The COVID-19 pandemic has canceled many plans throughout the past seven months and prevented people from enjoying a play or attending a concert.

Luckily, the Fine Arts Series at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University has four upcoming events to beat the quarantine blues.

Storytelling Workshop, Get Down with Your Past Self, featuring Kevin Kling
10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 via Zoom

This highly anticipated workshop is with Kling, NPR’s All Things Considered commentator who is a renowned playwright and storyteller. During the virtual event, Kling will lead an exploration of how our stories connect us through time, landscape and culture. Starting with a personal story of Kling’s that connects to his ancestors, the workshop participants will work together on a writing exercise about “home,” the ground from which all stories begin. Although this event is free, pre-registration is required due to limited capacity. Register online or by calling the Box Office at 320-363-5777. The link to the Zoom meeting with be emailed to participants no later than 24 hours before the workshop.  

The Thin Veil: Visitations from Beyond, featuring Kevin Kling and Simone Perrin
7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 via Livestream

Kling will join folk musician Simone Perrin in an enchanting night of songs and stories as they return to the series following a performance on Nov. 23, 2019. Described as “a night dedicated to those mysterious occurrences that could only happen in ... Minnesota,” this event is most suitable for ages 11 and up and will recall stories of crisp October nights, full moon shadows and the whistling wind. This performance will be streamed, and ticket purchasers will receive an email 24 hours before the event with a link and information about how to join the stream. One link per ticket.

Workshop, Writing with Feeling with Aja Black
6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19 via Zoom

Join hip-hop artist Aja Black (one half of the the Reminders) for a virtual writing workshop. The ability to generate unique creative ideas that speak to our personal experience is a crucial skill that we all possess.  Over time, many of us lose our ability to access that skill. Art has the power to convey perspective through emotional connection and shared experience. “Writing with Feeling” is a workshop that opens a path to individual creativity through the use of word association, sensory language and emotion.  We will use these tools to understand, tell and share our unique perspectives and experiences through the use of tailored writing exercises. Although this event is free, pre-registration is required due to limited capacity. Register online or by calling the Box Office at 320-363-5777. The link to the Zoom meeting with be emailed to participants no later than 24 hours before the workshop. 

The Reminders in concert
7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20 via Livestream

Find your groove as The Reminders deliver an inspiring performance that transcends expectations to uplift and entertain, returning to the series following a Jan. 26, 2018 performance. The Reminders' visionary music is infused with roots, soul and Colorado sunshine! The duo seamlessly blend sharp rhymes and soulful vocals with reggae-tinged hip-hop beats to highlight relevant and inspiring messages of unity and togetherness. Purchase tickets here. You will receive 24 hours before the event a link and information about how to join the stream. One link per ticket. You can watch on any internet-connected device on your favorite internet browser.

Here’s some more good news. Since we all need the arts in our lives more than ever, the Fine Arts Series is introducing Pay-As-You-Can ticketing. The “regular” ticket price is $20 for the Oct. 30 and Nov. 20 performances, however people can choose the price that fits their current budget. There is no fee for CSB and SJU students for 2020. Note: For any ticket with a dollar amount, there will be a $2 ticket fee.

All four events are supported by the Arts Midwest Touring Fund, a program of Arts Midwest that is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional contributions from The Minnesota State Arts Board and the Crane Group.