Howlin' Andy Hound and the New Chrome Franks  at R.T.'s last Thursday was as bitchin' a show I've seen in quite awhile...unfortunately, there were about 10 people, maybe less, at the show. Also, the RGC/Meat Puppets show on Tuesday was pretty incredible. I wish I could remember farther back in the year but, wait...what was I talking about?

*House of Doughnuts @brewhouse.

*Meat-puppets/Retribution @Luce on Tuesday - Wow Retribution has its shit together; sounds like neo-zepplin.  

*A night in the Box @[email protected]@busking outside of Little Angie's.

*Dirty Horse Acoustic sex set @Chester and elsewhere.

*The Rez @ Bev's Jook Joint.

*Anytime Howlin' Andy plugs his guitar in

*Leo Kottke @Bayfront

*Keller Williams @Clyde Iron

Cracker at Beaners

Gay Witch Abortion with the Keep Aways at Luce

Turtles/ Snakes at Clyde Iron

Everything is Terrible.

Retribution Gospel Choir at Honor Your Mother Earth Festival in Leif Erickson Park distorted the evening stars. Best outdoor show of the year.

Rubber Chicken New Year's Eve.

This was an amazing year on the Duluth arts scene! The Playhouse scored with Rent, The Secret Garden, White Christmas, and the Producers. I also loved Fiddler on the Roof Junior and the Rocky Horror Show there. At Renegade, it was The Who and Man of La Mancha that rocked my world. And, in December, I saw Richard III at UMD and Amahl & the Night Visitors, presented by the Lyric opera of the Northland -- both were incredible. Nutcracker at the DECC gets better and better every year, love the new set. And, of course, Celebrity Dance Challenge, with Suzanne Kritzberg and Eric Huie doing some Bollywood dancing that got everyone up on their feet. 

Music-wise, I was blown away by the Black Eyed Snakes performing in front of Fitgers one lovely spring afternoon. Also loved RGC and TBT at the Norshor, though I hate crowds. And Ballyhoo's Reunion at RT Quinlan's during Homegrown was a total blast, I love their sound and hope they have another reunion. Another Homegrown treat: Patrick McKinnon screaming "fuck" over and over to musical accompaniment at Chester Creek Cafe. Don't know if they will ever invite HIM back.

Loved the various performances held at Chester Creek during the Kozy survivors benefit, esp. Marc Gartman. That was so cool, and a great, intimate space for an acoustic performance!

And of course, two excellent book launches I have to include: Margi Preus's book launch at Zeitgeist for Gift of a Samurai and Laurie Hertzel's book launch at Fitgers Spirit of the North Theatre for News to Me.