December 2020
Bill & Kate Isles are an acoustic singer/songwriter duo based in Duluth, Minnesota. Using a wide variety of musical styles, their performances carry audiences through a broad landscape of experiences from metaphorical worlds to small town family stories and to zany comedy. Consummate performers, they are known for their catchy melodies and memorable songs. They have a deep-seated love for the audience, and each other, and it shines before, during, and after the performance. They tour nationally, presenting their profound songs for audiences large and small, from house concerts to festival stages and everything in between. Words like 'Mesmerizing, 'Transcendent', and even, 'Hysterical' are common descriptions from audience reviews and audiences members feel that they are listening to stories of their own lives, told by two of their best friends.
Bill Isles (Born and raised in Duluth, MN) performed his first show of original songs, after a twenty-five year hiatus, in February of 2000. Since that time, he has become one of the most well known singer/songwriters in the Minnesota acoustic scene and has been getting national and international attention. Bill's love of life has strong roots in his childhood, but his urgency to tell these stories comes from an experience in 1993 when, with just enough warning to drive himself to the hospital, he experienced a Sudden Cardiac Arrest. He arrived with just ten minutes to spare. After being defibrillated, and before the doctors had time to detect and open a blocked artery in his heart, he made a commitment to himself that, if he survived, he would begin to write again. Those paddles restarted more than just his heart…
Kate Isles (Born in Tecumseh, NE, raised in Rochester, MN) came to the CD release concert for Bill's first CD, “Weightless” after hearing a public radio interview. She bought the CD and signed up on his e-mail list. ('Grounds for marriage!' quips Bill). Their song, 'Public Radio (A True Story)' is a delightful duet that chronicles these beginnings.
Their relationship began in the ensuing months as they enjoyed afternoon sessions with guitars, harmonies and coffee. They've been together ever since, marrying in May of 2004. They have toured nationally as a duo, full-time, since early 2007, performing 100-150 shows per year. Their late-2011 duo album, 'Still Beneath the Stars and Moon', includes ten new original songs, and showcases their respective songwriting with several of Kate’s songs as well as a few they’ve co-written. The response has been very positive with many comments such as 'We’re wearing out your CD, we listen to it all the time!'; and 'It’s the perfect blend of two voices'.
She released her debut solo album, "From Home" in November of 2015.
Purchase TicketsJanuary 2021
In-Person Tickets Available by calling the Box Office
Mon, Wed, Fri Noon - 5PM
(218) 327-5780
Hello, my name is Larry Yazzie a proud member of the Meskwaki Nation near Tama, Iowa. We are of the Algonquin speaking dialect of the eastern woodland region. We are centrally located in the great state of Iowa. Back in 1857 our forefathers snuck up to Iowa from Oklahoma and Kansas and purchased our first 80 acres. With the help of local farmers and the Governor of Iowa at the time granted us the Meskwaki citizens of Iowa
I’m honored to share my stories and culture with you through music and dance. We are made up of several tribes and promise to bring you the best experience possible!
As I play my flute I play in prayer for all who are going through hard times especially during this pandemic we will get through this together. We all need to pray together I too have experienced hardships in my life, especially in my community on the Meskwaki Indian Settlement near Tama, Iowa. Earlier this summer we were hit with a Derecho storm a land hurricane with winds up to 130 mph with devastation everywhere! But we prevailed and came together through prayers and help pouring in from everywhere! So thank you! ...”
Featuring:
FREE VIRTUAL BINGO!
Advanced registration required by contacting ElderCircle
(218) 999-9233 ext. 279
ecircle@eldercircle.org
VIDEO ON DEMAND
In-Person Tickets Available by calling the Box Office
Mon, Wed, Fri Noon – 5PM
(218) 327-5780
This adaptation, written by Reif Education Director Katie E. Smith, brings together Reif Dance ballet students and Theater Education students in grades 3-12, and has been created with social distancing in mind. It is an adaptation of the 1903 operetta by Glen McDonough and Victor Herbert and is the first joint production of the two Reif Education programs. Original choreography has been created by Dance Director Deirdre Murnane and the Reif Dance staff. The music has been adapted by Grand Rapids native and Ely Band Director, Sarah Mason.
THANK YOU TO SPONSORS
February 2021
VIDEO ON DEMAND
B2wins (Pronounced B-Twins… short for Brazilian Twins)
This high energy entertainment group continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its unique sound and engaging live show that targets the masses. Led by charismatic Twin brothers from Rio de Janeiro, they combine a plethora of genres into a live show that is equal parts rock concert, jam session, dance party and house party. Fans describe it like seeing your new best friends in concert.
Growing up in the violent, slums of Brazil, the Twins began playing classical music on violins their father made by hand. They used music as an escape from their reality and began teaching others in their neighborhood. After being featured on National Public Radio, the Twins were invited to the US on full ride music scholarships.
After performing 153 shows across 14 states in 2019, B2wins continue to cultivate a loyal fan base wherever they perform. From hip-hop heads to jazz aficionados, rockers to reggae fans, all find common ground at a B2wins show. The Twins are on a mission to change the world, one smile at a time.
Engaging & Relatable
By utilizing music, humor, audience interaction and participation, Walter & Wagner are able to connect with audiences in never before seen ways. Their magnetic personalities and sincerity, coupled with engaging showmanship, create a dynamite package that is equal parts fun and life changing. Using their story of overcoming extreme adversity through positivity, the Twins have inspired thousands of all ages and backgrounds around the world.
FREE VIRTUAL BINGO!
Advanced registration required by contacting ElderCircle
(218) 999-9233 ext. 279
ecircle@eldercircle.org
The Power of Good Manners!
Educates. Inspires. Entertains.
Kenny Ahern has performed for thousands of school children worldwide!
The POWER of Good Manners! A 45-minute K-5 edutainment presentation, that heralds the importance of good manners in school and life! Character virtues are not just words—they are a call to action!
“I’m all about creating an honest message and a fun, relevant presentation.”
This presentation was developed through consultation with educational professionals. Students learn the main points of Kenny's show: Respect for All; The Importance of Asking for Help; Making Good Choices; and Pleases & Thank Yous are Important.
TESTIMONIALS
“ Your emphasis on pleases, thank yous, and the ability to ask for help was a natural progression for development of the "B.O.A.T. Rules" The teachers from Pre-K through 5th grade have each expressed admiration for the quality of your skills, ability to interact with the students, and the near magical manner that you communicate with a participant . You are, indeed, a teacher at heart!”
Craig Oliver, Teacher
Brandon Elementary School
"The kids were very engaged in the program, and understood the importance of good manners by the end of the show. The kids absolutely loved the way you got them involved with the show. Three weeks after the show, I am still hearing students talk about "The Power of Good Manners."
Chris Sadler, Principal
Humke Elementary School
"Kenny Ahern is a wonderful performer and really engaged our students Kindergarten through grade 6 in his performance. His program may well be the best I’ve personally seen. It would be nice if all lyceums were as educational, fun and entertaining as this was."
Dennis Geissler, Principal
Colfax Elementary School
“Kenny absolutely tops my list of favorites. He's professional and easy to work with, and most importantly, the kids think he's a blast. He just knows exactly what to do to make them laugh. I always look forward to his visits!"
Shelly–Collins Fuerbringer, Childrens Director
LE Phillips Memorial Public Library
"Your performance captivated the audience, students and teachers alike, Your positive message made a deep impression on the students. Thank you for your generosity, It was greatly appreciated by all of us.”
Joyce A Olson, Principal
Moundview Elementary School
March 2021
THANK YOU TO SPONSOR
STUDY GUIDE
Courtesy of the Yehuda Amir Institute for the Advancement of Social Integration, Bar-Ilan University
INSTRUMENT GUIDE
Courtesy of the Minnesota Orchestra
The Reif Arts Council presents A Reif Education production of Peter and the Wolf. The video is available on-demand through May 31 at reifcenter.org.
Recorded in February 2020 at the Myles Reif Performing Arts Center in Grand Rapids, this all-ages, educational performance is based on Sergei Prokofiev’s classic composition, and features the Itasca Orchestra. It is great for classrooms and virtual learners.
Written in 1936, Peter & the Wolf is performed with a narrator and the musical work is as an introduction to the instruments of the orchestra. Each character in the story is personified by its own instruments and melody.
Study guides are available to help viewers make connections with their classroom learning and creating opportunities for active listening and related creative activities. In addition to learning to identify instruments by sight and sound, they learn that stories and emotion can be communicated through music.
The performance is directed by Itasca Strings Program director of string instruction Pedro Oviedo. Guest musician Evgeny Zvonnikov has performed this famous piece as concertmaster in orchestras in his native Russia and performs as concertmaster of the Grand Rapids based community orchestra. Steve Jaeger narrates. Technical direction and audio/video production by the Reif Arts Council.
Running time of the performance is 37 minutes. For more information, email the Reif Box Office boxoffice@reifcenter.org.
The presentation is made possible by generous sponsor The Loggy Dome.
Reif Dance Company is made up of the most dedicated and talented dancers who commit to extra rehearsal time for a place in the company, or for younger students, the Jr. Company. The Company Show brings together original, classical, contemporary, and modern dance, presenting works by professional choreographers as well as student choreography. It also features solos from our senior students who have been with us many years and are going off to college next year.
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Christopher David Hanson is an artist who transcends mediums. As a musician: Old Rock & Roll, Kickin' Country, Swing & Soul sums up his style. His music has a long list of notable accomplishments including 5 songs placed in Motion Pictures, numerous PBS TV specials, and a host of opening slots with some of nations top groups including; Gin Blossoms, Black Oak Arkansas, Live, Kid Rock's Shannon Curfman, Cory Chisel, Sister Hazel, and more. Hanson is also a Nashville recording artist that has worked with many members of Wynonna Judd's band, and Carrie Underwood's group.