November’s art season of thankfulness will feature local authors, actors, artists – and musicians from near and far! With the community’s input, the Watertown Current will provide a weekly summary of upcoming arts activities and cultural events.
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“The Wind in the Willows,” adapted by R. Eugene Jackson from Kenneth Grahame’s story, will be presented by the Watertown High School Theater Department in the D.D. Miller Auditorium. Show times include: 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14; 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15; and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16. Tickets (available at the door before each performance) are $3 for adults, $2 for students. Children under 5 are admitted free of charge.
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Watertown author John Miles will speak and sign his new book, “Miles from Anywhere,” from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, at DDR Books (7 S. Maple) in downtown Watertown. Miles, the son of longtime coach, educator and school administrator Quenton (Q.C.) Miles, is a former priest and former hospital chaplain. In his book, he writes about his search for the missing parts of his own life by traveling roads less taken and visiting the rural towns where his family once lived. The book is a journey of discovery and introduces readers to some of the unique characters of a distinctive Midwest culture.
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The “Deck the Walls” art show and sale, featuring works of juried area artists, will return from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, at Dempsey’s at the Watertown Regional Airport. (See related article for details.) This event, held in conjunction with November’s Arts Night at the Pub, will include interviews with the participating artists.
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The Goss Opera House will feature Ken Block and Drew Copeland, best known as two of the five members of the platinum-selling southern rock band Sister Hazel, in an acoustic show at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16. Tickets may be purchased at Maud’s Mercantile (lower level at The Goss) or online at www.thegossoperahouse.com.
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Interested in photography? The Watertown Area Camera Club will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, in the new Archway Building, Room 1202, at Lake Area Tech. This month’s photography theme is “Autumn.” The monthly meetings are open to anyone interested in cameras and photography.
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Sherwin and Pam Linton and The Cotton Kings will bring their annual Christmas concert to the Redlin Art Center in Watertown and the Royal River Casino in Flandreau.
Sherwin and Pam Linton, along with their band, The Cotton Kings, will bring their “Christmas Memories 2024” show to the Redlin Art Center at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. The show includes a great variety of holiday favorites drawn from the Lintons’ decades of performing together. Tickets are $25 (plus tax) and may be purchased by calling the Redlin Art Center at 605-882-3877. Folks willing to travel a few miles south can also catch Sherwin and Pam’s “Christmas Memories” in Flandreau at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12, at Royal River Casino.
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How about a holiday road trip to Pierre? “Christmas at the Capitol,” a South Dakota tradition featuring dozens of beautifully decorated trees, will open Wednesday, Nov. 27, and run through Thursday, Dec. 26. The Capitol Building will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The Grand Lighting Ceremony is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26. This year’s theme is “Through a Child’s Eyes.” There is no cost to attend.
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“Every child is an artist; the problem is staying an artist when you grow up.” – Pablo Picasso
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(Twila Schmitt writes to keep you updated with arts opportunities in and around Watertown. Have a suggestion? Want an item included in the next column? Email twilaschmitt@gmail.com.)



