Calendar of Events

Liberators & the Holocaust

Arn Kind will present Liberators and The Holocaust at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 9 at the Park Rapids Armory and Events Center. Kind will relate the tragic story of how the Holocaust was perpetrated by the Nazi Party and how a nation of cultured people with a proud heritage were persuaded to allow and even carry out the worst genocide in the history of the world. Most importantly, he will share first-person accounts of American soldiers, including Minnesotans who came across and liberated these camps. For many, this experience changed their lives forever. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Copper Street Brass

Copper Street Brass will close the Heartland Concert Association season when they perform at 7 p.m. Friday, May 12 at the Park Rapids Area High School auditorium. Copper Street Brass is a Minneapolis-based sextet composed of two trumpets, trombone, tuba, French horn and percussion with several members doubling on keyboard, percussion, guitars and electric instruments. Copper Street Brass presents a variety of music in bold innovative ways with a friendly and charming stage presence. "That '70s Show" cleverly features music from the 1770s, 1870s and 1970s from classical and opera, jazz and folk, to rock and disco. Single concert tickets are available for each concert.

Spring Plant Swap

From 3 to 6 p.m. Monday, May 15 bring your seeds, starts, divisions and plants for a fun twist on Trunk or Treat. We will meet in the Park Rapids Area Library parking lot and share with other gardening enthusiasts. This is a no-cost event.

Open Mic Night

An Open Mic Night is planned from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 18 at the Armory Arts & Events Center, 203 Park Ave. So. Come to appreciate the talents of the community or take the stage. Admission is free. Call 218-237-3722 or email wolson@parkrapidsarmory.org to sign up for a time slot. Revel Brewing and Wine Not? will serve at a cash beer and wine bar.

Sculpture Trail opening and tour

The City of Park Rapids and Park Rapids Arts and Culture Commission invite the public to the opening and tour of the Park Rapids Sculpture Trail at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 20. The event will start at Red Bridge Park, located at 175-199 Beach Road (east of US Hwy. 71/Park Avenue North, about a block north of the stoplights at the junction of Hwy. 71 and state Hwy. 34). Weather permitting, the tour will end in Downtown Park Rapids. New sculptures installed in May will remain in place for a year. The artists whose works are selected are invited to provide information on their works as part of the tour.

Hubbard County Historical Society: Val Chatel

The Hubbard County Historical Society’s first program of the season will feature Thom Peterson talking about Val Chatel, the former destination for downhill skiing and dining south of Lake George. The program will be at 7 p.m. Monday, May 22 at the Northwoods Bank Community Room.

Nemeth Art Center Exhibits: Pao Houa Her, Mary Ann Papanek-Miller

St. Paul-based photographer Pao Houa Her’s photographs are on display in the Courtroom gallery. Pao Houa Her was born, in her own words, in the northern jungles of Laos. She fled Laos with her family when she was a baby, crossed the Mekong on her mother’s back, lived in refugee camps in Thailand and landed in America as a toddler in the 1980s. The artist received her BFA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and her MFA from Yale University. In 2022, her work was included in the Whitney Biennial, and in 2023, she was named a Guggenheim fellow. Her series of large formal portraits of Hmong veterans of the Vietnam War are reminiscent of 19th century military portraiture.

The NAC’s Chambers galleries are devoted to a show of new works by artist Mary Ann Papanek-Miller, whose home base is in the Northwoods lake country of Minnesota. Papanek-Miller creates layered mixed media works informed by our human relationships with animals, plants, and water access and use, seasoned with a bit of humor and worry. Quiet color is explored on a variety of surfaces utilizing graphite, thin layers of acrylic paints and photographs taken on-site on the land. Images are drawn from collected childhood and related objects believing in the imbued spirit and inwardness of things and that in every object there is a story.

Nemeth Art Center Youth Art Show

The 2023 Youth Art Show at Nemeth Art Center includes works by local high school students from around the region on display through July 4. More than 20 young artists are included, with over 40 works on display. Three artists will receive cash prizes for “best of show” honors, funded by the estate of Eleanor and Harold Olson, two of the original founders of the Nemeth Art Center. The first place winner will receive a scholarship to MCAD’s 2024 Pre-Summer College Session.

Noon Hour Concerts

The Noon Hour Concert series will open the 2023 summer season Thursday, June 1. Featured performers will be Bob Madeson, euphonium; Sarah Carlson, piano; and Tyler Bublitz, drums. The concert will be from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church. Free will donations are accepted. Since 2010 Bob Madeson has been actively involved with The International Euphonium Tuba Festival in Atlanta where he participates in master classes and ensembles and studies with some of the best euphonium players in the world. He is an active performer in the Bemidji area, including the Bemidji Community Band and First Lutheran Church, where he plays solos on a regular basis and assists in conducting the adult and women’s choir.

Sarah Carlson earned her Master of Music in organ performance from the University of Iowa and her Bachelor of Music from St. Olaf College. During the fall of 2009, she performed harpsichord keyboard concertos by J.S. Bach at Bemidji State University. Prior to coming to Bemidji, she was Director of Music at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Darlington, SC. She was also an Adjunct Professor of Music at Coker College in Hartsville, SC, accompanist for the Coker Singers and head of the Piano Division’s Preparatory School of Music. She is currently Director of Music Ministry at First Lutheran Church in Bemidji.

Tyler Bublitz has been playing percussion since the end of 5th grade. He has played with multiple groups including Concordia College's Percussion Ensemble. He most enjoys playing jazz on vintage drums.

Click here to view/download the 2023 Summer Schedule.

Noon Hour Concerts

Timothy Pinkerton will be the featured soloist accompanied by Sarah Carlson for the Noon Hour Concert from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, June 8 at Calvary Lutheran Church. Free will donations are accepted. Pinkerton is a home schooled high school senior from Bemidji with hopes to pursue a violin performance degree at a conservatory this fall. He began playing the violin at age 6 and began his orchestra career at age 10 when he joined the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra (BSO). Timothy has held leadership and soloist positions in ensembles such as the Minnesota All-State Orchestra, Bemidji Chamber Orchestra and Bemidji High School Orchestra. He was also a member of the Bemidji String Quartet which toured northern Minnesota in September 2022. In the summer of 2023, Pinkerton will tour the United States and Canada as part of Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Orchestra (USA) program.

Sarah Carlson earned her Master of Music in organ performance from the University of Iowa and her Bachelor of Music from St. Olaf College. During the fall of 2009, she performed harpsichord keyboard concertos by J.S. Bach at Bemidji State University. Prior to coming to Bemidji, she was Director of Music at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Darlington, SC. She was also an Adjunct Professor of Music at Coker College in Hartsville, SC, accompanist for the Coker Singers and head of the Piano Division’s Preparatory School of Music. She is currently Director of Music Ministry at First Lutheran Church in Bemidji.

Click here to view/download the 2023 Summer Schedule.

Northern Light Opera Company Volunteer Kick-off & Celebration

In existence for 22 years, Northern Light Opera Company (NLOC) has been fortunate to have many valuable volunteers who have helped make the productions fun and rewarding. Though unseen they have spent hours constructing and painting sets, sewing and altering costumes, and creating fun props. More than several have been involved 15-20 years and NLOC will celebrate them at 7 p.m. Friday, June 9 at the Armory Arts & Events Center. NLOC also invites and challenges others to become involved and participate in the creation of this summer's production of Little Shop of Horrors

WorkBench Playwright's Intensive

Returning for the third year, playwriters Melanie Goodreaux and Greg Paul, both from New York City, will again challenge aspiring writers to create an original 10-minute play in an intensive week’s time June 11-18. These writers will be given prompts and guidance as their thoughts and ideas become a play, which will be read/enacted by NLOC actors before an audience Sunday, June 18 at the Armory Arts & Events Center. Past participants have ranged in age from 15 to 85-plus. For more information, go to NLOC’s website - www.northernlightopera.org.

Noon Hour Concerts

Carson Binkley, bass soloist, accompanied by Dan Will, piano, will entertain for the Noon Hour Concert from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, June 15 at Calvary Lutheran Church. Free will donations are accepted.

Bass soloist Carson Binkley will be a second-year student at Bemidji State University this fall and is a vocal performance major, minoring in business administration. He has been part of a few works in his first year, including “A Hand of Bridge” from Samuel Barber, a part of the Musikanten Choir and the Bemidji Choir. He was a second-place finalist for the Minnesota NATS competition for first year college students. In high school he was a Minnesota All State choir member twice and had a perfect score at his Minnesota solo ensemble contest. None of this year’s opportunities would have been possible without the hard work of his collaborative pianist Dan Will.

Click here to view/download the 2023 Summer Schedule.

2nd Street Stage - FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Family Fun • Great Bands • Beer Garden • BYO Lawn Chair!

SECOND BLOCK OF MAIN • SOCIAL HOUR STARTS AT 5PM

Click here to view or download the 2nd Street Stage poster.
Visit ParkRapidsDowntown.com for more information.

Library Story Time Guest Presenter: Northern Lights Dance Academy

A dance instructor from Northern Lights Dance Academy will lead story time at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 16 at the Park Rapids Area Library. It will include music and demonstrations of different types of dance by boys and girls who are students at the school.

Hubbard County Historical Society: Antique Appraisal Event

The Hubbard County Historical Society will offer another Antique Appraisal Event with appraiser Ken Stellmacher. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to be 3 p.m. Saturday, June 17 at the Historical Museum. Cost will be $20 per item with a limit of two items per person. Lunch will be available for a free will donation.

NLOKids Theatre Camp

This will be the eighth year Northern Light Opera Company has collaborated with the Indigenous community of Pine Point for a month-long Drama Camp for 8- to 13-year-olds. It doesn't take long for kids, who were strangers, to become good friends as they create and play together. The camp is divided into three sessions: Week 1 June 19-22– Playwriting & Improv, assisted by guest artist Melanie Goodreaux, Week 2 June 26-30– Design & Song-Writing, assisted by guest artists Gina Singer and Lisa Dove, and Weeks 3-4 July 3-14— Rehearsal & Production, assisted by guest artists Jeffrey Nolan and Hawken Paul Performances will be July 14 at Pine Point Community Center and July 15 at the Armory Arts & Events Center in Park Rapids. There will be a fee of $15 each for Weeks 1 and 2 and $25 for Weeks 3 & 4. Bus transportation and lunches are provided. For more information and an application, go to www.northernlightopera.org/nlokids or Park Rapids Community Ed.

Noon Hour Concerts

Soprano Tamara Moore and Denise Laaveg, collaborative pianist, will perform for the Noon Hour Concert from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, June 22 at Calvary Lutheran Church. Free will donations are accepted. Tamara Moore studies music with a vocal performance focus at Bemidji State University under Dr. Jennifer Olson. She has been singing in ministry settings for 30 years. Tamara is a mother of four, a spiritual director and holds a master's degree in theology. She believes music can offer a significant glimpse into the mystery of God's love and beauty.

Denise Laaveg has been a music educator, vocal director, collaborative pianist and worship director for over 25 years in Iowa, Illinois and most recently Minnesota. Currently she is an adjunct collaborative pianist at Bemidji State University. This recital will feature art songs in English, German, Latin and Italian that touch on themes of love and longing composed by Schubert, Handel, Vivaldi, Bach and others.

Click here to view/download the 2023 Summer Schedule.

2nd Street Stage - FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Family Fun • Great Bands • Beer Garden • BYO Lawn Chair!

SECOND BLOCK OF MAIN • SOCIAL HOUR STARTS AT 5PM

Click here to view or download the 2nd Street Stage poster.
Visit ParkRapidsDowntown.com for more information.

Finding My Voice: A Journey Through Nature and Music

Pam Arnstein recently retired after four decades as a professional violinist in the Minnesota Orchestra. Her book, Doctor May's Cabin, is based on her childhood experience. She will combine a book talk with violin music, sharing the story of how she was inspired to find her own voice by her trailblazing grandmother and aunt. This event will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 27 at Deane Park, unless weather is not conducive, in which case it will be in the library meeting room.

Noon Hour Concerts

Matthew Lorenz, pianist, will be featured for the Noon Hour Concert from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, June 29 at Calvary Lutheran Church. Free will donations are accepted. Currently based in Chicago, Lorenz is engaged in solo performances and frequent collaborations. He also brings a heartfelt sensitivity and attention to detail that makes him just as comfortable playing Bach and Chopin as he is playing Rachmaninoff and Liszt. He began his studies in Fargo at age 9 and moved to Chicago to earn a Master’s at the Chicago College of Performing Arts. In January he made it to the finals of CCPA’s Aeolian Classics Emerging Artists Competition. Educating piano students of all ages, Matthew is on the piano faculty at the New Music School, Chicago’s premier music academy, and also serves as the NMS Liaison/Program Director at the GEMS international academy. This season Lorenz is promoting his recital Chopin & Rachmaninoff, and this summer he will be on the road with The Wild Stage, a cabaret troop. See more about his past work and upcoming performances at mlorenzmusic.squarespace.com

Click here to view/download the 2023 Summer Schedule.

2nd Street Stage - FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Family Fun • Great Bands • Beer Garden • BYO Lawn Chair!

SECOND BLOCK OF MAIN • SOCIAL HOUR STARTS AT 5PM

Click here to view or download the 2nd Street Stage poster.
Visit ParkRapidsDowntown.com for more information.

Jolly Pops Concert

The Jolly Pops are a children’s music and entertainment group founded by Billy Hartong, aka "Mr. Billy." The band was built around Dads who love to play music for kids. Their programs involve music, movement and fun learning through experience and they bring puppet friends who often get in on the fun. The concert will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 30 at the library meeting room.

Jolly Pops Concert

The Jolly Pops are a children’s music and entertainment group founded by Billy Hartong, aka "Mr. Billy." The band was built around Dads who love to play music for kids. Their programs involve music, movement and fun learning through experience and they bring puppet friends who often get in on the fun. The concert will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 30 at the library meeting room.

Nemeth Art Center Exhibits: Brad Kahlhamer and Waverly Bergwin

New York and Arizona-based artist Brad Kahlhamer will show in the Courtroom gallery July 1 – Oct. 1. A multimedia artist who has shown extensively in galleries and museums, both nationally and internationally, Kahlhamer works in a range of media including sculpture, drawing, painting, performance and music to explore what he refers to as the "third place" - a meeting point of two opposing personal histories. Reimagining a subjective vocabulary through a neo-expressionist lens, his work references hallmarks of 20th-century abstract painting, such as German Expressionism, while incorporating highly personal iconography. Drawing on his tripartite identity, Kahlhamer's work navigates his Native American heritage, adoptive German-American family, and adult life in New York City's Lower East Side.

Waverly Bergwin's intricate wire pieces will be shown in the Chambers galleries July 1 - Oct. 1. Waverly Bergwin is a non-binary sculptor and writer who uses wire and organic plant matter to create legendary artifacts from other worlds. They have a deep interest in fairytales and fantasy stories, where they find the essence of the human will and the desire to escape the mundane. Based in New York City, Waverly received their BFA from Pace University, and has worked as assistant and apprentice to Brad Kahlhamer since 2014.

Noon Hour Concerts

The Noon Hour Concert from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, July 6 at Calvary Lutheran Church will feature Gwendoline Youso. Free will donations are accepted. Youso is currently the music director and liturgist at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Crosslake. She recently graduated from Bemidji State University with a degree in Piano Performance with a pedagogy emphasis where she studied under Dr. Stephen Carlson. She also took classes in choral conducting, flute and other instrument methods classes. She has collaborated with several colleagues and is a prominent church musician. She plans to continue her studies in piano or sacred music in the near future and hopes to grow her own piano studio.

Click here to view/download the 2023 Summer Schedule.

2nd Street Stage - FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Family Fun • Great Bands • Beer Garden • BYO Lawn Chair!

SECOND BLOCK OF MAIN • SOCIAL HOUR STARTS AT 5PM

Click here to view or download the 2nd Street Stage poster.
Visit ParkRapidsDowntown.com for more information.

July Parking Lot Party

A Parking Lot Party is planned from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, July 7 in the Park Rapids Area Library parking lot with games, projects and activities for children and families. The party is planned in conjunction with the Summer Reading Program, but attendees are not required to be registered for Summer Reading. (If the weather is not conducive, the party will move to the library meeting room.)

Noon Hour Concerts

North Wind Clarinets will return for the Noon Hour Concert from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, July 13 at Calvary Lutheran Church. Free will donations are accepted. Musicians in the quintet are Deane Johnson, Beth Hahn, Vicki Magnuson, Peg Rickert and Sarah Sundeen. They will play a variety of music, from classical to jazz to classic rock.

Click here to view/download the 2023 Summer Schedule.

2nd Street Stage - FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Family Fun • Great Bands • Beer Garden • BYO Lawn Chair!

SECOND BLOCK OF MAIN • SOCIAL HOUR STARTS AT 5PM

Click here to view or download the 2nd Street Stage poster.
Visit ParkRapidsDowntown.com for more information.

Noon Hour Concerts

Melanie Hanson, violin and piano, and Michael Hanson, soprano saxophone, will play at the Noon Hour Concert from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, July 6 at Calvary Lutheran Church. Free will donations are accepted.

Click here to view/download the 2023 Summer Schedule.

2nd Street Stage - FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Family Fun • Great Bands • Beer Garden • BYO Lawn Chair!

SECOND BLOCK OF MAIN • SOCIAL HOUR STARTS AT 5PM

Click here to view or download the 2nd Street Stage poster.
Visit ParkRapidsDowntown.com for more information.

Hubbard County Historical Society: Quilt Show

The Hubbard County Historical Society will host a quilt show from 11 a.m. to be 3 p.m. Saturday, July 22 at Riverside United Methodist Church. Sue Harmon will be a guest speaker during the show.

Noon Hour Concerts

SaLu and no-Ra will be featured at the Noon Hour Concert from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, July 27 at St. Johns Lutheran Church. Free will donations are accepted. This brother and sister duo will be making their debut this summer. Sarah Kaufenberg and Luke Helm grew up in Park Rapids where they discovered their love for music taking private piano lessons, playing in concert band and singing in choir. Both studied music at the university level. Sarah attended North Dakota State earning a degree in music education while Luke attended Moorhead State earning a degree in music business. Kaufenberg currently teaches private vocal and piano lessons. She also accompanies various choirs in the community. Helm currently works in IT and is the bass player for the Fargo polka/pop group Meat Rabbits. She will be playing the piano and Luke will play bass guitar. They will be performing selections from J.S. Bach, Scott Joplin and John Williams with a few added surprises.

Click here to view/download the 2023 Summer Schedule.

2nd Street Stage - FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Family Fun • Great Bands • Beer Garden • BYO Lawn Chair!

SECOND BLOCK OF MAIN • SOCIAL HOUR STARTS AT 5PM

Click here to view or download the 2nd Street Stage poster.
Visit ParkRapidsDowntown.com for more information.

Northern Light Opera Company: Little Shop of Horrors

Little Shop of Horrors was a popular 1986 movie about a “nerdy florist who finds a chance for success and romance with the help of a giant man-eating plant who demands to be fed.” Characters you’ll meet on Skid Row are the nerdy florist, a sweet young assistant, a sadistic dentist, a trio of doo wop singers, a versatile ensemble of players, and puppeteers to handle Audrey II. NLOC is fortunate to have very creative directors, casts, musicians and tech folks to help create another memorable experience for community members and visitors. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. July 28 and July 29 and 3 p.m. July 30. Tickets available at Beagle and Wolf Books or www.brownpapertickets.com.

Nemeth Art Center Exhibits: Brad Kahlhamer and Waverly Bergwin

New York and Arizona-based artist Brad Kahlhamer will show in the Courtroom gallery through Oct. 1. A multimedia artist who has shown extensively in galleries and museums, both nationally and internationally, Kahlhamer works in a range of media including sculpture, drawing, painting, performance and music to explore what he refers to as the "third place" - a meeting point of two opposing personal histories. Reimagining a subjective vocabulary through a neo-expressionist lens, his work references hallmarks of 20th-century abstract painting, such as German Expressionism, while incorporating highly personal iconography. Drawing on his tripartite identity, Kahlhamer’s work navigates his Native American heritage, adoptive German-American family, and adult life in New York City’s Lower East Side.

Waverly Bergwin's intricate wire pieces will be shown in the Chambers galleries through Oct. 1. Waverly Bergwin is a non-binary sculptor and writer who uses wire and organic plant matter to create legendary artifacts from other worlds. They have a deep interest in fairytales and fantasy stories, where they find the essence of the human will and the desire to escape the mundane. Based in New York City, Waverly received their BFA from Pace University, and has worked as assistant and apprentice to Brad Kahlhamer since 2014.

Northern Light Opera Company: Little Shop of Horrors

Little Shop of Horrors was a popular 1986 movie about a "nerdy florist who finds a chance for success and romance with the help of a giant man-eating plant who demands to be fed." Characters you’ll meet on Skid Row are the nerdy florist, a sweet young assistant, a sadistic dentist, a trio of doo wop singers, a versatile ensemble of players, and puppeteers to handle Audrey II. NLOC is fortunate to have very creative directors, casts, musicians and tech folks to help create another memorable experience for community members and visitors. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2, 3 and 4 and 3 p.m. Aug. 5. Tickets available at Beagle and Wolf Books or www.brownpapertickets.com

Noon Hour Concerts

The Noon Hour Concert from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, August 3 at Calvary Lutheran Church will feature Blake Staines and Dan Will. Free will donations are accepted. Staines is currently entering his 5th year at BSU. He has been active in music throughout his college career, participating in all vocal ensembles offered at the university. During his junior year, he was elected as president of the Bemidji Choir as well as bass section leader, and he continues to serve in those positions two years later. He is double majoring in vocal performance and psychology and currently plans to audition for graduate programs in music. He recently won the Carl O. Thomson scholarship for music and will be a featured soloist during BSU's annual Carl O. Thomson memorial scholarship. Staines says he is thrilled to be able to work with the brilliant musicians and staff at BSU, and is grateful for the opportunity and privilege to work with accompanist Dan Will.

Click here to view/download the 2023 Summer Schedule.

2nd Street Stage - FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Family Fun • Great Bands • Beer Garden • BYO Lawn Chair!

SECOND BLOCK OF MAIN • SOCIAL HOUR STARTS AT 5PM

Click here to view or download the 2nd Street Stage poster.
Visit ParkRapidsDowntown.com for more information.

Noon Hour Concerts

Dr. Beverly Everett will be playing Calvary Lutheran Church's new Allen GX335e Digital Organ for the Noon Hour Concert from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, August 10. Free will donations are accepted. Dr. Everett is an active concert organist and service player. She has been a featured organist in recitals, music festivals and workshops, and masterclasses throughout the United States and in Europe and British Columbia. She is Adjunct Professor of Organ at the University of Mary, where her current studio has 9 applied students. Everett holds a Bachelor's degree in Organ Performance from Baylor University and a Master of Arts in Organ Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Iowa. She won 1st place in the Ft. Worth AGO Competition, the MTNA Competition, and was Presser Foundation Scholar at Baylor. She is a frequent guest performer with the Aaron Meyer Band holiday concerts in Portland, OR. Everett has played in some of the great halls of the world including St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna and the Duomo in Florence, Italy. Everett also conducts the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra and the Bismarck-Mandan (ND) Symphony Orchestra.

Click here to view/download the 2023 Summer Schedule.

2nd Street Stage - FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Family Fun • Great Bands • Beer Garden • BYO Lawn Chair!

SECOND BLOCK OF MAIN • SOCIAL HOUR STARTS AT 5PM

Click here to view or download the 2nd Street Stage poster.
Visit ParkRapidsDowntown.com for more information.

Noon Hour Concerts

The Hoot Owls will entertain from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, August 17 at Riverside Untied Methodist Church. Free will donations are accepted. The Hoot Owls are a Minnesota band with more than 100 years of combined musical experience. They perform an eclectic mix of roots, Americana and bluegrass music on traditional stringed instruments. The group covers many styles of folk music including old cowboy songs, bluegrass music and traditional gospel. Members are:

Dave Karem (Guitar, Vocals) Having a passionate love of music and song, Karen picked up his first guitar around 50 years ago. Noodling on and off for most of his adult life, you would have seen him busking on street corners or even entertaining a crowd at a tractor show. He strongly encourages and proclaims "You are never too old to pick up an instrument and learn a tune, or you are never not good enough to sing a song." – "Sing Out!"

Dick Kimmel (Mandolin, Banjo, Guitar, Vocals) Kimmel has been performing professionally throughout North America and Europe for more than 60 years. He is usually described as playing bluegrass music. He has made more than two dozen recordings, including 4 solo CDs. In 2010 he was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. He has played with such well-known musicians as Del McCoury, Alan Munde and Hazel Dickens.

Dick Max (String Bass, Vocals) Dick Max has played music since he was a toddler, playing bass since he was in the 8th grade. His professional career in music started in 1958 playing in a jazz/dance band called the Naturals. Since then, he has continued in the Dance Band and Jazz genre as well as big band and Light Opera Orchestras. Recently he has continued to play in a big band, summer musicals, praise music and with Dave Karem in a Minnesota bluegrass band called Unpolished

Click here to view/download the 2023 Summer Schedule.

2nd Street Stage - FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Family Fun • Great Bands • Beer Garden • BYO Lawn Chair!

SECOND BLOCK OF MAIN • SOCIAL HOUR STARTS AT 5PM

Click here to view or download the 2nd Street Stage poster.
Visit ParkRapidsDowntown.com for more information.

Noon Hour Concerts

The Noon Hour Concert from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, August 24 at Calvary Lutheran Church will feature the Bemidji Brass. Free will donations are accepted. Members are Kyle Riess, trumpet; Alyssa Konecne, trombone; Jeff Johnson, bass and trombone; Eve Sumsky, horn; Scott Guidry, trumpet.

Click here to view/download the 2023 Summer Schedule.

Hubbard County Historical Society: The History of Itasca State Park

Itasca State Park Naturalist Connie Cox will give the Hubbard County Historical Society program on the park's history for the program at 7 p.m. Monday, August 28 at the Northwoods Bank Community Room.

Noon Hour Concerts

Ben Bartholomew, saxophone, and Gwendoline Youso, piano, will play for the Noon Hour Concert from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, August 31 at Calvary Lutheran Church. Free will donations are accepted. Ben is a junior at Bemidji State University (BSU) majoring in instrumental performance, and seeking a Certificate in Arts Management on a full tuition scholarship. He primarily studies saxophone, but also clarinet and flute. He plays in the BSU Wind Ensemble, Blue Ice Jazz Band and other ensembles and holds the principal saxophone position in their highest band. He has been invited to perform as a member of the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra, Itasca Symphony Orchestra, Bemidji Area Community Band, the Coleraine City Band and other ensembles in northern Minnesota. He was most recently accepted to the Brevard Music Center's Jazz Institute for a second year and the Brevard Music Center’s Saxophone Institute, where he will spend five weeks performing and studying with top music students from around the country, learn from industry leaders, participate in live recording sessions, and gain life skills when it comes to being a professional musician.

Youso is currently the music director and liturgist at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Crosslake. She recently graduated from Bemidji State University with a degree in Piano Performance with a pedagogy emphasis where she studied under Dr. Stephen Carlson. She also took classes in choral conducting, flute and other instrument methods classes. She has collaborated with several colleagues and is a prominent church musician. She plans to continue her studies in piano or sacred music in the near future and hopes to grow her own piano studio.

Click here to view/download the 2023 Summer Schedule.