Author Archives: luannef

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

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 24^th performing arts season.

Upcoming Show November 8: Brulé at Memorial Auditorium

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association presents A Native American Experience in Sight, Soul and Sound featuring the award-winning Native American music group Brulé. The group is best known for thrilling audiences with a mergence of cultural rock and theatrical instrumentations. Now in their 20th season, Brulé’s national performances carry the same contagious excitement as Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Celtic Thunder and Riverdance—but with the emotional impact of the American Indian culture.

This electrifying show consists of a 5-piece rock ensemble augmented with an array of traditional Native American instrumentation. Paired with the stunning steps of one of the top Native American dance troupes, their authenticity brings a multi-dimensional art form to this cultural rock opera. The musical journey of founder, Paul LaRoche, adds an affecting story to the performance.

Brulé’s time in Dawson will include a special performance 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, Ken Sather Construction/Sather Building Supply, Lac qui Parle Soil & Water Conservation District and Odden & Zimbelman TV & Appliance & Sleep Center. Seasonal beverages from Gnometown Grounds will be served in the lobby.

Admission to the 7pm Friday evening performance at Memorial Auditorium is $40 for adults and $15 for students. Tickets are currently available online o or at the door or by calling the box office at 320-312-2311.

Upcoming show Oct 26: The Waddington Brothers to perform at Memorial Auditorium

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association presents a unique bluegrass and gospel performance featuring The Waddington Brothers at Memorial Auditorium in Dawson on Saturday, October 26 at 7:00pm.

The Waddington Brothers will take you on a journey through the heart of the American West sharing heartfelt songs that evoke feelings of warmth, appreciation and a genuine connection to the way life was lived by our country’s pioneers. The quartet of brothers hailing from North Dakota skillfully blends cowboy and hard-driving bluegrass music with more mellow gospel acoustical tunes to create a style that’s timelessly classic, yet refreshingly new and unique.

While the four brothers’ performing experience together traces back to 2004, the band officially came together as The Waddington Brothers in 2019. The band has earned numerous awards including taking first place at the 2023 International Bluegrass Band Competition in Nashville, Tennessee. Their sound is powerfully different and something that can only be created by four brothers with such an authentic synergy and blend.

Event sponsors are Peggy Crosby and Dave Pederson. Beverages from Gnometown Grounds will be served in the lobby. Admission to the concert 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 Oct 5: launching 24th season with JoJo Green “Pop-Fusion” Concert

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association announces the opening concert of its 24^th performing arts season with a concert by JoJo Green during Meander Weekend on Saturday, October 5 at 7:00pm at Memorial Auditorium in Dawson.

St. Paul indie fusion quintet, JoJo Green is a well-oiled machine that boasts a big, energetic, uniquely authentic sound. With strong influences from Motown, Muscle Shoals and The Summer of Love, JoJo Greene gives a nostalgic feeling to a fresh and exciting sound. Audiences are mesmerized by JoJo Green’s powerful vocals mixed with agile woodwinds, shredding guitars, funky bass and driving drums: a surefire crowd pleaser!

“Pop-Fusion” is JoJo Green’s own brand of combined Americana musical styles including Funk, Soul, Jazz, Country and Rock. It’s like a potluck for your ears and has something for every listener. By mixing styles, JoJo Green continuously challenges themselves to be the best musicians possible.

Event sponsors for this concert are Pioneer PBS and Meander Upper Minnesota River Art Crawl. Beverages from Gnometown Grounds will be served in the lobby. Admission is $20 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets for the concert are currently available online or through the box office at 320-312-2311. Concert tickets will also be available at the door.

Upcoming: Riverfest concert features the music of The Carpenters on June 29

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association is pleased to present a live concert experience at Memorial Auditorium during Dawson’s Riverfest Celebration on Saturday evening, June 29, at 7pm.

“Rainy Days and Mondays” features Aimée Lee and the Superstars. You won’t want to miss this stellar tribute to The Carpenters, the biggest-selling soft rock group of the 70s. If you were a Carpenter’s fan, this concert will make you smile, sway and want to sing along. Aimée Lee, the quintessential “Karen,” is joined on stage by 12 musicians who perfectly recreate that classic Carpenters sound you remember and love. Featuring classic favorites, We’ve Only Just Begun, Close to You, Super Star, Yesterday Once More, Close to You, Mr. Postman and many more.

Event sponsors of the final concert of the 2023-2024 performing arts season are Greater Community Credit Union and Dawson Area Chamber.

Admission is $35 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets for this reserved seating performance are on sale now online or you may request your tickets by leaving a message at the box office at 320-312-2311.

Upcoming show: Prairie Winds “A Musical Odyssey” coming to Dawson on April 28

Prairie Winds Concert Band – April 28, 2024

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association is pleased to present a Sunday afternoon performance of “Space – A Musical Odyssey” by Prairie Winds Concert Band. This concert band is made up of approximately 60 musicians from around the Willmar area.

The theme of the concert is “space” and features music from Out of This World and several other recognizable theme songs from space movies. As a special treat, Dawson’s very own musician, Chris Lehne, will be featured on the piano in one of the pieces titled Open Space.

According to Director Brock Duncan, “there are some tongue and cheek selections that audiences will recognize, in addition to some classic jazz standards that have a space tie-in as well.” Duncan is an accomplished musician currently in his 33^rd year as the band director at Benson High School. He has a personal connection to the Dawson area as his wife, Anne (Torstenson), is a DBHS graduate.

Event sponsors for this concert are Ralph & Sue Gerbig. Coffee from Gnometown Grounds will be served in the lobby. Admission to the 3pm concert on Sunday, April 28 is $20 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are currently available online or at the door or call 320-312-2311 to leave a message at the box office.

Upcoming show: Looney Lutherans share music and laughter on April 6

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association has a special evening filled with great conversation, food and laughs planned for Saturday the 6^th of April that you won’t want to miss. The Looney Lutherans will present their musical performance at 7pm in Memorial Auditorium. They are a trio of wacky gals who use music, comedy and some help from the audience to share their age-old wisdom for living a long and lively life, the Lutheran way.

The idea for the “Looney Lutherans” was cooked up in 2006 when the founding members were appearing in the cast of the hit musical Church Basement Ladies. The company has since expanded to include additional “Loonies,” all professional actresses, writers, singers and improvisers.

Their show is comedic and family friendly – and best of all you don’t have to be Lutheran to love it!

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association will host a special “church basement supper” meal at Grace Lutheran Church, conveniently located directly across the street from Memorial Auditorium, prior to the show. Step back in time and enjoy a traditional supper consisting of tater tot hotdish, vegetable, fruit salad, buttered bun and your choice of coffee or lemonade. Price per plate is $15, cash or check only. This fundraiser meal experience will be served from 5:00-6:00pm and seating is limited to the first 150 responses. Please make your advance reservation by emailing [email protected] or call 320-312-2311 to leave a message at the box office.

Event sponsors for The Looney Lutherans are Dick Berglund; Kluver Law & Mediation Center PLLC; and Subway-Gary & Cindy Hendrickx. Coffee from Gnometown Grounds will be served in the lobby.

Admission to the 7pm performance at Memorial Auditorium is $20 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are currently available online or at the door or by calling the box office at 320-312-2311.

We encourage you to gather your friends and family for a memorable experience that is close to home. This special evening is filled with delicious food and a performance described by previous audience members as thoroughly delightful, enjoyable, laughable entertainment. This is the perfect opportunity to support the performing arts in our local region while making new memories.