ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Kandiyohi County boasts an extremely diverse population, creating a wide spectrum of family entertainment opportunities for local residents and visitors alike.

Folk Culture

Stage Arts

Entertainment

FOLK CULTURE

Kultur Hus

Kultur Hus promotes understanding of the Nordic heritage by teaching the folk arts, music, language, needlework and dancing, which were present in our grandmother's and grandfather's lives.  A variety of classes are held throughout the year, including a summer course for children.

(320) 366-3966 or (320) 366-3526 or (320) 354-7115

211 Front Street

Sunburg, MN 56289

E-Mail:  ann@kulturhus.net or jane@kulturhus.net

Web Site:  www.kulturhus.net

STAGE ARTS

Kandiyohi County offers a wide variety of music and theater venues. We have many very talented Musicians and Thespians who call this area home. Make sure to call the organizations and theaters listed below for performance times!

Little Theater

This restored Little Theatre is home to The Crow River Players, who present 4-5 plays and mid-week summer showcases each year. This theatre is also home to the New London-Spicer High School drama department and other community events, such as concerts presented by the New London Arts Project during the winter months. Fee to some events.

(320) 354-2559
24 Central Avenue East
New London, MN 56273

Web Site:  www.newlondonlittletheatre.com

The Barn Theatre

This precious pocket of talent is one of the area's finest live performing theaters. It features seven shows a year with a cast of more than 200 volunteer artists. The Barn is conveniently located in a downtown Willmar playhouse with thrust stage and seating for 220. Fee.

(320) 235-9500
321 Fourth Street SW
Willmar, MN 56201

E-mail: thebarntheatre@charterinternet.net
Web Site:  www.thebarntheatre.com

Prairie Winds Community Band Program

West central Minnesota is home to an area-wide community band program. Whether it is an old-fashioned summer band concert in the park or a more formal concert band program, this community band series is delightful to participate in as a player or listener.
Beginning in June and continuing for six weeks, the Prairie Winds Summer Band performs at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday evenings (except Willmar Fests week when the concert is Thursday evening) at Willmar's Rice Park. The 45-plus members play a variety of Broadway tunes, Pop songs and march favorites.

The Prairie Winds Concert Band rehearses throughout the school year on Monday evenings at the Willmar Education and Arts Center (WEAC) beginning at 7:00 p.m. and performs two concerts, one in November and March. The concert band programs include symphonic band literature, orchestral transcriptions, concert marches and a variety of other concert band music.

For more information, call Dennis Benson at (320) 231-2115.
611 Fifth Street SW
Willmar, MN 56201

E-mail: dennisb@willmar.com
Web Site: Prairie Winds Concert Band

Ridgewater College Willmar Campus Theatre

Whether it's drama, comedy or a musical, the Ridgewater College Theatre not only entertains but brings experimental, quality theater to the community. Two shows are presented on the Willmar Campus in the fall and spring.

(320) 231-5132
2101 15th Avenue NW
Willmar, MN 56201

Web Site: www.ridgewater.mnscu.edu

Willmar Area Symphonic Orchestra

With four season concerts and weekly rehearsals, this group promises a delightful performance. The symphonic ensemble of about 50 players performs a major work at each of its performances, which usually takes place at the Willmar Education and Arts Center (WEAC) auditorium. Fee.

For information, contact Robert Whitney at (320) 214-9433
611 Fifth Street SW
Willmar, MN 56201

Willmar Area Arts Council

The Willmar Area Arts Council promotes and supports artistic growth through education and collaboration of all arts-related activities in the Willmar area. An Artist Registry is published biennially and is free to the public upon request. We also make available gallery space for local artistic exhibitions and provide grants for artists and art organizations enhancing projects and performances in our area.

Offices and gallery are in the Willmar Education and Arts Center (WEAC)
(320) 231-8560
611 Fifth Street SW
P.O. Box 165
Willmar, MN 56201

Web Site: www.willmar.com

West Central Concert Series

The West Central Concert Series is a nonprofit organization that brings a variety of musical entertainment to west central Minnesota.  Series tickets are sold in the spring of the year for the five to six concerts to be presented in the fall, winter and spring.  All performances are at the Willmar Education and Arts Center (WEAC).  Performers are world-class musicians who have performed all over the world.  For the 2005-2006 season, the series is bringing a number of diverse shows, including a concert pianist, a baritone vocalist and a group that promises to bring the fire of gypsy fiddle music with the hot-blooded passion of the tango.  For ticket information call Claudia at (320) 235-3675.

ENTERTAINMENT

Movie Theaters