Best Bets: Her Crooked Heart performing at the Paramount; Foodie Throwdown Saturday

Published 6:30 am Thursday, February 13, 2020

: Her Crooked Heart. Photo provided

Join Twin Cities-based band Her Crooked Heart, led by singer/songwriter Rachel Ries, for an intimate evening of music at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Paramount Theatre.

Her Crooked Heart is a quartet blending classical and electric guitar, piano and vintage synths, cello, woodwinds and drum triggers—all in service of the voice. Four part vocal harmonies tell stories of transformation.

In May 2019, the band released their debut record “To Love To Leave To Live” and toured the United Kingdom and United States. Critics compare Her Crooked Heart to David Bowie, Florence and the Machine, Peter Gabriel, Tori Amos and Radiohead.

Ries is the recipient of a highly competitive 2019 Minnesota State Arts Board

Arts on Tour grant. Austin Area Arts matched these grant funds to bring Ries to Austin for a week of music outreach, including a multi-day residency with the Austin High School Choir, directed by Kalle Akkerman. The Austin High School Choir will join Her Crooked Heart on stage during Saturday’s performance.

Tickets are $15 in advance, $10 for students and $20 at the door. For tickets or more information, go to www.austinareaarts.org or call 507-434-0934.

Rose Creek goes pink

Rose Creek will be holding its Paint the Town Pink celebration Friday and Saturday, Feb. 14-15. All funds raised from each event will go towards funding cancer research at The Hormel Institute.

A bean bag tournament will take place starting at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at the Rose Creek Fire Hall. Cost is $20 per team; registration begins at 7 p.m. All participants will get a free drink ticket for The Creek Bar & Grill. For more information, call 507-481-4914.

Saturday’s schedule is as follows:

• Bake sale – all day at The Creek Bar & Grill. Bake sale donations can be dropped off at the Rose Creek City Hall from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Heidi’s Corner from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, or The Creek Bar & Grill from 11 a.m. to close Friday and Saturday.

• Free will breakfast – 8-11 a.m. at The Creek Bar & Grill.

• Silent auction – 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at The Creek Bar & Grill. Silent auction donations can be dropped off at the Rose Creek City Hall from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Heidi’s Corner from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, or The Creek Bar & Grill from 11 a.m. to close Friday and Saturday.

• Snowmobile rides – noon at The Creek Bar & Grill (weather permitting). Registration begins at 11 a.m.

• Puck shots contest – 1-4 p.m. at the tennis courts (weather permitting).

• Karaoke – 9 p.m. at The Creek Bar & Grill.

Times and events are subject to change.

Schedule of Events

Friday

• Valentine’s Meal, noon at the Mower County Senior Center. Bring your sweetheart or friends to this fun Valentine’s Day party. Expect background piano music, a backdrop for portrait photos, prepaid cards for purchase, and a delicious meal of roast beef with Béarnaise sauce, candied baby carrots, and rice. Cost $8.50 for members, $9.50 for non-members. Limited space available, so sign up in advance. To reserve your spot or for more information, call 507-433-2370 or stop by the Senior Center front desk.

• For the Love of Austin, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Austin Conference Center. Fundraiser for Austin Area Foundation. Start with a cash bar and then enjoy a 5-course meal prepared by Chef Brad and staff during this fun event for a great cause. Activities include 50/50 drawing, $1,000 giveaway to the winner’s charity of choice, silent auction and entertainment. Tickets $50 each. For tickets or more information, call 507-434-7494.

• Austin Bruins vs. Bismarck Bobcats, 7:05 p.m. at Riverside Arena. Go, Bruins! Tickets available at Hy-Vee, Holiday Inn, Games People Play, Jim’s Marketplace and Riverside Arena. For more information, go to www.austinbruins.com.

• Austin Big Band Valentine’s Day Concert, 8-10:30 p.m. at American Legion Post 91. Grab your sweetie for a night of great music and dancing. For more information, call 507-437-1151.

Saturday

• Kids’ Studio – Embroidery Houses, 10:30 a.m. at the Austin ArtWorks Center. With Gabriella and Alondra. Cost is $5 per child; geared towards kids ages 5 – 10. To sign up or for more information, go to www.austinareaarts.org or call 507-434-0934.

• Second Saturdays Kids’ Craft, 10:30 a.m. at the Austin Public Library. Free activity. Each child under 5 years of age must be accompanied by an adult for the entire craft. For more information, call 507-433-2391.

• Post Valentines Story Contest, 1 p.m. at Sweet Reads. Popular area author Sherrie Hansen will award prizes to the Most Romantic Story, Funniest Story, Valentine’s Horror Story, and many more. Come for fun and maybe even win prizes. For more information, call 507-396-8660.

• Ninth Annual Foodie Throwdown – It All Started With Sausage, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Hormel Historic Home. Take part in this annual food competition featuring local chefs preparing foods according to the selected theme, and help determine the winner. Food tasting starts at 7 p.m., voting until 8:30 p.m. Entertainment, silent and live auction. $40 per person (HHH membership discount available). For more information, call 507-433-4243.

Sunday

• Riders Pancake Breakfast, 9 a.m. to noon at American Legion post 91. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat pancake feast at the Legion – pancakes, eggs, sausage, coffee and juice! Cost is $8 for adults, $4 for kids down to 6, free for kids under 6. All proceeds benefit Legion Riders programs. For more information, call 507-437-1151.

• MCCC Learn to Curl Fundraiser, 1-3 p.m. at Packer Arena. A Paint the Town Pink event hosted by the Mower County Curling Club. This is a unique opportunity to get on the ice and learn the basics of the fastest growing olympic sport and an increasingly popular Minnesota pastime in a beginner-friendly setting while supporting a great cause. All ages and abilities welcome. No sign-up or curling experience necessary. All equipment provided. Participants should bring a clean pair of tennis shoes and dress for 40 degree conditions. $20 per person suggested donation; all proceeds benefit Paint the Town Pink. For additional information, visit MCCC on Facebook or at www.mowercountycurlingclub.com.