Multi-talented and Ready to Share

Say hello to Kaitlin Skaja, the talented photographer of our stair to/from heaven.  Kaitlin can often be found in the Reif Performing Arts Center where she ushers and supports other talented musicians. She will be one of the soprano soloists in the New York New York concerted scheduled for the Greenway Auditorium, Sunday, April 26th at 4:00 pm.  This summer she'll be appearing in the Olivia Skaja: Showpieces of the Violin concert at noon June 16th at the St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids.  But you may find her sooner at ICC or performing music for residents of the many senior citizen complexes in the area.

Tuesday Noon Concerts, Grand Rapids, MN

The Grand Rapids Summer Series opens June 2 with an exciting 14th season of Tuesday noon free concerts followed by a $6.00 church luncheon.  All our performers are fantastically multi-talented individuals whom you meet around the community in their other roles.

Featured today is Kaitlyn Skaja's photo of the Reif Performance Art golden stair.  For a preview of Kaitlyn, you can also catch her as she solos for Itasca Community Chorus April 26th at the Greenway Auditorium in Coleraine or as she plays backup guitar for her sister Olivia's "world's best violinist" endeavor.

From sacred to secular each Tuesday features a new performing group. For 45 minutes this year, you’ll savor the best of area performers.

New to the series is the Deer River High School a capella ensemble.  The longtime favorite Grand Rapids Area Male Chorus concentrates on songs from the American songbook and jazz singers accompanied by easy listening improvisation at the keyboard by Jim Mason are sure to delight. John Scheuer and friends, accompanied by Susan Hoolihan, will take us through songs that inspire journeys.

The Ophoven Family returns with a potpourri of string and piano music.  Other instrumentalists include Reif Talent contestants Olivia Skaja with her violin,  Maggie Anderson with her cello, and Jonathon Shields with his guitar.  For the second season Joleen Mortensen’s alto tones will soothe your soul and Daniel Petrich will demonstrate the full range of clarinet music.

The Northern Lights trio will once again entertain with some of their 2000 songs.  So bring your best requests and prepare to visit the music era of your choice.  New to the series is the combo Playin’ Truth with gospel and bluegrass singer Leanne Brenden. To wrap up the season Swing Delivery conjures up the sounds of the Big Band era.

Look for the traditional marigold bookmarks  in early May and post one so you’ll know where to find us every Tuesday noon.

Check back here for more details as the season unfolds.