Regardless of the sometimes unpredictable weather forecasts, it will be, in March, a combination of lions and lambs lion-like at the beginning of the month and lamb-like at the end of the month or, vice versa.
Culturewise, in the Magic City, almost by magic, there will be a roar and the docility of lambs.
Minoter Dan Hansen, one of our homegrown community-minded organizers for good causes is, for the fourth time, offering Beardstock, inviting everyone to be in Ann Nicole Nelson Hall March 2 at 5 p.m.
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Arlene Saugstad is a freelance writer who lives in Minot.
Hansen, whom you will remember from the crowd-pleasing Rock the Leaves events out in Oak Park and elsewhere, is putting together the event with the cooperative efforts of MSU's campus ministries.
This year's Beardstock event will fill the hall with live music furnished by a variety of bands. There will be pizza contributed by Spicy Pie, too, and a facial hair contest. Dan suggests a contribution of $5 as you enter the hall and, if you choose, some non-perishable canned goods. All the contributions will go to the Minot Homeless Coalition.
In addition to the music by seven bands and the free pizza, if you wear a beard or choose to wear a "fake" one, you may win a prize during the event. Dan says that he treasures his own hirsute adornment for its warmth, but he is willing to part with it during the evening if more than 250 of you show up. This year's Beardstock could be the best when you see the beardless face of Minot's expert organizer for worthy causes. When you spend a rip-roaring time at Beardstock you will be contributing to helping out many of Minot's homeless families.
Symphony
When you are in the audience in Ann Nicole Nelson Hall, March 3 at 7:30 p.m. for the Minot Symphony Orchestra concert billed as the Masquerade Ball, rest assured, according to the orchestra's maestro Dennis Simons, that concert will be real. And, he also will be real. And his baton-wielding hand which was injured in an unfortunate accident that was wrapped when he conducted the last concert will not be masquerading as though injured this concert.
For this season of concerts, Simons chose "dance" as the theme, with Masquerade Ball as the theme for the March concert.
Be prepared to hear several selections titled Masquerade during the concert, he said. Under Simons' reign, Minot audiences can expect some extraordinarily talented musicians to appear on our Ann Nicole Nelson stage.
For this March concert you will hear the talented fingers of Nadejda Vlaeva dance over the keys of the baby grand as she performs one of Rachmaninoff's piano concertos. Beginning to play the piano at age 5 over in Bulgaria, she has been the recipient of many prestigious awards as a pianist, so as a listener in a packed house on March 3, Simons knows she will be given a roaring round of applause.
Art
During the years, the Taube at 2 North Main in downtown Minot has earned a reputation of having shows that roared and
shows that, like docile lambs, took their spots which were crowd pleasers according to Nancy Walter, executive director of the facility. On March 3 beginning at 7 p.m. you'll have the opportunity to be part of the crowd assembled in the lower gallery of the Taube when two young women with a passion for photography present "A Little Sugar and Spice Photography Exhibition and Benefit."
Their photography showcases their passionate interest nostalgically, in the '40s and '50s era. Minoters Megan Laurencio and Wendy Kimble invite you to share their photos, taste their goodies and drink root beer floats, have your picture taken in a vintage style photo booth, listen to live swing music and bid on nostalgic items.
On the walls of the upstairs gallery of the Taube you will find the artsy works of 16 men and women who are sharing their talents in a variety of media showcased as "Touched and Untouched." This show at the Taube is courtesy of the University of North Dakota Meyers Foundations, the UND Alumni Association and the UND Department of Art and Design.
Even if you don't know one end of a needle from another and have never put a quilt together in your whole life, you'll want to be at the 19th annual Quilt Festival March 16-18 at the Grand International Inn where you will see what a host of quilters have been putting together. It will be evident that these quilters have imaginations that result in roaring successes. The Prairie Quilters who meet monthly invited nationally known quilting teachers to this show and if you are in attendance perhaps these teachers could share some exciting quilting tips with you. It will cost $3 to take in this show.
Concert
Over the years, hundreds in Minot have enjoyed the many talented vocalists and instrumentalists that Dave and Ellin Lindee brought to Minot under the International Artist Series. Like many people who have spent time and energy with worthwhile projects, Dave and Ellin decided it was time to turn over responsibility to someone else in this case, John
Jermiason and a core group of volunteers.
On March 18 at 3 p.m. in MSU's Ann Nicole Nelson Hall, subscribers to the International Artist Series are promised a roaring afternoon of patriotic music with a group called American Spirit. A group of 10 talented individuals brought here by Matt Davenport Productions will take the stage along with local talent collected by Ken Bowles.
A special treat during the afternoon will be the solo performance by Katy Verbitsky, an eighth-grader from Burlington, singing our national anthem. Jermiason said that during the afternoon you will have a chance to purchase next season's tickets at an early-bird price.
Brass Band
On March 25 at 4 p.m. in MSU's Ann Nicole Nelson Hall will be another roaring musical event. When Gordon Troxel, veteran conductor of Minot's Brass Band, wields his baton, you will not only enjoy, but be amazed at what he gets from his tooters, and will be ready and wanting more. Since sheets of music cost money, it is suggested that your freewill offering will help bring more of the Brass Band's concerts to the Ann Nicole Nelson stage.
Throughout its lifetime, Minot's Mouse River Players community theater has presented numerous roaring shows featuring a variety of local adult talent as well as performances of youth in the community.
Recently more than 40 young wannabe thespians have attended workshops geared to helping them "take the stage" at some future date. For most of them, that future is coming true.
Theater
On March 29-31 at 7 p.m. and on April 1 at 2 p.m. in the Arlene Theater, 37 youths ranging in age from 8 to 18 will present a series of short plays dubbed "Knight of Tales." The four plays will be: "The King's Creampuffs," "The Real Deal," "Sam White and the Seven Gnomies" and "The Princess Who Believed Everything."
Co-directors Brittany Knickerbocker and C.J. Leigh claim that it was fun as well as a challenge to direct this group of young people. Your season ticket or a $5 bill will admit you to these "Tales." Your attendance is sure to give the cast members a roaring start to their onstage experience.
If you enjoy acting or singing or both, Paula Lindekugel-Willis would be happy to see you for auditions for the May production of the musical "Godspell."
These auditions will be held at the Arlene Theater March 1 and 2 at 6:30 p.m. Virginia Dohms once again directs the music for Godspell which is based on the Gospel of St. Matthew.
Regardless of the March weather in Minot there will be enough roaring or lamblike fleeciness of culture, so make your choices and enjoy!