Arts + Ideas

Arts + Ideas events calendar

RSS XML iCal Duluth, MN — Central Time
This hCalendar-compliant page is optimized for search engines. View this calendar as published at www.css.edu.

Art Song Recital

Music Program Concerts Summary: Join us for an evening of Art Song featuring mezzo-soprano Clara Osowski and pianist Casey Rafn. The program will feature works by composers Franz Schubert, Jake Endres, Stephen Paulus, David Evan Thomas, Fredrik Jakobsson, and Wendy Durrwachter. Get tickets. . Is this event open to the public? Yes. Cost: $12 general admission, free for students and Sisters of the St. Scholastica Monastery. Contact: Emily Nast. Contact Email: enast@css.edu. Student Calendar Type: All Campuses. Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM. Mitchell Auditorium. For more info visit thecollegeofstscholastica.ticketspice.com.

Democracy is a Party: The Lost Art of Getting Together

Alworth Peace and Justice We fight our disillusionment by holding vigils, declaring our positions on social media, or announcing our allegiances in yard signs; but we also feel like these are ineffective and joyless. What if the way to restore our faith in democratic life was more joyful, more social, and far more fun? A century ago, the philosopher John Dewey theorized that democracy can never characterize our institutions if it is not realized and enjoyed as a way of life. Summary: In the last decade, Americans have increasingly expressed a sense of dismay at the erosion of democracy. Bethany Henning considers the possibilities of celebration as an effective (and increasingly rare!) mode of political action. Is this event open to the public? Yes. Cost: Free. Contact: Tim Lorek. Contact Email: tlorek@css.edu. Student Calendar Type: All Campuses. Thursday, September 17, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM. Mitchell Auditorium.

Salt Meadow Restoration in Germany's Wadden Sea

School of Arts and Sciences Faculty Colloquium Summary: What's so fascinating about a gigantic mud flat? Can sheep and fish coexist? Why destroy dikes that protect us from rising seas? In her discussion of salt meadow restoration along the German Wadden Sea coast, Dr. Karen Rosenflanz explores a unique ecosystem shaped by the ebb and flow of the tides. Is this event open to the public? Yes. Cost: Free Admission. Contact: Kevin Quarmby. Contact Email: kquarmby@css.edu. Student Calendar Type: All Campuses. Friday, September 18, 2026, 3:40 PM – 4:40 PM. St. Scholastica Library Raven Room.

The Okee Dokee Brothers!

Other Mitchell Events With a sound built on banjo, guitar, and brotherly harmony, the duo has earned five Parents’ Choice Awards and critical acclaim from NPR and USA Today. Their music serves as a soundtrack for adventure, blending wit and heart to remind listeners of all ages that the best stories usually begin just outside the front door. On their latest album, Little Old You, the duo returns to their roots with an acoustic backyard set filled with “sticks, mud, and cosmic wonder.” Whether they are featured on PBS KIDS or performing live, Joe and Justin specialize in songs that make families want to dance in the kitchen and sing by the campfire. At its core, their work is a gentle, unplugged nudge toward nature, proving that friendship and laughter are the simplest ways to find magic in the world. Summary: THE OKEE DOKEE BROTHERS! GRAMMY® Award-winning childhood friends Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing are the “Shel Silverstein of family music,” crafting Americana folk that celebrates the spirit of the great outdoors. Get tickets. . Is this event open to the public? Yes. Cost: $25. Contact Email: theokeedokeebrothers@gmail.com. Contact Phone: 218-723-6779. Student Calendar Type: All Campuses. Saturday, September 26, 2026, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM. Mitchell Auditorium at The College of St. Scholastica 1200 Kenwood Ave. Duluth, MN 55811. For more info visit thecollegeofstscholastica.ticketspice.com.

Local Panel: Immigration in Duluth

Alworth Peace and Justice A panel of engaged citizens will share perspectives on the legal, historical, and social circumstances of immigration politics locally. This event is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Duluth. Summary: This year's Tom Morgan Honorary Local Panel examines immigration in the Duluth community. After the tense politics and activism of immigration enforcement in Minnesota in the winter of 2026, we take stock of the current situation in the Twin Ports. Is this event open to the public? Yes. Cost: Free Admission. Contact: Tim Lorek. Contact Email: tlorek@css.edu. Student Calendar Type: All Campuses. Thursday, October 8, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM. Mitchell Auditorium.

Hope in Dark Times

Music Program Concerts Experience a remarkable story that connects wartime Hungary to Duluth through music, art, faith, and resilience. This unique event centers on Zoltán Kodály's powerful Missa Brevis, one of the twentieth century's most significant sacred choral works, composed amid the turmoil of World War II. The program explores the extraordinary connection between Kodály and Sister Constantina Kakonyi, a Hungarian artist who later made her home at St. Scholastica. Audiences will have the rare opportunity to view a first-edition score of Missa Brevis acquired by the College of St. Scholastica, featuring original cover artwork created by Sister Constantina and signed by Kodály himself. Through a live performance of Missa Brevis, an exhibition of Sister Constantina's artwork, and engaging historical interpretation, this event brings to life the stories of two Hungarian artists whose work was shaped by war, faith, and hope. Discover how music and visual art can transcend suffering, preserve memory, and connect communities across… Summary: Discover the remarkable connection between Zoltán Kodály and The College of St. Scholastica through Sister Constantina Kakonyi's artwork featured on a rare first-edition Missa Brevis. Experience a live performance, exhibition, and the inspiring story of faith, resilience, and artistic legacy spanning Hungary and Duluth. Is this event open to the public? Yes. Cost: Free Admission. Contact: Richard Carrick. Contact Email: rcarrick@css.edu. Student Calendar Type: All Campuses. Friday, October 9, 2026, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM. Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel.

Jumping Down the Rabbit Hole: Lessons from an Unconventional Scientific Journey

School of Arts and Sciences Faculty Colloquium Summary: Pablo Palafox shares his journey from chemical engineering student to computational chemist and associate professor, highlighting the roles of mentorship, perseverance, and opportunity. He discusses undergraduate-led anticancer research using molecular modeling and reflects on how meaningful mentorship and research experiences can help students build successful scientific careers. Is this event open to the public? Yes. Cost: Free Admission. Contact: Kevin Quarmby. Contact Email: kquarmby@css.edu. Student Calendar Type: All Campuses. Friday, October 16, 2026, 3:40 PM – 4:40 PM. St. Scholastica Library Raven Room.

Prism Concert: Music Ensemble Showcase

Music Program Concerts Summary: As part of St. Scholastica’s Homecoming celebration, the Music Program presents a colorful spectrum of music, creating a fast-paced, sonic kaleidoscope. This free, hour-long performance features each of our instrumental and choral ensembles. Is this event open to the public? Yes. Cost: Free Admission. Contact: Emily Nast. Contact Email: enast@css.edu. Student Calendar Type: All Campuses. Saturday, October 24, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Mitchell Auditorium.

Art, Life, & Death: 3 Films by The Archers

Moira Shearer stars as Vicky Page in this masterful update to the Hans Christian Andersen story. Page, an aspiring ballerina, is torn between complete artistic dedication to her craft and the desire for romance and a normal life. ‘The Archers’ was a unique filmmaking partnership formed by British film director Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, a Hungarian writer who fled Nazi Germany and emigrated to England. Powell worked through the 1920s learning his craft by way of creating a series of short ‘quota quickies,’ before being matched up with Pressburger by legendary film producer Alexander Korda. From the mid-1930s through the mid-1950s the two were inseparable as a creative team, creating their own production company, The Archers, and collaborating on some of Britain’s most renowned films of the period. Along with a regular troupe of actors, DP Jack Cardiff, Production Designer Alfred Junge, and Art Director Hein Heckroth, The Archers’ cinema embraced fantasy, subjectivity, and artificiality as ironic… Summary: The Red Shoes (1948) (2h 16m) Moira Shearer stars as Vicky Page in this masterful update to the Hans Christian Andersen story. Is this event open to the public? Yes. Cost: Free Admission. Contact: Nathan Carroll. Contact Email: ncarroll@css.edu. Student Calendar Type: All Campuses. Friday, November 6, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM. Burns Wellness Center 249.

Benedictine Boogie

Music Program Concerts Summary: Swing the night away with the CSS Jazz Band and the Duluth Community Jazz Band! Experience the energy of live swing music on the dance floor. Dance instruction by North Shore Ballroom begins at 7 p.m. with dancing continuing until 9 p.m. Get tickets. . Is this event open to the public? Yes. Cost: $10 general admission, free for students and Sisters of the St. Scholastica Monastery. Contact: Emily Nast. Contact Email: enast@css.edu. Student Calendar Type: All Campuses. Friday, November 6, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Benedictine Commons. For more info visit thecollegeofstscholastica.ticketspice.com.

Art, Life, & Death: 3 Films by The Archers

Clive Candy (Roger Livesey), an infamous caricature of Winston Churchill, is given a fictional biopic in this moving tale of indelible friendship between an English officer and his German adversary (Anton Walbrook). Deborah Kerr notably plays three roles. ‘The Archers’ was a unique filmmaking partnership formed by British film director Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, a Hungarian writer who fled Nazi Germany and emigrated to England. Powell worked through the 1920s learning his craft by way of creating a series of short ‘quota quickies,’ before being matched up with Pressburger by legendary film producer Alexander Korda. From the mid-1930s through the mid-1950s the two were inseparable as a creative team, creating their own production company, The Archers, and collaborating on some of Britain’s most renowned films of the period. Along with a regular troupe of actors, DP Jack Cardiff, Production Designer Alfred Junge, and Art Director Hein Heckroth, The Archers’ cinema embraced fantasy, subjectivity, an… Summary: The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943) (2h 44m) Introduced by: Kevin Quarmby, Ph.D. (CSS English Faculty). Is this event open to the public? Yes. Cost: Free Admission. Contact: Nathan Carroll. Contact Email: ncarroll@css.edu. Student Calendar Type: All Campuses. Saturday, November 7, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Burns Wellness Center 249.

Art, Life, & Death: 3 Films by The Archers

WWII RAF pilot Peter Carter (David Niven) crashes, but not before falling in love with June (Kim Hunter), American radio operator. However, it turns out Carter’s guide to the ‘OtherWorld’ missed him in the dense English fog. Carter finds June, but is soon ordered to leave for the ‘Other World.’ Refusing, Carter requests a trial to stay with June. Meanwhile on Earth, a progressive doctor (Roger Livesey) believes Carter is hallucinating, suggesting brain surgery. This operation is paralleled with Carter’s heavenly trial as he struggles for life, love, and sanity. ‘The Archers’ was a unique filmmaking partnership formed by British film director Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, a Hungarian writer who fled Nazi Germany and emigrated to England. Powell worked through the 1920s learning his craft by way of creating a series of short ‘quota quickies,’ before being matched up with Pressburger by legendary film producer Alexander Korda. From the mid-1930s through the mid-1950s the two were inseparable as a creat… Summary: A Matter of Life and Death (1946) (1h 44m) Introduced by: Nathan Carroll, Ph.D. (Film Studies Faculty). Is this event open to the public? Yes. Cost: Free Admission. Contact: Nathan Carroll. Contact Email: ncarroll@css.edu. Student Calendar Type: All Campuses. Saturday, November 7, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Burns Wellness Center 249.

Monsignor Joseph Buh: Enduring Legacy of a Missionary Disciple

Braegelman Program in Catholic Studies Lecture Series Summary: Bishop Daniel Felton of the Diocese of Duluth will discuss and explore the life of Monsignor Joseph Buh and his cause for becoming a saint. Msgr. Buh was a missionary disciple and priest active in the Duluth area from 1864 until his death in 1922. Bishop Daniel will discuss the process for Msgr. Buh’s cause for canonization to sainthood, as well as the ever ancient and ever new quality of Msgr. Buh, and how he can serve as an inspiration for all those in pursuit of holiness, regardless of time and place. Is this event open to the public? Yes. Cost: Free Admission. Contact: Kevin Vaughan. Contact Email: kvaughan1@css.edu. Student Calendar Type: All Campuses. Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM. Mitchell Auditorium.

Dog Mom: A Memoir Reading & Craft Talk

School of Arts and Sciences Faculty Colloquium Summary: Do you have a dead mother or a Pomeranian? Want to know what it’s like to have both? Find out in this colloquium where Dr. Lupe Linares will read from her in-progress memoir “Dog Mom,” which explores themes of grief, trauma, and dog ownership. Is this event open to the public? Yes. Cost: Free Admission. Contact: Kevin Quarmby. Contact Email: kquarmby@css.edu. Student Calendar Type: All Campuses. Friday, November 13, 2026, 3:40 PM – 4:40 PM. St. Scholastica Library Raven Room.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet

Music Program Concerts Recent tours have included sold-out concerts in Japan, China, Taiwan, and Mexico. In the summer of 2024, the quintet made its European festival debut in Ravenna (Italy) followed by master classes and concerts at the Galicia (Spain) Brass Festival. In January 2024, the CSO Brass Quintet provided fanfare for an event hosted by France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs bestowing the “Commander of the Legion of Honor” on Maestro Riccardo Muti. All five members of the quintet are highly sought after brass pedagogues who hold positions at prestigious universities such as Northwestern, DePaul, and Roosevelt. Summary: Continuing a legacy which began in 1951, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet defines the distinctive and world-renowned “Chicago brass sound.” Whether playing to full capacity audiences at their home in Chicago’s Symphony Center or performing internationally, the CSO Brass Quintet is celebrated for programs that both enlighten and entertain concertgoers. Get tickets. . Is this event open to the public? Yes. Cost: Adult $35 advance / $40 day of performance; Senior (62+) $30 advance / $35 day of performance; All students free. Contact: Matinee Musicale. Contact Email: info@matineemusicale.org. Contact Phone: 218-393-3869. Student Calendar Type: All Campuses. Sunday, November 15, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Mitchell Auditorium. For more info visit matineemusicaleinc.ticketspice.com.

Expecto Patronum!

Music Program Concerts Summary: Join the CSS Concert Band and Handbell Ensemble for an afternoon of music inspired by magic and fantasy. Featuring music from Harry Potter and other enchanting works, this concert promises an exciting journey into the fantastical. Cosplay and themed attire may be rewarded. Get tickets. . Is this event open to the public? Yes. Cost: $10 general admission, free for students and Sisters of the St. Scholastica Monastery. Contact: Emily Nast. Contact Email: enast@css.edu. Student Calendar Type: All Campuses. Saturday, November 21, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM. Mitchell Auditorium. For more info visit thecollegeofstscholastica.ticketspice.com.

Social Mysticism: Hildegard Von Bingen and the Benedictine Values

School of Arts and Sciences Faculty Colloquium Summary: Saint Hildegard of Bingen was a renowned medieval composer, poet, theologian, philosopher, scientist, and mystic. Philosopher Bethany Henning and scholar of religion Andrew Taylor will discuss her musical compositions and commentary on the Order of Saint Benedict and ask: How might Hildegard’s understanding of the Benedictine values inform our own at CSS? Is this event open to the public? Yes. Cost: Free Admission. Contact: Kevin Quarmby. Contact Email: kquarmby@css.edu. Student Calendar Type: All Campuses. Friday, December 4, 2026, 3:40 PM – 4:40 PM. St. Scholastica Library Raven Room.

O Holy Night

Music Program Concerts Summary: The College of St. Scholastica Music Program presents our annual Christmas concert, O Holy Night. Our choral, brass, and string ensembles will share the Christmas story and spirit through an unforgettable evening of music. A freewill offering will be collected to benefit Chum. Get tickets. . Is this event open to the public? Yes. Cost: $17 general admission, free for students and Sisters of the St. Scholastica Monastery. Contact: Emily Nast. Contact Email: enast@css.edu. Student Calendar Type: All Campuses. Friday, December 4, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM. The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary 2801 E 4th Street Duluth, MN 55812. For more info visit thecollegeofstscholastica.ticketspice.com.