Arts briefs: Valley Chorale closes season in Stillwater with "Words to Live By"

"Words to Live By," the season's final concert by the Valley Chamber Chorale, will be at 7:30 p.m. April 12 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 115 Fourth St. N., Stillwater.

The concert features "The Cry of Jeremiah" by Rosephanye Powell. The work includes narration from the 20th chapter of Jeremiah, centering on Jeremiah's experiences of ridicule and imprisonment because of his prophecies, thus lamenting his present state. This is a new work, full of jazz harmonies, African influences, the African-American spirituals and rhythmic vitality.

Roosevelt André Credit will both narrate and sing. Credit's profound and spirited performances have served to shape his career both nationally and internationally as a bass/baritone. He has performed on and off Broadway, playing several roles in the Tony Award-winning and national touring companies of Harold Prince's "Show Boat." He will be performing as a fisherman in the Broadway production of "Porgy and Bess" at the Ordway.

Tickets are $27 for adults, $22 for seniors and students. To order, go to www.valleychamberchorale.org or call 651-430-0124.

The Cottage Grove Bike Park is a finalist for a portion of a $100,000 grant from International Mountain Bicycling Association-Bell Built grant. Voting, beginning April 21, will determine the winner.

The Bike Park would use the funds to pay for the design and construction costs of a world-class dirt jump plaza. The park is designed to appeal to all ages and skills and will be the largest of its kind in Minnesota, the city said.

Starting April 21, voters are asked to visit www.bellhelmets.com/bellbuilt/ and vote for the Cottage Grove Bike Park, the city said. Voting continues until May 4 with the winner announced May 5.

The Bike Park is being built by volunteers and is a joint effort between the Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists (MORC) and the city. It is situated at 7050 Meadow Grass Ave. and is expected to open later this spring with a grand opening celebration in June.

Two authors will sign their latest books at Valley Bookseller, 217 Main St., Stillwater, on Saturday, April 5.

From 10 a.m. to noon, Philip Donlay will discuss "Deadly Echoes," the fourth in the Donovan Nash series of thrillers. "Deadly Echoes" is about a man under siege. Eco-Watch, the premier scientific research organization Nash founded, is being blamed for a series of violent eco-atrocities that ignite protests around the world. Behind the attacks is Garrick Pearce, a man from Donovan's past, who is bent on a ruthless vendetta.

At 10:30 a.m., Heid E. Erdrich, author of "Original Local: Indigenous Foods, Stories, and Recipes from the Upper Midwest," will talk about the food and recipes of indigenous peoples. Their menus were truly the "original local," presented in 135 home-tested recipes paired with stories from tribal activists, food researchers, families, and chefs.

Officials issued a call last week for candidates to fill an vacancy on the city's Parks and Recreation Commission, which advises the City Council on "all matters relating to park development, park enhancements, and use of parks and recreational facilities."

For more information, contact Julie Williams at julie.williams@ci.oakdale.mn.us or 651-747-3867.

Eagle Valley Golf Course is partnering with The First Tee of Woodbury organization to improve the junior golf program.

The annual "Swing into Spring Gala" will take place Saturday, April 5, at the Lake Elmo Inn Event Center, 3712 Layton Ave N., Lake Elmo, to raise funds for the program. All money raised will help support The First Tee's nine core values taught to local youth through school and community programs.

During the gala, there will be a silent auction, wine cork pull and raffle. After a seated dinner, there will be a live auction and band. Registration begins at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m. and entertainment until 11 p.m. Cost to attend is $75 per ticket or $50 per ticket for educators.

The deadline to register for the event is Monday, March 31. If you are unable to attend the event, you also can donate to the cause. Learn more about The First Tee of Woodbury and register to attend the Swing into Spring Gala at www.eaglevalleygc.com.

Kuhlman is a critically acclaimed professor emeritus of organ at Luther College. Tickets are $22 for adults and $10 for students and youth, and can be ordered through the Phipps Center for the Arts at www.thephipps.org, or by calling 715-386-8409.

Jim Anderson, Libor Jany