While cruising Main Street in Dodge Center, you may notice a sign above an entryway at 16 Main St. called The Annadine. Hmmmm, you wonder, what could be happening inside? You Google the word and it comes up spelled anodyne, and the meaning? Something that soothes, calms or comforts. Leisure is a kind of anodyne. Medicine can be an anodyne. But this anodyne, spelled Annadine, is all about music and community. Music that soothes the soul. Music that makes you want to get up and dance! And that, my friend, is what you will find inside!
Nadine Langworthy grew up in the Nerstrand/Faribault area and has always had a love for music, especially piano. Her path led her to Dodge Center in the late '70s, where she first started her post secondary music education at RCTC in Rochester. She began playing for a small church in Dodge Center, where she met her prince, Randy. She began playing for their worship services and the choir, (of which Randy was a member). The two were married in 1980, and although it would be several years before returning to college classes, she continued taking formal piano lessons with some of the best instructors in Rochester . Nadine began teaching formal piano lessons since 1984, but went full time in 1995 when she also returned to RCTC to continue class by class, finally recieving her Piano Pedogogy Certificate from St Thomas in St Paul, and receiving her National Certification as a Teacher of Music.to this day.
At first teaching at her home, then a rented office space, and ultimately purchasing a building on Main Street. Through the years, Nadine has averaged 45 students per week, as well as playing for Sunday services at Faith Lutheran Church. The adjoining building features a two bedroom loft apartment on the second level which originally housed the offices of a dentist, a physician and a beauty shop. The lower level was the town's apothacary, selling prescriptions to the patients who came in.
I asked Nadine where the name Annadine came from. Remember, the word anodyne when applied to medicine means to soothe, calm and comfort? That is what she was going for! Also, while renovating the space for the public to enjoy, her friend Anna was helping to transform it into what it is now....get it?....Anna and Nadine!!
"There was a music venue in Kasson awhile back in the building that was part of Daniel's Restaurant. They had live music every Friday and Saturday nights! You could go there on a Friday or Saturday date night and it was smoke free, where most places were not, have a glass of wine and a great meal and awesome music."
she explained.
The owners of the restaurant sold it to their daughter, and the venue changed to a younger crowd with different music. Nadine missed the music and the atmosphere, so in 2016 decided to bring it back..... to Dodge Center!
She began as a coffee shop, and with the help of her friends, learned the ropes of how to serve beer, wine and pizza under OSHA rules. She obtained her liquor license, learned the business end of things, and started bringing in musicians.
Now that her husband Randy has retired from 42 years at Mayo, he is very instrumental in booking musicians, ordering the beer and wine, and doing the bookkeeping, much to Nadine's delight!
The Annadine is currently offering music from area musicians on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month from 7pm to 10pm. She opens a little earlier so you can find seating, and stays open later, depending on the crowds wishes.
On the 3rd Thursday of each month, it's open mic night for amateurs and professionals alike. Nadine pointed out that amateur does not mean 'not that good'. Rather, if you break it down, Ama means to love, and ateur means "what you do."
"There was a group of students from Triton High School that used to come and play music, sing and dance." Nadine recalls. "They were very talented, and everyone loved to listen. One of our professional musicians, Matthew Rivera, began to
mentor the students, and they worked together to make beautiful music." That's what she loves....people working together to bring comfort and beauty to others.
Nadine would like to thank all her patrons of the last 6 ½ years for supporting her venue, and continuing to come and enjoy the productions she and Randy bring to Dodge Center. A list of upcoming music can be found on
her Facebook page. The Annadine.
So, grab a date and your dancing shoes and come on down for some anodyne at The Annadine!
P.S. The name Nadine means Hope. This name aims to lift spirits and give people something to believe in. Knowing the importance of hope and how to hold onto it is the most important lesson to impart. Thanks, Nadine, for living up
to your name!
