Saturday, August 3, 2013

Music in Menahga

You wouldn’t expect much from the little berg of Menahga ( pronounced MEN aw gah).  Population at the last census of 1,306 Finns.  Menahga means “blueberry bush” in the Chippewa language and the Blueberry River runs through town.

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The town was able to snag one of those fancy smancy grants from an Art Council and they have been having a series of concerts on Friday nights all summer. (Bringing arts and culture to the backwoods.)

Far Guy and I had a date night!  By the way all these concerts are free..they did pass a bucket, in hopes that they will raise enough money to continue the music series next summer.   It is a simple venue, the band sits on a flat bed trailer near Spirit Lake, and the concert goers bring their own chairs.  Neighbors Steve and Jo went along with us..group date night!

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The music was wonderful, a blend of Irish and Celtic music by a band called Ring of Kerry.  It was a beautiful relaxing evening looking out over the lake as the sun set. Did I say the band was awesome?  Well they were and you all know the only music I am half fond of is old rock and roll.

Spirit Lake

Can you imagine how songs about drinkin’ and sailin’ and fighting over land along a river could entertain a bunch of Finlanders?  Maybe we all had a hard week and it was just nice to sit in a chair and be entertained! :)

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17 comments:

Primitive Stars said...

Smile, what a wonderful date night, beautiful scenery , Francine.

DJan said...

That actually sounds like a most perfect date night. Great music, great company, and scenery like that, who could ask for more? :-)

LindaG said...

We all know that *you* certainly had a trying week. Glad you got to relax.
Have a wonderful weekend!

lisa said...

What a date! I think I need to have a talk with the hubby:-)

Dreaming said...

Sounds lovely. Were mosquitoes invited?

Nancy said...

An evening of music wrapped in the fading light sounds divine, especially if violins (fiddles) are involved. I hope the community can find funding for the concert series next year.

Muffie said...

Since that's my heritage, I love Celtic music -- the old standards, the little known tunes, Celtic Rock -- all of it soothes and settles me. I'm glad it touched you, too.
Peace,
Muff

Country Gal said...

I love Celtic music to . We have a week of free concerts and BBQ's this month going on in one of our small towns fair grounds . A good date that's for sure ! Thanks for sharing ! Have a good day !

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a lovely date night! Such a pretty picture and I enjoyed listening to their music. Such a treat!

Rae said...

Sounds wonderful. I love an outdoor concert.

L. D. said...

That is one of those perfect sky shots of Minnesota in the evening. The colors in the sky I have tried to paint many times but can one blend the sky like the real thing.

Nancy/BLissed-Out Grandma said...

What a lovely evening! And I learned two new things about the name of Menahga today: pronunciation and meaning. Now I'm going to look up exactly where it is. :)

Leah said...

Sounds like a good time :)

troutbirder said...

We have a similar summer thing here in our little town. And our local band is the "Irish Minstrels. Yes years ago after some bar hopping on a Sat. night I did have a sauna in Menagha. And then there is somber story of the Uncle of someone I knew who err. roasted to death in the establishment. Sorry I couldh't
help but bring that up....;(

RURAL said...

Sounds absolutely heavenly..and that sunset is amazing. We have the same type of thing here in the park in our little town, But then again I can listen to the neighbor's jamming in his garage and not have to leave.

Jen

Cynthia said...

What a bequtiful setting for a concert! Summer outdoor music events are so fun, kind of a treat for all the senses. Usually good people-watching opportunities too! We have music in the park every Thursday evening. Looking forward to the awesome local high school band this week.

Rita said...

I clicked and took in some of their music, Connie, and I could just picture you relaxing outside listing to the band. Very nice for a double date night!! ;)