Best bets

Just about everybody loves a well-tuned, professional big band, so expect a big turnout at Monday night's free concert, featuring the U.S. Army Field Band's Jazz Ambassadors.

The 19-piece ensemble plays a variety of big band music, from the swing of the 1930s to modern compositions.

Show time is 8 p.m. in the Brainerd High School gymnasium. Tickets are available at The Dispatch, 506 James St., Brainerd.

Theater troupe

The Pequot Lakes community theater troupe opens its season Friday night with "Lucky Stiff," promoted as a "high energy production with dancing, singing and a really clever story line."

Sounds good. Curtain call is 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Nov. 8 and 9, as well as 2 p.m. Sunday and Nov. 10, in the high school auditorium. For ticket information, call Pequot Lakes Community Education at (218) 568-9200.