ArtBlast returns to Rosemount

ArtBlast Returns to Rosemount

ArtBlast returns this year after social gatherings were curbed last year. It is an eleven-day celebration of the arts, sponsored by the Rosemount Area Arts Council (RAAC). ArtBlast is designed to provide Rosemount and the surrounding communities with the opportunity to experience many kinds of art. ArtBlast includes daily and nightly entertainment, performing arts, visual arts, arts and crafts activities, art exhibits, a photo contest, a melodrama in the park by the Front Porch Players and a play at the Steeple Center by the Second Act Players. Our featured events are the Bluegrass Festival and Jazz Fest! Most events are FREE. Some classes require pre-registration.

The Second Act players kick things off ArtBlast with their play, "Reunited." It was written by Penny Petersen and is directed by Shell Wolf. Performances are August 19-21 at 7 pm and August 21 at 2 pm at the Steeple Center in Rosemount. Four sorority sisters from the University of Nebraska get together every 5 years for a week of fun and frolic in Arizona. Friendships are tested with flirtatious boyfriends, a séance, and a football coach who gets caught in alcohol’s web. In the end, the women grow stronger, and friendship prevails. For tickets visit secondactplayers.com/reunited.

On display at the Steeple Center during ArtBlast, August 23-27, is RAAC’s collection of Mata Ortiz pottery. It is known for its aesthetic rather than its utilitarian value and has brought the town of Mata Ortiz out of poverty. The collection was donated by LaDonna Boyd and Darold Olson. Also on display are the Photo Contest entries, the completed Gratitude Wall, and artwork throughout the Steeple Center. An open house and reception will be from 6 pm – 8:30 on Monday, August 23. After visiting the Steeple Center, take a short walk to the Robert Trail Library where local artist Craig MacIntosh has his amazing artwork on display.

The evenings in Rosemount Central Park will be filled with FREE music and other entertainment from August 22-29. On Sunday evening the John Philip Sousa Band will be performing famous tunes from the turn of the twentieth century. Rags, marches, and novelty songs keep audiences engaged.

The Rosemount High School band will present this year’s competition show, “Out of the Shadows,” on Monday evening. It will be at the RHS stadium instead of Central Park. Get a preview of the show that will be presented at the National Competition.

On Tuesday, ArtBlast will return to Central Park where families can enjoy the Black Dirt Theater Improv Show followed by the melodrama “The Riverboat Wrangle” or “Keep the Casino Afloat.” Viewers will be invited to “BOO” the villain and cheer for the hero.

New this year, on Wednesday you travel to Eastern India (Odissi), and to Ireland (Rince Na Chroi) as you experience the different dance styles.

“Buckets and Tap Shows” joins the ArtBlast line-up on Thursday night. The multi-talented Ausland brothers take audiences on a rhythmic journey using percussion instruments including; tap shoes, found objects, electronic drums, and buckets. Thursday night is a momentous occasion for Rick Ausland. This will be his first performance after suffering a traumatic brain injury exactly one year ago. He has made a miraculous recovery.

Friday night in Central Park, begins with a square dance. Dick Reuter is the caller as he leads all levels of dancers in traditional square dancing. This is followed by a performance by the local Rosecreek Boys Bluegrass Band, sponsored by the Guitar Shop. Join an informal jam session afterwards, so bring your instruments.

Saturday is the annual Bluegrass Americana Festival from 5 – 9 pm, sponsored by Rosemount Saw and Tool. Food trucks will be onsite. Beer and wine will be available for purchase from Celts. The 4-band line-up includes, Singleton Street, Long Time Gone, The Hacklewrappers, and King Wilkie’s Dream.

New to ArtBlast this year is Jazz Fest on Sunday, August 29, from 4 pm to 8 pm. Food trucks will also be onsite. Beer and wine will be available for purchase from Celts. The 4-band line-up includes SouthSide Kool Jazz, Salsa del Soul, 651 Jazz, and the Genesis Jazz Orchestra.

For a relaxing evening for the adults, Rita Corrigan will be leading a Sip ‘N Paint class on Thursday, August 26, from 6:30-9:30. The cost is $35. Registration information is at RosemountArts.com.

ArtBlast has something for writers, too. A workshop called “Jumpstart Your Creativity” will be presented by Mary Potter Kenyon. It will be on Saturday, August 28 at the Steeple Center. The cost is $15. For more information and to register visit the RosemountArts.com website.

Yoga in the Park returns this year on Saturday, August 21 and 28 at 9 am in Central Park.

Other activities include art classes for kids. “Drawing our Beautiful Earth” is on Tuesday, August 24, from 10-11 am at the Robert Trail Library. Kids aged 7-11 will create a small book. Wednesday August 25, from 10-12 am is Kids Art in the Park in Central Park including a visit from Balloon Artistry by Mandana.

These events are made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council (MRAC), thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

For more information and times visit RosemountArts.com or email rosemountarts@gmail.com.