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Opening July 19, July 26, August 1, August 2, August 8, August 9, August 16, August 22, August 23, August 24, August 29, August 30

ILLUSION THEATER’s FREE Summer Series returns to the Amphitheater at Lyndale Gardens (6400 Lyndale Avenue South).
2023 Season Schedule
July 19 to August 30, 2023
Tuesday & Wednesday evenings

For weather reschedules, please follow us on Facebook or Instagram for posted changes. Weather decisions are generally made by 4:30pm on the day of performance.

Watch a photo slideshow of this season’s previous shows.

Thursday, July 19 at 7:00pm
(Rescheduled to
Thursday August 24 at 7:00pm)
A Midsummer Night’s Dane
with Dane Stauffer & Dan Chouinard

A signature blend of eclectic songs and humor with Twin Cities favorites Dane Stauffer and Dan Chouinard. Dane is known for his work in theater, film, cabaret, improvisation, television, radio, and flatbed trucks and recently in the smash musical Glensheen.  Dan joins Dane on piano. Dan is an accordionist and writer of shows for public radio, concert halls, clubs, and the theater. They welcome Kris Stauffer on Bass and Daryl Boudreaux on Percussion and a very special guest - Jen Maren who played Majorie Caldwell in “Glensheen” recently at the History Theatre.

Tuesday, August 1 at 7:00pm
Ring of Kerry

Ring of Kerry is a bursting-with-energy Irish music group that captures the hearts of listeners. The group takes its name from a beautiful craggy drive in southwestern County Kerry, Ireland. Its Celtic music, however, is played with a heart much closer to its American home.

Tuesday, August 8 at 7:00pm
SouthSide Big Band

 SouthSide Big Band is a traditional big band. Musical selections are based on the classic big band swing of the '30s and '40s, but also include more modern jazz written for big band. SSBB is based in Edina, but its members are from communities across the Twin Cities. SSBB plays concerts and dances for community and private groups throughout the year.

Wednesday August 16 at 7:00pm
Judy, Joan & Joni - The Music of Judy Collins, Joan Baez, and Joni Mitchell

Direct from Fresh Ink 2023, developed by Roberta Carlson and Michael Robins, and featuring Julia Isabel Diaz, Falicia Nichole, Molly Sue McDonald and Justin D. Cook on keyboards.

We all have soundtracks for moments in our lives and we all have artists whose songs were part of those moments. The music of Judy Collins, Joan Baez, and Joni Mitchell provided those moments for many of us.

Sharing the full list of songs:
“The Circle Game” (Joni Mitchell) 
“De Colores” (Spanish Folk Song, as performed by Joan Baez) 
“My Father" (Judy Collins)
 “When I Was A Girl In Colorado”  (Judy Collins) 
“I Think It’s Going To Rain Today” (Randy Newman, as performed by Judy Collins) 
“Prairie Dream” (Judy Collins) 
“With God On Our Side” (Bob Dylan, as performed by Joan Baez) 
“Birmingham Sunday” (Joan Baez) 
“Big Yellow Taxi” (Joni Mitchell) 
“Diamonds And Rust” (Joan Baez) 
“River” (Joni Mitchell) 
“Help Me”  (Joni Mitchell) 
“Who Knows Where The Time Goes?” (Sandy Denny, as performed by Judy Collins) 
“Both Sides Now” (Joni Mitchell) 
“Forever Young” (Bob Dylan, as performed by Joan Baez) 
“Gracias A La Vida” (Violetta Parra, as performed by Joan Baez)

Wednesday, August 23
(Rescheduled to Tuesday, August 29)
Our Big Fat Eventual Wedding
with Allison and Leslie Vincent

Allison and Leslie Vincent recount the rollercoaster of their engagement and planning a wedding in the time of COVID through music, storytelling, and comedy. Allison is a theater maker, performer, director, writer, teacher, and devisor. Leslie Is a Twin Cities jazz singer with “an infectious love of music.” Allison is a founding member of Transatlantic Love Affair, a physical theater ensemble which Illusion has presented and championed over the last ten years. Both appeared this past winter at Illusion Theater in Transatlantic Love Affair’s These Old Shoes.

Thursday, August 24 at 7:00pm
(Rescheduled from July 19)
A Midsummer Night’s Dane
with Dane Stauffer & Dan Chouinard

A signature blend of eclectic songs and humor with Twin Cities favorites Dane Stauffer and Dan Chouinard. Dane is known for his work in theater, film, cabaret, improvisation, television, radio, and flatbed trucks. Currently he is in the smash musical Glensheen.  Dan joins Dane on piano. Dan is an accordionist and writer of shows for public radio, concert halls, clubs, and the theater. They welcome Kris Stauffer on Bass and Daryl Boudreaux on Percussion and a very special guest - Jen Maren who plays Majorie Caldwell in “Glensheen” currently at the History Theatre.

Wednesday, July 26 at 7:00pm
Stories and music to lighten your heart and soul.
with Kevin Kling & Simone Perrin
with Dan Chouinard

Kevin Kling, Dan Chouinard, and Simone Perrin bring their special summer fun to Lyndale Gardens for the third year. Kevin Kling is a true Minnesotan Treasure, an author, playwright, storyteller. Often heard on NPR ‘s All Things Considered and MN Almanac, he has traveled the world telling tales. For nearly four decades Dan Chouinard has been a musical gift to our Twin Cities area as a pianist, accordionist, writer of shows for public radio, concert halls, clubs, and the theater. Simone Perrin adds her voice and musicality to the show and often gets the joint jumpin’.

Wednesday, August 2 at 7:00pm
In this Moment…Now
with Aimee K. Bryant, T. Mychael Rambo, and Ryan Bynum

 Aimee K. Bryant, Ryan Bynum, and T. Mychael Rambo celebrate works by Black and African-American artists from the Twin Cities and beyond. One more chance to catch this amazing show that appeared on our mainstage this season. T. Mychael Rambo is an beloved member of our Twin Cities Community - an actor, vocalist, emcee, arts educator, and community organizer. Aimee K. Bryant is an actor, singer, and teaching artist who has appeared on many stages throughout the Twin Cities. Ryan Bynum is a full-time pianist, musical director, and composer. Special guests include Ashley Dubose, recording artist and performer most widely known for her song “Intoxicated;” Thomasina Petrus, a Twin Cities cabaret and theater veteran who has appeared in productions at Penumbra Theater, the Ordway, Park Square, and Mixed Blood; Frank Sentwali, spoken word artist; and Black Youth Healing Arts Drum and Poetry Team!

Wednesday, August 9 at 7:00pm
Far Away Places
with Bradley Greenwald, Dan Chouinard, Prudence Johnson, and T. Mychael Rambo

Come wander the world with stories and songs from these musical friends and travelers. Dan Chouinard is a pianist, accordionist, and writer of shows for public radio, concert halls, clubs, and theater. Bradley Greenwald has performed opera, theater, music-theater, concert, and recital repertoire with several Twin Cities’ arts organizations. Prudence Johnson is a beloved Twin Cities singer, writer, and teacher who has been on jazz, folk, and musical theatre stages, and several stints on A Prairie Home Companion recordings. T. Mychael Rambo is an award-winning actor, vocalist, emcee, arts educator, community organizer, and a beloved member of our Twin Cities arts community who has performed on every professional theater stage in the Twin Cities.

CANCELLED Tuesday August 22 at 7:00pm
History-on-a-Schtick
and Honeywine

A show usually only seen at the State Fair, this delightful, family-friendly musical has satirical and whimsical songs, including a Minnesota state symbols fashion parade, and a quiz show hosted by Betty Crocker with contestants who are Minnesota icons. This imaginative and playful show with an eye toward history has been entertaining Minnesota State Fair-goers since 2015.  Written and directed by Beth Gilleland, with musical direction by Kevin Dutcher, the cast includes Bonni Allen, Aimee K. Bryant, Ricky Morisseau and Jim Robinson. This program is presented by the Minnesota Historical Society. You will learn something new about Minnesota, and you’ll head home humming!

Honeywine is an all-original Americana band with a strong focus on trio vocals. The three singers — Dorian Chalmers, Becky Schlegel, and Dennis Curley — are Minnesota-based artists with decades of performing experience among them.

Tuesday, August 29 at 7:00pm
(Rescheduled from August 23)
Our Big Fat Eventual Wedding
with Allison and Leslie Vincent

Allison and Leslie Vincent recount the rollercoaster of their engagement and planning a wedding in the time of COVID through music, storytelling, and comedy. Allison is a theater maker, performer, director, writer, teacher, and devisor. Leslie Is a Twin Cities jazz singer with “an infectious love of music.” Allison is a founding member of Transatlantic Love Affair, a physical theater ensemble which Illusion has presented and championed over the last ten years. Both appeared this past winter at Illusion Theater in Transatlantic Love Affair’s These Old Shoes.

Wednesday, August 30 at 6:30pm
(note earlier start)
Malamanya

The return of our favorite Afro-Caribbean Band with music for your Dancing Soul.

Malamanya | Vintage Afro-Latin Music

This series is sponsored in part by THE CORNERSTONE GROUP.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Art Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.