The impact of the Legacy Fund Amendment has had profound impact on the free arts and historical events of the state’s libraries systems.

The Kitchigami Library System has been working overtime in getting Legacy Amendment Funds events to the public. This past Saturday, an overflow crowd was treated to the music by “Northwinds Crossing” and the charming youngster who was called from the sidelines to dance a jig. (More information on the group can be found on the Feb. 16 blog.) The public has been able to enjoy these free events for the past two-years and the end is drawing near for that funding which has impacted countless lives and brought joy to all age groups. Write your representatives and tell them how much you enjoyed these free concerts and activities.

The Blackduck Library has some upcoming events open to the public. At 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 26, the public is welcome to listen to Sean Fahrlander, an enrolled member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe storyteller and screenwriter (Walk in the Bear”). Fahrlander was the only Ojibwe storyteller selected to perform at the grand opening of the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian. In keeping with the native tradition of storytelling during the winter months when snow is on the ground, Fahrlander will lead a workshop on storytelling and everyone is welcome.

Later in the day on Saturday, the Bemidji Public Library will be hosting another free legacy event with author Erin Hart who will lead a writer’s workshop at 2 p.m., Call 751-3963 to make a reservation as space is limited. After the workshop (at 4 p.m.), Hart will give a presentation about her writing and how she conjures up vivid settings of walking the peat bogs in Ireland and digging up ancient treasures. Hart claims that writers as well as archeologists have their tools in trade which they keep in their Site Kits. Her husband,. Paddy O’Brien, a button box accordion player, will add some tradition Irish music to set the mood. He will also talk about the various instruments used in the social settings of traditional music. The talk and music will begin at 4 p.m. and is free and open to the public. If you miss this date (Feb. 26), drive up to the Blackduck Library on March 2 with a 2 p.m. start time for the same program.

At 6:30 p.m., Monday, Feb.28, the second of the three-part Back Porch Series with singer/songwriter Neal Hagberg will be held in Blackduck. The music and dialogue of the evening will be open to everyone and the topic of the evening will be violence in religion. The public is invited to share their thoughts over a slice of pizza at Trails End Restaurant in Blackduck. The series is based on Hagberg’s CD, “It’s Not as Simple as it Seems-exploring violence in religion.” A McKnight Foundation Composer and fellowship winner, Hagberg’s Back Porch Series subject matter is more suitable for older teens and adults and not recommended for children.

Are you getting the point of the exercise? All of the above events are paid for by the Legacy Amendment which was voted on Nov. 4, 2008 and only the smallest percentage of that money is devoted to public cultural activities. Many of the arts supporters in Bemidji met with state senator John Carlson on Saturday last to present their concerns to him about funding cuts for the arts. Carlson explained that he is new to the office and, although he is on the committee which oversees arts budgets, he is still unsure and unschooled so please be patient and let him learn the ropes. Carlson also said that he met with President Hanson of BSU and expressed his concerns about the cuts at the college. There was a fuller account of the meeting printed on-line Bemidji Pioneer—check it out.

There are so many events coming up in the next couple of weeks—two plays will be opening, a BSO concert featuring Bemidji’s own Sarah and Sadie Hamrin – young string players who are not only talented but who display some of the best that Bemidji has to offer. Monroe Crossing will be coming back to the Historic Chief Theater on March 12 and for the first time, the St. Paul chapter of the Gay Men’s Chorus will premiere their competition show, Ole’ Ole” at Bangsberg Hall on March 19. And this is just the tip of the iceberg—so to speak.

That’s all she wrote–

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As a friend Joel Ward admonished me on Friday, “You better write about these singers!” here you go Joel!

It is utterly amazing to me that the people who decided to cut the music program at Bemidji State University overlooked the stellar talent being mentored and instructed now (and in the past) at BSU. What were they thinking? During a phone interview last summer with Doc. Severinson, he spoke about the national reputation the BSU department of music enjoys and that was one of the driving forces behind his accepting a “gig” in Bemidji.

Most of singers and musicians at the opera gala fundraising event were and are presently music students of Fulton Gallagher, Brad Logan, Stephen Carlson, Patrick Riley, John Konecne (and if I left out a few, please excuse my ignorance). Abe Hunter took over the opera galas from Gallagher this year and it was a rousing success with a sell-out appreciative audience. A former finalist for the regional Metropolitan Opera competition and former Mrs. Senior America, Linda Wagner vocalized while her teacher and mentor Gallagher smiled. Abe Hunter, a music student at BSU who is in his final (as far as credits go) year, studies with Stephen Carlson and can only go to school part-time for lack of tuition assistance. Hunter was chosen to go to the La Musica Lirica in Italy the summer of 2009 to study collaborative or accompaniment in an opera setting. Another voice student of Gallagher, Mark Christensen once again sang and emoted love songs and arias. Brad Logan’s voice student, Josef Schlemper wore his now familiar fedora to sing Sinatra standards with Jake Jackson on guitar (Patrick Riley and John Konecne). A Concordia graduate Julia Lamon—beautifully attired in her red gown—is new to Loon Opera Company and her renderings of familiar arias were wonderful; Brava, Julia! Sadly, Sara Wabrowetz was unable to sing because she came down with a throat ailment but the rest of the cast came forward to present a full-filled and magical evening of song. Thanks to you all—and Loon Opera Company will be staging a full performance of Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro” in late summer.

A young string player who studies with adjunct professor Michelle Laliberte came in first in the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra’s Young Artist Competition this year. Sadie Hamrin is the youngest member of the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra and she can be seen playing next to her violin teacher, Laliberte, who is concert master for the BSO. Sadie performed the first movement of the violin concerto, “Sinfonie Espagnole” by Edouard Lalo in a competition open to high school or younger students and open to all orchestral instruments. In case you haven’t noticed yet, Sadie is also joined in the orchestra by her sister Sarah on the viola and mother Ramae on the violin. And BSU is eliminating the string option—what kind of decision is that?

A student of Del Lyren, Lexie Kruse is a semi-finalist in the National Trumpet Competition and will go to the nationals in Washington, DC on March 16. She will be competing against students from Juilliard and other prestigious music schools. Lexie was the only trumpet student chosen from the state of Minnesota and one of 47 students who will compete nationally. What sense does it make to cut over half of the instrumental music positions at BSU?

The Bemidji community relies on the music programs emanating from Bemidji State University as does the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra, Bemidji Area Community Band, Bemidji Community Theater and the Bemidji Chorale to name just a few of the performing groups enjoyed and appreciated by all of us who attend and look forward to their up-coming concerts and productions.

What sense does it make to cut the heart out of the music scene of Bemidji? I’ve not even touched upon the cuts to fine arts which is another stab to our collective hearts.

In this economy, we all know that times are difficult and going to be even more difficult in the future with unpopular cuts to many time-honored traditions. But why take away the one thing that feeds the souls of so many here in Bemidji; going to hear a beautiful symphony is a lot cheaper than a visit to a mental health clinic.

This Sunday, Feb. 20 when you file into Bangsberg Hall to hear the Symphonic Band and Woodwind Ensemble, remember to thank the players who are there as “amateurs” not credit seeking students. Many of these amateurs (taken from the Latin root amare-to love) show up for practices and performances and share their “love” freely with us. Just another reminder of what the past and present instructors at BSU have given to the community. Tuba Jim Thompson plays in the auditorium named after his father a former music professor at BSU, Carl O. Thompson Recital Hall. The program will include the Symphonic Band playing the “National Emblem March” by E.E. Bagley; “Silent Stands the Elm” by Roland Barrett; “Clowns! Clowns! Clowns!” by David Bobrowitz; and a medley from the musical “Fiddler on the Roof” by Bock and Hammick. Guest soloist Douglas Monroe, clarinet professor from NDSU will join the BSU Woodwind Ensemble in a program which will include “Irish Tune from County Derry” by Percy Grainer; “Kirkpatrick Fanfiar” by Andrew Boysen, Jr. Professor Monroe will perform the “Concertino for Clarinet Op.26 by Carl Maria von Weber and “Viktor’s Tale: Music from the motion picture “The Terminal” by John Williams. Monroe was the principal clarinetist of the Arizona Opera Company and spent three years touring with the U.S. Army Field Band, the Army’s premier touring ensemble. His long history of performances includes the Chatauqua Institute, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Meyerson Symphony Hall in Dallas as well as a conductor and clarinetist in many US Air Force Bands.

Tickets will be sold at the door: $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and free for students. I expect to see regulars Terry Thomas and Gerry Manley there, how about you? I almost forgot to mention the band director, Erika Svanoe who is instrumental in bringing innovative programs to the Bemidji community including the concert with the multi-media piece, “Twilight of the Gods.”

A free concert with Northwind Crossing will begin at 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 20 at the Bemidji Public Library, 509 America Ave. NW. The performance will include storytelling about the music that this northern Minnesota quintet loves to perform. The players are Tamie Jensen on the Irish tin whistles, recorders accordion, mountain and hammer dulcimer, Celtic harp and vocals. Larry Kimble will play the 6-string and 12-string guitar and vocals. Elijah Jensen on the bodhran, autoharp, Celtic harp, accordion and vocals will be joined by Jake Geise on the fiddle and Willis Mattison on the bass guitar. The players have researched songs long forgotten from the Irish and Scottish countryside from the 17^th to 19^th century and preserve the ancient sounds with traditional instruments. Let’s give Paul Ericsson something to worry about this Saturday—not enough seats for the overflow crowd—just kidding, Paul. This concert tour is sponsored by Kitchigami Regional Library with funding from the State of Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. For a complete listing of Northwinds Concerts, see krls.or and click on Legacy Events.

Don’t forget about Third Thursday in Park Rapids this week. See blog from Feb. 9 for a complete listing of the program. “The Wizard of Oz” at Grand Forks, see blog for Feb. 2 for specifics. Make the trip, you’ll not regret it.

Last but not least, a mention of the visit and show by the cast of Prairie Home Companion on Saturday night. A friend from back home (east coast) called to say he listened to the show on Sunday morning and was so excited to actually know of Bemidji but also have two buddies there. Bob Solstad (yes, a Norwegian living elsewhere) said it was the best show ever and he was particularly touched by the reminiscences of Bill Batchelder about the Bemidji Woolen Mills started by his grandfather Ira in the early 1920’s and growing up in Bemidji. Keillor wore their trademark Paul Bunyan red and black block print vest for the show. In all, it was a grand “love fest” with Keillor and his crew which began with the singing of the “Star Spangled Banner” and finally ended almost three hours later for the bands continued to play and the audience sang after the close of the live broadcast. Thanks to the crew at MPR here in town for bringing the event here for all of us to relish. Our granddaughter Melanie always thought that the sound effects were part of a play on stage and was surprised to see two actors and a sound effects man “doing the show.”

That’s all she wrote folks and hope to see you at the week’s events.

For those looking for the information on the Jazz Concert this weekend and poetry readings in Key West, please check the blog for Feb. 2.

Photograher Doug Ohman is a finalist in the 23rd Annual Minnesota Book Awards this year. The book, “Prairie, Lake, Forest, Minnesota’s State Parks, written by Chris Niskanen and photography by Ohman. Look for the release of his upcoming  book on libraries of Minnesota. The books are printed by the Minnesota Historical Society Press.

Local author Kent Nerburn is a winner of the 2010 Minnesota Book Award for “The Wolf at Midnight.”

Third Thursdays in Park Rapids is going strong. The upcoming event on Thursday, Feb. 17 will feature Walt and Anita Hannemann who will sing and play guitar, violin and mandolin at the Bella Caffe’ from 5 to 5:30 p.m. and 6 to 6:30 p.m.  LouAnn Muhm, poet and English instructor at Nevis High School will bring students to read their works at Beagle Books, starting at 5 p.m. The public is invited to attend and encouraged to make a free will donation to the artists. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the people of Minnesta State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008.

The recent article on Region 2  Arts Council did not mention the members, they are as follows: Karen Edevold, Chair, Clearwater County; Deane Johnson, Vice Chair, Hubbard County; Sue Hopkins, Secretary, Lake of the Woods County; Germaine Reigert, Treasurer, Mahnomen County.  Beltrami County reps are: Kathy Gustafson and Patt Rall. Clearwater County reps are Edvold and Malotte Backer. Hubbard County reps are Johnson and Sandra Fynboh. Lake of the Woods reps are Hopkins and Diana McLain and Mahnomen County reps are Riegert and Lois Schaedler.The support staff is Terri Widman, Executive Director, Laura Dehler-Seter, Program Coordinator and Holly Alcott, Executive Assistant.  The office is located at 426 Bemidji Ave.

Bemidji audiences will welcome back Matthew Goinz as the guest conductor for this year’s Valentine’s Day concert at Bemidji High School on Tuesday, Feb. 15.  Having attended a recent rehearsal, I can personally claim that the music is beautifully performed by the BSO.

Tonight we will attend “Love Songs and Arias” at the Hampton Inn, a fundraiser for the Loon Opera Company–it’s sold out!!

Tomorrow is the Bemidji broadcast of Prairie Home Companion –tune in if unable to be there.  Don’t forget about the Jazz I Concert at Bangsberg on Saturday as well.  Who said there’s nothing to do in Bemidji!!

The annual Lonely Pines Concert is coming to the historical Chief Theater at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 12. “The Expedition Show” from Nashville with Wayne Southards, winner of the 2009 Male Vocalist of the Year of the International Acoustic Music Association, and Kimberly Williams are acknowledged as two of the finest lead vocalists in professional music. Grammy winning banjo player Blake Williams works the audience with his wit and wisdom and Alex Tibbitts on the mandolin rounds out the quartet.

“The Woodpicks” from Thief River Falls play a mixture of gospel, bluegrass and Americana with Greg Dally on mandolin, Dustin “Boy” Keller on bass fiddle, Gene Lunsetter on flat top guitar, Milo Ballingrud on banjo and JD Kezar on fiddle and harmonica.

Tickets may be bought in advance at Kelsey’s Jewelry and Overbeek Electronics for $15 for adults, $9 for teens and children 12 and under are free. The day of the show, tickets will be $18. All seating is general admission. Tickets are also available by phone at 800-635-3037 or online at MinnesotaBluegrass.org for those out of the Bemidji area.

This concert is made possible, in part, by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008. The Bemidji Concert is also underwritten by Ken Berge Construction, Super 8 Motel, 3D Repair and Raphael’s Bakery.

Matt Goinz will be appearing with the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra as a guest conductor at the Sixth Annual Valentine’s Concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15 in the Bemidji High School Auditorium. Goinz is a graduate of BSU and studied conducting with Beverly Everett. Matt toured with the BSO last August with the orchestra’s library tour as a guest soloist. For this concert, Matt will be conducting Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings.” This concert has wide appeal for all audiences and all ages. Tickets are $5 for adults at Lueken’s Village Foods North and Brigid’s Cross Irish Pub and Restaurant in downtown Bemidji. Students through the 12^th grade are admitted free.

Greater Grand Forks Community Theater will be performing “Wizard of Oz” the last two weekends of February. More information will follow but this group is well worth the effort of going to Grand Forks. There is a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Feb. 27. The production will be at the Empire Theater which is right over the Demers Ave. bridge—there are excellent eateries in that area. We try to make every show but not this year so far but we will be at this one! Their website is ggfct.org for more information.

Congratulations to Natalia Himmerska, Marlon Davidson and Don Knutson for their exhibits at the McRostie Art Center in Grand Rapids. The website is macrostieartcenter.org and phone number is 326-2697 for more information on hours of operation.

The Third Annual Love Songs and Arias” will be held at the Hampton Inn and Suites on Friday, February 11, 2001. The evening will begin with a social hour at 6 p.m. to be followed by dinner and program at 7 p.m. The menu will begin with a champagne toast followed by an Insalate Verde. For the second course there is a choice of Coq au Vin or Beef Tenderloin in a red wine sauce. A decadent chocolate dessert with coffee will complete the meal. All this and first class entertainment for a $50 ticket and the proceeds will be going to the 2011 summer season of The Loon Opera Co.

The deadline to reserve a ticket is Monday, Feb. 7. Call Abe Hunter (218) 368-8805 to make menu choice and table seating.