Bismarck, North Dakota - News

If the heat gets unbearable in August, try hopping into Lake Wobegon.

Garrison Keillor and the news from his fictional Minnesota town are just one of the many entertainment options in a month brimming with local bands, big acts, and art festivals.

One of the first things coming up is the Capital A’fair festival Aug. 2-3, taking place on the Capitol grounds. Capital A’fair will feature more than 130 artisans, food, live performing arts and music, a classic car show on Aug. 3 and children’s activities, said Linda Christman, executive director of Bismarck Art and Galleries Association, which puts on the event.

There will be plenty to see and do, whether you’re an art buyer, a theater patron, or simply love good food.

“The whole event is all-encompassing, from the food to the vendors to the entertainment,” she said.

The artists selling their goods come from a wide range of disciplines, so there should be something for every art lover.

“Anywhere from clothing to fine arts to jewelry. It’s everything,” she said.

Harmony Fest ’08

For those who want a little more music, there is plenty to be heard at Harmony Fest ’08, on Aug. 2 at the Bismarck Municipal Ballpark.

The festival, which goes from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., will feature musical performances from artists including Chuck Suchy, Cottonwood, Fatdad, Blue Seven, Gypsyfoot, Heavy Water Radio and Kris Kitko, as well as others on a side stage.

“It’s a community event that is really showcasing the local music and art scene,” said co-founder Jim McMahon.

In addition, there will be local vendors, food and beverages. A Harmony Fest exclusive guitar and amp package donated by Eckroth Music and the Stringbean will be raffled off, with proceeds to benefit Ruth Meiers Hospitality House.

Tickets for the event are $15, or $13 with a canned food item.

MacMahon said he hopes to bring people with a wide variety of musical tastes together, and introduce music fans to what Bismarck has to offer locally.

“This event provides a cultural opportunity for the people of Bismarck, something for people to do,” he said.

Civic Center

The Bismarck Civic Center has a variety of shows this August to keep just about everyone in the area entertained.

“We seem to have quite a bit, which is unusual for us in August,” said Ross Horner marketing director for the Civic Center.

The Bismarck Kennel Club hosts an American Kennel Club dog show in the exhibit hall on Aug. 1-3 to start off the month’s line up.

The Civic Center will be busy that weekend, as ventriloquist Jeff Dunam comes to the arena on Aug. 2. Horner said Dunam, who has gained national fame from his performances on Comedy Central, is expected to draw in the biggest crowds of the month.

“I’m sure we’ll have 5,000 here, we’re pushing that already,” he said. Tickets are $41.50 and the show starts at 8 p.m.

On Aug. 5, rocker Alice Cooper will take the stage in the arena as part of his Along Came a Spider Tour in support of his latest album of the same name.

Concert goers can expect songs from the entire Alice Cooper library, along with new songs, and plenty of Alice Cooper personality.

“Of course there will be theatrics — it wouldn’t be an Alice show without them,” Carol Kaye of Kayos Productions said via e-mail.

The show starts at 7:30, and tickets cost $37.50 and $32.50.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, but performing in the same venue, Garrison Keillor is bringing “A Prairie Home Companion” to life in the arena on Aug. 14. Along with the news from Lake Wobegon, Keillor will be joined by country music artist Suzy Boggus. Tickets are $28, $42, and $54.

Rounding out August at the Civic Center will be a dance for students 18 and older at 9 p.m. on the 28th.