Riverland to host informational sessions for Chicago Shuffle

Published 6:30 pm Saturday, October 3, 2015

Riverland Community College is offering another way to see the sights around the country.

Riverland’s U.S.A. Cultural Studies class is offering a new travel opportunity which includes four days and three nights exploring the cultural offerings of Chicago.

The Chicago Shuffle, a travel trip that focuses on Chicago’s music, art, theater and history, is scheduled for March 10-13, 2016, and is open to anyone over the age 18. Participants must register for MUSC 2600 course at Riverland, however the course may be audited to eliminate any academic responsibility for people interested in participating in the travel study that do not wish to receive a grade. There is a special rate for Minnesota senior citizens.

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Participants will receive a round-trip motor coach from Austin to a downtown Chicago hotel, with additional motor coach transportation within the city, and four days/three nights in Chicago at a luxury three- to four-star hotel in the heart of the vibrant downtown Loop. Experienced faculty will serve as guides and the course will include two pre-trip meetings to help participants to customize the trip to their cultural, historical and personal interests.

Special informational sessions to discuss the Chicago Shuffle will be held at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. Oct. 12 and at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Oct. 20. All meetings will be held in the East Building on the Austin Campus, Room E102.

“This is a great trip for people to learn about the musical, art, theatrical and general cultural offerings of America’s third largest city,” Scott Blankenbaker, Riverland music instructor, said in a press release. “Unlike many group tours with rigid schedules, participants design much of their time in Chicago around their own interests. Participants will have guided opportunities to visit the famous Art Institute and Frank Lloyd Wright studio and buildings, explore neighborhoods, attend concerts, and see significant Chicago landmarks.”

The class is limited to 25 participants. Registrations will be accepted until Nov. 25 or until space is filled. More information is available online at www.riverland.edu/chicago or by calling Scott Blankenbaker at 507-433-0547 or emailing scott.blankenbaker@riverland.edu.