AN UPDATE FROM GRASSROOTS CONCERTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

In the spring of 2025 Grassroots Concerts announced that the concert series was ending with the resignation of Artistic Director Dawn Stattine. Local musician Kelley Smith, who performed for Grassroots in the spring of 2023, felt strongly that the long-running series needed to continue. She wanted to make sure that there would be a venue for touring folk artists in central MN, so she stepped forward and agreed to take on the role of artistic director.

Kelley produced two successful seasons of concerts in the fall of 2025 and spring 2026. After spring season, Kelley informed the board that she was resigning from Grassroots to concentrate on her own music and her family.

While our concerts are on hold this fall, Grassroots board and volunteers will meet to plan for the future of Grassroots Concerts, date to be announced. If you’ve enjoyed our Grassroots Concerts, consider getting involved as a volunteer or board member to help ensure that our long-running concert series which began in 1988 continues into the future.

Sincerely, Grassroots Board

From Kelley Smith: 

 Happy September! We’d love to be announcing a fall lineup just about now, but for the time we must put our series on hold. Over the summer, I made the difficult decision to step away from my role with Grassroots. Though my time as director was short, it was a humongous joy to produce two seasons of beautiful shows in the lakes area. It’s a work that I truly believe in. I gave it my best, as did all our volunteers, and you all showed up. Thank you. I’m just not able to sustain the energy that Grassroots needs and deserves at this time, on top of my own music activities, and mothering. We are hopeful that Grassroots has a future as wondrous and rich as its history. Thanks to the brilliant musicians who graced our stage, to our committed volunteers, and to all of you who came out this past year for music and community in Nisswa, MN. -Kelley Smith