Free outdoor concert series at the College of Saint Benedict starts June 22

The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University's Fine Arts Series presents Sunset Stages at Saint Ben's, a free outdoor concert series featuring five of Minnesota's most popular performers. All five shows will be held at the Darnall Amphitheater, located on the north side of the Benedicta Arts Center at CSB.

Returning to Sunset Stages for their fourth year, Monroe Crossing will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 22. One of the most popular bluegrass bands touring today, Monroe Crossing performs a dazzling blend of traditional bluegrass, gospel and heartfelt originals.

Gypsy Mania will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 28.  Fronted by St. Cloud native Glen Helgeson, the band performs the swinging gypsy-jazz sound that was made famous in Paris during the 1930s.

Central Minnesota favorites Tonic Sol-Fa will light up the stage at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 12. Tonic Sol-Fa has carved their niche as one of the nation's top vocal groups and has been called one of the "top five must-see" a cappella ensembles.

Kevin Kling, best known for his popular commentaries on National Public Radio's All Things Considered, will share three of his endearing stories at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 19. Kling's autobiographical tales are as enchanting as they are true to life.

Driven by a New Orleans-style horn section and the campy purr of vocalist Davina Sowers, Davina & the Vagabonds is one of the busiest bands in Minneapolis because of their high energy stage performances and original sound.  The quintet will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 26.

Thanks to generous funding support by the Minnesota State Arts Board, Gustavo Pena and D.J. Bitzan Jewelers, this concert series is free. Seating in the amphitheater itself is available on a first-come basis, but guests are also welcome to spread out across the lawns surrounding the Benedicta Arts Center.

For more information, contact the Box Office at 320-363-5777 or visit www.csbsju.edu/fine-arts.

These activities are made possible in part by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008.