Over The Back Fence Community Variety Show

The 25th anniversary season wraps up with a “Blue” themed show featuring songs like “Blueberry Hill,” “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Blue Moon,” along with a preview of the Commonweal Theatre’s “Sanders Family Christmas” and a skit by the Lanesboro Innkeepers about the upcoming Lanesboro Holiday Inn Tour. The Rutabaga Brothers, a blues band featuring host Damon Prestemon on lead vocals, served musical guest and this month’s house band, accompanying the cast throughout the show. Featured sponsor interviews are The Bite Restaurant and Randy Schultz Drywall.

The October show of Over the Back Fence was double the fun with the theme of twins, led by host Damon Prestemon and guest musical director Nathan Davidson of the CBB Jazz Combo. The evening featured songs like “Let’s Get Together” and “When You’re Smiling" as well as skits by twin parents Steph & Drew Hatzenbihler and twin sisters Bonnie Jean & Bettie Jane. October’s musical guest was the talented folk-blues duo Ilika Ward. The show also featured special guest Al Batt, a writer, speaker, storyteller and humorist from Hartland, Minnesota. Featured sponsor interviews were from High Court Pub and Lanesboro Arts. 

Over the Back Fence traveled through the Fifty Nifty States during the September show, with host Damon Prestemon and guest musical director Regina Noel-Downing! The show featured classics like "Fifty Nifty United States," "Georgia On My Mind" and "New York, New York." Bill and Diana get some laughs with a state-inspired joke set. Special musical guests Eggen and Hippen wow the crowd with Kristin's powerful vocals and Ben's smooth piano stylings. Featured sponsor interviews are from Pedal Pushers Cafe and Bluff Country Computer Works. Everyone sang along with Regina's ukulele in "Aloha 'Oe" to round out the show.

Our Anniversaries show celebrates 25 years of Over the Back Fence, with host Damon Prestemon, co-host Hal Cropp, and guest musical director Maria Klingsheim! The show features songs like "Anniversary Waltz," "Anniversary Song" and "May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You." Bill & Diana get the crowd giggling with anniversary-themed jokes. Special musical guest Eric Carranza, a St. Paul musician with a mobile rig of instruments and devices, invites members of the cast to provide accompaniment on a cover of a Leslie Feist song. Sponsor interviews are Tim Kiehne from the IGA Foods and Chuck Aug from F&M Community Bank. The show wrapped up with a heart-warming rendition of "May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You."

Our totally Rad SURFIN' USA show features songs like "Surfer Girl," "Surfin' Safari" and "Surf City." Andrzej from the Chamber shares some humorous limericks while Bill & Diana demonstrate their wit in a skit as "babies." Musical guest Jillian Rae, a celebrated Twin Cities singer-songwriter and violinist drawing upon roots, rock, and Americana, invites members of the cast to provide vocal accompaniment on her song "Chains." Sponsor interviews are Travis Dundore from the Old Barn and Mark Bishop from Niagara Cave. A Beach Party Quiz Show and a sing along of the eponymous "Surfin' USA" round out the show.

In this pop-up Lanesboro Arts episode, you’ll hear from past Lanesboro Arts artist-in-residence Rini Yun Keagy talking about her experimental film “North/Central”. Through intentional outreach and personal interviews, especially with area residents engaged in farming, cattle ranching and auctioneering, Rini invited the Lanesboro community to inform and help shape her experimental work-in-progress film, “North/Central” in March & April of 2018. The film explores her father’s experiences as a Guatemalan-American farmer and cow herder in rural Colorado, while raising the question of what it means to be an ethnic or cultural minority in agrarian and small-town America. Supported by the Jerome Foundation, the Lanesboro Artist Residency Program awards two to three residencies per year to emerging artists with projects that activate the people & places of Lanesboro while instigating positive change. The annual deadline to apply is July 31st. 

In this pop-up Lanesboro Arts episode, you’ll hear from past Lanesboro Arts artist-in-residence Erin Lavelle talking about her public art exchange project “Something Good”. In August 2018, Minneapolis performance artist Erin Lavelle led the Lanesboro area community in ‘Something Good,’ which engaged community members in conversations about value, commodities, sustainability, and the power of the stories embedded in an object’s history. Supported by the Jerome Foundation, the Lanesboro Artist Residency Program awards two to three residencies per year to emerging artists with projects that activate the people & places of Lanesboro while instigating positive change. The annual deadline to apply is July 31st. 

  Lanesboro's own variety show goes ON BROADWAY with songs like "There's No Business Like Show Business," "Lullaby of Broadway" and "Something to Believe In." Bill and Diana have fun as "George & Gracie," while Maria gets wicked with "Popular." Musical guest the Burke Band from uses vocal harmonies, acoustic guitars, tin whistle, fiddle, harmonica’s and a unique drum to weave a unique blend of Celtic folk and acoustic rock. Sponsor interviews are Aaron Young of Great River Shakespeare Festival and Tara Johnson from Lanesboro Public Library. A triumphant, Broadway-themed return of the Quiz Show and a sing along of "Give My Regards to Broadway" round out the show.  

We show you the money on the CA$H show with songs like "If I Had a Million Dollars," "Brother Can You Spare a Dime" and "Saginaw, Michigan." Richard shares one of his classic stories while Bill & Karen break out the ukulele for a duet of "(If You Ain't Got the) Do Re Mi." Musical guest Larry Long and the Back Fence gang debut "Lanesboro's the Town For Me," a song Larry wrote collaboratively through outreach events with Lanesboro community members. Sponsor interviews are Jane and Tanya from the Whalan Stand Still Parade and Ken Graner from Merchants Bank. A sing along of The Gold Diggers' Song (We're in the Money) wraps up the show.

Over the Back Fence hits a home run with songs like "Centerfield"  and "We're Gonna Win Twins" during our TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME edition. Musical guest Turnip Truck gets the crowd singing along with classic covers. Tom Sayre teams up with Connor and Kara for a humorous rendition of "Right Field". Joel and Damon get confused during "Who's on First". Sponsor interviews are Andy Batsone from Batstone CPA and Jason Sethre and Michelle Quanrud from SMG Web Design. The show wraps up with a rowdy rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game".

The 25th anniversary season kicks off with a trip to the GRAND OLE OPRY with songs like "Ring of Fire," "I Fall to Pieces," and "Big Bad John." Elaine channels the spirit of Minnie Pearl, while Paul & Jeff pay tribute to Hee Haw. Musical guest The Medicine Brothers, a country and roots music quartet from Viroqua, Wis., wow the crowd with distinctive vocals & powerful group harmonies. Classic country vocalist Janine Sherry visits the show and performs a duet with Damon! Sponsor interviews are Barb Jeffers of the Lanesboro Area Community Foundation and Lori Bakke from Granny's Liquor. A sing along medley of "I Saw the Light / I'll Fly Away / Circle Be Unbroken" rounds out the show.

BRITISH INVASION closes out the 24th season of the show with songs like "When I'm 64," "I Go To Pieces," and "I'm Into Something Good." The Back Fence Gang reenacts a scene from James Bond, while Diana becomes Dr. Who. Musical Guest The Vintage Tones, a five-piece rock band from Rochester that specializes in the music of the early Beatles, summons the spirit of the British bands of the 60s and 70s. Featured sponsors are Estelle's Eatery & Bar and Thomas Manion Law Office. A sing along of "Those Were the Days' rounds out the show.

No good deed goes unpunished at the SEVEN DEADLY SINS show with songs like "You’re So Vain,” “If I Were a Rich Man” and "I Cain't Say No." The Back Fence Gang stage a skit about virtue and vice written by Scott Dixon of Lanesboro while Bonnie shares some poems. Musical guest the Lost Faculties, a five-piece band formed in 1997 with a classic rock ‘n roll repertoire that includes a touch of country and swing. Sponsor interviews are Dan Christainson of F & M Community Bank and Chelsey Clausen & Nolan Anderson of The Bite Restaurant. A sing along of "There’s a Hole in My Bucket" rounds out the show.

Locksmiths, blacksmiths & goldsmiths – oh my! FOLKS NAMED SMITH visit the St. Mane Theatre with songs like "People in Your Neighborhood” and "Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough." A preview of the upcoming History Alive pop-up plays are staged while Kay and David share some jokes. Musical guest Joel Ward is a veteran vocalist and guitarist based in Rochester, MN that specializes in original blues, folk and soul tunes. Sponsor interviews are Paul and Louanne Hamann of High Court Pub and Ken Graner from Merchants Bank. A sing along of "God Bless America" rounds out the show.

The St. Mane Theatre hosts a YARD SALE this month with songs like "Where Did You Get That Hat?" and "Who Will Buy?" Ole & Lars reprise a classic post-Buffalo Bill Days skit while the Back Fence Gang shares their weirdest yard sale finds. Special guest Al Batt, a popular writer, speaker, birder and humorist from Hartland, Minnesota, shares an expertly crafted story about a fateful trip back home with his parents from a family reunion. Musical guest The Singing Lawyers return for their 1st appearance on the show since 2013. Sponsor interviews are Mark Bishop from Niagara Cave and Erin Lavelle, artist in residence at Lanesboro Arts. A sing along of "Summertime, Summertime" rounds out the show.

Arr Matey! PIRATES invade the St. Mane Theatre with songs like “Davy Jones” and “A Pirate’s Life for Me.” Phil, Robin & Jerry stage a pirate-themed skit penned by Scott Dixon while Elaine & Mark share some swashbuckling jokes. Musical guest Chris Koza of Minneapolis performs a pair of original Americana-pop tunes before being joined by the Back Fence gang on his song "Wolves and the Ravens." Sponsor interviews are Eileen Moeller of Great River Shakespeare Festival and Tara Johnson of Lanesboro Public Library. A sing along of "Yo Ho" rounds out the show.

The Letter Z buzzes its way into Lanesboro with songs like “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah,” "Zorro," and "Zoot Suit Riot." The Brokken & Davis Comedy Minute returns while Sandy shares a reflection on the Lanesboro Phone Booth. Musical guest Namoli Brennet of Decorah has been touring with her own brand of moody and inspiring folk-rock music since 2002. Sponsor interviews are Matt Spencer of Singing Hammers Construction and Steve & Susie Harris of Anna V's Bed & Breakfast. Steve also chats about his new book "Lanesboro, Minnesota." A sing along of "Hot Diggity (Dog Ziggity Boom)" rounds out the show.

PURPLE pride comes the St. Mane Theatre with songs like “Purple Rain,” “Sweet Violets" and “Barney, the Purple Dinosaur.” Bill & Karen share some jokes and Damon tells a story from his youth. Musical guest is Savannah Smith, an Eau Claire native currently living in the Twin Cities that wields only a ukulele, heartbreaking lyrics and a vocal prowess that excels at crafting beautiful melodies. Sponsor interviews are Travis Dundore from Old Barn Resort and Dave Harrenstein from the Whalan Stand Still Parade (courtesy of Cedar Valley Resort). A sing along of "The Purple People Eater" rounds out the show.

  The gang goes far out on the STARS & PLANETS show with songs like “I’ll Follow the Sun,” “Venus” and “Starry, Starry Night.” David channels the spirit of Carl Sagan while Adrienne shares the story of 'Silent Sky.' Musical guest is Dan Israel, a veteran folk and roots rock singer-songwriter from the Twin Cities with a new album out entitled "You're Free." Sponsor interviews are Scott Taylor from Pedal Pushers Cafe and Jason Sethre from Fillmore County Journal. A sing along of “Swinging on a Star" rounds out the show.  

A trip to IRELAND kicks off 24th season featuring songs like “Johnny Jump Up,” “The Parting Glass" and "Song for Ireland." The gang becomes Leprechauns to search for a pot of gold while Diana gives an epic Irish pub toast. Musical guest is Barbaro, a progressive bluegrass act from Minneapolis with a dynamic and captivating set for audiences of all ages and musical tastes. Sponsor interviews are Lori Bakke from Granny's Liquor and Walter Bradley from Thrivent Financial. A sing along of "The Rattlin' Bog" rounds out the show.