September 11th, 2015 by Gary Osberg
A sad day of remembrance.
“Their seed shall remain forever, and their glory shall not be blotted out. Their bodies are buried in peace; but their name liveth for evermore.” Ecclesiastics
The APHC show this week is the final rebroadcast of the summer. Next week is the annual Street Dance and Meatloaf Supper. This week’s show was originally broadcast from the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee in May of 2014. Special guests include Brad Paisley singing an ode to the substrata and tectonic plates of the Cumberland Plateau, Sturgill Simpson and band perform “Turtles All the Way Down” and Sam Bush and Stuart Duncan team up on “My Little Girl in Tennessee”. Plus, Brian Dan Christensen joins in on a few Elvis tunes. In the News From Lake Wobegon, fishermen return to their pursuit of the famous walleye, “Old Pete”. Enjoy the show. Be kind.
August 28th, 2015 by Gary Osberg
Good morning from Collegeville,
“Welcome Class of 2019” This was the sign yesterday at the entrance to the St. John’s University campus. The Sexton Commons fountain area had tables set out with coffee, juice and plates of cookies fresh from the bakery. For many this was a family affair. Most young men and women were accompanied by one or both of their parents. In the fall of 1961 I arrived on campus of the University of Minnesota, Main Campus. Coming from a class of 33 in Upsala and going to a class of thousands was overwhelming. Ma had moved the family from Upsala to south Minneapolis, in part, to make it easier for me to attend college.
My two quarters at the “U” were a disaster. The Institute of Technology was certainly a bad choice. My worst performance was in English 101. Every week I would turn in the blue composition book and every week I would get a “D” or a “F”. Not paying any attention to Miss Krier in 11th and 12th grade English class had caught up with me.
The highlight of the fall of 1961 was the Gopher football team. They were coached by Murray Warmath and lead by quarterback Sandy Stephens. They compiled a record of 8 wins and 2 losses. On New Year’s day 1962, they beat the UCLA Bruins by a score of 21 to 3 in the Rose Bowl. When I came home to Upsala, defeated and broke, Bob Soltis nicknamed me “Murray” and he has called me “Murray” ever since.
The APHC show this week is a re-broadcast of a really old show which aired in June of 1994 from the grand re-opening of the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. Special guests include The Everly Brothers singing “Blues Stay Away From Me”, Chet Atkins playing “Mystery Train” and music from Vince Gill, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Mark O’Connor. In the News From Lake Wobegon, the Whippets open their season and Garrison shares a few memories from the Grand Ole’ Opry’s last night at the Ryman. Enjoy the show.
“It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts”. John Wooden
August 20th, 2015 by Gary Osberg
Good afternoon from Collegeville,
Today is a “10” on the beautiful weather scale. Yesterday I wore a sweater. Tomorrow is supposed to be even nicer. I am enjoying the summer but it is going by too fast. Happiness is sitting by the water fountain in front of Sexton Commons on campus of St. John’s University and soaking in the mid-day sun. I have attached a picture of our campus mascot.
In the February 27, 2006 issue of The New Yorker, there was an article on pursuing happiness. I try to read it once every month. It turns out that by nature we have been hardwired to emphasize the negative. Survival depended on being wary. “Call no man happy until he is dead” was the Greek way of putting it. According to positive psychologists, once we are out of poverty, the most important determinant of our happiness is our “set point”, a natural level of happiness that is largely inherited.
Ready for the secret of happiness? Here it is: Happiness is equal to our set point S, plus our life conditions C plus a bit of volunteer work, V “H=S+C+V”
If your set point for happiness is low, you may need to do more volunteer work. If you want a copy of the article on happiness, let me know.
The show this week is a rebroadcast of a show from the Brown Theater at the Wortham Theater Center in Houston, Texas originally broadcast in November of 2010. Special guests include The Quebe Sisters and their band showcasing some true Texas swing on Bob Will’s “Yearning” and mezzo-soprano Susan Graham sings “Ombra mai fu” from Handel’s Serse. Dusty and Lefty take an exam to renew their cowboy licenses along with a visit to the Café Boeuf Houston. In the News From Lake Wobegon, Myrtle Anderson tries to return to town 33 years after an embezzlement scandal. Enjoy the show and enjoy the weekend.
“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” Marcel Proust
August 14th, 2015 by Gary Osberg
Good steamy morning from Collegeville,
‘Hot and humid’ is the forecast for central Minnesota today. If you go out in the corn field tonight you might be able to hear the corn growing and if you drive your pickup into the field and lay on your back, you may get a meteorite show at the same time. “Catch a Falling Star and put it in your pocket”, a line from a hit single by Perry Como in 1957, could happen. Many of the meteorites do land on earth intact. In 1920 one was found in Namibia that is estimated to weigh 60 tons. According to Wikipedia, the ‘Hoba’ meteorite is thought to have fallen 80,000 years ago.
The Yukon Golds are wonderful and the cherry tomatoes are starting to ripen. It is amazing how much flavor there is in a tomato grown in your backyard. I have learned to look forward to an ‘all vegetable’ Sunday supper. At the Good Earth Food Co-op you can purchase brats made from Yukon Gold potatoes. I am looking forward to a good squash crop this fall.
The APHC show this week is a rebroadcast of a show that was presented on November 13, 2010, at the St. Augustine Amphitheater in St. Augustine, Florida. Special guests include The Nashville Bluegrass Band , Jacksonville native, JJ Grey. Andra Suchy joins Garrison and the band for a Florida-centric take on “Sloop John B”. In the News From Lake Wobegon, Becky Beckman keeps a promise to her husband Bradley by taking his place on an annual deer-hunting trip.
Little Falls favorites, “Harper’s Chord”, will be performing at Pioneer Place on Fifth in downtown St. Cloud, with “Broken Fiddle”, on Saturday August 22nd at 7:30. Tickets and details at ppfive.com
“Some of us will do our jobs well and some will not, but we will be judged on one thing: the result.” Vince Lombardi
July 31st, 2015 by Gary Osberg
Good sunny morning from Collegeville,
Another beautiful day in central Minnesota. In this neck of the woods, we get the clean low humidity air coming down from Canada every once in a while. Last weekend we were at a beach house north of Two Harbors and it was hot and humid with no breeze at all. The kids found the beach to be a fun place anyway. Next week I am going to the cabin for the week to swim and read books.
Tonight at 8:02 pm, the blue moon will rise in the eastern sky.
“The term has traditionally referred to an “extra” moon, where a year which normally has 12 moons has 13 instead. The “blue moon” reference is applied to the third moon in a season with four moons,[1] thus correcting the timing of the last month of a season that would have otherwise been expected too early. This happens every two to three years (seven times in the Metonic cycle of 19 years).[2] The March 1946 issue of Sky & Telescope misinterpreted the traditional definition, which led to the modern colloquial misunderstanding that a blue moon is a second full moon in a single solar calendar month with no seasonal link. Owing to the rarity of a blue moon, the term “blue moon” is used colloquially to mean a rare event, as in the phrase “once in a blue moon”. Source Wikipedia “
The APHC show this week is a repeat from April of 2011 at The Town Hall in New York City. Sarah Jarosz sings “Come Around”, Tom Rush plays “Drivin Wheel”, Shai Wosner performs Schubert’s “Impromptu Op. 90 No. 2” and Sutton Foster and Colin Donnell stop by for “You’re the Top” from Anything Goes. In the News From Lake Wobegon, Lyle watches over a tundra swan that has decided to be a dog. Enjoy the show.
There will not be a Friday note next Friday, since I will be on vacation.
“A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.” Albert Einstein
July 23rd, 2015 by Gary Osberg
Good morning from Collegeville,
Today would have to be labeled as a “10” here in central Minnesota. Last Friday I was fishing for bass on Cedar Lake west of Upsala with my son Erik. I taught Erik how to catch bass on that lake when he was only two years old. Now there is a wonderful boat landing where Emie Hippe’s tavern used to be. We were able to get the DNR to post a sign noting it as “Hippe Landing”. Emie sold the property to the DNR for a bargain price because the American Legion put up a fence which cut off the path for a lot of her pop and candy customers that were camping at the American Legion camp ground next door. The legion opened their own store. Emie was a tough business woman who refused to sell Coca-Cola products because someone did not keep their word. During the war, her husband Ben had to drive to Brainerd to pick up the Coke. The distributor asked her husband Ben to not bring the empty bottles to them, but to hold on to them. After the war, the distributor would not take the empty bottles back, so Emie and Ben dug a deep hole and buried them. For over 50 years no Coca-Cola was sold at their store, only Pepsi and Dr. Pepper. Whenever a new driver was hired for the Coke Product delivery truck, someone would have to explain to the driver why he need not bother to stop at “Hippe’s Tavern”. After a while there was no outdoor sign anyway, so it may not have been much of a problem, unless the Pepsi truck was there when the new guy drove by. Always keep your promises no matter what.
The APHC show this week is a rebroadcast of show performed at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on June 1st 2002. Blues maestro Taj Mahal plays “Queen Bee”, western songwriter Stephanie Davis sings, “June is Bustin Out All Over’ and showbiz soprano Marni Nixon joins Garrison on “Wouldn’t it be Loverly”. Peter Ostroushko and Greg Leistz sit in with Rich Dworsky and The Guy’s All Star Shoe Band. In the News from Lake Wobegon, Sally Emmett gets married on the condition that it involves no Lutheranism whatsoever.
“In the best of institutions, promises are kept no matter what the cost in agony and overtime.” David Ogilvy
July 17th, 2015 by Gary Osberg
Good foggy morning from Collegeville,
‘Deuces Wild’ , Ted and Dave with their dueling pianos, are amazing. Last night was the final Sunset Stages event and even though it had to be moved indoors, it was a huge hit. They packed the Escher Auditorium with folks from ages 1 to 99. I have seen them once before in a night club setting, but they do have a family friendly performance also. If you did not get to any of the Sunset Stages events, check out the Sartell events at csbsju.edu/wow.
We are blessed with so many music festival events in Minnesota. Summertime by George got rained out Wednesday night, but the season runs into August. On August 12th one of my favorite groups ‘Harper’s Chord’ is opening for another favorite ‘Collective Unconscious”
Today and tomorrow the Riversong Music Festival is on in Hutchinson. Over 15 bands will perform live blues, rock, country, Americana and folk. There are lots of events for the kids. Check out their lineup at riversongfestival.org/schedule
In Alexandria you can take in a presentation of ‘Nature, a Walking Play’ by Theatre L’Homme Dieu, It is a story about Ralph Waldo Emerson’s and Henry David Thoreau’s love affair with nature. It opens on Tuesday July 21st and runs through Sunday the 26th. Kids 12 and under get in free. Check out their website at TLHD.ORG
The APHC show this week is a rebroadcast of a show from the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco performed January 12, 2013. Special guests include ‘Chanticleer’ and Sara Watkins. Dusty and Lefty wrangle with lawless Silicon Valley desperadoes. Garrison reveals thoughts on the perils of being a tall person and a terrible flu hits Lake Wobegon. Enjoy the show.
“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” Nelson Mandela
July 10th, 2015 by Gary Osberg
Good morning from Collegeville,
The Rhubarb Pie with ice cream at Fisher’s Club is back. Fisher’s Club is a seasonal restaurant next to a city owned swimming beach on the north shore of Middle Spunk Lake in Avon.
George “Showboat” Fisher was a major league baseball player from 1922 until 1932. He played for the Washington Senators and the St. Louis Cardinals. He was 33 years old when he opened Fisher’s Club. The dance floor was added in 1937 and they started serving their legendary Fisher’s Famous Walleye. The secret recipe is still used today. The main dining room was added in 1953 and the porch in 1954. When George Junior came home from a construction job in Greenland to work with his dad at the Club, ‘Showboat’ told his son, “Stick around to help me here at The Club or I’m going to sell it.” Junior and his wife Sally took over in 1959.
It used to be a bottle club. The lockers that the regulars used to store their bottles are still on the wall with their names on them. The new owners, Cory and Jacob Voss, have a full service bar. Jacob graduated from Upsala High School in 2011. The new schedule is to be open from Wednesday until Sunday for supper. Be sure to call for reservations, 320-356-7372. Details are online at fishersclub.com
After my early supper of pie and ice cream, I set up my table at Sunset Stages on campus of College of Saint Benedict. Robert Robinson was wonderful. Next Thursday ‘Deuces Wild’ will be performing at 7:30. Come early and bring your lawn chair. I hope to see you there. csbsju.edu/WOW
The APHC show this week is a re-broadcast from a show done at The Fitzgerald Theater in September of 2013. Chris Thile, the heir apparent as host of APHC, will be showing off his classical chops on a few violin sonatas and partitas. Bach on the mandolin. Other guests include ‘Vasen’ and ‘Chic Gamine’. The regular cast of characters will join the band to entertain you. There will even be a word about the famous Be Bop A Ree Bop Rhubarb Pie. Enjoy the show. You can stream it on your iPhone no matter where you are.
”In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility” Eleanor Roosevelt
July 2nd, 2015 by Gary Osberg
Good afternoon from Collegeville,
The 30th annual Osberg/Hagstrom Golf Open is this Saturday at the Little Falls Country Club. My mother’s sister, Leone, Auntie to me, married Duane Hagstrom, owner of Hagstrom Chevrolet in Upsala, Minnesota. Between the two sisters there are 10 of us children. Auntie’s youngest, Kevin, is a very good golfer and for many years he and I won the best ball event every year. There was a time when you had to use at least one drive and one putt for each of the team members. Now there are no such rules. There is a traveling trophy with the names of the winning team engraved on a brass plate. Kevin and I are due. It has been a while. Last year my sister’s husband Duaine led his team to victory. After golf we gather at my brother Bill’s house for a picnic and the award ceremony. We are fortunate to have a number of traditions in our family. I trust that your Fourth of July Celebration will be a safe one.
Comedians Shannan Paul and Mary Mack are at the Sunset Stages event tonight at 7:30 on the College of St. Benedict campus. Bring your lawn chairs and come early. I will have a table at this event also. Next week Robert Robinson, the gospel singer, will be the entertainment. This is a free event thanks to Gustavo Pena, D.J. Bitzan Jewelers, Collegeville Community Credit Union, and MPR. See you there.
The APHC show this week is a live broadcast from where it all began, Macalester College in Saint Paul. There will be great American music from JD McPherson, rock-solid rambles from Joe Newberry and roof raising soul music from Jearlyn and Jevetta Steele. Butch Thompson adds his quintessential piano and clarinet, Tjarnblom rounds things out with a celebration of Minnesota’s Scandinavian heritage. The Macalester College Pipe Band brings some Celtic spirit to the event. The usual gang of characters and the band, under the direction of Richard Dworsky, will light up the evening. Garrison will bring us all up to date on the News From Lake Wobegon. Enjoy the show.
If you are looking for a house with five bedrooms and an elevator, in St. Cloud, check it out here: http://www.3715deerwoodct.com
June 26th, 2015 by Gary Osberg
Good morning from Collegeville,
Tuesday evening we watched the St. Cloud Rox come from behind and beat Duluth at Joe Faber field. Bob Nicol, age 100, threw out the first pitch. His wife, three sons and his daughter were all there to see it. Luke, age 9, said it was the best baseball game ever. Having a foul ball on the second pitch of the game land in front of our table may have helped a bit. He darn near caught it on the fly. He did get it. Elijah signed up to participate in one of the between inning games and he was wonderful, even with the bucket of water being poured on his head. He has no fear. Cousin Capers, with a baseball theme, was a hit. If you have not tried the Sports Deck, which includes food and beverage, you should. Contact Kelly McCall at The Rox, Kelly@stcloudrox.com
Tonight is the opening of “Sunset Stages at Saint Bens”, a free concert on the campus of College of St. Benedict’s. The Darnall Amphitheater, is located on the north side of The Benedicta Arts Center. Bring a lawn chair and your picnic basket. You may purchase beverages and root beer floats. Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience starts playing at 7:30. Better yet, come to St. Joe early and dine at Bello Cucino or The Local Blend, in vibrant downtown St. Joseph.
The APHC show this week is live from the Koussevitzky Music Shed in Lenox, Massachusetts. Guests include, but are not limited to, Sarah Jarosz with her arsenal of instruments for songs and duets with the host. Rachel Manke is traveling light with her ukulele and Peter Rowan adds some Old School bluegrass straight from the Big Mon tradition. Sara Bareilles and Nadia DiGiallonardo team up to belt out Broadway melodies into the Berkshires. The usual cast of characters will join Rich Dworsky and the band to entertain you. Garrison will add the mid-summer happenings in Lake Wobegon to wrap things up.
”Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good too.” Yogi Berra “A nickel isn’t worth a dime anymore.” Yogi Berra
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