Right at the top of our list of best videos from the year of the pandemic is a montage of some of the various musicians, artists and jokers who entertained with livestreams and other productions during what was largely a year of avoiding in-person interactions. But 2020 still had a crop of the usual stuff that makes it into our annual compilation — namely stunts, crashes, wildlife encounters and sweet music videos.
 

This Week in Social Distancing
The pandemic introduced a new kind of video category in 2020. Just about everyone was trying to maintain some sort of connection through social media. Inspired in large part by the Virtual Duluth Facebook group, Perfect Duluth Day made eight highlight compilations of these videos titled This Week in Social Distancing, spanning March 24 to May 15. Featured here is episode 2. Originally posted March 31.
 

Josh Peterson – “Uncertain Certainties”
An original viola performance by Josh Peterson, directed and produced by Ryan Nordin. Shot in the abandoned lighthouse station depot on Minnesota Point. Originally posted April 21.
 

Dance Attic – “Livin’ with a Bear”
A standout from the Homegrown Music Videos for 2020, created by Dave Mehling and starring the wacky antics of Suzi and Jimi from Dance Attic. Originally posted April 28.
 

Watchin’ the Lego Ships Roll In
Michael Ness of Coon Rapids and his family made this stop-motion video of a Duluth Shipping Canal scene. Originally posted May 1.
 

Together
Back in May, the ending of this short video by Justin Peck was unexpected. Seven months later, it’s still a powerful slice of life. Originally posted May 20.
 

The Drumming Log
Grand Portage-based photographer Travis Notvitsky captured this ruffed grouse performing a drum solo atop a log. Originally posted May 25.
 

The Schnapps-o-Flex
Photographer Kip Praslowicz rolls on with his YouTube channel, addressing the real-life challenges photographers face. Originally posted June 8.
 

Jumping Over a Bike
In addition to performing in one-man band and conducting a series of web interviews while riding a tandem bicycle, Steve Solkela also engages in the occasional oddball stunt. Originally posted June 28.
 

Presque Isle Scrapes Stone Base of Duluth Ship Canal Pier
Ooof. The title sums it up pretty well. Originally posted July 13.
 

Charles Obije, et. al. – “Let it Shine”
Local musicians join filmmaker Daniel Oyinloye in creating this stunning music video encouraging everyone to complete the 2020 census form. Originally posted July 30.
 

Duluth Eye Candy: An Aerial Voyage
Riley Goss brings us dramatic views of Duluth and the surrounding area. Originally posted Aug. 22.
 

Charlie Parr – “On Stealing a Sailboat”
Charlie’s buddy Ed is a bad influence. Lance Lindahl’s video follows their adventures walkin’ down by the dock one day. Originally posted Sept. 2.
 

Creating Apart
Mike Scholtz documents how the pandemic affected the work of local artists. The nine individual segments were posted on PDD between Sept. 21 and Oct. 19 and are also compiled on a Creating Apart page.
 

Duluth, M, I Double N
A toe tappin’, finger snappin’ old tune by Al Trace and the Revelers sets the mood for this animated video by Dave and Jean Kirwan. Originally posted Sept. 26.
 

Cory Coffman – “Canvas and Color”
This animated video is a collaboration between musician Cory Coffman and photographer Alyssa Johnson of Blind Spot Creatives. Originally posted Sept. 28.
 

Bobcats on the St. Louis River
Mike Mayou documents an encounter with three bobcats, curious about his drone. Originally posted Dec. 17.
 

Perfect Duluth Day’s Best Videos Index
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2000 to 2005 | 1980 to 1999