz, a Sufi dancer.

• Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012, 6:30 p.m. “Duck For President” and other stories by Theatreworks USA
6 stories for the silly season Tickets: $12 for adults, $5 for seniors and students
This all-new musical revue features mini-musicals based on the best-selling children’s books: Duck For President, Fancy Nancy, Pirates Don’t Change Diapers and more. This is an excellent adventure for families with children in kindergarten through fourth grade.


• Wednesday, March 21, 2012, 7:30 p.m. Vishtèn
Prince Edward Island Acadian music Tickets: $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students
Vishtèn's story is a musical tale of two islands. In the North Atlantic Ocean, in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence off of Canada’s east coast, lays tiny Prince Edward Island and nearby, the 11 smaller archipelago known as the Magdalen Islands (les Îles de la Madeleine). Both islands have a shared history and a shared cultural tie that dates back several centuries. The three members who make up Vishtèn, Pastelle and Emmanuelle LeBlanc, and Pascal Miousse, have become a distinctive and powerful international voice for traditional music from this part of the world.

• Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 6:30 p.m. “Peter & the Wolf” by Pushcart Players
Classic tale brought to stage Tickets: $12 for adults, $5 for seniors and students
“Peter and the Wolf” is an adaptation of the traditional Russian folktale set to music by Sergei Prokofiev. While providing a charming introduction to the world of music and musical instruments, this enchanting tale is all about the adventure of growing up. Danger becomes reality, and creative innovation becomes essential as young Peter meets the challenge of survival in the outside world.

‘Off The Page’
In addition, this year Saint Mary’s University is introducing “Off The Page” events, which feature Minnesota artists in venues around town. Individual tickets for “Off The Page” events go on sale May 16. No discounts apply. These are limited seating general admission venues.

• Saturday, July 23, 8 p.m., Valéncia Arts Center Joe Chvala and the Flying Foot Forum
Tickets: $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students
The Flying Foot Forum is a vibrant and bold percussive dance/theater company that fuses percussion and percussive dances with many other forms of music, dance and theater, while it tells unusual tales, creates a wild variety of characters, and explores universal ideas in inventive and exciting new ways. Joe Chvala has worked as a director, choreographer, writer, composer, performer, and teacher for opera companies, experimental and nonexperimental theatres, concert dance venues, performing arts academies, and universities. Joe has received numerous choreographic and interdisciplinary fellowships and grants.

• Saturday, Sept. 3, 7 p.m., Masonic Temple Low, Ben Weaver, and The Morning Foreign
Tickets: $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students
In association with the Minnesota Music Coalition.
Three popular music ensembles promise to fill the historic Masonic Temple with the sounds of today’s generations.

The musical group Low was formed in 1993 in Duluth. They quickly gained a following for their use of slow tempos and minimalist arrangements in what others have dubbed the “slowcore” movement. The striking harmonies of founding members Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker are perhaps the distinctive element for which the group is best remembered. Their debut album, “I Could Live In Hope,” was released on Virgin records Vernon Yard imprint in 1994. They currently have nine full-length recordings with numerous EPs and live recordings. Through continual evolution of their music they have grown a large fan base. Their live shows are well received, as numerous national and international tours will attest. Their tour this year includes stops at Radio City Music Hall, New York; First Avenue, Minneapolis; Queens Social Club, Bristol, England; Primavera Festival, Barcelona; Lido, Berlin; and the Barbican London.

Ben Weaver grew up in Saint Paul and has a distinctive voice that some have likened to Tom Waits. His first album, “El Camino Blues,” featured Greg Brown and Tony Glover. He now has seven releases, his most recent, “Mirepoix and Smoke,” was inspired by his time immersing himself in a farm-to-table restaurant in Minneapolis. He tours extensively, this spring spending time in Europe.

The Morning Foreign is a Winona-based group that has recently been seen at Midwest Music Fest, The Winona Art Center, and Ed’s. Playing original tunes written by Benjamin Scott, the group dabbles with jazz influenced pop, with a cello thrown in for good measure.

• Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, 7:30 p.m., Valéncia Arts Center Danza Española
Tickets: $12 for adults; $5 for seniors and students
Flamenco is an exciting and energetic art form from southern Spain that embodies rich cultural influences of the Andalusian, Gypsy, Islamic and Sephardic cultures that have lived there through history. The dancer’s rhythmic footwork, graceful arm and hand movements, and hand clapping are accompanied by the powerful strumming and soulful chords of the guitar to express a wide variety of styles, or palos, from the most serious cante jondo, to the light-hearted cante chico.

Deborah Elias is a member of the Minnesota State Arts Board’s Juried Arts in Education Roster of Artists, and has taught at Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre and School, the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, and the University of Minnesota. She also performs and choreographs with Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre. She recently presented, in conjunction with the Winona Public Library, “The Moon’s Desire,” a collaboration that revolved around the work of Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorća.

Special guest singer Vicente Griego “is striking for his deep, sonorous wails that seem to come from a cavern, someplace deep within his soul” (Anna Poplawska, “Chicago Artist’s News”). Coming from New Mexico, Griego has devoted his life to the study of cante flamenco, the art of flamenco singing. He has toured the U.S., Canada and Latin America with the Jose Greco II Flamenco Dance Company.

Saint Mary’s is a fiscal year 2011 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: All tickets (individual & subscription) are subject to a $1 processing fee. * Student price includes ages 4 and older. $10 student rush tickets may be available for some events 20 minutes before curtain.

SMU to host ‘Celebrate Japan’ May 5 to raise money for Misato, Winona’s sister city

WINONA, Minn. — As part of a citywide effort to raise money for earthquake relief in Misato, Japan — Winona’s sister city — Saint Mary’s University will host “Celebrate Japan” Thursday, May 5.

The event, a cultural showcase of Japan’s rich culture and traditions, will run from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Toner Student Center. The showcase will begin with an announcement from Winona Mayor Jerry Miller.

Other events will include:
• Japanese woodblock printing demonstrations, “Moku Hanga,” by SMU’s Preston Lawing
• Origami with Sandy Wernimont from the Winona Middle School
• Japanese dance, provided by Winona State University students from Japan
• A Japanese martial arts demonstration by SMU’s Francis “Fritz” Speck and other members of Minnesota Genbu-Kai Karate
• Sushi (served by Chartwells Food Service) in limited quantities
• Japanese poetry readings by Winona Poet Laureate Ken McCullough of SMU and former Poet Laureate Jim Armstrong of WSU
• A reading from “Sadako and the 1,000 Paper Cranes”
• Reiki massage by Gerry Naal
• Live music with Patti Darbo
• A Skype message from Misato
• And more

Donations are encouraged. Misato bracelets and T-shirts will also be available for purchase.

Fifty homes in Misato were completely destroyed in the March earthquake. Three times that number of houses were damaged. Many businesses and roads are in need of repair. The Misato residents are in need of funds to buy essential supplies like food, water and clothing. For more information on citywide relief efforts, visit http://misatorelief.hbci.com.

When the week of fundraising events is completed, a check from the Winona Community Foundation will be given to the City of Winona to send directly to officials in Misato.

For more information about SMU’s “Celebrate Japan,” contact Chandu Valluri at (507) 457-1466 or cvalluri@smumn.edu. For more information on the benefit week, contact Bead Kerr at bker.1995@gmail.com, Joe Lepley at joseph.lepley@winona.k12.mn.us or Glenn Petersen at gpetersen@winona.edu.

SMU presents screening of film ‘Green Fire’ May 3

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University is offering a public screening of the environmental documentary film “Green Fire” at Winona State University’s Science Learning Center (Room 120) at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3.

“Green Fire” is the first full-length, high-definition documentary film ever made about legendary environmentalist Aldo Leopold. “Green Fire” highlights Leopold’s extraordinary career, tracing how he shaped and influenced the modern environmental movement. Following the screening, an opportunity for dialogue about the film will be facilitated by Wes Miller (Department of Sociology at SMU), Joe Tadie (Department of Philosophy at SMU) and Bruno Borsari (Department of Biology at WSU). This opportunity was made possible through the SMU Office of Campus Ministry.

SMU jazz combos to perform May 8 at Acoustic Café

WINONA, Minn. — Two Saint Mary’s University student jazz workshop combos, directed by John Paulson and Eric Heukeshoven of the SMU Music Department, will present a free concert from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 8, at the Acoustic Café, 77 Lafayette St. This event will feature student musicians who have been playing together all semester, and it will serve as their “final exam.”

They'll be playing well-known jazz standards by composers like Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Miles Davis and Duke Ellington.

Saint Mary’s to host Row, Ride, Run Triathlon

WINONA, Minn. — The annual Saint Mary’s University “Row, Ride, Run Triathlon” will take place on Saturday, April 30, at 9 a.m. at Lake Winona. Sixty-one athletes from throughout the Midwest are registered for the race.

Participants will canoe or kayak a 2.5-mile loop around Lake Winona, then bike 14 miles from Lake Winona to the SMU campus. Once on campus, racers will run 3.1 miles through the bluffs surrounding the university.

Proceeds assist Serving Others United in Love (SOUL), a program of SMU’s Office of Campus Ministry. Through SOUL, members of the Saint Mary’s community participate in national and international service trips.

For more information, visit www.smumn.edu/rowriderun or call (507) 457-7268.

SMU student organ recital, hymn-sing planned for April 29

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University organ students will present a recital and hymn-sing — free and open to the public — from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 29, at Faith Lutheran Church, 1717 West Service Dr.

SMU students Gregory Bim-Merle, Jacob Carlson, Michelle Quinn and Nathan Maskal, along with their instructor A. Eric Heukeshoven, will perform selected works by Johannes Brahms, Flor Peeters and Ralph Vaughan Williams, as well as traditional hymn tunes. The recital will also include a new arrangement of Samual Scheidt’s “Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland” featuring additional SMU students on brass and percussion. The arrangement, by Heukeshoven, was premiered at the recent SMU Founder’s Day convocation.

For more information, contact Heukeshoven at (507) 457-7292 or e-mail eheukesh@smumn.edu.

Saint Mary’s choirs to perform April 30

WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary’s University Chamber Singers and Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. Patrick O’Shea, and Women’s Choir, under the direction of Lindsy O’Shea, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at the Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels, located on the Saint Teresa campus.

The concert will include works by Monteverdi, Saint-Saëns, Ferko, Handel, Moses Hogan and SMU’s Patrick O’Shea and Eric Heukeshoven. The event will also feature the Saint Mary's University Chamber Orchestra.

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

Saint Mary’s presents service awards to students, faculty, staff

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University recognized outstanding students, faculty and staff Thursday, April 7, at the Student Life Awards Ceremony. Several awards were handed out to students who made a noticeable impact on student life at SMU. Awards included:

Brother Finbar McMullen Award (presented to an SMU community member who demonstrates him/herself to be an individual who unselfishly meets the needs of the undergraduate students of Saint Mary’s) — Dr. Marilyn Frost, vice president for academic affairs and psychology professor, of Winona.

Charlene “Char” Tjaden Outstanding Resident Assistant Award — Margaret Scannell, daughter of Thomas and Carole Scannell of Evergreen Park, Ill.

Club and Organization Advisor of the Year — Brendan Dolan, Residence Hall director and area coordinator.

Organization of the Year — Big and Little Pals of Campus Ministry, accepted by Melissa Stuckmayer, daughter of Robert and Sharon Stuckmayer of Ramsey, Minn., and Allison Johnson, daughter of Richard and Michele Johnson of Austin, Minn.

Intramural Official of the Year — Chelsea Deering, daughter of Doreen Ableman of Wisconsin Dells, Wis.

Volunteer of the Year Award — Rachel Elbert, daughter of John and Irene Elbert of Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Outstanding Student Senator of the Year Award — Daniel Streefland, son of Tom and Deb Streefland of Webster, Minn.

Winona Community Service Award — Daniel Streefland, son of Tom and Deb Streefland of Webster, Minn.

Brother James Miller Award (presented to a student who has dedicated his/her college experience to promoting the legacy of Brother James Miller, spreading the compassion of God and continually serving the community) — Santiago Escobar, son of Santiago Escobar Velasco and Francia Acevedó of Madelia, Minn.

Student Service Award — Kaitlin Wermerskirchen, daughter of Daniel and Laura Wermerskirchen of Shakopee, Minn.

Outdoor Leadership Recognition — Greg Freeman, son of James and Joann Freeman of Aurora, Ill.

Brother Charlie Burke Award (presented to a faculty or staff member who has made significant contributions to the entire Student Life Department. This individual has promoted the growth of the whole student through their exemplary standard of ethical service, dedication to creating developmental relationships, and their desire to promote lifelong learning) — Francis “Fritz” Speck, director of Information Technology.

PBS NewsHour reporter explains ‘Under-Told Stories’ Project at Saint Mary’s event

WINONA, Minn. — Fred de Sam Lazaro, director and reporter for PBS NewsHour’s program “Under-Told Stories,” spoke at Saint Mary’s University Tuesday during the President’s Roundtable breakfast. The Under-Told Stories Project is sponsored by Saint Mary’s and hosted by the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership at SMU’s Twin Cities campus.

The Under-Told Stories Project produces reports on health, poverty, and environmental and economic issues from the most remote and underdeveloped locations in the world. De Sam Lazaro and Nicole See, the show’s producer, are working to raise awareness of the local ramifications of global issues. UTS activities and staff also give Saint Mary’s students exposure to hands-on experiences in developing regions of the world.

Saint Mary's honors faculty, staff, students, Lasallian educators at Founder's Day April 5

Brother William welcomes Brother Álvaro Rodríguez Echeverría, Superior General of the Institute of the Brothers of Christian Schools.

Brother Michael Collins, FSC, was awarded a Doctorate of Leadership and Service from Brother William and Michael Gostomski, chairman of the SMU Board of Trustees.

Brother Jeffrey Gros, FSC, received a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Brother William and Michael Gostomski, chairman of the SMU Board of Trustees.

Drs. Melissa Luedtke and Roxanne Eubank were presented with the Brother H. Charles Severin, FSC, Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award.

Hilary Ethen and Sean Ohl, this year's Outstanding Seniors.

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University presented awards to alumni, faculty and students at its Founder’s Day celebration Tuesday, April 5. Additionally, Brother Álvaro Rodríguez Echeverría, Superior General of the Institute of the Brothers of Christian Schools, served as the event’s keynote speaker.

Saint Mary’s presented honorary doctorates to Brother Michael Collins, FSC, Ed.D., president and chief academic administrator of DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis, and to Brother Jeffrey Gros, FSC, Ph.D., professor of church history at Memphis Theological Seminary.

Brother Michael, who is also a current SMU trustee, was awarded a Doctorate of Leadership and Service. He has been recognized locally, regionally and nationally for his contributions to education, and particularly his efforts at promoting diversity within Catholic education. Brother Michael received his undergraduate degree in 1959, and a master’s in 1965, both from Saint Mary’s.

Brother Jeffrey received a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. He is well known in the ecumenical movement for broadening the understanding and reach of ecumenism. He served for 10 years as director of faith and order for the National Council of Churches and served for 14 years at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Brother Jeffrey received his undergraduate degree in 1959, and a master’s in 1962, both from Saint Mary’s.

Also honored were a dedicated faculty member, a Lasallian educator and two outstanding seniors.

Melissa Luedtke, Ed.D., of the Education Department received this year’s Brother H. Charles Severin, FSC, Award for Excellence in Teaching. The award is given every other year to an undergraduate faculty member who is recognized by both students and other faculty as exceptional in their teaching and engagement of students.

Roxanne Eubank, Ed.D., professor, Doctor of Education in Leadership, and director of the Institute for Lasallian Studies, was chosen as this year’s Distinguished Lasallian Educator. These awards are given by Lasallian institutions in the North American-Toronto Region of the De La Salle Christian Brothers to honor contributions and commitment to the Lasallian mission of education.

Additionally, the Outstanding Male and Female Senior Awards were presented to students who have demonstrated the ideals of scholarship, character, leadership and service. Above all, these men and women have shown genuine concern for meeting the needs of others. The Outstanding Male Senior Award went to Sean Ohl, son of John and Lori Ohl of Bloomington, Minn. The Outstanding Female Senior Award went to Hilary Ethen, daughter of Todd and Lucinda Ethen of White Bear Lake, Minn.

Ohl is a biology-pre-med major. While at SMU, served as president of Tri-Beta National Biological Honors Society (Gamma Epsilon Chapter) and completed a summer research internship for R&D Systems. He also played baseball, served as a resident assistant and practiced mixed martial arts. Ohl has also volunteered in the emergency room for Winona Health, and has been an EMT with the Lewiston Ambulance Service. After graduation, he plans to attend Midwestern Medical School (Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine).

Ethen is a K-8 elementary education major with a math concentration. She has been involved with Open Mic Night, Serving Others United in Love (SOUL), Together Encountering Christ, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Residence Life, Relay for Life, Mass choir and Kappa Delta Pi (the educational honor society). She has also kept busy with SMU Volunteer Services, the Student Leadership Program Team, Students for Life, the Initial Teaching Alphabet (ita) Literacy Clinic, Lasallian Collegians, Habitat for Humanity, Ambassadors, and the Outdoor Club. Ethen was also part of the women’s tennis team and played intramural sports. Her future dreams include teaching in Africa or at an inner-city school district.

The following students were finalists for the 2010 Outstanding Senior Awards — Males: Santiago Escobar, son of Santiago Escobar Velasco and Francia Acevedó of Madelia, Minn.; Benton Kodet, son of Robert and Laurie Kodet of Northfield, Minn.; Lukas Holland, son of Jearold and Theresa Holland of La Crosse, Wis.; Daniel Streefland, son of Tom and Deb Streefland of Webster, Minn.; and Ryan Wockenfus, son of Jeff and Brenda Wockenfus, of New London, Wis.; Females: Alison Kremer, daughter of Patrick and Lisa Kremer of Iona, Minn.; Jennifer Koezly, daughter of Edwin and Monica Koezly of Ham Lake, Minn.; Elizabeth “Libby” Perkins, daughter of David and Kathleen Perkins of Bloomington, Minn.; and Samantha “Sami” Traxler, daughter of Tim and Jeanne Traxler of Le Center, Minn.