Press Releases
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Northfield Convention and Visitors Bureau
www.visitingnorthfield.com
Phone: (507) 645-5604 or (800)-658-2548
Executive Director: kathy@northfieldchamber.com
Media Relations on behalf of the CVB contact:
amy@acheson.com or 651-470-0028
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Northfield To Host A Vintage Band Music Festival
Northfield, MN, July 2010 - An international Vintage Band Music Festival will be held in the charming historic river town of Northfield, MN, just 35 miles south of the Twin Cities, on August 5-8.
Dressed in period costumes and using authentic instruments, 25 European and American vintage bands will perform 100 concerts in four days, recalling repertoires from various cultures of eras gone by. The whole town will become the venue with concerts held indoors and out at concert halls, churches, taverns, parks and downtown.
Some featured bands include the Tschecharanka Kappele Bohemian Band of Austria, the Wind Band of the Music Institute of Eastern Helsinki, the Chestnut Brass Band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Newberry’s Victorian Cornet Band of Maryland and the Chicago Gargoyle Brass of Illinois, just to name a few.
The festival’s music represents a wide range of genres, from baroque-era European tunes to Civil War and other 19th century marches, ballads and dances, to New Orleans jazz, alphorn songs, and even a Mexican mariachi style. Paul Niemisto, Associate Professor of Music and director of the Norseman Band at St. Olaf College and artistic director for the Vintage Band Festival promises the experience will be absolutely unique!
A few highlights or auxiliary events that are connected to the festival are the annual conference of the Historic Brass Society, a Riverwalk Market Fair of locally produced fine art, organic produce and artisan foods, and a contra dance with vintage music and period dress.
Another sight to be seen and heard is when the Newberry’s Victorian Cornet Band challenges the 1st Brigade Band in a “Battle of the Bands” on the banks of Northfield’s picturesque Cannon River.
A vintage base ball game will take place at St. Olaf. There you will find gentlemen playing ball using the original Knickerbocker Rules from the mid 1800s — this game is played with no gloves! And there’ll be no spitting, betting or cursing! A band will be playing at the game, of course.
At the end of the festival will be a Vaudeville performance starring the Northstar Cinema Orchestra. This type of variety entertainment dates back to the early 20th Century and includes a silent film with musical accompaniment and singing and dancing acts.
The festival music starts at noon each day and carries well into the evening at many downtown pub and restaurant establishments. Several neighboring towns are also participating through band performances.
Come for the weekend and experience centuries of rich musical history!
For more information go to www.vintagebandfestival.org and www.visitingnorthfield.com. Special festival stay-over packages can also be found at http://www.visitingnorthfield.com/packages.html.
PR Archives
Northfield to Host Vintage Band Music Festival
Crazy Daze
Attention! Music & History Buffs!
The Northfield Garden Tour
Northfield's June Highlights
Geocaching, May 2010
Girls Nite Out, May 7th 2010
Northfield's Top Events in 2010
Overview
Northfield, Minnesota — Yesterday & Today
Sought out for the river that runs through it, Northfield was founded by John W. North in 1855 with the purpose of milling the Cannon River. Fields of rich, golden wheat and the river’s natural power brought national acclaim to this small town for producing the finest of flour. Today Malt-O-Meal operates the mill, and the delicious, sweet aroma of hot cereal permeates the town’s atmosphere.
In addition to industry and agriculture, Northfield’s early settlers had high ideals in the areas of religion and education. Northfield is home to two nationally ranked colleges: St. Olaf and Carleton, both initiated by religious organizations. St. Olaf is recognized internationally for its music ensembles, and the St. Olaf Christmas Festival which broadcasts around the world is one of Northfield’s most treasured events. Both colleges contribute to the culture and diversity of the town and are an integral part of the community.
But this charming, quaint river town was not without its troubles. In September of 1876, the James-Younger Gang sauntered into town stirring up some real commotion. What was supposed to be another textbook robbery was foiled by noble Northfield citizens who bravely stood their ground — marking an end to the Old West, as it was known. Today the Defeat of Jesse James Days is attended by approximately 150,000 people and is the largest all volunteer-run celebration in the state of Minnesota. Many books have been written on the subject and stories still echo down the Outlaw Trail.
With all of its high hopes and struggles, Northfield’s past and current success is largely due to the character of its people and their deep sense of community. More important than the noted literary, political and industrial leaders that lived in Northfield is the town’s commitment to itself. People give freely of their time and talents for the betterment of this community.
This attitude has set in motion the fine attractions, recreation, arts and culture and events which still flourish today. Enjoy a wide array of dining and lodging possibilities. Come for an event — stay for the experience!
Northfield Notable Items
Awards, Recognition and Notable Items about Northfield
True West Magazine awarded Northfield’s Defeat of Jesse James Days reenactment
as "Best Re-enactment of the West" multiple years
Cowling Arboretum has been ranked by Runner's Magazine as the top place to
run in Minnesota, and one of the top 10 in the country
Willingers Golf Club was rated one of the top 20 courses in Minnesota by Golf
Digest
The Garden of Quiet Listening at Carleton College is rated as one of the top 10 in
the United States by the Journal of Japanese Gardening
The American Bus Association (ABA) awarded Northfield’s Defeat of Jesse
James Days as a Top Event for group travel in the United States
The Grand Event Center is listed in The Knot Best of Weddings 2010 Winners for
its reception site
Northfield Trivia
Find out fun facts.
Greetings from Northfield - A look at Northfield's cultural heritage. The Minnesota Preservationist, July-August 2008
The Garden of Quiet Listening - Carleton College’s Japanese garden and its roots. Southern Minnesota Magazine, Summer 2008
Tracking Down Jesse James - Stories of the James-Younger Gang on the Outlaw Trail. Southern Minnesota Magazine, Fall 2009
A Winter Walk to Remember - A magical holiday evening in Northfield. Southern Minnesota Magazine, Winter 2009
Walking in the footsteps of Jesse James on the Great Northfield, Minnesota Raid
- Denver Historic Destinations Examiner, May 2010
Geocaching at Nerstrand Big Woods
- Owatonna People's Press, May 2010
Northfield’s Outlaw Run - Motorcycle rides in southern Minnesota. Southern Minnesota Magazine, Spring 2010
Minnesota/Wisconsin Travel & Rec. Directory
The Vintage Band Festival - Music & history combined! Southern Minnesota Magazine, Summer 2010
The Northfield Garden Tour - A blend of art and nature.
Owatonna People's Press, June 2010
Quick Getaways - (all within 150 miles of major Midwest cities). Midwest Living, August 2010
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