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Telling stories, explaining names

By Lindajoy Fenley

The strong beat and harmonious melodies of South Africa enraptured World Fest audiences in Minnesota as they did in the Dakotas and Iowa. However, the stories Lorraine Klaasen and her instrumentalists share are perhaps what make their visit unforgettable to many Midwesterners.

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Many Conversations in North Dakota

By Lindajoy Fenley

Several opportunities for deeper conversations—from the well-attended reception on the first day in town to an impromptu post-concert party in our hotel lobby—happened during the Wahpeton, North Dakota, residency last week.

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North Dakota sings welcome

By Lindajoy Fenley

North Dakota’s big blue welcome sign on the freeway was an accurate harbinger of things to come during week three of the Lorraine Klaasen tour with Arts Midwest World Fest. People of all ages greeted the ensemble with song our first three days in Wahpeton, ND.

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Anda Union greets audiences around Adrian, MI

By Ken Carlson

The Croswell Opera House in Adrian, MI, is going through some significant renovations right now, but that didn’t prevent the Croswell and the region from giving Anda Union a wonderful welcome and week in the community area.

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Rainbow Nation Remembered

By Lindajoy Fenley

Just as South Africa became the “Rainbow Nation” when anti-apartheid revolutionary Nelson Mandela accepted his country’s presidency in 1994, the Community Life Center at Brooking’s United Methodist Church became the place for a rainbow gathering at the end of Lorraine Klaasen’s second residency week. The South Dakota community danced to Township music as it celebrated the culture of a faraway country.

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Brookings, SD, Welcomes South Africa

By Lindajoy Fenley

Brookings was ready for the South African edition of Arts Midwest World Fest when Lorraine and her ensemble pulled in for the second week of their five-week tour.

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Lorraine Klaasen teaches ageless lessons

By Lindajoy Fenley

Everyone in Forest City, Iowa—from at least one toddler to elementary, high school, and university students as well as senior citizens—let Lorraine Klaasen know her music not only touched their hearts but also taught them important lessons.

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Music: a tool to build community

By Lindajoy Fenley

“The power of music,” said Choral Director Joel Everist. “Its job is first and foremost to build community.”

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Anda Union makes connections around Plymouth, IN

By Ken Carlson, photos by Debi Gidley of Encore Performing Arts

Debi Gidley and Encore Performing Arts welcomed Anda Union to town October 3, and when the week was over, Anda Union knew the area almost as well as the locals.

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The postman has nothing on Anda Union

By Ken Carlson

It’s said the postman always delivers. So does Anda Union. Most school workshops take place in gymnasiums, or choral rooms, or auditoriums, so that’s what Anda Union expected when they pulled up to Whiteside Elementary in Belleville, IL, to get ready for its afternoon workshop.

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