Arts Minded: The birds are singing and spring fever is abound

• Phyllis Goldin

Phyllis Goldin
• Bowls of Hope

UW photo.

Talk about it

When, I ask you, have you heard more bird songs and seen more ducks and geese dancing on the Kinni in early March?

It is said by birders in the know, that the cardinal has gone from its winter song to its summer song weeks early.

Despite the fervent wishes of some to ski again in the thick, resplendent snows that usually blanket these northern climates in this season, we must shift our sights instead to canoeing and kayaking rivers that have long since cast off their temporary fish houses and are flowing free.

Many of us have deeper concerns about the meaning and consequences of global warming, but that is the stuff that invokes and stimulates creative responses.

Artists are often on the cutting edge of social change and environmental protection. One example is local writer and performer, Gina Citoli’s original show, “Cabaret of Consciousness.” Keep track of her if you cannot get there this time.

UW-River Falls’ Spring Dance Concert is just around the corner. Every year new choreography offers responses to the human condition, international pieces and plenty of whimsy and fun.

A plethora of other exciting events awaits those with spring culture fever. In particular, there are some ever popular annual events you won’t want to miss; “Bowls for Hope”, “Unity in the Community”, UW-RF “International Bazaar” and the Community Arts Base Spring Gala. Details below and in future columns. Hope you get to partake of the bounty!

n Thursday, March 22, 7:30 p.m., “Cabaret of Consciousness” featuring Gina Citoli at Camp Bar, 490 N. Robert, St. Paul. Tickets $19. More info at 651-292-1844 or www.ACabaretofConsciousness.com.

--The following UW-RF concerts are at Abbott Concert Hall, Kleinpell Fine Arts Center and free unless otherwise noted:

--Thursday, March 22. 3 p.m., Music Student Convocation, 7:30 p.m., Falcon --Band Spring Concert Tuesday, March 27, 7:30 p.m., Faculty Recital featuring pianist Roger McVey Wednesday, March 28, 7:30 p.m., UW-RF Wyman Series presents Noah Hoehn, Harmonica, Marimba, Live Looping at the University Center, Falcon’s Nest Saturday, March 31, 7:30 p.m.

--Senior Recital, Averyel Hagel, mezzo-soprano Thursday, April 5, 3 p.m., Commissioned Composer Convocation, 7:30 p.m., Commissioned Composer --Concert featuring the work of Cort Lippe Tuesday, April 10, 7:30 p.m., UW-RF Brass Choir and Trombone Choir Concert Friday, April 13, 7:30 p.m., --Guest Recital: Jeong-in Kim, Piano Sunday, April 15, 7:30 p.m., River Falls Brass Concert Tuesday, Apr 17, 7:30 p.m., Faculty Guitar recital featuring Joseph Hagedorn.

--Friday, March 23, 4 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday, March 24, 8:30 a.m. - 2 a.m., Sunday, March 25, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Roots and Bluegrass Festival offering many performers, musicians workshops, flat picking guitar competition and more www.riverfallsbluegrass.com.

--Sunday, March 25, 1 - 3 p.m., Opening reception for Illuminations, prints from the St. John’s bible and Colleagues of Calligraphy at the library. A related presentation by Tim Ternes, Director of the St. John’s Bible project on Thursday, April 19, 7 p.m.

--Beginning Monday, March 26, for six weeks, Foreign Film Series at the library. More info on this and other library events at 715-425-0905.

--Tuesday, March 27, 5 - 7 p.m., Don’t miss the Third Annual “Bowls for Hope” at UW-RF University Center Ballroom. Area artists, musicians, local restaurants and the community collaborate with UW-RF in one of the most enjoyable evenings of the year.

Attendees get to sample delectable soups and other offerings, vote for their favorite soup and take home an original handmade pot. All proceeds this year go to support the RF Food Pantry.

Adults $20, children 12 and under $5. Tickets available at Chamber of Commerce, 214 N. Main or at UW-RF Chancellor’s office 715-425-3201. More info www.uwrf.edu/bowlsforhope

or mary.vangalen@uwrf.edu.

--Tuesday - Sunday, March 27 - 31, 7:30 p.m., UW-RF Dance Theatre Spring Concert, Blanche Davis Theatre, Kleinpell Fine Arts Center. Adults $7, students and seniors $5. More Info at 715-425-3144.

--Tuesday - Thursday, March 27-29, 7 p.m. “Emergency Room”, at the high school’s Doris Fuka Auditorium. Adults $10, students $5.

--Wednesday, March 28, 7 p.m., Movies and More: rare old films starring Bing Crosby with Bob Hope and others presented by the Stillwater Theatre at the Washington County Courthouse, 3rd and Pine, Stillwater, Minn. Tickets and infowww.stillwatertheatre.org.

-- Sunday, April 1, 3 - 5 p.m., Closing Reception for Sculpture by the

River: Society of Minnesota Sculptors 2012 Exhibition in the Main Galleries and Atrium Gallery at The Phipps Center for the Arts, 109 Locust, Hudson. Also at The Phipps, “The Miracle Worker,” March 23 - April 15 and John Rutter’s Requiem by The Phipps Oratorio Society Sunday, April 1st, 2:00 p.m., For more info about gallery exhibitions and tickets to March and April performances of 715-386-8409 or www.ThePhipps.org.

--Friday, April 6, 5 - 9 p.m., First Friday Art Opening at Seasons on St. Croix Gallery, 401 Second Street, Hudson.

--Tuesday, April 10, 6 - 10 p.m., UW-RF International Bazaar at Falcon’s Nest and Ballroom, 715-425-4444.

--Save the date for the following events: April 20, Just Local, downtown RF, April 25, Unity in the Community, UW-RF campus during the day and downtown RF, 5:30 - 7 p.m. at Veterans Park (rain site RF Public Library), April 28, RF Community Arts Base “Spring Gala”, 6 - 11 p.m., Riverview Hotel, downtown. Tickets available now at Whole Earth Grocery, Dish and the Spoon, from CAB board members or me.

Live Music at Earth Angels, Juniors and other establishments in downtown RF.

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