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March 5

Water Street Dance Milwaukee

March 7

The Kings of Queen

March 14

O’She Irish Dance presents Kickin‘ It Irish

March 20

Joyann Parker: The Music of Patsy Cline

March 27

Church of Cash 2pm & 7:30

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Actresses Rush & Dunhaupt help light up Southern Minn stages

By JANE TURPIN MOORE Guest Contributor

All the world may not be a stage for Southern Minnesota’s Susan Dunhaupt and Kathy Rush, but they’re absolutely in their respective comfort zones at area community theaters.

“It’s much more comfortable for me to be somebody else than it is to be myself,”

said Dunhaupt, a longtime Northfield resident

who’s performed and directed at theaters in Northfield, Faribault and Minneapolis over the past 35 years.

Rush, of Owatonna, has similarly plied her acting, directing and production skills in Northfield, Faribault and Owatonna throughout the past several decades.

“Theater is my major hobby, my husband would say,” said Rush.

Each woman’s most recent theatrical venture has proved a roaring success; Dunhaupt is fresh from a directorial stint with the Northfield Arts Guild’s timely staging of “Little Wars,” which played to

sold-out houses and anticipates a short-run revival in Minneapolis later this spring, while Rush is in the midst of acting in Paradise Community Theatre’s production of the farcical murder mystery “Kill Me, Deadly” (performanc-

yet nevertheless 70-something woman like Dunhaupt can quickly recite a line from her first acting role—at age 8, in Topeka, Kan.— there’s no doubt her theatrical debut made an indelible impression.

“I was ‘Old Man Elf’ in a green burlap costume,” laughed Dunhaupt. “And I don’t remember the name of the play, but my [important] line was, ‘Woodbine twine is oh so handy.’”

es run through March 1 at Faribault’s Paradise Center for the Arts).

How did these two creative yet modest women who spent their professional careers as a psychotherapist (Dunhaupt) and a library circulation manager (Rush) become drawn to the spotlight?

A compressed script of their lives unfurls before you.

Susan Dunhaupt:

Triple-threat dancer/actor/director

When a delightfully youthful and spirited

As a junior high schooler, Dunhaupt succeeded her elfin turn as “a little old lady” in another play.

“When I was 16, a couple of pivotal things happened,” said Dunhaupt. “First, I was involved as the heroine in a community theater melodrama that played each Saturday for two years, and second I was cast as the lead in ‘Wait Until Dark,’ a play that was later made into a movie starring Audrey Hepburn.

“And because I was a dancer, I was in a lot of musicals,” she said, citing “Carousel” and “Guys and Dolls,” among others.

For Dunhaupt, the multi-generational folks involved in community theater became a second supportive family to her, initially at a time she really needed affirmation and encouragement.

“They just embraced me,” recalled Dunhaupt. “My parents were going through a divorce and I was a little shy, so I found my home in community theater. It really helped me come out of my shell.”

Dunhaupt earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Marymount College and later a master’s in community counseling at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Throughout her career as a psychotherapist, and over the past 10 years as she practiced Rosen Method Bodywork (“It’s a very complex and sacred work that’s a somatic therapy and involves releasing the subconscious,” Dunhaupt shared, noting her psychology training was useful in the practice), Dunhaupt maintained an interest

in theater, albeit taking a break during her primary years of parenthood.

“I was on a theater hiatus for a time, though I picked up a show here and there,” said Dunhaupt, who shares a blended family of five children and four grandchildren with her husband Dick Brown.

Still, Dunhaupt estimates she’s been involved with at least 60 theatrical productions to date, including roles with Merlin Players, Paradise Community Theater and Northfield Arts Guild Theater. She’s also been in a couple of Minneapolis Fringe Festival shows, acted with Richfield’s Out of the Mist Celtic Theatre and portrayed Lady Capulet in a Theatre in the Round (Minneapolis) production of “Romeo and Juliet.”

In 1998, she directed her first play

“It was written by a St. Peter friend and focused on Dietrich Bonhoeffer,” said Dunhaupt, who has assisted with costuming and added several other directing credits to her resume since then.

Acting and directing have unique charms and challenges, Dunhaupt observes.

“They’re so different,” said Dunhaupt.

“For instance, I started working on ‘Little Wars’ a full year ago. I had to figure out the vision for it, find a tech crew and study the script over and over.

“But when you’re acting, it can be as little as eight weeks from start to finish. I’d say acting is more intense and self-focused, by necessity, than directing, which is more other-focused. I think of directing like being a mother, where you have all these details and ‘children’ to manage. Actors have to be more focused on themselves, their on-stage relationships, health and appearance [as it fits the part].”

Guild Theater in May 2024 was the peak of her acting experience to date.

“It’s 58 pages of monologue and I only got to do it twice,” said Dunhaupt. “I might get to do it again at [Northfield’s] FiftyNorth in October 2026.

“And I see ‘Little Wars’ as the pinnacle of my directing experience.”

Playwright Steven Carl McCasland penned “Little Wars,” a gripping play depicting an imagined dinner party hosted by writers Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas at their home in the French Alps on the literal eve of Nazi Germany’s 1940 invasion of France.

Dunhaupt’s cast of seven female characters was so effective and well received that the production is in talks to be remounted (with McCasland’s permission) at a Minneapolis theater in April or May, with proceeds from that effort benefiting Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota.

“We saved aspects of the set, and we have the most amazing props people ever [Nancy and Stan Partin],” praised Dunhaupt.

“During January rehearsals, there was so much happening in Minnesota that was parallel to the on-stage action that we had to ground ourselves and build our internal community so the actors felt safe on stage, both as themselves and their characters,” Dunhaupt said.

“I’ve had amazing roles in my life, and it seems I’ve spent a large part of it living in my imagination and creativity.” - Susan Dunhaupt

Critical to directing is casting, Dunhaupt says.

“Casting the right people is essential, both for tech jobs and on-stage roles,” she noted.

She sees her performance of a one-woman show, “Shakespeare’s Will,” at Northfield Arts

While much terrific theater lies in her past, Dunhaupt looks ahead to future and emerging possibilities.

“I’ve had amazing roles in my life, and it seems I’ve spent a large part of it living in my imagination and creativity,” said Dunhaupt.

“I feel very much at home in the theater. Community theater is a joyful place to be.”

Kathy Rush:

Director/actor/producer/costumer

For Rush, theater is a family affair—and her primary avocation.

“My kids grew up in theater,” said Rush, a 67-year-old Owatonna resident who spent the bulk of her working life at Northfield Public Library. She retired in late 2024 as manager of the circulation department and technical services.

“My daughter, Jessica Ekeren, was often my stage manager, my son Bryce ran lights and they both have a real love of theater to this day,” she added.

Community theater is also where Rush met her husband Tim Vizina over 20 years ago, though lately he’s less involved than Rush.

“Tim comes out of ‘retirement’ once in awhile to act,” said Rush. “He’s very funny and talented, but he’s been doing a lot of curling at Owatonna Curling Club this winter.”

Rush, meanwhile, can be found nearly daily at Paradise Center for the Arts; she’s currently theater committee chair, and she’s busy acting, directing, producing and managing costumes.

“I replaced my job with theater,” laughed Rush. “I’m there almost every day, because even just managing the costumes is a huge task in itself.

“My role right now, as I see it, is making sure Paradise keeps moving forward and bringing in lots of new people,” said Rush.

“And I really like encouraging new directors.”

Rush’s experience in area community theaters is deep and wide. Earlier, she devoted two decades to involvement with Northfield Arts Guild Theater, where she acted, helped costume musicals with Ruth Legvold and, at the urging of Guild theater legend Myrna Johnson, began directing.

“Myrna was my dear friend and mentor for so many years,” said Rush, who eventually took Johnson’s advice.

“The first show I directed was the female version of ‘The Odd Couple.’”

Attendees from Faribault, who were active with Paradise Community Theater’s predecessor, Faribault Area Community Theater, saw the production and asked Rush if she’d direct for them.

“So I started directing shows every other year with them,” said Rush.

Then the Little Theatre of Owatonna came calling and Rush couldn’t say no.

“I’ve enjoyed being in different communities and seeing how things are done in different places,” said Rush. “It’s helpful, because it provides varied perspectives and insights.”

“I started getting involved in theater during high school, mostly in on-stage roles,” said Rush. “You know; one of your friends does it so you do it, too.”

Her undergraduate focus on political science kept her nose in the books during her latter college years, yet she’s amassed a lengthy list of credits—including playing both lead female roles, at separate times, in “A Streetcar Named Desire.”

“Community theater is such a wonderful way to meet people. Every show brings a lovely group of friends and new people, and there are all types, all generations involved with theater, and that’s wonderful. I love it.” - Kathy Rush

Similarly, Rush’s diverse theatrical experiences are an asset, she believes.

“I think acting makes you a better director and directing makes you a better actor,” Rush said.

Though Rush’s childhood involved stops up and down the West coast due to her dad’s railroad company employment, by ninth grade her family had settled in Cottage Grove, where she attended high school.

After first attending Inver Hills Community College, Rush went on to graduate from Hamline University with a political science major; she earned a master’s degree in public administration, as well.

“In my early years of acting at Inver Hills, I played Stella; it’s a great part,” she said. “And when Faribault did ‘Streetcar,’ I’d just been involved there a little bit and Jim Rossow invited me to come down to see auditions,” she explained.

“Jim was directing it and suggested I audition. He cast me as Blanche, so I’ve played both parts.”

Another memorable role for Rush was Heidi in “The Heidi Chronicles” at the Arts Guild Theater, in a production directed by Patsy Dew.

“That was a tremendous experience,” recalled Rush.

Recently, Rush directed “Alice in Wonderland” for Paradise Community Theater.

“I love showcasing kids because they’re the future,” she said.

Besides presently wrapping up the run of

“Kill Me, Deadly,” Rush is assisting director Palmer Huff with casting “Jake’s Women,” a Neil Simon comedy scheduled at Paradise in late April, and doing advance work with Paul Johnson, who will direct Paradise’s summer feature “The Addams Family Musical.”

“We did ‘Sound of Music’ at Christmas and that was fantastic, but we’ve also done some edgier stuff, like ‘Tick, Tick…Boom!’ and ‘Assassins’ recently,” she noted.

“We’re trying to cover all the bases and be sure everyone has something they like to see.”

Welcoming new participants, whether as actors, techies or costumers, is an enduring

priority for Rush.

“Community theater is such a wonderful way to meet people,” said Rush. “Every show brings a lovely group of friends and new people, and there are all types, all generations involved with theater, and that’s wonderful.

“I love it.” 

Freelance writer/collaborative pianist Jane Turpin Moore grew up in the Mankato area and is now based in Northfield. She blogs at timeformoore566445504. wordpress.com and fields emails at jturpinmoore@gmail. com.

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Mollywood BLVD

In the halls of Highland North at Minnesota State University, Mankato, almost every evening you may hear the stomps and laughter of women coming from HN225, along with the reverberating sounds of Korean Pop music. The joy and community that rings through the halls of the K-One dance club has also extended off campus, but it all started with a common purpose: The love of K-pop.

K-pop is not a genre I’ve touched on in my column yet, but it is a pop culture phenomenon. Groups and artists include: BTS, Twice, Kpop Demon Hunters, and most famously, PSY (remember “Gangnam Style”). From movies to music to reality TV, K-pop has had a strong hold on girls and young women for a good part of a decade.

What began as a regional music industry in South Korea has transformed into a global powerhouse that influences fashion, beauty standards, social media trends, and even international politics. From meticulously trained idol groups to viral solo artists, K-pop represents far more than catchy songs and synchronized choreography, it is a carefully engineered cultural export that has captivated millions.

Groups like BTS and TWICE have helped lead the charge. BTS, in particular, shattered long-standing barriers in Western music markets, topping the Billboard charts, selling out stadiums worldwide, and speaking at the United Nations. Their fanbase, known as ARMY, operates like a global community, organizing streaming campaigns, charitable projects, and social media movements. You also get to choose your “bias” or favorite member. We remember that with NKOTB and Backstreet Boys, right!? TWICE, meanwhile, has become one of the most recognizable girl groups internationally, known for bright visuals, addictive hooks, and a carefully curated image that appeals to young audiences. Attending a K-pop concert with my daughter feels like I am single handedly pulling up the age average. It

Molly Penny is a local radio personality and MNSU alum. It was her love of pop culture that got her interested in doing a morning show for KOWZ 100.9 in 2011 where she is now brand manager for the three-cluster radio station, as well as music director for Q102 FM out of Willmar & on-air personality on Mankato’s Hot 96.7. She enjoys volunteering, time with her kids/family and cat Salem. Catch her on Twitter at @mollyhoodUSA.

is teeny-bop central.

Of course, no conversation about K-pop’s global breakthrough would be complete without PSY. His 2012 hit “Gangnam Style” was more than just a catchy song; it was a cultural earthquake. The music video became the first on YouTube to surpass one billion views, introducing millions to Korean music and humor for the first time. While PSY’s success was often treated as a novelty in Western media, it quietly laid the groundwork for the sustained global expansion that followed.

K-pop’s influence extends beyond music charts. Its impact on fashion and beauty is unmistakable. Idol styling, colored hair, layered streetwear, flawless skin, GUY-LINER, quickly becomes trendsetting. Korean skincare routines, often called the “10-step routine,” gained popularity largely through the visibility of idols and actors. Brands collaborate with idols not only for Korean audiences but for global campaigns, recognizing their massive social media reach. You better believe my daughter puts that snail mucous on her face, and her skin looks flawless!

Aside from an obvious marker of the times, relevance on TikTok, reality television and survival competition shows have also fueled its popularity. Programs that document the formation of new groups allow fans to become emotionally invested long before a group officially debuts. Viewers watch trainees struggle, improve, and compete, creating personal attachments that translate into longterm loyalty. Even fictional projects like Kpop Demon Hunters reflect how deeply the aesthetic and storytelling style of K-pop have embedded themselves into broader entertainment culture, blending music, fantasy, and high-energy visuals.

For much of the past decade, K-pop has had a particularly strong hold on girls and young women. My daughter was first entranced by the genre at age 13 and is now conversationally fluent in Korean at 21! The appeal is multifaceted: emotionally expressive lyrics, visually striking performers, and

a sense of belonging within fandom communities. Online spaces dedicated to K-pop often function as social hubs where fans share art, translations, memes, and inside jokes. In an era where digital identity plays a central role in social life, fandom participation offers both community and creative expression. The same can be said, on a smaller scale, of the dance club at MSU.

Ultimately, K-pop’s rise signals something larger: the globalization of pop culture itself. No longer confined by language barriers, audiences stream what they love regardless of origin. K-pop proves that music—and the culture built around it — can transcend geography. Whether through viral dance challenges, sold-out world tours, or the lingering memory of a horseriding dance from “Gangnam Style,” K-pop has secured its place as one of the most influential cultural forces of our time and it has finally made its way to a rural campus in Southern Minnesota.

K-One is a female led K-pop dance group and official student club that embodies the spirit of K-pop while also allowing a local platform for learners and lovers of K-pop of all ages to showcase their individual talents. My daughter, aspiring idol Mona, is one of the founding members. The club was originally formed by an exchange student from South Korea who wanted to bring K-pop dance to campus.

Upon finishing her exchange program in 2023, she passed down the club to its current board and they have been expanding ever since from cultural fairs to promotional events, to statewide dance competitions! K-One offers free dance classes every Thursday and Friday in HN225 from 6-8 p.m. where students, faculty, and families are welcome to come learn some K-pop choreography and is welcome to all ages. Follow them on socials: Instagram - k1_mnsu; Tik Tokk1_mnsu. 

Sohre continues the tradition of Southern Minn women in arts

By ASHLEY HANLEY Guest Contributor

Anna Sohre is a 25-yearold student, seeking her Master’s in Art Therapy at MNSU. At her young age, she’s already a budding artist.

“I am currently in a master’s program for art therapy and mental health counseling. I have a year and a half left. Art therapy is a form of mental health counseling that uses painting, drawing, collage, clay, and other art materials. Art therapists are trained in how to provide mental health treatment for individuals using art techniques combined with psychological theories. You can tell a lot about a person through their artwork and how they use the materials,” said Sohre, originally from Madison Lake.

Her passion for art started from the very beginning.

“From a young age, I’ve loved being creative and making a mess with any art materials. Paint, markers, glue, glitter, clay, mud, and anything you can think of to make art,” Sohre said.

While her love for art always remained, she wasn’t quite sure how she could make a living off of it.

“ I explored many different careers before going to college and eventually landed on elementary education because that was a safe career choice. However, that was not where my heart was. I still wanted to pursue art as a career, but the fear of not finding a job caused me to settle for something less than my dream,” Sohre said.

Then, a life-changing experience turned what could’ve been devastating, into something beautiful.

“Halfway through my freshman year of college, I got a severe concussion and ended up dropping out of college. For the next three years, I spent most of my time living in an isolated, dark room. This darkness is where my passion for art and my faith in Jesus really came alive. I prayed a lot for healing and something to do while I recovered, but that didn’t worsen the pain in my heart. God definitely came through for me by growing my love and natural artistic gift. After I hit my head, something just clicked in me and I became a better artist. Creating art was a way for me to process the hardships I was going through. When I went back to college, I still struggled with concussion symptoms; as a result, using computers and doing math and science was literally painful. Through that, God opened the door to pursuing a career in art therapy,” Sohre said.

She gives significant credit to her faith and the teachings of Jesus.

“He placed a calling within me to help others heal using art,” she said. “Though the path was painful and dark at times, it was exactly what I needed to happen for me to live in his calling and purpose for my life.”

Sohre dabbles in a little of everything when it comes to art. Her specialty in college was acrylic and oil painting, and she especially loves abstract painting.

“AKA throwing paint at a canvas and making a huge mess,” she jokes.

Recently, she started leading an art group that creates altered book journals, also known as junk journals. Through these experiences she’s developed a greater love for her faith and for the joy that comes through art.

“The colors, the freedom, and the feeling of the presence of Jesus. I love colors and lights! I also feel very connected to God when I create art. He is the original artist. He created the whole world and I feel like I get to experience a little bit of the joy He feels when He creates His masterpieces.”

Sohre uses her faith to come up with ideas as well.

“I ask and explore the world around me with God. I ask, “Hey Jesus, what do you want to make with me today?” It’s so much fun to see what comes out of it. I tend to wander around in the wilderness and just observe everything. I get a lot of ideas from that. I will admit that some of my best ideas have come to me while zoning out in a meeting or class,” Sohre added.

Her favorite piece that she’s created is on display

at Highland Chapel in Mankato.

“I created a piece this summer titled “Imago Dei,” which means “image of God.” I used a 30x40-in canvas. The unique thing about this piece is that I used every inch of this canvas, front and back. On the front, I wrote lies I often heard, then covered them with deep blue paint and white, swirling ribbon-like forms. I threw a rainbow of bright colors on the back. To finish the piece, I ripped a large hole, back to front, in the center of the canvas, and sewed the flaps open. On each flap, I wrote God’s truths about me. Then I took it to Highland Chapel and I had disciples hold up the canvas and take pictures with it to celebrate that we are all images of God. It was very community-driven and freeing for me to create. I enjoyed seeing how many people connected to the concept of breaking free from lies and embracing the truths God says about you,” Sohre said.

For Sohre, this is just the beginning.

“Art therapy is becoming increasingly wellknown and sought after in both the art and mental health communities. However, it is not accessible in-person in southern MN. With support from my internship supervisor and different ministries and community organizations, my goal is to build a thriving faith-based art therapy practice in Mankato.”

You can also find her as she leads an art therapy group called “God’s Disasterpiece” on Mondays at 6 p.m. at Highland Chapel.  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 boo-boos, you can find her cheering on her favorite Minnesota sports teams and is a firm believer they will win a championship in her lifetime.

“Art therapy is becoming increasingly well-known and sought after in both the art and mental health communities. However, it is not accessible inperson in southern MN. With support from my internship supervisor and different ministries and community organizations, my goal is to build a thriving faith-based art therapy practice in Mankato.”

- Anna Sohre

SOUPER BOWL

What 2 WATCH

‘Send Help’ is the first great film of 2026

Who will be the next Julia Roberts? It was a frequently asked question at the dawn of the 21st century. Beautiful, bankable, and universally-beloved, Roberts was the most popular and successful actress of the 1990s. She did it all — romantic comedies, Oscar bait, thrillers, family fare, and beyond.

But, by the mid 2000s, Hollywood was itching to find the next major big-screen starlet.

For a minute there, it looked like it might be Kate Hudson or Amy Adams, before some illadvised career moves. And while Reese Witherspoon and Emma Stone could credibly claim the crown, the former is now more focused on television and the latter almost exclusively appears in prestige films.

No, the “next Julia Roberts” ended up being someone rather unassuming: Rachel McAdams.

is still on top with “Send Help” (currently in theaters).

watched romantic drama of the last 30 years. McAdams followed up her breakout year with three very different 2005 hits: “Wedding Crashers” (the first R-rated comedy to gross over $200 million), “Red Eye” (the fun Wes Craven airplane thriller), and “The Family Stone” (a new Christmas staple).

After that incredible two year run, McAdams experimented with smaller, arthouse fare (“Midnight In Paris,” “To The Wonder”) while still sprinkling in some big box office hits (“Sherlock Holmes,” “The Vow”). And in 2015, she received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in the Best Picture-winning journalism masterpiece, “Spotlight.”

Here me out. In 2004, the same year that Roberts started a family and began to cede the box office throne, McAdams had her breakout as Regina George in “Mean Girls” and as Allie Hamilton in “The Notebook.” Both films are millennial classics. “Mean Girls” remains the defining teen movie of Generation Y, while Regina George is still an oft-quoted icon. And no late-aughts co-ed hangout was complete without a viewing of “The Notebook,” perhaps the most re-

Simply put, McAdams – like Roberts –does it all. Smart romantic comedy? Check (“Morning Glory”). Political thriller? Check (“State of Play”). Marvel? Check (“Doctor Strange”). Meme-able studio comedy? Check (“Game Night”). Prestige crime miniseries? Check (“True Detective”). Not one but two time-traveling romantic dramedies? Check and check (“The Time Travelers Wife,” “About Time”).

Nearly 15 years into her career, McAdams

This time around, she plays against type as the dowdy Linda Liddle, a “Survivor”-loving employee at a consulting firm. Though her chauvinistic colleagues take credit for her work and her toxic nepo baby boss, Bradley (Dylan O’Brien), disrespects her, Linda is hardworking and good at her job. She deserves a promotion, but Bradley gives it to his decidedly undeserving frat brother instead.

The tables quickly turn when a company plane en route to Bangkok plummets into the Gulf of Thailand, and the only two survivors – Linda, largely unscathed, and Bradley, with a broken leg – wash ashore on a seemingly deserted island. As evidenced by a cringy “Survivor” audition tape, Linda has extensively prepared for this nightmare scenario. The pampered, metrosexual Bradley most definitely has not.

Linda may as well quote “Captain Phillips” at this point. She is the captain now.

“Send Help” has a blast flipping the script on class and gender politics. Surprises abound. And while it’s got “Cast Away” and “Working Girl” and “Misery” in its DNA, it’s funnier and gorier than those movie relatives.

The tropical island locale proves to be a perfect playhouse for director Sam Raimi.

Celebrated for his kinetic technical brilliance and blending of gore and comedy, Raimi is best known for making the “Evil Dead” trilogy, the Tobey Maguire-era “Spider-Man” trilogy (“Spider-Man 2” is a 5-star film), “A Simple Plan” (the Minnesota noir cousin to “Fargo”), and “Drag Me To Hell.” There is simply no other filmmaker more perfectly-suited to take on “Send Help.” It’s a true return to form.

It’s also been a hit. As of this writing, “Send Help” just spent two consecutive weeks at number one. And while its box office success is partially due to its bang-up premise, strong critical reception, and acclaimed director; its stars are the main draw.

O’Brien aces his role as a slimy, condescending jerk. But as the film progresses, we also see more nuanced shades. He’s both punch-able and sympathetic. And he has undeniable chemistry with his costar.

But this is McAdams’s show, and she’s

incredible. Her evolution from mousy bird lady to confident badass is wholly convincing and thrilling to watch. She’s awkward, she’s lovable, she’s broken, and she’s delightfully deranged. It’s a masterful, possibly careerbest, performance that deserves awards attention early next year. There’s even a monologue scene in the middle of the film just waiting to be her Oscar reel. Much like Julia Roberts, McAdams is still standing tall while other 2000s actresses have faded away. She remains beautiful, bankable, and universally-beloved. And she just made the first great film of 2026. 

MORE McADAMS:

The essential Rachel McAdams movies and where to stream them:

Mean Girls – streaming on Paramount+

The Notebook – streaming on HBO Max

Wedding Crashers – streaming on HBO Max

Red Eye – streaming on Paramount+ and Starz

The Family Stone – streaming on Tubi and Amazon Prime

Morning Glory – streaming on Paramount+

About Time – streaming on Peacock

Spotlight – streaming on Tubi Game Night – available to rent

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. – streaming on Netflix

Rants & RAVES

Online trouble

Cell phones and boredom are always a bad combination. Like most folks, I like to play online and a do a bit of retail therapy.

You know, when you go down the rabbit hole and start looking at things to buy and putting them in your cart just to think how you’d buy all of it as soon as you win the lottery. Fabulous, expensive stuff that I won’t ever actually purchase, but I like to see what the total would be after I fill up my cart.

Then, I delete the items and log off. Like that $7,500 handbag would ever be a good idea in my world.

Alas, this time was different. I decided to look at everyone’s most hated online shop filled with lots of poorly-made, useless junk. The site name rhymes with “EMU.” Their website is impossible to figure out, as they’re so busy offering you pop-up deals and spinning discount wheels that you can barely ascertain what they’re actually selling. Coupons, buy-oneget-one, bulk deals, free stuff … I just started paging through the endless site and was totally hypnotized by all the crap.

I started filling my cart with crafting supplies that were impossibly cheap, and I knew would be notoriously smaller than the actual online photos. I already have a million rolls of ribbon, but this ribbon says “Yay” on it.

I usually use Q-tips to clean up crafting mistakes, but they had “pink makeup sticks” that pledged to work even better. Long-handled tweezers for making miniatures. “Diamond-tip sanding sticks” for jewelry projects and a funnel for putting flour in my KitchenAid mixer without spilling it.

Teeny floral stickers that are actually nail decals. I mean, you can’t buy those just anywhere. A table runner that says, “Happy Birthday.” Place cards with adorable red hearts printed on them. Patterned shoelaces — who can live without those? Blank postcards made of watercolor paper. A sweatshirt covered with super cute tomatoes. A metal first aid box with a big red cross on the side. A plastic nozzle thingy you could attach to your vacuum to suck the lint out of the front of your dryer. I was hooked! It took a while, but I finally figured out how to get past the flashing lights and special announcement banners to find my shopping cart. I looked at the total and it was well over $873. I chuckled to myself about what kind of idiot would spend that amount of money on all this weird stuff they didn’t actually need. Why not just go to the Dollar Store and get it out of your system for $10? So, as usual, I started deleting items one by one.

The total was going down quickly, and I was just about to shut off my computer and go to bed when I accidently hit the “PURCHASE” button instead of the “DELETE” button. Lucky me, I have an established Paypal account. My computer didn’t hesitate for a split second. The

dialogue box immediately thanked me for my $503 order soon to be arriving in many separate containers from somewhere in China. Does anyone but me remember the Lillian Vernon catalog from back in the day?! It was basically the same sorta oddball products and I loved paging through it when I was a kid. Who came up with all those bizarre creations? Were they related to the “Pocket Fisherman” guy?! Nowadays, all we have to do is open our phone and a world of solutions to help us put on our own bracelets and scratch our backs is available 24/7. 2026 — what a great time to be alive!

Suffice to say, it’s only been a couple weeks, but the somewhat crushed cardboard boxes and white vinyl envelopes have begun arriving in bulk. I feel like I should leave an apology note and a large amount of cash for my USPS delivery person.

It’s been five days straight of my mailbox being packed tight-as-a-tick and my doormat being piled high like a Jenga game. I’ll probably spend this week trying to get my pals at the bank to sign non-disclosure forms to assure me

they won’t tell anyone how many times the word “EMU” shows up on my bank statement. I really am stunned at my own stupidity, but I hope by writing about it, some of you might fess up and tell me about some of your bad decisions. I can’t really be the only one, can I? 

Through a SOMINN LENS

A warning sign in Waterville speaks for itself.

Visual storytelling in Southern Minnesota communities

Whenever I’m out and about with my 35mm DSLR Canon camera, I often seek out the interesting, the odd, the unusual. I needn’t look far to find photoworthy subjects that fit those parameters, that tell a story. Photography is, after all, visual storytelling. Southern Minnesota is rich in visual stories, sometimes right out there, other times more subtle.

For example, I’m especially drawn to handwritten notes posted on businesses. Most people would likely walk right by those. Not me. I pause to read messages left for delivery drivers.

And recently I spotted a note about a Montgomery shopkeeper closing early for a granddaughter’s birthday party. In Red Wing I learned from a sign that an auto mechanic is sorta retired. I love the touch of humanity found in these handprinted notes.

I’m also drawn to unique signage and public art. The quirky, creative and home-grown all cause me to slow down and focus my camera.

In Waterville, which has murals aplenty, whimsical characters advertise

food offerings at the downtown Snack Shack. In Montgomery, humorous art on the side of the White Front Saloon promotes “America’s Favorite White House” with the best Bloody Mary’s in 19 counties. In Goodhue, a sign banning snowmobiles from sidewalks struck me as odd. But then again, snowmobiles on sidewalks must be a problem or there wouldn’t be a sign.

Wherever I am, I find myself looking, always looking. Up. Down. At eye level. Concrete underfoot yields poetry in Northfield, footprints and history in Red Wing. It’s all there before us, these visual stories defining place, connecting us as community, making life interesting, if not sometimes entertaining. 

Family

baked goods

and art to

I don’t condone graffiti. But I find it interesting, like these names etched on a brick building in downtown Montgomery near the community

and then

It’s the cute bear that makes this long-standing sign in Faribault down-home appealing to me.

THURSDAY, FEB 26

KOBI Exhibit - St. Peter--

1-5 p.m., Arts Center of Saint Peter, 315 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. KOBI is a conceptual Liberian/Ghanaian photographer and filmmaker creating out of Minneapolis.

“Oh, The Things You can be is a show in collaboration with my 4-year-old daughter Indie Victoria Grace. Throughout my life, I was told that being an artist was not a sustainable thing I could be and do. The purpose is to show her that an artist is something that she can be and that there’s more to life than what’s in your bank account.” He uses filmmaking, sound design and analogue photography as a tools to display. Open through March 28.

Ralph Brauer Author Talk - Northfield-- 7 p.m., Content Bookstore, 314 Division St. S, Northfield. A reading and discussion of his book “The Age of Discontent: How Workers and Farmers Reinvented American Democracy.” This revisionist view of late-nineteenth-century history credits Main Street, not Wall Street, with laying the foundations of modern America.

FRIDAY, FEB 27

Sleigh & Cutter Dinner and Music - Waseca-5 p.m., Waseca VFW, 113 E. Elm Ave. Dinner, flag ceremony, royalty introductions, music by Los Tequileros, meat raffle, Frosty and medallion contest winners revealed.

Paradise Gallery OpeningFaribault-5-7 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. The gallery will display the Recovery Show from Sandra Sargent’s students. Shows through April 11.

Tiki NightNorthfield-5:30-8:30 p.m., Armory Square Event Center, 519 Division St., Northfield. Enjoy live music, tropical vibes, and tiki cocktails.

Matthew AitchLe Sueur County-- 6-9 p.m., Union Trail Brewing, 23436 Union Trail, Belle Plaine. A singer-songwriter whose music explores the themes of love found, love lost, and the beauty of the world around us. With a diverse musical background, his performances offer a blend of heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies.

Ben Scruggs - St. Peter-6-9 p.m., Flame Bar and Grill, 225 Nassau St., St. Peter. An original folk/ blues/americana musician from Mankato. He accompanies himself with acoustic guitar and blues harmonica, weaving tales of folk-spun humor and hard luck times throughout his sets of all-original music.

Gus PageHenderson-7 p.m., River Bottom Tavern & Brewhouse, 510 Main St., Henderson. With over 15 years of experience in the music industry, Gus Page has worn many hats, including solo performer, frontman, lead and harmony vocalist, rhythm and lead guitarist, hand percussionist, live sound technician, recording engineer, and producer.

Dan Israel - St. Peter-7-10 p.m., Tremendous Brewing Co., 228 W. Mulberry St., St. Peter. A multiple Minnesota Music Academy (MMA) Award

SATURDAY,

winner. American Songwriter magazine in Nashville calls Israel a “hometown hero who can pack a local venue to the gills,” describing his sound as “combining pop hooks with the rootsy orchestration of Neil Young’s slower material.”

FEB 28

Sleigh & Cutter Parade - Waseca-- 12 p.m., Downtown Waseca.

Winter Farmers Market - Waseca-- 8 a.m.-12

p.m., Farmamerica, 7367 360th Ave, Waseca. Browse a variety of locally grown and handmade goods, from fresh produce and baked treats to artisan crafts and unique gifts. Support local growers, makers, and businesses all season long.

Pancake Brunch & Maple Syrup Course - St. Peter-- 10 a.m.-12 p.m., The Arboretum at Gustavus, 800 W. College

Ave., St. Peter. It’s maple syrup season! Come to the Arb for a full pancake brunch with real maple syrup, and learn how to make your own maple syrup in your backyard. Reservations required online. Donations accepted at the door.

Watch as majestic teams and a variety of horse breeds clip-clop through downtown Waseca, decked out in glittering harnesses and colorful winter finery. Chairs will be available for elderly and disabled viewers and their families next to the Historical Society; hot drinks also available $2 each.

Paddlefish Plant Swap - St. Peter-- 1 p.m., Paddlefish Brewing, 108 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or

CONTINUED page 18

just starting your leafy journey, this is the perfect chance to trade, share, and grow your collection. Bring healthy plants, cuttings, or starters you’re ready to part with, and swap them with fellow plant lovers. No pressure, no rules — just good vibes and green goodness.

Mike & Possum -

Le Sueur County-- 1-4

p.m., Union Trail Brewing, 23436 Union Trail, Belle Plaine.

High-voltage acoustic covers of your favorite classic rock anthems, channeling the power of a full-blown rock show into the cozy corners of clubs, breweries, and wineries. Fueled by a love for live music and a flair for the theatrical, this duo delivers shows as thrilling as a midnight ghost chase — and just as hard to forget.

“Promenade:

Paul Niemisto and featuring cellist David Carter. Tickets at the door.

on familiar favorites or delivering

his performances are always a crowd-pleaser.

Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra - Northfield-- 3 p.m., St. John’s Lutheran Church,

Clothing Swap - Northfield-- 3-6 p.m., Imminent Brewing, 519 Division Street South Unit 2. Bring gently used, laundered apparel to give away Sip on your favorite bevvy. Take home new gems for your own wardrobe.

Brothers Band - Janesville-- 5:308:30 p.m.,

The Foragers - Owaton-

na-- 6:30-8:30 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owatonna. Two singer/ songwriters, four friends, and a gazillion instruments from St. Paul, serving up Americana originals and covers that stick to your soul not your ribs.

Razz Acoustic - Kasota-7-10 p.m., Prairie Saloon & Grill, 140 N. Webster St., Kasota. An unplugged night of pure, raw talent.

Razz Acoustic is rolling in with nothing but a guitar, a mic, and the kind of gritty soul that makes acoustic music hit different. Just a real troubadour delivering outlaw country vibes, classic rock favorites, and the kind of storytelling only a seasoned solo musician can bring.

Destination: DesolationMorristown-7 p.m., Morristown Community Center. A fastpaced comedy that proves paradise is overrated and nothing goes according to plan. Passengers aboard the S.S. Merribel set sail in search of rest, relaxation, and bargain-priced

luxury. When the ship crash-lands on what appears to be a deserted island, the vacation quickly takes a strange turn. Tensions rise as members of the cruise begin to disappear, and the remaining survivors must navigate fear, folly, and their own questionable survival skills. Shows at 2 and 7 p.m.

Kill Me, DeadlyFaribault-7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault.

Charlie Nickels has a hard life as a gumshoe in the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, and things are only made harder by the murder of a client and the theft of her 300-karat diamond. With the help of his wise-cracking secretary, Ida, Charlie seeks out the many suspects. Packed with romance, intrigue and murder, this detective noir is a smart parody that will keep you guessing until the end. Shows Feb. 27-28 at 7 p.m., plus March 1 at 2 p.m. Tickets online.

SUNDAY, MAR 01

Winter Charcuterie WorkshopKasota-- 2-4 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. Learn the art of creating a beautiful charcuterie board with fun and delicious elevated foods. In this workshop, you will learn food selection ideas, meat folding techniques, cheese styling and cutting, pairing ideas, foodie tips & tricks, and more to make your next event a showstopper. Get tickets online.

TUESDAY, MAR 03

Youth Art Month Opening - Owatonna-- 4:307 p.m., Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Ln, Owatonna. The youth of the area display their works. Runs through March 29.

THURSDAY, MAR 05

Nina McConigley

Author Talk

- Northfield-- 7-8:30

p.m., Content Bookstore, 314 Division St. S, Northfield. A bold, inventive, and fiercely original debut novel that begins with an uncle dead and his tween niece’s private confession to the reader — she and her sister killed him, and they blame the British.

Little Fish

Improv - Owatonna-- 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. No two shows are the same. Family friendly for people of all ages.

The youth of the area display their works. The Imagination Celebration takes place March 7. Show runs through March 27.

Adult Book Fair - Le Sueur County-- 12-3 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. Stroll through tables of new and used books, discover local authors, snag cozy reading accessories, and treat yourself to exclusive book-faironly deals. Whether you’re a thriller lover, romance reader, fantasy fan, or nonfiction nerd, there’s something waiting for your next chapter.

Wassail - Dundas-12 p.m., Keepsake Cidery, 135th St. East, Dundas.

FRIDAY, MAR 06

Jared Graff - St. Peter--

6-9 p.m., Flame Bar and Grill, 225 Nassau St., St. Peter. Country covers and originals.

J Streitz & The Long OddsHenderson-- 7 p.m., River Bottom Tavern & Brewhouse,

510 Main St., Henderson. While playing bass in several Minneapolis bands spanning over two decades, Jason Streitz quietly wrote country, bluegrass and folk songs in his spare time. These songs, along with a handful of new tunes would become the foundation for The Long Odds.

Steve Boyken - Kasota-7-10 p.m., Prairie Saloon & Grill, 140 N. Webster St., Kasota. If you’re craving a night of pure, unapologetic classic rock, look no further. From killer guitar riffs to the songs everybody knows by heart, Steve brings that electric, throw-your-head-back energy that makes a small-town Friday night feel like a stadium show.

SATURDAY, MAR 07

All School Art Show - Northfield-- 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Northfield Arts Guild, 304 Division St. S., Northfield.

One of the best ways to send away the ills and awaken the orchard and hearts with cheers, singing, general noise-making and dancing with the Morris Dancers. We all need some of that. Release all that you’re holding and make yourself open to goodness. Fires will be roaring, toasties and soup will be on hand, warm and cold beverages of all types to be imbibed, warm indoor space available as needed.

BockFest - St. Peter-- 12 p.m., Tremendous Brewing Co., 228 W. Mulberry St., St. Peter. Let’s drink some Bock, poke those beers with a hot iron, listen to some more sweet polka and then rock out with something heavier. The music will take a turn to the groooviest of rock and roll with Pocket Lounge taking the stage.

Melissa Schulz - Kasota-- 2-5 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. A classically trained pianist and vocalist and an in-demand performer across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. A 2007 Luther College graduate with a degree in music performance and education, she brings both technical skill and versatility to every show.

Flannel Formal - Faribault-- 5-10 p.m., 10,000 Drops, 28 4th St NE, Faribault. Live music from Robos. Lumberkack games and axe throwing. The legendary hot dish showdown. Heated tent. Signature swag. Contests. Tickets online.

Los T - Janesville-- 5:30-8:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Performing Tex Mex music.

Susan Gibson - Northfield-- 7:30 p.m., Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 Third Street West. Born in Fridley, Minnesota, Gibson is a Wimberley, Texas-based singer and songwriter who has released six solo albums and tours the nation. Gibson was the lead singer for the popular alternative country band, The Groobees, and is the writer of the Dixie Chicks hit “Wide Open Spaces.” Tickets online.

SUNDAY, MAR 08

Book Swap - Kilkenny-- 12-2 p.m., Vintage Escapes Winery & Vineyard, 8950 Dodd Rd., Kilkenny. Bring one (or a few) gently loved books and trade them for something new-to-you. Whether you’re into romance, thrillers, historical fiction, memoirs, or fantasy — you never know what literary treasure you’ll discover.

Bill Litzau & Open Highway - Le Sueur County-- 3-6 p.m., Union Trail Brewing, 23436 Union Trail, Belle Plaine. An outlaw country band and much more playing covers from Waylon, Cody, Jinks and Haggard, along with original music.

JC Sanford & Anthony CoxNorthfield-5 p.m., Imminent Brewing, 519 Division Street South Unit 2. Talented Northfield trombonist JC Sanford joined by Anthony Cox on bass.

Bows, Strings & Contentment - Northfield-- 6 p.m., Grand Event Center, 316 Washington St., Northfield. Showcasing the talent of the Northfield community. Conductor Laura Geissler presents “Music of Europe,” featuring favorites from Bach to The Beatles and muscial modes from Dorian to Ionian. Special guests include Randall Ferguson, Laura O’Connor and Peter Dodge.

THURSDAY, MAR 12

Guided Beer & Pizza Pairing - Waseca-- 5:30 p.m., Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm, 41142 160th St, Waseca. Each 4 oz pour has been carefully matched with specialty pizzas created by Emily specifically for this event, designed to highlight the flavors of both the beer and the ingredients. Call or text for tickets at 715523-0857.

FRIDAY, MAR 13

100 Years of PickinSt. Peter-- 6-9 p.m., Flame Bar and Grill, 225 Nassau St., St. Peter. Guitar pickin’ and playin’.

The Lost VintageKasota-- 6 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. Unique acoustic arrangements of classic and current songs.

Country + Irish Line Dancing - Le Sueur County-- 6-9 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. We’re turning the Barrel Room into a country honky-tonk meets Irish pub for a night of toe-tappin’ tunes, spirited sips, and line dancing fun — with a little Celtic flair. Music from What’s Goin Down. Tickets online. Colton

Warren - Henderson-- 7 p.m., River Bottom Tavern & Brewhouse, 510 Main St., Henderson. A mix of covers and originals. Johnny Cash, Jason Mraz, Iron & Wine, Jack Johnson and some sprinkling of old blues and 90’s pop songs.

Chris Bertrand - Kasota-7-10 p.m., Prairie Saloon & Grill, 140 N. Webster St., Kasota. The perfect mix of acoustic soul, modern country, pop, and feel-good originals, including music from his upcoming album “By The Pour.” Smooth vocals, killer guitar talent, and chill, high-energy bar vibe.

Bonnie Drunken Lad - Faribault-7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for lass (with questionable Celtic heritage) bringing you traditional and modern Irish drinking songs, war anthems, sea shanties, historical oddities, and all things Luke Kelly. Hailing from a shack in Apple Valley, these five deliver an unforgettable performance. Tickets online.

SATURDAY, MAR 14

Tony Sammis - Le Sueur County-- 2-5 p.m., Union Trail Brewing, 23436 Union Trail, Belle Plaine. Enjoy the acoustic jams.

Sam Saccoman - Northfield-2-5 p.m., Loon Liquor Co., 115 5th St. W., Northfield. Strumming your favorite tunes.

Steve & Steve Co. - Kilkenny-- 3-6 p.m., Vintage Escapes Winery & Vineyard, 8950 Dodd Rd., Kilkenny. Fun, crowd-favorite energy and all the classic rock hits you love.

TUESDAY, MAR 17

Angel Val - Owatonna-- 6-8 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owa tonna. Angel grew up listening to her mom sing in an 80s rock band. She has a strong background and love for rock music and has grown to love y as well. Angel has taken her two favorite genre’s and mixed them into a more rock country

Buffalo Alice - Kasota-- 8 p.m.-12 a.m., The Blue Moon Bar & Grill, 300 S. Webster St., Kasota. A unique blend of classic rock

Winter Farmers Market - Waseca-- 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Farmamerica, 7367 360th Ave, Waseca. Browse a variety of locally grown and handmade goods, from fresh produce and baked treats to artisan crafts and unique gifts. Support local growers, makers, and businesses all season long.

sound and light experience that you won’t want to miss. They combine great musicianship, killer harmonies, and an arena style light show that will keep you coming back every time.

Souper Bowl - St. Peter-- 3-6 p.m., The Capitol Room, 419 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter. Buy artisan bowls hand-thrown by local potters. Specialty pottery will also be available for purchase. Bowl purchase includes a serving of soup & bread. Everything is first-come, firstserve.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade - St. Peter-- 5:30 p.m., Downtown St. Peter. “The best St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Southern Minnesota,” says local organizers. Parade, music and so much more.

St. Patrick’s Day CelebrationWaseca-- 10 a.m., The Mill Event Center, 310 2nd Ave SW, Waseca. Irish music starts at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Churchfollowed by an Irish mass. The Parade of Clans heads to the mill at noon for an Irish lunch. Irish music starts in the afternoon from Becky Borneke and Muriah Miller Keith, plus activities, crafts and treats. An Irish auction at 2:30 and Irish Bingo at 4 p.m. Dinner from Blake’s Food Truck. Battle of the Clans at 6 p.m. Miss St. Patrick & Miss Irish Rose Pageant at 7 p.m. Music from Jim “DJ Kozy” Kozan.

Saint Patrick Week’s Festivities - Northfield-- 7 p.m., Flaherty’s Northfield Lanes, 1700 Highway 3 S. Each day will feature our traditional corned beef, cabbage, veggies and Irish soda bread meal, as well as our famous Irish stew. Lucky Irish Bingo on Wednesday night. Live music with Russ Franek and the Biscuits will be rockin’ Saturday evening. Activities take place March 13-17.

Guitarist Randall Fergson - Northfield-- 7:309 p.m., Northfield Depot, Linden St. S., Northfield. Classical and Flamenco guitarist will present a program on the history and evolution of the guitar, from the stately court music of Renaissance Europe to the exciting, syncopated dance rhythms of Spanish Flamenco. Playing antique and modern instruments dating from 1785, 1835, 1854, 1900, 1917, and 1932 to present.

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

IV Play - Le Center-- 9 p.m.-12 a.m., Le Center American Legion. IV Play introduced themselves in 1999. This popular regional band will have you on the dance floor in no time, playing anythin from Motley Crue to Lady Gaga. Based out of Mankato.

Do you want to submit an event to this calendar?

Send details to editor@ southernminnscene.com

SUNDAY, MAR 15

Fine Art Fundraiser - Northfield-- 1-5 p.m., Water Street Studio, 305 Water St. S., Northfield. A curated show of fine art donated from local artists with 100% of sales to benefit Northfield Supporting Neighbors.

THURSDAY, MAR 19

Japanese Americans in MN During WWIIFaribault-- 6 p.m., Rice County Historical Society, 1814 NW 2nd Ave., Faribault. Join Dr. Ka Wong for a talk on the forced eviction and confinement of Japanese Americans after Pearl Harbor. The forced eviction and confinement of Japanese Americans after Pearl Harbor in 1941 was one of the worst civil rights violations of the twentieth century, and the repercussions were numerous. The effect in Minnesota was dramatic: only fifty-one Japanese American people lived in the state in 1940, but by war’s end there were several thousand.

FRIDAY,

MAR 20

Alex Messenger Author Talk - Northfield-4-5:30 p.m., Content Bookstore, 314 Division St. S, Northfield. Messenger, in conversation with fellow author Allen Eskens, talks about his new book, “The Ice on the Lake.” The harsh winters of Duluth don’t bother Hugh McLaren. Decades after the death of his wife and estrangement from his children, the only respite from his troubled thoughts comes from ice fishing alone on the windswept expanse of Lake Superior. Out on the ice, Hugh can drop a line in search of monsters of the deep and be free of his own demons.

Live Peregrine Falcon Presentation - Faribault-- 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Buckham Memorial Library, 11 Division St. E, Faribault. Learn more about the peregrine story, and what is being done right here in Minnesota to help the species and what we have discovered about them after 40 years of research. Jackie Fallon, wildlife biologist, master falconer, and educator for over 30 years, will be our presenter.

Spring FlingFaribault-- 5-8 p.m., Faribault American Legion, 112 5th St. NE. A rib dinner, fish fry, desserts, handmate items and live music from Eclipse.

Sohmer and DaleSt. Peter-- 6-9 p.m., Flame Bar and Grill, 225 Nassau St., St. Peter. A captivating acoustic duo whose harmonious

blend of vocals and instrumental prowess create an unforgettable musical experience.

Gus The Barbadic TroubadourLe Sueur County-- 6-9

p.m., Union Trail Brewing, 23436 Union Trail, Belle Plaine. Award-winning traditional & modern Irish folk musician based in the Twin Cities.

Luke Bakken

- Henderson-7 p.m., River Bottom Tavern & Brewhouse, 510 Main St., Henderson. A one-man band alternative folk rock act from Monticello, Minnesota.

His incredibly recognizable husky-rasp vocals shock listeners. The performance humbly consists of acoustic guitar, vocals, & Luke’s foot drums, allowing people to feel the beat & groove.

Sip Into Spring - Le Sueur County-- 7 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. Guests will have the chance to sip and sample a curated selection of local wines and craft beers, featuring pours from a variety of Minnesota wineries and breweries. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover new favorites, reconnect with friends, and welcome the new season — glass in hand. Food is also available for purchase. Tickets online.

80s Prom

NightFaribault-- 7:30 p.m., Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault. A nostalgic night filled with vibrant music from your favorite decade. Party the night away while reliving the iconic styles and unforgettable hits of the past. Embrace the color, hairspray, those cool shades, and the energy of the 80s. Tickets online.

Puzzle Competition - Janesville-- 1-5:30 p.m., Indian Island Winery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Put your puzzling skills to the test. Gather your team of up to four and join us for an afternoon of fun, strategy, and a little friendly competition. Get tickets online.

SATURDAY,

MAR 21

Spring Multi Sale - Waseca-- 8 a.m.-4 p.m., The Mill Event Center, 310 2nd Ave SW, Waseca. A massive multi-family sale with items from multiple households across the community- perfect for families and bargain hunters! Find everything from kitchenware to electronics, clothes for all ages, home decor and more. Takes place 12-6 p.m. March 19, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. March 20, and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. March 21.

Winter Jazz Showcase - St. Peter-1:30-3 p.m., Jussi Björling Recital Hall, Gustavus Adolphus College. Gustavus Jazz Ensemble and the Jazz Lab Collective as they present their winter jazz showcase. This concert will also feature Grammy-nominated jazz violinist Sara Caswell. The concert is free, open to the public, and will be livestreamed on the Gustavus Music YouTube page.

Multi Media Account Executive

Adams Multi Media has an exciting opportunity for a full time Multi Media Account Executive for our Inside Sales Division. We offer a variety of advertising opportunities within our 10 newspapers and 8 websites.

Fred the Bear - Owatonna-- 6-8 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owatonna. A classic rock/alternative band known for their rich harmonies, emotive dynamics and original songs. FTB’s music reflects on life’s promises and disappointments through personal crafted lyrics and driving rhythms. Mixed within their originals is a blend of music from other Midwest artists, currently touring groups and classic bands.

Abba & Elton John Tribute Concert - Kasota-7-9:30 p.m., Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. This high energy show features a full live band, professional lighting, and production, celebrating the greatest hits of two legendary artists. The concert will be split into two parts: the first half will feature an Elton John tribute, followed by a brief intermission, and then an ABBA tribute set to close out the night.

The Book Club Play - Northfield-- 7:30 p.m., Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 Third Street West. When devoted book club members become the subjects of a documentary filmmaker and accept a provocative new member, their long-standing group dynamics take a hilarious turn. A comedy by Karen Zacarias. Directed by Julianna Skluzacek. Shows at 7:30 p.m. March 20-21 and 27-28, plus 2 p.m. March 22 and 29.

THURSDAY, MAR 26

Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts - Owatonna-- 7-10 p.m., Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 N. Oak Ave., Suite 1, Owatonna.

These products include print ads, network ads, programmatic advertising and more. We are always developing new products and providing training to you on how these can benefit our customers. The ideal candidate will be competitive and creative with a desire to build strong long term relationships with business owners and organizations.

• Services existing customers to ensure that all products & services are provided as needed.

• Targets new customers & prospects to provide digital and print solutions to benefit our clients.

• Provides exemplary customer service to both internal and external customers.

• Meets & exceeds monthly sales goals as outlined by Sales Director.

• Type 60 wpm with basic knowledge Google & Google Programs

• Previous Customer Service Experience

• Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally

• Ability to meet deadlines on a consistent basis

Qualified candidates please submit your cover letter and resume to:

Tom Kelling, Sales Director tom.kelling@apgsomn.com

One of the most talented bands active today. Led by free-wheeling frontman Nielsen, they’ve been wowing audiences for years with the diversity of their sound, the tightness of their four-part harmonies, and the quality of their songcraft. Equally comfortable in a compact three-minute pop song and an epic 10-minute jam, the band has toured incessantly since their inception in 2011.

FRIDAY, MAR 27

Chris Bertrand - St. Peter-- 6-9 p.m., Flame Bar and Grill, 225 Nassau St., St. Peter. A seasoned singer/songwriter from Southern Minnesota who dedicates his life to music.

Deeply rooted in folk and unafraid to stomp and howl.

Ilan BustinHenderson-- 7 p.m., River Bottom Tavern & Brewhouse, 510 Main St., Henderson. A rancher and country singer based in southern Minnesota, where the rolling farmland and open skies inspire his timeless sound. With a voice as deep and steady as the prairie wind, Ilan channels the spirit of legends like Colter Wall and Johnny Cash, delivering classic country songs rooted in

SATURDAY, MAR 28

Winter Farmers Market - Waseca-- 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Farmamerica, 7367 360th Ave, Waseca. Browse a variety of locally grown and handmade goods, from fresh produce and baked treats to artisan crafts and unique gifts. Support local growers, makers, and businesses all season long.

Succulent Sip & Paint - Le Sueur County-- 1 p.m., Next Chapter Winery, 16945 320th St., New Prague. Brandt Gardens will provide a wide variety of containers ranging from vintage to modern, along with a gorgeous selection of succulents and cacti to choose from. All planting supplies are included, so you can simply relax, sip, and create. Tickets online.

Isaiah Muller - Le Sueur County-- 1-4 p.m., Union Trail Brewing, 23436 Union Trail, Belle Plaine. Playing all your favorites from the 90s, 00s, southern rock, and modern country.

WAC

Exhibit

Opening - Waseca-2-4 p.m., Waseca Art Center, 200 N. State St. Natalie Reynolds Wolff at the Harguth Gallery and the high school sow at the Beckmann Gallery.

Lucia Singers - St. Peter-- 4-5:30 p.m., Christ Chapel, Gustavus, St. Peter. The Lucia Singers and the Choir of Christ Chapel, both conducted by Dr. Andrew Kendall ‘16, will present their combined spring concert. The concert is free, open to the public, and will be livestreamed on the Gustavus Music YouTube page.

Wendt Sisters - Janesville-5:30-8:30 p.m., Indian Island inery, 18010 631st Ave, Janesville. Performing all your favorites.

The Book Club Play - Northfield-7:30 p.m., Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 Third Street West. When devoted book club members become the subjects of a documentary filmmaker and accept a provocative new member, their long-standing group dynamics take a hilarious turn. A comedy by Karen

Directed by Julianna

Shows at 7:30 p.m. March 27-28, plus 2 p.m. March 29.

of

The

Cash tribute show performed by

Ernest and his band is an unforgettable experience that brings the music of the Man in Black to life. Jay Ernest’s deep, resonant voice sounds remarkably like Cash’s, and he captures the essence of the legendary performer with his dynamic stage presence. Tickets online.

SoMinn THE BOOKWORM SEZ

‘Winter:

The Story of a Season’,

‘My Parents Are Dead’, “The Hadacol Boogie’

Winter: The Story of a Season

by Val McDermid

c.2025, Atlantic Monthly Press $22.00 160 pages

You’ve shoveled your last snowfall. That’s what you tell yourself about now. No more 6 a.m. driveway clearing. No more chancing a backache. No more – until the next snowstorm. So why do you put yourself through this each year, when there are lots of snowfree places to live?

Well, as in the new book, “Winter” by Val McDermid, the season does have its appeals…

At the beginning of every year, right after the holidays are over, Val McDermid takes out the notes she’s been keeping for weeks, and she begins her next novel. When it gets dark early in her native Scotland, it just seems like the right time for a crime story.

“I’ve always had a soft spot for winter,” she says.

The season, she believes, is “Janus-faced,” harsh and stern on one hand, beautiful and filled with promise on the other. It’s a good time to take long walks, bundled up, of course. McDermid says there’s nothing like train-travel in winter, watching frozen countryside pass by the window of a train car and being rocked to sleep. As she writes at home, she enjoys seeing the “road map” made of frozen tree branches outside.

She loves the holidays over wintertime and, counting it as a winter fete, she has fond memories of the Halloweens of her childhood. She recalls cold-weather foods in her mother’s household, including “good rummage” winter dishes and the kind of deliciousness that “bottom of the fridge soup” can make.

“Winter birds are much easier to observe…” McDermid says, and its fun to see some (but not all) the other visitors to their feeder. She loves the idea of winter sports, and recalls the fun of skating on icy ponds. She revels in the “bright shiny things” of winter, but is shamed by the number of homeless people outdoors in it. And she waits for spring, knowing that “There’s a promise… in the darkest days that the light will return and restore the gardens to their reliable glory.”

So there you are, cozily wrapped in a warm blanket, watching the snow fall outside. You want a book that puts you in the mood for hot cocoa and low lights. “Winter” might not be it.

To be precise, this is not a bad book. It’s nostalgic and gently, sweetly humorous in places, and it offers some insight to a writerly life. Yes, this book is about winter, but in a biographical way specific to author Val McDermid and her memories of growing up in Scotland. You can take that as a warning: that alone means you’re going to either want patience for the appropriately Scot-centric narrative, or a good bit of foreknowledge to understand her many cultural references. The charm is there, the sentimentality is there, and the universal references are there, but so are terms, words, and possibly unfamiliar territory. Go into this book, therefore, with eyes wide open. If you can’t, let it drift away.

Take “Winter” slowly, though, savor it, and you’ll experience a blizzard of delight.

My Parents Are Dead:

What Now? A Panic-Free Guide to the Practicalities of Death

by Becky Robison

c.2026, Quirk Books $18.99 288 pages

You have a lot in common with Rapunzel. Snow White, too. And Cinderella, Harry Potter, and Peter Pan. All these book and movie characters were orphaned in one way or another, and that’s about to be your new life. Right now, you can’t even imagine your next steps, but there’s help: in “My Parents Are Dead: What Now?

By Becky Robison, you’ll see that this is no fairy tale. It’s expected –but expectation doesn’t make it suck any less.

When Becky Robison lost her parents a few years apart, she knew what was coming; both had health issues, and Robison saw the future. She was in her thirties then, and everyone said she was “so young.”

Very few of her friends had ever been in the same position. They’d never chosen a casket or crafted an obituary. Local funeral homes were barely on their radar. Robison, who is now a death doula, realized then that a one-stop resource was needed.

If your parents are still around now, she says, demand a few difficult conversations. Find out about bank accounts, investments, life insurance policies, passwords, and any pre-paid accounts for funerals, what to do with their pets, and who should be notified when the end happens. Have this info now, and save yourself tons of hassle.

Know the various ways and places to die, and how things look when the end is near Delegate, delegate, delegate; Robison offers entire lists of what others can do for you. Consider finding a professional to guide you through both the mundane and the emergencies. Know when and what paperwork you’ll need, how to get the right advice from a funeral director, and how to choose a place for a wake or post-funeral gathering. Finally, you’ll probably need a lawyer. You might have to have an accountant, too, if the estate is complicated. Know how to find both experts, and what to ask. Just don’t look for them here, though. Author Becky Robison warns readers up-front that her advice doesn’t take the place of experts in various fields. She’s not a lawyer, but in “My Parents Are Dead: What Now?”, she is a world of help. From that first peek into what’s coming, to suicide, accidents, and the rage a survivor might feel in the weeks following death, Robison covers just about anything you might need to know about your next steps and any pitfalls you might encounter. There are insistent reminders here that delegation is key to keeping one’s sanity; sidebars for much-needed self-care are abundant and hard to miss; and Robison asked experts for advice “so you

don’t have to.” Just knowing this information is in one place is like having an auntie or sister you can count on, leaving a reader feeling in control, smarter, and less stressed. Robison stresses that this book is for adults, yet a savvy 17 or 19-year-old will find much-appreciated information here, too. If you need it – or you will – “My Parents Are Dead: What Now?” will help in this hairy situation.

Books about Health by various authors

c. 2025, 2026, various publishers

Every little sniffle. $28 - $30 various page counts It feels like you’ve caught them all, no matter how hard you try to avoid getting sick. You wash your hands, you cover your mouth and nose and wash some more. So now try these new health-related books and see if they don’t help.

They say that getting your steps in helps you live longer, and reading “Life

After Cars” by Sarah Goodyear, Doug Gordon and Aaron Naparstek (Thesis, $28) will make you eager to do so, rather than drive. In this book, you’ll see what more than a century’s worth of automobile use has done to the air you breathe, the environment, wildlife, human health and safety, the economy, and to lost productivity. It’s a book that calls for change or, at the very least, more mindfulness.

The bad news is that it’ll be allergy season soon.

The good news is that “All About Allergies” by Zachary Rubin, MD (Plume, $30) exists to help you make sense of them. You’re sneezing, your eyes are scratchy, your nose can’t stop running, and breathing normally ain’t happening. Rubin offers cutting-edge information about various allergies including food allergies, asthma, hay fever, and other reasons you feel a mess during certain seasons. (Out 2/24).

Of course, you can be miserable alone but why, when you can find comfort in telling people how rotten you feel? And that’s okay, as you’ll see in “Revealing: The Underrated Power of Oversharing” by Leslie John (Riverhead Books, $30), a book that shows how talking about your feelings, your health, and your secrets might actually be beneficial.

Being perceived as more vulnerable, says John, can help bring you closer to family, friends, and co-workers. It opens up empathy for you and others, and she says that talking about feelings and hard things can strengthen the relationships you have. Yes, there’s such a thing as TMI and here, you’ll learn where the line is and how you can share without crossing it. (Out 2/24).

And finally, you know you’re not the only one who’s ever been sick. Illness, in fact, is as old as mankind and in “The Great Shadow: A History of How Sickness Shapes What We Do, Think, Believe, and Buy” by Susan Wise Bauer (St. Martin’s Press, $30) shows readers how illness and disease have shaped human history. What was illness like a few thousand years ago? Or even a couple hundred years ago? Bauer says that in a growing anti-science, anti-vaxx culture, we need to add the experience of illness to the conversation in order to understand how

we got to this point and where we might be going. It’s a fascinating look at being sick that takes readers back through history, and forward. And if these books don’t quite fit what you’re looking for and they don’t make you feel better, then head for your local bookstore or library and ask for assistance. The staff there has access to books about pretty much everything that ails you, so you can read up on it. And get well.

The Hadacol Boogie

by James Lee Burke

c.2026, Atlantic Crime $30.00 400 pages D.I.Y.

It stands for Do It Yourself, and sometimes you can. Sometimes you can’t, though, and when you can’t, when the project or solution is beyond your skills and over your head, you call someone who knows how to fix things. As any homeowner knows, a good handyperson is worth their weight in gold. As in the new novel, “The Hadacol Boogie” by James Lee Burke, he’s a real lifesaver.

The girl in the plastic bag was beautiful once.

She’d had luminous eyes, colorful tattoos, and youth that even death couldn’t erase. And that’s how Detective Dave Robicheaux found her - dead, left in the cattails on the edge of the his property like garbage, deposited there by a man with sticks in his hair, according to some kids who saw him. Robicheaux’s buddy, P.I. Clete Purcell said that finding the tattooed girl was some sort of sign. Of what, he didn’t say. Seemed like there was always trouble in New Iberia, Louisiana. Always people up to no good, mobsters, and random troublemakers just passing through. Robicheaux was grateful for folks who kept him sane when his world was not. Grateful for Clete, and for his boss, Sheriff Helen Soileau, and for his adopted daughter, Alafair, who’d come home to work on her version of the Great American Novel. It shook him when he learned that Alafair had known the tattooed girl. So did Valerie Benoit, a Black cop new to the department. Robicheaux was likewise bothered by a cleancut philosopher who kept showing up, offering to fix roofs and doors and hutches and such. Did the itinerant handyman kill and drag the dead girl into the reeds? Or was she one of Jerry Carlucci’s prostitutes? Did the girl run afoul of the men from up north who wanted to put a casino near Carlucci’s, or the pimp they’d hired? And what was in the ground by Carlucci’s Landing that had them all so interested?

Here’s the main thing you’ll want to know about “The Hadacol Boogie”: you’ll like it but hooo, boy, there’s a lot going on inside it. More so than in many prior Robicheaux novels, author James Lee Burke piles on the characters here and a good number of them are similarly nefarious, which could make it hard to tell them apart. Burke’s Detective Robicheaux is always nice to hang out with but this time, Dave is more introspective than fans are used to seeing and he gets a little wordy.

That’s not a bad thing. It offers more backstory to the character, but it gets long. And yet, the thrills are solid in this book, the violence more cringey, the culmination tenser, just really everything you want in a suspenseful story. So bring a notebook, if you must, and take notes. You’re a fan of this series, you won’t be sorry; if you’re new to it, you’ll be glad you did. When stress is at a fracture point and you need an exciting distraction, “The Hadacol Boogie” will fix you up good. 

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

CELEBRATION WITH BONNIE DRUNKEN LAD

FRIDAY, MARCH 13TH AT 7:30 PM

Enjoy the lively sounds of Bonnie Drunken Lad—a band of four lads and one lass (with questionable Celtic heritage) bringing you traditional and modern Irish drinking songs, war anthems, sea shanties, historical oddities, and all things Luke Kelly. Hailing from a shack in Apple Valley, MN, these five deliver an unforgettable performance.

MEMBER: $21.50 / NON-MEMBER: $26.50 / STUDENT: $16.50 (INCLUDES A $1.50 PROCESSING FEE)

80S PROM NIGHT!

FRIDAY, MARCH 20TH AT 7:30 PM

Carlander Family Gallery – Recovery Show

Lois Vranesh Gallery – Recovery Show

K&M Gallery – Recovery Show, K&M Window Sandra Sargent Students Creger Gallery – W-E-M Students

KILL ME, DEADLY

PRESENTED BY PARADISE COMMUNITY THEATRE BY BILL ROBENS, DIRECTED BY PATRICK BRAUCHER

Charlie Nickels has a hard life as a gumshoe in the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, and things are only made harder by the murder of a client and the theft of her 300-carat diamond. With the help of his wisecracking secretary, Ida, Charlie seeks out the many suspects. Packed with romance, intrigue, and murder, this detective noir is a smart parody that will keep you guessing until the end!

FEBRUARY 27, AND 28 AT 7:30 PM, MARCH 1 AT 2:00 PM

TICKETS: MEMBER: $19.50, NON-MEMBER: $21.50, STUDENT: $15.50 (INCLUDES A $1.50 PROCESSING FEE)

SHOW SPONSOR ~ ARTIST JULIE FAKLER PCT SEASON SPONSOR ~ THE BAHL FOUNDATION

Grab a date and some friends and get ready to dress your 80s best for a Spring fundraiser to remember--it’s 80s Prom Night! Join us for a nostalgic night filled with vibrant music from your favorite decade and party the night away while reliving the iconic styles and unforgettable hits of the past! Embrace the color, hairspray, those cool shades, and the energy of the 80s! We can’t wait to see you there! This event will be held at Corks and Pints!

MEMBER - $21.50, NON-MEMBER - $26.50 (INCLUDES A $1.50 PROCESSING FEE)

THE CHURCH OF CASH

SATURDAY, MARCH 28TH AT 7:30 PM

Church of Cash returns to the Paradise after multiple soldout shows! The Johnny Cash tribute show performed by singer Jay Ernest and his band is an unforgettable experience that brings the music of the Man in Black to life. The show features an electrifying setlist that includes all of Cash’s greatest hits, from “I Walk The Line” to “Ring of Fire” and beyond! The band’s musicianship is impeccable, and they create an authentic sound that’s true to Cash’s original recordings!

MEMBER: $21.50 / NON-MEMBER: $26.50 / STUDENT: $16.50 (INCLUDES A $1.50 PROCESSING FEE)