Upcoming show: Looney Lutherans share music and laughter on April 6

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association has a special evening filled with great conversation, food and laughs planned for Saturday the 6th of April that you won’t want to miss. The Looney Lutherans will present their musical performance at 7pm in Memorial Auditorium. They are a trio of wacky gals who use music, comedy and some help from the audience to share their age-old wisdom for living a long and lively life, the Lutheran way.

The idea for the “Looney Lutherans” was cooked up in 2006 when the founding members were appearing in the cast of the hit musical Church Basement Ladies. The company has since expanded to include additional “Loonies,” all professional actresses, writers, singers and improvisers.

Their show is comedic and family friendly – and best of all you don’t have to be Lutheran to love it!

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association will host a special “church basement supper” meal at Grace Lutheran Church, conveniently located directly across the street from Memorial Auditorium, prior to the show. Step back in time and enjoy a traditional supper consisting of tater tot hotdish, vegetable, fruit salad, buttered bun and your choice of coffee or lemonade. Price per plate is $15, cash or check only. This fundraiser meal experience will be served from 5:00-6:00pm and seating is limited to the first 150 responses. Please make your advance reservation by emailing [email protected] or call 320-312-2311 to leave a message at the box office.

Event sponsors for The Looney Lutherans are Dick Berglund; Kluver Law & Mediation Center PLLC; and Subway-Gary & Cindy Hendrickx. Coffee from Gnometown Grounds will be served in the lobby.

Admission to the 7pm performance at Memorial Auditorium is $20 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are currently available online or at the door or by calling the box office at 320-312-2311.

We encourage you to gather your friends and family for a memorable experience that is close to home. This special evening is filled with delicious food and a performance described by previous audience members as thoroughly delightful, enjoyable, laughable entertainment. This is the perfect opportunity to support the performing arts in our local region while making new memories.

Upcoming show March 15: Ring of Kerry joined by Celtic dancers at Memorial Auditorium

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association presents an evening of Irish music and Celtic dance to kick off St. Patrick’s weekend. Ring of Kerry is a bursting-with-energy Irish music group that captures the hearts of listeners. The group takes its name from a beautiful craggy drive in southwestern County Kerry, Ireland. Its Celtic music, however, is played with a heart much closer to its American home.

Ring of Kerry will be joined by Celtic dancers for this highly engaging performance celebrating traditional roots, modern ideas and original work. The performing artists’ time in Dawson will include an afternoon student performance for both elementary and high school students. Additionally, the Irish music group and Celtic dancers will travel to Johnson Memorial Health Services for a late afternoon performance specifically tailored to our care center residents and assisted living tenants.

This activity is funded in part with a grant from the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council made possible by the voters of Minnesota, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. Event sponsors for this event are Peggy Crosby and Dave Pederson. Coffee from Gnometown Grounds will be served in the lobby.

Admission to the 7pm evening performance at Memorial Auditorium is $20 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are currently available online at dawsonboydartspresents.org or at the door or by calling the box office at 320-312-2311.

We encourage audience members to make it a complete evening by attending the Dawson-Boyd Robotics team’s 5-7pm open house and meal prior to Ring of Kerry’s 7pm performance at Memorial Auditorium. The robotics open house takes place at Dawson-Boyd High School’s Innovation Lab where the community will have the opportunity to learn about this year’s competition and witness the robot in action. The meal consisting of pulled smoked turkey, chips, a cookie and water will be available as a free-will donation in the nearby Ag Shop.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, dance and technology as we celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Ireland and Robotics. These performances promise to be a delightful and enriching experience for all.

Upcoming show Jan 20: The Twins of Franklin at Madison Mercantile

The Twins of Franklin – Indie/Folk Duo – January 20th, 2024

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association announces its return to the Madison Mercantile stage for the next event in the 2023-2024 performing arts season. Dawson-Boyd Arts Association is pleased to present The Twins of Franklin on Saturday, January 20 at 7:00pm. The community space created by Kris Shelstad at Madison Mercantile continues to host a variety of area events including film screenings, concerts, plays and more.

According to executive director Tracy Hanson, Dawson-Boyd Arts Association strives to present a wide variety of performances each season that appeal to audience members throughout the region. “Bringing talented and unique performing artists to our communities while creating memorable audience experiences is important and the space at Madison Mercantile is the ideal setting for this particular performance,” says Hanson. “Collaboration is key to ensuring our communities are afforded high-quality arts events,” says Shelstad of Madison Mercantile.

The Twins of Franklin are a Minneapolis-based indie/folk duo made up of Becky Shaheen and Laura Lou. With the help of their bandmate, they put on a live performance of original songs that contain traditional folk elements with spouts of dance, pop and even anthem rock revolving around their powerful vocals.

Event sponsor is Odden & Zimbelman TV & Appliance & Sleep Center. Madison Mercantile, located at 601 1st Street in Madison, will have light food and beverages available for purchase prior to the show and during intermission. Doors open at 6:15 pm. Admission is $20 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are currently available online at dawsonboydartspresents.org or at the door or by calling the box office at 320-312-2311. Seating is limited.

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association to participate in 15th Annual Give to the Max Day on November 16

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association is proud to participate in the 15th annual Give to the Max Day on Thursday, Nov. 16. Give to the Max is a statewide grassroot giving event that raises tens of millions of dollars each year for more than 6,000 causes across Minnesota and beyond.

Right now, Dawson-Boyd Arts Association needs your help. Following the recent lobby renovation, we plan to showcase student and community member visual art. Funds raised through Give to the Max will help fund the construction of a custom-built portable display case where local talent will be featured on a rotating basis.

To participate in Give to the Max, donors may visit GiveMN.org and search for the causes they care about most by name, keyword, ZIP code or related keywords. Give to the Max’s Early Giving period begins November 1 and continues through Give to the Max Day on Nov. 16, with random drawings throughout for more than $100,000 in prize grants for Minnesota organizations.

Additionally, each donation to through GiveMN.org qualifies Dawson-Boyd Arts Association for additional prize grants, thanks to the continued generosity of the Bush Foundation.  To follow along with Give to the Max and make a gift to your favorite causes, visit GiveMN.org beginning Nov. 1, and use #GTMD23 to join the conversation online.

Upcoming show November 11: Sing Me A Country Song – Great Country Duets, Hits and More!

Sing Me A Country Song Great Country – Duets, Hits and More! – November 11, 2023

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association presents Bobby Vandell and Colleen Raye performing their popular show entitled Sing Me A Country Song – Great Country Duets, Hits and More at Memorial Auditorium in Dawson on Saturday, November 11 at 7:00pm.

Enjoy the great country duets and hits through the years with Bobby and Colleen (familiar to many as Patsy Cline in a previous DBAA event). These two talented performers have a perfect vocal blend and natural rapport with the audience. You’ll hear songs from Johnny and June, Lady Antebellum, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Crystal Gayle, as well Kenny and Dolly, Waylon and Willie, Hank Williams, Allison Kraus and more.

This evening’s event includes a visual art exhibit in the lobby prior to the concert featuring J Menden Silver with her handmade silver jewelry of traditional designs and methods. Coffee will be served in the lobby beginning at 6pm. Let the evening wind down with pie, coffee and socializing immediately following the concert. Why cut a good time short – come join us afterwards.

Event sponsors are Farmers for Dawson, Johnson Memorial Health Services, and Gary & Ingrid Larson. Admission is $20 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are currently available online at dawsonboydartspresents.org or by calling the box office at 320-312-2311. Concert tickets will also be available at the door.

Upcoming show October 26: Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association presents the TheaterWorksUSA production of Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical – October 26, 2023

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association is pleased to present a live children’s theater experience for area students on Thursday, October 26 at Memorial Auditorium in Dawson.

Students from Dawson-Boyd’s Stevens Elementary, along with students from neighboring elementary schools including Appleton-Milan, Madison-Marietta-Nassau, Lakeview, Canby, Ortonville, Ramsey, Bert Raney and Minneota will experience The TheaterWorksUSA’s production of Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical.

Students will follow along as Cat Kid and Molly Pollywog start an epic club to teach 21 rambunctious baby frogs how to make their own comics! Their fishy father Flippy is overjoyed that his kids will learn to unleash their creativity, but when the frogs’ constant bickering and outrageous imaginations send their comics comically off the rails, Flippy flips out! Will the club survive? Will the frogs ever get along? And will creativity finally save the day? All will be answered in this madcap musical based on Dav Pilkey’s irreverently hilarious book series.

Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical has a book and lyrics by Kevin Del Aguila, music by Brad Alexander, and direction and choreography by Marlo Hunter.

TheaterWorksUSA consistently brings high quality, fun productions to Memorial Auditorium. Combining their musical talent with a familiar character, Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical is sure to entertain audiences while educating students about conflict resolution. For more information on this production visit: twusa.org. Dawson-Boyd Arts Association can be reached at 320.312.2311 or by visiting dawsonboydarts.org. Event sponsor for this performance is Madison Dental Clinic – Brandon Ulstad DDS.

Upcoming show October 12: Enso Daiko

Ensō Daiko – Japanese Taiko Drumming – October 12, 2023

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association presents an energetic performance of Japanese Taiko Drumming featuring Ensō Daiko at Memorial Auditorium in Dawson on Thursday, October 12 at 7:00pm.

This energetic performance combines music, dance, culture and pure athleticism. Taiko is the Japanese work for drum and refers to the modern style of playing these drums. Wadaiko (in Japan) and kumi daiko (in North America) is movement infused, heart-pounding, dynamic group drumming. Think of it as a high energy performance art that combines music, dance, martial arts, athletics and culture.

Ensō Daiko’s time in Dawson will include an afternoon student performance for grades 3-12 as well as an exclusive drumming workshop for Dawson-Boyd High School’s Junior High and Senior High Bands. This activity is funded in part with a grant from the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council made possible by the voters of Minnesota, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Event sponsor for this event is AGP. Coffee from Marc’s on Main will be served in the lobby. Admission to the evening public performance is $20 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are currently available online at dawsonboydartspresents.org or at the door or by calling the box office at 320-312-2311.

Upcoming show September 30: The High 48s Bluegrass Band

The High 48s Bluegrass Band: Meander Weekend Concert – September 30, 2023

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association announces the opening concert of its 23rd performing arts season with a concert by The High 48s Bluegrass Band during Meander Weekend on Saturday, September 30 at 7:00pm at Memorial Auditorium in Dawson.

Since forming in northeast Minneapolis in 2006, The High 48s have been making music that combines the soulful sound of classic bluegrass with a modern attitude. They’re a band with one foot in tradition and the other in the world of music today. The High 48s are also a band of songwriters. Here, too, they take a modern approach, heeding the well-worn advice to writers: write what you know. Their songs ring true to their lives as northern city-folk rather than an imagined “sweet, sunny south” of coal miners.

Event sponsors for this event are FM Bank, Pioneer PBS, and Norma Powers. Coffee from Marc’s on Main will be served in the lobby. Admission is $20 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets for the concert are currently available online at dawsonboydartspresents.org or through the box office at 320-312-2311. Concert tickets will also be available at the door.

June 24: Folsom Prison Experience features music of Johnny Cash Tickets on Sale now!

Dawson-Boyd Arts Association announces that tickets are now on sale for the Riverfest Weekend show, Folsom Prison Experience, at Memorial Auditorium on Saturday, June 24 at 7:00pm. Described as “an immersive tribute drama,” Folsom Prison Experience is a musical that merges live concert, stage drama, audience participation and interactive theater. The show recreates one of the most important days in Johnny Cash’s storied musical career – January 13, 1968 – when he and his entourage put on two shows for the inmates of California’s Folsom Prison.

At the center of the production is Church of Cash, the award-winning Johnny Cash tribute band featuring Jay Ernest as The Man in Black. Folsom Prison Experience was written by Ernest and his friend and collaborator Tom Pickard.

The critical and commercial reactions to Johnny Cash’s iconic 1968 live recording, At Folsom Prison, are well documented – a No. 1 smash that catapulted Cash to crossover stardom and cemented his reputation as an artist who didn’t play by the conventional rules.

Audiences are encouraged to become a part of the production by wearing inmate attire and consider themselves part of that same captive crowd that cheered during Cash’s 1968 concert.