Coming to New Ulm from St. Peter, the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce’s Willkommen Committee welcomed Charlie Leftridge, the new Executive Director at The Grand Center for Arts & Culture! Charlie attended Glenn Korff School of Music in Lincoln, Nebraska where he earned his Masters in Music and spent some time as the Facility Manager. He then made the move and became the Director of Operations for the Mankato Symphony Orchestra. Taking the new role as executive director he is excited to use both his music background as well as his talents in the arts. He is enthusiastic about having live music back, every Friday night on the patio at The Grand. They plan to have have a variety of music from jazz to rock and even a grunge folk-artist. There are still some virtual performances left for the spring. But The Grand is looking forward to having live music every Friday, starting June 4th, to provide a great outdoor atmosphere with music, some light food, and of course beer or wine. The Grand also has two creativity camps planned, an intensive art experience in June and July, and one in August that will include an immersive experience with international language and cuisine. The Grand also has artwork available for purchase from local artists and they have partnered with Minnesota State Mankato for students to be able to create installation exhibits in the upstairs exhibit space, please come check them out. They will also be doing an artist residency for print-making this fall! For a full schedule of events visit www.thegrandnewulm.com. Congratulations and welcome to New Ulm Charlie!

Photo Caption: Sara Duck, Visiting Angels; Sheri Davis, Citizens Bank Minnesota; Charlie Leftridge, The Grand; Amber Wicke, Best Western Plus.