Mothers and Fathers, Grandmas and Grandpas or just good friends,  
listen up. If you haven't had the chance to see "The Magical Pied  
Piper" on stage now at the historic Chief Theater in downtown Bemidji  
get there any way you can. It is top notch family theater with local  
youth, some parents and new comers to the Bemidji Community Theater  
company. A collaboration with the Paul Bunyan Playhouse, the last  
performance is this afternoon at 2 p.m. After working a bit in the box  
office last night, I went behind the black curtain to grab a seat in  
the back because, lured by German folk songs in the lobby. Lights  
down, in parades the cast singing a German folk song while they  
assemble on the set, the replica of a medieval village and the magic  
begins. From the first note to the last, it is amazing: these  
youngsters from Bemidji using German accents in their parts (wow!);  
the cats, appropriated striped and patched, and lying around; the rats  
in black motorcycle jackets, hats and shades and the folk of Hamlin  
town. Special thanks to Christine Canon for her make-up expertise and  
comedic interpretation of the town baker. Bridget Stomberg is an all  
round aide backstage and up front with musician Wayne Hoff. Karen  
Bradley?s vocal direction is amazing as always for she is able to  
bring a mixed group of first timers and veteran players to the point  
where they all start and end together! Set designer Dwayne Johnson and  
his helper Ernie Rall once again fill the space with a set that keeps  
surprising and amusing the viewer. Artist Gregg Wilimek added his  
special touches to the background of green hills and valleys. The  
costumes as always are authentic replicas from the time period and the  
children?s apparel is particularly charming. Director Mary Knox  
Johnson has done it once again. She brings to the stage of the  
playhouse, a production worthy of any professional house.  
Congratulations to all? It goes without saying that this audience  
member was spellbound from curtain up to the finale. This activity is  
funded, in part, by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund as  
appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the  
vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008.
See Patty Lester at the box office starting at noon today: tickets are  
$12 for adults and $6 for children up to the age of 17.

There is so much happening on the music scene in Bemidji today?a  
flourishing arts town to be sure. If you are thinking about going to  
hear the Celtic music at the Headwaters Universalist Unitarian  
Fellowship today, you can bring a dish to share at their pot luck  
starting at 5 p.m. and then settle back for the 7 p.m. show.

"Carmina Burana" and "Fanfare for the Common Man"----what a  
combination---two of my favorites of modern classical literature.  
Erika Svanoe and Bradley Logan would so appreciate seeing a good  
turn-out for today's concert starting at 3 p.m. today in Bangsberg  
Hall on the campus of BSU.

Thanks for all the good wishes and welcome backs?Ernie and I really  
appreciated the warm good wishes by emails, phone calls and in person.  
It was an adventure to be sure but not one that we would like to  
repeat on our next trip. Thanks again.

A special shout-out to Dr. Annie Henry---your card and its sentiments  
mean so much to this writer. It was an honor to interview you for the  
story and I look forward to hearing more first person history in the  
future. Thank you for sharing your account of the tumultuous 1960's.