Tag: Northfiled

Vintage Band Festival

Last Saturday, at the Vintage Band Festival in Northfield, I wanted to go up to the several young people who were dancing in the street, and tell them to never stop dancing…dance as much as you can…all your life.

I didn’t.

I so enjoyed watching these young folks dancing in sync, not just moving around like we do sometimes. They definitely brought a smile to my face, and many other onlookers (I could tell by their looks!)

Program for the 2025 Vintage Band Festival.
The Jack Brass Band.

The Vintage Band Festival is a free, annual event, that started in 2006. It alters from a one-day to four-day event. Multiple vintage bands come from all over the Midwest to play on the outdoor stage on Bridge Square. 

The Sheldon Theatre Brass Band.

It’s a very enjoyable event, and last Saturday was a lovely weather day in Minnesota. Prime for an outdoor concert. Folks bring lawn chairs and sit a while (or all day) and listen to the music. Or, it’s great background music for walking around the River Walk Market Fair to shop for locally-grown produce or locally-made handcrafts.

Lovely Bridge Square in Northfield.

This past Saturday I did both; set up my chair to sit and listen to the music for a while, and I got up in between bands to shop the farmer’s market.

The River Walk Market Fair extended over the 4th Street bridge.

I went home for a break, then Gary and I came back in the afternoon to listen to more music. The festival began at 9 am, and a new band started every hour, on the hour, until 9 pm Saturday night. It’s a popular event in Northfield, and always well attended.

Family Concert at St. Olaf

St. Olaf College’s annual family orchestra concert’s program is put together with children in mind, using fun and unusual antics.

The concert was held in St. Olaf’s beautiful Boe Chapel.

During the opening piece by Bach, Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (Glory unto Thee be Given) the students played their instruments while walking up and down the aisles. That was different, and very engaging. I liked the idea.

Students playing their violins while walking the aisles.

And when I heard the very first notes of the concert I immediately was jolted to a place of enjoyment and contentment, and I said to myself, it’s been too long since I’ve had the pleasure of listening to this beautiful music. What a gift it is. 

Louis & Dan and the Invisible Band, with the St. Olaf orchestra.

This year’s concert featured a guest appearance by Louis & Dan and the Invisible Band. Their catchy music and lyrics may work with an invisible band (as indicated in their name), but the St. Olaf orchestra was too loud for them and drowned out the two male vocal artists.

Dr. Chung Park, the St. Olaf orchestra conductor.

The traditional highlight of choosing a child conductor (this year three) from the audience is a favorite. Dr. Chung Park, the orchestra conductor, chose three kids from the audience who came forward to “try out” to be a conductor. As the students played Rossini’s famous William Tell Overture the three young kids started to conduct, however, Dr. Fang had to tell them to turn around and face the orchestra. It was comical.

The three young children conducting the William Tell Overture (facing the right direction.)

A segment called the “audience orchestra” was interesting.  A student stood up front and turned to face the audience, and without words directed our hands and feet to make sounds/music. It was very well done…and during this time Dr. Fang went back stage and changed into a Lord of the Rings costume. He came out as Gandalf and conducted the final piece of the concert, “Symphonic Suite” from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.

Gandalf conducting the St. Olaf orchestra.

This concert was a unique opportunity for the St. Olaf students to reach out to the children of the Northfield community. It was well attended, by the young, and the young-at-heart.