Rachael Kilgour at Winona Arts Center
2025-09-07 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Frozen River Film Festival Celebrates 20 Years with New Film Series
2025-09-08 - 2025-09-15, 2025-09-09 - 2025-09-16, 2025-09-10 - 2025-09-17, 2025-09-11 - 2025-09-18, 2025-09-12 - 2025-09-19, 2025-09-13 - 2025-09-20, 2025-09-14 - 2025-09-21, 2025-09-15 - 2025-09-22 and 2 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.

Central Celebrates Bach in September
2025-09-10 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-13 19:00 - 21:00
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/.

CENTRAL’S BACH CELEBRATION CONTINUES
2025-09-10 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-13 19:00 - 21:00
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

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/.

Oil Painting Class with Casey Wicka
2025-09-11 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/.

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/.

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.

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/.

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

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.

Commonweal Theatre Presents King Lear
2025-09-13 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-09-14 13:30 - 15:30 | Commonweal Theatre, 208 Parkway Ave. N, Lanesboro, MN, United States
Preview Dates
Saturday, Sept 13 | 7:30-9:30 pm
Sunday, Sept 14 | 1:30-3:30 pm
Thurs-Fri, Sept 18, 19 | 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 William Shakespeare’s legendary classic, King Lear. From one of the greatest writers of all time comes the ultimate family drama. As age overtakes Lear, he divides his kingdom amongst his daughters. Misjudging their loyalty, he finds himself stripped of all that defined him. Learn more.

Minnesconsin: Dick Lano’s photography of the Winona area in the 1970s
2025-09-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Winona County History Center, 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, 55987, United States
September 14, 2025 | 1:00 -3:00 PM
Winona County History Center
160 Johnson St, Winona MN
The Winona County History Center will be opening a new exhibit in the Collection Corridor Gallery. Minnesconsin: Dick Lano’s photography of the
Winona area in the 1970s will open with a reception on Sunday, September 14, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Minnesconsin is a state of mind that spans a river like a bridge connecting Minnesota and Wisconsin. Richard (Dick) Lano operated a photography studio and took many images of the area and its community members. This new exhibit highlights his portraits, nature, landscapes, Winona sites, photojournalism, and more.
Dick was born and raised in Winona, as was his wife Betsy (Burleigh) Lano. In the 1970s they moved their family across the river to Bluff Siding. There he and his family built a home and he operated a photography studio at the entrance to the valley near Wisconsin State Highway 35. Dick picked up photography as a youth and began documenting his trips to the Boundary Waters and out West, his hometown, his friends, and the “Minnesconsin” region. This exhibit offers a retrospective of Dick’s work mostly from the 1970s. It affords us insight into the evolution of his artistic vision from amateur to professional.
The opening reception is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Short remarks will be made at 2:00 p.m. by community curators of the exhibit.

Learn more and plan your visit at winonahistory.org or call 507-454-2723

Virtual Book Launch Party
2025-09-15 18:30 - 21:00
Sept 15 | 6:30 – 9:00
https://www.facebook.com/events/1467385281268145/?active_tab=discussion
Join Terri Karsten on Facebook to celebrate the release of her new book. A Necessary Death is a cozy, historical mystery set in a Pennsylvania tavern in 1763. The story follows an impoverished widow and a surly constable who must work together to figure out what happened to the dead man in the tavern privy. With Penelope Corbitt in the kitchen, the tavern will never be the same! Visit http://www.terrikarsten.com to learn more about the author.
Join the discussion or just stop by and leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy.

Drawing Class with Michelle Cochrane
2025-09-16 17:30 - 19:30 | Winona Arts Center, 228 E. 5th St., Winona
Tuesday, September 16
Time: 5:30-7:30pm
Cost $25

Join us at the Winona Arts center for a Drawing Workshop with Michelle Cochran on September 16 from 5:30 to 7:30pm. We will work on drawing 3-dimensional shapes from life using graphite pencils and erasers in a relaxed environment. Cost is $25*. No experience necessary and individual help is available.
*If you attended one of the other classes, bring your supplies. To register and to purchase supplies, contact Jen 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/.

Sandbar Storytelling Festival: Business & Immigrant Stories
2025-09-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Winona County History Center, 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Free Admission | Freewill Offering
Winona History Center | 160 Johnson St
For the fourth consecutive year, the Sandbar Storytelling Festival, in partnership with the Winona County Historical Society, is continuing their series of Business & Immigrant (B&I) Stories, featuring local businesses and organizations of Winona. Learn more.

SSF final Business and Immigrant Story for 2025: Project Fine
2025-09-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Winona County History Center, 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Tuesday, Sept 16 | 7 PM
Wanek Room, Winona County History Center
160 Johnson St, Winona
Learn more about Project FINE
during the final Business & Immigrant Story
For the fourth consecutive year, the Sandbar Storytelling Festival is continuing their series of Business & Immigrant (B&I) Stories, featuring local businesses and organizations of Winona. In partnership with the Winona County Historical Society, the 2025 lineup concludes with the story of Project FINE (Focus on Integrating Newcomers through Education) on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
Project FINE has been serving refugees and immigrants in Winona County and the surrounding area since 1990. Hear the personal and inspirational stories of immigrants who have chosen to call Winona home.
Previous B&I presentations have included: Blue Heron Coffeehouse, Farmers Market, and Bay State Milling.
Refreshments will be served. Admission is free but the opportunity for a freewill offering will be available. Reservations are encouraged but not necessary at ssf25.eventive.org/schedule.
The Sandbar Storytelling Festival will feature a full week of nationally recognized storytellers at venues throughout Winona. Get your tickets now for events Oct. 7-13, 2025.
For more information about the festival, visit sandbarstorytellingfestival.org
Sandbar Storytelling Festival is an organizational member of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/.
