Hibbing Community College Theatre Director Mike Ricci has announced a major fundraising benefit for HCC Theatre, featuring the return of the original Blues Brothers who performed on the HCC Theatre stage in 2004. This event will be held at Hibbing High School Auditorium on Thursday, July 2 at 7:30 p.m. All proceeds go to funding assistance for the HCC Theatre program, which has been hit hard with the recent budget cuts from MNSCU.

In the wake of Mike Ricci’s announcement that he will be leaving HCC to pursue another opportunity down in the Twin Cities, the budget crisis has forced the college to make some difficult decisions. Amidst cutbacks in several areas, the search for a new theatre teacher and director had been suspended. However, with the help of a dedicated task force made up of community and college members, a workable solution has been agreed upon that will allow the college to hire a qualified candidate to take over the program. Since the current budget may still be hit with more cuts, the decision was made to make fundraising a part of this solution, thereby providing some outside revenues should the college not have the necessary funds to cover the theatre program.

“I am happy to see the community come together to arrive at an equitable solution to this crisis,” said Ricci. “The support from people up and down the Iron Range has been amazing. Doing this benefit is our way of showing our thanks, while also allowing people to help out in a tangible way.”

The show will be divided into two acts, with the first half featuring highlights from past HCC Theatre productions, including live performances from the recent hits The Pirates of Penzance, Beauty and the Beast, Phantom, Born Yesterday, and others. The second half will be a concert featuring the entire Blues Brothers Band, and the return of Jake and Elwood Blues, played by Jason Scorich and Jaime Tintor, who will be reprising their roles from the original production. Tintor will be flying in from Los Angeles, where he currently lives and works, to do the show, and both he and Jason are excited about the prospect of doing the show and being re-united on stage once again. When first produced at HCC Theatre in 2004, The Blues Brothers played to sold-out audiences every night, and it was even taken to the Reif Center in Grand Rapids, where it sold out as well. “This is an opportunity to re-live that magic, and to be part of what makes live theatre so special,” said Ricci.

Tickets to this special event are $20 for adults, and $10 for children, students with ID’s and seniors. There will be a goodwill box for donations available at the benefit as well. Tickets can be purchased at The Howard Street Booksellers in downtown Hibbing, Reed Drugs in Grand Rapids and Schmitt Music in downtown Virginia, or they can be reserved through the HCC Theatre Box Office by calling 218-262-7377. If you or anyone else would like to contribute to the Theater program’s fundraising efforts but cannot attend the performance, please consider sending a donation to:

HCC Theater Program
c/o Mike Ricci
1515 East 25th Street
Hibbing, MN 55746

For more information, contact Mike Ricci at (218) 262-7377. Help keep quality live theater alive during these tough times! Thank you.

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No One Celebrates ‘The Fourth’ Like Iron Rangers

Everybody has his or her favorite holiday. Like many other Rangers, mine happens to be the Fourth of July. In fact,  MANY non-Rangers have been inducted into Range Fourth of July celebrations; these Independence day evangalists now refuse to celebrate anywhere else. Who would? Who else has a street dance like Eveleth or the Aurora Freedome Fete or the Gilbert Gala Parade ? Where else can you eat Becky’s eggrolls, Barb’s fried bread. barbeques, fireworks, the best parades and TONS of fun!

A time of reunions and friendship at their finest

There is no better time of year to reconnect with old friends, classmates and family. EVERYONE comes home for the Fourth of July on the Range. Seriously, I would give up a party any other day of the year but never the Fourth. Disclaimer: I’ve only had two not-so-fun Fouths and that’s because I was big and pregnant. Oh, and one time I broke my foot by foolishly jumping into a friends arms; you guessed it—he didn’t catch me. Sitting for hours in the ER, I missed the street dance and was immobile for the rest of the summer.  Otherwise, I have never been disappointed.

It’s the pre-celebration that rocks!

Interestingly, Most of the fun doesn’t necessarily take place on “July 4th.” Rangers actually like to extend the entire holiday by starting the party several days ahead—this coming weekend will start it all! In Eveleth, Goodfella’s Bar and The Grille has Sweet Freedom playing Friday and Saturday night from 9:30 pm until 1:30 am. Saturday is Gilbert’s annual street dance featuring the Prodigal Sons Band playing outside Devo’s Sand Bar, the Pat Ram Pub and Jim’s Seldom Inn. This street dance always sets the mood for more fun times ahead! July 2nd through the 4th, the city of Aurora will be whooping it up with the Freedom Fete Music and Pig Roast. Bring the whole family for great roast pork sandwiches and live music.

Now, July 3rd happens to be (in my opinion of course) the MOST FUN NIGHT OF THE YEAR!  Here’s the scoop: most people start the day with a huge barbecue. Then, people either make their way downtown Gilbert for the BIG NIGHT PARADE; this is the Range’s biggest Fourth of July parade and people come from ALL OVER to line the streets and catch souvenirs, candy and of course a BUZZ (no pun intended). The entire town is packed full. If a huge crowd isn’t your deal, Aurora will have a parade at 6pm, which may be smaller, but still a good time. After the parades, some folks hang around to view the fireworks, but most head down the highway to Eveleth for “Thunder over Eveleth” and the famous 3rd of July Street Dance. Most people usually don’t dance here, but rather they listen to good music and meet up with old friends to share laughs, catch up and party down.

Wake up with your party hat still attached

Only on the Iron Range will you find hard-core Fourth of July fans that wake up early on the 4th, get a famous Bloody Mary’s at Eggy’s Red Garter or a Lime Cooler from the Roosevelt and watch yet another parade go by. Here’s a little secret: most parade goers look forward dancing with Eveleth’s famous Clown Band; you’ll never see any better clown attire than here, folks. But if you’re up at the lake, like many are, one of the best-attended parades is Tower’s 4th of July Parade. This parade rocks! Parade participants really go all out attempting to win one of the cash prizes which are awarded for best club, best commercial, best family and Best in Show wins 450 bucks! Tell me that’s not incentive to go a little nuts. These are not the only parades, of course. Check Rangebuzz.com EVENTS for complete information about parades in Ely, 110th Anniversary Calithumpian Parade in Biwabik.

There’s no better place to celebrate our country’s birthday than THE RANGE! Relax, let loose and have an awesome holiday.

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4th of July, Aurora, Eveleth, Eveleth Street Dance, Fourth of July, Freedom Fete, Gilbert, Parade, Parades

Free will donation at the door.

Thursday
July 2, 2009
7:00pm

The First Stage
514 Chestnut Street
Virginia

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acoustic, arts, broadway, cabaret, music

Water colors and field drawings by artist Bonnie DuFresne.

June 11th thru August 29th

11am-3pm Thrusday-Saturday

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arts, Iron Range, Lyric Center for the Arts, mn, Virginia

Did you know Silver Lake is the home to the World's Largest Floating Loon?

One of my favorite summer events to hit Virginia, Minnesota, is the famous Land of the Loon Festival. Like many Rangers, I see the Land of the Loon as the official beginning of fun and celebration of summer. The festival kicks off Saturday morning with an extravagant parade that travels down 5^th Avenue and Chestnut Street. Then the “Loonies” race to Olcott Park to indulge in a HUGE spread of ethnic foods-Gyros, Italian Sausages and Becky’s Egg Rolls-and to taste the most delicious desserts: sno-cones, cotton candy, funnel cakes and the famous mini-donuts (my son refuses to quit asking, “Can we get mini-donuts? Can we? Can we, Mom?”). The children, with their sticky faces and fingers, gather with their parents near the gazebo to dance and sing with the various entertainers. Talented artists and crafters share the park to sell their unique and beautiful creations year after year. After a day at the park, the nightlife fires up downtown at the Land of the Loon Street Dance; the roads are blocked and people party hearty while they dance in the streets and enjoy more food, drink and entertainment. With smiles and full bellies, Rangers can’t get enough. Most return on Sunday just to do it all over again. Rain or shine, everyone shows up.

Rangebuzz.com fans, let me give you a little inside information about what’s going down at this year’s Land of the Loon Festival. I’ll start with the food (since it’s my FAVORITE part). There’s absolutely no way I can walk by the Gyro stand and not get one. Last year, after standing in line for 20 minutes (it was worth it) my husband says, “Can I have a bite. ” “Ah…NO! Get your own!” was my response. I’m normally a sharing person, I am! But I just love every single bite. That’s not the only tasty treat at the Land of the Loon. I’m talking about the best Italian Sausages ever served up by the Italian American Club (these are my father’s favorites). The Virginia Lion’s Club always serves sarmas, turkey legs and Ukrainian sausage. There’s Pepe’s Mexican food, there are cheese curds, blooming onions, pita sandwiches, corn on the cob, BBQ ribs-the list goes on and on.

Later that evening, I always hit the LOTL Street Dance. There is one stop that’s automatic: I gotta get me some of Barb’s Fried Bread and a Becky’s Egg Roll or I’m not happy. And hundreds of other people share this vow, I’m sure. (I’ve been dieting all week just to gear up for this weekend!) But even better than stuffing my face, I look forward to hearing some great music. Four Horse Johnson and Livin’ Large will be rocking Chestnut Avenue this year. Downtown will certainly really rocking with good tunes, great people, food and drinks.

There’s something for everyone at the Land of the Loon. Here’s the link to the Land of the Loon web site for more information. www.landoftheloonfestival.com Get out there and enjoy! The Land of the Loon only comes once per year.

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art festival, Land of the Loon, MN craft shows, Virginia MN

When the weather starts to warm up, there’s something that my husband, Jack and I crave: margaritas and Mexican food! Nearly starving last Saturday evening, we pulled into La Cocina & Cantina located on Chestnut Street in Virginia, Minnesota.

Greeted by authentic Mexican décor, one could have sworn we were transported to a little café south of the border. Glancing at the extensive margarita menu, my husband and I decided to share a delicious Mango margarita and while we decided what we were going to eat, we munched on freshly fried tortilla chips and some tasty pico de gallo. In no time, we had to ask for seconds on the salsa.

After taking a careful look at the menu,  Jack tried something traditional-a sizzling mix of beef and chicken fajitas-I decided to try something unique; the waitress pointed out that the Shrimp Ensenada-four jumbo shrimp with a chorizo Mexican sausage stuffing wrapped in jalapeno bacon-could not be found anywhere else.

When our entrees arrived, I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into the shrimp. The waitress was right; they tasted like nothing else I’ve tried before: the shrimp had a butter and smoky flavor that had a nice little kick to them. I let Jack taste my shrimp and he nodded in agreement that they were delicious. Of course, I had to have myself a large bite of his fajita which was SOOO yummy; the ingredients were fresh, peppers cooked to perfection and the seasoned perfectly.

As if we weren’t full enough, we let our server talk us into some dessert. We first wanted to indulge in the Jack Daniels Chocolate Cake, but it  had almonds in it and Jack is allergic to nuts. Slightly disappointed (He always hinders my dessert choices!), our server suggested we try the Key Lime Pie (that was her favorite). The tangy and creamy pie actually proved to be a swell choice; just enough sweetness without a ton of guilt.

When looking for a taste of ethnic Mexican food, La Cocina & Cantina won’t disappoint. We agreed that the service rated high, the food was tasty and authentic and the atmosphere added a flair to the entire experience.

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Dining, La Cocina, Mexican Food, Mexican Restaurant, Virginia MN

There’s no business like show business! And there’s no better proof of this than Irving Berlin’s “Annie Get Your Gun”-a show that has seen one revival after another on Broadway’s Great White Way.

To start the summer with a BANG, Mesabi Musical Theatre brings the latest Tony Award-winning revival version of this Broadway favorite to Mesabi Range College for ten performances, June 18 through July 2.

The story of sharpshooter Annie Oakley falling in love with her rival, Frank Butler, targets an array of big hits: Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better; I Got the Sun in the Morning; They Say It’s Wonderful; and (hitting the bull’s eye with) There’s No Business Like Show Business.

The MMT production stars Stacey Peterson as Annie Oakley (last seen in MMT’s Grease) and Chris Tessmer as Frank Butler. Gordon Scholes is Buffalo Bill, Andrew Eilola is Charlie Davenport, Adam Brinkman is Sitting Bull, and Kat Gritzmacher (Yes, that’s ME!!!) is Dolly Tate. The revival version features additional Irving Berlin songs performed by new characters-Tommy and Winnie, played by Gregg Helland and Briann Thorne. Thirty singers and dancers from the community round out the cast, accompanied by a live orchestra and conducted by VHS’s choral director Matt Krage. EGHS’s Jack Gritzmacher produces, with MRC’s Kristi Sutton as associate producer; EGHS’s Jeremy Liimatta, technical director; VHS’s Mary Angela Strasser, rehearsal pianist; St. Scholastica’s Beth Knutson, costume designer; and VHS’s John Renzaglia returns after directing the two previous MMT musicals, Anything Goes and Grease.

“Annie Get Your Gun” will be presented at the Mesabi Range College theater in Virginia, opening Thursday, June 18 at 7:00 pm, with shows continuing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights for two weeks, along with two Sunday matinees at 2 pm. The final two showings will be on Wednesday and Thursday, July 1 and 2 at 7 pm. Tickets (assigned seating): $12 for adults, $8 for students/children and seniors.

Tickets and information: 218-741-3095 (ext. “0″) or reserve your tickets online at MesabiMusicalTheatre.com

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annie get your gun, mesabi musical theater, Virginia MN

May 13 through September 7, 2009, Ironworld in Chisholm, Minn., hosts the popular traveling exhibit “The Scoop on Poop: the Science of What Animals Leave Behind.” Created by Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland in Allenwood, Penn., “The Scoop” leads visitors on an investigation of what poop is and how animals and humans use it.

“The Scoop on Poop” treats the subject with a tactful blend of good science and fun. Based on a book of the same name, “he Scoop” features large colorful graphic panels, three-dimensional models and fun interactive components.

During the exhibit’s run, Ironworld is partnering with area artists to create a recycling-themed Community Gallery, and will host staff and animals from the Lake Superior Zoo in four programs that focus on waste at the zoo.

The Ironworld showing of “The Scoop” marks the exhibit’s first appearance in Minnesota. It has shown at the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa, the Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh, Exploration Place in Wichita, Kan., and other locations.

View Ironworld hours and admission to the exhibit.

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Gilbert and Sullivan’s rollicking, merry romp is brought to life on the HCC Theatre stage in all its pomp and glory. Based on the production made popular by the New York Shakespeare Festival Production starring Kevin Kline as the Pirate King and Linda Ronstadt as Mabel, this fun-filled tale features a band of inept pirates led by their swashbuckling Pirate King, a group of innocent maidens, their father the Major General, and a group of Keystone cops who try to keep the peace. When Mabel (one of the daughters) falls in love with Frederic (a young pirate bound to serve the Pirate King), complications arise and high-spirited antics abound. Don’t miss out on what is sure to become an audience favorite that will be fun for the whole family.

April 23-May 3

For Tickets:

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arts, Iron range theater, Iron range theatre, minnesota arts, theatre arts

By now, you’ve been told not to watch the news or participate in the woes of the tanked economy, and rightfully so. As Americans, it’s tough to make adjustments on a tight budget and who wants to stop enjoying going out to eat? Not me and I’m sure not you either! There are plenty of deals happening to feed your whole family for less than it would take to make a meal at home.

During the week (the time where I know I’d like a break from dinner duty), many establishments across the Iron Range have created food steals. I’m talking less than a few bucks to get a burger and fries, or less than 2 bucks for a half dozen wings—you get the point. Keep in mind, cheap does not infer low quality. And please, if I’ve missed something or you know of any other great food deals, please share!

Burger Nights

Feed a family of four for ten bucks with no clean up or preparation? Yup. Here are the following places who offer burger and fries for a few bucks. I believe all of these specials are dine-in only.

1. Snicker’s Pizza in Eveleth—Wednesdays after 4pm. $1.75 includes fries and you can add on bacon, onion rights or whatever for a few quarters more. Try to arrive before 5:30pm because the place fills up quick.
2. Thirsty Moose-Serving up $1.50 burgers every Tuesday
3. Vermilion Club-Buck Burgers: $1 every Tuesday from 3-9pm.
4. Mac’s Bar—Belly up for a Burger and Fries for only $1.50
5. Brick Yard—Thank You Thursdays with $1.00 sliders, 4-8pm. Plus happy hour drink specials.
6. Jim’s Sports Club—1/4 lb. Burgers on Tuesdays for $1
7. Wandering Pines—Tuesdays for a $1.50-includes fries. After 4pm.

Wing Nights

Chow down on crispy chicken wings for $0.50 or less:

1. Goodfella’s offers a variety of flavors for a $0.25 each on Thursdays all day. Again, get there early because the place is packed after 5pm.
2. Wing Wednesday at the Brick Yard: $.50 each as well as specials on beer and rails from 4-8pm.
3. Billy’s in Buhl—Thursdays get $0.50 wings from 4-6pm with $2.50 happy hour beer specials.
4. Vermilion Club—Wednesdays for $.40
5. Jim’s Sports Club—Thursday wings for a quarter
6. Thirsty Moose has $2 off an order of wings on Thursdays.

Tacos

Grab a taste of Mexico for only a few bucks on these special nights:

1. Tacos on Mondays at Brick Yard with drink specials: A buck a taco.
2. Timber’s Edge—Mexican night—tacos for only a couple of bucks
3. Wastin’ Away Wednesdays at Goodfella’s: For only a few bucks get nachos, 2 tacos, and quesadillas: add a buck for chicken or beef in your quesadillas. Plus, enjoy margaritas, shots of tequila, mojitos and other Mexican drink specials for only $3.
4. Thirsty Moose has $1.25 tacos starting at 5pm on Wednesdays.

Other great deals:

Goodfella’s has all you can eat Spaghetti on Mondays for only $7.95; Vermilion club has $4.00 off pizzas on Mondays. Get a T-Bone steak on Tuesdays at the Wooden Table for only $9.95 including fries and slaw. Fish Fry on Fridays at North Gate Café, AYCE, $6.95; Mary’s Morsels until 5pm for only $7.25, Billy’s and Jim’s Sports Club for $8.95 and a 3-piece Fish Dinner at the Wooden Table for $6.95. On Thursdays, get $2 off a pizza. Dollar appetizers on Tuesdays at Brick Yard (some restrictions apply).

Do NOT forget about Coupons! Save money any day of the week!

Going out to eat doesn’t have to break your wallet. You just need to know where the deals are!

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