Tempo tidbits
Marion Graham, a Central Lakes College theater and speech instructor, has landed a role in a professional stage production of Jon Hassler's novel "Simon's Night."
Produced by the Lyric Theater in Minneapolis, "Simon's Night" will run June 15-July 21 at the Jon Hassler Theater in Plainview, in southeastern Minnesota.
Graham has directed or acted in numerous CLC theater productions. She will play two roles in the Hassler-derived play: Jean, a social worker, and Linda, a former student of the novel and play's primary character, Simon Shea.
Hassler, one of Minnesota's most popular novelists, began his writing career in the late 1960s as an instructor at Brainerd Community College, now CLC. Graham also appeared in a Lyric Theater production last summer at the stage named for the novelist, who was born in Plainview.
For ticket information, call (507) 534-2900.
The National Park Service is releasing a CD by Charlie Maguire, known across the state as "The Singing Ranger." He appears routinely at lakes area venue.
Called "Great Mississippi," the recording will be showcased this summer in a series of live performances, mostly in the Twin Cities area. Maguire is a ranger at the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
"The Singing Ranger," however, will appear in concert at 8 p.m. July 14 in the Brower Inn at Itasca State Park. The CD includes original music featuring stories about people and places within the recreational area.
In student news, Concordia College in Moorhead reports that Anna Erickson, a sophomore, participated in the orchestra's European tour last month, which included stops in France, Germany, Austria and Italy.
She is the daughter of David and Sally Erickson of Brainerd.
Meanwhile, Matt Heier of Staples, Phil Frank of Pequot Lakes and Tena Johnson of Brainerd participated in the 2001 Funtastic Dance Follies at Bemidji State University, the college said in a news release.
Heier is a sophomore majoring in criminal justice, while Frank is a senior majoring in mass communications and Johnson is a sophomore majoring in psychology.
The Brainerd Public Library announces the 2001 Wolfin' Down Books At Your Library summer reading program.
Children ages 3-12 may sign up for the summer reading program until June 16. The program will feature exciting programs, prizes and the tastiest books.
The American Celebration in the Lakes Area has been set for June 29-July 6 in Brainerd/Baxter, Minnesota's Fourth of July capital, said Nancy Cross of Brainerd Community Action. The Fourth of July committee is looking for young musicians to enter the Battle of the Bands slated for 6-11 p.m. July 3 at Don Adamson Field in Brainerd and will include many bands and great food.
Tickets are $5 in advance or $8 at the door and are available from the Youth Advisory Council and Community Action.