A look back at the performances and events that graced our stage in 2017.
The Whitesidewalls Rock n Roll Revue is a celebration of doo-wop, rockabilly, and rock and roll music that will have audiences dancing in their seats. The band first formed in 1971 and played a series of full summer shows at Valleyfair amusement park in Shakopee for 10 years, and in 1985 were named the Minnesota Ballroom Operator's Association's Act of the Year.
A Crossings event at The Zumbrota State Theatre.
Layne Yost pays faithful tribute to the timeless, still-popular music of John Denver with a "Tribute to the Music of John Denver." Jon Shimoda plays bass to accompany Yost's pure vocals and guitar playing in this homage to the music and the man. They capture the simple soul of Denver's music, woven with stories that give insight into the man behind the songs.
A Crossings event at The Zumbrota State Theatre.
Featuring Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Oliver is heartbroken when he finds that Georgette, the innkeeper's daughter he's fallen in love with, is already married. To forget her, he joins the Foreign Legion, taking Stanley with him. Their bumbling eventually gets them charged with desertion and sentenced to a firing squad. They manage to escape in a stolen airplane, but crash after a wild ride. 1 hour 9 minutes.
Sponsored by ZAAC and Firebrick Bread.
Dave Scherer has inspired youth from Brooklyn to Bosnia with his relational ministry "Hip Hop Outreach." Performing as AGAPE, he combines rapping, dancing, and storytelling. AGAPE connects listeners with Christian faith, and Scherer's energy is contagious. His stories of faith transcend differences.
A Crossings event at The Zumbrota State Theatre.
Mick Sterling celebrates rocker Rod Stewart with "Reason to Believe: A Night of Vintage Rod Stewart." Crossings brings Sterling back by popular demand after shows paying tribute to Van Morrison and Bruce Springsteen. Both Stewart's early solo songs and his work with The Faces are featured.
A Crossings event at The Zumbrota State Theatre.
Abbott and Costello. Having to leave Melbourne in a hurry to avoid various marriage proposals, two song-and-dance men sign on for work as divers. This takes them to an idyllic island where they vie for the favours of Princess Lala. 1 hour 30 minutes.
Sponsored by ZAAC and Cheryl Nord.
Featuring the Andrews Sisters, Dick Foran, Harry James, Shemp Howard, and Joe E. Lewis. A Universal Army enlistment promotion produced as a musical showcase for Harry James and the Andrews Sisters. Shemp Howard steals the film whenever James and the Andrews aren't performing. 1 hour 8 minutes.
Sponsored by ZAAC and Jena Feine – Fine Tune Motors.
A high-energy quintet whose lead vocalist has been likened to Adele, Bessie Smith, Etta James, and Amy Winehouse, Davina & the Vagabonds bring their fresh-but-retro sound to the State Theatre stage.
A Crossings event at The Zumbrota State Theatre.
Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell. Walter Burns, editor of a major Chicago newspaper, is about to lose his ace reporter and former wife, Hildy Johnson, to insurance salesman Bruce Baldwin — but not without a fight! The comedy snowballs as a murderer's friend, a crooked Mayor, and Bruce's mother all get tied up in Walter's web. 1 hour 32 minutes.
Sponsored by ZAAC and The News Record.
Charlie Parr's heartfelt and plaintive original folk blues and traditional spirituals don't strive for authenticity — they are authentic. It's the music of a self-taught guitarist and banjo player who grew up without a TV but with his dad's recordings of America's musical heritage.
A Crossings event at The Zumbrota State Theatre.
Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour. Baby photographer Ronnie Jackson, on death row in San Quentin, tells reporters how he got there — every plot twist a parody of thriller clichés. Comedy. 1 hour 27 minutes.
Sponsored by ZAAC and Gary and Olia Richter Family.
The Zumbrota State Theatre will be jumping with fun, laughter, and excitement as Master Hypnotist David Danzig electrifies the audience with his Valentine's Day special Comedy Hypnosis Show. During the show, volunteers will undergo a complete hypnotic experience.
A Crossings event at The Zumbrota State Theatre.
Wine, cheese, and the movie that started it all! In 1976, a small American winery bested the exalted French wines of the time and put California wines on the map for good. "Bottle Shock" chronicles the events leading up to the famous "Judgment of Paris" tastings. Rated PG-13.
Wine tasting starts at 6:30 PM; movie at 7:30 PM. 10% discount for groups of 10 or more. Sponsored by ZAAC.
Irene Dunne and Charles Boyer. French playboy Michel Marnet and American Terry McKay fall in love aboard ship. They arrange to reunite 6 months later, after Michel has had a chance to earn a decent living. 1 hour 28 minutes.
Sponsored by ZAAC and Allison Emslie-Smith.
Crossings brings "Sing Me Back Home: The Definitive Merle Haggard Tribute Show," featuring Bobby Vandell and his All Star Band with Melanie Rosales. Audiences can revisit all their favorite Merle Haggard tunes in this nostalgic collection of the classics.
A Crossings event at The Zumbrota State Theatre.
Agatha Christie mystery directed by René Clair. Starring Barry Fitzgerald, Walter Huston, Louis Hayward, Roland Young, and June Duprez. Ten people are invited for a weekend on an island by a mysterious host who isn't there. One by one they begin to die — and the suspect is always the next to be murdered. 1 hour 37 minutes.
Sponsored by ZAAC.
Based on the beloved bestselling book by Markus Zusak, "The Book Thief" tells the inspirational story of a spirited young girl who transforms the lives of everyone around her when she is sent to live with a new family in World War II Germany. Starring Sophie Nélisse, Geoffrey Rush, and Emily Watson. Rated PG-13.
Sponsored by the Zumbrota Public Library as part of the month-long program Zumbrota Reads: Fahrenheit 451. Free copies of Fahrenheit 451 will be available to take home. Hosted by ZAAC.
Roy Rogers, Trigger, Dale Evans, and Andy Devine. Border Patrolman Roy Rogers investigates mysterious doings at the Rancho San Angelo, which turns out to be a front for smuggling silver across the Mexican border. 1 hour 18 minutes.
Sponsored by ZAAC and Ellison Sheep Farm.
With her feet and her heart on both sides of the ocean, Rennan is a first-generation Norwegian American and dual citizen. Her performance includes songs about immigration, Nordic ballads, and stories that appeal to a simpler and richer time. She also plays the langeleik with dolls on her fingers!
Filmed in Zumbrota and first screened in 2014, "His Neighbor Phil" is an emotional family drama about Alzheimer's Disease, devotion, music, and the power of love. Starring Daniel Roebuck, Stephanie Zimbalist, Ellen Dolan, Sally Kellerman, and many local residents. Rated PG.
The 2014 version screens at 2 PM; the final version at 4:30 PM. Tickets are $10 for one showing and $15 for both — available at the door. Sponsored by HNP LLC and ZAAC.
Jazz trio The New Standards riff off pop songs by Britney Spears, Adam Ant, and Kurt Weill, allowing a little nuttiness into the show while staying serious about their musicianship. The New Standards operate on the model of jazz bands in the '50s and '60s that utilized popular songs of the day to riff off of.
A Crossings event at The Zumbrota State Theatre.
Musical comedy starring Danny Kaye, Walter Slezak, and Elsa Lanchester. An illiterate stooge in a traveling medicine show wanders into a strange town and is mistaken for the feared inspector general by the town's corrupt officials.
Sponsored by ZAAC.
Pull on your boots and put on your cowboy hat for this fun tribute to Hank Williams! The Hankies are a country western band from Duluth that specializes in the songs of Hank Williams Sr. Songs such as "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" and many more classics are featured.
At The Zumbrota State Theatre.
Comedy, Drama, Romance. Starring William Powell, Carole Lombard, and Alice Brady.
Sponsored by Glenn & Cynthia Heins.
Comedy, Family, Fantasy. Starring Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, and Buddy Baer.
Sponsored by Firebrick Bread.
Inspired by the seasons and topographies, George Winston's concerts feature a variety of styles including melodic folk piano, New Orleans R&B piano, and stride piano. He performs songs from his seasonal favorites Autumn, December, Winter Into Spring, and Summer, as well as Peanuts pieces from his Vince Guaraldi tribute albums.
A Crossings event at The Zumbrota State Theatre.
Romance, Western. Starring Gary Cooper, Lili Damita, and Ernest Torrence.
Sponsored by James Hanson.
A fundraiser for the Zumbrota State Theatre sponsored by LUYA, Phenomenal Woman, and Wild Ginger Boutique. Fashion is hot in Zumbrota as Wild Ginger, Luya Shoes, and Phenomenal Woman strut their stuff! The festivities include "The Hot Flashes," a musical group under the direction of Dave Zahn.
At The Zumbrota State Theatre.
In their latest show, the talent-packed Fabulous Armadillos pay tribute to the great guitar innovators of many genres. "Guitar Heroes (Legends of the Six String)" is a concert for any and all fans of the guitar.
A Crossings event at The Zumbrota State Theatre.
Mystery. Starring Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, and Patricia Morison.
Sponsored by Alison Emslie-Smith.
The Choral Arts Ensemble of Rochester explores the heavens in a concert titled "Music of the Spheres" — an evening of choral music inspired by the stars and the firmament.
At The Zumbrota State Theatre.
Wylie & The Wild West play the kind of Cowboy music that comes from a real place in America that often gets overlooked by the corporate music machine. Wylie Gustafson is a native Montanan singer/songwriter who lives the life he sings about.
A Crossings event at The Zumbrota State Theatre.
Western, Comedy, Music, Action. Starring Roy Rogers, Trigger, and George 'Gabby' Hayes.
Sponsored by Ellison Sheep Farm.
Performing fiery Spanish guitar pieces like "Malagueña" to the gorgeous vocal harmonies of "Sounds of Silence," this duo takes the art of guitars to another dimension with their animated multi-media concert experience. A colorful backdrop of lush vibrant painted landscapes flows through the concert — moving in 3D, guitar birds fly through guitar mountains and over guitar rivers, cities, and oceans.
At The Zumbrota State Theatre.
Ronn Easton & Pearl Productions present "Oh What a Night," paying tribute to the music of The Temptations, Sam Cooke, The Chi-Lites, The Spinners, and many more. Featuring Ronn Easton, Willie Walker, Jerry Eskridge, Maurice Jacox, and Maurice Young.
A Crossings event at The Zumbrota State Theatre.
Comedy, Musical, Romance. Starring Fred Astaire, Jane Powell, and Peter Lawford.
Sponsored by Glenn and Cynthia Heins.
Johnny Rogers will transport his audience back in time to the malt shops and dance floors of the rock 'n' roll era. "Buddy & Beyond" is a tribute to the legends of rock 'n' roll, starting with Rogers' uncanny portrayal of Buddy Holly and continuing with tributes to Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, and more.
A Crossings event at The Zumbrota State Theatre.
Tonic Sol-fa has established itself not only as the most in-demand vocal group in the Midwest, but also one of the most successful independent acts in America. The group has toured extensively and is renowned for their extraordinary harmonies and engaging performances.
At The Zumbrota State Theatre. Tickets $20 in advance / $22 at the door.
Action, Comedy, Music. Starring Gene Autry, Smiley Burnette, and Kay Hughes.
Sponsored by ZAAC.
Free weekly summer concert at Zumbrota's East Park, on East Avenue — one block east of Main Street. Tuesdays 7:00–8:30 PM. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy free music and free ice cream!
East Park — one block east of Main Street, Zumbrota.
Original roots music, jazz, tango, blues, and bluegrass. Free weekly summer concert at Zumbrota's East Park. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy free music and free ice cream!
East Park — one block east of Main Street, Zumbrota.
50s, 60s and 70s music. Free weekly summer concert at Zumbrota's East Park. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy free music and free ice cream!
East Park — one block east of Main Street, Zumbrota.
Classic old tyme music. Free weekly summer concert at Zumbrota's East Park. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy free music and free ice cream!
East Park — one block east of Main Street, Zumbrota.
Dylan, Morrison, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, The Doors. Free weekly summer concert at Zumbrota's East Park. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy free music and free ice cream!
East Park — one block east of Main Street, Zumbrota.
Original classical guitar and vocals. Free weekly summer concert at Zumbrota's East Park. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy free music and free ice cream!
East Park — one block east of Main Street, Zumbrota.
Original jazz and swing. Free weekly summer concert at Zumbrota's East Park. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy free music and free ice cream!
East Park — one block east of Main Street, Zumbrota.
40s and 50s Big Band music. Free weekly summer concert at Zumbrota's East Park. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy free music and free ice cream!
East Park — one block east of Main Street, Zumbrota.
Acoustic folk, blues and Celtic. Free weekly summer concert at Zumbrota's East Park. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy free music and free ice cream!
East Park — one block east of Main Street, Zumbrota.
Easy listening instrumental and vocal. Free weekly summer concert at Zumbrota's East Park. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy free music and free ice cream!
East Park — one block east of Main Street, Zumbrota.
It's no sweet little lie: "Rumours and Dreams: The Music of Fleetwood Mac" returns to the Zumbrota State Theatre. Crossings is bringing the popular concert celebrating this iconic '70s and '80s band back after filling the vintage theatre three years running.
A Crossings event at The Zumbrota State Theatre.
Songs of Hope, the concert tour resulting from a six-week youth performing arts project in St. Paul, MN, stops in Zumbrota for the seventh year in a row. The young vocalists sing songs from their own homelands mixed with U.S. songs. In 2017, participating children are from Vietnam, China, India, Turkey, Italy, Russia, Iraq, Israel, Jamaica, Guatemala, Argentina, and the United States.
Before the concert, children of all ages are invited to Zumbrota's East Park for "Games from Around the World" from 4:00–5:00 PM, followed by a free community picnic from 5:00–6:00 PM. The ninety-minute concert begins at 7:00 PM. Free ice cream sandwiches for concert attendees.
Sponsored by Crossings and the Zumbrota Area Arts Council. Made possible by the Minnesota State Arts Board and the National Endowment for the Arts.
It has been 40 years since Elvis left the building. Join Justin Ploof and The Throwbacks for one very special night of remembering the King of Rock n' Roll — Elvis Presley! The evening features classics such as "Heartbreak Hotel," "Don't Be Cruel," and many more.
A Crossings event at The Zumbrota State Theatre.
The Whitesidewalls Rock n Roll Revue is a celebration of doo-wop, rockabilly, and rock and roll music that will have audiences dancing in their seats. The band first formed in 1971, played a series of full summer shows at Valleyfair for 10 years, and in 1985 were named the Minnesota Ballroom Operator's Association's Act of the Year. After disbanding for 20 years, Dave "Swannee" Swanson brought the group back together in 2007.
A Crossings event at The Zumbrota State Theatre.
Run Like Hell celebrates the sights and sounds of one of the world's most successful and influential bands of all time. Based in St. Paul, MN, this band of six accomplished musicians and vocalists meticulously recreate the unique sound and spectacular visual show of Pink Floyd.
At The Zumbrota State Theatre.
Minnesota's premier Neil Young tribute band celebrates his 72nd birthday with a tribute to the folk and rock performer's music. Powderfinger has been performing their tribute show for more than a decade.
A Crossings event at The Zumbrota State Theatre.
By Molly Newman and Barbara Damashek. A Tony Award-nominated international hit for over 30 years, "Quilters" comes to the State Theatre for two performances.
At The Zumbrota State Theatre.
The event of the year: two of Minnesota's hottest bands combine talents to perform the music of America's greatest band — The Eagles. The Fabulous Armadillos and Collective Unconscious bring you all of the greatest hits and some deep tracks of The Eagles.
A Crossings event at The Zumbrota State Theatre.
During the week of September 28 – October 8, over a hundred thousand film-lovers unite in over 250 cinemas across 6 continents to view and vote on the ten finalist films in the 20th Annual Manhattan Short Film Festival.
At The Zumbrota State Theatre.
The Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience is the only group taking big band music, fusing it with modern day mixes of all genres, and making the act of giving "cool." The performance was created for intelligent music lovers who wish to be part of an electric musical experience.
A Crossings event at The Zumbrota State Theatre.
The history of rock and pop music is filled with unforgettable hit-making, horn-driven groups from the '60s to the current era, and one Twin Cities band will be bringing that sound all back home.
A Crossings event at The Zumbrota State Theatre.
Blues, Rock, and Roots musician Davy Knowles brings the stage to life. His music is reminiscent of old-time blues made brilliant by Knowles himself. He lights up the stage with masterful ownership of his craft. From the very start Knowles earned the respect of fans, media, and musicians alike, including some of his own musical heroes.
Note: This event was moved to the Crossings Art Gallery (next door to the State Theatre).
Moved to Crossings Art Gallery (next door to the State Theatre).
Meat Loaf's music comes to life in a performance with a 17-member band led by Grant Haake. "Bat Out of Hell" is one of the best-selling albums in the history of recorded music, having sold over 30 million copies worldwide.
A Crossings event at The Zumbrota State Theatre.
A high-energy quintet whose lead vocalist has been likened to Adele, Bessie Smith, Etta James, and Amy Winehouse, Davina & the Vagabonds bring their fresh-but-retro sound back to the State Theatre stage.
A Crossings event at The Zumbrota State Theatre.
Casper is a friendly but lonely young ghost who can't seem to help scaring people. Then, one day, two new visitors show up on the doorstep of his fantastically haunted house, Whipstaff Manor: Kat Harvey and her eccentric dad, Dr. Harvey, a self-styled ghost therapist.
At The Zumbrota State Theatre.
The Irish Soul songwriting genius of Van Morrison is celebrated in grand form with Beautiful Vision. See this tribute performance led by Twin Cities soul and blues man Mick Sterling. The many incarnations of Van Morrison from "Brown-Eyed Girl" and beyond are featured.
A Crossings event at The Zumbrota State Theatre.
The story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who became an All American football player and first round NFL draft pick with the help of a caring woman and her family. Rated PG-13.
Sponsored by Partners in Prevention and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Crystal Phoenix productions presents "Creatures of the Night," an evening of amazing belly dancing.
At The Zumbrota State Theatre. Tickets $14 online or by calling the box office.
The band that set the bar in magnificent album shows brings to life one of the greatest rock concerts of all time, "The Last Waltz." Collective Unconscious is renowned for staging such mega-hits as The Beatles' "Abbey Road," The Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds," and CSNY's "Déjà Vu." For "The Last Waltz," the stage will once again be filled with special guests.
A Crossings event at The Zumbrota State Theatre.
SimpleGifts puts community celebration ahead of commercialization — pulling the audience into the sublime side of traditional repertoire in a truly meaningful Christmas event. This season's performers are Billy Oehrlein, Heather Moen, Laura MacKenzie, Karen Paurus, Amy Courts, led by Billy McLaughlin.
A Crossings event at The Zumbrota State Theatre.
Anthony Shore and his All Star band present a festive time celebrating the season with the Christmas songs of Elvis, as well as year-round classics and favorites. From the singers, to the horns, to the "King himself," this is Shore's most popular show, selling out at multiple venues.
A Crossings event at The Zumbrota State Theatre.
The Looney Lutherans celebrate the holidays in "Hold the Lutefisk! — It's Beginning to Smell a Lot Like Christmas." An original musical comedy show designed to delight seasonal audiences. When you want an old-fashioned Minnesota Christmas, you know who to turn to — the musical, merry, menopausal members of this beloved troupe.
At The Zumbrota State Theatre.
Mick Sterling's comedic, dramatic, and heartwarming show resonates with the spirit of the season. Brilliantly written and performed by three celebrated alumni of the legendary Twin Cities comedy theatre Dudley Riggs Brave New Workshop — Shanan Custer, Michelle Cassioppi, and Jim Robinson — "At Christmas" celebrates the humor and tender moments that make the holidays special.
A Crossings event at The Zumbrota State Theatre.
Celebrate this special time of year with the soulful songs of Robert Robinson and his Holiday Inspiration concert. Robert Robinson possesses the ability to sing any song and yet remain true to his vision — from audiences in the Pontiac Silverdome to troops in South Korea.
At The Zumbrota State Theatre. Friends of the Theatre members at Silver level and above ($250) who joined or renewed December 14–17 received 2 free tickets to this concert.