The colleges are back in session.  If I’d somehow managed to miss the return of the students on the streets of downtown (especially when the sun is shining), I’d certainly be alerted by all the music being performed.  Catch a concert on a hill and then enjoy a performance down in the river valley, this weekend, in historic, scenic authentic Downtown Northfield.

Friday, April 1st (no foolin’): Ray Coudret, 5 p.m., Contented Cow; Guest Recital: Kenneth Grant, Clarinet, 7 p.m., Urness Recital Hall on the St. Olaf College campus; Exhibit Opening Reception and Performance of Constructa/Vulva by subRosa, 7:30 p.m., Art Gallery on the Carleton College campus; Burning Chrome, 8 p.m., Contented Cow, John & Company, 8 to 11 p.m., Tavern Lounge; St. Olaf Clarinet Choir and the Amadeus Youth Clarinet Ensemble, 8:15 p.m., Urness Recital Hall on the St. Olaf College campus; Brothers Burn Mountain, 11 p.m., Contented Cow; and Karaoke, 9 p.m., Rueb’N’Stein.

Saturday, April 2nd: Beguine Brothers, 8 p.m., Contented Cow; Trevor Marty, 8 to 11 p.m., Tavern Lounge; and DJ Music at the Rueb’N’Stein and 620 Grill.

Sunday, April 3rd: Faculty Recital: Organ, 3 to 4:30 p.m., Concert Hall on the Carleton College campus; St. Olaf Band Concert, 3:30 p.m., Skoglund Center on the St. Olaf College campus; Politics & a Pint, 6:30 p.m., Northern Roots Session, 7:30 p.m., and Quiz Night, 8:00 p.m., all at the Contented Cow.