Arts are strong in New Prague
Two events on Sunday highlighted the state of arts in our community.
Filmmaker Albert Milgrom brought his movie, Singin’ in The Grain: A Minnesota Czech Story, to New Prague High School for a sold-out showing. More than 600 people purchased tickets for the movie, which had debuted last month at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival. The film highlights the Czech culture - especially its music - in several locations in Minnesota. A primary focus was footage of the locally-based Eddie Shimota Band over 40 years, both under Eddie Shimota Sr. in the 1970s and ‘80s, and Eddie Shimota Jr. today. Efforts are being made to schedule a second showing in the New Prague area sometime in the coming months.
Also on Sunday afternoon, two New Prague musical treasures were showing their talents at St. Wenceslaus Church. The New Prague Area Community Band and the New Prague-based Hymnus Choir staged a concert for appreciative family, friends and music lovers. Both groups are directed by Rush Wagner and provided high quality entertainment for concert-goers.
The arts are alive and well in New Prague. They enjoy great community and school support. This week’s edition of The New Prague Times features our annual Arts and Activities Section, which highlights the many activities that flourish at New Prague High School. This includes a strong band and choir program and a drama department that has had great success over many decades.
It’s something in which the community can take pride in.