A World Full of Dance

Coming up next week, we've got not one but TWO fun dance shows with new clients: Expectation Station by DanceCo (Oct 17-22 at In the Heart of the Beast's Avalon Theater) and The Three Bonnies by DA Dance (Oct 19-21 at The Celtic Junction).

 DanceCo creates original dance narratives for young audiences and their families. Their latest creation, Expectation Station, is a dynamic, magical production features live music from the Roe Family Singers and "Engineer" Paul Howe with performers including Rebecca Surmont, Heather Cadigan-Brockman, Benjamin Johnson, Brittany Keefe, Jennifer Pray, Stephen Schroeder and Brian Sostek.

Moving in rhythm to country and blues, The Three Bonnies weaves together movement, storytelling, and video of both people and horses for a very human story on the ways we interact with each other and how we can learn from the natural world. This performance is unique in its approach to dance, not only due to the diverse and demanding mix of styles, but also by exploring the movement of horsemanship as a metaphor for our own non-verbal communication. The Three Bonnies features choreography by DA Dance Artistic Director Denise Armstead with Sharon Picasso, Gerry Girouard, Cade Holmseth, Christine Maginnis, and Brian Evans.

Summer's End

We are delighted to be working with our newest client, Painted Prairie Vineyard, near Connie's home-town in Murry County, MN. Started in 2006, Painted Prairie is a family-owned and operated vineyard and winery with a variety of fun events from bonfires to yoga--and, of course, wine tastings. Check them out next time you're in southwest Minnesota!

Labor Day is right around the corner, and while the weekend may be the unnofficial end of summer as the days become shorter and kids head back to school, it also ushers in the start of a new season in the Twin Cities performing arts community. Here's what's coming up:

	Park Square Theatre's 2017-2018 Season kicks off on September 15 with Henry and Alice: Into the Wild, a hilarious follow-up to the smash hit Sexy Laundry, playing through October 22 on the Andy Boss Thrust Stage. The Pproscenium Stage opens its curtains on October 13 with a brand new take on William Shakespeare's Hamlet, adapted and directed by Joel Sass. Single tickets and season packages are on sale now.
	JazzMN Orchestra returns to the Ordway Concert Hall for the first show in their 2017-18 Season on Friday, October 20, featuring internationally acclaimed jazz trombonist Wycliffe Gordon as well as Twin Cities vocalist Yolande Bruce. Single tickets, as well as 3- and 4-show packages, are on sale now. If you can't wait until October for some more jazz, join JazzMN Orchestra as they accompany singer/saxophonist Curtis Stigers for a special show at the Dakota Jazz Club on September 19.
	Also at the Ordway Concert Hall, Oratorio Society of Minnesota begins their 2017-18 Season on Veterans Day, November 10, with a program dedicated to the universal longing for world peace. Joining the OSM chorus and orchestra will be the Prior Lake High School Concert Choir as part of their Viva Coro! youth engagement program.

Festival Season, Part 2

Hot on the heels of a successful Twin Cities Jazz Festival last month (Have you seen the awesome photos from this year's event on Facebook yet?!), the two-day Lowertown Blues and Funk Festival kicks off tonight! Jearlyn Steele previewed the event with help from Reneé Austin and her band on Almanac earlier this week:

	Then, next month, IndiaFest returns to the Saint Paul Capitol Ground on August 19. Celebrating the rich heritage, traditions, diversity, and culture of India, the event features fun activities for adults and kids of all ages: delectable Indian cuisine from local restaurants, foot-tapping live Bollywood music, dance performances, cultural displays, and a large bazaar.
	At Park Square Theatre, the world premiere commission of Might As Well Be Dead: A Nero Wolfe Mystery continues through July 30 on the Proscenium Stage, and Girl Friday Productions's Idiot's Delight plays through July 23 on the Andy Boss Thrsut Stage. Stay tuned for the 2017-2018 Season, which kicks off in September. Single tickets and season packages are on sale now.