Mike Munson & Mikkel Beckmen Concert
When: Saturday, September 19 at 6:30 pm
Location: Caledonia United Methodist Church Lawn
Tickets: $10 Adults & Youth Ages 12+ // $5 Youth Ages 5-12 // Free for Youth Under Age 5 / PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE
Grab your lawn chairs/blankets, snacks, and masks to join us at the Caledonia United Methodist Church’s lawn for an outdoor blues concert featuring Winona-native Mike Munson and Mikkel Beckmen, presented by Mainspring. We’ll be physically distanced, but still together for a night of blues with Mike Munson on slide guitar and Mikkel Beckmen on washboard.
Mike Munson has established himself as an adept slide guitar player and a member of the next generation of bluesmen to carry on a tradition some feared was dying out. Mikkel Beckmen joins him on washboard to perform songs from their recently re-released album “Live at Ed’s” on Blue Front Records.
COVID-19 precautions: Masks are required when moving to and from your seating location. Audience seating locations will be marked 6 feet apart for audience safety. Family/social units may sit together in seating locations; each individual needs a ticket. Thank you in advance for keeping our community safe in a way that allows us to continue offering events like this! If you have any questions, please contact Mainspring at info@mainspringmn.org.
About the artists and album: Mike Munson launched his musical career at Ed’s (No Name) Bar in his hometown of Winona, MN. For years he maintained a weekly residency and by the time he released his first album, it seemed the entire town was ready to celebrate. The inspired, raucous performance that ensued became Munson’s second album, “Live at Ed’s” (originally released in 2014) which features Munson on vocals and electric guitar and Mikkel Beckmen on washboard and percussion. The recording had been out of print for some time until Blue Front Records approached Munson about rereleasing the project with additional material.
“Live at Ed’s” (2020, Blue Front Records) features photos and art from the night of the performance and linear notes by Ed Hoffman, original owner of Ed’s (No Name) Bar. The album also features five previously unreleased live tracks.
Munson and Beckmen have now played together regularly for over seven years, both regionally and nationally, notably performing at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN and at the Blue Front Cafe in Bentonia, MS.
Beckmen has recorded and performed with countless artists from nearly every genre and is a musical icon within the Twin Cities scene, hosting numerous residencies in a constant effort to connect musicians and audiences.
Munson has released four other albums including a blues driven “Rose Hill” (2018, Blue Front Records), and “Anthem” (2019) featuring instrumental electric guitar in a cathartic American primitivism style.
Houston County Art for All Ages
Register HERE
The Caledonia Public Library, Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, and Mainspring are excited to announce a second session of virtual programming for both youth and adults this fall. The new round of classes offers flexibility and a make-your-own schedule approach to participation. All of these opportunities are free, but registration is required.
Surprise Art Program
Ways to participate:
- Live Zoom Class- create in real-time over Zoom with other Houston Co. Youth on Wednesdays, Sept. 30-Nov. 18, 4-5pm.
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- Recorded Class- watch & create along with recordings of classes posted within a week after the live class.
- Unplugged- Each week you will receive an email with a project sheet that lists materials and directions for an art activity to complete using the kit provided.
Ages: 7-12
Fee: FREE for Houston County Residents, but registration required (it is ideal if students have a set of washable markers & scissors)
Instructor: Lisa Douglas of Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts
Houston County Youth are invited to flex their creativity muscles during this unique 8-week art program. Each participant will get an art kit featuring all of the ingredients they need to design weekly surprise art projects. From creating on wooden coasters and postcards and constructing with model magic and yarn students will love the opportunity to explore with a variety of materials and learn new art techniques and terminology. This flexible program invites students to participate in a way that works best for them and their families.
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Houston County: Playful Postcards
Day/Dates: Self-paced weekly project, Sept. 30- Nov. 18
Cost: FREE for Houston County Residents, but registration required
Instructor: Brianna Haupt
Ages: 13+ (adults too!)
It’s time to get creative and have a little fun sending and receiving colorful postcards. Each student will receive a special art kit to keep that includes everything you need to get started including blank postcards, stamps, colored pencils, dual tip markers, and weekly lesson plans. All you will be asked to do is to explore a new art technique then create and send a postcard each week to a Houston area classmate.
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Yoga for You
Day/Dates: Self-paced short classes, Sept. 30- Nov. 18
Cost: FREE for Houston County Residents, all registrants of art classes will receive a link
Instructor: Melissa Wray
Each registered participant for the above class will gain access to a series of short 15-30 min mindful stretching and yoga class videos, all taught by certified yoga instructor Melissa Wray of Mainspring. These classes will be pre-recorded and available for viewing at your own leisure and schedule.
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This project is made possible with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the people of Minnesota for Library Legacy activities. All programs will be free to participate, however registration through the links above is required.
