Kao Kalia Yang's WHERE RIVERS PART and THE ROCK IN MY THROAT
Content is thrilled to welcome award-winning Kao Kalia Yang back to Northfield for a reading from her new memoir WHERE RIVERS PART and her new picture book THE ROCK IN MY THROAT. Join us at the Grand Event Center on Wednesday, April 17th at 7 pm for an insightful reading and presentation.
On WHERE RIVERS PART: A mesmerizing and hauntingly beautiful memoir about a Hmong family’s epic journey to safety told from the perspective of the author’s incredible mother who survived, and helped her family escape, against all odds.
Born in 1961 in war-torn Laos, Tswb’s childhood was marked by the violence of America’s Secret War and the CIA recruitment of the Hmong and other ethnic minorities into the lost cause. By the time Tswb was a teenager, the US had completely vacated Laos, and the country erupted into genocidal attacks on the Hmong people, who were labeled as traitors. Fearing for their lives, Tswb and her family left everything they knew behind and fled their village for the jungle.
Now, her daughter, Kao Kalia Yang, reveals her mother’s astonishing saga with tenderness and unvarnished clarity, giving voice to the countless resilient refugees who are often overlooked as one of the essential foundations of this country. Evocative, stirring, and unforgettable, Where Rivers Part is destined to become a classic.
On THE ROCK IN MY THROAT: At first, no one noticed when I stopped talking at school.In this moving true story, Kao Kalia Yang shares her experiences as a young Hmong refugee navigating life at home and at school. Having seen the poor treatment her parents received when making their best efforts at speaking English, she no longer speaks at school. Kalia feels as though a rock has become lodged in her throat, and it grows heavier each day. Although the narrative is somber, it is also infused with moments of beauty, love, and hope.
Kao Kalia Yang is a Hmong American teacher, speaker, and writer. Her work crosses audiences and genres. She is the award-winning author of the memoirs, THE LATEHOMECOMER, THE SONG POET, SOMEWHERE IN THE UNKNOWN WORLD, and WHERE RIVERS PART. Yang co-edited the groundbreaking book, WHAT GOD IS HONORED HERE?: WRITINGS ON MISCARRIAGE AND INFANT LOSS BY AND FOR NATIVE WOMEN AND WOMEN OF COLOR. She is a librettist for the THE SONG POET OPERA (commissioned by the MN Opera). Her children’s books, A MAP INTO THE WORLD, THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THING, THE SHARED ROOM, YANG WARRIORS, FROM THE TOPS OF TREES, and THE ROCK IN MY THROAT center Hmong children and families who live in our world, who dream and hurt and hope in it.
Yang’s work has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Book Critics Circle Award, the Chautauqua Prize, the PEN USA literary awards, the Dayton’s Literary Peace Prize, as Notable Books by the American Library Association, Kirkus Best Books of the Year, the Heartland Bookseller’s Award, and garnered four Minnesota Book Awards.
Yang is McKnight, Soros, and Guggenheim fellow.
Songwriters in the Round
Join us for this month’s Songwriters in the Round! Doors at 6:30, with music starting at 7pm. Come enjoy a variety of local artists showcasing their original work, and sharing stories of how those songs came to be. Free | All Ages.
2 Billion Dollar Duo - Lennon & McCartney
Enjoy portrayals of Roy Orbison & Johnny Cash as duo David K & Mitchell Hall share life stories and unique perspectives of their friendship.
Doors at 4pm | Show at 5pm
Independent Bookstore Day: An Evening with Michael Perry and Benjamin Percy
Writers (and friends) Michael Perry and Benjamin Percy will be at the Grand on Saturday, April 27th at 7 pm to read from some of their bestselling work, chat about all things writerly, and answer audience questions. So, after a fabulous day at the bookstore, grab your best bookish pals and mosey over to the Grand for a bite, a drink, and a delightful conclusion to your Indie Bookstore Day festivities.
Michael Perry is an accidental New York Times bestselling author, humorist, singer/songwriter, amateur snow plow driver, and playwright from New Auburn, Wisconsin.
Perry’s bestselling memoirs include POPULATION: 485 (subsequently adapted for the stage), TRUCK: A LOVE STORY, COOP, VISITING TOM, and MONTAIGNE IN BARN BOOTS. Among his other dozen titles are THE SCAVENGERS (for young readers), his novel THE JESUS COW, PEACEFUL PERSISTENCE, HUNKER, and his most recent book, the novella FORTY ACRES DEEP. Raised on a small Midwestern dairy farm, Perry put himself through nursing school while working on a ranch in Wyoming, then detoured into writing. He lives with his wife and two daughters in rural Wisconsin, where he still makes an occasional call with the local volunteer fire and rescue service. He hosts the nationally-syndicated "Tent Show Radio," performs widely as a humorist, and tours with his band the Long Beds. His three live humor albums include Never Stand Behind A Sneezing Cow and The Clodhopper Monologues. He can be found online at www.sneezingcow.com. Michael also hosts a subscription audio newsletter at www.michaelperry.substack.com.
Benjamin Percy has won a Whiting Award, a Plimpton Prize, two Pushcart Prizes, an NEA fellowship, and the iHeartRadio Award for Best Scripted Podcast. He is the author of the novels THE NINTH METAL, THE UNFAMILIAR GARDEN, THE SKY VAULT, THE DARK NET, THE DEAD LANDS, RED MOON, and THE WILDING; three story collections; and an essay collection, THRILL ME. He also writes Wolverine and X-Force for Marvel Comics. He lives in Minnesota with his family.
JAM! Open Mic
Come on down for JAM! at The Grand! Hosted by Donegal Lite, JAM! is an acoustic open mic experience for all ages and experience levels. Whether you've been practicing your craft for 20 minutes or 20 years, everyone is welcome on The Grand stage!
Doors at 6:30 | Music at 7PM | Free | All Ages
Movie: To Be Announced
Join us as The Culture Crew puts on a film in The Grand! Movie - To Be Announced - starts at 7pm.
Throwback Thursday from 4-8pm!
Happy Hour 4-6pm.
Songwriters in the Round
Join us for this month’s Songwriters in the Round! Doors at 6:30, with music starting at 7pm. Come enjoy a variety of local artists showcasing their original work, and sharing stories of how those songs came to be. Free | All Ages.
Movie: Princess Bride
The Culture Crew presents The Princess Bride!
Happy Hour 4-6pm
Dinner served until 7pm
Movie starts at 7pm
Content’s Craft Talks: Michael Bazzett
Content is thrilled to announce a new collaboration with our friends at the Grand Event Center: Content's Craft Talks! In this occasional series, we'll host a beloved author at the Grand to talk shop: the writing process, how to hone your craft, and their own individual writing expertise. Whether you want to write books or just love reading them, you'll want to be there.
We're delighted to welcome poet and Carleton alum Michael Bazzett back to Northfield for the first of Content's Craft Talks during National Poetry Month. Join us at the Grand Event Center on Wednesday, April 10th at 7 pm.
Michael Bazzettis the author of YOU MUST REMEMBER THIS, which received the 2014 Lindquist & Vennum Prize for Poetry, THE INTERROGATION, and most recently THE ECHO CHAMBER. He is also the translator of THE POPOL VUH, the first English verse translation of the Mayan creation epic, which was named a New York Times Best Book of 2018. He is also the author of the chapbook IMAGINARY CITY (OW! Arts). His poems have appeared in numerous publications, includingPloughshares, The Sun, Massachusetts Review, Pleiades,andBest New Poets. A longtime faculty member at The Blake School, Bazzett has received the Bechtel Prize from Teachers & Writers Collaborative and is a 2017 National Endowment for the Arts Fellow. He lives in Minneapolis.
Pints for Pride Fundraiser
Come support Northfield Pride's only fundraiser for the year! "Pints for Pride 2024" is hosted by Northfield Pride, cohosted by The Grand Event Center, Imminent Brewing, and Northfield's Very Own Mrs. Moxie!
Silent Auction, Guest Speakers and Drag Performances! All proceeds will support Pride in the Park, our annual scholarship to an LGBTQ+ graduating senior, and other events throughout the year.
Pints for Pride
Saturday, April 6th | 5-8pm
JAM! Open Mic
Come on down for JAM! at The Grand! Hosted by Donegal Lite, JAM! is an acoustic open mic experience for all ages and experience levels. Whether you've been practicing your craft for 20 minutes or 20 years, everyone is welcome on The Grand stage!
Doors at 6:30 | Music at 7PM | Free | All Ages
Songwriters in the Round
Join us for this month’s Songwriters in the Round! Doors at 6:30, with music starting at 7pm. Come enjoy a variety of local artists showcasing their original work, and sharing stories of how those songs came to be. Free | All Ages.
Bows Strings & Contentment Orchestra
Local independent orchestra; Bows, Strings, and Contentment is putting on their St. Patrick’s Day Concert with us here at The Grand!
Doors at 5:30pm, concert at 6pm!
Leslie Vincent Sings Amy Winehouse & Carole King
Brimming with joy, this show celebrates the resilience of the human heart and the universal truths Amy Winehouse and Carole King’s music share. Featuring the extraordinary vocals of Leslie Vincent, Ted Godbout on keys, Matt McIntyre on bass, Ben Ehrlich on drums, and Mitch Van Laar on trumpet, this show has been performed to sold-out crowds in St. Paul and continues to resonate with audience members of all ages.
Leslie Vincent is a prolific songwriter and jazz vocalist. Equally at home singing the Great American Songbook, musical theater, and contemporary rock and pop, she has quickly become one of the most notable voices to emerge in the vibrant Minneapolis music scene, being hailed for her joy-filled performances and her “fun, human, beautiful interpretations” (Levi Weinhagen). In 2023, she released her sophomore album “About Last Night,” which garnered critical attention from fans and music
“Leslie Vincent…is as much a storyteller as she is a jazz singer” — Downbeat Magazine
$20 advance | $30 at the door
Culture Crew Presents: Dial M for Murder
Join the Culture Crew for a night at the movies at The Grand Event Center of Northfield on Thursday, March 14th! We will be showing Alfred Hitchcock's "Dial M for Murder" starring Grace Kelly.
Doors open at **4pm**, free feature film starts at 7pm. Enjoy our Throwback Thursday dinner menu and drinks leading up to the film!
The Culture Crew is a joint collaboration between the @Northfield Arts Guild, the Northfield Public Library Minnesota, and the Northfield Historical Society.
JAM! Open Mic
Come on down for JAM! at The Grand! Hosted by Donegal Lite, JAM! is an acoustic open mic experience for all ages and experience levels. Whether you've been practicing your craft for 20 minutes or 20 years, everyone is welcome on The Grand stage!
Doors at 6:30 | Music at 7PM | Free | All Ages
Sammie Jean Cohen + Beyond The Trees: Dead of Winter Showcase
Join us Friday, February 23, 2024 as singer-songwriter Sammie Jean Cohen and duo Beyond the Trees take the Grand Stage to fill the room with their warm sound to beat the Dead of Winter.
SINGER-SONGWRITER SAMMIE JEAN COHEN WAS BORN AND RAISED IN MINNEAPOLIS MINNESOTA. SHE BRINGS AN OUTLAW COUNTRY BUT YET BLUESY FOLK SOUND TO THE STAGE. SHE WAS INSPIRED BY A WIDE VARIETY OF MUSIC GROWING UP LIKE ETTA JAMES, AND THE EAGLES BEING TWO OF THEM. HER GOALS ARE WRITING UNFINISHED SONGS AND GETTING SOME RECORDINGS OUT AND ONE DAY DREAMS OF OPENING FOR THE HEARTLESS BASTARDS.
https://sammiejeancohen.bandzoogle.com/
Beyond The Trees is an acoustic duo made up of Alek Glauvitz and Arja Lea Niskanen from Saint Paul, MN.
They perform an eclectic acoustic mix of folk, original, contemporary and classic rock. Their original music blends a Minnesota/North Shore sensibility with an urban/bluegrass-folk feel for a very unique sound.
https://www.beyondthetreesmusic.com/
Doors at 6:30pm | Music at 7:30pm | Full bar + kitchen | $15 GA | $10 Students
MOXIE-GRAS Drag Brunch and Masquerade Ball
Brought to you by A Very Moxie Production - Moxie-Gras Drag Brunchwelcomes performances from Mr Haywood, Stacy Hundin, and Izzy Stunnin', hosted by Mrs. Moxie and Lexi D! Saturday, February 17th, doors opening at 10am!
Come evening, the Grand transforms for the Moxie-Gras Masquerade Ball, a Queer/Ally Masquerade Dance and night out!
Songwriters in the Round
Join us for this month’s Songwriters in the Round! Doors at 6:30, with music starting at 7pm. Come enjoy a variety of local artists showcasing their original work, and sharing stories of how those songs came to be. Free | All Ages.
JAM! Open Mic
Come on down for JAM! at The Grand! Hosted by Donegal Lite, JAM! is an acoustic open mic experience for all ages and experience levels. Whether you've been practicing your craft for 20 minutes or 20 years, everyone is welcome on The Grand stage!
Doors at 6:30 | Music at 7PM | Free | All Ages
Songwriters in the Round
Join us for this month’s Songwriters in the Round! Doors at 6:30, with music starting at 7pm. Come enjoy a variety of local artists showcasing their original work, and sharing stories of how those songs came to be. Free | All Ages.
January’s artists include:
Jim Buckley
Joe Selness
David Ebner
Pat Egan
John Kurtis Dehn
Mary Clare Stroh
Jamison Murphy
Fritz Bogott
JAM! Open Mic
Come on down for JAM! at The Grand! Hosted by Donegal Lite, JAM! is an acoustic open mic experience for all ages and experience levels. Whether you've been practicing your craft for 20 minutes or 20 years, everyone is welcome on The Grand stage!
Doors at 6:30 | Music at 7PM | Free | All Ages
Songwriters in the Round
Join us for this month’s Songwriters in the Round! Doors at 6:30, with music starting at 7pm. Come enjoy a variety of local artists showcasing their original work, and sharing stories of how those songs came to be. Free | All Ages.
Featured artists will be announced in the weeks leading up to The Rounds!
A HITCHVILLE Christmas
Classic Christmas songs with some country flair and the harmonies we’ve come to know and love from Hitchville. Throw in some jazzy arrangements, acapella tunes, a few tender moments and it’s a show you don’t wanna miss!
Christmas Carol Sing-Along with Ray Coudret and Curt Johnson
Come one, come all!!! Join Ray and Curt in a musical ringing in of the holidays. Our goal is to create an evening of singing -- all of us together -- all of our favorite and your favorite Christmas carols. We'll have lyrics projected on a screen. Light snacks may be available; Lindsay & Jake will certainly make sure the bar is tended!
Bring your friends. Bring your kids. Bring your friends' kids
WILD HORSES w/ Ray Coudret
Don’t miss your chance to see the up and coming WILD HORSES on The Grand stage!
JAM! Open Mic
Come on down for JAM! at The Grand! Hosted by Donegal Lite, JAM! is an acoustic open mic experience for all ages and experience levels. Whether you've been practicing your craft for 20 minutes or 20 years, everyone is welcome on The Grand stage!
Doors at 6:30 | Music at 7PM | Free | All Ages
Songwriters in the Round
Join us for this month’s Songwriters in the Round! Doors at 6:30, with music starting at 7pm. Come enjoy a variety of local artists showcasing their original work, and sharing stories of how those songs came to be. Free | All Ages.
Featured artists will be announced in the weeks leading up to The Rounds!
JAM! Open Mic
Come on down for JAM! at The Grand! Hosted by Donegal Lite, JAM! is an acoustic open mic experience for all ages and experience levels. Whether you've been practicing your craft for 20 minutes or 20 years, everyone is welcome on The Grand stage!
Doors at 6:30 | Music at 7PM | Free | All Ages
Off The Rails Comedy Show
Join us for the next installment of Off The Rails Comedy at The Grand
More details coming soon.
JAM! Open Mic
Come on down for JAM! at The Grand! Hosted by Donegal Lite, JAM! is an acoustic open mic experience for all ages and experience levels. Whether you've been practicing your craft for 20 minutes or 20 years, everyone is welcome on The Grand stage!
Doors at 6:30 | Music at 7PM | Free | All Ages
Songwriters in the Round
Join us for this month’s Songwriters in the Round! Doors at 6:30, with music starting at 7pm. Come enjoy a variety of local artists showcasing their original work, and sharing stories of how those songs came to be. Free | All Ages.
Featured artists will be announced in the weeks leading up to The Rounds!