Phipps Calendar

For more information, contact The Phipps Center for the Arts at (715) 386-2305, (715) 386-8409 (box office) or www.ThePhipps.org.

Phipps Festival Chorus tenor/bass auditions

Auditions for tenors and basses for The Phipps Festival Chorus are Thursday, Sept. 25, 7 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 27, 10 to 11 a.m., in the Commons. Singers need to call for an audition time. Those auditioning should have a prepared sacred or classical solo. An accompanist will be provided. Singers will also be asked to do some sight-reading.

The Phipps Festival Chorus is an adult chorus of approximately 45 members and is directed by Thomas Dahle. Weekly rehearsals are Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon beginning October 4. The Festival Chorus will perform its annual Christmas concerts Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. at The Phipps Center. For more information, and to schedule an audition time, call The Phipps at (715) 386-2305, ext. 101.

Silent film comedies

Dennis James will perform a gamut of theater organ concert repertoire in addition to accompanying silent film comedy shorts at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28. The films will consist of “Never Weaken,” starring Harold Lloyd; “The Paleface,” with Buster Keaton; and “A Dog’s Life,” with Charlie Chaplin. Tickets are $21 for adults and $14 for all students with a current I.D.

Season tickets now on sale

Tickets are on sale for The Phipps Center for the Arts’ 2008-09 25th anniversary season.

The theater series includes the 1950s rock and roll musical “Grease,” the mystery comedy “Drop Dead,” the musical “The Sound of Music,” the children’s musical “Charlotte’s Web” and “Steel Magnolias.”

The music series highlights a chamber music concert by members of the Minnesota Orchestra and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, folk music by the American Swedish Institute Spelmanslag, the pianist Philip Brunelle and soprano Maria Jette, “Stories in Stone” by baritone Aaron Engebreth, and the Summit Hill Brass Quintet.

The organ series features the silent film “The Phantom of the Opera” accompanied by Clark Wilson; a holiday concert by Ron Reseigh; Jelani Eddington, the youngest-ever Organist of the Year; Dave Wickerham, organist in residence at the famed Milhous Museum in Boca Raton; and Ron Rhode, a favorite at American Theatre Organ Society conventions.

The special events series includes the bluegrass and gospel quintet Monroe Crossing; holiday concerts by The Phipps Festival Chorus and The Phipps Oratorio Society; “The Belle of Amherst” starring Linda Kelsey; and “the original voice of ‘Riverdance,’” Katie McMahon.

Season subscribers have the first opportunity to purchase tickets to special performances by the Barbary Coast Dixieland Show Band. Patrons can subscribe to any or all of the series, or create their own series of events. A season package of five events for $80 offers up to 30 percent savings over individual ticket prices. A season subscription of three events for $54 offers over 20 percent savings. Subscribers are also offered free exchanges. For more information and reservations, contact The Phipps Center ticket office at (715) 386-8409 or visit www.ThePhipps.org.

Private violin lessons

Private violin lessons for students ages 7 through adult are offered throughout the year by Sarah Bertsch, (715) 381-5735.

Dance parties

Tom Larson will offer ballroom dance parties Saturday, Oct. 25 (not Oct. 18 as previously stated) and Nov. 15, 7:30-10 p.m., in the dance studio. Larson will offer a ballroom dance lesson from 7:30 to 8:30. This is an opportunity to have fun trying out new dance skills in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Dancers of all experience levels are welcome. Refreshments are provided. Admission is $10 per person.

Yoga classes

Vinyasa Flow yoga classes continue Thursdays, 6:30–8 p.m. Beginning yoga is offered Tuesdays and Fridays, 9-10:30 a.m. Classes are ongoing and may be taken at any time. Punch-cards may be purchased for $100 per 10 classes. Punch-cards are good for any of the three classes offered each week. Students only pay for the classes they attend. Students should wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat.

Theater classes for children

Judith Hackbarth is teaching creative dramatics classes for students in grades 1-6 are scheduled on four Saturday mornings, Sept. 27, Oct. 4, 18 and 25, at The Phipps Center for the Arts. Students will give a short presentation for family and friends on the last day of class.