Get Inspired by Crookston’s Music Scene

Oct 29, 2021

A safe and bustling city, Crookston offers many opportunities to get out and enjoy life. There’s always something to do here, from volunteering at a non-profit to attending one of the many local musical productions. Crookston’s musical scene is defined and elevated by performances from local and internationally known artists, as well as some of the amazing talents at the University of Minnesota Crookston.

For the music enthusiasts in Crookston, the team at Rydell Chevrolet Buick GMC invites them to check out these upcoming events and musical venues. Be sure to add a few of these concerts to your calendar, because the city has some first-rate talent to share with the community and the surrounding areas.

Crookston Music Department

Flute being played during a concert band practice — Image via Pixabay by brendageisse-4791673

The Crookston Music Department has one goal: to spread the joy of music throughout the community. Made up of students in 4th through 12th grade, members of the Crookston Music Department regularly perform for the community at choral concerts, orchestra performances, and holiday or seasonal events.

The Concert Choir entertains audiences with concerts and competitions throughout the year, such as solo and ensemble contests sponsored by the Minnesota State High School League and spring concerts by the Pop Choir. The Crookston Orchestra provides several musical productions for the community to enjoy, including concerts by the high school and junior high orchestra, performances by the Valley Fiddlers string ensemble, and a summer pop concert series by the Pop Strings orchestra.

Upcoming events hosted by the Crookston Music Department include:

Fall Choral Festival — Monday, October 25.
Concert Band and Orchestra Concert — Thursday, October 28.
Classic Noel Concert — Sunday, December 5.

The University of Minnesota Crookston

The University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) has a thriving music department that introduces the Crookston community to amazing musical talent each year. Comprised of students from UMC, the university’s band and orchestra ensembles — as well as the campus choirs— delight attendees with lyrical numbers and concerts.

The Community and Campus Band performs at least one concert each semester, as well as during convocations, commencements, etc. Every year, the UMC Jazz Band hosts a Swing Dance, Jingle Jazz Concert, and one featured concert with a special guest. And the UMC Choir holds two concerts annually, one each semester. They also perform for several community organizations, such as churches, community gatherings, and service organizations. The Pop Choir is a new campus club that performs more contemporary musical selections.

Regardless of the specific concerts or choir performances you attend, you’ll be more than pleased with the high-quality and unmatched caliber of the musical talent of the students at UMC.

Crookston Civic Music League

The Crookston Civic Music League brings a variety of musical entertainment each year to the Crookston area. As a non-profit organization, they work with adults, students, patrons, friends, benefactors, and co-sponsors to present outstanding concert events for the Crookston community to enjoy. They are currently in their 67th season of the popular Crookston Entertainment Series. All musical performances are held at the Crookston High School Auditorium, located at 402 Fisher Ave, at 7:00 p.m. in the evening.

There are five upcoming concerts scheduled for 2021/2022.

The Everly Set, October 21

The Everly Set, a tribute to the Everly Brothers, is made up of Sean Altman and Jack Skuller. The two-member band is heavily influenced by the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beach Boys, and The Bee Gees, and they always put together a fun concert that resonates with the audience. Their concert features songs like “Bye, Bye Love,” “Wake Up Little Susie,” “Let It Be,” and many more.

Branden and James, November 9

Operatic tenor Branden James and cello virtuoso James Clark have become a brand name in the classical crossover music world. If you enjoy the music of Josh Groban, The Piano Guys, and Jackie Evancho, then you won’t want to miss this remarkable performance. Since 2015, this cello and vocal duo has been reinventing the rules of classical music. Being unique and inspiring their audience draw people to their performances.

James Clark, an Australian cellist, is an arranger, orchestrator, and concert pianist. Branden James, a native of California, has recently written his first book, a memoir titled “Lyrics of My Life.” When you attend their concert, you’ll hear familiar melodies such as “West Side Story Medley,” “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” “Hallelujah,” “Hotel California,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”

Duo Baldo, February 8

This comedic duo of Italian pianist and American violinist has captivated the world through their musical performances. Based in Italy, Duo Baldo tours internationally, sharing some of their favorite melodies with a zany twist. Look forward to hearing astounding and breathtaking performances, including “It Ain’t Necessarily So,” “Hungarian Dance No. 5,” “Tico Tico,” and “Spanish Dance.”

Barron Ryan, March 25

The music of solo pianist Barron Ryan has been described as “classic meets cool.” He studied at the University of Oklahoma and toured Israel as a piano competition winner. Ryan performs a mix of ragtime, jazz, and classical repertoire in his solo concerts. Along with being a musical entertainer, he’s also a popular motivational speaker and educator.

You’ll be amused and delighted when you hear familiar tunes from Ryan, like “Blue Moon,” I Want You Back,” “The Entertainer,” “Solace,” and “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.”

Veritas, May 6

Veritas is a male vocal quintet that produces a wall of sound with their marvelous voices, backing tracks along with a cappella renditions. Although they’ve quickly become well known on the gospel circuit, Veritas also performs musical numbers from the opera, pops, Broadway, and classical genres. This five-person classical crossover vocal ensemble consists of three tenors, one baritone, and one bass, and performs classical numbers like “I Got Rhythm,” “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” “You’re the Inspiration,” and “American Anthology.”

We invite you to choose one or more of these musical concerts to attend soon. Be sure to invite your family and friends to join you. Are there other musical concerts or performances that you enjoy in the Crookston area? If so, we’d love to hear about them. Contact us today and we’ll be happy to add it to this list.