Calendar of Events

No More Talk of Darkness

"No more talk of darkness," one of the many famous quotes in the world-renowned musical The Phantom of the Opera, perfectly describes this wonderful evening the Heartland Concert Association will bring at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 1 at the Park Rapids Area High School Auditorium. Jeremy Stolle, a native of Modesto, CA, is a recent Phantom veteran with over a decade of experience wearing the mask. With his unparalleled voice and extensive musicianship, he has assembled an unmatched team of musical artists to bring a night packed with show-stopping Broadway songs, soaring high notes, classic music and hilarious stories of the Great White Way. He’s starred in many different shows from Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Music Man, Carousel, Jekyll & Hyde to Brigadoon. Though no two performances are the same, each show will be funny, historical, and inspirational. If you don’t have a season ticket, individual concert tickets may be purchased at the door for $25 (or if accompanied by a member $15).

Detroit Lakes Trolls

On March 4, Amy Stearns, director of Project 412, will share stories about the popular giant trolls built in spring 2024 in the Detroit Lakes area by recycle artist Thomas Dambo. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at The Event Room, 1104 Park Ave. So. Sessions are free and handicapped accessible.

Kitchen Sink Productions presents "Eleemosynary"

Kitchen Sink Productions will present "Eleemosynary,"" another play by Lee Blessing, at 7 p.m. Friday, March 7 , Saturday, March 8 and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 9 at The Depot, 320 Career Path, Park Rapids. Staged with utmost simplicity, "Eleemosynary" probes into the delicate relationship of three singular women: the grandmother, Dorothea, who has sought to assert her independence through strong-willed eccentricity; her daughter, Artie, who has fled the stifling domination of her mother; and Artie's daughter, Echo, a child of exceptional intellect - and sensitivity. A beautiful story about the effects we have on one another. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota, through a grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Basket Weaving Class with Shannon Westrum

Shannon Lucas Westrum will teach a basket weaving class Saturday, March 8 at the Armory Arts & Events Center Art Studio

Stencil Art on Live Wood

Each student will paint/stencil on a 24” long live edge board. You can choose from a wide variety of acrylic paint colors and pre-cut stencils. No experience necessary. Instructor will be Lily Hadrava. Class will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 11. Fee is $8. Material fee of $25 will be payable to the instructor at class. To register call 218-237-6600 or go to www.parkrapidscomed.com.

Great Highland Bagpipe

Music teacher and bagpipe band veteran John Egelhof will relate the origin and storied history of bagpipe music for the program March 11. He also will demonstrate playing the instrument. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at The Event Room, 1104 Park Ave. So. Sessions are free and handicapped accessible.

Kitchen Sink Productions presents "Eleemosynary"

Kitchen Sink Productions will present "Eleemosynary,"" another play by Lee Blessing, at 7 p.m. Friday, March 7 , Saturday, March 8 and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 9 at The Depot, 320 Career Path, Park Rapids. Staged with utmost simplicity, "Eleemosynary" probes into the delicate relationship of three singular women: the grandmother, Dorothea, who has sought to assert her independence through strong-willed eccentricity; her daughter, Artie, who has fled the stifling domination of her mother; and Artie's daughter, Echo, a child of exceptional intellect - and sensitivity. A beautiful story about the effects we have on one another. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota, through a grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Minnesota Winter Woods Landscape Watercolor

You will receive instruction from Darcy Brambrink, a member of the Minnesota Watercolor Society and American Watercolor Society, on how to view landscapes and create the illusion of distance and foreground. Artist quality pigments and supplies are furnished. Tonal values, shapes and sky are the emphasis in this class. Color mixing and wet into wet techniques will be used along with layering your painting. Supplies are furnished but students are encouraged to bring a hair dryer to speed up the drying. process. We will finish a 9" x 12" painting that will be ready for you to frame. Please bring along a sack lunch as there will be a 30 minute break. All paintings are critiqued by the instructor. This class is for those who have done a few classes in watercolor or have done them on their own and for ages 16-plus. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15. Fee is $135. To register call 218-237-6600 or go to www.parkrapidscomed.com.

Knit Flicks at Park Theater

Knit Flicks in February was so much fun Park Theater is planning another afternoon to bring your knitting to the movies. Come to see "Sleepless in Seattle" at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15 at Park Theater and work on your knitting, crocheting, needlepoint or other non-messy craft projects (no glue or glitter) in a relaxed theater setting. The house lights will be bright enough to see and polite chit-chat will be allowed. The film from 1993 features Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. Admission will be free, but pre-booking is recommended.

Applique Quilt Club

Anne Skoe will demonstrate how to machine applique and you will sew a themed 12" x 12" square. A quilt book is yours for attending the class which has a variety of patterns for holidays and seasonal themes. The group will decide the theme for the second class. If there is interest, the group can continue to meet and sew with friends! Bring your sewing machine. Classes will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, March 18 & 25. Fee is $20. To register call 218-237-6600 or go to www.parkrapidscomed.com.

Park Rapids Speech Students

Back by popular request, speech students will again entertain and inform audiences with creative and thought-provoking performances of contest pieces March 18. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at The Event Room, 1104 Park Ave. So. Sessions are free and handicapped accessible.

Mosaic Hanging Garden Ornament

Participants will create a beautiful 3" x 6" mosaic hanging garden ornament. Instructor DeeDee Narum will show you how to use glass nippers and grout your mosaic piece. All supplies and materials included. Safety glasses are optional and are provided. Come enjoy making a beautiful, whimsical piece for your garden just in time for summer. Class size limited to 10 so register early. It will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 19. Fee is $68. To register call 218-237-6600 or go to www.parkrapidscomed.com.

Sampler Quilt

This four-week class will allow you to explore a variety of traditional quilt block patterns and techniques. You will learn 5 different blocks (Log Cabin, Friendship Star, Flying Eagle, Drunkard’s Path & Pinwheels), how to lay out the quilt, add borders and sew on binding. You will take home your personalized quilt showcasing your newfound patchwork expertise. Bring your sewing machine. A supply list is online. Anne Skoe will lead these classes from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, March 20 & 27, April 3 & 10.Fee is $40. To register call 218-237-6600 or go to www.parkrapidscomed.com.

Pottery Painting

Karen Moyer from Leaf River Pottery will teach new winter and spring classes. All the pottery, glazes and general supplies needed are included. After class, the projects return with the instructor to the studio to be fired. About 7-10 days later the projects, individually bagged, are returned to Community Ed. You will be notified by email when they have arrived and you can pick them up. Classes are 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 20 - Stoneware Pizza Stone - and Thursday, April 24 - Stoneware Serving Bowl. Fee is $58 per class. To register call 218-237-6600 or go to www.parkrapidscomed.com.

Open Mic Night

Open Mic Night is planned Thursday, March 20 at the Armory Arts and Events Center. Performances are from 7 to 9 p.m. Come to appreciate the talents of the community or take the stage. Admission is free. Call 218-237-3722 or email jkjenaas@parkrapidsarmory.org to sign up for a time slot.

Northern Light Opera Company Auditions

Northern Light Opera Company is currently casting for the summer production of Once Upon a Mattress. Rehearsals start June 17. Performance dates will be July 25-August 2. An online form for auditions and list of characters are available at https://www.northernlightopera.org/.

The schedule is as follows:

• In-person auditions - 6-9 p.m. Friday, March 21 & 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 22
• Dance auditions - 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22
• Invited call-backs - 3-5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23.

All auditions will take place in Studio 1 at the Armory Arts & Events Center. If you are unable to audition in-person, you can email an audition video to info@northernlightopera.org. For video auditions, include a 1 minute monologue and 1 verse of song. Zoom auditions can be set up by request, subject to availability.

Forge North Concert

Enjoy a great band and dance to the music of Forge North at a concert from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 22 at the Armory Arts & Events Center. Forge North is a five-piece, Americana folk-rock group based in Longville, who forged their creative energy creating music in the potato shack of a blueberry farm. Their music and vocal harmonies form layers upon layers like rings on a tree, circling and strengthening the core, bringing life to their songs.

Junk Journal

What is a Junk Journal? A junk journal is the same as a written journal, except it incorporates colors, images, patterns, and other materials. Some junk journals have a lot of writing, while others are purely filled with images. Whether you have experience in this or are new to it, join instructor Becky Steinhoff to try out new ideas and styles. The possibilities are endless! This class will decorate a used book to create your Junk Journal. It will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 25. Registration fee is $12 (paid to the office); material fee: $5 (paid to instructor). To register call 218-237-6600 or go to www.parkrapidscomed.com.

Minnesota's Hooded History

Nancy Vaillancourt, retired librarian who has spent years researching the KKK presence in Minnesota during the 1920s, will recount a forgotten aspect of organized prejudice in Minnesota history on March 25. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at The Event Room, 1104 Park Ave. So. Sessions are free and handicapped accessible.

Screen Printing 102: Photo Emulsion

Instructor Samantha Workman will lead this class from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 29 at the Armory Arts & Events Center Art Studio. Registration is free; limited to 10 participants. This is the class rescheduled from February 1. Register in advance by calling 218-237-3722 or emailing jkjenaas@parkrapidsarmory.org. There will be a break for lunch. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota, through a grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Emergency Response and End-of-Life Challenges

Jeremy Norton, author and 25-year firefighter/EMT veteran, will discuss cultural disconnect, denial of end-of-life realities and emergency response April 1. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at The Event Room, 1104 Park Ave. So. Sessions are free and handicapped accessible.

Barbecue Like a Pro

Brian and Kathy Brandt of Bagley will share their keys to backyard grilling as well as their journey to grand champion pit masters to small business owners April 8. Participants will have an opportunity to create their own personalized seasoning just in time for those summer barbecues. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at The Event Room, 1104 Park Ave. So. Sessions are free and handicapped accessible.

"Winnie the Pooh, The Musical"

The Hubbard County DAC will present, "Winnie the Pooh, the Musical" at 4 p.m. Friday, April 11 At the Armory Arts & Events Center. Jen Geraedts, who has previously dazzled audiences with her directorial magic, is returning to stage a fun-filled journey into the Hundred Acre Wood.

Special 2nd Saturday STEM

The 2nd Saturday STEM from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 12 at the Park Rapids Area Library will feature a Prairie Public Learning Express Trailer.

Our Transplant Journey

Sisters Charlotte Peterson and Nancy Neal will give personal details and experiences about Nancy's lifesaving kidney donation to her sister, Charlotte, in 2017 for the program April 15. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at The Event Room, 1104 Park Ave. So. Sessions are free and handicapped accessible.

Open Mic Night

Open Mic Night is planned Thursday, April 17 at the Armory Arts and Events Center. Performances are from 7 to 9 p.m. Come to appreciate the talents of the community or take the stage. Admission is free. Call 218-237-3722 or email jkjenaas@parkrapidsarmory.org to sign up for a time slot.

Hearth Basket Weaving Class

Shannon Lucas Westrum will teach a hearth basket weaving class from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 19 at the Armory Arts & Events Center Art Studio. Fee will be $40.

Hoppy to be Spring

Long Lake Theater will host a family concert, Easter Scavenger Hunt and Easter bunny appearance and Peeps diorama contest Saturday, April 19. Tickets will be $10 for adults, $5 for kids. For hours go to https://www.longlaketheater.com/.

Riverdance, The New Generation

This is a two-day and one-night Community Education trip Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18. Participants will explore the Split Rock Lighthouse and Gooseberry Falls before checking into our hotel in Canal Park. From the hotel, The Suites Hotel on the Waterfront, you can walk to many local attractions and restaurants. Enjoy time on your own before the evening production of Riverdance, The New Generation. This hotel is next to the DECC so you can walk, on your own, to and from the performance. Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. Riverdance has embarked on a 30th anniversary tour, bringing a production that rejuvenates the much-loved original show with new innovative choreography and costumes and state-of-the-art lighting, projection and motion graphics. You will enjoy a unique and memorable performance which blends the traditional and the contemporary, showcasing the Riverdance ensemble. Sunday, we will spend time at Enger Park and Miller Hill Mall before coming back to Park Rapids. Register by April 24. To register or for more information please contact Park Rapids Community Education at 218-237-6600.

37 Postcards at Plymouth Playhouse Theatre

Enjoy this play on a Community Education trip to the Plymouth Playhouse Theater. Written like a 1930s screwball comedy! In this play young Avery Sutton and his fiancée return from an eight-year stint in Europe only to find his already eccentric family has gone certifiably insane. Things have changed. The house is on a tilt, the dog is feral and his grandmother (presumed dead) is alive and kicking. The Suttons are just a quirky, funny, loving family. So Avery and his bride to-be have to either accept their oddities or leave them behind. Well - the couple discover you can in fact go home again. Tickets for the trip Thursday, May 15 include coach bus transportation, lunch at the theatre and admission ticket. Register by May 1. To register or for more information please contact Park Rapids Community Education at 218-237-6600.

Nemeth Art Center opens

The Nemeth Art Center will feature artists Jesse Dermody and Daniel Kerkhoff May 1 through May 31. The Nemeth Art Center is located in the original Hubbard County Courthouse at 301 Court Avenue. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Street Corner Symphony

The Heartland Concert Association's last concert of the season will feature Street Corner Symphony at 7 p.m. Monday, May 5 at the Park Rapids Area High School Auditorium. Street Corner Symphony is a Nashville-based male a cappella ensemble that was a runner-up on NBC's Sing Off in 2010. Street Corner Symphony moves seamlessly between most styles of music, feeling at home in all of them. Their repertoire covers a wide range, from gospel to rock and pop, appealing to the young and old alike. Individual concert tickets may be purchased at the door for $25 (or if accompanied by a member $15).

Open Mic Night

Open Mic Night is planned Thursday, May 15 at the Armory Arts and Events Center. Performances are from 7 to 9 p.m. Come to appreciate the talents of the community or take the stage. Admission is free. Call 218-237-3722 or email jkjenaas@parkrapidsarmory.org to sign up for a time slot.

Artists' Reception

The Nemeth Art Center will host a reception for Jesse Dermody and Daniel Kerkhoff from 4 to 6 p.m Friday, May 23.

"And Then There Was Louie"

The Morettis and the Johnsons are back at it for more zany, wild, audience interactive antics! It's family reunion time and you're invited to join in the love, lawn games and laughs of this hilarious Spam Vs. Spezzatino spectacular! Just when it seems the family feud couldn't get any worse, love/amore comes back to the table to remind everyone what is truly important. Shows will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 24 and 1 p.m. Sunday, May 25. Tickets are $50 per seat, including a reunion T-shirt, fully catered dinner and the show. Reservations are required. This production is intended for an adult audience.

https://www.longlaketheater.com

"And Then There Was Louie"

The Morettis and the Johnsons are back at it for more zany, wild, audience interactive antics! It's family reunion time and you're invited to join in the love, lawn games and laughs of this hilarious Spam Vs. Spezzatino spectacular! Just when it seems the family feud couldn't get any worse, love/amore comes back to the table to remind everyone what is truly important. Shows will be at 7 p.m. Friday, May 30, 7 p.m. Saturday, May 31 and 1 p.m. Sunday, June 1. Tickets are $50 per seat, including a reunion T-shirt, fully catered dinner and the show. Reservations are required. This production is intended for an adult audience.

https://www.longlaketheater.com