Past Events — 2023

After four consecutive seasons of sold-out performances at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Legends of Country hits the road with a concert filled with #1 Billboard country chart-toppers from the 1950s through today. Songs by Glen Campbell, Roger Miller, Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, George Strait, Kenny Rogers, Garth Brooks, Toby Keith, Vince Gill, and many more.

Performed by Minnesota's piano man Phil Thompson (WCCO TV's "Man About Town" and Kawai-endorsed touring pianist and vocalist) alongside Pat Frederick on fiddle, Jake Hegna on bass, and Brian Peters on pedal steel and guitar. At The Zumbrota State Theatre.

In this powerful stage performance, Joyann Parker and her seasoned band showcase the most popular and best-loved of Patsy's songs. Joyann beautifully weaves the stories of Patsy's life and career in and out of the music, including "Walking After Midnight," "Sweet Dreams," "Crazy," and more. Vintage costumes and ambiance enhance Joyann's uncanny and authentic channeling of the classic vocals of the legendary Patsy Cline.

Joyann has been twice nominated for Tribute Act of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year by the Midwest Country Music Association. At The Zumbrota State Theatre.

Claudia Schmidt has been perfecting her craft of performing for almost four decades — a quirky and wonderful hodge-podge of music, poetry, story, laughter, drama, and celebrating the moment. Work in clubs, theaters, festivals, TV, and radio has added depth and dimension. What you get is a unique look at the world from someone who says what she sees with clarity, humor, and wonder.

The San Francisco Bay Guardian said: "Schmidt's shows are a lot like falling in love. You never know what's going to happen next, chances are it's going to be wonderful, every moment is burned into your memory and you know you'll never be the same again." Garrison Keillor said: "When Claudia sings a song, it stays sung." Tickets $26. At The Zumbrota State Theatre.

Laurel Canyon is a neighborhood in the Hollywood Hills that produced some of the greatest music of the 1960s and early 1970s. Veteran singers Mary Jane Alm, Boyd Lee, Aimée Lee, Paul Frantzich, and Tim Frantzich, along with a stellar lineup of musicians, walk you through the streets of this magical place and time.

You will hear the stories of some of your favorite musicians and songs from The Association, The Turtles, Linda Ronstadt, Carole King, James Taylor, Buffalo Springfield, Brian Wilson, The Jefferson Airplane, and more — all who resided in this beautiful bubble of creativity, friendship, sunshine, and music. At The Zumbrota State Theatre.

Neil Simon's revision of his hugely successful play sees the lead characters transformed into Olive Madison and Florence Unger. Olive and their group of girlfriends are enjoying their weekly Trivial Pursuit night when Florence arrives, fresh from being dumped by her husband. Olive invites her to move in — but where Olive is messy and unconcerned, Florence is obsessively clean and neurotic. Their differences come to a head when Olive organizes a double date with the Costazuela brothers.

Performances: March 10 (Fri 7 PM), March 11 (Sat 7 PM), March 12 (Sun 2 PM), March 16 (Thu 7 PM), March 17 (Fri 7 PM), March 18 (Sat 2 PM). At The Zumbrota State Theatre.

Jimmi and the Band of Souls is an award-winning blues band with members from both Minneapolis and Rochester. One of their guitarists, Tom Kochie, was voted into the Minnesota Blues Hall of Fame.

Their performances are high energy and full of soul and passion — boogie-woogie, slow and lonely, toe-tappin', deep-groovin', and hard-drivin'. The six-piece band brings electric guitar, slide guitar, acoustic guitar, harmonica, saxophone, bass, drums, and congas. At The Zumbrota State Theatre.

After Crosby, Stills and Nash made their debut at Woodstock, they were joined by Neil Young to create the landmark 1970 album Déjà Vu. With hits like "Carry On," "Our House," and "Teach Your Children" to counter-culture anthems like "Almost Cut My Hair" to the haunting melody of "Helpless," it's a truly unique piece of rock and roll history.

The Collective Unconscious, with their 22 years as a vocal trio and groove-based rhythm section, play the album front to back with precision and soul. Featuring Jeff Engholm, Muggsy Lauer, Nathan Nesje, George Maurer, Scott Chabot, and Erin Vork. Tickets $34. At The Zumbrota State Theatre.

Crystal Phoenix Belly Dance returns to the State Theatre! Crystal Phoenix and guest dancers present a family-friendly show of exuberant dancing infused with storytelling. Crystal Phoenix Belly Dance is an American Belly Dance Performance Company that blends the ancient and beautiful dances of Egypt and the Middle East with popular American as well as Middle Eastern music. East meets West with Crystal Phoenix Dance Company!

At The Zumbrota State Theatre.

"The music of John Denver is timeless and well known. The Tribute to the Music of John Denver by the Layne Yost Group is a faithful performance of songs and stories that capture and pay homage to the music and the man." Jon Shimoda on bass and Carol McDowall on fiddle accompany Yost's pure vocals and guitar playing.

Best known for "Take Me Home, Country Roads," "Annie's Song," "Sunshine on My Shoulders," and "Thank God I'm a Country Boy." At The Zumbrota State Theatre.

Jeff and Hunter, two self-confessed nobodies in New York, make a pact: they will write an original musical and submit it to a festival. The only catch? The deadline is in three weeks! They gather their two actress friends, Susan and Heidi, and their accompanist and music director, Larry, on the keys. A meta-musical comedy about the act of creating a musical.

Performances: June 2 (Fri 7 PM), June 3 (Sat 7 PM), June 4 (Sun 2 PM), June 9 (Fri 7 PM), June 10 (Sat 7 PM), June 11 (Sun 2 PM). At The Zumbrota State Theatre.

The R.D. Olson Blues Band brings high-energy blues to fill your soul and move your feet, celebrating the release of his new album "Born in the Country." R.D. Olson was born and raised in Zumbrota, MN on a small 140-acre farm just a few miles from downtown Zumbrota.

Tickets $25 in advance, $28 at the door. At The Zumbrota State Theatre.

From the filmmaking duo who created Visions of Home and A Painter Who Farms comes The Power of Stone, a documentary film featuring island artist Lew French, premiering at the Martha's Vineyard Film Society's 9th Annual Documentary Week Festival.

The film offers a glimpse into the life of the renowned stone artist during the time he was working to create the Rose Styron Garden for the Martha's Vineyard Museum. At The Zumbrota State Theatre.

Minnesota's premier Neil Young tribute band returns, featuring Al Neff (DJ for the radio series "Into the Music" on KRPR 89.9) telling the compelling stories behind the amazing music of Neil Young — from the early years of Buffalo Springfield, CSNY, and Crazy Horse, and beyond.

Expect long jams on "Down by the River," "Cowgirl in the Sand," and "Rockin' in the Free World," plus hits like "Old Man," "Heart of Gold," and "Harvest Moon." At The Zumbrota State Theatre.

The Johnny Rogers Show pays tribute to Buddy Holly, Elvis, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ricky Nelson, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, and many more. Johnny is the most versatile performer in America today — he has played for the last four U.S. Presidents, was voted best of show two years in a row in Branson, Missouri, and was inducted into the Iowa Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame in September 2016.

At The Zumbrota State Theatre.

Phil Thompson's popular Billy Joel and Elton John tribute concert was cancelled by the performer before the event.

A full 90-minute tribute to Garth Brooks, unlike anything you have ever seen before. Incorporating state-of-the-art lighting and effects such as thunder, lightning, fire, and rain, coupled with Christopher Seebeck's spot-on Garth Brooks voice, precision mannerisms, and endless passion and energy that recreate all of the emotions you feel being in the audience at a Garth Brooks concert.

At The Zumbrota State Theatre.

Disco Kingz takes you on a magical history tour of the disco era! So much has changed since "disco fever" ruled in the 1970s, but one thing absolutely remains: disco's infectious feel-good happy music brings on a seriously fun disco party.

Disco Kingz consists of 12 multi-talented musicians from around the country, including a 3-piece horn section, multiple lead singers, and even a disco dancer. This unique, 90-minute, high-energy show features an electrifying light show, costumes, and choreography true to the era. At The Zumbrota State Theatre.

Hosted by Ronda Anderson-Sand and Lori Rauen, an evening of Christmas cheer featuring songs, sketches, and skits written and performed by local talent. Directed by Emily Haugen and Heather Hauser.

Performances: Saturday, November 25 at 7:00 PM and Sunday, November 26 at 2:00 PM. At The Zumbrota State Theatre.

Becky Schlegel and The High 48s Bluegrass Band team up to herald in the holidays with high-energy bluegrass music and angelic, soulful singing. Expect stunning gospel harmonies, traditional and old-time Christmas carols, holiday good humor, and sparkling banjo, guitar, and mandolin.

At The Zumbrota State Theatre.

A free holiday screening of Miracle on 34th Street on the big screen. Sponsored by DWELL Local and Wild Ginger Boutique.

Made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeast Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

A free holiday screening of Elf on the big screen. Sponsored by Tranquility Barn Salon and Spa and Old Soul Vintage Boutique.

Made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeast Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.