8-Bit Classic Collection brings back the oldies
Out with the old video-game shop, in with the older video-game shop. After a spur-of-the-moment decision to buy the Game Galaxy store at 28 W. First St., Jim Mattson changed the focus and the name, opening 8-Bit Classic Collection on Feb. 1, specializing in vintage video games. (more…)
Pete Townshend knows all about Bob Dylan … kind of
Minneapolis Star Tribune: Pete Townshend won’t get fooled again about Bob Dylan’s birthplace
Tysonette Auditions
Go in depth with Fred Tyson as potential Tysonettes audition for the coveted role. Video by Tomas Soderberg.
Fred Tyson & His Tysonettes perform at the Red Herring Lounge on Saturday, May 2, at 10:45 p.m. during the Homegrown Music Festival.
Selective Focus: Open Theme
Ann Klefstad, “Anclote bed”
Some new work this week, and favorites from seven months of moderating this virtual agora. Next week’s theme will be “whadya’ do last week” because I’ve heard there’s some sort of festival hereabout; “homespun,” “homeslice…” something like that. (more…)
Duluthians conquer Switzerland’s “Wall of Death”!
Congratulations to Rick Kollath and Dean Einerson who topped out this morning on the mythic North Face of the Eiger, one of the most sought-after plumbs in alpine climbing (even Clint Eastwood failed spectacularly here in The Eiger Sanction)! The Eiger has claimed more than its share in terms of sensational mountain tragedies, but you can’t keep a good team from the Great Plains down. This ascent is testimony to the physical and mental grit of these two paragons of Duluth climbing, not to mention the world-class local training facilities at Superior Kettlebell Gym and Casket Quarry. Well done, lads!
ARAC Individual Artist Awards
Your Legacy Sales Tax, with some money from the General Fund and from the McKnight foundation, makes possible these Arrowhead Regional Arts Council awards to individual artists in Duluth and the region. If you see a friend on this list, say “Woot,” would you? (more…)
Duluth Band Profile: Christine Hoberg
Christine Hoberg has never shied away from taking risks. On her album World Within, she shows her big voice in the big city. Click on the image above to hear the interview.
Finding Sarah Krueger
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. (more…)
Duluth Band Profile: Adam Sippola
Adam Sippola began an introspective journey with Rising Point. He explains how years of experimenting with looping technology became a full-fledged album. Click on the image above to hear the interview.
Video Archive: Red Star Lounge opens in 2005
The footage above is from a party at the Red Star Lounge on April 20, 2005, celebrating the completion of construction and pending opening on April 22.
Video by Starfire.
Gunflint Trail Traffic Stop
Helmet cam video by Henry Johnson on the Gunflint Trail … featuring an unexpected traffic issue.
Al’s Adventures in Duluth and on the North Shore
Boating, hiking, skiing, peppermint schnapping, casinoing and general shenanigans spanning all seasons — featuring Big Al K and friends.
This Week: fundraisers, awards, theater and more
Here’s a bit of what you’ll find on this week’s PDD Calendar:
Twelve hours of music and live glassblowing are happening at Legacy Glassworks’ Spring Blowout, the latest episode of Take it With You is being taped live, Charlie Parr’s raising money for Harbor City International School (where Flora, the Red Menace is opening on Friday) and St. Scholastica’s Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble is playing great movie music.
The 23rd annual Labovitz Entrepreneurial Success Awards are on Wednesday, the beloved musical Annie is opening at Fregeau Auditorium, comedians are coming together to fight Alzheimer’s, loud rock is in the offing at the Red Herring, Wise Fool Shakespeare is throwing a benefit at Northland Country Club and the Hubble Space Telescope is 25.
And, oh, yeah: a little thing called the Homegrown Music Festival kicks off on Sunday.
Duluth’s Preus, Allen win 2015 Minnesota Book Awards
Duluth-based writer Margi Preus and illustrator Rick Allen were among the winners of the 27th annual Minnesota Book Awards, announced at a ceremony in St. Paul on Saturday.
Northern Lights near Duluth
Photographer Derek Montgomery captured these images of the Northern Lights dancing across the sky just outside Duluth, early on the morning of April 16.
American Rebels – “Love Song” (Live on The PlayList)
Duluth band American Rebels performs “Love Song” on the April 16 episode of WDSE-TV’s The PlayList.
Upcoming gig: Wednesday, April 29, 11:30 p.m., at Mr. D’s Bar & Grill during the Homegrown Music Festival.
Selective Focus: Bed(s?)
Kip Praslowicz, untitled
When I announced the next week’s theme to be “bed,” I certainly did not intend that to be singular- that Kip Praslowicz would represent the only submission at hand. However, it does now occur to me that our artistic community might be reticent regarding anything that resembles prurience, at least publicly. Lesson learned, beloved new home. (more…)
Poplar River Falls Aerial View – Lutsen Ski Area
Poplar River falls is just north of Lutsen Ski Area and the Superior Hiking trail crosses the river at the apex of the falls.
Duluth Handyman Recommendations
I do most things myself, but we are working on some remodeling projects and exterior repair on a house we purchased this winter. There are a few things I would rather have someone else do with more expertise. Anyone have a suggestion?
Duluth Band Profile: Gin Street
Gin Street takes youth and energy to give audiences a highly interactive show. The group opens up about a sense of community inside and outside the band. Click on the image above to hear the interview.
Baptism River “High Falls” Aerial View -Tettegouche State Park
Aerial drone video of “High Falls” on the Baptism River. The Baptism River “High Falls” in Minnesota’s Highest waterfall at 60 feet. During spring run-off it flows heavily and is a great time to visit and hear the thunderous roar of the falls. Mid-summer you can swim the pool at the base of these falls. Tettegouche State Park is one of the best campgrounds on the North Shore of Lake Superior. https://dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/tettegouche/
