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Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council

May News & Events
The image shows two young performers in matching bright orange t-shirts on a stage. On the left, a person with glasses and shoulder-length wavy brown hair is speaking or singing into a microphone. They're wearing a long-sleeved black shirt under their orange t-shirt and appear to be fully engaged in their performance. On the right, another performer with long curly hair stands next to an electronic keyboard or synthesizer. The background shows what appears to be an indoor performance space with colorful artwork or panels displayed on the wall behind them.

B-Side Performs at Oliver Book's Rochester Music Mashup Album Release Party. Photo by SEMAC Staff.

Get Involved with SEMAC

SEMAC is always seeking artists, arts professionals, and arts enthusiasts to join our Arts Advisory Panel and Board of Directors. The Panel is responsible for reviewing grant applications and making funding recommendations to the Board. Board members guide arts funding and programming across southeastern Minnesota's 11-county region.

SEMAC is currently looking for individuals to represent Fillmore County, Winona County, and to serve as At-Large Directors on our Board. Candidates with human resources or financial experience are especially encouraged to apply. 

To apply or nominate someone, contact director@semac.org or complete a SEMAC Service Opportunities application through our grant interface.

Please follow these links for more information on all of SEMAC's service opportunities:
Arts Advisory Panel
Board of Directors
 
 

Meet Our Newest Arts Advisory Panelists

SEMAC proudly welcomes three talented individuals to our Arts Advisory Panel! Scott Roberts, Rene Halasy, and Mike Speck bring fresh perspectives and diverse expertise. As panel members, they'll play a vital role in reviewing grant applications and recommending funding for creative initiatives across our 11-county region.

Scott Roberts

Scott has been a Minnesota artist since 1980 when he relocated from Wisconsin to Mankato and picked up in art just where he left off. Freelance art has been his meat and potatoes of creative outlet for most of his career. He has owned his own art studio, illustrated comics, coloring books, brochures, posters, and almost any printed media. He has sculpted, painted, printed, digitalized, drawn, and conjured basically anything asked of him by clients from California to New York and from Florida to Owatonna. Over the past twenty years Scott has been awarded several SEMAC grants both as an arts administrator and as an artist. This includes a 2025 Individual Artist grant which he plans to complete and share with the community this summer.

Rene Halasy

Rene has enjoyed being part of the Rochester community since 2001 and has worked for the small nonprofit RNeighbors since 2006. Her role at RNeighbors focuses on community building and often overlaps with public art projects. She has an educational background in communications, photography, and graphic design. Her specialties include working with people, building relationships, and collaborating effectively. She thrives on travel, live music, and new experiences, although is most at home in Northern MN on Baby Lake. Currently, she is pursuing her Master's degree in Civic Engagement with a minor in Arts and Cultural Leadership at the University of Minnesota.

Mike Speck

Mike is a fight director, actor, and director. He holds teaching certification through the Society of American Fight Directors, as well as an MFA in Acting from Western Illinois University. His fight choreography has been seen at Viterbo University, Luther College, St Mary's University of Minnesota, and farther afield. His performance credits include work at the Guthrie, Lost Colony, Tent Theatre, Theatre at Monmouth, and closer to home. He spent five years, including the COVID pandemic and its aftermath, as the operations director at the Chatfield Center for the Arts, and is excited for the opportunity to once again focus on his own artistic work.
 
 

June Workshop Opportunities

Save the dates! SEMAC is offering three workshops for individual artists and culture bearers in our region in June. Executive Director Anastasia Shartin and Outreach & Accessibility Manager Sharon Mansur will share an overview of SEMAC’s grant programs and professional development opportunities. They will also discuss the process of applying for an Individual Artists & Culture Bearers Grant (next deadline July 28th), share helpful tips and resources, and offer time for creatives to mingle and connect. 

Lake City (in person)

Monday, June 2 | 6-8p

Lake City Area Arts
Register Here

Austin (in person)

Thursday, June 5 | 6-8p

Austin ArtWorks Center
Register Here

Online via Zoom

Wednesday, June 25 | 6-8:30p

Includes a step-by-step overview of SEMAC grant application for individuals.
Register Here

All workshops are free. Registration is highly recommended for the June 2 and 5 workshops, and required for June 25. Contact sharon@semac.org, (507) 281-4848, 711 TTY with questions or accessibility needs.
 
 

SEMAC May Public Events

Explore the many opportunities to support SEMAC-funded arts and cultural public events happening this month:
The image shows a live music performance in a small venue or club setting. A band of six musicians is performing on stage under dramatic purple, red, and blue stage lighting. The performers include musicians playing various instruments including guitar, bass, keyboards, saxophone, and percussion. Some of the band members appear to be gesturing or raising their hands while performing. In the foreground, the silhouettes of audience members can be seen watching the show from below the stage. The intimate venue has black curtains on the sides of the stage and professional lighting equipment mounted above. There's a photographer's watermark or logo visible in the bottom right corner of the image.

Widespot Performing Arts presents The Jimmys

Saturday, May 3 | 7p

Broadway Theater

Wabasha, MN


WideSpot Performing Arts presents The Jimmys! The Jimmys are an award winning, high energy, 7-piece funky blues band with touring experience throughout the US, the Caribbean and Europe.

"The Jimmys are excellent musicians, and every performance is like a party!” –Bruce Iglauer, Alligator Records
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Promotional image for a choir concert titled "let love come" by the Choral Arts Ensemble. The image features a sculptural beige heart with an open wooden door in the center. The door is slightly ajar, suggesting welcome or invitation. The Choral Arts Ensemble logo appears in the bottom left corner, while text reading "let love come choir concert" is displayed in a white rectangular frame on the right side.

The Choral Arts Ensemble 40th Anniversary: Let Love Come

Saturday, May 3 | 7:30p

Sunday, May 4 | 3p

Christ United Methodist Church

Rochester, MN


The Choral Arts Ensemble celebrates their 40th anniversary with "Let Love Come," a reflection on the value of community, fellowship, and belonging. As composer-poet Amy Beth Kirsten writes, "Let love come in whatever way it will." Honoring the past and looking forward to a bright future, the ensemble is excited to present two premiere commissions by Shruthi Rajasekar and Alex Berko.
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The image shows a cartoon illustration with the title "FOUR OLD BROADS" displayed prominently at the top in large white letters against a purple textured background. Below the title are four animated elderly women with gray hair sitting on a wooden bench. All four women are wearing large black sunglasses and are smiling. Two are wearing teal/green tops and two are wearing pink/purple tops, all paired with dark pants and colorful shoes.

Four Old Broads

Sunday, May 4 | 2p

Rochester Repertory Theatre

Rochester, MN


Written by Leslie Kimball and directed by Cheryl Frarck, in Four Old Broads four senior ladies need a break from bingo and macramé. They want to take a Sassy Seniors Caribbean cruise. Unfortunately, things have not been pleasant at their assisted living since nasty nurse Pat came to work there. Together they must solve the mysterious disappearances of their friends and outsmart nurse Pat before they can set sail, in this rib-tickling comedy about friendship and a life well-lived.
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Promotional image for "A Bella Spring Concert: Voices of Strength and Beauty" presented by Sing Out Loud. The image shows a silhouette of a person in a dress standing next to a tree against a misty sunset backdrop. The concert will take place on Sunday, May 4th with performances at 2:30pm and 6:00pm at Trinity Lutheran Church. Tickets available at www.singoutloud.org.

Sing Out Loud presents A Bella Spring Concert: Voices of Strength and Beauty

Sunday, May 4 | 2:30p & 6p

Trinity Lutheran Church

Rochester, MN


Bring in spring with the Bella choirs as we celebrate the voices of strength and beauty that ring throughout the world! We welcome local guest artist Amy Abts who will share her exceptional music and her story of resilience. Music by other composers such as Andrea Ramsey, Reena Esmail, and Jim Papoulis is sure to serve as an encouragement to you. Join us to experience the beauty!
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The image shows a promotional poster for a choral concert with a soft green, nature-inspired background featuring blurred leaves and grass. The text reads: "I CANTANTI CHAMBER CHOIRS Sky, Water, Creature Directors Peter Schleif, I Cantanti Kristin Kivell & Hannah Johnson, Le Donne SUNDAY, MAY 4TH, 2025 7:00PM NORTHFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL AUDITORIUM Freewill Exit Offering in Lieu of Tickets" The poster uses a combination of elegant typography with the concert title "Sky, Water, Creature" in a stylized green script, while the other information appears in black text.

I Cantanti Chamber Choirs presents

Sky, Water, Creature

Sunday, May 4 | 7p

Northfield Middle School Auditorium

Northfield, MN


I Cantanti’s spring concert, “Sky, Water, Creature” draws from the choir’s extensive repertoire, pairing well-known tunes with new settings. Classics from Erb, Mendelssohn, and Barber, as well as works from several living composers. The centerpiece of the program is a newly commissioned work from Kentucky-Based composer, TJ Cole - Earthsong Collages. This wordless composition uses multiple vocal techniques to evoke various elements of nature, from rain drops to whale calls, dog yelps to gorilla grunts. You do not want to miss this performance!

There will be a freewill exit offering in lieu of tickets.
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Owatonna Symphony Orchestra Concert Poster: 'Classics for Kids of All Ages' featuring a vibrant purple and blue galaxy background with a stylized orange phoenix or firebird. The concert will be held on Sunday, May 4th, 2025 at 3:00pm at St. John Lutheran Church (1301 Lincoln Ave S, Owatonna). Free Will Donation $12 (students through college free). Peter Guenther will conduct. Program includes: Schindler's List by John Williams featuring Betsy Anderson on Cello, Overture to Orpheus in the Underworld by Jacques Offenbach, Infernal Dance from The Firebird by Igor Stravinsky arranged by Merle Isaac, Jedi Steps and Finale from The Force Awakens by John Williams, and more selections. The orchestra's logo appears at the top of the poster.

Classics for Kids of All Ages

Sunday, May 4 | 3p

St. John Lutheran Church

Owatonna, MN


Join the Owatonna Symphony Orchestra for "Classics for Kids of All Ages," an afternoon of beloved orchestral music that spans from timeless classical pieces to iconic film scores. Under the baton of conductor Peter Guenther, this family-friendly concert features cellist Betsy Anderson performing the theme from "Schindler's List," alongside selections from "The Firebird," "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," and more. Perfect for introducing young listeners to the excitement of live orchestral music. Students attend free!
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The image shows a circular logo for the "Mid West Music Fest." The logo features dark green text arching over the top that reads "MID WEST MUSIC FEST." Below the text is a stylized graphic design with an orange/red semi-circle at the top (resembling a sunset or sun), green curved horizontal lines on both sides (suggesting rolling hills or sound waves), and blue curved vertical sections in the center (possibly representing a river or musical sound waves). The overall design uses a color palette of dark green, orange-red, and teal blue, creating a nature-inspired visual that likely reflects the regional identity of this music festival.

Mid West Music Fest

May 9-10 | Times Vary

Various Venues Downtown Winona

Winona, MN


Where Music and Community Meet! Mid West Music Fest features 40+ regional bands across 4 stages, plus food trucks, an art vendor fair, family activities, and more. Mid West Music Fest promotes local art and music while stimulating downtown economic development and providing educational resources. Don't miss the Midwest's most authentic music experience!
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A masked welder with bright, glowing welding sparks

World Premiere of Welded Steel by Lane M. Powell: A Concert Band Piece Celebrating Manufacturing in SE MN

Friday, May 16 | 7:30p

Stewartville High School

Performing Arts Center

Stewartville, MN


"Welded Steel" is a new concert band composition by Lane M. Powell that honors manufacturing in Southeast Minnesota. This dynamic piece features expanded percussion that mimics production floor sounds, with a tempo marking of 152 reflecting Highway 52 where many local manufacturers operate. Powell, who works with Harmony Enterprises, crafted the piece to celebrate manufacturing's impact on communities and highlight career opportunities in the trades. After its debut by the Stewartville High School Band, the composition will be freely distributed to bands throughout the region.
The image is a promotional poster for "Taste of Nations," an annual cultural heritage festival in Austin, Minnesota. The poster features a colorful layout with the event title at the top and a logo showing a globe with a location pin and dotted travel lines. Multiple photographs show people serving food, children participating in activities, traditional dancers in colorful cultural attire, and a large crowd gathered at a bandshell. The event details indicate it will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 11AM-3PM at Bandshell Community Park (4th St and 9th Pl SW, Austin, MN 55912). The festival appears to showcase diverse cultural foods and performances from various nations.

Taste of Nations 2025

Saturday, May 17 | 11a-3p

Bandshell Community Park

Austin, MN


Since 2010, Taste of Nations has been an annual event with a mission to celebrate the diverse cultures which make up Mower County. Delicious food, live entertainment, artists & more!
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The image shows a logo for a program called "Young Authors Young Artists." The design features two speech bubble icons at the top - one dark blue with a bright green pencil inside it, and another bright green bubble containing a blue paintbrush or art tool. Below these icons, the text "Young Authors" appears in a dark blue serif font, with "Young Artists" written beneath it in a bright green cursive/script font. The color scheme primarily uses bright lime green and navy blue, creating a vibrant, creative appearance that appeals to youth. This appears to be a logo for a program or event that celebrates young writers and visual artists.

Young Authors, Young Artists Elementary Conference

May 20-22 | Times Vary

Rochester Community & Technical

College Heintz Center

Rochester, MN


The Southeast Service Cooperative's Young Authors, Young Artists Conference welcomes students in grades 3-5 from public and private schools across southeast Minnesota. Students participate in active, motivating, idea-generating series of sessions. The conference's focus is to promote student enthusiasm and competence in written and visual communication. Students will be encouraged to have fun with their creativity and uniqueness. This program significantly impacts children whose writing interests range from mild to avid and exposes students to the art and joy of writing. It's a great way to cultivate a child's imagination! 
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A promotional image for SEMYO's "Joy of Discovery" Spring Concert. The photo shows two young musicians playing flutes in a concert band or orchestra setting. They are wearing black formal attire and reading from music stands. The image includes text on a coral-colored banner reading "Joy of Discovery" and details: "SEMYO Spring Concert, Sunday, May 18, 2 & 3:30 PM, Century High School". The SEMYO (Southeastern Minnesota Youth Orchestras) logo appears in the bottom right corner.

Southeastern Minnesota Youth Orchestras (SEMYO) presents Joy of Discovery

Sunday, May 18 | 2p & 3:30p

Century High School

Rochester, MN


Join SEMYO for their annual spring concert featuring all five orchestras in two performances: 2:00 PM: Prelude Winds, Bravura Strings, and Chamber Strings 3:30 PM: Philharmonic Orchestra and Concert Orchestra with 2025 Concerto Competition winner Sawyer Thompson performing Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto and the world premiere of Benjamin Rauh's Reflections on a Broken World.
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The image shows an orchestra or chamber ensemble performing in what appears to be a concert hall or event venue. In the foreground, there are string musicians (violinists and violists) dressed in formal black attire playing their instruments while seated. A harp is visible on the left side of the image. Behind the string section, there appears to be a grand piano with its lid raised, and other orchestra members including what seem to be wind or brass instrumentalists. The setting has subtle holiday decorations visible, possibly garland, suggesting this might be a seasonal or holiday concert. The lighting gives the scene a warm, atmospheric quality typical of formal classical music performances.

Rochester Pops Orchestra presents -

Rochester's Got Talent All-Stars

Sunday, May 18 | 7-9p

Bethel Lutheran Church

Rochester, MN


This concert features the winners of Rochester Pops Orchestra's May 2023 - Rochester's Got Talent competition: LaSonya Natividad, Thomas McLauren and Semini McLauren. These talented vocalists present an entire concert of their favorite selections with the Rochester Pops Orchestra.
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Alt text: Group photo of the Rochester Male Chorus. The ensemble is arranged in two rows - one standing and one seated - in what appears to be a rehearsal or performance space. The members are wearing matching formal attire consisting of dark green blazers, white shirts, and red patterned ties. The group includes approximately 16 men of various ages, with some members holding what look like music folders. They are posed professionally against a neutral wall background with a wooden floor beneath them.

The Rochester Male Chorus

Spring Tour 2025

Monday, May 19 | 7p

125 LIVE

Rochester, MN


The Rochester Male Chorus invites you to enjoy their Spring Tour featuring performances at three senior living communities in May:

- The Waters on Mayowood:

Monday, May 5, 6:30 PM

- Cottagewood Senior Communities: Monday, May 12, 5:30 PM

- The Hawthorne at Rochester:

Monday, May 19, 5:00 PM

These interactive mini-concerts include both performances and sing-alongs, creating a warm community atmosphere. The tour concludes with a special concert at 125 LIVE on Monday, May 19 at 7:00 PM. Join the chorus as they share their love of music across Rochester!
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SEMBA 2025 Bluegrass Festival

May 16-18 | Times Vary

Cushon's Peak Campground

Houston, MN


Join the Southeast Minnesota Bluegrass Association for more toe-tapping fun at the 2025 SEMBA Bluegrass Festival! Enjoy three days of live performances from regional bands including The Finley River Boys, Roe Family Band, and more. Bring your instruments for campground jamming, lawn chairs for comfort, and your love of bluegrass music! Affordable daily or weekend passes available. Don't miss the youth showcase and instrument workshops in this beautiful Root River Valley setting!
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The Ongoing Impacts of

SEMAC-Funded Projects

We are catching up with previous grant recipients to learn about the lasting impacts of their funded projects. By reconnecting with these individuals and organizations, we aim to share how our grants have benefited artists and their communities. This month, we feature Flourish Summer Camp.
This image shows a large white chicken puppet costume being worn in a meadow setting. A performer is visible from the waist down wearing black shorts, with their upper body completely inside the oversized chicken puppet. The puppet has a bright red comb on top of its head, an orange beak that appears to be open, and white wings extending outward. The performer is holding what looks like control rods or sticks to manipulate the puppet. The chicken is positioned in a grassy field with wildflowers, and there's a backdrop of green trees and forest visible in the distance. This appears to be the "giant chicken puppet" mentioned in the Flourish Summer Camp performance "Ruffled Feathers and Flying Soles," which interrupted the Olympic-themed event in the creek according to the text

Flourish Summer Camp's handmade, giant chicken puppet finale. Photo provided by grant recipient.

In southeastern Minnesota, young artists are creating performances in trees, meadows, and even creek beds. Discover how Flourish Summer Camp transforms an off-the-grid organic farm into an immersive performing arts experience, where youth develop original works while connecting deeply with the natural world. Read about their 2024 production Ruffled Feathers and Flying Soles, which featured aerial silks in trees, dancing among tall grasses, and an Olympic event interrupted by a giant chicken puppet.
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SEMAC activities are made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund.
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Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, Inc. | 2510 Superior Dr NW Suite B | Rochester, MN 55901 US

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