Stan Buss | Bailey Blethen - Pillars (5/13)

Thanks guys for stopping by Pillars on Tuesday to honor Bailey Blethen for all of his contributions to the Mankato Riverblenders. It was a great time and very much appreciated!!

Stan 

(Posted Monday 5/15/2025)

Great show, men!   What a pleasure to direct good singing!  I'm so happy!   I heard so many good comments, as I'm sure you all did.   I found it interesting that the comments were positive about all aspects of the show - our singing, First Ave, even the audience participation.  Too bad we can't rest on our laurels, but we have to jump right back in and prepare for another show, and some of us do our planning for next year's show.  Bring a friend on Tuesday and let's have some more fun! 

Doug P

(Posted Thursday 5/1/2025)

Hi Guys,

  Not sure how but some of you have received emails appearing to be from me but they are not from stanbruss@charter.net requesting help with funding.  Please disregard and delete.  All is fine.

  This is the final week to get those tickets sold and be ready to turn in your ticket packets and $$ on Friday evening at dress rehearsal to Jon. 

  Reminder that tomorrow (Tuesday) the Show Committee meets at 5:30 to finalize plans and following that (about 6:30) we will be assembling the show programs in room 7 - if you can come early, please do.  Also, we can help Dave set up the risers for rehearsal, probably in the big room like last week

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Stay tuned,

Stan  

(Posted Monday 4/212025)

Hi Guys,

   Really hoping for a great turnout tonight for rehearsal (only 3 before the show).  Since last week's vote I was pleased to share with Mike Lagerquist his nomination for our 2025 Award of Harmony - he was very honored, and we are now working on his presentation script and a few pics for a slide show during the script. 

  Also, Jon started handing out ticket packets for the show at the end of this month.  If you didn't get yours, he will be there tonight, perhaps a bit late since he has a golf meet to coach.  If you need more tickets, see Jon.  Also keep in mind that my Labor Day Fun Day at my cabin will include all Riverblenders and their guests who sold at least $300 of Tickets and or Sponsorships for the show.  I'm hoping for a huge group.  Food, beverage, and fun on me!

  Arv is working hard on our Patriotic show with Windom and will share the latest tonight.  We will be doing the performances at Mountain Lake and Windom then at Mankato (CTK) and Madison Lake two weeks later.  Please start looking to get your guest(s)  to sing with us starting the first Tuesday in May.  They are also welcome to Pizza at Jakes on Tuesday, April 29th and can sing with us at the Moondogs game on May 26.

  Thanks to all who are out there getting our sponsorships lined up and selling those tickets!!  See you at 7 at CTK!!!

Stay tuned,

Stan B  

(Posted Tuesday 4/8/2025)

The Riverblenders Show will feature some good ole’ rock and roll!

Bring along a friend to enjoy some of the best pop’ music from the 60’s and 70’s.

You’ll also enjoy our featured quartet – First Ave – one of the best in the Midwest!

For tickets call 507-420-5847 or order online at:  https://riverblenderschorus.org

(Posted Wednesday 4/2/2025)

Hi Guys,

Including tonight we have 4 rehearsals before the show. Hope we can continue to polish our songs. Check out your weak spots

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Also tonight I will present the nominees for the Award of Harmony and we will vote during the break at 8. As of today I have 3 nominations. One on paper, the others will be presented by those that nominated them.  We will probably use paper ballots to decide and announce the decision at the Chapter meeting at 9. Thanks for your input!!

Stay tuned,
Stan 

(Posted Tuesday 4/1/2025)

Hi Guys,

Including tonight we have 4 rehearsals before the show. Hope we can continue to polish our songs. Check out your weak spots

.
Also tonight I will present the nominees for the Award of Harmony and we will vote during the break at 8. As of today I have 3 nominations. One on paper, the others will be presented by those that nominated them.  We will probably use paper ballots to decide and announce the decision at the Chapter meeting at 9. Thanks for your input!!

Stay tuned,
Stan 

(Posted Tuesday 4/1/2025)

We had another really good rehearsal last night small group but sounded very good. Started off with a little California dreaming lead section was together for the most part other than the stopped into a church section so just watch the rhythms at that point. Other three sections very unified on that song. We worked on rise and shine focusing on the first half of the song really focusing on getting right notes and locking up cords. Silhouettes is sounding very good and Jared is getting more comfortable directing the song Thanks for working at this song and learning the words sounding great. Under the boardwalk is coming along still need to work on rhythms we sing this in a circle and also mixed up so we were not by Somebody in the same section makes you hear other parts but also you realize if you're not singing something right. Overall it is coming together nicely and is going to be a really fun song to sing in the audience will really enjoy it. worked on Barbara Ann the one comment I would have is just to look at the tag just so we finished strong on that Song. Yesterday is sounding good for the leads just remember on yesterday and suddenly they're not straight rhythms We are singing it more like you would say it. We also listened to dancing cheek to cheek each part dominant and the whole thing I would recommend listening to it multiple times without even singing just to kind of start getting those rhythms in your head. The show is fast approaching so if need be really dig into that music use your learning tracks and hope to see you all next Tuesday. 

Curt

(Posted Wednesday 3/19/2025)

Hi guys, birthday boy here. 

You are all invited to the Wine Cafe (WEBSITE HERE) tomorrow after rehearsal to celebrate my birthday.  My treat!

Also, the poster packets are ready for distribution.  For the April show we put them up in all the out-of-town locations surrounding Mankato.  Please consider helping distribute these and let me know if you can help.

Thanks in advance,

Greg

(Posted Monday 3/17/2025)

All Show Music

Below is a recording from last week's rehearsal of Yesterday, Rise and Shine, and Can't Help Falling In Love

Please listen to them and notice if your section is singing together, especially at the start of a phrase and at the end of a phrase.   Also listen to see if your section's note is sung correctly and in pitch.  Now that we are off paper, these are the things we have to clean up.   Our singing is 'fuzzy'.  Let's give our audience a high-definition sound. It takes a commitment to pay attention to these things for your section and yourself.  I hope we all have the energy and focus.  Our audiences may be forgiving, but they want to hear good music.  Let's not disappoint them!

I'm working hard to find ways to lead us to our goal.  I enjoy driving to Mankato weekly to lead you.  I enjoy our rehearsals.

Thanks for your efforts to date!  

7 rehearsals left!!

Doug P

(Posted Sunday 3/16/2025)

Hi Guys,

All are invited to the Board meeting on Tuesday (3/18) at 5:30 PM. To date Roger has only received input from me and Arv. Roger and I presume all board member received his email last week with the previous meeting minutes and call for inputs. If not, please respond so we can check the email address list-it only goes to board members and officers. Thx 

Stan B 

(Posted Sunday 3/16/2025)