Over the centuries, men and women of many colors and persuasions have dealt with myths and magic and added muscle to their daily lives. And Minot is no exception.
Centuries ago, mythology has it that a huge bird, iridescently colored with a long tail lived for 500 years, sometimes referred to as the Firebird died and from its ashes, rose a more beautiful bird, destined to live 500 years with each rebirth more gorgeous than its predecessor. The Phoenix, this bird is still alive in mythology.
In fact, in our country, in Arizona, Phoenix's computers record its origin from an ancient civilization. It is no myth that our city has grown from a railroad tent city in 1886 to our present magical Minot. And, incidentally, Henry Minot, whom Minot is named was an ornithologist. Whether he knew about the mythical Phoenix is not known. What we do know is that, by muscle, mind and determination, Minot will rise from the devastating flood waters of 2011 to be even more beautiful.
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Arlene Saugstad is a freelance writer who lives in Minot.
During November, members of the Souris Valley Watercolor Society will have on display in the Minot Public Library a display of what they have created using Phoenix-like and cooler colors. Their art will be open for your viewing during library hours so why not stop in? It's free for the viewing.
On Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. you are in for a free concert in MSU's Ann Nicole Nelson Hall, MSU choirs will have for you colorful music. First to take the stage is the Concert Choir, some 55 voices, directed by Dr Ken Bowles with DeVera Bowles as the accompanist. Next will be the Cherie Collin directed Women's Choir. Winding up your evening's choir is billed as MSU Singers with Rebecca Petrick wielding the baton. Bothof these last choirs will be accompanied by MSU Music Department students.
The Mouse River Players are opening again opportunities for wannabe actors and actresses to learn some important steps on their way to stagedom. From noon until 4 p.m. Kymn Quill Files will be the instructor. If you need information, call 838-3939. Next stop The Arlene Theater stage.
Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m., when you've settled into your seats in MSU's Ann Nicole Nelson Hall, you will really enjoy what the Carpe Diem String Quartet brings. The group is described as exciting with an outside the box program, electrifying performances, and a passion for audience engagement. This group has earned critical acclaim and concert ovations. This concert is the second in the International Artists Series.
Liszt lovers predictably will fill MSU's Ann Nicole Nelson Hall on Nov. 12 for the Lisztomania Concert. As the maestro, Dennis Simons enters the stage, predictably, prolonged applause will greet him and when the orchestra finishes playing Piano Concerto No. 2 in A Major, the applause could be thunderous because the featured piano soloist, Paul Barnes, has earned wide acclaim as a Liszt performer. Not satisfied by hearing one number by Barnes, he will accommodate by performing Totentanz with the orchestra. This is Franz Liszt's creation.
Because you love Liszt, Barnes has arranged for you, at 3 p.m. on Nov. 13 in the same place, A Lecture Recital ... Liszt and the Cross. This is "Music As Sacrament In The B Minor Sonata." This afternoon's Liszt recital is free according to Simons and he urges Liszt lovers to pack the auditorium. It is bound to be a lucky 13th.
Never let it be said that Gordon Troxel, director of the Brass Band of Minot, is not an accommodating director. When it became apparent that some of his horn blowers had a hunting date with brass bullets on a date chosen for a concert, the date was changed. The musicians can now shoot and blow too this November. And, according to the Brass Grapevine, if the baritone and euphonium players get their "act" together, you'll hear their special brand of Brass too. This is a free will concert with proceeds going into a fund to keep sheet music and other brass necessities alive and well for future Brass Band concerts.
Jolly members of Minot's Nodakords guarantee to keep you awake Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. when they entertain you out at the Sleep Inn & Suites. This is the 44th annual Harvest of Harmony, and according to longtime songster, Marty Graner, these fellows who just like to sing have put together their Goodtime Show which will feature not only quartets and solos but also some famous original skits. Quartets to be featured include from Wisconsin and Missouri who have been recent international semi-finalists and an a cappella quartet from Grand Forks. Dakota Blend, our own homegrown quartet will also draw your applause according to Marty. When you have not had enough of their "Down By The Riverside" brand of singing, the Nodakorders invite you to join them for the Afterglow.
If you haven't lifted your little finger at a Victorian Tea lately, the members of the St Joseph's Auxiliary invite you to do this Nov. 19 for the 17th annual Victorian Tea which will also have dainty goodies to go with your tea. In the vintage atmosphere by the historic Carnegie, you'll also have the opportunity to look at and perhaps purchase some treasures which could come in handy for keeping or gift giving. Time for tea and treasures are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you have heard the Mouse River Players songsters in concert, you will, for sure, be in their theater, The Arlene, Nov. 25-26 for this year's show, "Americana." The show starts at 7:30 p.m. You will hear everything from all-time classics to pop blended for a memorable musical evening colorful as the colors of the mythical phoenix bird. Call 838-3939 for more information.
The Taube Museum of Art's executive director, Nancy Walker, reminds you that, trimming the walls of the Taube are oil paintings created by a former Minot resident, Jan Schuster-Callus. Titled "Impressions of Australia," depicts people, birds, and scenery of that down under country
where for 30 years she has lived. She graduated during the infamous 1969 flood from Minot High School. Jan is happy to share her second
home with her home town. 80 percent of the paintings on display were done specifically for this show. All of her pictures are for sale and modestly priced.
As the Christmas season approaches the Taube gets into it with full force. The annual Festival of the Seasons in the Upper Gallery will feature artistic works of local and area artists while, if you look, you will discover Steal of the Season where you are sure to find seasonable articles you will marvel at and perhaps want to purchase. Proceeds from all sales, Nancy reminds you, will go to keep the museum well and available to all ages.
As you are reading this column, planning for December and the annual Renaissance Christmas Feast at the Holiday Inn-Riverside will likely be in progress because the dates of Dec. 1-3 will find the Holiday Inn looking like a Renaissance Castle, complete with lords and ladies and court members plus jesters in brilliant costumes getting you into the holiday spirit. Musical instruments in the hands of talented musicians will add to your pleasure. Directed by the Minot Chamber Chorale director, Bob Demke, your evening of eating and singing is sure to start a colorful musical season. A call to 838-8709 or 839-4622 will assure you of this Renaissancial evening.
It's no myth with the magical spirit for which it has been known, Minot will rise more beautiful than ever.