Kahla Statema, Author at Perfect Duluth Day

Perfect Duluth Day Outdoor Summer Concert Primer 2016

Jun 08, 2016 5 Comments

Those who prefer the safe confines of walls and a sturdy roof can check out Kiss or the Beach Boys this summer at Amsoil Arena or David Liebe Hart at the Red Herring Lounge, but ’tis the season for music under canopies or wide open to the elements.

Bayfront Festival Park and Big Top Chautauqua are hosting the usual slew of major acts throughout the summer, along with local music being showcased through smaller concert series, such as the Chester Creek Concert Series and Bayside Sounds at Barker’s Island Pavilion. With multiple shows scheduled every week throughout the summer, it’s hard to choose which ones to make time for. Here’s a look at some 2016 outdoor concert highlights.

June 14
Teague Alexy
Chester Bowl Park
The Chester Creek Concert Series launches its 34th season with a performance by poetic rock musician Teague Alexy.

June 17
Grandma’s Marathon Big Top Opening Night
Canal Park
Multi-platinum rock band Smash Mouth headlines this year’s opening night to Grandma’s Marathon weekend.

June 18
Brandi Carlile
Big Top Chautauqua
Singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile makes her way back for another year at the Big Top stage.

Events, Music Guides and Lists

Duluth-area Theater Primer 2015-2016

Sep 15, 2015 2 Comments

Theater season is upon us, and the Duluth/Superior area has you covered. There are a variety of shows happening every month, ranging from comedy to drama and something for the kiddos.

Art, Events Theater

Tribute Fest Weekend Review

Aug 24, 2015 11 Comments

I’m sure many Duluthians overheard the vibrating sounds that echoed from Bayfront Park this weekend, considering Mayor Don Ness received a handful of tweets regarding how loud the music was. Yes, the music was a little loud, but the bands that played brought a lot of energy, and it was all for a good cause.

Events, Music Bayfront Festival Park, Cover Bands

Custom Cheetos Speedboat

Jul 29, 2015 4 Comments

Is Custom Cab Co. in Duluth bringing their service to the lake with this tricked out Cheetos boat or is it secretly filled with an infinite amount of Cheetos?

Photos Weird, West Duluth

Vietnamese Lotus Inn is back … as VN Coffeehouse

Jun 28, 2015 1 Comment

On Feb. 2, 2013, the Vietnamese Lotus Inn planned to close its doors for good. A little over two years later, owners Steve and Cuc Allen have reopened with a new name, VN Coffeehouse.

News and Current Affairs, Restaurants Coffee Shops, Gary-New Duluth, Phở

Perfect Duluth Day Outdoor Summer Concert Primer 2015

Jun 06, 2015 3 Comments

Summer will soon be upon us, and with summer comes live music galore. Venues like Bayfront Festival Park and Big Top Chautauqua host major touring acts throughout summer, along with a number of smaller summer concert series put on by Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center, Bayside Sounds, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College and Chester Creek Concert Series. There are also a handful of weekend festivals around the region, from Sturgeon Lake on over to Rhinelander and Cadotte. Here’s a look at some of the summer 2015 highlights.

June 9
The Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank
Chester Bowl Park
The Chester Creek Concert Series continues with brothers Ian and Teague Alexy playing songs from their new album American Shuffle.

June 12
Hip Hop Fest SJ1
Embassy Bar
A weekend long hip-hop festival will take place in Sturgeon Lake, with artists such as Prof, Rittz, Twista and Mystikal performing throughout the weekend. On-site camping is available.

June 13
Michael Franti & Spearhead
Big Top Chautauqua
Michael Franti & Spearhead hits the stage under the Big Top with hits such as “The Sound of Sunshine” and “Say Hey (I Love You).”

June 19
Grandma’s Marathon Big Top Opening Night
Canal Park
County band Gloriana comes to Duluth to kick-off opening night of Grandma’s Marathon weekend. Fellow country act Hitchville is also on the bill.

Events, Music Outdoor Concerts

Perfect Duluth Day is now on Instagram

May 24, 2015 No Comments

Hello! My name is Kahla Statema, and if you can’t pronounce my name, it’s Kayla Stat-uh-mah. I’m the new intern at Perfect Duluth Day and also the face behind the PDD Instagram.

I am a journalism major with a minor in photography at UMD, and what some would call a “fourth-year sophomore.” I’ve always been a writer and used mediums such as poems and short stories to express myself when I was a kid. I enjoy writing stories on just about anything, but my number one dream is to become a freelance travel writer. If you would like to take a look at my personal work, check out my online portfolio.

Follow PDD on Instagram at @perfectduluthday and get ready for a great summer in Duluth!

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Photos Instagram

Finding Sarah Krueger

Apr 22, 2015 No Comments

It’s been nine years since Sarah Krueger first auditioned for American Idol. Since then, she has been the lead singer of a funk band, become a solo singer/songwriter and captured the attention of music lovers all over the Midwest. More importantly, she has learned that making music is about honesty.

“It takes time to hone in on your craft and to focus on the aesthetics of your art,” Krueger said. “I feel like I wanted something authentic, and I didn’t want to be breaking any extreme boundaries or try to be different or stand out. I think sometimes art gets lost in that idea that you need to be different than everyone else. It’s not about being different, it’s about being honest.”

Krueger is a teacher at the Montessori School by day and also works as a waitress at Grandma’s Saloon and Grill. A normal day means waking up early, opening the blinds in her home, preparing coffee and reading and writing before she teaches.

Music Sarah Krueger / Lanue

The Red Door brightens Duluth’s East Hillside

Apr 08, 2015 No Comments

Photos by Jamie Merideth

Hibbing native Sharon Kangas has been a Head Start teacher and cosmetologist. Now she’s an entrepreneur. In September 2013 she opened the Red Door, an ornate consignment shop in Duluth’s East Hillside neighborhood.

News and Current Affairs Central Hillside

Kahla Statema Posts