SCENE JULY 2025

WINNERS ANNOUNCED IN NEXT MONTHS SCENE ISSUE!

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Crafty

FEATURES:

6

COLUMNS:

From the vineyard to the bottle:

local wineries

your favorite. Minnesotans can’t go without their sweet wine, so of course they are featured everywhere.

By NIKKI HALLMAN Guest Contributor

Southern Minnesota isn’t short of its vineyards and tasty wines. As the list grows, so does the palette for delicious white and red wines, all while enjoying a distinct Midwestern atmosphere.

Even if you’re new to the beverage of the hour, you can engage in tastings, wine flights and eventually take home a bottle of

Don’t forget to try appetizers that pair perfectly with any drink you come across. Did someone say charcuterie board?

Vintage Escapes Winery and Vineyard

8950 Dodd Rd, Kilkenny 507-334-1936

vintageescapeswinery.com

Kilkenny. One of the most quaint cities I’ve recently come across. 42 miles east from Mankato and 52 miles from Minneapolis. That’s the perfect amount of time to enjoy delightful conversation among your car mates.

Maybe it’s the soothing drive through southern Minnesota’s rolling hills, or the greenery that catches your eye in every direction you look, that you start to feel a needed escape is coming.

That’s one of the best words to describe Vintage Escapes Winery and Vineyard. Is there irony in the name? You betcha. Owner Dan explains “vintage” comes from his personal interest in most things vintage. “Escapes?” He said he wants his patrons to feel that ambiance of calm and “escape of the day-to-day life.”

Not only is the winery calling your name before you arrive, but once you do and learn more about the location, a sense of peace begins to fill your heart.

Opening in 2019, the veteran owned and family operated business - run just by Dan and Ashley Reller, with some volunteers, and on oc-

casion their young son, River – has a meaningful wine up their sleeve.

A special series of vintage wine labels display all branches of the military on their famous Marquette -catching your attention with another vintage touch; classic pinups showcased in uniform.

The specialty wines also support veterans as 15% of each special bottle is donated to Tunnel to Towers. The non-profit organization supports military families by providing mortgagefree homes to fallen soldiers and first responders. They also provide specially-adapted smart homes for injured veterans and first responders. Could their business model be more convincing? Just maybe…

As soon as you make your way down Dodd road – you know, the escape route Jesse James and his gang took? – your eye catches a

beautiful copper draping over the winery. 32 acres of warm welcoming land stand out. To your right, the vineyard sits just behind the inviting outdoor patio. To the left, more rolling hills and hunt lake easily offers a feeling of happiness. A gaze you can’t get out of.

Step inside where you see hand-built, stained wood, never-ending ceilings and gold medals presented proudly over the military series of the tasty Marquette. Windows stretch up the back wall, giving you a beautiful view as if you’re sitting outside. When it comes to wines, if you’re looking for a “palette pleaser,” try the Ring a Ding Ding, dryer red or get a glass of Hotsy Tosty, a dryer white with a hint of sweet. Are those titles another vintage touch? Why yes. Its the 1920’s and 50’s slang. Now dip some of their bread in a tasty oil or get yourself the one-of-a-kind Vino Charcuterie Halo -a personal size cheese and meat-filled board, placed ever so classy-like on top of your glass. Why the name Vintage Escapes? Dan explains vintage comes from his personal interest in most things vintage. Escapes?

He wants his patrons to feel that ambiance of calm and “escape of the day-to-day life.”

Now lean into that escape, not only to taste delectable wines but to also enjoy events of all kinds. Music, adult Easter egg hunts, the Hallo-wine trail, vintage car roll-ins. Oh and once a month you can attend a sip and shop market. Wine and shopping, all in one place. Does it get better than that?

From May to August, you can visit the winery on Thursdays from 3 p.m. through 8 p.m., Fridays from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Another surprise from the already attractive winery that makes it stand out from others are the year-round hours. Wine in winter? Warm me up, please!

Winter hours fall September through December and February through April.

Open Thursdays and Fridays from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The area isn’t shy of camping. Take a whole weekend for the experience.

Down the road in Waterville is the family oriented, Kamp Dells and Sakatah Lake Campground.

After one visit, you might conjure ideas about hosting private rentals. Engaged? Just graduated? Book it! And don’t forget to check out the list of exciting events coming up.

Chankaska Winery

1179 E Pearl St, Kasota 507-931-0089

chankaskawines.com

Here is one winery that’s working its way to become a classic location in southwest Minnesota. Once an official sponsor of the Minnesota Wild hockey team, Minnesota’s women’s basketball team the LYNX, along with the men’s team, the Timberwolves, Chankaska isn’t short of wine options.

Looking for a white? There are 11 to choose from. And the reds, there’s 10. Don’t forget three different sparkling

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Making your way up the driveway, warm greetings begin to reel you in. Not before you become distracted from vines in every direction. It’s almost a surprise that you can drive just 10 miles north of Mankato and find such an inviting Winery. You don’t need convincing for a quick girls trip, mini family getaway, or heck, just to enjoy a day off.

Grab yourself a glass of wine, a Kreme or spirit and take a few steps outside to one of three patio ake a seat in the refreshing sun or under a cool umbrella. Even warm up by the fire pit. Before taking a seat, take a few more steps to the sidewalk below that’s lined with colorful plants, triggering almost all your senses.

But wait. Is that a river you hear? Indeed. You can’t help but be drawn a little further into the greenery and spot a small bridge where that noise is coming from. There, before you, are unexpected views behind the winery. Summer weather allows the trees to bloom so greatly, the vineyard and winery have disappeared. Talk about a mini getaway and the ultimate location for a mini forest

photo.

Outside you may have noticed two convenient parking lots. Why so much space? Because this winery can host not one, not two, but three weddings at once. How can this destination not be considered for such a celebration when a vineyard is just outside the window of the event center?

Taking a visit to Chankaska also gives you the opportunity to enjoy local music, different pop-up events, occasional Bloody Mary Bars and bingo. The event list is a must-see. Take a look at their website for more.

If you’re interested in visiting the tasting room, their hours are Monday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Want to check out the spirits room? It’s open Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Cheers, to the wonderful wine season. 

Mollywood BLVD

Orange Creamsicle is the flavor of summer 2025

Would it even be summer if there weren’t a gimmicky color, flavor or “fashion” to define it? Not in America! Move over Brat Summer! The flavor of the summer this year is creamsicle, “dreamsicle” or orange cream, and you are going to see it everywhere.

It’s basically the pumpkin spice of summer for 2025. This trend has slowly been building over the course of the past year and has officially “passed the emergence” stage because you are now seeing everything on social media from cool treats to skincare trends.

If you are interested in obtaining the nostalgic flavor, here are some of the places you will find your perfect Orange Cream Summer.

Starbucks was ahead of the game when they introduced the Orange Cream Cake Pop to its Summer 2024 menu. Some patrons complained that it was too vanilla-y and the orange flavor was weak which led to some users of TikTok to creating their own versions of the Orange Cream Cake Pop at home. Check the interwebs for recipes.

If you want to indulge in creamsicle flavor off the stick, Turkey Hill has an orange cream swirl ice cream available.

In the fragrance world, Demeter Fragrance has an Orange Cream Pop perfume and cologne available with mini options as cheap as $7.

Healthade has Orange Creamsicle Kombucha if you are looking for a good probiotic. Personally, I cannot do Kombucha, but if it floats your boat, it may be worth a try.

Vizzy Hard Seltzer has an Orange Cream pop flavor, one of the adult beverages hopping on this trend. Hard smoothie brand Smooj recently dropped an orange cream variety as well.

June’s flavor of the month for IHOP was

invented later, in 1937, by the

Creamer. This marks the brand’s first ever summer flavor. They have tested the waters with fall and holiday flavors but never hopped the summer trend train. I remember their Peeps flavor, I bought it for the office and no one liked it but me.

Vita Coco introduced Orange & Cream flavor to its coconut water lineup.

Arby’

orange cream shake for the summer.

Wendy’s fast food restaurant debuted an Orange Dreamsicle Frosty last March.

And, of course, you can stay on the rails and just enjoy an old-fashioned Good Humor Creamsicle. Only 100 calories.

So where did this iconic flavor get its start? We have to go back to 1905 when the Popsicle Company started, by accident!

11-year-old Frank Epperson left a mixture of powdered soda and water and a stirring stick on his porch only to wake up and find

true at home, there is a recipe for Orange Creamsicle Bars, a perfect no-bake dessert for summer! It is basically just a cookie crust with cheesecake and pudding or gelatin, flavored with vanilla and orange. Google the recipe, they could become your favorite treat to make!

Looking for a cocktail mixer idea? Try

Mineral Springs Brewery

bigger, buzzier location keeps serving community with

By ASHLEY HANLEY

Contributor

They began organizing and dreaming up concepts for the business back in 2018, while officially opening their doors in November 2019.

Since then, they’ve grown to be a popular destination for Southern Minnesota beer enthusiasts and those looking for a good time.

“We offer a very family-friendly experience, creating time to connect and enjoy fellowship,” said Cronin.

The Mineral Springs Brewery name was developed in 2013 by Tim Pelton, Matt Kottke, and Jon Hilstad.

“When we looked to start a brewery in 2018, we approached them to build their name into a ‘brick and mortar’ effort. They agreed, and the rest is history,” Cronin said.

That history was born out of the idea of creating a community gathering space that would be built around great, local craft beer.

As it turns out, from Cronin’s perspective, Owatonna is the perfect location for a brewery, not just because of the location and community, but from a brewing perspective as well.

“From a beer-producing perspective, Owatonna’s water is exceptional for brewing. Once brewed and ready to serve, Owatonna and the Steele County area have many craft beer lovers who appreciate the product created,” Cronin said.

In fact, the entrepreneurial effort over the last decade-plus has been so successful, the brewery actually outgrew its original space.

As the ASCEND riverfront project took shape, MSB moved into the ground level facing the river, where the taproom and patio was able to triple in size. This includes a brew area that exactly doubles the capacity Sebring — MSB’s head brewmaster — will be able to brew at one time, moving from 25 barrels at a time to 50.

Most importantly, however, the team will be able to continue on the mission they set when they signed their first lease: to provide a community gathering space for Owatonna.

In his first interview with the Owatonna People’s Press in 2018, Cronin credited the grassroots effort of Owatonna Forward for identifying a brewery as a way to help amplify Owatonna as the community continues to grow. When asked then what they wanted the taproom to look like, there wasn’t a perfect answer.

“I would rather answer what I want the tap room to feel like,” Cronin had said. “I hope it feels like a great space for the community to come gather.”

On offer at MSB

Mineral Springs Brewery offers a

variety of fermented beverages including beer, seltzers, slushies as well as craft sodas and other non-alcoholic options.

“Our Cinder Hill Cream Ale was recognized by the Brewer’s Guild as the best Cream Ale in Minnesota in 2024. We support 28 taps today, with nearly every beer style, seltzer, and slushy,” Cronin said. “We have a full production five-barrel brewing system, where we make all the beers sold at MSB. We’ve brewed more than 80 different recipes since 2019.”

The maybe obvious question we asked Cronin is what makes MSB unique?

“We’re an on-site production brewery with a spacious taproom and one of the best patios in southern Minnesota. We pair that with the best food truck options on a rotating basis, as well as live music every Saturday. All of that creates a great atmosphere to hang out, enjoy time with family and friends, and enjoy great craft beer,” Cronin said.

Throughout the year, they also host several events to bring people in and support local community causes.

“We support numerous charitable events at MSB, including the annual chili cook-off, .5k run/walk, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, and many others. We also have special events around Oktoberfest every September, St. Patrick’s Day, and other beer holidays,” Cronin said.

Currently, they have more than 15 employees to help. They’re open seven days a week. Monday through Thursday their hours are from 4-9 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, they’re open from noon until 10 p.m. And on Sunday, they’re open from noon until 6 p.m.

“Any time is a great time to come to the brewery,” Cronin said. “We’re deeply thankful for the tremendous support we’ve had from the community over the past nearly six years, including a survival through Covid early in our operational years. We are eternally grateful for our tremendous customers and partners.” 

Ashley Hanley is a wife and mom of three kids under the age of 6 in North Mankato. When she’s not handing out snacks or kissing booboos, you can find her cheering on her favorite Minnesota sports teams and is a firm believer they will win a championship in her lifetime.

Rants & RAVES

Remember flirting?!

Imiss the old days where every plane trip or early arrival to a dentist appointment gave you an opportunity to flirt with a stranger.

People sitting in close proximity to you and you just started chatting, because it was fun. You got to tell them about your weekend or your vacation plans, and you never even disclosed your name.

They might be younger or older than you. Maybe they’re married or otherwise partnered, but that doesn’t matter. You’re just flirting with them. No long-term goal to this interaction, you just enjoyed being charming and trying out some of your best chat techniques on them. It’s like being at a cocktail party but you only have to do it for a few minutes and then you go on with your life.

I’m really at this!

with everyone. My sisters call it my “disease” that I can’t even fathom that not everyone wants to be my pal. I don’t want to hide behind my phone in public. I want to leave that oil change appointment knowing your life story or at least the highlights. Before we all spent every spare moment staring at our phones, we got snippets of fun out of complete strangers every time we left the house. Now, you’re lucky if you get a “Hello” out of people.

Here’s a recent example. I was in line at a chain coffee shop the other day and there were a heap of other folks waiting. I saw a group of three young boys and a teenage girl that were hanging out together. I glanced over and said, “Good Morning!” The boys all looked at each other blankly and then turned to the girl. One of the boys said, “Do you guys know that guy?” Then they all stared at me. I simply said, “First of all, I’m a girl and my name is Mary. Secondly, I was just greeting you as it’s a polite thing to do in public.” Then they all stared at me. They had no idea what I was doing or why I was talking to them. So much for my subtle interaction to waste a little time.

I don’t think it’s about age or gender. I just think we have lost that quality that allows us to interact with humanity. I’m not looking for a dinner invitation (although, that would be fabulous) when I chat with you, I want some actual creative chit-chat. I wanna be able to tell you I like your shirt or that you smell great without anyone panicking or calling the police.

One of my favorite flirting lines is when I ask, “Have you done your good deed for the day?” This also doubles as a way for me to get help bringing stuff to my car. This question forces people to stop and ask what I need or what I mean. I think it’s most effective when I can tell it’s a married couple and the woman will encourage their partner to assist me. You find out pretty quickly that most folks are kind and friendly. It seems to break an immediate barrier to conversation and usually gets my bags of water softener salt pellets delivered to my vehicle.

Flirting isn’t really about getting something from someone as much as it makes our day-today life more exciting. Simple pleasures, folks! I can scroll on my phone for hours when I want,

but as a single person, when I’m out in public, I like to spar with other actual humans. If I see you in the grocery store and you look fun, I’m gonna ask you if you know the difference between sweet potatoes and yams. If I’m at the airport, I might interrogate you and ask if you’re an international spy or a hired assassin just to see how you respond. When I go in to pay for my gas, I will most likely get a treasured family recipe out of you. Early to my doctor’s office, I’m gonna find out what’s wrong with you and if your family is giving you enough TLC (tender loving care) in your recovery.

Last week I flirted with a very young, handsome Hispanic guy at a coffee shop in St. Paul. Nothing is more festive than having someone almost half your age be able to make you feel interesting and attractive and seen! I learned his name from the side of his take-out cup and we discussed our shared love of a good bonfire. He held the door open for me and I left feeling just a tad bit more alive that afternoon. Thanks, Sway, you restored my faith in flirting.

NEVER MISS AN EVENT Scene

Two winners will each win a six-ticket package. Each ticket package includes • 2 tickets to Big Daddy Weave featuring special guest Cochren & Co. • 2 tickets to Snake Oil • 2 tickets to Rodney Atkins featuring special guest Adam Calvert

Through a SOMINN LENS

Audrey Kletscher Helbling of Faribault captures people, places and events via her detail-rich writing and photography. Find more of her work at mnprairieroots.com. She also writes award-winning poetry, short stories and creative nonfiction.

to BARS, BEER & building community

They serve as community gathering spots. Places to swig a cold one, sip a drink, perhaps grab a burger and fries, all while discussing the weather, politics or other topics with locals, and sometimes strangers. Places, too, to celebrate or watch sports. Baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer. Places also to play games like pool or darts. And places to occasionally enjoy live music.

These are the bars, taverns, pubs, saloons and breweries — whatever term you choose to define the businesses that serve alcohol, and often food — within our communities.

While out and about in southern Minnesota, I’ve been drawn to the names and signage which mark these social centers. Names like Outlaw Saloon in New Prague and Stagecoach Saloon in Mantorville hold an historic bend, taking me back to the television show “Gunsmoke” and The Long Branch Saloon.

In Waterville, the relatively-new Classic’s Pub name fits, referencing the classic car theme, complete with classic cars and motorcycles parked inside the drinking

establishment. Elvis is even in the house.

Some bars cater to bikers, like Blaschko’s Embassy Bar & Grill in St. Peter, at least according to the signage. The Henderson RoadHaus, closed and now reopened as River Bottom Tavern and Brewhouse in Henderson, also once served as a biker hang out. The old RoadHaus sign remained during my photographic stop in this Minnesota River town late last year. Businesses evolve, change ownership, weather the ups and downs of the economy. But The Corner Bar remains a staple in many small towns, including New Prague.

And beer remains as popular as ever, whether served at a bar, a brewery or at a community event. Two months ago, on an unseasonably hot Sunday afternoon, I tried a Czech import beer at Montgomery’s Czech May Day. It hit the spot.

Bars, taverns, pubs, saloons and breweries all have a spot in our communities, where stories are swapped, advice offered, drinks served and moments celebrated. Cheers to all these places, where everyone may know your name. And if they don’t, heads may swivel as you walk through the door, make yourself at home and order a cold one. 

Signage on Montgomery Brewing reflects the history of brewing in Montgomery with Chief Beer crafted here beginning in the late 1800s. The current-day brewery opened in 2015 and features “The Chief,” a red ale.

in

What 2 WATCH

It’s time to keep up with

‘Your Friends & Neighbors’

Since the 1980s — that decade defined by deregulation, consumerism, and the rise of the “yuppie” — income inequality in America has steadily risen. But even as the culture has largely shifted from “greed is good” to “eat the rich,” we’re still obsessed with the lifestyles of the wealthy and affluent.

Gone are the days of Madonna’s “Material Girl,” but we still sing along to the “I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it” of Ariana Grande’s “7 Rings.” MTV Cribs may have been put to bed, but Architectural Digest is still taking us inside celebrity homes on YouTube. And though viewers are no longer able to keep up with those ubiquitous Kardashians on E!, their melodramatic champagne problems still persist on Hulu.

To be fair, most scripted television and film about the one-percent is scathing and satirical. The ultra-rich and ultra-unhappy Roy siblings on

Succession are narcissistic nepo babies united only by their power-hungriness. And charming villains like Gordon Gekko and Jordan Belfort lead empty lives guided only by the more, more, more of American capitalism.

Which makes Your Friends & Neighbors – the new AppleTV+ series about rich suburbanites that is neither scathing nor fully satirical – an addicting oddity. Yes, it skewers the lives of bumbling elites, but it also shows their humanity. Yes, it indulges in the houses, cars, and accoutrements of the well-to-do, but it also chastises the absurdity of materialism. And yes, it spends a lot of time at the country club, but it also exposes us to the dark corners and cracks in the so-called American Dream.

Set in the fictional town of Westmont Village (think Westchester County, where the series was largely filmed), Your Friends & Neighbors follows Andrew “Coop” Cooper (Jon Hamm), a New York hedge fund manager who loses both his wife, Mel (Amanda Peet), after years of neglect, and his job after a sexual misunderstanding. To maintain his

housekeeper who’s trying to cling to the lowermiddle-class by any means necessary.

Feeling over whelmed? That’s probably the appropriate response. Your Friends & Neighbors is a comedy, a family drama, a crime thriller, and a murder mystery all at once. It’s undoubtedly overstuffed and occasionally buckles under the weight of too much going on. But, a few flawed plot threads (Elena’s storyline, in particular, feels undercooked amid the elaborate feast being served back in the tony ‘burbs) are minor quibbles when the series as a whole is so gosh-darn fun.

Despite a uniformly stellar cast (Peet is a standout), Hamm is the real reason to watch this show. Most widely-known for portraying the enigmatic and dashing adman, Don Draper, on Mad Men, Hamm is consistently one of the most charismatic actors in Hollywood. Like an everyman James Bond, he’s always suave and a little smug, always magnetic and a little mysterious.

Coop is the per fect antihero for Hamm to play. Just like Don Draper, we root for him even when he behaves badly. Both characters represent capitalism run amok. As Hamm told Newsweek during an April 2025 interview, “Don Draper was responsible for selling the American dream, and Andrew Cooper’s pretty much responsible for buying it.”

opulent lifestyle, Coop begins robbing those aforementioned friends and neighbors, and things get very complicated very quickly as he dives deeper into this newfound life of crime.

From that basic setup, the series blossoms outward with many intertwining subplots and characters. There’s Sam (Olivia Munn), Coop’s lover who’s embroiled in a nasty high-asset divorce. There’s Ali (Lena Hall), Coop’s mentally-ill sister who’s trying to find her way after a recent breakdown. There’s Barney (Hoon Lee), Coop’s best friend and money manager who’s trying to appease his wife with high-end home renovations. And there’s Elena (Aimee Carrero), the Dominican

Your Friends & Neighbors is not the first time creator Jonathan Tropper has punched holes in the “perfect life” of a white, middle-aged, male protagonist. Also an acclaimed novelist, Tropper writes about marriage, infidelity, divorce, complicated sibling relationships, and the perils of adult life (his most famous book, This Is Where I Leave You, was adapted into a film starring Jason Bateman and Tina Fey). His novels are tragicomic cousins to the countless American works that probe the soullessness of suburbia – from the short stories of John Cheever, to the novels of Richard Yates and Tom Perrotta, to films like The Ice Storm and American Beauty. This series proves that dissecting suburban malaise may never get old.

With each Patek Philippe Nautilus watch and Hermès Birkin bag he swipes, we cheer for Coop as he steals from the rich, even though he’s only stealing to remain rich.

Perhaps that’s a symptom of a great American contradiction: we rail against the wealthy even though we can’t get enough of the wealthy.

Though we should resist the corrupting impulse to keep up with the Joneses, it’s time to keep up with “Your Friends & Neighbors.”

SOUTHERN MINN

THURSDAY,

JUN 26

Water Carnival - Waseca-- 11 a.m., Trowbridge Park, Waseca. Events will include an Inflatable Obstacle Course, a Water Slide, Water Balloon Games, a Dunk Tank, a Water Wall, Face Painting, Art Projects, and more. Plus, enjoy a free lunch.

Ron Arsenault - St. Peter-- 5-7 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. Mostly original songs and a few cool covers.

Miller Denn - Waseca-- 6-9 p.m., Club 57, 204

Second St. SW, Waseca. Muriah Miller & Mark Denn make up this Waseca-based acoustic duo coming from family bands Miller Sisters & Country Denns.

Community Band - Northfield-- 7 p.m., Bridge Square, Northfield. Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy a variety of marches, show tunes, movie music, Americana, and traditional concert band repertoire. The concerts are free and familyfriendly.

Anna GravesNorthfield-- 7-8

p.m., Imminent Brewing, 519 Division Street South Unit 2. Soaring vocals and the soothing strums of her guitar. Graves’ lyrics resonate deep, calling forth the beauty within each of us, as well as the sublimity that surrounds. She reminds us that with the right mindset, a sense of home can follow us no matter where our travels take us. Join us in welcoming her back to Northfield.

FRIDAY, JUN 27

Clark Matchemes - Kasota-- 6-9 p.m., From

blues to ballads, rock to waltzes, from bluegrass to soul, Machtemes a singer, songwriter and multiinstrumentalist and frontman of Traveled Ground brings his Americana music to the stage as a solo show.

Zander - Kasota-- 6-9 p.m., The Blue Moon Bar & Grill, 300 S. Webster St., Kasota. Swing by for some free music provided by a full-time nationally touring folk Americana singer-songwriter with a punk attitude based in St. Paul.

Joe Weckwerth - Owatonna-- 6 p.m., Grapeful Wine Bar, 306 N. Cedar Ave., Suite 2, Owatonna. A 23-year-old singer/songwriter from Minnesota whose solo acoustic act brings flesh and blood to every song he writes and performs. Rooted in the Americana folk tradition and influenced by legends such as Bob Dylan and Lyle Lovett, Weckwerth’s sets are full of songs that meet us down on the ground.

Ilan Bustin - Le Center-- 6-9 p.m., Le Center Municipal Liquors, 20 N Waterville Ave. Some Western acoustic music.

Squid City Slingers - St. Peter-- 7 p.m., Tremendous Brewing Co., 228 W. Mulberry St., St. Peter

Returning to Saint Peter for another great evening of music, Squid City Slingers are a folk/bluegrass/ gypsy jazz trio.

SATURDAY, JUN 28

Sauerkraut

Days - Henderson-- 8:30 a.m.-11 p.m., This annual community festival is kraut focused, but it includes all the usual fixings, like music, food, drinks, a parade and much more. Activities run from June 27-29. facebook.com/HendersonSauerkrautDays

Slap Dash

BluegrassDundas-- 4-6 p.m., Chapel Brewing, 15 Hester St, Dundas. Local fav Helen Forsythe along with friend Simon. This duo weaves melodic picking with tight vocal harmony. Original tunes, traditional old time & bluegrass tunes, and folk & country covers. A veritable cornucopia for your ears.

Rolling Stones and Guns N’ Roses Tributes - West Concord-- 5-9 p.m., Berne Wood-Fired Pizza, 23148 County Hwy. 24, West Concord. Battle of the Tribute Bands is the first ever Saturday event at Berne. Tumblin Dice - The Rolling Stones Experience has become renowned as the premier Rolling Stones tribute band, captivating audiences with their authentic sound and electrifying performances. Dust N’ Bones is the ultimate Guns N’ Roses tribute band playing all of their classic hits just how you remember them.

Tim Howe - Northfield-- 7-10 p.m., Flaherty’s Northfield Lanes, 1700 Highway 3 S. Minneapolisbased musician Tim Howe is a versatile singer, guitarist, and looping artist known for his eclectic blend of acoustic hits, heartfelt originals, and crowd-pleasing covers.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - Owatonna-- 7:3010 p.m., Little Theatre of Owatonna, 560 Dunnell Dr # A, Owatonna. An eccentric inventor, Caracta-

cus Potts sets about restoring an old race car from a scrap heap with the help of his children, Jeremy and Jemima. They soon discover the car has magical properties, including the ability to float and take flight. Tickets online. Shows 7:30-10 p.m. June 26-28, plus 2-3 p.m. June 29.

Tribute to Chicago - Faribault-- 7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. Based out of St. Paul, Minnesota, this eight-member ensemble creates an accurate musical salute to the greatest horn-driven rock band to ever hit the stage. Transit Authority’s mission is to recreate the excitement of the original Chicago’s sound with each and every performance.

SUNDAY, JUN 29

Roll-In at the Winery - Janesville-12-5 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Bring your classic car, motorcycle, or other unique vehicle, or just bring your family to come and check them all out.

Cruisin’ Into Vintage Roll-In - Kilkenny-- 2-4 p.m., Vintage Escapes Winery & Vineyard, 8950 Dodd Rd., Kilkenny. Bring your classic, vintage, muscle, or custom car and show it off at the winery, or just come to admire the incredible lineup. This is a casual, no-registration-needed event. Live tunes from Steve Huber.

Northfield. A reading from her new collection of short stories, “Show Don’t Tell,” a funny, fiercely intelligent, and moving collection exploring marriage, friendship, fame, and artistic ambition.

Jeremy Poland

Band - Le Sueur County-- 4-7 p.m., Westwood Marina Bar & Grill, 1400 Lake Washington Access Rd., Kasota. Their wide-ranging approach to these deceptively simple performances hits upon timeless elements in both rock and pop music to extraordinary effect.

MONDAY, JUN 30

Feathers and Strings - Le Sueur-- 10 a.m., Le Sueur Public Library, 118 Ferry St. An assortment of intricate marionettes are the featured performers in this delightful, amusing, and eclectic Hunter Marionettes showcase. Geared for all ages.

Library

CarnivalJanesville-- 1 p.m., Janesville Public Library, 102 W. 2nd St. Enjoy a fun afternoon of carnival games, prizes, a balloon artist, face painting by JWP Honor Society, and live music by Melissa Schulz. All ages welcome.

WEDNESDAY, JUL 02

Debbie Briggs - Northfield-- 6-8:30 p.m., The Gardens of Castle Rock, 26601 Chippendale Ave., Northfield. Shining a spotlight on the classic jazz standards of the 1920s-60s.

little town of Nicollet. Bring your best cars and bikes, or just come to see what’s on show.

Joe Weckwerth - St. Peter-- 5-7 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. A 23-year-old singer/songwriter from Minnesota whose solo acoustic act brings flesh and blood to every song he writes and performs. Rooted in the Americana folk tradition and influenced by legends such as Bob Dylan and Lyle Lovett, Weckwerth’s sets are full of songs that meet us down on the ground.

Summer Car Cruise-In - Owatonna-- 5-8 p.m., Owatonna Eagles 1791, 141 E. Rose St., Owatonna. Come admire a wide variety of classic and custom cars, connect with fellow gearheads, and enjoy a fun summer evening.

11 @ 7 Concert Series - Owatonna-- 5:30-9 p.m., Central Park Owatonna, 100 E. Main St, Owatonna. Bring your lawn chairs, grab some friends, and enjoy your favorite tunes under the evening sky This night features music from Atari on the main stage and Jeff Reinartz on the North Stage.

Luke Richards and Fireworks - Kasota-6-9 p.m., Westwood Marina Bar & Grill, 1400 Lake Washington Access Rd., Kasota. Music from a small town musician chasing a big dream. Then enjoy fireworks popping up across Lake Washington.

and Gen X Jukebox at 9 p.m., but the majority of the activity is Friday, including bounce houses, yard games, face painting, food vendors, drinks, a horseshoe tournament, music, the grand parade, a water fight, bean bags and keg tosses, and the fireworks at dusk. There is also a putt putt classic on Saturday. facebook.com/cityofwanamingo

Lakefest - Waseca-- 7:30 a.m., Clear Lake Park, Waseca. Music all day and into the evening, a freedom run for humans and dogs, a bean bag tournament, food vendors, drinks, a boat parade, kids activities, volleyball and bean bag tournaments, vintage trucks, and, of course, fireworks. Music, including after the fireworks, includes Miller Denn, Bryce Leppert, Los Tequileros, and Whiskey Peddler. Waseca Lakefest on Facebook

Old Fashioned 4th of July - Blooming Prairie-- 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Thursday, July 3 features kids activities, live music in the evening, and a night-time street dance with Highway 30. Friday, July 4 includes an arts fair and craft market, a beer garden, music, a parade and fireworks. Saturday, July 5 includes a tractor pull and a car & bike show in the morning. thebpchamber.com/oldfashioned-4th-of-july

Fourth of July Celebration - North Morristown-- 9 a.m.-11:30 p.m., It’s the oldest Fourth of July Celebration in Minnesota at 132 years, and it’s filled with music, food, drinks, parades and more. The main stage headliner is Buffalo Alice playing from 7:30-11:30 p.m. facebook.com/nm4thofjuly

Old Fashioned Fourth of July - St. Peter-- 10 a.m.-10 p.m., One of the biggest Fourth of July celebrations in the region, it includes a parade at 10 a.m. The Picnic in the Park starts at noon with the Color Guard presenting the National Anthem, a concert by the Govenaires, Ben Findley emceeing the kids contests and hot dog contest, and live music with Powerhouse, a 10-piece band that performs hits from the decades past up to now. Fireworks at dusk.

Do you want to submit an event to this calendar? Send details to editor@ southernminnscene.com

Fourth of July Celebration - Elysian-10-12:30 a.m., July 3-6. The Fireman’s Street Dance with music from Smokescreen is on Thursday, July 3. Then Friday, July 4 includes medallion hunts, turtle CONTINUED page 22

Maygen & The Birdwatcher - Northfield-- 6 p.m., Way Park, 720 1st St. West, Northfield. Blending folk, country, bluegrass, and blues into a distinctive Americana sound. Known for their tight harmonies and eclectic approach, lead singers Maygen Lacey and Noah Neumann bring contrasting vocal styles that create a dynamic and engaging energy.

THURSDAY, JUL 03

p.m.,

Willkommen Concert - St. Peter-- 7 p.m., Minnesota Square Park, 1000 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Musikkapelle Obermarkersdorf — a parade and concert band from Obermarkersdorf, Austria — will be performing a concert in Minnesota Square Park. The Govenaires have traveled to Austria twice to perform with Musikkapelle Obermarkersdorf and are looking forward to hosting.

FRIDAY, JUL 04

Fourth of July Celebration - Wanamingo-- 7 a.m.-11 p.m., Don’t miss the rib feed Wednesday evening at 4 p.m. or the Fire Department dance Thursday night with Wedinger Polka Band at 6 p.m.

races, the grand parade, arm wrestling and the Chamber Dance with Johnny Holm Band. Saturday includes a kid’s fishing contest, a bean bag tournament, a boat parade, Bingo, Thirsty Beaver performing music, and fireworks at dusk. Sunday includes a pancake breakfast, a flea market, a car show, a water war and a kid’s power pedal pull. facebook.com/ elysianmn

Tyler Herwig - Kasota-- 2-5 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. A reputation for high-energy performances and deep emotional musical interpretations that captivate all audiences.

Corey Medina & Brothers - Henderson-- 7 p.m., River Bottom Tavern & Brewhouse, 510 Main St., Henderson. A blues-rock artist who is Diné from Shiprock, NM, a town on the Navajo Tribal Nation. He moved to Northern Minnesota in 2012. Corey now produces full-time music with his band known as “The Brothers”. They set out to spread light in the dark with their raw, soulful, intimate music and stage presence.

Patriots Skies Fireworks Display - Owatonna-10 p.m., Fireworks at dusk to celebrate Independence Day.

Fireworks Display - Faribault-- 10 p.m., Rice County Fairgrounds, 1814 Second Ave., Faribault. Fireworks display at dusk to celebrate Independence Day.

Fireworks DisplayNorthfield-- 10 p.m., Fireworks display at dusk to celebrate Independence Day.

SATURDAY, JUL 05

Great American Kite Show - Waseca-- 11 a.m.4 p.m., Farmamerica, 7367 360th Ave, Waseca. All kinds of giant kits in the sky, including scheduled Flights of “Old Glory,” the world’s largest American flag kite (nearly 600 pounds). There will also be children’s activities, an interactive flying area, food vendors, and music from the Marv Nissel Band.

Stars, Stripes & Shenanigans - Kilkenny-- 12-5 p.m., Vintage Escapes Winery & Vineyard, 8950 Dodd Rd., Kilkenny. Live music with feel-good tunes perfect for summer sippin’. Twisted Chicken food truck on site.

Miller and Borneke Trio - Janesville-5:30-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Playing all of your favorites.

Mike Fugazzi - Owatonna-- 6:30-8:30 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owatonna. A dynamic harmonica player and vocalist with over 20 years of experience pushing the instrument beyond its traditional role. Known for his lyrical phrasing, soulful tone, and technical precision, he seamlessly blends harmonica into rock, blues, and country music.

SUNDAY, JUL 06

Todd Michael Jameson and Fred the BearWaseca-- 1-7 p.m., Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm, 41142 160th St, Waseca. Live music with your pizza on the farm.

MONDAY, JUL 07

Panhandlers - Le Sueur-- 10 a.m., American Legion Park, 155 S. Park Lane, Le Sueur. Experience the sweet, lively sound of the steel drums, which evolved from old oil barrels to the beautiful instruments we love today. Enjoy traditional steel pan tunes along with

popular songs from The Beatles, Guns N’ Roses, and Prince.

TUESDAY, JUL 08

Classic Car Roll-InHenderson-5-8 p.m., One of the biggest roll-in’s across the region in a beautiful downtown. Takes place every Tuesday until Sept. 17. The theme for the night is GM.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the beautiful farm and great live music from Sam Ryden, featuring roots, Americana, folk, blues, pop and traditional. Tickets online.

WEDNESDAY, JUL 09

Ryan Picone QuartetNorthfield-- 6 p.m., Way Park, 720 1st St. West, Northfield. This all-star group brings together a new transfiguration of jazz. The quartet consists of Ryan Picone from The Red Hot Django Peppers, Ian Stenlund from The Mississippi Hot Club, Tessa Nichols Meade from the Cold City Heat, and Matt Blake from the Gentleman’s Anti Temperance League.

Turn Turn Turn - Northfield-- 6-8:30 p.m., The Gardens of Castle Rock, 26601 Chippendale Ave., Northfield. “Where their debut was more Nashvillemeets-Greenwich Village, the second LP by this easy-charming trifecta of Twin Cities singer/songwriters sounds entrenched in Los Angeles of the ‘60s and ‘70s.”

The Soul Train - West Concord-- 6:30 p.m., Berne Wood-Fired Pizza, 23148 County Hwy. 24, West Concord. Bringing funk and soul to the stage with a 12-piece band, including vocalists, guitars, bass, trumpet, trombone, keys/synth, sax, harmonica, and drums.

THURSDAY, JUL 10

Winos & Wheels - Kasota-- 4-7 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. Whether you’re rolling in on a Harley, cruiser, sportbike, or chopper, all riders and motorcycle enthusiasts are welcome to kick back with a drink.

Taste of Summer Fest - Norhtfield-- 5 p.m., Red Barn Pizza Farm, 10063 110th St., Northfield. Sample the best offerings from 15-20 local craft brewers, winemakers, distillers, and cider makers.

Juliet and the Montagues - Le Sueur-- 6 p.m., American Legion Park, 155 S. Park Lane, Le Sueur. The Juliet and the Montagues brings together jazz, blues, funk, rock, and R&B with a classic-yet-modern flair. The band blends Juliet Catherine’s original tunes with heartache and female empowerment with favorites from Prince, Fleetwood Mac, and Michael Jackson.

FRIDAY,

JUL 11

Brodini Comedy Magic Show - Faribault-- 1011 a.m., Central Park, 430 2nd Ave NW, Faribault. Brodini performs a variety of tricks that will leave you wanting to learn the magical arts yourself. Scarves, coins, cards, balls, ropes, and ordinary items become animate objects of wonder and curiosity in Brodini’s hands, but never without some help from children and adults in the audience.

into blue-collar

long car rides, and cold-blooded

Ave., St. Peter. Enjoy some jazz in the park in the comfort of your own lawn chair. The Snaps Jazz Sextet play this night.

Cole DiamondHenderson-- 7 p.m., River Bottom Tavern & Brewhouse, 510 Main St., Henderson. Mixing up an unlikely concoction of vintage rock & roll and outlaw country. Drawing on influences that range from Waylon and Willie to Brooks & Dunn, Cole Diamond delivers a modern take on a classic sound.

Rain Kings - Janesville-- 5:30-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Live music from an acoustic and electric roots rock band.

The Quantum Mechanics - St. Peter-- 4-7 p.m., Patrick’s on Third, 125 S. Third St., St. Peter. A kickoff to the Minnesota Original Music Festival.

jazz fusion band from this dimension.

SATURDAY, JUL 12

Waseca County Free Fair-- 9 a.m.10:30 p.m., Waseca County Fairgrounds. All the usual fixings of a county fair, including food and drinks, live music, a carnival, animals, kids activities, races, car shows, and much more. Runs through the weekend. wasecacountyfreefair.com

Big Woods Canopy JamNorthfield-- 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Northfield Depot, Linden St. S., Northfield. A day of music, movement, and community! We’ll have yoga, dance jams, and music and dance performances throughout the day. bigwoodscollective.org

Jazz Festival - Northfield-- 12-9 p.m., Jazz music July 11-13. The festival starts Friday night with a jazz party and swing dance with Strawberry Jazz Collective at the Grand Event Center. On Saturday, there is a latin percussion workshop at Hot Spot Music, Mary Louise Knutson Trio at Northfield Public Library, Lucia Newell/Joan Griffith Brazilian Duo at the Guild Theater, and El Arte Del Bolero at First United Church of Christ. On Sunday, there is the Sophia Kickhofel Trio, Abinnet Berhanu’s Ahndenet, and Lila Ammons at Way Park, plus Blue Ox Trio at Imminent. facebook.com/northfieldjazzfestival

Pride in the Park - Owatonna-2-7 p.m., Central Park Owatonna, 100 E. Main St, Owatonna. A number of activities celebrate and honor pride in the local community

Shasta KingsOwatonna-6:30-8:30 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owatonna. The Shasta Kings are Scott Rogness (guitar/ lead vocals) and Bruce Watts (guitars/vocals) playing a wide variety of songs from classic rock to new country.

Flora & Ulysses - Northfield-- 7:30 p.m., Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 Third Street West. Set in 21st century suburbia, Flora, a self-proclaimed cynic and avid comic book reader, is jolted into action when the neighbor runs over a squirrel with a vacuum cleaner, and that’s where her epic journey starts. From there, it’s a ton of laughs, tender moments, and action. 7:30 p.m. July 11, 12, 18, 19, plus 2 p.m. July 13 and 20. Tickets online.

SUNDAY, JUL 13

Extravaganza - Owatonna-- 12 p.m., Village of Yesteryear, 1431 Austin Rd, Owatonna. Step back in time and enjoy a relaxing afternoon listening to live music, experience live demonstrations, activities, vintage games, and a Medicine Show. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Russ Docken Art ExhibitionOwatonna-- 1-4 p.m., Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Ln, Owatonna. The artist will be available to speak about his works.

Lonesome Dan Kase and Whiskey Whiskers - Waseca-- 1-7 p.m., Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm, 41142 160th St, Waseca. Enjoy some music with your pizza on the farm.

Assassins - Faribault-- 7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. Discover Assassins, a multiple Tony Award-Winning show by Stephen Sondheim that delves into America’s fascination with celebrity and the extreme lengths some will go to achieve it. Shows 7:30 p.m. July 11, 12, 18 and 19, plus 2 p.m. July 13 and 20. Tickets online.

WEDNESDAY, JUL 16

Joyann Parker - Northfield-- 6-8:30 p.m., The Gardens of Castle Rock, 26601 Chippendale Ave., Northfield. She has the kind of vocal that can call down the stars when necessary, but then the woman can go quiet and deep in a way that is nothing short of devastating. It is a road of joy to discover what Joyann is capable of.

Val

- West

6:30 p.m., Berne Wood-Fired Pizza, 23148 County Hwy. 24, West Concord. Since their debut in 1985 the goal of the band has been to provide quality music with a unique sound and to have fun doing it. Now, the band’s entertainment-driven, crowd-pleasing performances are better than ever.

hots live music from Joe Weckwerth, Uccellino and Chase Burkhart

THURSDAY, JUL 17

Third Thursday - Northfield-- 5-8 p.m., Bridge Square, Northfield. Enjoy live music and dancing, good food and drinks, shopping up and down Division, and free fun for the whole family

Tom MobryNorthfield-- 6-9 p.m., Grand Event Center, 316 Washington St., Northfield. A rising name among Minnesota folk rock artists. With rich acoustic tones and introspective lyrics, Tom blends storytelling and soul in every performance.

11 @ 7 Concert Series - Owatonna-- 7-9 p.m., Central Park Owatonna, 100 E. Main St, Owatonna. Bring your lawn chairs, grab some friends, and enjoy your favorite tunes under the evening sky. This night features music from Smokescreen.

FRIDAY, JUL 18

Dazzling Dave National Yo-Yo Master - Faribault-- 10-10:45 a.m., Central Park, 430 2nd Ave NW, Faribault. A professional yo-yo performer and highly acclaimed champion who has circled the globe since 1998, thrilling audiences everywhere with his tricks and tips.

Downtown Car Cruise - Faribault-- 6-9 p.m., The rumble of a souped-up motor, the shine of chrome bumpers, pinstripes, fender skirts, great music, and food. It’s time. Classic or new, pull your pride and joy out of the garage & bring it down to the car cruise night, or just enjoy what’s on show. Self-Titled will provide music.

Shenanigans - Northfield-- 7-10 p.m., Flaherty’s Northfield Lanes, 1700 Highway 3 S. A fatherdaughter acoustic music duo.

Little Fish ImprovOwatonna-- 7-8:30 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owatonna. A group of local actors and comedians that bring Improv to life!

Jam On Pearl - Owatonna-- 7 p.m., Zamboni Event Center, 301 N Cedar Ave, Owatonna. This

outdoor music event will be packed with great vibes, great bands, and a great atmosphere. Music from Split Identity, Gravel and Strange Daze. Food and drinks from Grapeful. Tickets online or at the door.

Tanner Peterson - St. Peter-- 7 p.m., Tremendous Brewing Co., 228 W. Mulberry St., St. Peter. Some acoustic tunes.

SATURDAY, JUL 19

Rice County Fair-- 8 a.m.-11 p.m., Rice County Fair-

grounds, 1814 Second Ave., Faribault. Runs through the weekend, July 16-20. All the usual fixings of a county fair, including food and drinks, live music, a carnival, animals, kids activities, races, car shows, and much more.

songwriter, Andrea Lyn shares captivating melodies and lyrics stemming from real life. She has shared the stage with legendary artists and performed her songs for thousands. Her passion and love for music shows in each song and every performance.

Flora & Ulysses - Northfield-- 7:30 p.m., Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 Third Street West. Set in 21st century suburbia, Flora, a self-proclaimed cynic and avid comic book reader, is jolted into action when the neighbor runs over a squirrel with a vacuum cleaner, and that’s where her epic journey starts. From there, it’s a ton of laughs, tender moments, and action. 7:30 p.m. July 18 and 19, plus 2 p.m. July 20. Tickets online.

SUNDAY, JUL 20

Assassins - Faribault-- 7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. Discover Assassins, a multiple Tony Award-Winning show by Stephen Sondheim that delves into America’s fascination with celebrity and the extreme lengths some will go to achieve it. Shows 7:30 p.m. July 18 and 19, plus 2 p.m. July 20. Tickets online.

TUESDAY, JUL 22

Minnesota Original Music Festival - St. Peter-- 129:30 p.m., Minnesota Square Park, 1000 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. The fourth MOMF. A weekend of main stage performances Saturday and Sunday, featuring Jazicality and The Real Chuck NORAD closing out Saturday, and Dred I Dread and Umbrella Bed closing out Sunday. The Songwriters Stage features music from four diverse artists Thursday night. The 48-hour Band Challenge takes place Friday night at Patrick’s. mnomf.org

Members ShowSt. Peter-3-5 p.m., Arts Center of Saint Peter, 315 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. The annual opportunity for members to show off their best art.

Secret Garden Tour - Owatonna-- 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Ln, Owatonna. Explore a secret selection of beautiful and unique local gardens. Tickets online, or at the OAC and Kottke Jewelers.

Tony Digatono - Northfield-- 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Red Barn Pizza Farm, 10063 110th St., Northfield. Acoustic music.

Mal MurphyJanesville-- 1-3:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Performing folk, alternative, and country covers and originals.

Sam Cargill and Kaleb & The Nightingale Band - Waseca-- 1-7 p.m., Enjoy live music with your pizza on the farm.

The Holy North - Henderson-- 7 p.m., River Bottom Tavern & Brewhouse, 510 Main St., Henderson. Drenched in the heartland spirit of Minnesota, The Holy North is a musical force that blends the rootsy charm of Americana, the soulful grooves of Blues Rock, and the raw emotion of Alt-Country.

WEDNESDAY, JUL 23

RLB - Northfield-- 6 p.m., Way Park, 720 1st St. West, Northfield. A band of seasoned, professional musicians who love to play music together. Their musical selections are an eclectic mix of styles, including Blues, New Orleans, Americana, and good old Rock and Roll. RLB features three male lead vocalists, and one female lead vocalist.

Cryote - Northfield-- 6-8:30 p.m., The Gardens of Castle Rock, 26601 Chippendale Ave., Northfield. CRYOTE (cry-yo-tee) is a musical project by producer Joshua J Schmidt.

JoJo Green - West Concord-- 6:309:30 p.m., Berne Wood-Fired Pizza, 23148 County Hwy. 24, West Concord. A hot, fresh, take on a cozy, nostalgic sound best summarized as “roots fusion.” Tickets online.

Foam Party - Le Sueur-- 10 a.m., Le Sueur Public Library, 118 Ferry St. Cool off in the most epic way possible, a foam party. Join us as we boogie down with tons of bubbles and pumping music. It’s the ultimate outdoor party! Bring your own towels. Geared for ages 0-18.

KillinTime - Kasota-- 6-9 p.m., The Blue Moon Bar & Grill, 300 S. Webster St., Kasota. Brad and Mark play country 50s and 60s variety.

Comedy Night - Waseca-- 8 p.m., Starfire Event Center, 206 2nd Ave SW, Waseca. Starring Steve Sabo and co-starring Scott Putnam. Reserve a spot and get tickets at 507-461-1387.

The Model T Club International TourOwatonna-5-10 p.m., Mineral Springs Park, Owatonna. The Model T Club will bring their cars to Owatonna throughout the week of July 21-25, starting with a car show Monday morning at Mineral Springs Park. The Model Ts will head to Northfield Tuesday, plus Waseca’s Farmamerica and Faribault Woolen Mill Thursday. On Thursday night, there will be a car show on Main Street in Owatonna with food trucks, street vendors, live music and kids activities.

Summer Car Cruise-InOwatonna-5-8 p.m., Owatonna Eagles 1791, 141 E. Rose St., Owatonna. Come admire a wide variety of classic and custom cars, connect with fellow gearheads, and enjoy a fun summer evening.

11 @ 7 Concert Series - Owatonna-- 5:30-9 p.m., Central Park Owatonna, 100 E. Main St, Owatonna. Bring your lawn chairs, grab some friends, and enjoy your favorite tunes under the evening sky This night features music from Shirts & Skins Band on the main stage and Eclipse on the North Stage.

FRIDAY, JUL 25

Mixed Nuts - Faribault-- 10-10:30 a.m., Central Park, 430 2nd Ave NW, Faribault. Mark & Lori have tickled funny bones throughout the region with their special blend of hilarious hijinks, guaranteed to produce side-splitting laughter.

HoldFastJanesville-- 6-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Playing a variety of country, pop, bluegrass, fold, indie, and 80s.

The Space Force - Owatonna-- 6-8 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owatonna. A buncha dudes playing songs that were overplayed way before they were born.

Crimson Roots - Northfield-- 7-10 p.m., Flaherty’s Northfield Lanes, 1700 Highway 3 S. They offer a blend of tight harmonies, solid guitar skills and a truly unique ability to arrange music. Those that have heard them perform speak of the power of their vocals and the eclectic mix of music. From The Beatles to U2 and nearly everything in between, there is something for everybody.

Hot Jazz for Decent People - St. Peter-- 7-8:30 p.m., Minnesota Square Park, 1000 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Enjoy some jazz in the park in the comfort of your own lawn chair. The Hannah Bretz Jazz Ensemble play this night.

SATURDAY, JUL 26

Ribs ‘R Rockin - Nicollet-- 1-7 p.m., Enjoy some top quality ribs, music and community.

Sammy KershawWaseca-- 3-10 p.m., Boxcar Bar, 202 W. Elm Ave, Waseca. A Grammy-nominated country icon has earned three platinum and six gold albums, selling over 5 million records. Dubbed the “heir apparent” to George Jones, he helped define 90s country with chart topping hits. Tickets sold at Boxcar Bar, Waseca Music Co. and Eventbrite.

Tribute to Queen - Faribault-- 7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for

Faribault. Glorious vocals with multiple singers and blazing guitar solos. Queen has rocked us over the years with their chart-topping hits and bountiful bsides — and JJHOF is here to keep it all alive.

SUNDAY, JUL 27

CONTINUED page 26

TUESDAY,

WEDNESDAY, JUL 30

NEVER MISS

SoMinn THE BOOKWORM SEZ

‘My Friends,’ ‘How to Lose Your Mother,’ ‘Murderland,’ more book reviews

My Friends

by Fredrik Backman

c.2025, Atria $29.99 448 pages

to talk about her mother. They’d say how much Erica Jong’s books meant to them, or they wanted to discuss things Jong wrote or said or thought. It used to happen all the time, JongFast says, but not anymore: Jong hasn’t written a book in awhile because she has dementia.

There were five in your pile. Or maybe twelve or thirty or eight, it didn’t matter. When you were a kid, you’d happily spend the summer re-reading comic books on the porch, riding your bike, or just goofing off. That’s how it was: one-point-three seconds after school let out until the last shred of vacation was over, as in “My Friends” by Fredrik Backman, the summer was yours. Louisa didn’t go to the art gallery to cause trouble. Yes, she was aging out of the foster system and had nothing to lose, and she had cans of spray paint in her backpack. She only wanted to see the painting. But when a rich woman noticed her and screamed, and a lumbering guard chased her out of the gallery and into an alley, Louisa got much more than a scare.

Fleeing, she bumped into a homeless man who ultimately admitted that he was dying. Also, he told Louisa that he wasn’t homeless, that he was really the artist who’d done the very painting she’d gone to the gallery to see, the painting she’d loved since she was small and her mother abandoned her. Then he proved it.

It was him, the artist, standing right in front of her

But before she could think, the security guard caught up and Louisa had to run again.

If he had to be honest, Ted was always in love with the artist and he’d known it for years. He actually said “I love you” the summer they were fourteen and the artist painted the picture of the sea, the last endless summer they’d all had together, a summer of funerals, laughter, and long days at the pier, away from adults.

Now the artist was ailing. Ted knew their time together was running out, just as he knew he’d fulfill the artist’s final request, no matter what. This girl, the artist said, was “one of us,” and Ted had to find her, hoping that he wouldn’t have to tell her why...

Before you start “My Friends,” place your right hand over the left side of your chest and protect your heart. Because author Fredrik Backman is going to tear it out of you, slam it on the table and put it through a meat grinder

Yeah, it’s that kinda book.

And yet, there are times when the story here lags a bit. It can be oh-so-briefly silly, but you can trust that the turns of plot and the exquisite use of metaphors greatly overshadow any scuffs you might spot while reading. Indeed, Backman is the master of keeping readers eagerly enthralled by eking out details in his novels, spinning tales like conversation, doubling- and tripling-back with breathtaking asides, gaspworthy almost-forgots, and layers upon layers of story. Wrap nostalgia around it, and you’ve got fan-pleasing goodness.

So why are you waiting? If you’re an avid fan already or if you need a novel about love, summertime, and adolescence, this is it. Find “My Friends” and ignore your TBR pile. You won’t need it.

How to Lose Your Mother:

A Daughter’s Memoir

by Molly Jong-Fast

c.2025, Viking $28.00 256 pages

When you were still a child, everyone wanted a piece of your mother.

Requests for donations, organizing skills, and fundraising abilities arrived frequently at your house and she always stepped up to help. Her church, your school, her parents, your family, everybody wanted a piece of your Mom but, as in the new memoir, “How to Lose Your Mother” by Molly Jong-Fast, what happens when there are no pieces left?

In the past, strangers often approached Molly Jong-Fast

Jong, says her daughter, was always was a little quirky; her fame inherently made her unlike other mothers but it went deeper than that, with serial relationships, a constant desire for attention, and generational alcoholism. Still, Jong-Fast says, Jong loved her daughter but not more than her writing or the string of men in her life. Not enough to let Jong-Fast feel loved, fully and truly – and with that, a lingering sense of something missing seemed to be a fact of Jong-Fast’s life. In early 2023, it became a feature.

At around the time that Jong was diagnosed with dementia and her husband’s Parkinson’s disease took a bad turn, Jong-Fast’s husband, Matt, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. That year, one by one, they lost Jong-Fast’s godmother, Matt’s sister and father, Jong-Fast’s aunt, their dog, and her stepfather.

Parents die, she says, and if they’re sick, you’re glad they’re not suffering anymore. You might be glad you’re not suffering anymore with them. But you never stop needing them, even when they’re just a shell right in front of you…

The first thing you’ll want to know – and it’s not surprising, if you’re a follower of author Molly Jong-Fast –is that once you start reading “How to Lose Your Mother,” you shouldn’t expect to spend 200+ pages all teary-eyed. Though, yes, there’s admittedly plenty here to cause your chest to hurt and your eyes to leak, Jong-Fast writes with dark-ish humor that you’ll understand, caregiver or not. It’s the if-you-don’t-laugh-you’ll-cry kind you’ll know, since we’ve all known illness. It’s the sort of humor that makes you snort because it’s funny-not-funny, and she also uses it to self-depreciatingly share her life, rehab, work, and her Mom. It’s tender without being maudlin, loving but honest, so readers can rest assured that she’s plainly speaking your language, not jerking tears for no reason.

That’s gold, especially for later Boomers and Gen-Xers caring for their parents.

Daughters of unconventional mothers will swear that Jong-Fast is walking their walk. Caregivers will find many simpatico pages here. Yes, this book will put small cracks in your heart – more, if you have a parent with dementia or Alzheimers – but you’ll love “How to Lose Your Mother” anyhow. It’s worth every piece of your time.

Murderland:

Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers

by Caroline Fraser

c.2025, Penguin Press $32.00 480 pages

Your door is locked.

You’re sure because you checked it twice. You can never be too careful; it’s a weird world, you want that weirdness to stay outside your home and so the door is locked. The windows are, too, but as you’ll see in the new book, “Murderland” by Caroline Fraser, the danger may not be where you live, but what you breathe.

Deep beneath the ground in the Pacific Northwest lies an OWL.

The Olympic-Wallowa Lineament, says Fraser, isn’t quite defined; it’s tectonic plates or a large bed of rocks or a fault line of some sort. It’s where, more than a century ago, The American Smelting and Refining Company (later known as ASARCO), a corporation owned by wealthy men, began to acquire the rights to minerals, metals, and ores found nearby. They mined rocks, shipped them to a factory, melted them down for the valuables, then released poisonous waste from the process into the air, water, and land surrounding Tacoma and Seattle. Within a few decades, more factories arrive to the area and spew more chemicals into the air and water. The health of employees declines steadily, while rates of

violence soar and simmer into something more sinister. Says Fraser, at one point in 1961, Charles Manson, Ted Bundy, and Gary Ridgeway all live within a shockingly small circle of geography, the center of which is Tacoma.

In 1963, the Clean Air Act is passed, but lead and other poisons continue to spew into the air in the Pacific Northwest. Everyone there breathed it in –low-income people more than most, because their homes were nearer to the smelters. Tests done on poor children there show that lead levels in their blood is extraordinarily high.

By 1974, Fraser says, at least a half-dozen serial killers live in Washington State.

By 1992, epidemiologists think they know why: there seems to be a tie between high levels of lead in a human body and crime of the violent sort. Like, for instance, murder

If you’re someone who cringes at the sight of blood, you can stop reading right now. Or, maybe you’ll want to sally forth anyhow because yes, gore and gruesomeness loom large here, but that isn’t all there is to “Murderland.”

At the outset, there’s geography: author Caroline Fraser sets the scene with what’s beneath the ground before she launches into part true crime, part history, part memoir, wrapping up her story of parental abuse with the layers upon layers of terror, murder, ecology, big business, power, and money. True crime readers will note that much of this meshes with Ted Bundy’s death spree, but you’ll also find familiar names of other killers here – including one that’s not human, but that lurks quietly throughout this book. Science puts a bow on it all, making this a true squirmer for every kind of reader.

So whatever your preference, “Murderland” is an exceptionally good bit of journalism that you won’t be able to put down. Grab it quick – then be sure to lock the door.

Lunkers, Keepers, and Ones That Got Away:

Fish Tales from Four Generations of Anglers

by Jerry Apps

c.2025, Wisconsin Historical Society Press $20.00 168 pages

That thing that floats on the top of the water is very aptly named.

It follows the waves, whether gentle or fierce, just bob-

bob-bobbing with a rhythm that, if you keep your eyes on it, will drain every ounce of stress from your body. It’s almost hypnotic – that is, unless that thing bobs beneath the water and there ya go. As in “Lunkers, Keepers, and Ones That Got Away” by Jerry Apps, you’re in for some reel fun.

For as long as he can remember, Jerry Apps has loved to drown a few worms.

When he was a boy in east central Wisconsin, he looked forward to the end of each summer day when, after chores were done and supper was over, his father would tell Apps to go dig some worms. Then Apps and his twin brothers would grab their cane poles and they’d all go to a nearby lake to see how the fish were biting. On a good evening, they’d come home with a few perch or a bluegill or two, or at least a good story. That’s the thing about fishing: you never know what you’ll end the day with but it sure is fun to spend it waiting to see.

Things have changed since Apps was a boy, and that includes fishing. He used to fish with a cane pole that he got “for about a dollar,” until he learned to use fancy rods and reels and even fancier lures. He learned to fish from a canoe and how to stay upright in a cold stream wearing chest-high waders. He knows that a rusty tin can next to a rental boat means somebody will bail water at some point. He appreciates the serenity of sitting lakeside, leaning against a tree in front of a fire, watching ice-fishing tip-ups while it snows like crazy around you.

And he knows that sometimes, a guy’s gonna “get skunked” but he’s still going to learn “patience and persistence, problem-solving and resourcefulness. Lessons that have lasted a lifetime.”

So you say you have a favorite lure. You have a lucky fishing shirt and your choice of poles out in the garage. You can say, “How’re they biting?” in three languages. And “Lunkers, Keepers, and Ones That Got Away” is absolutely your book.

Beginning with a boyhood story that evokes a simpler time, author Jerry Apps reels readers in and keeps them with the kind of tales that are told on the dock, just offshore, and around the campfire. This book is Everything Fishing – including a few recipes, family tales, and glossaries that offer fishing basics for newbies, one that explains the sport’s language, and a chapter about fish that’s mostly Wisconsin-centric, but you won’t mind. You’ll be too busy imagining your next day on the water...

There’s a sure sense of warmth to this book, and a cozy homeyness you’ll appreciate if a bad day of fishing is the best day of all. Start “Lunkers, Keepers, and Ones That Got Away,” and you’ll be hooked.

July at the Paradise

Dates: June 23August 9, 2025

Carlander Family Gallery – Minnesota Mosaic Guild

Lois Vranesh Gallery – Aramis Wells

K&M Gallery - Marisa Shackleford, Trudi Schaefer, and Dana Lacina Corey Lyn Creger Memorial Gallery – Monica Wilder Sponsored by Southern Heights Dental Group and K&M Heating

Assassins Presented by Paradise Community Theatre

Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim • Book by John Weidman Director: Eric Parrish, Assistant Director/Dramaturg: Aiden Clayburn.

Discover Assassins, a multiple Tony Awardwinning show by Stephen Sondheim that delves into America’s fascination with celebrity and the extreme lengths some will go to achieve it. This bold musical intertwines the stories of nine individuals linked forever to presidential history, as “Everybody’s got the right to their dreams...” Don’t miss this riveting journey through America’s past, presented with humor, empathy, and insight.

July 11, 12, 18*, and 19 at 7:30 PM July 13 & 20 at 2:00 PM

*ASL Interpreted Performance

Member: $19.50, Non-Member: $21.50, Student: $15.50 (Includes a $1.50 processing fee)

Sponsored by: Faribault Daily News, The Bahl Foundation, & Quality Appliance

Saturday, July 26 at 7:30 PM

Paying tribute to one of the greatest British bands of all time, this tribute show offers glorious vocals with multiple singers and blazing guitar solos. Queen has rocked us over the years with their chart-topping hits and bountiful b-sides – and JJHOF is here to keep it all alive. The core group (Jonny James, Andy, Mike, and Matt) is joined by the ridiculously talented Ben Bakken and John Jamison. This show is dedicated to bringing you the live performances of Queen with all the energy, extravagance, and rock you can handle. Featuring hits like “Another One Bites the Dust,” “Don’t Stop Me Now,” “Somebody to Love,” “We Will Rock You,” and many more. This new show is bound to be “A Kind of Magic!”

Member: $26.50 / Non-Member: $31.50 / Student: $21.50 (Includes a $1.50 Processing Fee) Sponsored by Southern Heights Dental Group.

Summer Mosaic Panel with Sushila Anderson

Friday, July 25 from 10 AM - 4:30 PM (with a 30-minute break for lunch!)

Bring Summer into your home with a Summer-inspired mosaic on a wood panel! You will craft a stained glass mosaic, then grout to add the finishing touch! This class is open for all levels of experience, from beginners to regular mosaic crafters! Try something new! Closed-toe shoes are required!

Tuition: Member - $110, Non-Member - $122. (Supplies are included in the tuition cost!) Sponsored by Richie Eye Clinic & Lasik Center

For more information & tickets: www.paradisecenterforthearts.org 507.332.7372 321 Central Avenue North, Faribault, MN 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.

production is not recommended for children.