“Take Me Out to the Ball Game” is the theme of the next “Over the Back Fence” Community Variety Show presented by Lanesboro Arts on Friday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the historic St. Mane Theatre in downtown Lanesboro. The song “Centerfield,” a sketch about the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League by Amanda Pyfferoen, and a performance of Abbott and Costello’s most famous comedy routine will each be part of a grand slam evening that also includes jokes, stories, and sing-alongs.
April’s show features musical guest Turnip Truck, a rock and blues quartet from Lanesboro. Consisting of members from eight-piece R&B act The Rutabaga Brothers, this self-described “coffeehouse act” features “Over the Back Fence” host Damon Prestemon on keys and vocals, Dave Harrenstein on bass, John Gaddo on percussion, and Lee Loerch on harmonica. This upbeat and danceable combo’s mission is to share the secret of the blues: Listening to it makes you feel happy. Turnip Truck will also serve as this month’s house band, accompanying the all-volunteer cast throughout the show.
Host Damon Prestemon returns for the 25th season with his rapid-fire wit and keen improvisational instincts that keep the show fresh and moving forward while having fun with the performers and guests on stage. Doors open for seating at 7 p.m. with Tom Savre, a virtuoso guitarist formerly of Decorah, Iowa, providing pre-show musical entertainment beginning at 7:10 p.m.
“Over the Back Fence” Community Variety Show is produced by Lanesboro Arts and is staged at the St. Mane Theatre on the second Fridays of March through November in 2019. Upcoming shows include “Ca$h”on May 10 and “On Broadway” on June 14. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased online at www.lanesboroarts.org, in person at the Lanesboro Arts Gallery (103 Parkway Ave N), or at the door at the St. Mane Theatre — as available — beginning at 6:30 p.m. the evening of the show. The St. Mane Theatre is located at 206 Parkway Ave N. in Lanesboro.
Every show is unique, with a different theme and fresh material. Each show is also broadcast on Winona State University’s KQAL 89.5FM on the Wednesday five days after the show at 6 p.m. (also available for streaming at www.KQAL.org). Additionally, Over the Back Fence is published as a podcast on the iOS Podcasts app and many other podcast services.
“Over the Back Fence” sponsors help to make the affordable ticket prices possible: Batstone CPA, The Bite Restaurant, Bluff Country Computer Works, Cedar Valley Resort, E2 Boutique, Estelle’s Eatery & Bar, F&M Community Bank, Granny’s Liquor, Great River Shakespeare Festival, Green Gables Inn, High Court Pub, Lanesboro Area Community Foundation, Lanesboro Arts, Lanesboro Public Library, Manion Law Office, Merchants Bank, Niagara Cave, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Old Barn Resort, Pedal Pushers Café, Randy Schultz Drywall, Rushford – Preston – Harmony Foods IGA, SMG Web Design and Thrivent Financial – Walter Bradley.
Lanesboro Arts’ mission is to serve as a regional catalyst for artistic excellence and educational development in providing diverse art experiences for people of all ages. For more information: (507) 467-2446 / info@lanesboroarts.org / www.lanesboroarts.org. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.