Arts briefs: Stillwater's 'Front Porch' series warms up

Performing, literary and visual artists are making a return engagement for Stillwater's "Live from the Front Porch" series which kicks off its second season with the opening reception for its Annual Members Show from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 11, at ArtReach St. Croix, 224 N. Fourth St., Stillwater.

The series will run at the same time on Tuesday nights through Aug. 22.

ArtReach St. Croix invites artists, friends and neighbors to hang out at the blue house and enjoy live music, visual arts demonstrations and literary readings.

Each week will feature a different musician and visual artist with local writers and poets featured on select evenings. A full schedule of artists will be available at www.artreachstcroix.org closer to opening night.

Finishing touches are being made for the 11th annual Summer Tuesdays in Stillwater.

The series of events starts Tuesday, July 9, on the St. Croix River waterfront at the foot of the historic Lift Bridge in Lowell Park. This free, family-friendly, seven-week event runs through August 20.

The marketplace is open from 5 to 8:30 p.m., featuring more than 35 vendors presenting such items as clothing, hand crafted art, jewelry and more. Local restaurants will also join in the market, providing a wide variety of options for a picnic supper.

The opening night movie is "The Lorax," beginning at dusk.

Three events sponsored by the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society will highlight the community's colorful ties to notorious gangsters during the 1930s.

A Gangster Bus Tour of gangster haunts runs from 2-3:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, departing from the White Bear Country Inn, 4940 Highway 61 N. Sights include a Mahtomedi speak-easy and the location of a dance club. Cost is $20, $15 for WBLAHS Members. Reservations should be made at 651-407-5327 or www.whitebearhistory.org.

A presentation on gangsters who came to the area, including Ma Barker, Alvin "Creepy" Karpis and Baby Face Nelson, will begin at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Ramsey County Library-White Bear Lake, 4698 Clark Av., White Bear Lake.

A sequel to that event will follow at 6 p.m. on July 22, also at the library.

The Lakeshore Players Theatre is holding auditions for the musical "Big River" at 7 p.m. July 15 and July 16 at the theater, 4820 Stewart Av. Callbacks, if needed, will be the following Wednesday. No appointments are necessary.

Mark Twain's classic tale is propelled by an award winning score from Roger Miller. This jaunty journey provides a brilliant theatrical celebration of pure Americana and sweeps us down the mighty Mississippi. Performances begin Oct. 24.

For more information, go to http://www.lakeshoreplayers.com/auditions.html.

Greg Bancroft, author of "Betsy's Day at the Game," will be at the Lake Elmo Public Library at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, to share his book. The library is at 3537 Lake Elmo Av.

It is a story of a granddaughter who loves hanging out with her grandfather, especially at the ballpark. The peanuts, Cracker Jacks, cotton candy and hot dogs are important, but equally important is the scorecard and the family tradition. It includes a full scorecard and the author will teach everyone how to fill out their own

The Franconia Sculpture Park, 29836 St. Croix Trail, Shafer, is hosting a Bluegrass, Folk & Country Festival from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, as part of its summer-long music series. Performing are the Roe Family Singers, High48s, Cactus Blossoms and Thea Ennen.

Grab a blanket, bring a picnic, or pick up a bite to eat from the food vendors and enjoy the relaxing musical afternoon at the Earthen Amphitheater.

All events are family-friendly and open to the public. Parking is $5 per car. For more information call 651-257-6668 or e-mail info@franconia.org.

Woodbury is looking for bands interested in showcasing their talent at the third annual Sunburst Music Festival. Young (ages 15 to 28) local musicians, bands, or the like are sought to to perform from 3 to 9 p.m. July 19, at Ojibway Park.

Those interested in performing should contact Elizabeth Owens at eowens@ci.woodbury.mn.us cq no later than Wednesday, July 10. All music and performances must be suitable for a family audience.