We just had a visit from the musical culture of Ireland with the concert given by Paddy Keenan last Saturday. Our next concert is by one of Minnesota’s best known singer-songwriters and guitarists, Michael Johnson. And we’ll host music from a good bunch of our favorite local performers on the winter solstice at the free Longest Night Festival.
Ticket prices for these events are only part of what makes it possible to bring them into our rural communities of west central Minnesota. Your partnership with the Center closes a circle that includes the State Arts Board and private foundations such as McKnight and ticket sales. Still, we need to make up about 25% of the cost of these programs through local donations.
In order to close out the year with a balanced budget we are asking you to help make this work continue into the new year. In 2013 we have classical music (Ensemble 61), Mixed Blood Theatre, Monroe Crossing bluegrass, and the ethereal tunes of the Finnish women’s ensemble Saana, among many other artists. And that’s only the concert series. Add in dance classes for kids, all kinds of folk art and community art classes, new art in the Sculpture Park by high school students, business classes for artists, and of course next year’s Great American Think-Off.
You can help us bring these varied cultural experiences to our region by coming to the annual silent auction and bidding to win unique gifts for the holiday season. It really is a win-win event for you and for your Center.
Join us at the New York Mills City Ballroom for light h’ordeuvres, wine and beer tasting (and non alcoholic beverages too), good conversation, and nearly 150 one-of-a-kind gifts in the silent auction. Bidding starts at 6pm and ends at 8pm. The Farmers and Merchants State Bank of New York Mills matches all funds donated at the auction up to $2,500. This is a fun way to do some early holiday shopping and help the Center too.
