Experience the phenomenon. Visually stunning, technically astounding and with a musical score like none other you’ve ever heard. Giraffes strut, birds swoop, gazelles leap. The entire savannah comes to life and as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist.

See the Tony Award®-winning Broadway sensation that Newsweek calls “a landmark event in entertainment.” The New York Times says, “There is simply nothing else like it.” Marvel at the breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life by a cast of more than 40 actors. Wonder at the inspiration of award-winning director Julie Taymor, who created visual images for this show that you’ll remember forever. Thrill to the pulsating rhythms of the African Pridelands and an unforgettable score including Elton John and Tim Rice’s Oscar®-winning song “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life.”

New Century Theatre - Minneapolis.  Girls Only is an original comedy that celebrates the honor, truth, humor and silliness of being female. With a two-woman cast and audiences full of raucous, laughing ladies, the show is a unique examination of all things girly.

Born out of the earnest and sweetly ridiculous writings the two authors discovered in their girlhood diaries, theGirls Only mix of sketch comedy, improvisation, audience participation, and hilarious songs and videos will remind you that underneath, women all have very funny and very charming feminine similarities.

Warning: This show contains feminine subject matter. 

WinterFest takes place yearly during the first two weeks in February. WinterFest serves to promote wintertime activities for all ages while raising awareness and funds for area nonprofit organizations. There is a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities happening in the Rochester area so all can enjoy the Cabin Fever Days of February! In 2011 34 events happened over 11 days and brought over 25,000 people out of "hibernation" in celebration of winter in Rochester. These events raised more than $365,000 for our local nonprofit organizations, plus 230 pounds of food was donated to Channel One! A special "Thank You" goes out to all the caring people who contributed and participated to make WinterFest IX a success.  Get out and enjoy winter by participating in all the fun WinterFest X events coming up February 2 through 12, 2012.

The small, intimate setting inside the Civic Theatre expands the experience and allows everyone in attendance to grow with the performance. A unique entertainment experience, the Rochester Civic Theatre is a wonderful alternative to traditional community theaters. The theatre offers six performances a year, including comedies, dramas and musicals.The first and most famous story of The Chronicles of Narnia has become a presentation of this unique, enchanted world filled with creatures and spirits of myth and fable, both good and evil, demonic and transcendent. The principal inhabitants, however, are the intelligent talking animals ruled by the majestic King Aslan, the great lion of Narnia. Though Aslan is often absent from the land (so that his very existence is doubted by some), he returns when the need for him is greatest. And entering Narnia at a moment of high adventure are some children—plucked from our world in unexpected ways to help Narnia and to learn from their Narnia odyssey lessons of courage, unselfishness and wisdom that will help them grow. 

Featuring over 200 ft. of ice, SocialICE will be once again the largest outdoor ice bar in the upper Midwest. The layout will expand this year and will include up to eight satellite ice bars. All satellite bars will be themed with various beverage distributors and specialty drinks. Enjoy the ambiance of the ice and lighting as you sit in the ice lounge, drink from real ice glasses, and enjoy the live music.  SocialICE will offer live music from 7-8:30 pm each night and a live DJ from 4:30-7pm & 8:30-9:00 pm. All entertainment will perform live in the skyway over the Peace Plaza in downtown Rochester with music streamed out onto the Plaza for the ice bar attendees to enjoy.
Are you cool enough for this “iced out” experience?

Frank and Peggy are looking forward to a nice relaxing weekend at the cabin they have rented. Trouble is, the much younger Jill and Tony are looking forward to the same thing,,,in the same cabin the they also have rented for the same weekend. They decide that the only practical thing to do is to share - - - but all is not so smooth it might be! Laughter abounds as the four learn to take the good from each other and eventually grow their new friendship! Weekend Comedy is written by Jeanne and Sam Bobrick and directed by Cheryl Frarck. Our show plays February 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m. Sunday shows are at 2:00 p.m.

It’s that time again ... are ya ready for some SNOBALL?!?!

The 34th Annual WinterFest Snoball Tournament is right around the corner. This year we are planning to make it the best yet! The Eagles will be open at 7am both Saturday and Sunday offering a breakfast buffet for $10, all you can eat. The Bloody Mary Bar is “back by popular demand”, including all the trimmings. Saturday evening there will be a bean bag tournament (entry fees used for winner payouts ... this event is held separate from the Snoball Tournament). We have expanded the raffle to include more items from hotel rooms, car washes, sweatshirts, t-shirts from surrounding towns, to food from downtown restaurants/businesses and softball paraphernalia all pitchin’ in to help out the cause ... the donations keep rollin’ in weekly.

Last years raffle, featuring a bat from Miken Sports, raised over $500 alone!! The event gave $2,100 to the Eagles Cancer Telethon and $1,200 to the March of Dimes. This year all proceeds will be divided up equally between the two organizations.

It’s that time again ... are ya ready for some SNOBALL?!?!

The 34th Annual WinterFest Snoball Tournament is right around the corner. This year we are planning to make it the best yet! The Eagles will be open at 7am both Saturday and Sunday offering a breakfast buffet for $10, all you can eat. The Bloody Mary Bar is “back by popular demand”, including all the trimmings. Saturday evening there will be a bean bag tournament (entry fees used for winner payouts ... this event is held separate from the Snoball Tournament). We have expanded the raffle to include more items from hotel rooms, car washes, sweatshirts, t-shirts from surrounding towns, to food from downtown restaurants/businesses and softball paraphernalia all pitchin’ in to help out the cause ... the donations keep rollin’ in weekly.

Last years raffle, featuring a bat from Miken Sports, raised over $500 alone!! The event gave $2,100 to the Eagles Cancer Telethon and $1,200 to the March of Dimes. This year all proceeds will be divided up equally between the two organizations.

British Export has provided the ultimate Beatles tribute show for over a decade. The band has performed for tens of thousands of fans at some of the most prestigious events in the world. British Export has performed at The Cavern Club in Liverpool, England, Abbey Road Studios in London, The Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, South Korea, the Amsterdam Hilton and Comiskey Park in Chicago. Other past performances of note include the United Center, the Arlington Million, Taste of Chicago, and Wrigley Field. They have appeared on NBC, WGN, FOX, and ESPN. They were featured on the Travel Channel' s "Beatmania Britain" Show. British Export features vintage suits and instruments reminiscent of the Beatles performances of the 60's including a colorful Sgt. Pepper set, post-touring recording years set, and the Cavern Club-Hamburg set. All songs are performed duplicating the sound of the original recordings. Check out British Export, and you'll see why they were voted the top Beatles tribute, three times, at Beatlefest in both New York and Chicago.

It’s that time again ... are ya ready for some SNOBALL?!?!

The 34th Annual WinterFest Snoball Tournament is right around the corner. This year we are planning to make it the best yet! The Eagles will be open at 7am both Saturday and Sunday offering a breakfast buffet for $10, all you can eat. The Bloody Mary Bar is “back by popular demand”, including all the trimmings. Saturday evening there will be a bean bag tournament (entry fees used for winner payouts ... this event is held separate from the Snoball Tournament). We have expanded the raffle to include more items from hotel rooms, car washes, sweatshirts, t-shirts from surrounding towns, to food from downtown restaurants/businesses and softball paraphernalia all pitchin’ in to help out the cause ... the donations keep rollin’ in weekly.

Last years raffle, featuring a bat from Miken Sports, raised over $500 alone!! The event gave $2,100 to the Eagles Cancer Telethon and $1,200 to the March of Dimes. This year all proceeds will be divided up equally between the two organizations.

ALL AGES AT THE CABOOZE.  

The oldest jug band gathering in the known universe.

The Battle fell together in 1979, when a light-hearted challenge between the  late Will Donicht (Mama's Home Cookin') and Judy Larson (The Sorry Muthas) resulted in a formal jugband face-off at Palmer's Bar, turning "annual" the following year when the New Riverside Cafe collective decided it needed a special event to celebrate its tenth anniversary.
From there, it continuned in series of ever-larger venues, finally landing at the Cabooze in 1997, attracting upwards of 500 jug fanatics. 

Milwaukee- The Rave. Megadeth began in 1983 with its roots in thrash metal, a genre that its founder, singer/songwriter and guitarist Dave Mustaine helped pioneer. Mustaine's musical roots began early on listening to AC/DC and Led Zeppelin, and took form in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal when he joined Metallica in 1982. Megadeth emerged in 1985 at the forefront of the thrash/speed metal scene with their seminal debut "Killing Is My Business…And Business Is Good", and continued on a blistering path of albums and tours throughout the decade. The nickname "world's state-of-the-art speed metal band" and the critic-coined "intelligent metal" were often used to describe Megadeth's sound, referring to Mustaine's niche for angry, witty, intelligent lyrics about topics like politics, drugs and war, fused with aggressive, intricate guitar structures and a jazz-influenced rhythm section. 

The 90's saw a change in Megadeth's sound with the polished and commercial "Countdown To Extinction" album, which skyrocketed them into multi-platinum success and MTV stardom. The incorporation of this new sound would be a trademark of every release to come, and would eventually earn them 9 Grammy nominations for Best Metal Performance and 7 platinum certifications. 

After a brief hiatus early in the 2000's, Mustaine triumphantly returned with a comeback album, a heavy metal festival called Gigantour and a new display of prodigious musicians to back him. The band's legacy continues with 2009's critically acclaimed "Endgame", which debuted at #9 on the Billboard charts and 2010's multi-platinum "The Big Four: Live From Sofia, Bulgaria" featuring the "Big Four" of 1980's thrash metal �" Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax. 
 

The annual Valentine event is a perfect way to spend a romantic evening out. This year’s event will again provide a glimpse into the private lives of a variety of animals. From courtship to breeding, our furry, feathered, and scaly, indulge in exotic romantic rituals. For adults only (ages 21 +) the Love Tour is a one of a kind experience. After your tour enjoy a sumptuous dinner in Discovery Bay.

Tours start 5:45 p.m. and run every 15 minutes until 7:15 p.m.  (Each tour is approximately one hour).
Dinner seating’s at 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.

SHAWN SCHNEIDER FAMILY FUND BENEFIT EVENT (2/18)

The fury continues when MMA fighters return to the cage Saturday, February 18 at Treasure Island Resort & Casino. See the area’s most talented and exciting mixed martial arts fighters battle it out for cage fighting glory.  Few have what it takes to make in the cage. It’s not enough just to be able to throw a punch. MMA cage fighters need to be cross trained in multiple disciples and ready for whatever his or her opponent might throw at them – from boxing, Jiu Jitsu, freestyle wrestling, Judo and more. 

It’s all about the sand! Bring the whole family to our winter get away – the Tropics Trail at the Zoo. We’ll supply sand, palm trees, exotic animals and more.

Activities:

• Large indoor sand box – (9:00 – 4:00)
• Face Painting - (11:00 - 2:00)
• Sand art activity – (11:00 – 2:00)
• Keeper talks – Tropics Trail (11:00 & 1:00 each day)

HUGE MAIN EVENT
John Cena vs. Kane

ALSO WITNESS THE RETURN OF CHRIS JERICHO TO MINNEAPOLIS AFTER 2 LONG YEARS!!

See all of your favorite RAW Superstars LIVE at Target Center, including:

CM Punk
The Miz
Randy Orton
Sheamus
Mark Henry
Kofi Kingston
Dolph Ziggler
Evan Bourne
Jack Swagger
Kelly Kelly
And More!!

Card Fighters subject to change. 

Feb. 21 - Feb. 26

Orpheum Theatre

Direct from Broadway, the smash-hit musical AMERICAN IDIOT tells the story of three lifelong friends, forced to choose between their dreams and the safety of suburbia. Their quest for true meaning in a post 9/11 world leads them on the most exhilarating theatrical journey of the season.

Based on Green Day's GRAMMY® Award-winning multi-platinum album, AMERICAN IDIOT boldly takes the American musical where it's never gone before. The result is an experience Charles Isherwood¬¬ of The New York Times declares "thrilling, emotionally charged, and as moving as any Broadway musical I've seen this year!"

Featuring the hits "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," "21 Guns," "Wake Me Up When September Ends," "Holiday" and the blockbuster title track, AMERICAN IDIOT features the music of Green Day and the lyrics of its lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong, direction by Tony Award® winner Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening), choreography by Olivier Award winner Steven Hoggett (Black Watch), music supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by Pulitzer Prize winner Tom Kitt (Next to Normal), Tony Award® winning set design by Christine Jones and Tony Award® winning lighting design by Kevin Adams.

Maybe it was a grandparent, or a teacher, or a colleague. Someone older, patient and wise, who understood you when you were young and searching, helped you see the world as a more profound place, gave you sound advice to help you make your way through it.  For Mitch Albom, that person was Morrie Schwartz, his college professor from nearly twenty years ago. Maybe, like Mitch, you lost track of this mentor as you made your way, and the insights faded, and the world seemed colder. Wouldn’t you like to see that person again, ask the bigger questions that still haunt you, receive wisdom for your busy life today the way you once did when you were younger? Mitch Albom had that second chance. He rediscovered Morrie in the last months of the older man’s life. Knowing he was dying, Morrie visited with Mitch in his study every Tuesday, just as they used to back in college. Their rekindled relationship turned into one final “class“: lessons in how to live. Tuesdays with Morrie is a magical chronicle of their time together, through which Mitch shares Morrie’s lasting gift with the world. Starring Greg Miller and Gary Keast Director: Gregory Stavrou 

Get tangled up in the newest thrilling show to hit the ice, Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream. Experience Disney’s hilarious hair-raising escapade, Tangled; as Rapunzel, her unlikely companion, Flynn, and Maximus, embark on an uproarious journey that takes adventure to new lengths! Boogie to the beat of the bayou with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen in a magical, musical journey that all begins with a fateful kiss. And fanciful dreams become reality as Cinderella meets her Prince Charming, with a glass slipper fit for an unforgettable fantasy come true. All your favorite princesses take to the ice in a spectacular finale at the ultimate Disney Princess event of a lifetime! Feb 29 - Mar 4 2012 Target Center

Coming to Mankato - Riverdance.   In a primitive and powerful world, our ancestors knew fear and joy and fire, worked wood and stone and water to make a place they could call home. The first peoples knew the world as a place of power, their songs and dances and stories are negotiations with elemental powers. The first half of this performance shows them coming to terms with the world and with themselves.   That is ACT ONE.  The story goes on, of course...

AMP TOUR is back in 2012! We’re bringing some new and exciting acts to our Monster Truck Thunder Slam series in 2012, so new we’re still working on what to call the acts! We’ll let you guess though. It includes 6 motorcycles, challenges, and the best riders in the nation. It’s not Freestyle Motocross.

As always all of our events will feature 10,000 pound car crushing steel churning monster trucks. We are still working on truck lineups and will release them once confirmed. All AMP TOUR events will feature some of the best trucks in the country competing in side-by-side drag racing, wheelie popping throwdown and the crowd favorite freestyle.

The Minnesota RollerGirls (MNRG) organization is a four-team, all-female, flat track roller derby league. Founded on August 31, 2004 by the Donnelly sisters, the Minnesota RollerGirls are members of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), comprised of 124 leagues across the nation, in addition to 65 apprentice leagues. Every Minnesota RollerGirl is held to the highest standards of sportsmanship, ethics and good will and must adhere to rules set by the league and by WFTDA. The MNRG is governed by the skaters, for the skaters. Skaters are not paid and a portion of the proceeds raised by the league is contributed to local charities.

Mayo Civic Center - Presentation Hall Riverside concerts presents: Moscow Nights

Award-winning musical ambassadors from Russia, Moscow Nights is an exciting, versatile trio of world recognized, prize-winning musicians from Russia. In a little over two years, they have already established themselves as one of the fastest rising folk groups in the U.S. These classically trained artists first took Western Europe by storm and now have brought their dazzling, toe-tapping music to North America. The repertoire is centered on masterpieces of Russian folklore and represents the diversity of the culture, ranging from gently humorous songs, to elaborate lyrical suites, to pulsating dance numbers. Russian folk music expresses the national character – outwardly reserved and cool but brimming with vigor, mischievousness and vibrancy inside. Their lively program presents an authentic picture of Russian folk traditions and culture. Lilting Balalaikas, dynamic Bayan Accordion, unique Trashotky & Loshky, humorous Dances and superb Vocals combine for an exhilarating and educational performance for audiences of all ages!

Its the 49th annual Home Vacation & RV Show! One of the first signs of spring in Rochester.  Visit with more than 100 exhibitors for ideas on both indoor and outdoor home improvement projects, Vacation destinations and the areas largest indoor camper display.

Children's Dance Theatre is excited to present William Shakespeare's magical story, A Midsummer Night's Dream.  This imaginative story is set deep in the woods with playful fairies and comedic craftsmen.  Along with the artistry of dance, this show promises to engage viewers with a beautiful setting, an endearing cast of characters, and Mendelssohn's classical music presented by a live orchestra and vocalists. Directed by Allen Fields. Show Length: 90 minutes. 

25th Annual Donnie Smith Bike Show The largest custom-bike show in the Midwest and it only comes around once a year. Drawing the big guns in the biker world, we believe it will be more ooooo's and ahhhhh's then you can handle. Saturday Night Happy Hour kicks off at 5pm with full ball and live music. Kids 12 & under free with adult.  At the St. Paul Rivercentre... March 24 & 25.  

Come dream of springtime in Paris, where every day promises romance. From Mozart's grandest symphony to Gershwin's jazzterpiece, the magic of Paris inspires music like no other. Share in the exhilaration of Rossini's greatest overture.

Sitar player and composer Anoushka Shankar has emerged as one of the leading figures in World Music today. She is deeply rooted in Indian classical music, having studied exclusively with her father, the legendary Ravi Shankar, and is now one of the foremost performers in that tradition. In tandem with this, she has flourished as a performer and composer, exploring fertile ground in the crossover between Indian music and a variety of genres including electronica, jazz, flamenco and Western classical music.

THE IMMORTAL World Tour, written and directed by Jamie King, will perform in Minneapolis on Tuesday, March 27, and Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 8pm at Target Center.  In partnership with the Estate of Michael Jackson, this once-in-a-lifetime electrifying production will use Cirque du Soleil creativity to give fans worldwide a unique view into the spirit, passion and heart of the artistic genius who forever transformed global pop culture.

Unbelievably funny and electrifying, the “I’m not fat, I’m fluffy” comedian with an affinity for Hawaiian shirts is headed to Treasure Island Resort & Casino on Friday, March 30.  Gabriel Iglesias has made the rounds, competing on Last Comic Standing, guest-starring on sitcoms including My Wife and Kids and Family Guy, and his stand-up has been featured on Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Late Show, Good Morning America and countless others. Now he even has his own series on Comedy Central titled Stand-Up Revolution.  Gabe’s high-octane show is a hilarious mixture of storytelling, parodies, characters and sound effects that bring all his personal issues to life. His clean, animated comedy style has earned national crossover appeal that you won’t want to miss!

The Minnesota RollerGirls (MNRG) organization is a four-team, all-female, flat track roller derby league. Founded on August 31, 2004 by the Donnelly sisters, the Minnesota RollerGirls are members of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), comprised of 124 leagues across the nation, in addition to 65 apprentice leagues. Every Minnesota RollerGirl is held to the highest standards of sportsmanship, ethics and good will and must adhere to rules set by the league and by WFTDA. The MNRG is governed by the skaters, for the skaters. Skaters are not paid and a portion of the proceeds raised by the league is contributed to local charities.

International Irish music phenomenon Celtic Woman will bring their 2012 "Believe" tour to Saint Paul's Theater at Xcel Energy Center on Sunday, April 1 at 5 p.m.

Celtic Woman’s breathtaking new show, "Believe," features the all-female singing sensation performing classic Irish tunes, such as "The Water Is Wide," "Green Grow the Rushes," "A Woman’s Heart" and "The Parting Glass," timeless pop anthems such as "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "Sailing" and inspirational songs including "You’ll Never Walk Alone" and "Ave Maria" with their signature Celtic Woman twist, under the distinct musical direction of Emmy-nominated music producer, David Downes. Celtic Woman’s awe-inspiring vocalists and mesmerizing violinist will be backed by a dazzling 6-piece band, the Aontas Choir, and renowned championship Irish dancers.

This will be Celtic Woman’s fourth visit to Xcel Energy Center. Previous stops were on Nov. 16, 2007, Feb. 13, 2009 and March 24, 2010.

You think you know The Globetrotters? Think again because you've NEVER seen them like THIS. This year’s team will not only feature your favorite Globetrotters - Big Easy, Flight Time, Special K, Scooter, etc., but also a whole new exciting class of rookies that will have your family talking about this year’s show forever. You've seen our rookies on YouTube, in college games and NCAA Slam Dunk contests - for the first time ever, see them live ONLY with The Globetrotters:

#18 meet TNT – our first female player in a generation!

#55 meet Tiny – the world’s tallest professional basketball player at 7’8”

#17 meet Hops – YouTube sensation Jacob Tucker, the 5'10" 2011 NCAA Slam Dunk champion with a 50” vertical

Rosters in each city will vary and are subject to change. 

Rochester Civic Theatre presents CHICAGO.  Premiering in 1975 and the hit of the 1997 Broadway season in a production that originated at City Center’s Encore! series, Chicago won six Tony Awards including Best Revival and later the Academy Award as Best Picture of the Year.  In roaring twenties Chicago, chorine Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband Amos to take the rap... until he finds out he’s been duped and turns on Roxie. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie and another “Merry Murderess“ Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the “American Dream“: fame, fortune and acquittal. This sharp edged satire features a dazzling score that sparked immortal staging by Bob Fosse.

 Mamma Mia! is the ultimate feel-good show that has audiences coming back again and again to relive the thrill. Now it’s your turn to have the time of your life at this smash-hit musical that combines ABBA’s greatest hits, including “Dancing Queen,” “S.O.S.,” “Super Trouper,” “Take A Chance on Me” and “The Winner Takes It All,” with an enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship. Whether it’s your first visit or your fourteenth, see the show that has the whole world coming back for more, because every time feels like the first time at Mamma Mia!

Experience Rio Carnival at the 2012 Beastly Ball: Macaw Masquerade!  The 24th annual fund-raising gala features exquisite Brazilian music and samba dancers, exceptional auction items, and an extraordinary global market.  And it’s all to benefit the Minnesota Zoo! Black tie, masks, or carnival attire are admired, but they are not required. All proceeds will benefit the Zoo’s conservation and education programs.

Called "the world's reigning male chorus", by The New Yorker magazine, and named Ensemble of the Year by Musical America in 2008, Chanticleer will perform more than 100 concerts in 2011-12, the Grammy Award-winning ensemble's 34th season.  Chanticleer -- based in San Francisco -- is known around the world as "an orchestra of voices" for the seamless blend of its twelve male voices ranging from countertenor to bass and its original interpretations of vocal literature, from Renaissance to jazz, and from gospel to venturesome new music.

The Rochester Downtown Alliance along with downtown merchants and local artists present an evening ARTWALK. Spend a night alone, or with a group, enjoying local art and entertainment in downtown Rochester on the ARTWALK route for an exciting arts experience. At each venue, register for your chance to win a downtown prize package... the more stops you visit, the more chances you have to win! For refueling along the route: stop and grab a bite to eat, or a beverage, at one of the participating ARTWALK restaurants!

State Theatre/ Minneapolis.  The time has come. "Weird Al” Yankovic, the biggest selling comedy recording artist of all time, has returned to demolish the pop landscape with Alpocalypse, his first full-length studio album in nearly five years.

Alpocalypse was released on June 21, 2011, charting at #9 on Billlboard – the highest debut of his storied career. The first single from the album is the Lady Gaga parody “Perform This Way.” This song has already had its fair share of controversy… suffice it to say that after a number of crossed wires and a crazy one-day media firestorm, all is well – the song has Lady Gaga’s full approval and blessing. Yankovic directed the video clip for “Perform This Way,” and his proceeds from the single and video will go to the Human Rights Campaign. Alpocalypse has been nominated for two Grammy Awards for the 2012 ceremonies -- for Best Comedy Album and Best Short Form Video for the “Perform This Way” music video.

With a career spanning nearly three decades, Yankovic has performed more than 240 concerts worldwide, starred in the 1989 cult-hit feature film “UHF” and created the 1997 CBS Saturday morning series “The Weird Al Show.”

The most exciting pre-historic adventure awaits Minnesota Zoo guests in 2012 when Dinosaurs! roars back to the Zoo, May 26 – September 3.

Fifteen larger-than-life animatronic dinosaurs including the popular Tyrannosaurus Rex, Giganotosaurus and Brachiosaurus will take up temporary residence on the Zoo’s Northern Trail. In addition, there will be a Tyrannosaurus photo-opportunity and a Stegosaurus robot, providing a view of the internal workings of the structure.

HOME OPENER! Olmsted Medical Center Presents "Fireworks Extravaganza" with Cumulus Broadcasting

The Five-Time NWL Champions open their 19th season on May 30^th, when they travel to Waterloo, IA to take on the Bucks @ 6:35pm. Their home opener will then take place on Thursday, May 31^st, when the Waterloo Bucks prance back to Mayo Field for a 7:05pm first pitch. This will be the first time the Honkers and Bucks have played each other since the 2008 season.

The 2012 season will be the third consecutive season that Northwoods League teams will only play within their division. The Honkers, a member of the North Division, will play a 70 game schedule in 75 days, beginning on May 30^th and ending at home on August 12^th. They will play each North Division opponent 10 times, five home and five away. The first half of the season will be complete at the end of play on Wednesday, July 4^th with the second half beginning the following day. The NWL Playoff Series will take place from August 13^th through August 18^th. The winner of each division’s two halves will meet in a best-of-three divisional playoff series (August 13-15) with the winners advancing to the Summer Collegiate World Series (August 16-18), also a best-of-three.

Start times for the Rochester Honkers 2012 home games will be 7:05pm for games Monday through Saturday and Sundays will all begin at 1:05pm. The Honkers will also play two midweek day games (June 26 and July 16) both starting at 1:05pm.

The Rochester Honkers are one of two remaining teams (Wisconsin (Wausau) Woodchucks) from the Northwoods League’s inaugural season of 1994. The Honkers have won a league high Five NWL Championships: (1994, 1997, 1999, 2006, 2009).

For the Rochester Honkers complete schedule, game times and ticket information, go to www.rochesterhonkers.com. The entire NWL schedule is available at www.northwoodsleague.com.

The small, intimate setting inside the Civic Theatre expands the experience and allows everyone in attendance to grow with the performance. A unique entertainment experience, the Rochester Civic Theatre is a wonderful alternative to traditional community theaters. The theatre offers six performances a year, including comedies, dramas and musicals.Four short plays are mounted by a small theater company with disastrous results. Hilariously, everything which can go wrong in a production does so. II Fornicazione is a “grim“ tale of operatic adultery, poison and mayhem. Streuth is the crime story Agatha Christie would never have dared to write. A Collier’s Tuesday Tea combines the kitchen with the coal mine with an irreverent glance at D.H. Lawrence. All’s Well that Ends As You Like It pushes the genius of the bard to its limits while filching lines from most of his plays. In all, cues are missed, effects fail and props are lost and confusion reigns, but the coarse actors struggle on. 

Celebrate Rhubarb, Minnesota's sweet-tart favorite. Free tasting of rhubarb delights, Rhubarb Olympics for all ages, Rhubarb Rant Speaker's Corner, Music & Entertainment. Lanesboro...The Rhubarb Capital of Minnesota.

The festival is free for the whole family and includes an Arts and Crafts Show, food booths, carnival, a tractor pull, and on Sunday the festival Parade.

Winona's annual community-wide celebration takes place the third weekend in June. Enjoy five days of carnival, live music, boat races, a grande parade and fireworks.

Rochesterfest is a citywide celebration of Rochester. Several local businesses and organizations make the community event possible by sponsoring countless activities that offer entertainment and fun.

Blue Man Group is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts which combine comedy, music and technology to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. The New York Times heralds the show as “One of the most delightful performance pieces ever staged.” E! Entertainment News exclaims, “Blue Man Group is what every live performance aspires to be.”  At the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis June 15th - 24th.

The St. John's Block Party is an event for families, seniors, singles, and everyone interested in coming together for a celebration of harmony, humanity and peace. Our purpose is to provide an opportunity for you to enjoy the gift of music and community with friends across southern Minnesota.

Just as the name implies, this is the annual Community event which brings everyone in town and even some nearby towns together to celebrate with their neighbors. There is something for everyone, fireworks, a parade, athletic events and a car show. All this takes place on the 3rd weekend of July which is also the weekend of the Byron Fire department street dance.

There will be several attractions to see and do for the whole family. Events include carnival rides, animals, daily entertainment, a grandstand and so much more. 

The Rochester Downtown Alliance along with downtown merchants and local artists present an evening ARTWALK. Spend a night alone, or with a group, enjoying local art and entertainment in downtown Rochester on the ARTWALK route for an exciting arts experience. At each venue, register for your chance to win a downtown prize package... the more stops you visit, the more chances you have to win! For refueling along the route: stop and grab a bite to eat, or a beverage, at one of the participating ARTWALK restaurants!

Events include:  A great parade - American Legion flag recognition for those who have served (more than 200 flags will be raised) - The crowing of Miss Hey Days - Golf tournament - 5k run - Softball and volleyball tournament

Aug. 15th to the 19th, 2012. Music , food, Grande Parade, free sweet corn, Model Railroad show, Tractor Games, Cow Chip Throwing Contest and more.

The Rochester Downtown Alliance along with downtown merchants and local artists present an evening ARTWALK. Spend a night alone, or with a group, enjoying local art and entertainment in downtown Rochester on the ARTWALK route for an exciting arts experience. At each venue, register for your chance to win a downtown prize package... the more stops you visit, the more chances you have to win! For refueling along the route: stop and grab a bite to eat, or a beverage, at one of the participating ARTWALK restaurants!