15th NorthShore Inline Marathon just around the corner

Saturday, Sept. 11 will be the 15th running (skating) of the fastest show on eight wheels. Skate 26.2 miles from Two Harbors to Duluth on one of the most scenic racecourses this side of Hawaii. It is not too late to sign up or volunteer.

Banjos and fiddles and guitars! Oh my!

I’m delighted to present a fine evening of entertainment at Beaner’s Friday. Adam is a good friend from the cities and Orienta Carwash are more friends from Port Wing who wrote a great song called, “I Smell Bad.”

Fontanelles, Meridene and Excuse Me, Princess at Pizza Luce

That’s right it’s a show! Locals Excuse Me Princes and Meridene of Amble Down Records (Eau Claire, WI) will be joining F-Elles for a night of enchantment and meriment.

See you at 10PM 🙂

Uncle Paul Retires from Positively 3rd St. Bakery

Uncle Paul Steklenski, aka “The Cider Man,” is retiring after 27 years of baking wholesome breads for the community. He is one of the bakery’s founders, establishing the worker-owned co-operative in 1983. Luckily he will still do some part-time maintenance.

Snowmobile Mechanics in Duluth

I need some work done to my 2000 Ski-Doo. I have contacted local dealers and their shop rates are astronomical ($65-$90/ hour!) and they typically will not let me purchase the needed parts on my own which adds many hundreds of dollars to the total bill. I have asked around and many mechanics are too busy to take on any more projects. 

Does anyone know of a reputable snowmobile mechanic that has immediate availability? I also have some friends that would be interested in booking some smaller maintenance type jobs with him/ her. I am trying to keep within a 20-30 mile radius of Duluth.

Thanks in advance for any responses, and I know it is only August but we may have snow in the next 90 days, and I’m trying to be prepared.

Danny Schmidt at Beaner’s

Red House recording artist Danny Schmidt is playing at Beaner’s tonight, Thursday, Aug. 26. 8pm. $10. Come down, he’s a fantastic musician who is being so kind as to return to Duluth and grace us with his finger-pickin’ and story-tellin’.

DEDA Approves Budget for Norshor

DEDA Approves Budget for Norshor
Posted on the WDIO website at: 08/25/2010 9:22 PM

The Duluth Economic Development Authority approved a capital improvement budget on Wednesday for the Norshor Theatre.

The City of Duluth purchased the building in June, for $2.6 million. Fundraising is now underway for renovation work.

DEDA voted Wednesday night to put almost $100,000 towards those efforts. The Duluth Playhouse is managing the Norshor Theater and intends to have a full line-up of entertainment this fall.

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I’ll say it before Paul does: NorShor, with a cap S.

Hartley Nature Trax Trail Run

Amphetamine Reptile and Duluth

City Pages published a story today about Minneapolis’ Amphetamine Reptile record label celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Amphetamine Reptile label turns 25

A handful of Duluth bands recorded at AmRep back in the 1990s. Specifically, Puddle Wonderful and Swivelhead. Anyone have any Duluth-related AmRep stories to share?

There’s something about this book cover that makes me want to spend all day making alterations to it in Photoshop

I think I’d start with putting a Superman outfit on him. It’s a good thing I don’t have any Photoshop skills.

Two Years of the Rex! 8/28 – With Big Tree Bonsai & Dirty Horse

Rex poster

The Rex Bar is turning 2! To celebrate its birthday Big Tree Bonsai and Dirty Horse will team up to take the stage by storm. The party kicks off at 10 p.m. Saturday and will last until everyone has had enough. Party party party party. Blatnik!

First Thursday Motorcycle Ride

We ride again! Bring your jacket, it’ll officially be September. Last month’s ride was great. If you missed it, you missed out. Prepare for about 60-70 miles, and maybe a beer afterward!

A superficial — and less superficial — look at the candidates for Minnesota governor

Setting aside the issues and personal party affiliations for a moment, which candidate for Minnesota Governor has the best website in terms of appearance and functionality?

Farheen Hakeem (Green)
Tom Horner (Independence)
Tom Emmer (Republican)
Mark Dayton (Democratic Farmer Labor)
Ken Pentel (Ecology Democracy)
Linda S. Eno (Resource)
Chris Wright (Grassroots)

As for substance, all the candidates seem to like to provide an “issues” section with a few paragraphs of philosophy about a handful of topics. So far, I’ve only seen two somewhat detailed position papers on the state budget:

Minnesota Works: Horner-Mulder Budget Outline
Mark Dayton’s Deficit Solution

Cell phone advice wanted

I’m thinking of changing cell-phone plans. I currently use AT&T and am wondering about Sprint — calling only, no e-mail or fancy apps needed. Please share your experience.

2010 Slivovitz Festival

Hello again north country friends. Once again my band Black Bear Combo will be returning to Two Harbors this Saturday to provide some of the musical enjoyment for this year’s Slivovitz Festival. August 28, all day long at Earthwood Inn in Two Harbors. For information, call 218-834-3847. I don’t know the lineup or times for the bands, but there are always a bunch, along with food and drinks.

I’ll probably be sticking around Duluth and the Iron Range for a few days visiting, does anyone have any other suggestions for the next couple of days (bands, food, etc.)?

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