For immediate release

Contact: Tracy Hanson 320.226.1192

World Famous Tommy Dorsey Orchestra’s December 2 Holiday Show

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association presents The One and Only Tommy Dorsey Orchestra for the performance of “Sentimental for the Season” at Memorial Auditorium in Dawson on Tuesday, December 2 at 7:00pm.

Tommy Dorsey, the “The Sentimental Gentleman”, was unsurpassed as a band leader during The Swing Era of American popular music. Today’s Tommy Dorsey Orchestra continues this great tradition for audiences worldwide, and fans of all ages. Experience explosive and swinging Big Band entertainment at its very best at this special show featuring both holiday tunes and traditional favorites.

Accomplished musical director and trombone legend, Jeff Bush, began studying music at the age of four and hasn’t stopped yet. He began touring with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra in 2000 while also continuing his graduate studies to build a career that continues to flourish today. Bush has toured the world and made numerous national television appearances with a variety of well-known artists.

2024 brought Bush’s career full circle as he assumed the music director position of the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. He is excited and humbled to lead one of the greatest big bands of all time.

Outside of the performing world, Bush is very proud of his developments as an educator where he continues his work as a clinician and guest soloist with college and high school students. Dawson-Boyd’s senior high band, under the direction of Mr. Chris Lehne, will participate in an exclusive one-hour outreach workshop hosted by Bush. Additionally, our local students will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to perform the well-known jazz hit “Boogie Woogie” on stage alongside the famous orchestra during the evening public performance.

Event sponsors are Peggy Crosby and Dave Pederson. Seasonal beverages compliments of Gnometown Grounds will be served in the lobby.

Admission to the 7pm reserved seating 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.