Harbor Symphony
Do you (or a friend) have access to a boat (ship, tug, tanker, trawler, yacht…) with a loud horn or whistle? Do you play a loud, low acoustic instrument audible from at least 200 yards (Sousaphone, tuba, trombone, foghorn, chain saw, Alphorn, hammer/anvil, church carillon, or are you part of a drum circle or Dykes on Bikes)? Are you near Duluth-Superior on Labor Day Saturday and available to premiere a giant piece of music during DS Pride celebrations? We need your help!
Philip Blackburn, St. Paul based environmental sound artist, through an Artist Initiative fellowship from the Minnesota State Arts Board, is composing a Harbor Serenade for as many community participants as possible; all honking, blowing, hooting and tooting across the water (and a few on the shoreline). (more…)
New ARAC Grant Application Deadlines
The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council’s upcoming deadlines and workshop dates:
August 26, 4:30 p.m. | Career Development and A&CHF Community Art Learning Grant Deadline (A postmark by 4:30 p.m. on this date is also acceptable.)
Guidelines and application forms are available at aracouncil.org. If you prefer hard copy, contact the ARAC office at 1301 Rice Lake Road, Suite 120, Duluth, MN 55811; call 218-722-0952 or 1-800-569-8134 or email info @ aracouncil.org.
Funding for these grant programs is made possible by an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature, the McKnight Foundation, and with money from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.
Book Signing Party for Swinging Doors, A Memoir by Quinlan Michael Hampston
Saturday, Aug. 20, 4 to 6 pm., at R.T. Quinlan’s, 220 W. Superior Street. Easy access and parking at 221 W. Michigan.
Mischief and mishap figure into Quinlan Michael Hampston’s hilarious stories of how a kid who couldn’t read grew up to be a man who would write a book. Funny, yet poignant, Swinging Doors suggests, without apology, that steering a zigzag course can land a guy in a surprisingly good place.
Hampston, an owner of R.T. Quinlan’s, chronicles his life growing up in Duluth, serving in the Navy aboard an aircraft carrier in the Western Pacific, Desert Storm and his life of a barkeep. Along the way, Hampston travels with a goofy but lovable bunch of characters – kids chasing trains and cows, sailors chasing skirts and bar buddies telling tales and chasing their next drink. Read more at swingingdoorsbook.com.
Controversy!
With the notable exceptions of the PDD Grammar Post and the PDD Troll Zone, what has been the most controversial post on PDD?
The American North @ Sir Ben’s
Next Saturday, Sir Ben’s Tavern on the Lake will host The American North in their first appearance in the Duluth area. Joining them for the night are two locals; The indie-folk 4 piece Loup-Garou and solo sensation Breanne DeFoe.
Show is at 9pm // Free for your enjoyment // 21+ (sorry young music admirers) // Try the black bean nachos, they’re phenomenal.
The Crunchy Bunch – a DJ collective
Hello Duluthians of P.D.D. My name is Alexis and I am a member of The Crunchy Bunch. We are a DJ collective that is all about spinning funky and bangin’ tunes while having a good time. We have spun at a ton of different events; from small art shows to having a spot at the Rex during Homegrown. We are all down to spin where ever for whatever, whenever. We just love hearing loud music on big speakers. A couple of us also produce and remix on our own time. If you throw a party, event, or a get together of any sort that needs dance music, let us know! We are looking for any kind of business we can get. We really want to get our foot in the door of the Duluth music scene and possibly bring our part of the world of DJing to a new community. You can contact us via Facebook or Soundcloud.
Lake Monster
[This post originally contained an embedded video that is no longer available at its source.]
Arts Wisconsin’s Rural Arts Management Institute
From: Sam Black of ARAC Duluth and Anne Katz of Arts Wisconsin
The 5th season of Arts Wisconsin’s Rural Arts Management Institute 2011-2012 begins in October 2011. The resources, networking, and contacts gained from this experience are outstanding and invaluable, according to past participants. There are very few programs like this available for rural arts leaders — comprehensive learning communities that provide a foundation of knowledge and an enduring network of peers, friends and colleagues.
(more…)
Hillside Public Orchard Events
Hillside Public Orchard Fall Community Events
Everyone welcome. Save the dates!
All “Weed and Feeds” this late summer/fall will be on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.
Bring a snack to share, eating utensils and plates, and a chair or blanket to sit on. Dates are set but activities may vary due to orchard needs.
(more…)
Duluth Billboard Art Project: August 20-21
The Billboard Art Project is a nonprofit organization that acquires digital billboards normally used for advertising and repurposes them as roadside galleries. Projects are held in cities all over the country and are open to all individuals and groups who are interested in participating.
The Duluth show will feature 48 hours of continuous art beginning Saturday, Aug. 20 at 12 a.m. and running through Sunday, Aug. 21 at 11:59 p.m. During this time, a variety of pictures having nothing to do with advertising will be displayed for the general public’s viewing pleasure. The billboard is located at the southeast corner of the intersection of E. Central Entrance and S. Blackman Ave.
Please visit billboardartproject.com for details.
Lower Chester Picnic Potluck and Play Day
The Lower Chester Picnic Potluck and Play Day will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2 p.m., at Lower Chester, 15th Ave. E. & Fifth St.
Neighbors of Lower Chester Park is a new nonprofit with a goal to raise funds through rummage, plant and vegetable sales, as well as a spaghetti dinner fundraiser Oct. 8 at Chester Park United Methodist Church, 818 N. 18th Av.E.
(more…)
Cookie Temptations
Today, after exiting the lunch buffet at Sala Thai, I stopped in Cookie Temptations.
Think bakery + florist. CT creates sugar cookies that are designed in chocolate, baked in Duluth.
Besides custom cookie orders (that’s the “florist” part as I see it), they sell individually wrapped cookies. One cookie a month is a “benefit” cookie, proceeds to a charity or needy cause.
The young lady behind the counter was awesome, informative, and helpful; the cookie we bought rocked.
Clyde Iron Rant
I don’t necessarily think this is the forum to rip into a local business, but I have to ask fellow PDDers about their experience with the quality of food and service at Clyde Iron Works. I’ve seen a couple great shows there — TBT earlier this summer, and Brandi Carlile last night. The venue itself is truly great, as is the building, but we have yet to have anything to eat there that didn’t leave us with a bad taste in our mouth, figuratively speaking.
(more…)
Moving Planet Day, 9/24 – Ideas
Duluth could afford to have its own version of this worldwide event being sponsored by 350.org. It’s a day to get people out of their cars and onto their legs, or else out of fossil-fuel dependence and onto other kinds of wheels — even electric-powered. Looking for folks willing to turn out in a bike/skate/walking parade or sit at a table. (more…)
Dead Man Winter in the Current studio
[This post originally contained an embedded video that no longer exists at the source.]
Trampled by Turtles side project Dead Man Winter performs “Wasteland,” “A Long Cold Night in Minneapolis” and “Nicotine.”
Loaves & Fishes and Jefferson Street Neighbors Block Party!
Loaves & Fishes and Jefferson Street neighbors are throwing a block party and you’re invited!
Sunday, Aug. 14 · 4 to 7 p.m.
1700 block of Jefferson Street (in Duluth)
(more…)
Why is the library essential?
I thought about commenting on the post below, but this question deserves a post of its own. It looks like our library’s status is an issue that is going to stick around awhile. Libraries are closing everywhere, even in large metro areas like Chicago, Philadelphia and Charlotte (the first few that come up on a search).
It’s also a question that came up at the Duluth Chamber’s most recent “Forvm” event with city council candidates, and it led to some odd answers. One candidate said something like, “Absolutely we need to support our library.” I take that as meaning he thinks it’s essential. But then he went on, “I haven’t been there since college. It seems everything I need now is on the internet, but I was there all the time in college.”
(more…)
The People Say Fox need some assistance!
The People Say Fox are recording a new album this September! It’s our second album, and we are over-the-top ultra excited to share it with any who are willing to listen. We estimate the cost of releasing this album to be $5,000+, so to help raise some of the funds we started our very own Kickstarter. It has been up and running for a couple of months now, and with only a week left, we are over half-way to our $1,000 goal! We are offering some nifty prizes in return for your generosity, so any and all contributions are greatly appreciated and hopefully worthwhile to you!
We have all the confidence in the world in what we’re doing, and if you can assist us in pursuing our dreams, we will be forever grateful. You lovely folks have given us so much support over the past few years, and we hate having to ask for more, but if you find yourself thinking “maybe I can help,” head on over to our Kickstarter and read more about our project!
We’ll see ya soon with some new jams,
Mike, Nate, and Nate
P.S. For those who are interested, our first album is streaming at thepeoplesayfox.com.
Jani Lane found dead in his hotel room
Lead singer for 1980’s hair band Warrant was found dead at the Woodland Hills Comfort Inn in L.A. last night. Jani Lane was 47 years old and was probably best known for the hit “Cherry Pie.” The cause of death is unknown.
Maybe a band at this years Duluth Tribute Fest, at Bayfront Park Aug. 26-27, will cover a Warrant song or two in memory of Jani?
(more…)
Artists (incredibly talented-artists) Gathering at Glensheen
The world’s most talented artists (in our slightly-biased opinion) will be at Glensheen this weekend for the 17th Annual Festival of Fine Art and Craft.
- The Festival is two days, Saturday, Aug. 13 and Sunday, Aug. 14, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (both days)
- The Festival is free
- We recommend taking the free shuttle from UMD’s maroon lot B. It will run continuously from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Also at Glensheen: activities for the kids, fantastic food vendors, regular-priced house tours, and 7.7 acres of stunning Lake Superior shoreline
Questions? Feel free to call or email us — 726-8910 or info @ glensheen.org.
Help build new walkway at Enger Tower
The city of Duluth is crafting a new accessible walkway to the gazebo from the parking lot at Enger Park. The pathway will be completed prior to construction of the new gazebo. The public is invited to help out any day M-F from 8:30 to 2:30 p.m. or at these other times:
Wed, Aug 17, 5-8 p.m.
Thurs, Aug 18, 9-2 p.m.
Sun, Aug 21, 2-5 p.m.
No experience is required, all ages welcome, equipment provided. Call 269-4712 for more info!
Support the Duluth Public Library
Support the public library at the Duluth City Council Meeting.
Please join us on Monday, Aug. 15, when we again attend the council meeting. We’ll gather at 6:30 p.m. outside the Council Chambers at City Hall. Please come and help to support our coordinated campaign to keep the Duluth Public Library a top priority for city funding. The message is, “Our libraries are essential!”