Original Live Music in Rural MN
Unique Listening Room Space
Concerts Open to ALL!
The Cultural Center is pleased to present our 2026 Winter/Spring Concert Series, supported by a grant from the Lake Region Arts Council, enabling a return to “PAY WHAT YOU CAN” pricing! No tickets required, and ALL are welcome!
Join us this Winter & Spring for a variety of music styles in our unique listening-room-style space. Not only will you enjoy the talented musicians and excellent acoustics, but you’ll also love being surrounded by unique visual art in our historic Gallery space.
We look forward to bringing original live music to the residents and visitors to rural West-Central Minnesota. All are welcome to join us for these one-of-a-kind performing arts experiences!
2026 Winter/Spring Concert Series Schedule:
- Saturday, February 7, 2026 – Caitlin Robertson & Wildrose Fox Concert
- Saturday, February 21, 2026 – Fine Arts Day – NYM School Collaboration @ School/NYMRCC
- Saturday, March 14, 2026 – Jordan Messerole Concert
- Friday, March 27 – Aaron Simmons Concert
- Saturday, April 18 – Zach Thomas Concert
- Thursday, April 30 – Clayton Ryan Duo Concert
- Wednesday, May 20, 2026 – Celebrating Cultures – Niijii Radio Collaboration @ NYM Sculpture Park
Get these dates on your calendar now! Artist information is below.
We would like to thank Lake Region Arts Council (LRAC) for supporting this Concert Series. We are grateful for all they do to ensure access to the arts in our rural region!
All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be held in the Cultural Center’s gallery space (unless noted otherwise). Doors open at 7:00 p.m. General admission seating is first come, first served. Light refreshments and a cash bar are available at most concerts.
While the LRAC grant helps by covering a portion of the artists fees and advertising, there are additional costs not covered by the grant, including staff time, occupancy costs, refreshments, and more. We invite community contributions to help support this and future concert series to help us continue to bring original live music to rural Minnesota. Please Pay What You Can when you attend concerts, or by clicking below. Thank you!
“Pay What You Can” Online Now to Support Original Live Music! >
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Caitlin Robertson & Wildrose Fox
Caitlin Robertson is an American musician and singer-songwriter. Caitlin describes the style of her music as being “folk-rock-country-pop”. For this special concert with Wildrose Fox, Caitlin is joined by Alex Sandberg on guitar, Jeff Mueller on drums, Evelyn Christian-Ronning on supporting vocals, and Cole Mickelson on bass.
Learn more: https://www.kulcher.org/caitlin-robertson-wildrose-fox-concert-2-7-26/
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Fine Arts Day – NYM School Collaboration
Collaborative celebration of 25th anniversary of the New York Mills Public School Auditorium and many years of Cultural Center and School partnerships. Free to attend and all are welcome! Planned schedule of events:
- 10am-3pm @ NYMRCC: Elementary Art Display & Interactive Art Activities
- 3-5pm @ NYMRCC: Performances by TBD school groups
- 5-6pm @ NYM School: Meal & Art displayed at school
- 6-6:30pm @ NYM School: Program welcome in Auditorium
- 6:30-8pm @ NYM School Auditorium: Performances by NYMHS Choir & Band and Concordia College Band
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Jordan Messerole
From the depths of his midwestern roots, multi-award winning songwriter Jordan Messerole writes songs that vary as greatly as the wild flowers in the native tall grass. Messerole does frequently write about that flora, as well as the fauna of the region. Not to mention all of its wild life. Not one to shy away from subject matter, the songs can frequently meander across the lines between love and loss, success and failure, or life and death. Messerole masterfully blends the sounds of his guitars with thoughtful lyrics, an engaging stage presence, and often rack harmonica to tell gritty American tales that are bound to evoke emotion from all of his listeners.
Learn more: www.jordanmesserole.com
Friday, March 27, 2026
Aaron Simmons
Originally from Stewartville, Minnesota, Aaron Simmons is a country singer-songwriter known for energetic performances and heartfelt storytelling. With a down-to-earth style and strong work ethic, he’s spent the past decade building a loyal fanbase nationwide. In 2024, Aaron was named Male Vocalist of the Year by the Midwest Country Music Organization. Aaron’s songs capture the joys of love, the pain of loss, and the power of community. With strong small-town values and a close connection to fans, he continues to make his mark in modern country music. Wherever he plays, Aaron’s passion for storytelling and genuine connection with audiences set him apart.
Learn more: www.aaronsimmonsmusic.com/
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Zach Thomas
After debuting in New York Mills at Pickletoberfest 2025, ZACH IS BACK at the Cultural Center for a full ORIGINALS show! Hailing from the small town of Wendell, Minnesota, Zach Thomas is a musician whose powerful voice and honest lyrics resonate with fans across genres. A 2023 Midwest Country Music Organization “Male Vocalist of the Year” nominee, Zach’s passion for music is evident in every performance. With a spirit that can’t be tamed and a talent that won’t be held back, Zach Thomas is a name you won’t forget.
Learn more: www.zachthomaslive.com/
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Clayton Ryan Duo
Minnesota’s Clayton Ryan is made of a different kind of soil. With no streaming presence, label backing, or financial support, he has honed his powerful, homegrown voice in his own Midwestern way, building a fanbase one by one from stages and honkytonks across the country. Despite his flyover-state upbringing, the singer and songwriter has grown strong roots in the music industry, and his work as a writer, performer, and multi-instrumentalist in LA and Nashville has put his songs in TV and movies including NASCAR, Walker, NFL Sunday Night Football, and The Outdoor Channel, and landed the electric performer on stages with artists including John Morgan, John Michael Montgomery, Jo Dee Messina, Collin Raye, Flatland Cavalry, and Liam St John.
Learn more: www.claytonryan.com/
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Celebrating Cultures @ NYM Sculpture Park
Join us for the 6th Annual Celebrating Cultures, a vibrant, family-friendly event that brings together community members of all backgrounds for an evening of art, music, food, and cultural exchange! This community gathering is co-hosted by the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center and Niijii Radio, White Earth.
Whether you’ve attended in years past or this is your first time, you’ll enjoy a beautiful, welcoming celebration of cultures in New York Mills.
SAVE THE DATES and join us at these unique original music events right here in rural Minnesota. ALL ARE WELCOME!
See you at the Cultural Center for live music and around town for celebrations of art & culture in 2026!
Want to “Pay What You Can” NOW to support original live music? Click below!
“Pay What You Can” Online Now to Support Original Live Music! >
Questions? Call us at 218-385-3339 or email info@kulcher.org.
