The Center’s Annual Winter Solstice Music Festival is Back!

Join us on Thursday, December 21st at 7pm for the 2017 Longest Night. Admission is FREE. Light refreshments served and cash bar available.

 

Artists include:

Just announced! Visual artist Nate Luetgers will be living painting during the Longest Night!

Nate is from Park Rapids and live paints at a variety of events including concerts, performances, and private events such as weddings. While you enjoy the music of the Longest Night, you can also watch Nate capture the evening visually!

Ben Ranson 

Ben Ranson, a graduate of the Berklee College of Music, is a singer songwriter who infuses humor into much of his work. Playing the guitar, bass, and other string instruments, Ben’s repertoire draws from many genres including jazz, folk, country, and rock and roll. Ben has worked with Blind Joe and the duo has performed as the opening act for Leon Russell. Ben comes to the Longest Night on the heels of a major U.S. tour!

 

Chasing Clarence

Headed for the longest night with an avid sort of melancholy, Northern Minnesota’s undefinable folk-rock ensemble, Chasing Clarence, has fine-tuned their latest songs of solace for the solstice. Singer Michelle Leigland, combines with Guitarist Eric Bervig and Drummer Ezra Overly to produce harmonies that are sure to make you pine for summer nights long past. The Park Rapids raised trio, who adds a surprise guest to their ‘Longest Night’ line up, is sure to raise an eyebrow or two with tunes that seem to add cheerily, ‘the cup is indeed half empty friends’.

Dave Virnala

Dave Virnala, a frequent performer at the Center’s Open Mike evenings, began playing guitar at the age of eight. His influences include John Prine and Guy Clark. Dave has performed with Amanda Standalone and Spider John Koerner.

 

Wadena Puppeteers

The Wadena Puppeteers will present “The Holy Twins” – a legend of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica. Our story has miracles and animals, wise and foolish humans, and, in the midst of a dark and stormy night, some heavenly light. The Wadena Puppeteers are Lisa Winter, Tamara Moore, Emily Uselman, & students from St. Ann’s Catholic Church.

The Longest Night House Band

The Longest Night House Band are Producer Dennis Happel, Chris Frost, Lou Hoglund, Erin Swyter, Phil Gilbert, and Colin Hoglund playing (in no particular order) violin, banjo, guitar, keyboard, harmonica, saxophone, and vocals. This will be the group’s world premiere performance!

Day Gun

Day Gun is the latest musical incarnation by Michael Dagen. Michael has performed in a number of groups over the years including; Dorthy Fix, Shastatown, Stene Racing and the Handsome Terrorists to name a few. Comprised of a rotating band of friends and family, you can find links to Day Gun’s latest songs, sappy poems and contentious writing at: www.abandonedscoutcamp.com.

Laurie Kallevig

Laurie is the founder of Survivor Girl Ukulele Band project: bringing restoration and hope to survivors of human trafficking through the healing power of music and love. Check it out at sgub.org. A Minnesota native, Laurie recently settled in New York Mills and splits her time between the US and Kolkata (Calcutta), india, where she teaches rescued girls how to play the ukulele. Survivor Girl Ukulele Band’s first CD is fresh off the presses and available for purchase. All proceeds support SGUB project.

The Festival is FREE to Attend and Open to All. Seating is Limited so Arrive Early!

 

Linoleum Block Print by Nikki Werner of Barn Owl Press – FOR SALE $15! (limited quantity)