Washington County arts & leisure: White Iron Band headlines fall concert in Cottage Grove

White Iron Band will headline the Fall Fest concert and benefit to be held Oct. 18 at River Oaks Golf Course.

The band, whose sound is described as a blend of blues, country and Americana roots music, has shared the stage with the likes of David Allen Coe, Warren Haynes and the Gear Daddies, according to organizers.

Its set will start at 9:30 p.m. on a stage erected on the golf course, at 11099 South Hwy. 61. The opening act, Chad Sullins and the Last Call Coalition, is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.

Tickets are available only at the door for $7, or $5 with a donation to the Friends in Need Food Shelf. The show is open to people 21 and older.

Folk singer-songwriter Meg Hutchinson is expected to perform new material at a Sept. 22 show at the Edward Jones building.

The East Coast-bred performer has put out eight albums, the last of which, "Beyond That," was to be released on Sept. 24, according to her website.

Hutchinson is on tour, with dates on the East Coast and Midwest, including shows in St. Paul, New York Mills and St. Cloud.

Music Saint Croix, an ensemble made up of professional musicians and teachers from the area, will perform a free concert Oct. 5 at Trinity Lutheran Church.

The performance is part of the annual Saint Croix Celebration event, now in its third year. Also featured will be the Valley Chamber Chorale and the St. Croix Jazz Orchestra. The church is located at 115 4th St. N. For more information, visit www.musicsaintcroix.com.

The 29th annual Fall Colors Fine Art & Music Festival kicks off Oct. 5 on the banks of the St. Croix River in Stillwater.

The two-day festival will feature more than 70 exhibits by artists from around the Upper Midwest. Also featured will be musical acts: Crankshaft will perform from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5; Ramm with Paul Mayasich will take the stage between 3-5 p.m. On Oct. 6, Gypsy Mania Hot Club will play from noon to 2 p.m., followed by a performance by Mick Sterling from 2 to 4 p.m. to wind down the event. The festival will officially close at 5 p.m. on Oct. 6. Limited free parking will be provided. Visit www.stillwaterfallartfair.com for more information.

The Washington County Historic Courthouse will offer, on Oct. 6, a comprehensive tour of the age-old building perched on the bluffs overlooking Stillwater, portions of which are only open to the public one day a year. Visitors will be given a look at the way that sheriffs and their wives lived in the courthouse, which was built in 1870. Sheriffs and their families lived onsite from 1870 until 1962.

There is a suggested donation of $5 for adults and $1 for children. For more information call 651-275-7075.

Auditions for a production of "Broadway Showstoppers," a one-hour musical/dance revue, will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 20 and 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Sept. 21 at Hugo City Hall, 14669 Fitzgerald Av. N.

Performers are asked to prepare a song — preferably a musical number — and to dress for movement. The audition is open to performers above age 10. Call 612-716-5054 for more information.

The 35th annual Afton Art in the Park celebration will be held Sept. 28-29.

The arts and crafts fair will feature 75 vendors showcasing art, pottery, woodwork, jewelry, photography and more. Other events include a business fair and live music. Food will be available for purchase.

For more information, visit www.aftonartfair.com.

libor jany