While there are some fun things to do in Austin this weekend, it doesn’t hurt to get out of town for a bit.

This Saturday, the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center in Albert Lea is making it worth your while with a concert performance by recent Minnesota Music Hall of Fame inductees Tonic Sol-fa.

Originally formed 20 years ago at St. John’s University, Tonic Sol-fa is one of the most successful independent acts in the United States. The Emmy Award-winning a cappella ensemble, composed of lead vocalist Shaun Johnson, tenor and vocal percussionist Greg Bannwarth, baritone and percussionist/vocal percussionist Theo Brown and bass Jared Dove, has sold over two million albums and performs over 150 concerts annually.

They have appeared on NBC’s “Today Show” and have shared the stage with performers like Jay Leno and Jeff Foxworthy. They were recently a part of Garrison Keillor’s 30th anniversary celebration of “A Prairie Home Companion” and were inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame in 2016.

The performance will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center, 147 North Broadway Ave., Albert Lea. Tickets are $24 and can be purchased at the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau, 102 West Clark St., online at http://actonbroadway.com/concertsevents/, by calling 1-877-730-3144, or at the box office two hours before the performance.

For more information, call 507-377-4371.

Not enough snow for ski race at nature center

The Dammen Nordic Cross Country Ski Race, which was scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. on Saturday, has been cancelled due to a lack of snow for trail grooming.

The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center is hoping to do another event in Kevin Dammen’s honor this summer.

Watch the Austin Daily Herald in the coming weeks as more details become available.

Schedule of Events

Friday, Jan. 5

• Second Floor Art Gallery, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Austin ArtWorks Center. Art Gallery featuring the work of Austin Area Commission for the Arts members as well as the photographs of Lila Lee Taft. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 507-434-0934.

• All-You-Can-Eat Chicken Dumpling Soup and Chili Supper Fundraiser, 4-7 p.m. at the Mower County Senior Center. Sponsored by the People First Aktion Club of Mower County. Advance tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children (ages 4 to 10). Tickets at the door are $9 for adults and $7 for children (ages 4 to 10). Children ages 3 and under are free. Includes chicken dumpling soup and/or chili, beverage and dessert. Visit The Arc office at 401 Second Ave. NE in Austin to purchase tickets or at the door.

• Austin Bruins vs. Minot Minotauros, 7 p.m. at Riverside Arena. Go, Bruins! For more information, call 507-434-4978.

Saturday, Jan. 6

• Masonic Pancake Breakfast – Austin High School Band, 9 a.m. to noon at the Masonic Lodge. The Austin Masons host an all-you-can-eat pancake feed for $5 per person. Come and enjoy pancakes, sausage, orange juice, milk and coffee.

• Kids Studio: Pipe Cleaner Sewing, 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Austin ArtWorks Center. With Jenelle Cummings. For ages 4-14. Cost is $5 per child. For more information, call 507-434-0934.

• Second Floor Art Gallery, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Austin ArtWorks Center. Art Gallery featuring the work of AACA members as well as the photographs of Lila Lee Taft. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 507-434-0934.

• Tech Tutor Time – MS Word Online Class, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Austin Public Library. Basic one-on-one computer tutoring focusing on MS Word Online. Bring your own device or use one of the library’s desktops.  For more information, call 507-433-2391.

• Tech Tutor Time – Austin Public Library Chromeboxes, 1-3 p.m. at the Austin Public Library. Basic one-on-one computer tutoring focusing on the library’s Chromeboxes.  For more information, call 507-433-2391.

• Austin Bruins vs. Minot Minotauros, 7 p.m. at Riverside Arena. Go, Bruins! For more information, call 507-434-4978.