November 2021
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The Reminders are a rare and remarkable musical duo seamlessly blending soulful sounds and roots music with insightful messages and thoughtful lyrics.
The Reminders consists of Brussels-born emcee Big Samir and Queens-born emcee/ vocalist Aja Black, a collective creative force that’s hard to beat. Big Samir weaves intricate rhythmic patterns with a bilingual French/English flow, displaying his street-smart credibility in both his lyrics and cool demeanor. This is beautifully complimented by Aja Black's confident delivery, diverse cadences, and unique vocal stylings.
The two have an undeniable magical chemistry as they share more than lyrical abilities and stages; the couple shares a partnership in both music and life as Samir and Aja have been married for almost a decade.
Releasing their debut album 'Recollect' in 2008 and their latest “Born Champions” in 2012, the Reminders have been recognized and applauded for their work internationally through concerts, tours, music awards, TV and radio appearances, and their incredible and dedicated fan base. Having shared the stage with artists such as Les Nubians, Snoop Dogg, Fishbone, Barrington Levy, Nas, Mos Def, Big Boi, KRS-One, Rakim, K'Naan, and others, the Reminders have established a firm place in today's ever-evolving music scene, garnering international acclaim while paving a path all their own.
Beyond performances and appearances, the duo is constantly and actively engaged with community organizations, schools, and universities delivering workshops, talks, and specially catered performances.
The Reminders transcend the bounds of what is expected. Their stage presence and high energy shows leave crowds in awe the world over, allowing the duo to uplift and entertain all at once. Their unique mashup of razor sharp rhymes; raw, soulful vocals; and reggae-tinged hip hop beats form the perfect backdrop for their relevant and inspiring themes, leaving a lasting impression on listeners with audiences always wanting more.
The Reminders take their hip hop foundation and move it beyond genre, time, and space to create a global musical experience that is classic and speaks to all those willing to participate.
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We Are The Willows is an Orchestral Indie Rock ensemble featuring songwriter Peter Miller’s unique countertenor voice, supported by Jeremiah Satterthwaite (guitar), Travis Collins (bass/ voice), Hilary James (cello/ voice), and Josh McKay (drums). The band crafts dynamic songs with a contemplative air. Their songs cover a lot of conceptual ground: from family history to modern social life and personal identity.
We Are The Willows has been releasing music since 2007. Their most notable release, Picture (Portrait), a 20 song, two-part concept album based on letters written between Miller’s Grandparents during World War II garnered praise from NPR, the BBC, NOISEY, PASTE magazine, Buzzfeed, The Brooklyn Vegan, and USA Today. Between 2009 and 2017 the band toured a great deal, including showcasing at SXSW, Treefort Music Fest, Summerfest, and supporting slots with Blitzen Trapper, S. Carey, PHOX, and Matt Pond PA.
The Reif Education Theater Arts Program Presents Madagascar Jr.!
Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip hip Hippo and, of course, those hilarious, plotting penguins as they bound onto your stage in the musical adventure of a lifetime. Based on the smash DreamWorks animated motion picture, Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR. follows all of your favorite crack-a-lackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar.
Alex the lion is the king of the urban jungle, the main attraction at New York’s Central Park Zoo. He and his best friends — Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo — have spent their whole lives in blissful captivity before an admiring public and with regular meals provided for them. Not content to leave well enough alone, Marty lets his curiosity get the better of him and makes his escape — with the help of some prodigious penguins — to explore the world.
Filled with outlandish characters, adventure galore and an upbeat score, Madagascar JR. will leave audiences with no choice but to “Move It, Move It!
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As the lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter for Trampled by Turtles, Dave Simonett had a noteworthy 2016 full of sold out shows coast to coast — including performances at Newport Folk Festival and Red Rocks Amphitheater. An intimate, up-close and personal experience with one of Minnesota’s most prominent musical artists.
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December 2021
Join the Itasca Symphony Orchestra for a holiday concert. We are excited to be on stage with full orchestration and eager to share the festive and joyful music of the Christmas season.
Selections include medleys of traditional Christmas carols, Mozart’s “Sleigh Ride” as well as music from popular holiday movies. Itasca Strings Program instructor Pedro Oviedo will be featured as viola soloist in Vaughn William’s Suite for Viola and Orchestra. The orchestra will be performing the first movement of the piece which includes “Carol” and “Christmas Dance.”
General admission seating is available on the Reif Website and the Reif box office. Tickets will also be available at the door.
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An Andy & Bing Christmas
Enjoy a wondrous night of Christmas classics with an extraordinary 19-piece orchestra. Featuring lead vocals by U of M alum and Super Bowl Champion Ben Utecht and Twin Cities favorite Mick Sterling. They are joined onstage by delightful choral singers led by Cate Fierro, a full string section, a full array of percussion and a magnificent 4 piece horn section. Hear “The Elegance Orchestra” perform classic Andy Williams treatments of “Happy Holidays,” ”Jingle Bells,” “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and more along with timeless Bing Crosby favorites including “Mele Kalikimaka,” “Christmas in Killarney” and, of course, “White Christmas.”
Join us for a festive afternoon of classic Christmas songs performed by local pianist Greg Past. Greg’s experience and passion shine through during a delightful hour of holiday favorites. This event is suitable for all ages but has special pricing for older adults (62+) at just $2 per ticket to attend ($10 adult, $5 student). Free will donations accepted which benefit theater and dance students at The Reif.
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Recreated from the classical ballet by Tchaikovsky, and performed by the superb Reif Dancers, The Nutcracker tells the enchanting story of young Clara who dreams that her nutcracker doll is transformed into a valiant prince. After defeating the evil Mouse King and his army, they are transported to the fantastical Land of Sweets where they are welcomed by a host of delectable characters. A Reif holiday tradition like no other!
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The Steeles consist of five siblings; J.D., Fred, Jearlyn, Jevetta, and Billy Steele. They have been singing together since they were children growing up in Gary, Indiana, where they began to develop their style and soul. Each came to Minnesota for different reasons; however, it is clear they were meant to be a part of the Minnesota sound. They have recorded and performed with Prince, Donald Fagen, Morgan Freeman, George Clinton, Mavis Staples, Johnny Lang, Peabo Bryson, The Five Blind Boys of Alabama, and others throughout their long and storied career.
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A Reif Holiday Favorite...The Rock & Roll X-mas Spectacular is a Las Vegas-caliber, multimedia, full-production show that mixes an 8-piece band with music, comedy, parodies and even a game show!
Join an all-star cast of musicians as they rock their way through timeless holiday classics and bring new takes on hit songs you didn’t even know were holiday classics.
The line-up of musicians is truly legendary as Paul “Stretch” Diethelm and Ted Manderfeld are joined on stage by vocalists Pamela McNeill, Stacy Bauer, and Tim Haussner, and backed by bassist Mike Zeleny, saxophonist and flutist Mike Kreitzer and drummer Billy Thommes.
You’ll hear Christmas standards like Silent Night, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Rockin’ Round the Christmas Tree, The Little Drummer Boy and many more like you’ve never heard them performed before! Nothing will get you into the holiday spirit better than the Rock & Roll Christmas!