Lyceum Possibilities for 2008-2009 MLC Lyceum Series

The Divers—Everybody at MLC knows who the Divers are!! But just in case you don’t, they are troupe of four singers that originated at Bethany Lutheran College. Two of the four still teach at Bethany. They are musicians—accomplished instrumentalists and vocalists—and their humor is hugely entertaining. They’ve been on every MLC lyceum roster for the last dozen years or longer. www.divers.com

The Extreme Team—Trampoline Slam Dunk Basketball, half-time show—high velocity trampoline dunks, breathtaking flips, and comic antics against a backdrop of colorful music. You’ve seen ‘em the last two years and they’re great!! Want to see them again?! www.class-act.com

Thinkfast Gameshow—they’ve come to MLC the last two years, and everyone who came had fun. Some won money!! www.TjohnE.com

Marcoux Corner—male a cappella group (same agent as Tonic Sol-fa)…wide variety of familiar favorites as well as powerful original songs. They demonstrate beyond a doubt that the most powerful and versatile instrument of all is the one which we each possess—the human voice. They were here at MLC this last fall for the first time—and they were incredible!! www.glberg.com

James Wedgewood—good, clean fun with a personal touch…comedy, ventriloquism, leave you laughing…quick wit…audience participation…audience involvement. www.glberg.com

Clearly You: Laser Crystal Imaging—Hour holographic image will be carved into a flawless, clear, optical grade crystal cube. You sit for a few seconds to be scanned by a 3D scanner, then watch as the laser etches this 3D image of your head and shoulders into the crystal. You walk away with your keepsake—free of charge!! Some of you already have one from their visit to MLC this year. www.kramerintl.com

Ethos Percussion Group—They wowed us this spring with a program that was dynamic, bold, colorful and global. Ethos performances feature contemporary percussion instruments such as the marimba, and the xylophone alongside the traditional tabla, odaiko, and dumbek in repertoire from the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. www.baylinartists.com

Montana Skies—cello and guitar. This duo moves smoothly from the classics to popular melodies giving everything their signature touch and confidence. Two programs are offered: Gringo Flamenco! and Classical Fusion—Bach to Rock. www.montanaskiesmusic.com

Merling Trio—piano/cello/violin—The Merling Trio is known for its unique ability to communicate its passion for music to any audience. Their program of classical and jazz/tango repertoire is mixed with humor and abundant charm. The trio’s energy, style, and skill have earned them rave reviews on college campuses and chamber music series across the nation. www.merlingtrio.com

David Burgess, guitarist—“500 Years of Spanish Music in the Americas”, a multicultural performance which includes Spanish music from the time of Columbus, Inca Indian melodies, Argentine tangos, Brazilian sambas, and Caribbean Meringues. www.LatinGuitar.com

Bill Miller—has won Grammy’s for Best Native American Music Album in 2005 and 2006. Bill is a singer/songwriter who has been communicating his rich heritage to America’s youth abnd college students for over 15 years in the form of dynamic performances, workshops, and lectures. www.houseofwally.com

Annamaria possesses a Ph.D. from Notre Dame, but an evening with her is no typical concert of lecture. As a classical and flamenco guitarist and vocalist, she has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious venues. Her forte is classical guitar…”but when she sings and plays the world shifts into dimensions of awe-inspiring beauty.” www.houseofwally.com

Scratch Track—they have toured the O.A.R., opened for acts as diverse as George Clinton & P Funk, Living Colour, Erykah Badu, and Jurassic 5. After a few hundred colleges and clubs, the Scratch Track van has logged a couple hundred thousand miles. They are featured on Trick Daddy’s hit “suga.” Scratch Track is probably playing live somewhere tonight. www.houseofwally.com

Soulfege---is West African highlife, hip-hop, and funk, critically-acclaimed Pan-African fusion. They’re the founders of the Sweet Mother Tour (SMT) project, a multi-media project with a mission to present empowering images of Africa and African people throughout the Diaspora. Soulfege is redefining the sound and image of Pan-African music. www.houseofwally.com

Dick Kimmel Bluegrass Band—This bluegrass band is well known in bluegrass circles. Dick Kimmel, its leader, is a New Ulm resident. The band tours widely in the U.S. and has been to Europe 5 times. They played MLC 5 years ago, and they are good!! www.dickkimmel.com

Dennis Stroughmatt & Creole Stomp—Dennis Stroughmatt’s journey into the roots of Cajun and French Creole music, stories, and language, began in the small isolated community of Old Mines, Missouri. He studied path has taken him from Old Mines to Quebec to southwestern Louisiana, where he learned from diverse master fiddlers and Creole accordionists. Today, Dennis is a keeper of traditions in the old styles of both upper and lower Louisiana, a Creole fiddler, accordionist, speaker, historian, and foremost, musician. www.artistsofnote.com

The Singers—Minnesota Choral Artists—This group is the successor group to the Dale Warland Singers. They are a fine choir based in the Twin Cities. Former Professor Jodi Rowe is a member of this group. www.singersmca.org

Ecuador Manta—This Andean band originated in a small village called Atahualpa in Ecuador, South America. Ecuador Manta, based in St. Paul Min nesota, started in 1992. This group has a unique style compared to other Andean bands. They created their music style by using the traditional rhythms from Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia, and combining them with more contemporary Latin and Caribbean rhythms. www.ecuadormanta.com