Meet Kimberlee Ann Bastian

Kimberlee Ann Bastian is the author of the historical fantasy series The Element Odysseys, which centers in the American Midwest of 1934. Her first novel The Breedling and the City in the Garden was released in 2016 and her sequel The Breedling and the Trickster was released Fall of 2017. Here is the synopsis of the latest series entry.

For immortal soulcatcher Buck, acclimating to newfound freedom in 1934 Chicago would have been impossible if not for the selfless actions of Charlie Reese. Now separated from his mortal friend, Buck accepts a new mission: to save the Shepherdess, whose unclaimed soul will soon stand trial in his old world, Euxinus. Buck must find the Shepherdess’ beloved, the infamous Trickster Stingy Jack, and convince him to testify on behalf of her soul. Furthermore, Buck must ensure Stingy Jack is worthy to stand as her witness. It’s no easy feat; Hades, sworn enemy of Stingy Jack, threatens to thwart Buck’s mission at every twist and turn in hopes of seizing the Shepherdess’ soul—and the secret she holds—for himself. Set on a whirlwind path that leads him on an odyssey across the American Midwest, Buck must rely on untested skills while being ever mindful of his dangerous surroundings as he prepares himself for his return to the dark, desolate realm of Euxinus.

Northwoods Art & Book Festival

Hackensack, Minnesota is where you will want to be on August 11! From 9-3 Northwoods Art & Book Festival is Bigger and Better than Ever! Featuring over 50 artists and 35 authors, live entertainment, author presentations for children and adults, Make and Take Lake Art, children's games in the ball-field. Relax or take a break from shopping and enjoy a craft beer or a glass of wine while listening to "Wayne and the Boys". Keep the date open, there will be something for everyone.

Only a week away for 'The Kings of Swing'

Limited tickets left for Friday's show. Online sales are only for Saturday right now. If you need tickets for Friday, check with Southside or Swanson's in Hackensack. 

Meet Dave Budimir Featured Soloist Glenn Miller Tribute - Friday, July 6

Dave Budimir (Featured on Glenn Miller Night)  Based in the Twin Cities, Dave plays  the trombone, bass trombone, euphonium and tuba.  He attended The University of Minnesota and spent 10 years working for the Walt Disney Corporation. Now a freelancer, Dave has performed with top artists such as Natalie Cole, Johnny Mathis, Frankie Valli, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, and Bobby Vinton. He tours with the legendary Doc Severinsen and his Big Band, playing bass trombone. Dave also composes, arranges, and records music in many different styles for clients around the country.

Meet Featured Soloist Lynne Hart

Lynne Hart (Featured on Benny Goodman Night) Based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Lynne plays the alto and tenor saxophones.  She earned a Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of Iowa and has performed with Louie Bellson, Clark Terry, Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Johnny Mathis, the Temptations and the Four Tops, plus several Broadway touring productions, including Book of Mormon, Chicago, West Side Story, Beautiful-Carole King, and Kinky Boots.  Lynne teaches music at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and has toured Spain as the guest Concerto soloist with the Luther Concert Band.

Introducing Josh Duffee

Josh Duffee (Drums/Band Leader) Based in Davenport, Iowa, Josh has been living his dream of being a professional musician and band leader for the past 20 years.  He is a featured artist at jazz festivals and concerts world-wide, but his love for the Hackensack area brings him back each year.  He's an accomplished jazz historian, and is currently writing biographies on some of his favorite musicians based off of years of research and study.  Josh will also entertain you each night by relaying stories behind these famous Carnegie Hall performances.

Our first Summer Event Josh Duffee and His Big Band

Josh Duffee Tickets Available Online Now

Get ready to enjoy two nights at Carnegie Hall! (In Hackensack MN!)

World-renowned percussionist Josh Duffee is bringing the excitement of two famous concerts to the Hackensack Community Building on Friday, July 6 and Saturday, July 7, 2018.  His theme is “The Kings of Swing Play Carnegie Hall.” Josh and his 11-piece Big Band will play tribute to the famous Carnegie Hall Jazz Concerts of the Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller orchestras in 1938 and 1939 in New York City.  Featured soloists will include Lynne Hart on Clarinet for the Benny Goodman Concert, and David Budimir on Trombone for the Glenn Miller Concert.

Don’t miss this chance to experience big city entertainment close to home.   

Cash or Check Tickets $15 available June 1, 2018 at Southside and Swanson's in Hackensack, Minnesota.

Online ticket prices $18

Student Art Contest

Northwoods Arts Council is excited to announce our First Annual Student Art Contest, co-sponsored with the Minnesota Art Truck. School districts around Hackensack are excited for the opportunity their students will have to submit a piece of their art. Entries will be displayed by Matt Swenson on his MnArtTruck at the 23rd Annual Art & Book Festival, August 11, 2018, from 9-3.

23rd Annual Art & Book Festival Application

Applications now being accepted for our 23rd Annual Art & Book Festival.

Click here.

Thank you to our President of Northwoods Arts Council

'Bringing the Arts to Life' for Hackensack and the surrounding community has been NAC's motto since its inception twenty four years ago. An enormous amount of energy goes into our Jazz Festival and this Art and Book Festival, which is our final event of the year. Thank you, Sue and the staff and friends of the Northwoods Arts Council! 

Sue Ready's highlights both the Authors and the Artists from this year's 22nd Art and Book Festival event on her 'Ever Ready' blog. Click here for the Authors, and click here for the Artists.                                                                                                                                   

Congratulations to our 22nd Annual Art & Book Festival Winners

Best of Show Darrell and Margo Magnussen - Most Creative Heidi Tretbar - Spirit of the North Award Benjamin and Carrie Pogatshnik

NAC'S 22ND ART & BOOK FESTIVAL, Saturday August 12, 9-3

The Northwoods Arts Council (NAC), a local nonprofit organization, presents their annual Art and Book Festival Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Hackensack.

Artists, crafters, food vendors, musicians and children’s art and face painting will be located on Lake Avenue, which will be closed to traffic.

The NAC is pleased to welcome 15 new artists to this year’s festival, featuring metal sunflowers and yard herons, Ukrainian etched eggs, Raku clay angels, wood arts and jewelry, to highlight a few.

The NAC is also excited to have returning artists displaying their unique mastery of photography, wood bowls and urns, herbal soaps, paper collage and twisted metal garden art, among others. Don’t miss 19 artists and authors’ booths inside the Community Center

Unique to this festival is the popular book arts section, where 36 authors sell signed copies of their books in two locations, the Hackensack Community Center and Union Congregational Church.

A new event has been added this year with a special writing workshop, “Now or Never: Collecting Family Stories.” It will be presented by Faith Sullivan, winner of 2016 Midwest Book Awards. The presentation will be at Union Church, 11 a.m.-noon the day of the festival.

There is something for all at the Northwoods Arts Council “Brings the Arts to Life.” Bring your family and friends. Don’t miss the fun. See you Aug. 12 in Hackensack.

-As seen in 'The Pilot Independent'.

“SINATRA!” Festival a sell-out success!

Thanks to our supporters!

The Northwoods Arts Council (NAC) would like to express our gratitude to everyone who helped make our recent “SINATRA!” Festival a sell-out success.  Bringing this event to our area took a collaborative effort by many, and support from our community, but we did it!  Josh Duffee and his Big Band with featured vocalist Jason Richards brought Ol’ Blue Eyes and his music to life for a highly appreciative audience.  Thank you all for attending!

Our volunteers all deserve to take a bow for a job well done.  The area newspapers and radio stations TV all graciously publicized our event with articles and public service announcements. Stores allowed us to hang posters in their windows.  A number of businesses and individuals made generous monetary donations which helped offset our expenses.

We want to especially thank our sponsors, whose support was critical in keeping our ticket prices affordable:

Gold Level – Ed Haefner Memorial Fund, Hackensack Lion’s Club

Silver Level –Sue & Jim Holthaus, Itasca Mantrap Co-op Electrical Association, Mann Lake Ltd., Russell & Loralee Torkelson

Bronze Level –Lynn Abraham Memorial Fund, Steve & Erin Adams, First National Bank North, Dick Garbisch, Hackensack American Legion, Steve & Barb Helscher, Bob & Cathy Iversen, Northwoods Dock & Service, Powers Township, Southside Fuel Plus

Plans are already underway for the 2018 Festival.  Watch for our 2018 concert announcement on www.northwoodsartscouncil.org or our Facebook page.

A sneak peak of our program

Start Spreading the News!

What a great looking crew! Northwoods Arts Council is working hard behind the scenes gearing up for our exciting event featuring Josh Duffee and his Big Band playing the music of Frank Sinatra with Jazz Vocalist Jason Richards. Friday, July 8, and Saturday, July 9, 7:30 PM. Tickets are available on the website, Southside, Swanson's and the Chamber of Commerce. 

A Grant from the Five Wings Arts Council

Opened the doors for Walker-Hackensack-Akeley middle - and high school students  In anticipation of our Sinatra! Festival Josh Duffee and singer Jason Richards worked with students in area schools. Here is a link to the write up in the WalkerMN paper.

Northwoods Arts 22nd Annual Arts and Book Festival

Artisians and Crafters being sought for our 22nd Annual Arts and Book Festival.  An application can be found here or on our website nachackensack.org.

Singing Sinatra Application

For a printable application click here.

Sinatra Vocal Competition

Thank you for your interest in the Northwoods Arts Council's "Singing Sinatra" Vocal Competition. We are very excited to host vocalist Jason Richards with the Josh Duffee Big Band on July 7th and 8th for our "Sinatra!" music festival.  This vocal competition is open to both ladies and gentleman who are in high school, and you do not need to participate in/or be a member of your high school band or choir program to be accepted to audition for this competition.  This event is FREE to all area high school students interested in auditioning.  Click here for more information.