River Arts Alliance

Central Celebrates Bach in September
2025-09-13 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-09-10 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-03 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
Bach Society of MN performing in 2024
Noontime Organ Recitals Sept. 3, 10, and 17 | 12:00 – 1:00 pm
“Bach at Leipzig” Sept. 13 | 7:00 pm
“Vivaldi on Fire” Sept. 19 | 7:00 pm
Johann Sebastian Bach was a devout Lutheran composer, deeply rooted in the traditions and theology of the Lutheran church. He viewed his music, both sacred and secular, to glorify God and refresh the spirit, often signing his works with “S.D.G.” (Soli Deo Gloria), meaning “Glory to God Alone”.

To commemorate the 275th anniversary of Bach’s death, Central Lutheran Church of Winona is hosting a series of performances throughout September centered around “Papa Bach”. The festival will include free noontime organ recitals, a play about Bach, and the return of the Bach Society of Minnesota.
NOONTIME ORGAN RECITALS
Last year’s Hendrickson Organ Recital Series was a resounding success among our community. As part of the festival, three exceptional organists will perform works by “Papa” Bach, his children, and compositions dedicated to Bach. On Wed. Sept. 3, Matt Gender, Director of Worship Arts at Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester, will perform the first of three noontime recitals. Central welcomes back John Stender from First Presbyterian in Rochester on Sept. 10. John was one of the Hendrickson recitalists and performed in last year’s Messiah Sing-In. Rounding out the recitals on Sept. 17, will be Daniel Lewis – Director of Music at St. Martin’s Church in Winona. Dan also performed last year. The recitals take place from noon to 1 p.m. and are free and open to all.
BACH AT LEIPZIG
In his play “Bach at Leipzig,” author Itamar Moses envisions the competition for the organist position at Leipzig’s Thomaskirche, featuring six musicians vying for the role. Bach does not appear in this farce about a job opening for an organist that ultimately was awarded to Bach himself – Yes, it’s a comedy!
Several of Bach’s organ works are included in the performance. A. Eric Heukeshoven, Central’s Director of Worship, Music & Arts, will be the organist. “Bach at Leipzig” takes place on Sat. Sept. 13, 2025, at 7 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door for a “Pay What You Can” suggested price of $10 adults, $5 students and seniors.
BACH SOCIETY OF MINNESOTA
Concluding this remarkable celebration will be the return of the Bach Society of Minnesota. On Fri., Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. this outstanding chamber group will present “Vivaldi on Fire”. The concert features beguiling music by Antonio Vivaldi – the “Red Priest” – a mad genius of virtuosity, craziness, and boundless fun. How does Vivaldi fit into a Bach festival? Come to the concert and find out! General admission is $25, and students get in for only $5 – tickets available online and at the door. You won’t want to miss the festival finale! More info at: https://www.bachsocietymn.org/vivaldi-on-fire
For more information, please contact A. Eric Heukeshoven, Director of Worship, Music & Arts at 507-474-7144 or aeheukeshoven@centrallutheranchurch.org

Eric Heukeshoven is a member of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/.

Bach at Leipzig
2025-09-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Central Lutheran Church, 259 W Wabasha St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Saturday, Sept 13 | 7 pm
Cost: PWYC/Suggested Donation
$10 Adults | $5 Students & Seniors
Central Lutheran Church | 259 W Wabasha St.
Itamar Moses’s smart, intricate farce explores the conflicts between art, vocation, politics, and religion. The play will be performed as a semi-staged reading at Central Lutheran Church, with live music from its Hendrickson Pipe Organ. Learn more.

Mighty River Art Studio Tour
2025-09-13 10:00 - 2025-09-14 16:00 | Greater La Crosse Area
Saturday/Sunday Sept 13-14| 10 AM – 4 PM
Greater La Crosse Area
The Mighty River Art Studio Art Tour is a self -guided studio tour taking place in the Greater La Crosse Area. Explore the work of twenty artists in fifteen studios from Stoddard, through La Crosse and up to Galesville. Take the tour to see some mighty art!
For more information visit https://www.mightyriverartstudiotour.com

Opposable Thumbs Concert: Winona Arts Center
2025-09-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Winona Arts Center, 228 E. 5th St., Winona
Friday, September 12 | 7:00-9:00
The Winona Arts Center
228 E 5th Street, Winona
Cost: $15/advance $20/door

The Winona Arts Center is pleased to welcome back to our stage, the legendary Opposable Thumbs on Friday, September 12 at 7:00. The doors open for coffeehouse at 6:00. Cost of the tickets are $15/advance at Eventbrite (plus fees) or as Music Mart (115 E 34d Street) for $15. Music Mart now accepts cash, check or credit card with no fees. Door price is $20 but with their popularity it is doubtful that there will be tickets available at the door. Get yer tickets while ya can! For more information visit our website: winonaarts.org

Opposable Thumbs is a four-piece string band that performs originals and progressive string band music. This band first performed in the 90’s. After about 20 years, they started meeting weekly, reviving past repertoire, and adding some new material. Members Wayne Beezley; mandolin and octave mandolin, Rick Sampson; banjo, guitar and mandolin, Betsy Neil on fiddle and Rich Casey is back in the group on bass.
Contact: debiniebuhr@gmail.com
Winona Arts Center is an organizational member of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/.

Theatre du Mississippi Presents Virtual Playwriting Workshop: Autobiographical Writing
2025-09-12 11:00 - 13:00
Virtual Workshop
June 20, July 18, Aug 15, Sept 12, Oct 10
Cost: Sliding Scale One-Time Payment of $15-75
theatredumiss.org
Discover the power of personal storytelling through the art of autobiographical writing with playwright Kelsey Rain. In this hands-on workshop, playwrights and actors will craft a rough draft of a monologue or script inspired by a significant event from their own lives or the lives of their family members. Learn more.

Riverside Improvisation for Fun
2025-09-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Peter’s Biergarten, 54 E 3rd St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Thursday, Sept. 11 | 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Peter’s Biergarten
54 E 3rd St, Winona, MN 55987
Join Theatre du Mississippi for a night of improv and laughs!
Hosts Tristan Miller and Rae Peter will guide you through an array of games and challenges. Whether you want to get up and play or sit back and watch the hilarity ensue, Riverside Improvisation for Fun (RIFF) will have you saying yes, and more!
Participation is voluntary!
Cold Drinks Available for Purchase
Grab some food from a downtown restaurant and join us for the fun!
Free and open to the public.
Theatre du Mississippi is an organizational member of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/.

Oil Painting Class with Casey Wicka
2025-09-11 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-04 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-02 10:00 - 12:00
Sept 2,9, 16,23, 30 | 10:00am -12:00
Winona Arts Center
$25 per class/$30 non members

Join us at the Winona Arts Center in a NEW weekly series exploring oil painting techniques & materials, hosted by artist Casey Wicka. Classes are held Tuesday mornings 10am to noon from September 2 through November 18 with each class having a different theme. All supplies will be provided. Classes will use zero paint thinners, turpentines, and/or mineral spirits. The class is for Adults age 18 and over. No experience necessary! $25 per class for members, $30 for non-members. Reserve your spot by Monday of each week’s class. Register with Jen at jsbenson50@gmail.com.

Winona Arts Center is an organizational member of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/.

Kitchen Lithography with Preston Lawing
2025-09-10 17:30 - 19:30 | Winona Arts Center, 228 E. 5th St., Winona
September 10,17,24 | 5:30-7:30
Winona Arts Center
228 E. 5th St, Winona, MN

Cost: $150 for all 3 classes

Preston Lawing, an award winning professor and collaborative printmaker, continues his Printmaking workshops at the Winona Arts Center with a workshop, “Exploring Kitchen Lithography: Technique and Expression”, on Wednesdays / September 10, 17, 24 / 5:30 – 7:30. This three week workshop will introduce participants to the exciting technique of lithographic printing, using household materials…and NO PRESS! Participants do not need to have strong drawing skills, but a willingness to explore different choices for this simple & elegant process. The workshops are open to students over 18, and are suitable for students of any level. Cost is $150 for all 3 classes. Register today with Jen at jsbenson50@gmail.co
Winona Arts Center is an organizational member of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/.

CENTRAL’S BACH CELEBRATION CONTINUES
2025-09-10 12:00 - 13:00
Following the inaugural recital on Sept. 3, Central Lutheran’s celebration of J.S. Bach
continues with two events on Sept.10 and 13.
On Wednesday September 10, John Stender, Director of Music & Organist at First Presbyterian Church of Rochester will be featured on a free organ recital from noon to 1 pm. Selections on the program will include:

Prelude and Fugue in D Major, BWV 53 J. S. Bach (1685-1750)
Praeludium, Fugue, and Postludium in g minor. Georg Böhm (1661-1733)
Ciacona in e minor, BuxWV 160. Dieterich Buxtehude (1637-1707)
Trio Sonata in e minor, BWV 528 Bach

II. Andante

Andante (with Variations) in D Major, MWV W32 Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809-1847)
Chorale Prelude “Wir Glauben all an einen Gott,” BWV 680 (Clavierübung-III) Bach
Chorale Prelude “Komm, heiliger Geist, Herre Gott,” BuxWV 199. Buxtehude
Chorale Prelude “O Mensch, bewein dein Sünde groß,” BWV 622. (Orgelbüchlein) Bach
Fantasia and Fugue in g minor, BWV 542 Bach

Saturday September 13, the hilarious play “Bach at Leipzig” will take place at 7 pm.
In his play “Bach at Leipzig,” author Itamar Moses envisions the competition for the organist position at Leipzig’s Thomaskirche, featuring six musicians vying for the role. Bach does not appear in this farce about a job opening for an organist that ultimately was awarded to Bach himself – Yes, it’s a comedy!
Several of Bach’s organ works are included in the performance. A. Eric Heukeshoven, Central’s Director of Worship, Music & Arts, will be the organist.
Tickets will be available at the door for a “Pay What You Can” suggested price of $10 adults, $5 students and seniors. A complete schedule of Central’s Bach celebration is available at: https://www.centrallutheranchurch.org/upcoming-events/
For more information, please contact A. Eric Heukeshoven, Director of Worship, Music &
Arts at 507-474-7144 or aeheukeshoven@centrallutheranchurch.org

Eric Heukeshoven is a member of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/.
Photo caption: Bach Society of MN performing in 2024

Gate City Jazz Band Performs First Sunday Each Month
2025-09-07 17:00 - 19:00
First Sunday of Each Month | 5-7 pm
Westfield Golf Course | 1460 W 5th St
No Cover Charge
westfieldgolfclub.com
The Gate City Jazz Band is rising from the ashes of the Blackhorse restaurant where they regularly played, to once again perform in their new location at the Westfield Golf Course restaurant. Performances are the first Sunday of each month, 5-7 pm for your listening and toe-tapping pleasure. Come enjoy the cuisine and music at the same time. No cover charge. Learn more.

Rachael Kilgour at Winona Arts Center
2025-09-07 14:00 - 16:00 | Winona Arts Center, 228 E. 5th St., Winona
Come join us at the Winona Arts Center (228 E 5th St) for a special performance by celebrated Minnesota singer-songwriter Rachael Kilgour on Sunday, September 7 for an afternoon concert at 2:00. Rachael presents her heartfelt release, My Father Loved Me, as part of a one-woman storytelling performance. In the spare, often gutting language for which she is known, Kilgour poses questions about belonging, inheritance, grief and triumphantly affirms the value of one ordinary working man’s life.
Listeners can expect to laugh, weep, and reflect on their own relationships with fatherhood, mortality and grief.
Kilgour is a 2025 Mcknight Music Fellow, a winner of the NewSong Music Competition (2015) and Kerrville New Folk Contest (2017), and has been featured at NYC’s Lincoln Center and The Kennedy C
enter in Washington DC. Her oft-noted “unapologetic lyrics” (Rolling Stone) and “master crafted indie folk” sensibilities (Billboard) are on full display in this latest collection of delicately woven songs.
This project and performance is supported by the Minnesota State Arts Board.
Tickets are available on Eventbrite or at Music Mart for $10./adv or $15/door. Music Mart accepts cash, checks, and credit cards with no fees.

Commonweal Theatre Presents Lone Star Spirits
2025-09-07 13:30 - 16:00, 2025-09-06 19:30 - 22:00, 2025-08-31 13:30 - 16:00, 2025-08-30 19:30 - 22:00, 2025-08-28 19:30 - 22:00
Commonweal Theatre Company
208 Parkway Ave N, Lanesboro, MN
commonwealtheatre.org

Join the Commonweal Theatre Company for Josh Tobiessen’s small-town comedy, Lone Star Spirits. A trip home gets wildly out of hand when Marley introduces her fiancé to her estranged father. Learn more.

Commonweal Theatre Presents The Angel Next Door
2025-09-06 13:30 - 16:00, 2025-09-05 19:30 - 22:00, 2025-09-04 19:30 - 22:00, 2025-08-30 13:30 - 16:00, 2025-08-29 19:30 - 22:00 | Commonweal Theatre, 208 Parkway Ave. N, Lanesboro, MN, United States
Preview Dates
Saturday, May 17 | 7:30-9:30 pm
Sunday, May 18 | 1:30-3:30 pm
Thursday & Friday | May 22, 23 | 7:30-9:30 pm
Full Run Dates Listed on RAA Event Page
Commonweal Theatre Company
208 Parkway Ave N, Lanesboro, MN
commonwealtheatre.org

Join the Commonweal Theatre Company for Paul Slade Smith’s romantic screwball comedy, The Angel Next Door. Journey to an opulent Newport mansion in 1948, where playwrights, actors, and a star-struck novelist gather to work on their next Broadway hit! (Never mind the housekeeper who wants them gone.) Learn more.

SEMAC Business Workshops
2025-09-03 18:00 - 21:00
Sept 3, Oct. 1, Nov. 5 | 6:00 – 9:00
Virtual
THE SOUTHEASTERN MINNESOTA ARTS COUNCIL (SEMAC) ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH SPRINGBOARD FOR THE ARTS TO OFFER BUSINESS SKILLS WORKSHOPS
SEMAC is excited to partner with Springboard for the Arts this fall to offer three of their Work of Art: Business Skills for Artists workshops virtually for individual artists and culture bearers living in SEMAC’s 11-county region. These workshops are FREE to attend, and you can sign up for one, two, or all three.
Springboard’s Work of Art program is a professional development curriculum designed to teach business skills to artists and culture bearers in all disciplines – visual, performing, and literary arts. It starts with career planning and moves through topics such as pricing, marketing, funding, and business plans. Work of Art can be helpful if you are just starting your creative career, or if you need a refresher as you advance your work.
The curriculum is available as a free workbook (in English and Spanish) and downloadable from the Springboard for the Arts website as a helpful reference during or after the workshops. To download the workbook and for more information about Springboard’s Work of Art program, go to springboardforthearts.org/professional-growth/work-of-art-program/.
The three workshops being offered this fall by Springboard in partnership with SEMAC are:

Career Planning
Where do you want to be both artistically and professionally? Learn how to define your values, identify key choices and develop a plan to achieve your career goals.
Wednesday, September 3, 2025 | 6:00-9:00p CT
To register: springboardforthearts.org/events/work-of-art-career-planning-semac/
Time Management
Discover analytical and tool-based approaches to managing your time. These tools will help you tackle hurdles related to efficiency, flexibility, and structure to help you reach your artistic goals.
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 | 6:00-9:00p CT
To register: springboardforthearts.org/events/work-of-art-time-management-semac/
Portfolio Kit
Your portfolio is the core of your promotional materials and serves as your professional calling card. Focus on the essential elements: sharpening your artist statement, tailoring your artistic resume, and curating and formatting your work samples.
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 | 6:00-9:00p CT
To register: springboardforthearts.org/events/work-of-art-portfolio-kit-semac/

Please note that these sessions will not be recorded. Automated Zoom captions will be available. Contact sharon@semac.org, (507) 281-4848, 711 TTY with questions, and use Springboard’s registration form for accessibility requests.
This activity is supported in part by the State of Minnesota through a grant from The Office of Small Business Development, Department of Employment and Economic Development.
SEMAC serves Region 10, which includes Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona Counties, including the Prairie Island Indian Community.
SEMAC’s activities are made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
For more information, visit semac.org or contact the office at 507-281-4848.
Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, Inc – Rochester, MN
CONTACT: Jacqueline VanRavenhorst, Communications Manager
608-792-6831 | communications@semac.org

BRENDA CÁRDENAS, WISCONSIN POET LAUREATE, AT THE BLUE HERON
2025-09-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Blue Heron Coffeehouse, 162 W 2nd St, Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Sept 2 | 7:00
Blue Heron Coffeehouse
162 W 2nd St, Winona
The Laureate Writers’ Series for September 2 will feature Brenda Cárdenas, Wisconsin’s Poet Laureate, at the Blue Heron Coffeehouse. Cárdenas is Professor Emerita of English at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and former Milwaukee Poet Laureate.
Cárdenas has authored Trace, winner of the 2023 Society of Midland Authors Award for Poetry and also silver winner of Foreword Review’s Indie Poetry Prize. A second book titled Boomrang, and three chapbooks have also been published. Her other work includes the co-editing of two other volumes, Resist Much/Obey Little: Inaugural Poems to the Resistance and Between the Heart and the Land: Latina Poets in the Midwest.
Cárdenas’ writings have appeared in many literary journals and anthologies, including Latino Poetry: The Library of America Anthology, Poetry, Prairie Schooner, Braving the Body, Latinx Poetics: The Art of Poetry, and Ghost Fishing: An Eco-Justice Anthology, among others. Her poem “Mercy” originally published in SWIMM Everyday is included in the 2025 Best of the Net
anthology, and in 2024, her poem “Para los Tin-Tun-Teros,” set to choral music by Daniel Afonso, was performed by the National Concert Chorus at Carnegie Hall.
The Laureates Series is sponsored by the Blue Heron Coffee House, by Second Chapter Books of Winona, by Friends of the Winona Public Library, by Richard and Sara Ricker, and by Laurie Lucas. The program begins at 7 p.m. and takes place at the Blue Heron Coffeehouse, which serves beverages and treats. An open mic will follow the main presentation, and the program is free and open to all.

Boundless Journeys! | Everything Everywhere All at Once (FRFF)
2025-08-29 19:00 - 21:30 | Winona Arts Center, 228 E. 5th St., Winona
Friday, August 29th | Film at 7:00 pm
Winona Arts Center, Winona, MN
Join us for a special screening of Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022), the critically acclaimed A24 feature film directed by Daniel Kwan and Daneil Scheinert. The film follows Evelyn Wang, a struggling laundromat owner, who discovers the existence of the multiverse during an audit session. She comes to learn that she’s the only one who can save the multiverse from an imminent threat, her daughter. Evelyn comes to embrace her skills throughout the multiverse and harbours a peaceful empathic choice to reconnect with her family.
Everything Everywhere All At Once has won numerous international awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Directing at the 95th annual Academy Awards. It cemented its place in history as harbouring the first Asian Actress to win an Oscar in a leading role.
Everything Everywhere All At Once is rated R due to the film containing scenes of violence and gore.
Trigger warning for this film has flashing and strobing lights.
Concessions and merchandise will be available for purchase to round out this movie experience! We will also have FRFF swag available for purchase and other engaging activities!
● Tickets: $10 for adults; free for students (youth must be accompanied by a guardian). FRFF members receive a 20% discount.
http://frozenriver.eventive.org

Masquerade Murder Mystery at the Masonic (a Theatre du Mississippi Fundraiser)
2025-08-29 19:00 - 21:00 | 251 Main Street Winona, MN 55987 The Historic Masonic Temple, 251 Main Street, Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Friday Aug 29 | 7:00 pm
Prepare for an evening of intrigue, suspense, and delicious drama! On Friday, August 29th, Theatre du Mississippi invites you to step inside the mysterious halls of the Historic Masonic Temple in Winona for a one-night-only Murder Mystery Experience like no other.
Doors open at 6:30pm
Mystery begins at 7:00pm
Guests will become part of the story as secrets unfold and suspects emerge. Whether you’re a first-time sleuth or a seasoned mystery solver, this interactive night promises laughter, suspense, and maybe even a little betrayal.
Your ticket includes:
Entry to the historic Masonic Temple, full of ambiance and secrets
Light hors d’oeuvres served upon arrival
Cash bar with a selection of drinks available for purchase
Theme: 1930’s Masquerade
Come dressed to sleuth! Cocktail or vintage attire is encouraged but not required. Bring your curiosity, your friends, and your sharpest detective instincts.
Space is limited. Don’t miss your chance to solve the mystery!
Visit https://theatredumiss.org/event/murder-mystery-at-the-masonic/
Theatre du Mississippi is an organizational member of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/.

Winona Art Center Lecture on Lithography
2025-08-27 17:30 - 19:00 | Winona Arts Center, 228 E. 5th St., Winona
Wednesday, Aug 27 | 5:30-7:00pm
Winona Art Center
228 E 5th Street
FREE and open to the public
Preston Lawing Spotlight
On August 27th from 5:30-7:00 the Winona Art Center (228 E 5th Street ) will begin hosting a series of free lectures on Art history and techniques. This first hour long lecture will profile Lithography, a printmaking process that uses a smooth Bavarian Limestone block that has been drawn on with a grease pencil.
This series, led by Preston Lawing, Professor Emeritus of the Saint Mary’s University Art and Design department, will cover the history and development of this print form, and will include many samples of original prints, actual stone blocks, drawing tools and photos of presses and historic documents.
