Award-Winning Nashville Band Performs in Dawson on November 15

For immediate release

Contact: Tracy Hanson 320.226.1192

Award-Winning Nashville Band Performs in Dawson on November 15

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association presents Six One Five Collective at Memorial Auditorium in Dawson on Saturday, November 15 at 7:00pm. In the spirit of the Highwaymen, Little Big Town, Old Dominion and Fleetwood Mac, this 3x Grammy-nominated, award-winning, all-American band rooted in the heart of Nashville has a great live concert in store for us.

The band is a collaborative effort and creative brainstorm of artists steeped in the musical mix of country, Americana and pop. They’ve toured around the world and have played the Grand Ole Opry stage. The show is an eclectic mix of original solo music, hit songs written for other artists and high-energy covers that define the “Six One Five sound”. Their music feels like an open road, full of freedom, adventure and hope.

Event sponsors are AGP, Appleton Dental Care, FM Bank, Johnson Memorial Health Services, Odden & Zimbelman TV & Appliance & Sleep Center, Gary & Ingrid Larson, and Norma Powers.

Seasonal beverages compliments of Gnometown Grounds will be served in the lobby. Additionally, pottery bowls created exclusively for DBAA by Beyond Joy art & pottery will be on display in the lobby and available for purchase just in time for your holiday gift giving.

Admission to the 7pm evening concert is $25 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are currently available online at dawsonboydartspresents.org or at the door or by calling the box office at 320-312-2311.

Experience American Roots Music in Dawson on October 24

For immediate release
Contact: Tracy Hanson 320.226.1192

Experience American Roots Music in Dawson on October 24
Dawson-Boyd Arts Association presents 2x Grammy award winning
Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience at Memorial Auditorium in
Dawson on Friday, October 24 at 7:00pm. Zydeco is driven by African and
Caribbean rhythms and has evolved musically over decades becoming widely
popular around the world.
Terrance Simien is blessed with an extraordinary vocal talent and
on-stage charisma and has become one of the most respected and
accomplished artists in American roots music today who is clearly rooted
in Louisiana Creole music traditions. He and the highly skilled Zydeco
Experience band will take you on a multicultural tour of the world
creating a hypnotic blend of New Orleans funk and brass-reggae-flavored-
world-blues-American and Zydeco roots music, that beckons you to your
feet and into the groove.
Simien’s time in Dawson will include a special performance of
“Creole for Kidz and the History of Zydeco” for local students during
the school day in addition to the evening public concert. This
activity is funded in part with a grant from the Southwest Minnesota
Arts Council made possible by the voters of Minnesota, thanks to a
legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Event sponsors are Farmers for Dawson, Hanson & Dahl Funeral
Home, Kluver Law, Lac qui Parle Soil & Water Conservation District and
Subway—Gary & Cindy Hendrickx. Seasonal beverages compliments of

Gnometown Grounds will be served in the lobby.
Admission to the 7pm evening concert is $25 for adults and $5 for
students. Tickets are currently available online at
dawsonboydartspresents.org or at the door or by calling the box office
at 320-312-2311.

Light Through the Strings Meander Weekend Concert

For immediate release
Contact: Tracy Hanson 320.226.1192

Light Through the Strings Meander Weekend Concert
Dawson-Boyd Arts Association presents an intimate listening room
concert featuring musicians Nikki Lemire and Doyle Turner at Madison
Mercantile in Madison on Saturday, October 4 at 7:00pm.
Join us for a special evening performance during Meander weekend
showcasing two talented musicians. Doyle Turner is a songwriter, a
singer and a recording artist from Northern Minnesota, White Earth
Nation whose heartfelt songs seek connection while inviting the listener
into conversation about what’s important about our experience as humans.
Nikki Lemire is an accomplished harpist and vocalist sharing an
innovative blend of classical, folk and contemporary sounds solidifying
her as a rising start in the indie-folk scene.
“Each performing arts season DBAA selects unique musicians for a
memorable evening performance at Madison Mercantile. We do this in the
spirit of collaboration and building our audience reach throughout
this wonderful region we call home,” said DBAA executive director
Tracy Hanson.
“We love to collaborate with Dawson-Boyd Arts Association as they
bring truly lovely, carefully curated events to our region. Rural
towns must work together to bring quality experiences to our community
and this collaboration benefits the entire region,” states Kris
Shelstad, chief energizing officer at Madison Art and Innovation
Center/Madison Mercantile.

Event sponsors are Beyond Joy art and pottery, Meander Art Crawl
and Pioneer PBS. The Madison Mercantile coffee and wine bar will be
open prior to the concert and again during intermission.
Admission to this performance is $25 for adults and $5 for
students. Tickets are currently available online at
dawsonboydartspresents.org or at the door or by calling the box office
at 320-312-2311.

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association to hold inaugural pottery fundraiser experience at Beyond Joy Studio

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association announces its inaugural visual arts experience at Beyond Joy art & pottery at Thompson Farm, located 11 miles west of Dawson. This ticketed event will be Saturday, September 13, beginning at 4 pm and will feature collectible pottery bowls designed exclusively for Dawson-Boyd Arts Association by local Meander artist and DBAA board member, Leasa Thompson.  

This special “fun”draiser kicks off DBAA’s 25th performing arts season. The late afternoon to early evening experience includes pottery demonstrations in Leasa’s studio and a lovely meal served under a tent, accompanied by ceramic bowls that you can take home to start your collection. The event also features live music and a variety of beverages, along with a wine pull and specialty silent auction items.

Proceeds will benefit programs and operations for Dawson-Boyd Arts Association to accomplish its mission to strengthen and inspire the community by presenting a wide variety of quality visual and performing arts for participants of all ages.

A limited number of tickets will be sold and are on sale now. Tickets are $75 each. Early bird pricing is $65 for purchases made before Sunday, August 31, or while supplies last. Tickets may be requested by emailingtracy.hanson.dbarts@gmail.com or through the box office phone at 320-312-2311. A board member will contact you to confirm availability. Payments by check can be mailed to DBAA, Box 434, Dawson, MN 56232. Venmo payments can be sent to @Amy-Dahl-92.

Upcoming show – the music of Queen coming to Memorial Auditorium on June 28

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association presents a tribute concert during Riverfest Weekend showcasing the music of Queen featuring The Crown Jewels at Memorial Auditorium in Dawson on Saturday, June 28 at 7:00pm.

The Crown Jewels are the Midwest’s premier tribute to one of the greatest rock bands of all time, Queen. This live performance features the greatest hits, arena anthems and top ten singles that made Queen one of the most legendary rock bands of all time. From start to finish, the show is incredible with something for everyone, from the hardcore Queen fan to the casual listener.

Event sponsors are Greater Community Credit Union and Dawson Area Chamber. Seasonal beverages from Gnometown Grounds will be served in the lobby beginning at 6:00pm.  Admission to the 7:00pm concert is $40 for adults and $15 for students. Tickets are currently available online at dawsonboydartspresents.org or at the door or by calling the box office at 320-312-2311.

This evening’s event includes a visual art exhibit in the lobby featuring local Meander artist, Deb Meyer. Several of Deb’s watercolor paintings have worked well as 5”x7” greeting cards including a few depicting local scenes as well as those just for fun that will be on display and available for purchase. Additionally, a picnic meal will be served adjacent to the lobby from 4:00-6:15pm for anyone wishing to arrive early to support this local cancer benefit.

Upcoming show May 4: Fruit Flies Like a Banana…Family Friendly Variety Show

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association is pleased to present a one-of-a-kind variety show featuring The Fourth Wall  at Memorial Auditorium in Dawson on Sunday, May 4 at 7:00pm.

The Fourth Wall is a hybrid arts ensemble that soars to new heights by combining classical musicianship and comedic choreography with circus acts in this can’t miss variety show for all ages.

Fruit Flies Like a Banana is a family friendly performance showcasing a trio of musicians who are also dancers and actors who blend music, theater and acrobatics into a unique variety show that’s a fan favorite across North America.

Event sponsors are Appleton Dental Care, the Gerbig family, Woody & Diane Peet, Subway – Gary & Cindy Hendrickx, and Ultima Skincare.

Doors open at 6:00pm with seasonal beverages compliments of Gnometown Grounds served in the lobby prior to the 7:00pm performance.

Admission to the variety show is $25 for adults. Student tickets are just $1 each (limit 4) with each paid adult admission. Tickets are currently available online  or at the door or by calling the box office at 320-312-2311.

You’re Invited to Spend Sunday Afternoon with Sarah Morris: March 16, 2025

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association is pleased to share that the listening room concert featuring musician Sarah Morris is rescheduled for Sunday, March 16 at 3pm.

Join us at Madison Mercantile in nearby Madison, Minnesota for a special afternoon of music featuring Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter Sarah Morris as she picks up her guitar to share songs that count while celebrating the glorious details of our messy, magical, everyday lives. As a special addition to this performance experience, Haley E Rydell, singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist originally from Fargo, North Dakota, will join the stage on violin and harmonies.

Event sponsors are Kluver Law & Mediation Center PLLC and Dick Berglund. The Madison Mercantile coffee and wine bar will be open at 2pm on March 16 for your enjoyment prior to the concert and again during intermission.

Admission to this performance is $25 for adults and $7 for students. Tickets are currently available online or at the door or by calling the box office at 320-312-2311.

Upcoming Show February 8: Americana Singer-Songwriter Sarah Morris

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association presents an intimate listening room concert featuring musician Sarah Morris at Madison Mercantile in Madison on Saturday, February 8 at 7:00pm.

You’re invited to join Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter Sarah Morris as she picks up her guitar to share songs that count while celebrating the glorious details of our messy, magical, everyday lives. This rootsy singer offers a Norah Jones-like approach to Americana with her intimate songwriting style and velvety voice.

“Each performing arts season DBAA selects a unique musician for a memorable evening performance at Madison Mercantile. We do this in the spirit of collaboration and building our audience reach throughout this wonderful region we call home,” said DBAA executive director Tracy Hanson.

As a special addition to this years’ experience, Haley E Rydell, singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist originally from Fargo, North Dakota, will join the stage on violin and harmonies.

“We love to collaborate with Dawson-Boyd Arts Association as they bring truly lovely, carefully curated events to our region. Rural towns must work together to bring quality experiences to our community and this collaboration benefits the entire region,” states Kris Shelstad, chief energizing officer at Madison Art and Innovation Center/Madison Mercantile.

Event sponsors are Kluver Law & Mediation Center PLLC and Dick Berglund. The Madison Mercantile coffee and wine bar will be open prior to the performance and again during intermission.

Admission to this performance is $25 for adults and $7 for students. Tickets are currently (available online at the door or by calling the box office at 320-312-2311.

Upcoming show Dec 5: OK Factor brings its holiday show to Memorial Auditorium

Enjoy the sounds of the season in a new and unexpected way with the new classical crossover duo, The OK Factor. Celebrate the holidays with traditional carols, seasonal songs and original arrangements of your favorite carols.

The OK Factor consists of cellist Olivia Diercks and violinist Karla Colahan, thus the “O” and “K” of their holiday show title. The duo finds great joy in defying expectations and delivering an experience outside of what audiences anticipate from a cello and violin combo.

In addition to the 7pm public performance on Thursday evening, The OK Factor will conduct a three-day student residency made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. The Dawson-Boyd residency will include improvisation and composition workshops for orchestra students grades 4-12. There will also be a short lyceum for music students grades 7-12 and the Lac qui Parle Valley Jazz Band.

Throughout The OK Factor’s time in Dawson, there are several special appearances planned that include a mini performance at JMHS for residents of the local care center and assisted living facility, a daytime pop-up concert at Gnometown Grounds in downtown Dawson and the performance of the national anthem at an evening high school basketball game. Watch the DBAA Facebook page for further details.

Event sponsors are AGP, Johnson Memorial Health Services, FM Bank, Gary & Ingrid Larson and Norma Powers. Seasonal beverages from Gnometown Grounds will be served in the lobby.

Thursday evening’s holiday concert will include a holiday ornament fundraiser providing an opportunity to select an ornament from the tree and receive a special prize and gift card. Additionally, there will be delicious holiday baked goods available for purchase.  Come early to support DBAA while getting a jump start on your holiday gift shopping.

Admission to the 7pm holiday concert on December 5 is $25 for adults and $7 for students. Tickets are currently available online or at the door or by calling the box office at 320-312-2311.

DOT DOT DOT: A NEW MUSICAL Thursday, November 21, 2024

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association will present TheaterWorksUSA’s, DOT DOT DOT: A New Musical  based on the Creatrilogy series of books by New York Times bestselling author Peter H. Reynolds – The Dot, Ish, and Sky Color. DOT DOT DOT: A New Musical will be presented during the school day on Thursday, November 21 at Memorial Auditorium in Dawson.

Elementary aged children from several area school districts including Stevens Elementary, Appleton-Milan Elementary, Madison-Marietta-Nassau Elementary, Deuel Elementary, Lakeview Elementary, Ramsey Elementary, James Knoll Elementary, Canby Elementary and St. Edward Catholic School will be in attendance at the two student performances in Dawson. Our sincere appreciation to event sponsor Madison Dental Clinic—Brandon Ulstad DDS for their support of this exclusive student production.

DOT DOT DOT: A New Musical is an exciting new musical based on the Creatrilogy trio of award-winning picture books by New York Times bestselling author Peter H. Reynolds- The Dot, Ish and Sky Color. Adapted by Composers Keelay Gipson and Sam Salmond, the musical, like the series, celebrates the power of originality, self-expression, and opening our eyes to look beyond the expected. When Marisol (Sky Color), a young artist and curator of the Musee de Marisol, decides that her gallery requires more than her own art, her search for emerging talent leads her to Vashti (The Dot), whose dots inspire Ramon (Ish) to become an artist in his own right. The musical follows Marisol’s journey to help her new friends, and her entire community, break free from self-criticism and learn to let their imaginations soar. Recommended for grades 1 through 5.

Based on the Creatrilogy series of books by Peter H. Reynolds, DOT DOT DOT: A New Musical  is written and composed by Keelay Gipson and Sam Salmond, with original direction and choreography by Jesca Prudencio, scenic design by Riw Rakkulchon, and costume design by Johanna Pan.

Purchase the Creatrilogy series of books at thedotcentral.com

THEATERWORKSUSA (Barbara Pasternack, Artistic Director; Michael Harrington, Executive Director) has led the Theater for Young and Family Audiences movement in New York City and across North America for over half a century. At TWUSA, we believe that access to art—and theater, in particular—is vital for our youth. Since 1967, the 501(c)3 not-for-profit has captured the imaginations of 100 million new and veteran theatergoers with an award-winning repertoire of over 140 original plays and musicals. Acclaimed alumni include Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez (Disney’s Frozen), Daphne Rubin-Vega (Rent), Jerry Zaks (The Music Man), Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dear Evan Hansen), Miguel Cervantes (Hamilton), Kathleen Chalfant (Angels in America), and Chuck Cooper (Tony award-winning actor, The Life). WWW.TWUSA.ORG

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association exists to strengthen and inspire its community by presenting a wide variety of quality visual and performing arts for participants of all ages at Memorial Auditorium in Dawson, Minnesota. This non-profit organization is currently in its 24th performing arts season.