Gather for a FREE concert hosted by the Warroad Heritage Center, Roseau County Museum, and Lake of the Woods County Historical Society.
As the United States marks its 250th anniversary (semiquincentennial) as a nation in 2026, a new program by Charlie Maguire is here! The first Singing Ranger in the National Park Service and Outreach Artist for the Smithsonian’s Traveling Exhibition Service, Charlie brings a collection of his songs with emphasis on the lives of everyday people in the rural United States: farmers, wilderness preservers, small business owners — those who put down deep roots in an Americana then grew and prospered.
The program is also leavened by the American Songbag of working women and men: “Red River Valley,” “City of New Orleans,” “Roll on Columbia,” best sung all together in remembrance of a thousand campfires along a trail, a railroad track, or by the side of the road. Performed on guitar, harmonica, jawharp, spoons, and the frying pan — the essence of the American Spirit spills out in this collection of original and traditional songs by a master folksinger and recording artist.
Open Admission | This is an unticketed event, and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information, contact Brady Swanson at the Warroad Heritage Center: by phone 218-386-2500, by email warroadheritagecenter@gmail.com, or stop by 202 Main Ave. NE Monday-Friday from 1-5 PM.
Meet the Musician
CHARLIE MAGUIRE
Called “A legend in the Midwest” by the Winnipeg Folk Festival; a performer “Who can sing, really sing” by Diane Sawyer of ABC-TV; and whose songs are “Damn good and so are you” by Pete Seeger; Charlie Maguire may be as much in the tradition of photographer Robert Capa, as his own musical roots in the Woody Guthrie tradition. Capa said, “If your pictures are not good enough, you are not close enough.” Guthrie described his songwriting as being like “A photographer without a camera.” Like Capa and Guthrie, Charlie Maguire uses the same close-up methods for his subjects when he writes songs about them.
Charlie has written songs about migrant labor as a VISTA volunteer, and the alienation of old age in his life-long work with elders. He has sailed the Great Lakes mirroring the job of a Third Mate on the bridges of huge grain and iron ore carriers well as an “ordinary seaman” on the slippery decks of a U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker. Both of these opportunities brought a fresh look at the conditions of modern working life on the U.S. Great Lakes. He has donned the uniform of the U.S. National Park Service ranger as the first and only “Singing Ranger” in the history of the service, training in the Grand Canyon and subsequently writing 24 award-winning songs about the Mississippi River. His work with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as “Centennial Troubadour” was so compelling it raised the awareness of women actually gainfully employed in conservation as far back as 1903. That research and writing led in part to the construction of the Mary Gibbs Headwaters Visitor Center at Itasca State Park, honoring Ms. Gibbs, as the first woman park manager in the history of the United States.
Maguire is a native of upstate New York, and was mentored by Seeger, Lee Hays, and Marjorie Guthrie. His eyes and ears for a good story rest in his belief that songs containing real drama experienced close up, whether tragic or uplifting, not only inspire the listener but have a power to change — as well as comfort and heal people. Recently as an artist-in-residence contractor at the Minnesota Veterans Home, Charlie’s way of using music and photography to forge answers to social problems, recently led to an award-winning suicide prevention program for U.S. Veterans and returned military personnel. Since its inception there three years ago, “OSS: Operation Sight And Sound” has had a zero suicide rate for those veterans involved in the program that practices songwriting and photography in service to the greater community.
Welcome to Warroad RiverPlace!
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you prepare for your visit to RiverPlace.
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Do I need tickets? Tickets are not required for this concert. Seating is first come, first served. If you have any questions or need additional assistance, please contact Warroad Heritage Center Director Brady Swanson by phone 218-386-2500, by email warroadheritagecenter@gmail.com, or stop by the museum at 202 Main Ave. NE Monday-Friday from 1-5 PM.
What is the seating arrangement for this production? Seating is general admission and will be set in our normal theater mode with pit, mezzanine, and orchestra seating, including an accessibility row. If you require additional assistance or accommodations, please contact Warroad Heritage Center Director Brady Swanson by phone 218-386-2500, by email warroadheritagecenter@gmail.com, or stop by the museum at 202 Main Ave. NE Monday-Friday from 1-5 PM.
When do doors open? Doors to the performance hall will open 30 minutes prior to the start of the show.
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Is your facility ADA accessible? Warroad RiverPlace strives to be a welcoming space for everyone. Our building is an ADA compliant facility. Learn more on our Accessibility page>
Is there accessibility seating? Yes, the Warroad RiverPlace performance hall includes accessible seating—designated spaces for individuals who use wheelchairs and companion seats. The hall has an accessible seating row in the front of the orchestra level, with accessibility to the mezzanine level via elevator lift. The accessibility row also offers movable seats, allowing showgoers to sit in a theater seat rather than their wheelchair, walker, or other assistive device. If you require additional assistance or accomodations for this production, please contact Warroad Heritage Center Director Brady Swanson by phone 218-386-2500, by email warroadheritagecenter@gmail.com, or stop by the museum at 202 Main Ave. NE Monday-Friday from 1-5 PM.
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Can I bring food or drink into the performance hall? Unless otherwise noted, food and drink are not allowed in the performance hall.
Are mezzanine/balcony seats available for this production? Yes! Please note that only ages 18+ are allowed in this seating area.
Can I take photos or videos? The taking of unauthorized video or photos is prohibited unless announced otherwise.
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Where do I park? We offer free parking along Highway 11, including four accessible parking spaces. Need to be dropped off? Our front, canopied entry accommodates easy drop-off access for our patrons.
When should I arrive? For this event, doors open 45 minutes prior to show start.
What if I arrive late? We don't want you to miss a moment, so please be on time! If you arrive after show start, RiverPlace staff will help escort you to a seat at an appropriate break in the action. You may be seated in an alternative location designated for late arrivals until intermission.