Category: Non-Profit – Music and Performance

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Dan Navarro Visits Bemidji September 3 & 4

Headwaters Music & Arts welcomes nationally touring musician and songwriter, Dan Navarro, to Bemidji September 3 and 4 with a concert and a guitar workshop for ages 13-adult.

Dan Navarro’s long and eclectic resume includes “songwriter,” “recording artist,” “singer,” “voice actor,” “road warrior” and “arts advocate” in its range of credits. His music probes life at its most resonant. In his rich baritone, he sings songs of heart and insight, steeped in experience, soulful tales from a long road well-traveled.

Dan started his career writing songs for a diverse array of artists including Pat Benatar (the Grammy®-nominated “We Belong”) The Bangles, Jackson Browne, Dave Edmunds, The Temptations, Dionne Warwick, The Triplets, Dutch star Marco Borsato, and Austin outlaw legend Rusty Weir.

In the 1990’s and 2000’s, Dan worked with Eric Lowen as they recorded and toured as the acclaimed acoustic duo Lowen & Navarro until Eric’s retirement in 2009. Dan has transitioned smoothly into a busy solo career over the past decade, touring nationally almost constantly.

Dan's long awaited first true studio-recorded album, "Shed My Skin" was released in 2019 and was well worth the wait. Recorded and produced by Steve Postell it, of course, features Dan Navarro / vocals, guitar, percussion, Steve Postell / Guitars, Jon Ossman / upright bass, Brendan Buckley /drums, Peter Adams / piano, Phil Parlapiano / accordion, David Glaser / mandolin and Debra Dobkin / percussion.

He has a parallel career as a voice actor and singer, in films like The Playmobil Movie, Pirates of the Caribbean 5, The Book Of Life, Rio (on the Oscar®-nominated “Real In Rio”), Happy Feet, The Lorax, Ice Age (2 & 3) ; TV series Turbo Fast, Prison Break, Family Guy and American Dad; records with Neil Young, Andrea Bocelli, Luis Miguel, Jose Feliciano, Janiva Magness, and Jon Anderson of Yes; hit video games Fallout 4 and Uncharted 4; and hundreds of TV ads for Subaru, Shakey’s, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Honda, Nationwide and more. Most recently, Dan sang on six Lin-Manuel Miranda songs in the Disney Film ENCANTO and, in Feb 2022, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart.

And now… Dan’s new album, "Horizon Line,” is finished and set for an August release. Produced by multiple Grammy®-winner Jim Scott (Tom Petty, Wilco, Dixie Chicks, as well as the first five Lowen & Navarro albums) over a dozen sessions in mid-2021 and a dozen more in spring 2022. You can pre-orders your album now at DanNavarro.com

Dan has a 26-year-old son, thinks sleep is for babies and is a known abuser of acoustic guitars.

You can see Dan perform live in concert Saturday, September 3 at 7:30 pm and you can join him for his guitar workshop for all levels of songwriters (beginners to advanced are all welcome!) 1-4 pm Sunday, September 4. Both the concert and the workshop will be held at Headwaters Music & Arts Performance Hall (519 MN Ave NW, Bemidji). Concert tickets cost $25/person and the cost to register for the guitar workshop is $50. Register or find out more about Headwaters workshops and music events here.

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Augmeanted holds it’s “Life, twice” Album Release this Thursday – proceeds to benefit Headwaters Music & Arts

7 pm, August 18
Historic Carnegie Library
426 Bemidji Ave N, Bemidji MN
$8 per person ($4 for seniors & ages youth 16 and younger)

Augmeanted’s debut album, Life, twice, was released June 21, 2022. Life, twice, takes its name from the Anais Nin quote, “We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospection.” The 10-track recording, produced at Bemidji’s Supple Studios, is a mix of vocally-driven meditations on moments that leave us speechless, and violin-driven improvisations saying what’s impossible to say. The album was made possible in part by a Region 2 Arts Council Individual Artist grant with funding from the McKnight Foundation.

Augmeanted invites you closer to the transcendent power of living music with our distinctive classical rock vibe, crafting tales and tunes cut free by the saw waves of our sound.

Taking our cue from Victor Hugo, we write music to “express that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent,” giving voice to moments best carried along the heart’s strings.

As we spiderwalk the strings and sing through heart and keys, we hope you’ll find yourself feathered by the wings of the crescent moonrise, embraced by the concert hall’s symphonic swirl, or rib-tickled by Appalachian fireflies.

Though Augmeanted is new musical collaboration for us as cousins, we are both established musicians. Geoffrey Taylor orchestrates the strings of his fiddles, mandolin, and ukes in Missoula, Montana and Mary Overlie sings through her heart and keys in Mudsong, based in Bemidji, Minnesota.

In addition to our first album, we are also at work on a theatrical tale about the birthday festivities for a scrap of yet-to-be-born song.

You can purchase tickets for Thursday nights fundraiser here and also listen to an interview about the music done by Jazz88, the jazz radio station of the Twin Cities, here.

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Chris Hudson visits Bemidji

Headwaters Music and Arts hosts Chris Hudson for a workshop and a couple of performances in May. Chris is a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter based out of Kansas City, MO. He’ll be bringing his guitar with him when he stops in Bemidji May 19 and 20 as a part of his Minnesota tour.

Leader and founding member of Gullywasher and Gullywasher Collective, the public will have a chance to hear Chris’ guitar stylings on May 19, 7-9, pm as he performs an intimate house concert at the home of Tom and Elisha Barry of Bemidji; attendance is limited to 25 guests. The event supports Headwaters’ Music Scholarship Program, and will include appetizers and beverages to pair with Chris’ music. Those who are not able to attend the house concert can plan to watch Chris live, on May 20 at Headwaters Music and Arts (519 Minnesota Ave, Bemidji) for a free will donation community concert at 7:30 pm. The event will follow a finger-picking workshop held 5:30-7 pm Friday, May 20 for guitar players of all ages. Both May 20 events are at Headwaters Music and Arts.

May 19 House Concert tickets are $30 per person while registration for the finger picking workshop is $10 per participant. The 7:30 pm May 20 Community Concert is free will donation at the door. Headwaters Music & Arts is an independent non-profit multidisciplinary organization whose mission is to provide opportunities for creativity through instruction and to inspire community through music and the arts.

 

 

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Bemidji Sings! Call for Vocalists

Headwaters Music & Arts invites amateur singers to take part in Bemidji Sings!, an annual vocal competition celebrating the musical talents of youth and adults who live, work or attend school in Bemidji.

Amateur singers 13+ who are interested in taking part must register to audition by 5 pm Monday, June 6. Auditions are scheduled for noon-6 pm Saturday, June 11 and and 10 am-2 pm Sunday, June 12, 2022. They will be in person, with the option to meet with judges via Zoom and will take less than one hour.

Bemidji Sings! is separated into two age divisions: 13-20 and 21 and over and up to 7 singers from each age division will be chosen to perform at the July 15 Bemidji Sings! Vocal Competition.

Singers will be chosen based on their audition performance where they will be asked to sing one song. Auditioning vocalists will be evaluated based on their vocal skills, presentation skills, audience response, and judge's overall impression. Only individual contestants are eligible – no multiple singers or additional instruments may be used.

Those that do move on to the July 15 Bemidji Sings! Vocal Competition will compete for cash prizes and the chance to compete at the Minnesota Sings Vocal Competition in October. The top two finalists in each age category will represent Bemidji at the statewide Minnesota Sings Vocal Competition October 1-2 in New Ulm, MN.

Bemidji Sings! is sponsored by Headwaters Music & Arts with support from Supple Studios.

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Headwaters Music & Arts Holds Monroe Crossing Fundraiser Event

Headwaters Music & Arts (HMA) is excited to welcome Monroe Crossing back to Bemidji! For HMA’s biggest fundraiser of the year, world-class bluegrass entertainers Monroe Crossing will perform in concert at the Historic Chief Theater in Bemidji on Saturday, May 7, 2022. The show begins at 7 pm with an opening performance by No Rest for the Pickers followed by Monroe Crossing at 7:30.

Named in honor of Bill Monroe, Monroe Crossing dazzles audiences with an electrifying blend of classic bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, and heartfelt originals. Their airtight harmonies, razor sharp arrangements, and on-stage rapport make them audience favorites across the United States and Canada. The concert will highlight their most recent CD, “Monroe Crossing Plays Classic Country” honoring country legends such as Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash and Hank Williams.

$25 tickets are available at Headwaters Music & Arts, 218.444.5606, online at HeadwatersMusicAndArts.org, or by stopping in at 519 Minnesota Ave NW, Bemidji. Admission is open seating, advance ticket purchase is recommended. Please consider becoming a sponsor for this fundraising event. Proceeds support our music scholarship fund and helps reduce student tuition based on financial need. Help us reach our goal to raise $5,000 to give the gift of creativity to kids in our community! Sponsors can expect VIP seating and recognition before and during the event.

“Everyone who came had the time of their life that evening. Your show was just incredible....one of the freshest and original groups I have experienced....I was just blown away.” — Bill Adams, Habitat For Humanity, Waldorf MD

Become a sponsor here.

Download or print the poster here.

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April 1 First Friday

We are excited to host TWO events this coming First Friday, April 1.  Join us for an opening reception for the Headwaters Art Program Art Exhibit on April 1, 4:30-6 pm. The exhibit will be a group show featuring a mix of 2D and sculptural work from our art clubs and group pottery classes created during the 2021-22 school year. The public is invited to stop by throughout the month of April to check out the art and ceramics on display throughout our building as well as the newly renovated art and pottery studios!

We'll follow that with the first live music of the spring! Headwaters Open Mic and CoffeeHouse reconvenes on the First Friday of April at 7pm. Held in downtown Bemidji at Headwaters Music & Arts (519 MN Ave NW), this monthly community gathering offers a friendly open mic opportunity and welcoming environment for folks to listen and perform. Expect to enjoy fabulous performances by community artists and warm cups of coffee as April’s featured performer, Antonio Arce takes the stage with his guitar.

Antonio Arce moved to Northern Minnesota about three and a half years ago with his wife and their seven rescued shih tzus. He says he began playing locally at Brigid’s Pubs open mics “to get away from all of them,” an activity that he has missed since COVID-19 and the ensuing pandemic shut down such events. Antonio learned to play guitar when he was 11 years old from his father. The oldest son of a professional musician, they always had guitars at home. He remembers his father’s performances in Salta, Argentina, the city where Antonio was born. Learning guitar started as a practice but quickly formed into an obsession. Although Antonio picked up the guitar very quickly he was not careful enough to learn the names of the chords. For that matter, he doesn’t know the names of the notes in Spanish or English either. So Antonio basically learned to play by ear not knowing the name of one cord or note from another.

Antonio’s main repertoire is Música Romantica (Romantic Music) in the genres of Boleros and Trova. He loves to explain his songs, so people might feel the message when he performs. You can hear Antonio’s love for his music and guitar paired with his thoughtful explanations on April 1.

Held on the first Friday of most months, the Headwaters Open Mic offers a welcoming and supportive community for musicians and spoken-word performers. All ages and skill levels are encouraged to sign up for a 10 to 15 minute set. Read more here.

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Fiddle Camp Instructor Performance Thursday July 8

Headwaters Music & Arts hosts an evening of live music at 7 pm Thursday, July 8 at Headwaters performance hall. Fiddle masters Mary Vanorny (Twin Cities) and Carrie Dlutkowski (U.P. Michigan) will play exciting music from Ireland, Scotland and Canada accompanied by Brian Miller (St. Paul) and Eric Carlson (Bemidji), with world class step dancing by Carrie! Admission is $7 per person, Headwaters Fiddle Camp participants attend free.  Space is limited and  tickets must be purchased in advance.

Headwaters Fiddle Camp is made possible by the voters of Minnesota, through a grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
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First Days of School!

Happy first day to all of the students, parents, and teachers out there! We are kicking off our school year with Music Lessons which start today. We still have openings so if you are looking to sign up for either in-person or virtual music lessons you can let us know here or call 218.444.5606🎶 Our art programming starts later in September/ beginning of October. Here is a list of the upcoming opportunities with links. Click the name of the program to read more register:

  • September 17
    🎨 Headwaters Art Club for Grades 3-6 (Full!) - Thursdays, 4 pm-5:30 pm | Sept 17-Dec 17 & Jan 7-May 6 (No sessions Oct. 15, Nov. 12, 26, and March 11)
  • September 29
    🎨 Homeschool Teen Art Club - $500 | Tuesdays, 1 pm-2:30 pm | Sept. 29-Dec. 15 & Jan. 5-May 4 (scholarships available)
    🎨 Teen Art Club - $500 | Tuesdays, 6 pm-7:30 pm | Sept. 29-Dec. 15 & Jan. 5-May 4 (scholarships available)
  • October 2
    🎨 Youth Pottery (grades 2-8)  -  $600 | Fridays, 4 pm-5:30 pm (scholarships available)
    🎨 My Kid & Me Pottery - $150 per adult/child pair, Additional child or additional adult $75 | Friday, 6-7:30 pm, Oct. 2 – Nov. 6
  • October 5
    🎨 Youth Pottery (grades 2-8) - $600 | Mondays, 4 pm-5:30 pm (scholarships available)
    🎨 Adult Pottery (grades 9 -Adult) - $75/month | Mondays, 6 pm-8 pm
  • October 6
    🎨 Headwaters Jam Band -  $75/8 Week Block | Tuesdays, 6 pm-8 pm | $150/ 8 week session (scholarships available)

We realize we may have to return to virtual lessons as circumstances change and if that happens pottery and Jam Band will be postponed and Art Clubs will moved online. Prorated refunds will be issued for any program that does not go online. For now we are excited to to get started with in-person teaching while exercising our Covid-19 safety guidelines. Thank you for being a part of the Headwaters Community during these odd times!

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Winners Announced Bemidji Sings! 2020

Headwaters Music & Arts celebrated the musical talents of local amateur vocalists on August 6 with their virtual Bemidji SIngs! Vocal competition. This year was the 3rd annual Bemidji Sings! event which is usually  a live, ticketed, show. In 2019 Bemidji Sings! sold out seats at Bemidji Sate Universitiy’s Bangsburg Hall. However, due to Covid-19 concerns the whole event and auditions were moved online. This event is made possible through the support of their local sponsors, including Paul Bunyan Communications, Dandelion Vault, Dean Bentler Cabinets & Woodworking, Lakes Liquor, Team Industries, Green Mill Restaurant, Norbord, Ottertail Power, We Love Messes, Just Dandy, Keg N Cork, and Supple Studios, as well as Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos and the Minnesota State Arts Board.

This year, vocalists were asked to record and submit a video of themselves singing. Submissions were compiled into a virtual show, hosted and produced by David Eichholz of Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos. The video went live on YouTube, 7pm August 6. Finalists included Helen Bartlett, Traci Djonne Schank, Heidi Fladeboe, Donna Gaston, Kari Grace, Maya Lindquist, Nessa Peters, Aspen Tobin, Doyle Turner, Andrew Hokanson, and Charlotte Saxton. Winners were chosen based on vocal skill, presentation, and the judge's overall impression in two divisions - ages 13-20 and ages 21 plus. Judges this year were Zaq Swank of St. Cloud and LouAnn Dierkhising of Park Rapids.  

Third place prize in each age category is $50, second place is $100, and first place is $500 plus recording time at Supple Studios. The first and second place winner in each category is also eligible to compete at the state-wide Minnesota Sings competition in September. This year Bemidji’s event also introduced a People’s Choice Award, inviting viewers to vote for their personal favorite performance of the night. 

The winners of the 13-20 division were: Charlotte Saxton, 1st Place Champion; Andrew Hokanson, 2nd Place Runner Up; Maya Lindquist, 3rd Place Alternate. The winners of the 21+ division were: Heidi Fladeboe, 1st Place Champion; Doyle Turner, 2nd Place Runner Up; Kari Grace, 3rd Place Alternate. The People’s Choice Award went to Maya Lindquist.

Headwaters Music & Arts, an independent non-profit organization in downtown Bemidji, offers music lessons to youth and adults as well as art and pottery classes for adults and children throughout the day and evening. Funds raised during Bemidji Sings! support HMA’s financial assistance program.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

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Bemidji Sings! Vocal Competition August 6, 2020

Headwaters Music & Arts celebrates local musical talent by providing teens and adults who live, work or attend school in Bemidji that chance to perform for Bemidji Sings! Vocal Competition 7 pm Thursday, August 6. All virtual this year, the show may be viewed on YouTube at Headwaters School of Music & the Arts channel.

Hosted by David Eichholz of Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos, the show highlights 14 finalists in two age groups, 13-20 and 21 and older. Featured finalists are Helen Bartlett, Traci Djonne Schank, Heidi Fladeboe, Donna Gaston, Kari Grace, Maya Lindquist, Nessa Peters, Aspen Tobin, Doyle Turner, Andrew Hokanson, Skylah Hurd and Charlotte Saxton. Winners will be selected by judges from out of the area; viewers will have a chance to vote for a special People’s Choice Award. April Aylesworth, 2019 Bemidji finalist and first place Minnesota Sings winner in her age category, will also perform during the August 6 show.

Third place prize in each age category is $50, second place is $100, and first place is $500 plus recording time at Supple Studios. The first and second place winner in each category will be eligible to compete at the state-wide Minnesota Sings competition in September.

Headwaters Music & Arts is grateful for the support of their local sponsors, including Paul Bunyan Communications, Dandelion Vault, Dean Bentler Cabinets & Woodworking, Lakes Liquor, Team Industries, Green Mill Restaurant, Norbord, Ottertail Power, We Love Messes, Just Dandy, Keg N Cork, and Supple Studios, as well as Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos and the Minnesota State Arts Board.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.