South Metro arts briefs: Organic farmer Atina Diffley to speak at co-op

Dakota County's own Atina Diffley, a pioneering organic farmer and author, will share her story, answer questions and sign copies of her book, "Turn Here Sweet Corn," on July 10 at Valley Natural Foods.

Diffley will recount the challenges and triumphs of Gardens of Eagan, the farm her family created in 1973 and which serves many Twin Cities co-ops, including Valley Natural Foods. The farm's original Eagan land was lost to development in the early 1990s. She'll also discuss her philosophy of organic farming, which hinges on understanding the land and creating relationships with the market.

The free event is 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the co-op, 13750 County Road 11, Burnsville. Space is limited, so registration is required by July 9. Register online at www.valleynaturalfoods.com, at the store's customer service counter or over the phone at 952-891-1212 ext. 221.

Concerts feature Broadway tunesSongs from Broadway musicals will take center stage during a series of July shows by the Dakota Valley Symphony in four south-metro parks.

The shows, which will include favorites by Irving Berlin, Andrew Lloyd Webber and others, are as follows:

•7 p.m. Tuesday at Antlers Park, Lakeville.

•6:30 p.m. July 8 at Caponi Art Park, Eagan.

•7 p.m. July 31 at Normandale Lake Bandshell, Bloomington.

In case of rain, the July 8 concert will be moved to July 15.

"These are always fun performances for the orchestra and choir," said Stephen Ramsey, the symphony's music director. "The settings are lovely and the audience really appreciates hearing music they know, performed by full orchestra and choir. Some of these concerts are summer traditions."