EVENT LINK: https://www.kulcher.org/2026-winter-spring-concert-series-pay-what-you-can/

FEE: Thanks to support from the Lake Region Arts Council, all concerts are Pay What You Can, open to all, and no tickets are required.

Caitlin Robertson & Wildrose Fox

Saturday, February 7, 2026, 7-9 PM

Caitlin Robertson is an American musician and singer-songwriter. Caitlin describes the style of her music as being “folk-rock-country-pop”. Her songs weave Minnesota-prairie-farmgirl, wild-unsettled-Alaskan-woman, and Southern-swampy mystery into intricate narratives that tell simple truths with both sweet and haunting melodies. For this special concert with Wildrose Fox, Robertson’s original poetic country songs meet Sandberg’s ethereal guitar & Mueller’s intimate drums.

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/profile

2026 Winter/Spring Concert Series

Enjoy original live music in a unique listening-room setting at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center. This Winter/Spring Concert Series features a wide range of music styles in the Cultural Center’s gallery space, surrounded by visual art and excellent acoustics. Thanks to support from the Lake Region Arts Council, all concerts are Pay What You Can, open to all, and no tickets are required.

Concerts run February–May 2026, with performances by Caitlin Robertson & Wildrose Fox, Jordan Messerole, Aaron Simmons, Zach Thomas, Clayton Ryan Duo, and more, plus special collaborations with New York Mills schools and Niijii Radio. Most concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. (doors at 7:00 p.m.), with general admission seating. Light refreshments and a cash bar are available at most events.

EVENT LINK: https://givebutter.com/plains-ghd

FEE: Free music + lunch purchase— RSVP requested

2026 Giving Hearts Day Concert + Lunch

Thursday, February 12, 12-1PM

Stop by Plains Art Museum on Thursday, February 12, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. for a  FREE Giving HeARTs Day celebration! Enjoy Valentine-inspired music by Kathie Brekke & the 42nd Street Band, and purchase lunch from a local caterer.

EVENT LINK: https://historicholmestheatre.csstix.com

FEE: Adults $37 • Students $18

Fabulous Armadillos

Saturday, February 14 • 7:30pm

Theme to be announced! The Dillos came out of their shell in 2006 and have since established a large and loyal following in Minnesota and beyond with their spot-on recreations of songs from many genres of music from country to Motown to 70’s rock.

EVENT LINK: https://centrallakessymphony.org/event/tragic-passions/

FEE: $5 students, $20 adults

Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra Concert

Tragic Passions

Sunday, February 15, 2-4 PM

“Tragic Passions” is a dramatic orchestral concert exploring love, obsession, and fate through two romantic masterpieces. Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture opens the program with sweeping melodies and emotional intensity, capturing the doomed passion of Shakespeare’s iconic lovers. Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique follows, a groundbreaking work that plunges into the mind of a lovesick artist, driven to madness by unrequited love. With vivid orchestration and haunting themes, both works delve into the darker side of romance, culminating in a powerful, emotionally charged experience.

EVENT LINK: https://historicholmestheatre.csstix.com

FEE: Adults $23 • Students $13

Mardi Gras Kings

Tuesday, February 17 • 7:00pm

Experience the thrill of Mardi Gras! Allow yourself to be carried away to Bourbon Street with the enthralling performance of the Mardi Gras Kings. Brace yourself for a soulful blend of traditional New Orleans melodies! It’s a Mardi Gras party in the Midwest Bank Ballroom

EVENT LINK: https://www.kulcher.org/2026-winter-spring-concert-series-pay-what-you-can/

FEE: Free

Fine Arts Day – NYM School Collaboration

Saturday, February 21, 2026, 10 AM - 8 PM

Collaborative celebration of 25th anniversary of the New York Mills Public School Auditorium and many years of Cultural Center and School partnerships. Free to attend and all are welcome!

Planned schedule of events:

• 10am-3pm @ NYMRCC: Elementary Art Display & Interactive Art Activities

• 3-5pm @ NYMRCC: Performances by TBD school groups

• 5-6pm @ NYM School: Meal & Art displayed at school

• 6-6:30pm @ NYM School: Program welcome in Auditorium

• 6:30-8pm @ NYM School Auditorium: Performances by NYMHS Choir & Band and Concordia College Band

EVENT LINK: https://www.ulenhitterdal.k12.mn.us/top-hat-theatre/

FEE: $20 adults, $10 students

The High 48s featuring Becky Schlegel

Barry J. Houglum Auditorium, Ulen-Hitterdal School
March 13, 7 - 9 PM

Music lovers from Ulen and the surrounding area are in for a special treat when The High 48s take the stage at the Top Hat Theatre on Friday, March 13, joined by acclaimed Minnesota singer and songwriter Becky Schlegel. The concert brings together two beloved forces in Midwest roots music for an evening of high-energy modern bluegrass, soulful vocals, and storytelling songs that ring true.

This concert brings together two long-time collaborators whose musical partnership has grown steadily over the years. Blending The High 48s’ high-energy modern bluegrass sound with Schlegel’s soulful vocals and thoughtful, three-chords-and-the-truth songwriting, the performance promises a rich mix of tradition, storytelling, and fresh musical ideas.

The collaboration began well before their current lineup performances.
“We were Becky fans long before we started the band, but it took us a few years to work up the courage to ask if she had any songs for us,” said High 48s fiddler and mandolinist Eric Christopher. “And as it turned out, she did have some songs. Lots of them.”

Those songs quickly became part of The High 48s’ catalog. The band recorded Schlegel’s “Baltimore and Ohio,” co-written with Nashville songwriter Craig Market, for their 2014 album Great Northern Railroad, followed by “Christmas Every Day” on 2016’s Holidays with the High 48s. Each recording session revealed more standout material than would fit on a single album.

That deeper partnership led to the recording of “Laramie,” a Becky Schlegel original that tells a story of lost love set against the windswept plains of eastern Wyoming. The song highlights Schlegel’s gift for vivid storytelling alongside the band’s driving bluegrass arrangements.

Formed in northeast Minneapolis in 2006, The High 48s have built a reputation for combining the soulful roots of classic bluegrass with a modern edge. Equally at home honoring Bill Monroe or reimagining songs by artists like M. Ward or even The Clash, the band stands out for its originality and versatility. Their songwriting reflects their own lives as northern city-folk, offering a refreshing contrast to traditional bluegrass tropes.

Beyond the stage, The High 48s are deeply committed to music education. They are in demand nationwide as instructors, teaching workshops, private lessons, and youth programs, including their twice-yearly Grass Seeds Academy, a bluegrass jam camp for kids.

Becky Schlegel, an award-winning songwriter and performer, brings a powerful and expressive voice shaped by classic country, bluegrass, folk, and Americana. After time spent as a Nashville songwriter, she returned to the Midwest, where she has become a familiar presence on RFD-TV’s “Midwest Country,” A Prairie Home Companion, and stages across the region. Her songs are intimate, honest, and deeply human- music that whispers, soars, and lingers.

With years of shared history and a genuine musical connection, The High 48s featuring Becky Schlegel promise an unforgettable night of live music. This night of exceptional musicianship and heartfelt storytelling is a special opportunity for audiences to experience a collaboration that continues to evolve.

EVENT LINK: https://www.kulcher.org/2026-winter-spring-concert-series-pay-what-you-can/

FEE: Thanks to support from the Lake Region Arts Council, all concerts are Pay What You Can, open to all, and no tickets are required.

Jordan Messerole

Saturday, March 14, 2026, 7-9 PM

From the depths of his midwestern roots, multi-award winning songwriter Jordan Messerole writes songs that vary as greatly as the wild flowers in the native tall grass. Messerole does frequently write about that flora, as well as the fauna of the region. Not to mention all of its wild life. Not one to shy away from subject matter, the songs can frequently meander across the lines between love and loss, success and failure, or life and death. Messerole masterfully blends the sounds of his guitars with thoughtful lyrics, an engaging stage presence, and often rack harmonica to tell gritty American tales that are bound to evoke emotion from all of his listeners.

Learn more: www.jordanmesserole.com

2026 Winter/Spring Concert Series

Enjoy original live music in a unique listening-room setting at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center. This Winter/Spring Concert Series features a wide range of music styles in the Cultural Center’s gallery space, surrounded by visual art and excellent acoustics. Thanks to support from the Lake Region Arts Council, all concerts are Pay What You Can, open to all, and no tickets are required.

Concerts run February–May 2026, with performances by Caitlin Robertson & Wildrose Fox, Jordan Messerole, Aaron Simmons, Zach Thomas, Clayton Ryan Duo, and more, plus special collaborations with New York Mills schools and Niijii Radio. Most concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. (doors at 7:00 p.m.), with general admission seating. Light refreshments and a cash bar are available at most events.

EVENT LINK: https://www.kulcher.org/2026-winter-spring-concert-series-pay-what-you-can/

FEE: Thanks to support from the Lake Region Arts Council, all concerts are Pay What You Can, open to all, and no tickets are required.

Aaron Simmons

Friday, March 27, 2026, 7-9 PM

Originally from Stewartville, Minnesota, Aaron Simmons is a country singer-songwriter known for energetic performances and heartfelt storytelling. With a down-to-earth style and strong work ethic, he’s spent the past decade building a loyal fanbase nationwide. In 2024, Aaron was named Male Vocalist of the Year by the Midwest Country Music Organization. Aaron’s songs capture the joys of love, the pain of loss, and the power of community. With strong small-town values and a close connection to fans, he continues to make his mark in modern country music. Wherever he plays, Aaron’s passion for storytelling and genuine connection with audiences set him apart.

Learn more: www.aaronsimmonsmusic.com/

2026 Winter/Spring Concert Series

Enjoy original live music in a unique listening-room setting at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center. This Winter/Spring Concert Series features a wide range of music styles in the Cultural Center’s gallery space, surrounded by visual art and excellent acoustics. Thanks to support from the Lake Region Arts Council, all concerts are Pay What You Can, open to all, and no tickets are required.

Concerts run February–May 2026, with performances by Caitlin Robertson & Wildrose Fox, Jordan Messerole, Aaron Simmons, Zach Thomas, Clayton Ryan Duo, and more, plus special collaborations with New York Mills schools and Niijii Radio. Most concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. (doors at 7:00 p.m.), with general admission seating. Light refreshments and a cash bar are available at most events.

EVENT LINK: https://historicholmestheatre.csstix.com

FEE: Adults $36 • Students $18

Collective Unconscious presents Bridge Over Troubled Water

Saturday, March 28 • 7:30pm

Collective Unconscious and their 15 piece ensemble perform Simon and Garfunkel’s 1970 album Bridge Over Troubled Water in its entirety, complete with strings & horns. They will also perform other hits from the duo, as well as songs from Paul Simon’s solo career.

EVENT LINK: https://centrallakessymphony.org/events/

FEE: $20 adult, $5 student

Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra "MAGNIFICAT"

March 29, 2026 @ 4:00 pm

The concert presents a vibrant journey through sacred and dramatic soundscapes, featuring Liszt’s stately March of the Three Holy Kings, evoking the grandeur of the Magi’s pilgrimage. Saint-Saëns’ Danse Bacchanale adds fiery, exotic flair with its rhythmic intensity and vivid orchestration. Taylor Scott Davis’ Magnificat, a modern choral masterpiece, offers a reflective yet powerful setting of Mary’s song of praise. Highlighting the evening is the angelic artistry of the St. John’s Boys Choir, whose voices bring a unique purity and emotional depth to the program. Together, these works celebrate faith, passion, and the transcendent power of music.

Franz Liszt…………………….March from “The Three Holy Kings”

Camille Saint-Saens……….Danse Bacchanale

(selected works by the St. John’s Boys Choir)

Taylor Scott Davis…………..Magnificat

EVENT LINK: https://fmkicksband.com/concerts/

FEE: $15

All City High School Jazz Band Festival

Kicks Band of Fargo Moorhead is hosting its annual “All City High School Jazz Band Festival” featuring the local area high school jazz bands— featuring the F/M area’s upcoming young aspiring jazz musicians.

EVENT LINK: https://www.kulcher.org/2026-winter-spring-concert-series-pay-what-you-can/

FEE: Thanks to support from the Lake Region Arts Council, all concerts are Pay What You Can, open to all, and no tickets are required.

Zach Thomas

Saturday, April 18, 2026, 7-9 PM

After debuting in New York Mills at Pickletoberfest 2025, ZACH IS BACK at the Cultural Center for a full ORIGINALS show! Hailing from the small town of Wendell, Minnesota, Zach Thomas is a musician whose powerful voice and honest lyrics resonate with fans across genres. A 2023 Midwest Country Music Organization “Male Vocalist of the Year” nominee, Zach’s passion for music is evident in every performance. With a spirit that can’t be tamed and a talent that won’t be held back, Zach Thomas is a name you won’t forget.

Learn more: www.zachthomaslive.com/

2026 Winter/Spring Concert Series

Enjoy original live music in a unique listening-room setting at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center. This Winter/Spring Concert Series features a wide range of music styles in the Cultural Center’s gallery space, surrounded by visual art and excellent acoustics. Thanks to support from the Lake Region Arts Council, all concerts are Pay What You Can, open to all, and no tickets are required.

Concerts run February–May 2026, with performances by Caitlin Robertson & Wildrose Fox, Jordan Messerole, Aaron Simmons, Zach Thomas, Clayton Ryan Duo, and more, plus special collaborations with New York Mills schools and Niijii Radio. Most concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. (doors at 7:00 p.m.), with general admission seating. Light refreshments and a cash bar are available at most events.

EVENT LINK: https://www.kulcher.org/2026-winter-spring-concert-series-pay-what-you-can/

FEE: Thanks to support from the Lake Region Arts Council, all concerts are Pay What You Can, open to all, and no tickets are required.

Clayton Ryan Duo

Thursday, April 30, 2026, 7-9 PM

Minnesota’s  Clayton Ryan is made of a different kind of soil. With no streaming presence, label backing, or financial support, he has honed his powerful, homegrown voice in his own Midwestern way, building a fanbase one by one from stages and honkytonks across the country. Despite his flyover-state upbringing, the singer and songwriter has grown strong roots in the music industry, and his work as a writer, performer, and multi-instrumentalist in LA and Nashville has put his songs in TV and movies including NASCAR, Walker, NFL Sunday Night Football, and The Outdoor Channel, and landed the electric performer on stages with artists including John Morgan, John Michael Montgomery, Jo Dee Messina, Collin Raye,  Flatland Cavalry, and Liam St John. ​

Learn more: www.claytonryan.com/

2026 Winter/Spring Concert Series

Enjoy original live music in a unique listening-room setting at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center. This Winter/Spring Concert Series features a wide range of music styles in the Cultural Center’s gallery space, surrounded by visual art and excellent acoustics. Thanks to support from the Lake Region Arts Council, all concerts are Pay What You Can, open to all, and no tickets are required.

Concerts run February–May 2026, with performances by Caitlin Robertson & Wildrose Fox, Jordan Messerole, Aaron Simmons, Zach Thomas, Clayton Ryan Duo, and more, plus special collaborations with New York Mills schools and Niijii Radio. Most concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. (doors at 7:00 p.m.), with general admission seating. Light refreshments and a cash bar are available at most events.

EVENT LINK: https://centrallakessymphony.org/events/

FEE: $20 adult, $5 student

SOUL’S INSPIRATION

May 16, 2026 @ 7:00 pm

“Soul’s Inspiration” is a vibrant celebration of passion, resilience, and the power of music to uplift the spirit. The concert opens with Leonard Bernstein’s Overture to Candide, a dazzling burst of energy and optimism. Lesley Donahue brings tenderness and depth to Massenet’s Meditation from Thaïs, offering a moment of serene introspection. Next the orchestra will premiere a composition by the internationally renowned Minnesota composer, Jocelyn Hagen. The Runestone Chorale ignites the stage with the fiery rhythms of Verdi’s Anvil Chorus, followed by the stirring Prelude to La Traviata, evoking themes of love and sacrifice. Soprano Randa Melhem captivates with her sultry interpretation of Bizet’s Habanera, infusing the evening with sensual charm. The concert concludes in grand style with Verdi’s Triumphal March from Aida, featuring the full power of the Runestone Chorale. Soul’s Inspiration is a thrilling journey through operatic and orchestral masterpieces that stir the heart and soul, leaving audiences moved, inspired, and uplifted.

Leonard Bernstein…………………..Overture to Candide

Jules Massenet……………………….Meditation on “Thais”

Lesley Donahue, violin

Jocelyn Hagen…………………………(Untitled)

Giuseppe Verdi………………………..Anvil Chorus from “Il Trovatore”

Runestone Chorale

Giuseppe Verdi………………………..Prelude to “La Traviata”

Georges Bizet………………………….Habanera from “Carmen”

Randa Melhem, soprano

Giuseppe Verdi………………………..Triumphal March from “Aida”

Runestone Chorale

Eric Whitacre……………………………Equus

EVENT LINK: https://www.kulcher.org/2026-winter-spring-concert-series-pay-what-you-can/

FEE: Free

Celebrating Cultures

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Join us for the 6th Annual Celebrating Cultures, a vibrant, family-friendly event that brings together community members of all backgrounds for an evening of art, music, food, and cultural exchange! This community gathering is co-hosted by the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center and Niijii Radio, White Earth.

Whether you’ve attended in years past or this is your first time, you’ll enjoy a beautiful, welcoming celebration of cultures in New York Mills.

EVENT LINK: https://centrallakessymphony.org/events/

FEE: $20 adult, $5 student

CHAMBER CONCERT

June 14, 2026 @ 2:00 pm

A chamber music concert is an intimate, small-scale performance featuring a select group of musicians playing together without a conductor. The term “chamber” comes from its origins in private rooms or salons rather than large concert halls, and the atmosphere still reflects that closeness today.

In this setting, each performer plays an individual part, creating a rich, conversational interplay between instruments. The repertoire often includes works for string quartets, piano trios, wind ensembles, or other small combinations, ranging from delicate Baroque pieces to contemporary compositions.

The concert experience is typically more personal than a full symphony performance: the audience is close enough to observe subtle musical gestures, quiet breaths before a phrase, and the unspoken communication between players. The acoustics allow for fine details—gentle dynamics, nuanced phrasing, and warm tone colors—to shine through.

Chamber music concerts often feel like being invited into the musicians’ own living room: refined yet relaxed, where every note carries both artistry and intimacy. It’s music in its purest form—collaboration, conversation, and connection.  Please join us at the Mount Carmel Chapel on beautiful Lake Carlos, in Alexandria MN.

EVENT LINK: https://centralsquare.org/2026annualconcertseries/

FEE: Adult —$30.00 | Child (Ages 12 & Under)—Free | Student—$10.00 | Educator—$15.00

I Am, He Said—A Celebration of Neil Diamond
Starring: Matt Vee & The Killer Vees

July 18, 2026, 7–9:00 PM

This tribute concert honors the music of Neil Diamond, led by singer, guitarist, and songwriter Matt Vee—nephew of 1960s pop icon Bobby Vee. Matt tours internationally with his cousins and bandmates Jeff and Tommy Vee (sons of Bobby Vee) and his wife, Julie Velline, performing in various musical configurations under the name The Killer Vees.

Their acclaimed production, I Am, He Said—A Celebration of the Music of Neil Diamond, has been performed for tens of thousands of audiences nationwide. Featuring faithful arrangements and strong musicianship, the concert spans Diamond’s career and invites listeners to reconnect with one of the most enduring catalogs in American popular music.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. 

EVENT LINK: https://centralsquare.org/2026annualconcertseries/

FEE: Adult —$30.00 | Child (Ages 12 & Under)—Free | Student—$10.00 | Educator—$15.00

Weary Ramblers

Award-Winning Americana Duo

Sat, Aug 8, 2026, 7 PM

Weary Ramblers is an Iowa-based Americana duo featuring Chad Elliott and Kathryn Severing Fox. Drawing on folk, roots, and acoustic traditions, their music centers on songwriting, harmony, and story. Both artists bring years of touring and recording experience, performing as multi-instrumentalists with a shared focus on craft and connection. 

The duo has received national and international recognition, including wins at the 2025 Josie Music Awards (Americana Song of the Year), the 2025 Iowa Blues Challenge (Solo/Duo), and the International Acoustic Music Awards (Best Group/Duo). Their work has also earned semi-finalist placements in the International Songwriting Competition and Unsigned Only Music Awards. 

Weary Ramblers’ recordings have charted prominently on the Roots Music Report, including multiple #1 positions on the Contemporary Folk charts and extended runs among the top folk albums nationally. Their performances offer a focused, listening-room experience shaped by strong songwriting, close harmonies, and seasoned musicianship. 

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. 

EVENT LINK: https://centralsquare.org/2026annualconcertseries/

FEE: Adult —$30.00 | Child (Ages 12 & Under)—Free | Student—$10.00 | Educator—$15.00

Mitchell Hall & The Tennessee Trio

Honoring Johnny Cash

September 12, 2026, 7–9:00 PM

Back by popular demand! This concert focuses on the early years of Johnny Cash, capturing the sound and spirit that defined his rise. Mitchell Hall portrays a young Johnny Cash through voice, presence, and song, drawing from the period when Cash’s style and storytelling first took shape. 

Backed by The Tennessee Trio, the performance recreates the signature “boom-chick-a-boom” sound that became inseparable from Cash’s music. With careful attention to tone, rhythm, and arrangement, the band presents a focused tribute that reflects the roots of Johnny Cash’s enduring legacy. 

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. 

EVENT LINK: https://centralsquare.org/2026annualconcertseries/

FEE: Adult —$30.00 | Child (Ages 12 & Under)—Free | Student—$10.00 | Educator—$15.00

Amy Daves — Only Yesterday!

Tribute To Karen Carpenter, Anne Murray, And Ronstadt

October 10, 2026, 7–9:00 PM

Only Yesterday features vocalist and musician Amy Daves of Olympia, Washington. Daves has toured nationally for more than a decade as a fiddle player and vocalist with Ted Vigil’s acclaimed Tribute to John Denver, bringing depth and musicianship shaped by years of performance. 

This concert traces a musical path through the 1970s, honoring the voices of Karen Carpenter, Anne Murray, and Linda Ronstadt. The presentation pairs each song with period-inspired visual backgrounds, creating an immersive experience rooted in memory and era. Audience members are invited to dress in 1970s style for a themed photo opportunity. 

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. 

EVENT LINK: https://centralsquare.org/2026annualconcertseries/

FEE: Adult —$30.00 | Child (Ages 12 & Under)—Free | Student—$10.00 | Educator—$15.00

Holiday Soul — The Joyann Parker Band

December 5, 2026, 7–9:00 PM

Joyann Parker is a vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose work blends soul, R&B, gospel, jazz, and traditional blues. Critics have praised her voice as both powerful and emotionally resonant, calling it a defining force in her music. With roots in church music and a strong foundation in musical study, Parker developed a sound that reflects lived experience and deep musical lineage. 

Her latest album, Roots, debuted at #10 on the Billboard Blues Chart, and her work continues to reach audiences on national and international stages. Joined by her band, Parker brings a full-bodied performance shaped by strong songwriting, expressive vocals, and thoughtful musicianship. 

Holiday Soul offers a seasonal concert grounded in warmth, groove, and soul—an evening that reflects both tradition and Parker’s distinct artistic voice. 

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.