CLC Performing Arts Center Announces Expanded Winter Arts & Community Events

Central Lakes College Performing Arts Center (CLCPAC) will present six performing arts and cultural engagement events across January and February, featuring theatre, live music for families, global dance, and two community initiatives.

Jan. 23, 7 p.m. — Martin McDonagh’s The Pillowman (Dryden Theatre, Central Lakes College – Brainerd Campus)
Directed by Rebecca Timmins and featuring community actors Joey Yow, Patrick Spradlin, Jesse Brutscher, Baird Brutscher, Erin Caswell, Marc Oliphant, and Samantha Laughery, this staged reading of the award-winning play brings sharp dialogue, dark humor, and suspense. Free admission; registration at CLCPAC website is encouraged. Recommended 18+ due to mature content.

Jan. 26–28 — ConnectEffect (Dryden Theatre, Central Lakes College – Brainerd Campus):
Hosted by two-time Emmy-nominated director/producer Riaz Patel, ConnectEffect returns as a community conversation experience at noon and 5 p.m. on Jan 26–28. The program builds intergenerational connections and empathy – learn new ways to connect with your neighbors in less than an hour.

Jan 31, 3 p.m. — The Okee Dokee Brothers (Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts):
The Grammy-winning duo brings Americana folk music praised by NPR, PBS KIDS, and Netflix. Their acoustic sing-along sound celebrates friendship, nature, and everyday adventure for kids and grown-ups alike.

Feb 5 at 12 p.m. — Cultural Thursday: Portugal: Exploring the World with New Eyes (Chalberg Theatre, Central Lakes College – Brainerd Campus):
Speaker Jan Kurtz returns from Portugal to guide audiences through history, food, language, and perspective-shifting travel insights. Part of CLC’s monthly cultural literacy speaker series for students and the wider community. Free admission.

Feb 12–15 — Sandy Rustin’s The Cottage (Chalberg Theatre, Central Lakes College – Brainerd Campus):
Directed by Amy Borash and featuring community actors Travis Chaput, Rachael Kline, Brian Rhett, Abby Pratt, Matt Hill, and Natalie Topete, this fast-paced 1923 British farce reimagines Noël Coward-style comedy for modern audiences. A bold, clever, laugh-packed winter comedy full of ridiculous secrets, betrayal, and love.

Feb 19 at 7 p.m. — Ragamala Dance Company (Chalberg Theatre, Central Lakes College – Brainerd Campus):
A globally touring, mother-daughter-led Bharatanatyam company founded by Ranee and Aparna Ramaswamy, hailed for its imaginative, rhythmic, and intercultural storytelling on the world’s biggest stages.

Tickets can be purchased at the CLCPAC Box Office, open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., by phone at 218-855-8199, or online at www.clcperformingarts.com.