River Arts Alliance

Commonweal Theatre Presents The Angel Next Door
2025-08-29 19:30 - 22:00, 2025-08-30 13:30 - 16:00, 2025-09-04 19:30 - 22:00, 2025-09-05 19:30 - 22:00, 2025-09-06 13:30 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Frozen River Film Festival Celebrates 20 Years with New Film Series
2025-08-30 - 2025-09-06, 2025-08-31 - 2025-09-07, 2025-09-01 - 2025-09-08, 2025-09-02 - 2025-09-09, 2025-09-03 - 2025-09-10, 2025-09-04 - 2025-09-11, 2025-09-05 - 2025-09-12, 2025-09-06 - 2025-09-13 and 4 more dates
frff.eventive.org
This year the Frozen River Film Festival (FRFF) will be celebrating 20 years of bringing documentary films and filmmakers to Winona. The festival begins Sunday, February 9, (You can still get home in time to watch the Super Bowl!) and runs through Sunday, February 16. This year’s event will feature the World Premiere of FRFF’s self-produced documentary, Beneath the Ice: The Frozen River Film Festival Story. Learn more.

Commonweal Theatre Presents Lone Star Spirits
2025-08-30 19:30 - 22:00, 2025-08-31 13:30 - 16:00, 2025-09-06 19:30 - 22:00, 2025-09-07 13:30 - 16:00
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.

Oil Painting Class with Casey Wicka
2025-09-02 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-04 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/.

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.

Central Celebrates Bach in September
2025-09-03 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-10 12:00 - 13:00
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/.

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

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.

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.

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
