Calendar
S E P T E M B E R
Take Me to the River / September 23rd – 26th
Festivals
Come experience the St. Croix River Valley and enjoy a one-of-a-kind “festival of festivals” .
Storytelling
Join us for Tales of Our Town and the Story Slam-a-Rama across the St. Croix Valley.
Telling Your Story (short course)
Four sessions: Thur. Sept. 9, Mon. Sept. 13, Thur. Sept. 16 and Mon. Sept. 20. All sessions meet 7-9pm. / Cost is $80 for all sessions, or $60 for ArtReach members, buy tickets online here.
We all have stories worth telling. We all want to tell them well. These four low-stress and fun sessions with master storyteller, Loren Niemi, will let you identify, explore the basics of where to begin, what point of view serves your purpose, how to shape narrative, accentuate humor, build suspense, make emotional connections, arrive at a satisfying ending and most of all, practice telling your stories. Loren Niemi is a masterful storyteller of philosophically engaging and emotionally nuanced tales, Fringe Festival performer and coach. He has taught Storytelling in the Theater program at Metro State University since 1991, as well as providing storytelling workshops around the country for individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations. Loren is the author of “The Book of Plots” (Llumina Press) and co-author with Elizabeth Ellis of the critically acclaimed, “Inviting the Wolf In: Thinking About Difficult Stories” (August House Publishers).
10th Annual Rustic Road 13 Pottery Event and Sale
Saturday, September 18th 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday, September 19th 11 am - 5 pm
1148 Troutbrook Road, Hudson, Wisconsin 54016.
This free event is located on a beautiful historic farmstead and features 14 St. Croix Valley Potters. Potter’s wheel, raku firing demonstrations and live music throughout the weekend. 10% of all sales will be donated to Second Harvest Heartland. Visit www.rusticroadpottery.com for more information.
“I Love The Way You Talk To Chickens: Mostly True Stories and Songs About Love”
(formerly known as My Frozen Valentine)
Saturday, September 25, 8pm
ArtReach St. Croix has invited the cast of “I Love the Way You Talk To Chickens” to perform the storytelling and musical review on September 25th in Stillwater. If you missed the show, or would like to recommend it to friends, here’s your chance. Call 651-439-1465 or buy online.
14th Annual Franconia Arts & Artist Celebration & Festival
Saturday, September 25, 10:00am to 8:00pm
Franconia Sculpture Park, 29836 St. Croix Tr., Franconia, MN
Day-long arts festival celebrating the artists and new sculpture installations. A full day’s entertainment with artist-led tours, live music, dance, poetry, kids’ activities, and great food. This Festival serves as our celebration and opening/reception for new sculpture installations. For this event, Franconia invites the public to meet the artists in the current exhibit.
For more information please call 651-257-6668 Click here for more information
Is He Dead
September 30 – October 24, 2010
Festival Theatre, 210 North Washington St., St. Croix Falls, WI
Richly intermingling elements of burlesque, farce, and social satire with a wry look at the world market in art, Is He Dead centers on a group of poor artists in Barbizon, France, who stage the death of a friend to drive up the price of his paintings. A highly entertaining comedy that was written in 1898 by Mark Twain while living in Vienna, Is He Dead shows its author’s superb gift for humor operating at its most energetic. The playscript of Is He Dead is based on a manuscript found amongst the Mark Twain Papers and adapted for the stage by David Ives from 2005 to 2007. Call 888-887-6002 or visit www.festivaltheatre.org
OCTOBER
Seasons on the St. Croix 10th Anniversary Celebration
Friday, October 1
Seasons on the St. Croix, 401 2nd Street, Hudson, WI
Things are in the works to make this a great event…stay tuned for more information. This date also kicks off the nationwide American Craft Week….which is a wonderful coincidence for us. We look forward to celebrating with artists and other galleries around the country. We are planning to continue the celebration on October 8th and 9th when a STICKS artist will be here to take special orders.
Franconia’s first annual 3-D Music Festival
October 9, 4 pm – 7 pm
Franconia Sculpture Park, 29836 St. Croix Tr., Franconia, MN
This music festival encompasses a wide range of musical genres to create a diverse family friendly art and music cultural event for our entire community. The 3-D Music Festival significantly expands the park’s existing cultural event programming with a summer-long series of musical performances. Food will be available at the Lizard Lounge, Franconia’s own ” you betcha brat shop.” Tours of the Park will be given during the break. Call 651.257.6668 for more info.
St. Croix Jazz Orchestra Valley Chamber Chorale
Saturday, October 16, 7:30 pm
Trinity Lutheran Church, 115 N. 4th St., Stillwater, MN
The St. Croix Jazz Orchestra is an 18-piece jazz big band made up of professional musicians who live or work in the St. Croix Valley area. The program is committed to the preservation and promotion of jazz, America’s unique music genre. The St. Croix Jazz Orchestra is one of only a handful of professional jazz orchestras in the Midwest. For tickets, call 651-430-0124 or order online at www.valleychamberchorale.org
“Annie”
October 29 – November 28 / Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.
The Phipps Center for the Arts, 109 Locust Street, Hudson, Wisconsin
In spite of the evil schemes of Miss Hannigan, little orphan Annie and her lovable mutt, Sandy, find a new family and home with the big-hearted billionaire Daddy Warbucks. Book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics by Martin Charnin. Call 715/386-8409 or visit www.ThePhipps.org
The Phipps Center for the Arts Gallery Exhibitions
October 29 – November 28 / Reception: Friday, Nov 5, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
The Phipps Center for the Arts, 109 Locust Street, Hudson, Wisconsin
Gallery One: Betsy Byers, Minneapolis / oil painting
Gallery Two: Polly Norman, Minneapolis / photography
Gallery Three: Susan Kattas, Hudson / mixed media
Pauly Cudd: River Falls / glass
Overlook Gallery: Josephine A. Geiger, St. Paul / stained glass
Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Sunday, noon – 4:30 p.m., and one hour prior to curtain through intermission of events in the theaters The center will be closed November 25. More info by calling 715/386-8409 or visit www.ThePhipps.org
Ring of Kerry
Saturday, October 30, 7:30 pm
Festival Theatre, 210 North Washington St., St. Croix Falls, WI
These five musicians sing and play several instruments, offering sounds that range from the thunder of the Irish bodhran drum to the sparkle of the hammered dulcimer; from the lilt and rhythm of fiddle and guitar to the haunting wails of flutes and pennywhistles. The band has developed a blend that is animated, ruggedly beautiful and fun with music that reflects the character and traditions of the Celtic people. $26 reserved / $31 at the door. Call 888-887-6002 or visit www.festivaltheatre.org
NOVEMBER
Music Saint Croix “Music Among Friends”
Saturday, November 6, 8 pm
Washington County Historic Courthouse, 101 W. Pine St., Stillwater, MN
Music Sain Croix with Moria Jette present the fall concert “where classical meets casual. Call 651-430-9198 or email info@musicsaintcroix.com for more information.
Weekend Workshop with Painter Mary Jo Van Dell
Saturday November 13th, 10-5 and Sunday November 14th, 9-4
The Outing Lodge at Pine Point, 11661 Myeron Rd. N., Stillwater, MN
This is an exciting opportunity for a quick weekend getaway to absorb yourself in art, nature, the history and beautiful surroundings that the lodge has to offer. Options will include an overnight in the historic and beautiful B&B in a single room, a shared room, or class only. Dinner with fellow students in downtown historic Stillwater on Saturday evening. Please call for details or to sign up. Space is limited. For a look at the lodge and workshop pricing, please check out their website at www.outinglodge.com
Monroe Crossing
Sunday, November 14 at 7:30 p.m. / The Phipps Center for the Arts, Hudson, Wisconsin
The premier bluegrass and gospel quintet of the Midwest plays an upbeat blend of classic and traditional bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, and heartfelt originals. The performers are known for both their dynamic stage show and for the warmth they share on and off the stage. Tickets are $24 for adults and $17 for all students. 715/386-8409 or www.ThePhipps.org
Victorian Christmas Preview Gala
Friday, November 19, 6:30pm to 9:00pm / Old Historic Courthouse, 101 W. Pine Street, Stillwater, MN
Enjoy the classic holiday sounds from the Vallee de Croix Chorus at this extravagant holiday event in the St. Croix Valley. Appetizers, desserts and beverages will be provided by the area’s finest caterers. Costumed vendors will be selling high-quality arts and crafts and door prizes will be given away. The beautiful Old Historic Courthouse in Stillwater will be tastefully decorated as costumed volunteers stroll the hallways, giving tours of the old county jail. This is a fundraising event for the operation and restoration of the Old Historic Courthouse. Advance tickets for $25 are available through the Old Historic Courthouse office or can be purchased at the door for $30. Jumpstart your holiday season and buy your tickets today! Call 651-275-7075 or visit www.valleedecroix.org.
The WolfGang
Sunday, November 21 at 7:30 p.m. / The Phipps Center for the Arts, 109 Locust Street, Hudson, Wisconsin
As its name suggests, this noted ensemble performs music composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as well as J.C. Bach, C.P.E. Bach, W.F. Bach, Haydn, Beethoven, and others on period instruments.Tickets are $22 for adults and $15 for all students. 715/386-8409 or www.ThePhipps.org
Franconia Sculpture Park’s Pie & Wine Potluck Soirre
Saturday, November 27, 11am to 4pm
Franconia Sculpture Park, 29836 St. Croix Tr., Franconia, MN
Please join us for this Franconia tradition, as we toast a beautiful year in honor of all our friends and supporters. Please bring a pie or a bottle of wine. We’ll supply a bonfire, coffee, cider, and some of John’s world-famous turkey soup. Please RSVP by calling 651-257-6668 or e-mail info@franconia.org Hope to see you here—and thank you, once again, for your support! Bring family and friends.
A Christmas Carol
November 27 – December 26, 2010
Festival Theatre, 210 North Washington St., St. Croix Falls, WI
Our 2010 holiday show – A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens – was adapted for Festival Theatre by James Walker. Our very own Christmas Carol has not been seen on the Festival Theatre stage since 2005 and it will be a lovely conclusion to our 20th Anniversary Season! For reservations or more information call 888-887-6002 or visit www.festivaltheatre.org
DECEMBER
A Christmas Celebration
Saturday, December 4, Performances at 2:00pm and 7:30pm / Stillwater and Oakdale
Since 1996, the Vallee de Croix and Croix Chordsmen Choruses have been coming together to spread holiday cheer through the St. Croix Valley area….barbershop style. It is their tradition to invite a youth ensemble (or two) from the area to perform. This year, the River Falls High School Choir will a featured guest. Performances begin at 2:00pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater and 7:30pm at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Oakdale. Purchase your tickets early, this must-see and must-hear event draws a huge crowd every year. For tickets or more information on this event, visit www.valleedecroix.org or call 651-439-4527.
BEYOND
Valley Chamber Chorale: Winter Scenes
Washington County Historic Courthouse, 101 W. Pine Street, Stillwater, MN.
Friday, December 10, 2010 at 8 pm
Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 4 pm and 8 pm
Sunday, December 12, 2010 at 3 pm
A holiday concert that looks at unique aspects of Christmas and winter. Featured with the choir will be Sarah Grudem on harp, David Livingston on recorder, and the narration of David Horstmann. For tickets, call 651-430-0124 or order online at www.valleychamberchorale.org
Valley Chamber Chorale: Peace Work
Washington County Historic Courthouse, 101 W. Pine Street, Stillwater, MN.
Friday, February 18, 2011 at 8 pm
Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 4 pm and 8 pm
Sunday, February 20, 2011 at 3 pm
Join VCC for a concert of unusual choral pairings focusing on peace in our lives, in our community, our country and our world. Guests will include Kip Jones – “retasking the violin and telling stories in sound” and Phil Kadidlo at the keyboards. Table seating. For tickets, call 651-430-0124 or order online at www.valleychamberchorale.org
Music Saint Croix “American Songs & Serenades”
Saturday, March 5, 8 pm
Washington County Historic Courthouse, 101 W. Pine St., Stillwater, MN
Music Saint Croix with Brian DeMaris (conductor) and Peter Halverson (baritone) present the spring concert “where classical meets casual. Call 651-430-9198 or email info@musicsaintcroix.com for more information.
Valley Chamber Chorale: Bach in Stillwater
April 30, 2011 at 8 pm / Trinity Lutheran Church, 115 N. 4th St., Stillwater, MN
Bach in Stillwater is music for choir, orchestra and organ. The concert is the season finale – a glorious evening of all Bach. Guests will include Margaret Humphrey (violin) and Laura Edman (organ). For tickets, call 651-430-0124 or order online at www.valleychamberchorale.org
