October 2020
ALL AGES PERFORMANCE!
Experience the artistry of Larry Yazzie (Meskwaki) as he performs flamboyant movements passed down by his ancestors through Native American song and dance. He is a charismatic performing artist: a Champion Powwow Men’s Fancy Dancer, an Eagle Dancer, a Native American Flutist, Lecturer, Master of Ceremonies, Model, Actor, and Singer. He founded Native Pride Productions, Inc., a Native American theatrical, dance, and performing arts company based in Minnesota (2003) and has performed throughout the world sharing his culture. Larry is from the Meskwaki Settlement near Tama, Iowa and has been dancing since he was 7 years old. His mission is to educate, inspire, motivate and empower diverse communities to bridge cultural gaps through Indigenous traditions.
- 2-time World Champion Fancy Dancer
- 3 film productions: “No Blood of Mine”, “Kid West”, “Escamba: Kingdom of Carlos”.
- Performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2004 and 2013.
Purchase TicketsNovember 2020
Kick-off your holiday shopping with this FREE event!
Due to COVID-19, specific safety measures are in place:
One-way walking traffic inside the Reif
Limited capacity allowed inside the Reif throughout the event
Masks required
Physical distancing required
No food or drink allowed
THANK YOU TO SPONSOR
Are you a crafter or a vendor interested in participating? Contact rusticwillowcharm@gmail.com for details and a registration form.
VIDEO ON DEMAND
Music inspires and motivates. It is a language all its own. It is not a necessity, yet it adds so much to life. Figuring It Out is a family band based in Bemidji, Minnesota. The music they play covers several genres of music from bluegrass to folk, traditional to contemporary, and much more. They look forward to sharing their music and connecting with all through musical education.
This program covers the history of Bluegrass and highlights the instruments that make-up this popular style of music.
Figuring It Out
Andy/ Dad - violin
Louisa - 19 - guitar
Olivia - 17 - bass/ cello
Elijah - 15 - 5 string fiddle
Adelynn - 13 - mandolin
Abram - 11 - banjo
Greta - 10 - ukelele
THANK YOU TO SPONSOR
Best Suited for Middle School, High School, and College Students
The Accidental Hero is a multi-media one-man show about a WWII American officer who miraculously liberates the Czech villages of his grandparents. It's a true story, written and performed by his grandson.
Patrick Dewane's grandfather refused to talk about his service in the war. Yet when he died, his basement yielded a treasure trove of typewritten accounts, photos and rare film footage.
Dewane brings this archival material to glowing life as an enthralling, humorous and heartwarming tale of miraculous escapes and astonishing coincidences. This touching show runs from belly laughs to tears.
Dewane takes on a dozen different roles as he powerfully recounts his grandfather's journey from Omaha Beach, the Battle of the Bulge, and the end of WWII. In the last week of the war, the story turns away from a soldier's survival tale to something from mythology. He discovers his lost identity, embraced by the tribe he never knew.
THANK YOU TO SPONSOR
December 2020
Jolly Ol' St. Nick is taking time out of his busy schedule to visit the Reif Center! Since he's playing it safe this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, he has agreed to meet virtually with local kids before he double checks his list.
THANK YOU TO SPONSOR
January 2021
In-Person Tickets Available by calling the Box Office
Mon, Wed, Fri Noon - 5PM
(218) 327-5780
Hello, my name is Larry Yazzie a proud member of the Meskwaki Nation near Tama, Iowa. We are of the Algonquin speaking dialect of the eastern woodland region. We are centrally located in the great state of Iowa. Back in 1857 our forefathers snuck up to Iowa from Oklahoma and Kansas and purchased our first 80 acres. With the help of local farmers and the Governor of Iowa at the time granted us the Meskwaki citizens of Iowa
I’m honored to share my stories and culture with you through music and dance. We are made up of several tribes and promise to bring you the best experience possible!
As I play my flute I play in prayer for all who are going through hard times especially during this pandemic we will get through this together. We all need to pray together I too have experienced hardships in my life, especially in my community on the Meskwaki Indian Settlement near Tama, Iowa. Earlier this summer we were hit with a Derecho storm a land hurricane with winds up to 130 mph with devastation everywhere! But we prevailed and came together through prayers and help pouring in from everywhere! So thank you! ...”
Featuring:
FREE VIRTUAL BINGO!
Advanced registration required by contacting ElderCircle
(218) 999-9233 ext. 279
ecircle@eldercircle.org
February 2021
VIDEO ON DEMAND
B2wins (Pronounced B-Twins… short for Brazilian Twins)
This high energy entertainment group continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its unique sound and engaging live show that targets the masses. Led by charismatic Twin brothers from Rio de Janeiro, they combine a plethora of genres into a live show that is equal parts rock concert, jam session, dance party and house party. Fans describe it like seeing your new best friends in concert.
Growing up in the violent, slums of Brazil, the Twins began playing classical music on violins their father made by hand. They used music as an escape from their reality and began teaching others in their neighborhood. After being featured on National Public Radio, the Twins were invited to the US on full ride music scholarships.
After performing 153 shows across 14 states in 2019, B2wins continue to cultivate a loyal fan base wherever they perform. From hip-hop heads to jazz aficionados, rockers to reggae fans, all find common ground at a B2wins show. The Twins are on a mission to change the world, one smile at a time.
Engaging & Relatable
By utilizing music, humor, audience interaction and participation, Walter & Wagner are able to connect with audiences in never before seen ways. Their magnetic personalities and sincerity, coupled with engaging showmanship, create a dynamite package that is equal parts fun and life changing. Using their story of overcoming extreme adversity through positivity, the Twins have inspired thousands of all ages and backgrounds around the world.
FREE VIRTUAL BINGO!
Advanced registration required by contacting ElderCircle
(218) 999-9233 ext. 279
ecircle@eldercircle.org
The Power of Good Manners!
Educates. Inspires. Entertains.
Kenny Ahern has performed for thousands of school children worldwide!
The POWER of Good Manners! A 45-minute K-5 edutainment presentation, that heralds the importance of good manners in school and life! Character virtues are not just words—they are a call to action!
“I’m all about creating an honest message and a fun, relevant presentation.”
This presentation was developed through consultation with educational professionals. Students learn the main points of Kenny's show: Respect for All; The Importance of Asking for Help; Making Good Choices; and Pleases & Thank Yous are Important.
TESTIMONIALS
“ Your emphasis on pleases, thank yous, and the ability to ask for help was a natural progression for development of the "B.O.A.T. Rules" The teachers from Pre-K through 5th grade have each expressed admiration for the quality of your skills, ability to interact with the students, and the near magical manner that you communicate with a participant . You are, indeed, a teacher at heart!”
Craig Oliver, Teacher
Brandon Elementary School
"The kids were very engaged in the program, and understood the importance of good manners by the end of the show. The kids absolutely loved the way you got them involved with the show. Three weeks after the show, I am still hearing students talk about "The Power of Good Manners."
Chris Sadler, Principal
Humke Elementary School
"Kenny Ahern is a wonderful performer and really engaged our students Kindergarten through grade 6 in his performance. His program may well be the best I’ve personally seen. It would be nice if all lyceums were as educational, fun and entertaining as this was."
Dennis Geissler, Principal
Colfax Elementary School
“Kenny absolutely tops my list of favorites. He's professional and easy to work with, and most importantly, the kids think he's a blast. He just knows exactly what to do to make them laugh. I always look forward to his visits!"
Shelly–Collins Fuerbringer, Childrens Director
LE Phillips Memorial Public Library
"Your performance captivated the audience, students and teachers alike, Your positive message made a deep impression on the students. Thank you for your generosity, It was greatly appreciated by all of us.”
Joyce A Olson, Principal
Moundview Elementary School