A Little Steinway Music

Alexander Ramsey House, St. Paul MN

Dates: Dec. 3, 2009, Dec. 4, 2009

Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Fee: $17; $2 discount for MHS members

Reservations: required, call 651-296-8760

Enjoy a musical comedy performed in the Ramseys' elegant parlor decorated for the holidays. The play is an original short story produced by Walking Boxes theatre group and inspired by Victorian life, with dramatic readings and music played on the 1872 Steinway piano. A first floor tour of the house is included. Not recommended for children under 6.

A Logging Camp Christmas

Forest History Center, Grand Rapids MN

Dates: Dec. 5, 2009

Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fee: $8 adults, $6 seniors and college students, $5 children ages 6 to 17; free for children age 5 and under and MHS members.

Step back to the winter of 1900 and experience life as it might have been for north woods lumberjacks. See draft horses pulling sleighs, lumberjacks sawing wood and visit the cook shack where Christmas preparations are underway. Visit with Santa Claus, listen to music and storytelling and enjoy hot apple cider and cookies. The museum gift shop will be open for holiday shopping. Warm clothes and winter boots are advised. It is necessary to walk to the camp.

A Radio Holiday: Songs, Stories, Singalong with Prudence Johnson and Dan Chouinard

Minnesota History Center, St. Paul MN

Dates: Dec. 5, 2009

Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Fee: $15, $10 MHS members

Reservations: required, call 651-259-3015 or register online

Enjoy a concert of classic holiday standards with local tunesmiths, Prudence Johnson and Dan Chouinard. In support of the History Center's new exhibit, Minnesota’s Greatest Generation: The Depression, The War & The Boom, Johnson and Chouinard share holiday interpretations of timeless standards of the 30s and 40s in voice and piano. Join in the fun and sing along.

Global Hotdish Variety Show: T. Mychael Rambo Hosts

Minnesota History Center, St. Paul MN

Dates: Jan. 23, 2010

Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Fee: $12 adults, $5 children ages 6 to 17; $2 discount for MHS member adult ticket only. Tickets include museum gallery admission.

Reservations: required, register online

This whimsical 90-minute variety show features multi-cultural, multi-generational artists performing and leading the crowd in music, dancing and sing-a-long entertainment. Host T. Mychael Rambo is joined by yo yo master Dazzling Dave; Maryam Yusefzadeh and Tim O'Keefe singing Persian song poems; Bob Walser and family performing Appalachian flat foot clogging; the fur trade fashions and a capella harmonies of The Sons of the Voyaguer; pre-teen vocal sensation and Minnesota State Fair talent winner Julius Andrews IV; and Beth Gilleland's Geo Pop Quiz & Great State Trivia TidBits. Music provided by Los Jefes. Arrive early for pre-show entertainment in the History Center Rotunda at 1:30 p.m.

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Hill House Parlor Concerts: 24th Season

James J. Hill House, St. Paul MN

Dates: Feb. 1, 2010, Feb. 8, 2010, May 3, 2010, May 10, 2010

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Fee: $17; $15 for MHS members or Schubert Club subscribers. Three concert series: $50, $45.

The Hill House Chamber Players begin their 24th season with concerts performed in the restored art gallery of the James J. Hill House. Complimentary refreshments are served during intermission and admission includes a tour of the Hill House following the performance. The Players are Rees Allison, piano; Julie Ayer, violin; Thomas Turner, viola; Tanya Remenikova, cello; and Jeffrey Van, guitar.

The November concerts will include Georg Phillipp Telemann, Don Quixote Suite, Overture No. 10 in G "Burlesque de Quixote"; Antonin Dvorak, Terzetto, in C major Opus 74, for two violins and viola; Michael Dougherty, Viola Zombie; and Brahms, Viola Quintet No. 2, Opus 111, in G major. Guest artists include Catherine Schubilske on violin, Nathalie Cruden on viola and Craig Johnson, narrator.

The February concerts will include G. Puccini, Crysanthemum; Turina, Fandanguillo; Franz Joseph Haydn, Piano Trio, Hob XV, No. 26; and Felix Mendelsohnn, Quartet No. 2, Opus 13, in A major. The Guest artist is Catherine Schubilske on violin.

The May concerts will include Astor Piazzolla, Tango Selections; Marcello, Sonata in E minor for Viola and Piano; Jeffrey Van, Fantasma de Falla for guitar and string trio; and Gabriel Faure, Quartet No. 1 in C minor, Opus 15.

The Schubert Club is a local classical music organization dating back to the 19th century that provides use of rare instruments in its collection for these concerts.

Sorry, library passes are not valid for this program.

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Queen Charlotte’s Birthday Ball

North West Company Fur Post, Pine City MN

Dates: Feb. 13, 2010

Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Fee: $35; $30 for MHS members

Reservations: required, call 320-629-6356

This evening of early 19th-century entertainment features a lively country dance, a favorite evening diversion of the era and a pastime frequently mentioned by Jane Austen. All dances will be taught and called at the ball, and visitors can enjoy refreshments. Period or semi-formal attire requested.

Global Hotdish Variety Show: Pop Wagner Hosts

Minnesota History Center, St. Paul MN

Dates: Feb. 27, 2010

Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Fee: $12 adults, $5 children ages 6 to 17; $2 discount for MHS member adult ticket only. Tickets include museum gallery admission.

Reservations: required, register online

This whimsical 90-minute variety show features multi-cultural, multi-generational artists performing and leading the crowd in music, dancing and sing-a-long entertainment. Pop Wagner will host Mongolian foot juggling with Chimgee Haltarhuu and Anwar Hassouni; Ojibwe flute music with Darren Moose; faux French cooking with Z Puppets Rosenschnoz; African American step dancing with DelaSouljah Steppers and a Geo Pop Quiz and Great State Trivia TidBits with Beth Gilleland. Music provided by Dan Newton and the Café Accordion Orchestra.

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Global Hotdish Variety Show: Tou Ger Xiong Hosts

Minnesota History Center, St. Paul MN

Dates: March 27, 2010

Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Fee: $12 adults, $5 children ages 6 to 17; $2 discount for MHS member adult ticket only. Tickets include museum gallery admission.

Reservations: required, register online

This whimsical 90-minute variety show features multi-cultural, multi-generational artists performing and leading the crowd in music, dancing and sing-a-long entertainment. Hmong comedian Tou Ger Xiong hosts Wacky Chickens with Lloyd Brandt and Rosie Cole; exquisite choreography with the School of India for Languages and Culture; Austrian Alphorn music with Steve Ecklund, Vicki Wheeler and Becky Jyrkas; high kicks with the Satin Dolls and a Geo Pop Quiz and Great State Trivia Tidbits with Beth Gilleland. Music provided by Cyril Paul and the Calypso Monarchs.

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