Last summer concert is Thursday

By Rebecca Petersen | The Daily Journal

Published Saturday, August 4, 2007

I think we've all been feeling the heat — nationwide. Writing from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan this week, I have to report that it is horrifically hot and humid here in the UP.

Temperatures are approaching 100 degrees plus high humidity — plus we're all basically living outside while we practice and prepare for a week of concerts in Marquette and Escanaba.

I also hear that it has been unbearably hot in Fergus Falls and that lawns and gardens really need rain. I think the only rain we've had in weeks was last week when the Thursday night concert in the park experienced a sudden outburst just as Alan Thompson and Scott Gunvaldson were approaching their break. Folks huddled into the shelter and under the awnings of the public bathrooms. The concert continued, but lots of people scurried home.

Next week, Aug. 9, is the last Summer Concert in the Park, featuring The Simon Rowe Trio. It has been a great summer run of concerts and social gatherings at Roosevelt Park. We've had to make a few adjustments with musicians and food, but it all worked out.

We're thinking that maybe next year we’ll expand to 10 concerts in the park and a more comprehensive offering of food choices by local vendors.

Coming up and just around the corner: Tonight Lance Johnson will dust off The Mighty WurliTzer Theatre Organ bench to accompany a silent movie for your summer enjoyment.

Buster Keaton will be featured in “The General.” It's a fabulously funny film appropriate for the entire family on a hot summer night. Show time is 7:30 p.m. I know Lance would love to see all of you there.

Speaking of hot summer nights — they tell me the air conditioning at the theater is fixed. We had a couple of unbearably hot performances during “Laura Ingalls Wilder” and we apologize to those of you who had to suffer through the heat.

Imagine those actors on stage under those hot lights. We're just thankful no one melted.

Funny thing about that air conditioner. I think it has been my biggest challenge since taking the job at A Center for the Arts. Every three years or so it decides to torture me with its wicked and indecisive behavior.

We bring in analysts and specialists and it coughs and whines and behaves badly until someone figures out it's a-this-thing-or-a-that-thing needs fixing. Funny thing about that air conditioner — this year LeAnne and I diagnosed the problem. Perhaps fixing air conditioners is my new future vocation.

“Beauty and the Beast” opens Aug. 10 and runs Aug. 11, 12, 16, 17, 18 and 19.

“Songs from the Tall Grass” opens Aug. 24 and runs Aug. 25 and 26. The troup goes on the road Aug. 28-Sept. 28, and returns to Fergus Falls Sept. 28, 29, 30.

So, here I sit in Michigan, watching wonders unfold without me there in Fergus Falls and watching tragedies unfold before us all in Minneapolis.

It's a weird feeling. I'm ready to spend the rest of the summer at home.

Rebecca Petersen is the director at A Center for the Arts