Coming all the way from Prague in the Czech Republic, the Prazak Quartet will present a concert of works by Czech composers Franz Xaver Richter, Leos Janacek and Antonin Dvorak at 7 p.m. Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater.
Established in 1972, when its members were students at the Prague Music Conservatory, the chamber ensemble made its presence known two years later when it won first place at the Prague Conservatory Chamber music competition.
Since then, the critically acclaimed quartet -- currently composed of violinists Pavel Hula and Vlastimil Holek, violist Josef Kluson and cellist Michal Kanka -- has released more than 30 albums. It also has played on the stages of Europe's largest cities and been featured in several international music festivals.
The quartet's stop in Stillwater is the final performance of the 2010-11 St. Croix Concert series, which is celebrating its 12th year of bringing world-class performers to the St. Croix Valley. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students. They are available at the church, at 114 N. 4th St., or by calling 651-430-3528 or by e-mailing info@stcroixconcertseries.org.
OAKDALE
Show has advice for fixing up the homesteadSpring is that annual time of renewal, and for those who need to make repairs left behind by this winter's ice dams or simply give their home or lawn a fresh look, the city of Oakdale will hold its sixth annual Home Improvement Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Skyview Middle School, 1100 Heron Av. N.
General contractors, window professionals, kitchen remodeling experts and landscapers will be at the ready to answer questions about products and services, and supply ideas for projects.
The Oakdale Fire Department will provide information on preventing home fires and city officials will talk about plans for the Oakdale Veteran's Memorial. The free event includes door prizes, activities for kids and snacks. For more information, call 651-730-2704.
WOODBURY AND COTTAGE GROVE
Civil War re-enactor recounts soldiers' experiencesDressed in uniform, Civil War re-enactor Ken Martens will talk about what it was like for soldiers of the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry who answered President Lincoln's call for more troops and went off to battle.
