Saturday, September 28th
Doors 6pm, Show 7pm
Tickets: $18
Tickets available at: https://greatart.org/products/jason-schommer-are-you-kidding-me
Great River Arts proudly presents Jason Schommer with the comedy show “Are You Kidding Me?” on Saturday, September 28! Jason Schommer and friends return to Great River Arts for one night only with stand-up comedy, storytelling, and sketch comedy. Doors open at 6pm and showtime is at 7pm. Tickets are $18 and all seating is general admission. Tickets can be purchased by phone at (320) 632-0960, at the Great River Arts office during business hours, or at the door. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.greatart.org
“Are You Kidding Me?” covers a wide range of topics from everyday life with an unexpected and hilarious twist! From bizarre mishaps while traveling to laugh-until-you-cry moments with family and so much more, this show offers something for everyone! Life is never a dull moment! Whether Jason is being tricked into going on a hike in the wilderness or roaming the busy streets of New York City, it is one hilarious adventure after another. Jason has a knack for finding the comedic gold in life’s most mundane and routine moments and delights audiences by proving that truth really is funnier than fiction. Patrick Strait from MN Comedy says “Nobody tells a better story than Jason Schommer. A long-time opener for the legendary Louie Anderson, Schommer is a multi-layered talent who combines stand-up, storytelling, acting and improv to create a unique experience every time he’s on stage. Jason is a true performer in every sense of the word, and one of the most engaging personalities in all avenues of Twin Cities comedy – well beyond stand-up.”.
Making a special appearance is guest comedian Jodie Maruska! Jodie is an audience favorite and returns to the Great River Arts stage with her clever joke writing and gut-busting take on aging and life’s challenges. With pre-show and intermission music ranging from well-known hits and hidden gems by vocalist Kelly Cordes. Kelly is an audience favorite and continues to wow audiences with her powerful voice and emotional delivery of songs across various genres.
This evening of hilarity also includes a special performance of “Prudence Pan in Never Falls” (a spoof of Peter Pan) by Prudence from Bowlus and her Theatre Troup! This outrageously funny parody with a special local twist is based on the timeless tale of heroic Peter Pan versus the evil Captain Hook and the bumbling pirates on the mysterious island of Never Falls! Join Prudence from Bowlus as Prudence Pan and her nemesis Rhonda (Robyn Gray) as Capt. Hook as they put their own stamp on this classic story of good versus evil that is packed full of local references! Joining the hilarious chaos in various roles is Susy Prosapio, Rick Converse, Allen Riedeman, Julie Richgels, Kenny Simon, Patricia Soltis, Pat Arnold, Randy Soltis, Melissa Peterson, Laurie Koll, Abigail Arnold and Jonathan Wichmann.
Kelly Cordes has been performing since the age of 13, and has opened for many popular bands including Diamond Rio, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and many more at country music festivals throughout the US. As a musician, Kelly plays a variety of music ranging from rock, country, pop, and blues. Kelly is also known to audiences throughout central Minnesota as the co-host of the morning radio show on Minnesota’s New Country 98.1 and host of “It Matters with Kelly Cordes” on WJON AM1240.
Jodie Maruska may have grown up in Minnesota, but using the restroom at Cabella’s is as close to camping as she gets! After being asked for her autograph the first night she performed standup, Jodie knew she had found her calling. 20+ years later, she is a comedy veteran who has performed across the country in clubs, at events, theaters, casinos, colleges and yes, even a couple of backyards. In the Twin Cities, she can be seen regularly at Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy and the Comedy Corner Underground. In 2017, she made her debut appearance in the 10,000 Laughs Comedy Festival, where she was thrilled to be a part of the “Best of the Festival” show! Jodie appeals to audiences of all ages and uses her familiar “Minnesota-nice” demeanor to great, unexpected comedic effect. Just don’t ask her to go fishing!
Jason Schommer is a standup comedian and storyteller who spent two years as the opening act for comedy legend Louie Anderson in Las Vegas and toured with Louie regularly. Comedy icon Louie Anderson said “Jason is funny, clever, smart, and on his way to the big time!”. As a stand up comic, Jason has performed in clubs and theaters all over the USA as well as Canada and for the US Military in Japan. A regular performer at The Moth, Jason has won numerous Story Slam competitions and was invited to perform at the GrandSlam at The Fitzgerald Theatre in St. Paul in 2016 and 2023 and in 2018 at The Guthrie Theater and The Pantages Theater in 2022. Jason has been heard nationally on The Moth Radio Hour as well as featured on the podcast. Jason has worked in New York City for The Rosie O’Donnell Show and has worked behind the scenes in Hollywood as a stand in for Louie Anderson on the FX television series Baskets. In 2017 Jason released his first live comedy album “Confessions of a Local Celebrity”. Most recently Jason went viral on TikTok by starring in a video with Dave Ryan from KDWB and hitting over 5.3 million views. Jason has also been featured on The Morning Show and The Jason Show with Jason Matheson on FOX9 and Twin Cities Live on KSTP.
Nicolas David
Friday, October 4th
Doors 6pm, Show 7pm
Tickets
General Admission: $10
Health Care Workers: $7
Tickets available at: https://greatart.org/products/nicholas-david
Monroe Crossing
Friday, October 18th
Doors 6pm, Show 7pm
Tickets: $20
Tickets available at: https://greatart.org/products/monroe-crossings
Monroe Crossing performs an electrifying blend of classic bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, original bluegrass and some surprising selections outside the bluegrass genre. Named in honor of Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass Music, Monroe Crossing’s superb musicianship and on-stage rapport have entertained audiences throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.
For over 20 years this Minnesota based band has averaged over 100 shows a year performing in intimate rooms, community theaters, major venues and outdoor festivals. They are favorites among bluegrass connoisseurs and non-bluegrass audiences alike. They love introducing newcomers to bluegrass music!
Band Members
Monroe Crossing consists of four distinct personalities with differing musical backgrounds. When combined, their individual histories make for a unique sound. The three original members are: Mark Anderson (bass), Lisa Fuglie (fiddle & lead vocals) and Matt Thompson (mandolin & harmony vocals). Derek Johnson (guitar & lead vocals) joined in 2011 and also provides the booking duties for the band. The group utilizes a cadre of very talented banjo players, all of whom are alumni of the group. They are: Benji Flaming, David Robinson and Graham Sones.
Sawyer's Dream
Friday, October 25th
Doors 6pm, Show 7pm
Tickets: $20
Tickets available at: https://greatart.org/products/sawyers-dream
Inspired by the vocal harmonies of bands such as the Mamas & the Papas, ABBA and Fleetwood Mac, Minneapolis based Sawyer’s Dream is an all original 70s vibe band, uniquely cross-blending Americana, Pop, Rock and Soul. Featuring powerhouse male and female lead vocals and intricate four-part harmonies, their music is engaging, upbeat and earthy, offering the listener a modern take on classic pop-rock. Sawyer’s Dream includes visual and imaginative lyrical masterpieces focusing on themes of love, life, dreams, the natural, and the supernatural. Formatted for an audience of all ages, the songs will take you back to simpler times; a time of dreams, nature and human kindness. The band welcomes you to forget your worries and take a journey with them.
Joyann Parker
Saturday, November 16th
Doors 6pm, Show 7pm
Tickets: $20
Tickets available at: https://greatart.org/products/joyann-parker-show-copy
Joyann Parker is an electrifying and versatile musician whose soulful voice, captivating performances, and impeccable songwriting have taken the music scene by storm. Born and raised in a small town, Joyann's deep-rooted passion for music began at a young age, drawing inspiration from the blues, gospel, jazz, and rock genres.
With a voice that exudes both power and vulnerability, Joyann's performances are nothing short of a revelation, leaving audiences spellbound with every note she delivers. Whether she's belting out a soulful ballad or shredding on her guitar, her raw emotion and undeniable talent shine through, connecting with listeners on a profound level.
Joyann's journey as a musician has been marked by relentless dedication and a commitment to honing her craft. Throughout the years, she has graced renowned stages across the country, leaving an indelible mark wherever she performs. Her live shows are a testament to her magnetic stage presence, and it's no surprise that she has garnered a devoted and growing fanbase.
Not just a gifted vocalist, Joyann is also a formidable songwriter. Her lyrics are introspective, exploring themes of love, heartache, resilience, and personal growth. Combining her insightful storytelling with her rich, soulful melodies, she has created a unique and captivating sound that sets her apart in the industry.
Jason Schommer
Friday, December 7th
Doors 6pm, Show 7pm
Tickets: TBD
Harper's Chord
Friday, December 13th
Doors 6pm, Show 7pm
Tickets: TBD
Open Mic Night: First Thursdays Of The Month
Join us on the GRA stage for our monthly Open Mic Nights! The area’s longest-running open mic invites you to bring your talent, whether it’s musical, literary, or otherwise. All ages are welcome, & all ages are regulars here at this supportive & enthusiastic session. Bring your voice or instrument ready to plug in and share!
Be sure to check regularly for upcoming events and live performances or follow us on our Facebook page, Great River Arts, for real time updates.