Our History
Founded in 2017, Hurry Back Productions was created by Winona-native Mike Slaggie as one response (of many!) to the stale sentiment of “there’s nothing to do in Winona.”
Mike started Hurry Back Productions (HBP) with the goal of bringing a diverse and talented roster of musical artists onto a local, accessible stage.
By 2018, HBP was kicking off its first show by hosting one of Mike’s personal favorites, Martin Zellar. This was the official start of what became the Highway 61 Concert Series, an annual series that brings local, regional, and national musicians to the stage of St. Cecilia Theater.
St. Cecilia Theater has been an ideal home for the Highway 61 Concert Series, with its central Winona location (on the Cotter Schools campus) and beautiful, historic architecture. The theater boasts new renovations and restorations, an updated sound system, and seating for nearly 400. Concert-goers are welcomed into a large lobby that provides ample space for the bar, merch tables, and socializing ahead of the shows.
There’s much more to HBP than just concerts; Hurry Back is also giving back to our local community by donating to other local non-profits such as Habitat for Humanity, Ready Set School, and Great River Shakespeare Festival (just to name a few). HBP also works with local school theater groups and music departments, providing volunteer experience for students and contracting some of the musicians to lead workshops for students.
Our Mission
Hurry Back Productions exists to provide performing arts, cultural and educational programming to our local communities, as well as help promote the arts in Winona and Southeastern Minnesota.
