We wish we had a dime for every time someone told us how lucky we are to live in a happenin’ town like Bemidji. For us, it was the public art that sold the city; our fascination with sculpture on and around the streets. The Bemidji Sculpture Walk was new then, probably the second year for that was in May of 2000. Since that time, just a short 10 years, this sleepy town has turned into a destination city for the arts, music, medical services and shopping. Who would have thought that there would be a Menards and Home Depot within “spitting” distance or a Target vying with a Super Wal-Mart? To add to the firsts in this fair city, The Bemidji Sculpture Walk is inviting the public, not just those who live here, but those who visit as tourists or are summer residents to vote on the “People’s Choice Award for 2010-11. The winner of the People’s Choice Award ($1,000) will receive their prize at the annual Bemidji Sculpture Walk Reception to be held, this year, at the Hampton Inn and Suites. Click here to see the choices and vote; you may click twice on a picture to increase the size for better viewing and then click the back arrow on your browser to return to the story. Click here to vote.

We’ll be looking for you at the Bemidji State University State University Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band spring concert at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 27 in the main theater of Bangsberg Fine and Performing Arts Complex, 14^th St. and Birchmont Dr. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and free for all students. The Wind Ensemble will perform “Prayer” by Michael Schelle, for solo cello and chamber winds featuring retiring faculty member Patrick Riley on cello. The Symphonic Jazz Suite for jazz combo and concert band by Frank Bencriscutto will feature retiring faculty member Steve Konecne on saxophone with Del Lyren on trumpet, Pat Riley on bass and Greg Gaston on drums. The Wind Ensemble will also be performing Tchaikovsky’s “Dance of the Jesters,” “Celebration Overture” by Paul Creston and “Vesuvius” by Frank Ticheli. The Symphonic Band will be performing “Chorale and Alleluia” by Howard Hanson, “English Folk Song Suite” by Ralph Vaughan Williams and a medley of music from “the Wizard of Oz.” Both ensembles are under the direction of Erika Svanoe, Director of Bands at BSU.

Also, don’t forget that the Legacy Events coming up this week. The entire schedule can be seen on line, click here.