Today in the ArtZany Radio studio Paula Granquist welcomes theater artist, storyteller, writer, teacher, slam poet Michael Shaeffer to preview his show World’s Greatest Zombie at the Northfield Arts Guild Theater. For this one-man show, he will perform 17 skits in about an hour that feature Halloween, horror and pop culture references.
https://northfieldartsguild.org/arts/theater/lab/
Northfield Arts Guild presents a Halloween Lab Show!
World’s Greatest Zombie
Created, Acted and Directed by Michael Shaeffer
Friday, 31 October at 7:30pm
Saturday, 1 November at 7:30pm
Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 West 3rd Street
Tickets: $10
https://northfieldartsguild.org/arts/theater/lab/
World’s Greatest Zombie
Zany and spooky vignettes inspired by horror pop culture—just in time for the scariest of seasons! Audiences can expect irreverent nods to the Necronomicon, The Thing, short-tempered ghosts, lusty vampires, and a sestina chock full o’ chainsaws.COSTUME CONTEST: WIN A HANDMADE (BY MICHAEL!) NECRONOMICON FOR BEST COSTUME!
Originally from Flandreau, SD, Michael Shaeffer has taught English in Minnesota, Iowa, Las Vegas, and Alaska. He has seven published books of pop-culture irreverence. He has competed at the National Poetry Slam three times and was recently seen in the Guild production of Shakespeare in Love. The best horror movie he’s seen recently is Weapons. He and his wife moved to Northfield in February and plan on sticking around for a while.
Today in the ArtZany Radio studio Paula Granquist welcomes Mary Carlsen and Susan Lohmann from the End of Life Choices Collective (EOLCC) to discuss the upcoming Advance Care Planning Open Houses at Fifty North.
Advance Care Planning Open House
Tuesday, October 28, 1:30-3:00pm
Don’t leave anything to chance! Planning is key. Who will advocate for you if you become physically or mentally unable to speak or make healthcare decisions? Do something now! Start, review, complete, and distribute your Advance Care Directive. Join Barbara Krause and other trained facilitators in community service from the End of Life Choices Collective (EOLCC) as they answer your questions and offer confidential assistance with this legal document. There is no formal presentation. Drop in @ FiftyNorth any time during our 90-minute Open House. Bring a friend! Materials available on-site. Free and open to all.
FiftyNorth, Room 103, https://fiftynorth.org/classes/learning/lifelong-learning-classes/
Today in the ArtZany Radio studio Paula Granquist welcomes Michelle Brant, Program Coordinator at FiftyNorth to share upcoming events and a view from a community of 50+ adults that stay active, engaged and connected.
Today in the ArtZany Radio studio Paula Granquist welcomes Pauline Jennings, the Performing Arts Manager at the Northfield Arts Guild to visit about all the upcoming happenings, shows, and events and of course we will celebrate creating and stories.
Today in the ArtZany Radio studio Paula Granquist welcomes watercolor artist Kathy Miller, woodturner David Peterson, and fabric and quilting artist Kathy Weed from the Studio ARTour. The 2025 tour features 15 locations and 31 artists around Northfield, Dundas, and Faribault.
2025 STUDIO ARTOUR
Saturday, 4 October from 10AM – 6PM
Sunday, 5 October from 10AM – 5PM
Some Studios also open Friday, 3 October from 4PM – 8PM
ARTOUR REGION: Northfield, Dundas, & Faribault
The South Central MN Studio ARTour showcases individual visual artists in their working studios. In 2025, we celebrate the 21st year of putting on the tour on October 3, 4 & 5 – we invite you to come out and see where and how we work!
The range of work is amazing; weaving to welding, glass to gemstones, clay to carving – and paintings to photography in between. Eligible artists both conceptualize original work and are primary makers of the work. Whether you are a long-time collector, or are just looking for something unique, the studio tour is a perfect way to shop for fine art, and best of all the tour is free!
Today in the ArtZany studio Wendy Nordquist sits in for Paula Granquist and talks with Shari Setchell about her SEMAC Capstone event entitled “You do not have to be good…” happening September 12-13th at the Northfield Arts Guild theater. Later, Wendy talks with Paul Niemisto and Donna Hendricks from the Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra about their performance at Defeat of Jesse James Days on Saturday, September 6th.
Today in the ArtZany Radio studio Paula Granquist features The Fesler-Lampert and Acoustic Roots Performing Arts Series with Tami Resler and Dr. Benjamin Downs from the Shattuck-St. Mary’s School and composer, arranger, and pianist Kavyesh Kaviraj who will be featured in all three of the Jazz Series concerts within the series.
https://www.s-sm.org/news-events/fesler-lampert-performing-arts-series
https://www.kavyeshkaviraj.com/about
The Fesler-Lampert and Acoustic Roots Performing Arts Series features an exciting array of musicians and entertainers. Events are open to the public. This year, we will be celebrating our 40th season of the Fesler-Lampert Performing Art Series and we can't want to celebrate with you!
Shattuck-St. Mary’s School
1000 Shumway Avenue, Faribault, Minnesota
For tickets visit: https://www.s-sm.org/news-events/fesler-lampert-performing-arts-series
The Fesler-Lampert and Acoustic Roots Performing Arts Series
*Omar Abdulkarim and Kavyesh Kaviraj Quartet, September 18, 7:30pm
Jaerv and the OK Factor, October 23, 7:30pm
*Mississippi, November 20, 7:30pm
Mick Sterling presents "A Grand Ole Opry Christmas", December 11, 7:30pm
*Red Planet, February 12, 7:30pm
John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band, May 7, 7:30pm
Today in the ArtZany Radio studio Paula Granquist welcomes documentary filmmaker Paul Krause and musicians Amy & Adams to preview the new film Lights On! – the Making of “In the Garden” to be shown at the Weitz Center in Northfield, MN. The short documentary explores how music touches the heart and lights the soul –especially for those in retirement communities, families dealing with memory loss, and congregations.
https://www.youtube.com/c/paulallankrause-dancing-sun-multimedia
https://www.amyandadams.com/home
Documentary Screening
Lights On! – the Making of “In the Garden”
Weitz Center Cinema at Carleton College
Friday, 29 August 2025 @ 7pm
Free and Open
Join Paul Krause, Barbara Krause, and the musical duo Amy & Adams to celebrate the completion of the film. In addition to the thirty-minute documentary, "Lights On - the Making of "In the Garden," a selection of other short docs that celebrate life in Northfield will be shown.
Today in the ArtZany Radio studio Paula Granquist welcomes David Carter, Founder and Board Chair of the Bridge Chamber Music Festival. This year the festival celebrates Artaria String Quartet’s 40th Anniversary, showcases the Young Artist Recital, and features tango music with the Charles Gorczynski Tango Quartet.
https://bridgechambermusicfestival.com
Bridge Chamber Music Festival
2025 Festival Highlights:
· Tuesday, August 19 – Artaria Quartet, 7:30pm at Carleton College
· Thursday, August 21 – Young Artist Recital, 7:30pm at St. John’s Lutheran
· Friday, August 22 – Tango Night with Charles Gorczynski Quartet, 7:30 pm at The Grand Event Center
· Sunday, August 24 – Artaria Quartet & Aileen Razey, 3pm at St. Olaf College
Tickets are $5 at the door, and free for students of all ages!
As always, our festival is made possible by the generous support of individual donors and the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council. Your contributions, big or small, help us continue to bring world-class chamber music to Northfield.
For full event details and further ways to support the festival, please visit bridgechambermusicfestival.com.
Today in the ArtZany Radio studio Paula Granquist welcomes ceramic artists Kelly Connole and Parker Garmiño from the Cannon River Clay Tour. For this 9th year of the tour, four sites around Northfield, Minnesota will host local and national clay artists: Holmquist Pottery, Connole Studio, Larchill Farm, and Eureka Pots. Visit the website for the Cannon River Clay Tour Map of the sites.
https://www.cannonriverclaytour.com
Cannon River Clay Tour
Saturday 16 August 2025 10am – 5pm &
Sunday 17 August 2025 10am – 5pm
The ceramic artists of the Northfield area invite you to join us for our annual Cannon River Clay tour! Hosted by 10 local clay artists and featuring guest artists from around the country, this self-guided studio tour and sale includes a broad range of professional ceramic work. Meet the artists, see where they work and enjoy the beautiful community of Northfield, MN just 40 miles south of the Twin Cities.
Today in the ArtZany Radio studio Paula Granquist welcomes visual artist Mark Daehlin to share his artistic journey and the stories behind his Freedom Road Heroes series. These paintings are a vibrant, visual tribute to the courageous people who have worked for human rights, civil rights, abolition, and an end to the subjugation of oppressed minorities in the United States and beyond. The Freedom Road Heroes are on display at the Northfield City Hall and Fifty North through August 2025.
https://www.freedomroadheroes.com/
Freedom Road Heroes
FiftyNorth Gallery, 1651 Jefferson Parkway, Northfield, MN
Artist Reception: Thursday, 7 August 2025 from 4-5PM
Freedom Road Heroes: Live Painting Demo
Northfield Public Library, 210 Washington Street, Northfield, MN
Thursday, 14 August 2025 through Saturday, 16 August 2025
from 9AM to 1PM each day
https://mynpl.libcal.com/event/14346890?hs=a
Local artist Mark Daehlin will be painting a portrait in his "Freedom Road Heroes" series live in the Library Atrium over the course of 3 days. Daehlin’s bold, brightly colored portraits celebrate the legacy of leaders who have shaped the ongoing struggle for justice and equality. “Freedom Road Heroes” honors their courage and invites reflection on the journey toward civil rights. Prints of the portraits can be viewed on the first floor of City Hall until the end of August.
For more information about the artist and his project, visit: https://www.freedomroadheroes.com/about.
Today in the ArtZany Radio studio Paula Granquist previews the next Vintage Band Festival with board members Paul Beck, Vicki Scott, and Randy Ferguson. The 2025 Vintage Band Festival in Northfield, MN will feature 13 hours of music and 11 bands!
https://vintagebandfestival.org/vbf-2025-schedule/
Vintage Band Festival
Saturday, 2 August 2025 from 9AM – 10PM
Bridge Square, Northfield, MN
Family Friendly. Free Admission. Donations accepted.
Since 2006 the Vintage Band Festival has presented fantastic wind band music from across the region in Bridge Square along the banks of the Cannon River. The Vintage Band Festival has become a cherished tradition in the region by featuring compelling history, interesting music, and diverse culture to make a magical experience. The many bands traveling here from all over continue to see Vintage Band Festival and Northfield as a special destination. Come and join the joyful, fun, and family-friendly atmosphere with eclectic brass music played live by phenomenal bands!
Today in the ArtZany Radio studio Paula Granquist welcomes Elizabeth Olson from the Northfield Garden Club and photography artist Gail Gates to preview the Northfield Garden Tour. Each of the six sites for this public garden tour is hosted by members of the Northfield Garden Club and features amazing local gardens for self-guided tours and each site is paired with a talented artist showcasing their works.
https://www.thenorthfieldgardenclub.org
2025 Northfield Garden Tour
Saturday, 12 July from 11 am to 4 pm
Sunday, 13 July from 11 am to 4 pm
https://www.thenorthfieldgardenclub.org/2021-garden-tour
Visit the website to view the addresses for the six garden sites on the tour this year. Look for the pink banners at each location. Tickets for the entire tour are available at each garden. Proceeds from ticket sales support the grants program and other charitable activities of the Northfield Garden Club
The purpose of the Northfield Garden Club is to advance and promote the art and science of horticulture, and to encourage all forms of home and civic gardening projects in the Northfield area.
Today in the ArtZany Radio studio Paula Granquist previews the Paradise Center for the Arts show Assassins with the director Eric Parrish, Will McIntyre, Performing Arts and Education Director of the Paradise and actor in the show, and actress Elin Odegaard. Discover Assassins, a multiple Tony Award-Winning show by Stephen Sondheim that delves into America's fascination with celebrity and the extreme lengths some will go to achieve it.
https://www.paradisecenterforthearts.org/theater
Paradise Community Theatre Presents: Assassins
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by John Weidman
Director: Eric Parrish
Discover Assassins, a multiple Tony Award-Winning show by Stephen Sondheim that delves into America's fascination with celebrity and the extreme lengths some will go to achieve it. This bold musical intertwines the stories of nine individuals linked forever to presidential history, as "Everybody's got the right to their dreams..." Don't miss this riveting journey through America's past, presented with humor, empathy, and insight.
July 11, 12, 18, and 19 at 7:30 PM
July 13 & 20 at 2:00 PM PCT
Season Sponsors: The Bahl Foundation & Quality Appliance
Tickets:Paradise Center for the Arts - 321 Central Avenue North, Faribault, MN
Online at https://www.paradisecenterforthearts.org/theater
Member: $19.50, Non-Member: $21.50, Student: $15.50 (Includes a $1.50 Processing Fee)
*ASSASSINS contains scenes and references involving violence, including the use of firearms, gunshots, depictions of death, and suicide. It also includes mature language, historically racially sensitive terms, and other adult themes. As such, this production is not recommended for children.
Today in the ArtZany Radio studio Paula Granquist welcomes actors Kyle Roth, Greta Porath, and Jenna Schlatter from the Northfield Arts Guild production of Flora & Ulysses. This play takes us on a zany adventure that begins with Flora, a cynical girl and reader of The Illuminated Adventures of the Amazing Incandesto! comic book and the special issue bonus comics entitled TERRIBLE THINGS CAN HAPPEN TO YOU! She and her super-hero squirrel Ulysses seek to explore his powers and travel the neighborhood to make sense of their situation. It’s a fun show for the whole family!
https://northfieldartsguild.org/northfield-arts-guild-65th-theater-season/
FLORA & ULYSSES
By John Glore, based on the award-winning novel by Kate DiCamillo
Directed by Patsy Dew
Set in 21st century suburbia, Flora, a self-proclaimed cynic and avid comic book reader, is jolted into action when the neighbor runs over a squirrel with a vacuum cleaner…and that’s where her epic journey starts. From there it’s a ton of laughs, tender moments, and action! Based on the book of the same name by the much-loved author Kate DiCamillo.
PERFORMANCES: July 11th – 20th, 2025
Fridays and Saturdays @ 7:30 PM
Sundays @ 2:00 PM
Produced by special arrangements with Plays for New Audiences.
TICKETS available:
online at northfieldartsguild.org
by phone 507-645-8877
or at the shop during business hours (Tues - Fri noon- 5; Saturday 11 - 4)
$20 general admission; $16 seniors and students
Today in the ArtZany Radio studio Paula Granquist welcomes interdisciplinary artist and independent filmmaker Wendy Placko to share the story of her new documentary Down to Zero: Net Zero Transitional Housing at Hillcrest Village. The film highlights the team that imagined and built this Northfield neighborhood of townhomes designed according to sustainable Passive House building standards and the issue of housing insecurity.
https://wendyplacko.com/events/down-to-zero-film-premiere
Down to Zero Documentary Film Premiere
A Film by Wendy Placko
The Grand Event Center 316 Washington Street South, Northfield, MN.
Sunday 29 June 2025 3:00pm - 5:00pm & live-streamed on ZOOM. To register for the ZOOM event: https://wendyplacko.com/events/down-to-zero-film-premiere/
Down to Zero: Net Zero Transitional Housing at Hillcrest Village is a new documentary created by Northfield filmmaker Wendy Placko. Down to Zero shares the story of the team who imagined and built the neighborhood of townhomes, which offer transitional housing options to Northfield residents and were designed according to sustainable Passive House building standards. This film addresses more than sustainable energy — it addresses housing insecurity.
Wendy Placko is an interdisciplinary artist, creating projects that honor multiple art forms coming together to create a more meaningful piece. She is a trained musician, visual artist, actor, dancer and writer, and director and producer of independent film. She received grants from SEMAC in 2017 and 2020 and received a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board in 2021 and in 2024 she received a Creative Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board.
Today in the ArtZany Radio studio Paula Granquist features two upcoming music events in Northfield. First, Richard Collman will preview the Northfield Noontime Organ Recitals that begin the first week in July. There will be seven recitals for this 18th season. Then guests from Bows, Strings & Contentment Orchestra share the story behind their concert Music from American Roots which includes gospel, blues, jazz, swing, and rock.
Today in the ArtZany Radio studio Paula Granquist welcomes authors Kelly Corrigan and Claire Corrigan Lichty to celebrate the publication of their new picture book Marianne the Maker. This marvelous story introduces you to a girl with a crackerjack imagination that will inspire readers of all ages to take some time to enjoy your imagination and make a something!
Host Paula Granquist highlights the Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra with CVRO conductor Paul Niemisto, council president Laurie Stegner, and council member Heather Scott. We will preview the upcoming Summer Sounds Concert.
Today in the ArtZany Radio studio Paula Granquist welcomes musicians Ray Coudret and Bo Aylin from Fred the Bear to share the story of the new album Just Because. Recorded at the iconic Pachyderm Recording Studio, this record is a heartfelt collection of songs about life, love, and everything in between—capturing the spirit of Fred the Bear like never before.
