2012 Schedule of Events

In collaboration with the Grand Marais Playhouse and Cook County Community Education, NSMA presents For the Birds: A chamber suite with music, poetry, comedy, tragedy, artistry.

Uniting the new music of Zeitgeist with the verbal creativity of humorist and writer Kevin Kling and the music of composer Victor Zupanc, For the Birds is truly a show for everyone.

This tour de force joins storytelling with musical interludes, songs and poetry in a one-hour musical and theatrical event. “Crow” delves into family relations. “Canadian Geese” explores marriage and loss. “Rooster” reveals our less noble tendencies. And “Hummingbirds” reminds us not to forget to live.

Through the combination of Kling’s insightful words, Zupanc’s colorful musical setting and Zeitgeist’s exuberant performance, For the Birds illuminates our human need for inspiration and imagination, and it offers a space to contemplate ourselves as individuals, families, communities and a species.

Tickets $15 adults, $5 students 18 & under

(Series Discount: $2 off ticket with purchase of ticket to Mu Daiko or Zenon Dance)

** "Conversation with Kevin Kling" for writers, poets & humorists 2/2/12 from 12-1 pm @ ACA, $15 or free with performance ticket purchase.**

McInnis’ Kitchen performs music inspired by the traditional Celtic music from Ireland, Newfoundland and the Canadian Maritimes. They have been featured at festivals and concerts internationally and have appeared on television and radio programs in the U.S. and Canada. Based in Duluth, MN, the band’s members include: Mark Monroe on fiddle; Chuck Butler on fiddle and button accordion; Sue Spencer on vocals, guitar, and button accordion, and Jim Ofsthun on vocals, bodharan, guitar, whistle, and accordion.

McInnis’ Kitchen concerts transcend performance and evoke a special world of traditional culture and storytelling, giving their performances a feel of a down-home kitchen party. Their music encompasses a tradition rooted in a colorful history of immigration, uprooting and relocation, and a celebration of life and culture in their most basic forms. The performance portion of this event will be followed by a dance called by Twin Cities ceili caller and dance instructor, Tim McAndrew.

Free dance lesson with Tim McAndrew 6-7 pm.

North House Folk School, 500 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais
Tickets: $15 adults, $8 kids 12 & under, for sale at door

In collaboration with the Grand Marais Playhouse and Cook County Community Education, NSMA presents Mu Daiko's 15th Anniversay Concert with Hanayui.

Join us as Mu Daiko celebrates 15 years of taiko with its biggest performance yet. The Twin Cities-based drum ensemble brings its signature blend of tradition and innovation to Grand Marais with familiar favorites and original compositions, sharing the stage with special guest artists who exemplify the unique power of women in both American and Japanese taiko.

Hanayui was formed by the original founders and performers of legendary Japanese taiko ensemble Kodo. These three top female artists, joined by Odaiko soloist Yoshikazu Fujimoto, are considered among the best in Japanese taiko. Hanayui presents a ground-breaking combination of song, dance and drumming as visually striking as it is musical. Joining them are Tiffany Tamaribuchi, one of the nation’s leading forces in North American taiko, and recent Minnesota transplant and Mu Daiko collaborator, Megan Chao Smith.

To sample this performance, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=412X4Vt5O2s

Tickets: $15 adults, $5 students 18 & under, for sale at door or www.tix.com

(Series Discount: $2 off ticket with purchase of ticket to FOR THE BIRDS or Zenon Dance)

In collaboration with the Grand Marais Playhouse and Cook County Community Education, NSMA presents a five-day educational dance residency for adults and teens, and a Saturday 7 pm dance performance.

One of the nation’s premier repertory dance companies, Zenon Dance Company captivates audiences with a rare and dynamic blend of modern and jazz. Working with talented emerging choreographers as well as internationally renowned masters, Zenon continually redefines and pushes dance standards in Minnesota.

In the past five years alone, Zenon Dance has conducted residencies in more than 65 public, private, and magnet schools, and in neighborhood and community centers throughout the Midwest.

Zenon Dance Company is unique in its ability to transfer the professional artistry it displays on the concert stage to the classroom. Zenon works with its host organizations to select activities that strengthen self-esteem, teach group communication skills and build trust, culminating in a student and Zenon performance. This performance features original dances choreographed with the students.

To register for dance residency workshops ($5 per class), please call the ACA 218-387-1284. Classes will be offered 3/5-3/8 for two different groups: 4-7th graders, and 8th grade - adults.  

Sat. 3/9  Evening Performance Tickets: $15 adults, $10 studentys 18 & under, for sale at door or www.tix.com

(Series Discount: $2 off ticket with purchase of ticket to FOR THE BIRDS or Mu Daiko)