Check out these upcoming arts and entertainment events in and around Grand Forks
Apr. 6—"Music in Bloom," the Northern Valley Youth Orchestras annual fundraising event, is set for 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 10, at All Seasons Garden Center, 5101 S. Washington.
Everyone is invited to enjoy the vibrant sounds, sight and tastes of spring in a colorful greenhouse setting, said Naomi Welsh, NVYO executive director. The family-friendly event features food from O For Heavens Cakes and Ground Round; music by NVYO musicians; a photo booth, courtesy of MJD Photography; raffles; and children's activities.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Children ages 12 and younger are admitted free if accompanied by an adult with a purchased ticket. Tickets are available for purchase online, from NVYO members, at the Empire Art Center, and at All Seasons Garden Center.
For more information, email
or visit
.
Eight pairs of dancers will compete on stage when Special Olympics North Dakota presents the 12th annual fundraising event, "Dancing for Special Stars," at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, at the Empire Arts Center, 415 DeMers Ave. A reception begins at 6:15 p.m. in the gallery.
Each pair — an experienced local dance instructor and a "celebrity" volunteer — performs a dance of their choice in the event that's patterned after the popular TV show, "Dancing with the Stars." Donations and audience votes determine the winners.
Participating teams are: Richard Dafoe and Alicia Bullinger; Ross Johnson and Sue Moe Paulson; Greg Litz and Kaylee Trottier; Scott Loscheider and Michala Hodnefield; Christin McDonald and Franklin Wickstrom; Mike McLean and Stacey Piche; John Nelson and Tiffany Sonterre; and Kelsey Regan and Samuel McPherson.
For more information, visit
or call (701) 746-0331.
One of the largest cultural events at UND, African Culture Night, will take place Saturday, April 9, with a main event from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by an after-party from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., at the Memorial Union.
This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.
Sponsored by the UND African Student Union, the event is an opportunity to display the diversity of students of African background through live entertainment, dance, food, education and fun, organizers say.
Performances are centered on a cultural theme, allowing students to showcase their country in a unique and positive manner.
The UND Memorial Union is located at 2901 University Ave.
The Dakota Science Center is hosting Family Astronomy Night on Friday, April 8, at the Heritage Village in East Grand Forks. The main target for viewing is the moon in its first quarter.
Members of the UND Northern Sky Astronomical Society will set up telescopes and be on hand to answer questions. Visitors may bring their own telescopes or binoculars.
The event begins at 8:30 p.m. with a presentation, "Back to the Moon, Project Artemis," followed by telescope viewing at 9 p.m.
In case of inclement weather, the event will be held Saturday, April 9.
Event sponsors include the NASA-JPL Solar System Ambassador program.
For more information, email
or visit
.
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council has announced annual award-winners who are being recognized for their artistry and volunteerism in the arts.
The awardees were chosen from nominations submitted by residents in the art council's seven-county service area. Awards will be presented at an event, beginning at 7 p.m., April 27 at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls, Minnesota.
Ross Hier of Crookston will be presented with the Northwest Artist of the Year Award for Visual Arts and a $500 cash award. A self-taught artist, he is a watercolor painter and works in pen and ink. Nature provides him with unlimited subject matter and the subjects of his paintings are wide-ranging, Hier said. He also makes wooden, functional duck decoys and other objects.
Philip McKenzie of Thief River Falls will be given the Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year Award. A musician who is active in promoting the arts in this region, McKenzie chairs the Minnesota State Art Board and is a member of the UND and NDSU music faculties. He'll receive a $500 cash award.
LaVonne Forsberg of Thief River Falls will receive the Northwest Star Award. A visual artist, she is known for watercolor paintings and stained glass. Her stained-glass work can be found in churches in the region and the Carnegie Library in Thief River Falls. Her paintings are displayed at the U of M-Crookston. She will receive $5,000 as the recipient of this lifetime achievement award.
For more information, visit
http://www.northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/
.
