Entertainment Briefs - April 21

Bestselling Author Brian Freeman to visit Kitchigami libraries

Bestselling Minnesota author Brian Freeman will speak at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Brainerd Public Library.

Freeman is the author of 10 psychological thrillers, with his newest book, "Goodbye to the Dead," just released this March. His books have won many awards and have been praised by

critics and bestselling authors alike, including Michael Connelly, Lisa Gardner and Nelson DeMille.

Freeman discusses his new book and provides presentation called Stride's Duluth, which takes readers on a tour of real-life places in the Northland that he uses in his thrillers-from the landmarks of Canal Park to the infamous "Graffiti Graveyard."

A book signing will follow the talk and books will be available for purchase. The program is open to everyone and no registration is required.

This free Legacy Program is funded in part or in whole with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008 which dedicated funding to preserve Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage.

Freeman also will speak at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Margaret Welch Memorial Library in Longville; 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Cass Lake Community Library; 3 p.m. Wednesday at Pequot Lakes Community Library; 1:30 p.m. April 28, Crosslake Area Library; 6 p.m. April 28, Wadena City Library; noon April 29, Walker Public Library; and 5:30 p.m. April 29, Pine River Public Library.

Workshop scheduled Saturday at library

The Brainerd Public Library's next writers' workshop titled "How to Attract Readers (or Publishers) with an Engaging First Page" will be 9-11 a.m. Saturday.

The first paragraphs of a writer's manuscript have an important job-to hook the reader and keep them turning the pages. So how do writer's make their opening page interesting? The workshop will discuss the components of an effective first page, view examples of current works and end with practical advice to help implement these details in written work.

Attendees should bring their first page of their memoir or novel for critique. This workshop is suitable for all genres. Register by calling the Library at 218-829-5574.

Angela Foster will lead the class. She is a writer and editor who lives in Pine City. She

teaches memoir at the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis and holds a master's in Creative Nonfiction from Pine Manor College in Boston, Mass.

Foster's poetry book, "Farm Girls," co-authored with her sister Candace Simar, was released by Riverplace Press of Brainerd.

These free Legacy Programs are funded in part or in whole with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008 which dedicated funding to preserve Minnesota's art and cultural heritage.

For more information contact the Brainerd Public Library at 218-829-5574.

Louie Anderson and Schommer to present comedy in Little Falls

LITTLE FALLS-"The Basket Case Tour" Starring Louie Anderson and Jason Schommer will hit the stage in Little Falls for one night-7:30 p.m. April 29 at Great River Arts Center.

Tickets are $30 for general admission or $50 VIP with a pre-show "Meet and Greet" with Louie Anderson at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.gretart.org , by phone at 320-632-0960 or in person at Great River Arts during office hours.

Iconic comedian Louie Anderson, the two-time Emmy award winner, is one of the country's most recognized and adored comics; named by Comedy Central as "One of 100 Greatest Stand-Up Comedians of All Time." His career has spanned more than 30 years. He is a bestselling author, star of his own standup specials and sitcoms, and he continues to tour the country performing to standing room only crowds worldwide.

Sharing the ups and downs of his childhood experiences as one of 11 children in Minnesota, Anderson crafted comedy routines that rang true for his early club audiences while reducing them to helpless fits of laughter, routines that led him from his career as a counselor to troubled children to the first-place trophy at the 1981 Midwest Comedy Competition. Henny Youngman, who hosted the competition, recognized the diamond-in-the-rough genius of the young comic and hired him as a writer, providing invaluable experience that soon put Anderson in his own spotlight on comedy stages all over the country.

Johnny Carson, the comedy icon for generations of rising stars, invited Anderson to make his national television debut on the "The Tonight Show" in 1984, and the rest is history. Leno, Letterman, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, "Comic Relief" and Showtime, HBO and CMT specials followed, including hosting the legendary game show, Family Feud, making Anderson a household name and opening doors for him as an actor. He has guest-starred in sitcoms like "Grace Under Fire" and dramas like "Touched by an Angel" and "Chicago Hope" and he has had roles in film comedies like "Coming to America" and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." In 2013, he took a dive on the ABC reality series, "Splash" where he conquered his own fears while becoming an inspiration of hope. His standup Special, "Big Baby Boomer" premiered on CMT in 2013. Also in that year, he competed and inspired on the ABC reality competition show, "Splash."

In 2016, Anderson was cast to co-star along with Zach Galifianakis and Martha Kelly in the hit FX series, "Baskets."

Schommer, a 1992 graduate of Little Falls Community High School, is a standup comedian who was named "What's Hot For 2013" by Campus Activities Magazine and has spent two years as the opening act for Anderson in Las Vegas. Anderson in a press release stated "Jason is funny, clever, smart, and on his way to the big time." Laugh-until-you-cry stories combine with playful one liners covering a wide array of topics ranging from the daily struggles of life to his loveable, yet kooky, Minnesotan family. Schommer's comedy style ranges from observational humor based on his life, the world around us and hilarious commentary of pop culture recounting hysterical true encounters with celebrities such as Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Dolly Parton. Schommer has directed such shows locally as "Grease," "Disney's Beauty and the Beast," "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and "Evita."

Schommer recently recorded his first album of live stand up comedy which will be released in the fall.

Lakes Singles spring dance planned

The Lakes Area Singles spring dance will be 7:30-11:30 p.m. Saturday at The Old Waterfall, north of Brainerd off Highway 371.

Entertainment is by The Agates. There is a $5 admission or free for those with a new or renewed yearly membership of $24.

Singles over the age of 40 are welcome. Singles can bring a friend.

Arb fundraiser planned April 29

The 10th annual Arbor Day at the Northland Arboretum-Fine Wine and Craft Beer Sampling-- is from 6-8 p.m. April 29. Cost is $35 per person in advance or $40 at the door. For advance tickets go to www.northlandarb.org or call 218-829-8770.

Participants can sample wine and craft beer, paired with different foods.

The event is located at the arboretum located on Conservation Drive behind the Westgate Mall.

Coffeehouse event returns to St. Francis Music Center

LITTLE FALLS-K & C Café, a night of live music with professional musician John Moses, will be from 7-9 p.m. April 29 at St. Francis Music Center in Little Falls. Teens and families are invited to hear a variety of music for all ages.

Moses is a local musician who is not new to singing, writing and playing Christian music, but he is relatively new to the music industry.

Moses is a self-taught guitarist who spent hours learning new techniques, who soon evolved into a song writer. All of his songs to date have come out expressing his faith in a simple, clean style with an undiluted message.

A new concept for the Music Center, K & C Café features a variety of entertainment one night each month, performed in a relaxed coffeehouse atmosphere. The K & C Café is committed to offering a safe, teen-friendly and family-friendly place for everyone to enjoy live music. Chess, checkers and other board games and activities for youth and adults to enjoy will be available. Admission is free and open to the public.

For more information, go to www.sfmusiccenter.org or call 320-632-0637. This activity is funded by Catholic Health Initiatives through St. Francis Music Center's URock Against Violence Program. St. Francis Music Center is a community school for the arts, sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls.

St. Francis Music Center presents spring concert

LITTLE FALLS-St. Francis Music Center in Little Falls presents its free spring concert, "Music and Mission: A Global Affair," featuring the St. Francis String Orchestra at 7 p.m. Friday in Sacred Heart Chapel at St. Francis Convent in Little Falls.

This concert will celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls,

recognizing their love of music and their vision and commitment to serve not only our local

community but communities around the globe. Folk music from a variety of countries including

Mexico, Spain, Brazil, Africa, Portugal, Jamaica, England and the Celtic Isles will be presented in the concert.

The St. Francis Preparatory Orchestra will play Jingli Nona, Portuguese for "Dancing Lady;"

Cielito Lindo, Mexican for "Pretty Lady;" Jamaican Suite and more.

The St. Francis Concert Orchestra will present several pieces including: African Accents; Aria from Cantilena by Heitor Villa-Lobos; Tres Valses Poeticos by Enrique Granados; and a medley of tunes from Disney's "Pirates of the Caribbean."

St. Francis Music Center has a new Chamber Orchestra comprised of eight advanced players

who will perform several movements of Peter Warlock's Capriol Suite.

The concert also includes student soloists and St. Francis Music Center faculty members and friends from the Heartland Symphony Orchestra. All orchestras are conducted by Bobbi French.

The String Orchestras are supported by the Minnesota State Arts Board, US Bank, Pine Country Bank, private donations and the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls.

For more information, go to www.sfmusiccenter.org or call 320-632-0637.

Spring Tea planned in Aitkin

AITKIN-The Jaques Art Center will hold a Spring Tea from 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, with guest speaker Janius Hasselius, an artist and Master Gardener from Aitkin.

Hasselius will speak on "Gardening with Monet." Cost is $23. Seating is limited.

Call the Jaques to reserve a spot at 218-927-2363.

In other Jaques business, the Jaques Art Club meets from 1-3 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month; and the Coloring Club meets from 1-3 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month.

Great River Arts celebrates Earth Day

LITTLE FALLS - Great River Arts will celebrate Earth Day Friday, with an opening reception in the Main Gallery Exhibition titled "GRA goes GREEN!" which is a community installation project featuring the work of 700 students. The reception will be 6-8 p.m. and will be highlighted by the Fashion Trashion Runway Show which starts at 7 p.m. There will be a free will donation accepted to attend the event and support future programming at GRA.

Fashion Trashion is a trend in wearable art where costumes and outfits are created from recycled, found or reused objects typically not seen in clothing. From ball gowns made of plastic bags to suit coats made of newspaper, the styles will make you think twice about what you are throwing away. This is the second annual Earth Day Fashion Trashion Show at Great River Arts. Last year more than 60 people attended the event which featured students from pre-school to college modeling their creations.

Harper's Chord to perform Saturday

LITTLE FALLS-Harper's Chord will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Great River Arts in Little Falls. Doors for the show open at 7 p.m., with music will at 7:30 p.m.

Harper's Chord has been on hiatus since December of 2015 to focus on reconfiguring their sound and learning new music. This will be the first show featuring the newest member of Harper's Chord, Dave Lumley, on lead guitar, mandolin and vocals.

Based out of Central Minnesota, Harper's Chord, is a country/folk/americana band known for their captivating two, three and four part harmonies and outstanding musicianship.

Tickets for the show are just $10 available by phone at 320-632-0960, online at www.greatart.org or in person at GRA.

Great River Arts is funded in part by the Five Wings Arts Council and Legacy Amendment.

1/2: Harper’s Chord, consisting of Dave Lumley, Jill Moore, Roger Fink and Micah Barrett will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Great River Arts in Little Falls. (Submitted)

2/2: Six-year-old Harper Moore of Little Falls models her newspaper ball gown. The gown is part of Great River Arts’ Earth Day event titled Fashion Trashion. (Submitted)