Dassel-Cokato Performing Arts Center
The Dassel-Cokato Performing Arts Center has allowed community members to enjoy a wide array of entertainment throughout the years from school performances to big name acts like Tonic Solfa and the Minnesota Orchestra.
Built in 2004, the 800-seat, air-conditioned auditorium is located on the DC high school and middle school campus. Its state-of-the art sound and light equipment gives a professional theatre atmosphere that entertainers and audience members alike keep coming back for more.
“It’s always fun to greet the performers when they arrive and take them on to the stage,” said Colleen Compton, executive director of the DC Arts Association. “Not only are they impressed with the design and seating in the auditorium, but when they test the acoustics . . . they are always amazed with the quality of sound.”
Many of the events performed at the PAC are hosted by the Dassel-Cokato Arts Association, a nonprofit organization created to support fine arts around the area and to bring quality entertainment to the DC community at an affordable price.
Other events hosted in the PAC have included numerous school programs, such as holiday concerts and school theaters productions, as well as various area church events including DC United, a combined worship service with area youth groups.
The DC Arts Association’s sixth season went out with a bang in May with the lively and energetic performers from “Feet Don’t Fail Me Now,” a Rhythmic Circus Production. This was definitely a highlight of the 2010-11 season, Compton said.
Other highlights of the season was the holiday show with the O’Neil Brothers featuring Katie McMahon, original voice of River Dance, complete with Irish dancers. This was well received and just a fun show, Compton said.
The Lake Wobegan Brass Band and Tangled Rootes bluegrass band were also crowd pleasers.
“It’s nice to have a variety of musical styles throughout the season,” she said.
Gearing up for another entertaining season, two events have been booked thus far including the highly anticipated Tonic Solfa Holiday Show Friday, Nov. 25; and the Butch Thompson Jazz Trio Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012. The latter show will also provide a student component with it, which is one of the goals of the arts association.
The Performing Arts Center will also be the stage for the 2011 DC Community Theatre summer musical production of “The Sound of Music.” DC Community Theatre is co-sponsored by the DC Arts Association and Dassel-Cokato Community Education.
‘The Sound of Music” production will take place over two weekends in July to accommodate for busy summer schedules.
Dates are Thursday, July 21; Friday, July 22; Saturday, July 30; and Sunday, July 31. Each are 7 p.m show times with the exception of Sunday being a 2 p.m. matinee.
For more information including a schedule of upcoming events, visit the web site at www.dc.k12.mn.us/artscenter. A seating chart can be viewed on the site, as well.
Tickets can also be ordered online or by calling (320) 286-4120. The PAC is located between Dassel and Cokato on Highway 12 in the DC High School/Middle School complex.
