“Surfin’ USA” is the theme of the next “Over the Back Fence” Community Variety Show presented by Lanesboro Arts on Friday, July 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the historic St. Mane Theatre in downtown Lanesboro. Songs like “Surfer Girl,” “Surf City” and “Surfin’ Safari” will each be part of a tubular evening that also includes jokes, stories, and sing-alongs.
July’s show features musical guest Jillian Rae, a versatile singer-songwriter and violinist drawing upon roots, rock, and Americana. Jillian will be in Lanesboro all week for a mini-residency at Lanesboro Arts that culminates in a concert with a full band at the St. Mane Theatre on Saturday, July 13. Jillian has invited members of the variety show cast to join her on stage to provide vocal accompaniment on one of her songs. Interested individuals of all ages are encouraged to join Jillian at a rehearsal with cast members on July 9 at 7 p.m. and/or July 12 at 5:30 p.m. Lanesboro Arts’ Performing Artist Engagement Program is made possible by a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Host Damon Prestemon continues to propel the 25th season forward with his rapid-fire wit and keen improvisational instincts that keep the show fresh and fun. Lanesboro Arts’ own Adam Wiltgen will serve as this month’s musical director, accompanying the all-volunteer cast on his beach-friendly Danelectro guitar throughout the show. Doors open for seating at 7 p.m. with Ted Hajnasiewicz, a singer-songwriter from Minneapolis, 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 “Anniversaries” on August 9 and “50 Nifty States” on September 13. 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.
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