Music
The Adjustments – “North Shore Sinner Pt. IV”
Local rock band the Adjustments record “North Shore Sinner Pt. IV” at the home studio of band member Alex Nelson in Lakeside. The band’s new album At North Shore is available tonight at Carmody Irish Pub. Sam Tuthill opens the show at 10 p.m.
NPR Tiny Desk Concert: Gaelynn Lea
Duluth’s Gaelynn Lea won NPR’s second annual Tiny Desk Contest. Above is her 22-minute performance, featuring the tunes “Someday We’ll Linger in the Sun,” “Southwind,” “Bird Song” and “Moment Of Bliss.” Alan Sparhawk, her band mate in the Murder of Crows, joins in on the latter two songs.
Monster Mob – “Bloodfeast”
“Bloodfeast” is the latest single from Duluth band Monster Mob’s 2015 album American Grindhouse. Upcoming gig: Monster Mob and Ball Slashers at the Barrel Room at Fitger’s Brewhouse on May 25.
Roe Family Singers – “Sail Away Ladies”
Roe Family Singers return to Duluth on March 12 for a concert with the Holy Hootenanners at Teatro Zuccone.
Kraig James – “Afterbloom”
Kraig James & the Campfire Stars are releasing a new song each month in 2016 for a project called Campfire Americana: Volume 1. This is the second track, available for download at kraigjames.com/music. The video was shot in Ely.
Gaelynn Lea to appear on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series
Duluth musician Gaelynn Lea has been chosen as the winner of National Public Radio’s Tiny Desk Contest. NPR asked musicians from across the country to send a video of an original song, performed behind a desk. Specifically, the contest was seeking “a song and a sound that felt original and a performance that felt inspired.” Among 6,100 entries, Gaelynn Lea was the favorite. Below is her audition video.
“The melody of this song wouldn’t let go – it just stuck with me, it stuck with all the judges. It conveys an overwhelming emotion of yearning and love that’s unforgettable,” said Bob Boilen of NPR Music — whose desk has served as the stage of more than 500 Tiny Desk performances. “What we look for in the contest is an artist who has something singular about what they do, something unique to them, something no one else is doing. Gaelynn Lea has that, and that simply won our hearts.
Erik Koskinen – “Nothing Without You”
Michigan native Erik Koskinen has called Minneapolis home for the past eight years, but he has a long-running relationship with Duluth, having performed here frequently for nearly 20 years. He returns March 5 for a concert at Sacred Heart Music Center. The video above was shot live at the Turf Club in St. Paul on Dec. 15.
Holy Hootenanners – “It’s Time to Let it Go”
Check out the new video from the title track of the Holy Hootenaners album It’s Time to Let it Go. The song was written by Colleen Myhre and the video was produced by Paul Marvin Arts.
The Adjustments – “North Shore Sinner” Parts III and IV
The Adjustments are releasing their second studio album, At North Shore, with two concerts in the region. The Iron Range release party is tonight at Tommy’s Rainy Lake Saloon & Deli. The Duluth release party is March 11 at Carmody Irish Pub. (more…)
Low – “Into You”
New video for a song from the 2015 release Ones and Sixes. Directed by Jim Burns and Beth Chalmers.
No Interest at the Speakeasy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=610EROe-jmY
Hardcore punk band No Interest, performing in a Duluth basement that was recently taken off the party market.
Red Cowboy Hat (featuring Jim Hall) – “Duluth Blues”
Jim Hall recently brought his Red Cowboy Hat trio to the KUMD studios for a Live from Studio A session. They performed this tune, perfect for a sub-zero windchill day in Duluth. Audio of the full session with Jim and company is available at kumd.org.
Perfect Indoor Concert Venue: Red Herring Lounge
When it comes to picking the best indoor concert venue, there are a lot of things to consider — seating, acoustics, general vibe, etc. There might be plenty of room for argument on just about any criteria, but in one facet Duluth has a clear winner. It would be tough to dispute that any local concert hall, club or coffee house has consistently brought more high-caliber talent to its stage in the past two years than the Red Herring Lounge. Among the top four in PDD’s poll, the Herring pulled out a clean win with 35 percent of the vote. (more…)
The Alan Sparhawk Project
Ten year’s ago, Duluth musician Alan Sparhawk had his name dropped in this little comic (specifically panel three):
Questionable Content is an internet comic strip by Jeph Jacques of Halifax, Nova Scotia. It started in August 2003 and is still in production. The publish date of the comic above is not known, but it was first posted to PDD on Feb. 9, 2006.
John Mark Nelson & Kara Laudon – “That’s What You Do”
John Mark Nelson and Kara Laudon perform “That’s What You Do” for a Lutsen Mountains Gondola Session during the Gndwire Records’ Ski Party last weekend. Video by Brian Wegner.
Kraig James – “Teardrops and Elephants”
Kraig James & the Campfire Stars are releasing a new song each month in 2016 for a project called Campfire Americana: Volume 1.
Poll: What is the Duluth area’s best indoor concert venue?
Last summer a PDD poll determined Bayfront Festival Park is the region’s best outdoor concert venue. Now, in the dead of winter, it’s time to determine the best indoor concert venue. From large arenas to tiny little barrooms and coffee joints — what is the best place for live music in the Twin Ports?
This poll is now closed. The results were:
Red Herring Lounge – 35 percent
Sacred Heart Music Center – 26 percent
Clyde Iron Works – 21 percent
R.T. Quinlan’s – 18 percent
A visit with Gaelynn Lea
While meeting Gaelynn Lea I was challenged in many ways. For two weeks now I’ve been trying to wrap my mind around it! She is an amazing musician, and a remarkable human being. My piece here barely scratches a tremendously fascinating surface, but trundle on over to Ed’s Big Adventure to learn more of her story, struggles, and music. This is the story of a great big soul in a tiny package. She isn’t trapped or helpless, either, but is a tremendously enriching member within our community. A model for all, frankly.
The Cellar Door – “Save Me”
The Cellar Door is a band based in Grand Forks, but it has a couple Duluth members. The group released this video last fall, shot in the old railroad tunnel at Ely’s Peak in Duluth.
As far as the knowledge base at PDD’s World Headquarters can figure, the first music video at Ely’s Peak was Sarah Krueger’s “Grace” for the North Shore Sessions. And then it seems like there might be another one we can’t remember.
Bringing it All Back to Duluth Does Dylan
A new Duluth Does Dylan album is in the works — the fourth in a series of compilations featuring Duluth bands covering Bob Dylan songs. Bringing it All Back to Duluth Does Dylan will feature 14 tracks recorded at Sacred Heart Studio by engineer Tom Fabjance. Fabjance is co-producing the album with executive producer Tim Nelson. (more…)
James Taylor, John Mellencamp to play Duluth shows
Adult contemporary music stars John Mellencamp and James Taylor will perform separate concerts at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center this spring. The DECC announced today Mellencamp will perform in Symphony Hall on April 7, with tickets going on sale on Friday, Jan. 29, at 10 a.m. via mellencamp.com and axs.com. Ticket prices range from $39.50 to $115. The opening act will be Carlene Carter, daughter of country music legends June Carter and Carl Smith, and stepdaughter of Johnny Cash.
James Taylor and his All-Star Band will perform on June 1 in Amsoil Arena. Tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 5, at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster. Ticket prices range from $65 to $85.
Charlie Parr – “Hobo” (from the Bischoff Sessions)
The Bischoff Sessions is a compilation album planned for release later in 2016. Proceeds will go toward creating awareness and understanding for drug and alcohol abuse. This is the first video of the series, featuring Duluth’s Charlie Parr recorded at Orange 72 Studio downtown Eau Claire.