Music
Gnarwals, Mr. Kickass and Squidlife Crisis
Local bands Gnarwals, Mr. Kickass and Squidlife Crisis share the bill at Caddy Shack.
Doors open at 8 p.m.; music starts at 9.
Flame’s Duluth Superior Pride Drag Show
The Duluth Flame’s Annual Pride drag show features ThatQueerIsa and Dixie Diamond as hosts for a fabulous night of drag.
Mojakka Day
Come and enjoy the amenities that Sampo has to offer and purchase a bowl of Mojakka (beef stew), bread, dessert and beverage. There will be live music by Dick Rees and Friends. Ira Salema will demonstrate how to make a Vihta (birch sauna whisk). Raffle baskets, bake sale goods and crafts for sale. Meal cost $15 for adults $15 and $8 for kids under 12 years.
Sasquatch 92.1 Metal Night | Pronoya + Vvakefield + Protolith + Kalopsya + Mishipeshu
Pronoya’s artful and poetic metal style intentionally leans into contrasts that juxtapose more lyrical moments with heavy shredding, bass-face-inducing riffs, crunchy distortion and a frenzy of punchy drums. Joining lead vocalist Ryan Walker, who seamlessly alternates between harsh screamo and clean singing, are guitarists Kyle Wolden and William Richardson, drummer Loren Dawson and new bassist and backing vocalist Joey Langan. Pronoya’s music addresses the fragility of our mental health and the battles we face throughout life, while also leaving lyrics open to interpretation.
Candlelight Concert: Duluth Symphonic Winds
Duluth Symphonic Winds performs a Candlelight Concert from Glensheen’s historic Terrace. Surrounded by the glow of candlelight and the beauty of the estate at dusk, guests can take a musical journey spanning from the early 1900s through the 1950s. The evening includes pieces inspired by twilight and the history of the North Shore, shipping, railroads and the ore docks.
The first 60 guests receive guaranteed seating in the Formal Garden, with additional seating available on the South Lawn. Check-in begins at 6:30 p.m.
In the event of inclement weather, the rain date is Tuesday, Sept. 15.
Entheos Enclave and Peat Boggs
Entheos Enclave is a Duluth based band fronted by Inga Weis. This Nordic fusion of indie/crossover prog and world music comes from both deep love and deep grief, while embracing the joy of artistry.
They will be joined by groove, jazz and folk quartet, Peat Boggs.
Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com.
Pieta Brown & The Taken feat. Erik Koskinen
Pieta Brown first came to international prominence with the release of her self-titled debut in 2002. Since then, she has released multiple critically acclaimed albums, EPs and singles, with much attention being paid not only to her distinct sound and style, but also the power of her singing and songwriting.
She will be joined by Americana and folk artist Erik Koshinen.
Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com.
The Trash Cats and Crafts
An evening of creativity, connection and relaxation as local musicians fill the space with gentle live music designed to be enjoyed rather than shouted over. It’s a chance to slow down, settle in, and enjoy being around other people in a warm, welcoming environment.
The Trash Cats specialize in playful banter, 1990s to current music, and the best free cat stickers in town.
Bring acraft project if you’d like. Knitting, crochet, embroidery, drawing, coloring, journaling, hand sewing and other low-mess creative projects are all welcome. Supplies are available including coloring pages, colored pencils, markers, yarn, crochet hooks, knitting needles, scissors and simple beginner-friendly crafts.
They’ll be self-serve coffee and a tea station available throughout the evening, along with plenty of comfortable seating and crafting space.
Cost is a suggested $10-$20 sliding scale.
Ani Mari and Flutes & Low
Ani Mari is an alt-Americana singer-songwriter from the Northwoods of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, whose songs weave complex chord progressions into heart-wrenching stories and melodies. Her 2023 debut album, Girlfriend, fights for grace and connection amidst the anxieties, desires and heartbreaks of being young in America’s heartland. Her sophomore album is set for release in August.
Mud Puppies and Baba Fats
Mud Puppies is a five-piece folk/grunge band from Duluth influenced by Wilco and Nirvana, with local inspiration from Trampled by Turtles and Charlie Parr.
Baba Fats is a contemporary jazz(ish) band playing original, instrumental music.
This performance is on Bent Paddle’s outdoor stage in “The Yard.” If the weather is poor the show moves indoors to the Cosmic Stage.
A Haunting in the North Featuring Death of the Heron, UXIA, Possessed to Restored, BlurCurve and Discord at Dawn
Five bands share the bill for A Haunting in the North at Caddy Shack.
Death of the Heron
Uxia
Discord at Dawn
Possessed to Restored
Blurcurve
Doors open at 7 p.m.; music starts at 8.
So What
The Duluth indie/blues/rock band performs.
Old Love, Sonja Bjordal and Idle Rose
Old Love’s songwriting is equal parts clever and sincere. At their shows the audience can hear anything from stripped down finger-picked storytelling, to vibey builds driven by drums and bass. Sonja Martin and Idle Rose will also play folk music.
Dirt Bar Jam 2026
The ninth annual Dirt Bar Jam is a free music festival raising money for music education. It features eight live bands, a food truck, local vendors, a photo booth, charity raffle, free camping and a northwoods atmosphere.
Matt Heckler
The bluegrass multi-instrumentalist performs. Folk duo Pine & Fire opens.
The4onTheFloor
The high-octane rock’n’roll band performs. Openers TBA.
Bellend, Semi Infamous and Obleek
Last-minute pop-up show with Bellend, Semi Infamous and Obleek. Stop by for some live jams to end out July.
Doors open at 7 p.m.; music starts at 8. Suggested $5 donation. No one turned away for lack of funds.
PDD Quiz: Alan Sparhawk Projects
In honor of his recent solo release White Roses, My God, this edition of the PDD Quiz looks back at Alan Sparhawk’s many musical collaborations.
A current events PDD Quiz comes your way on Nov. 24. Please submit question suggestions to Alison Moffat at [email protected] by Nov. 21. (more…)
Big Sky Woody – “#31”
This is a one-man-band home-recording available for free on Bandcamp. You can find a few others there as well.
Rural Recording Studio Suggestions?
Musical artist Zola Jesus made this request on Twitter today. Any suggestions? Tweet back to @ZOLAJESUS.
I replied with Sacred Heart but there must be more.
Tim Kaiser Inferior Planets Double 7″ EP Crowdfunding
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Tim Kaiser is releasing a Double seven-inch EP on vinyl this Spring and is doing an Indiegogo fundraiser. Why a double seven-inch and not a full-length LP? Because the music is done in such a way that you can play more than one of the four sides at the same time! Crazy! Big thank you to Lakefront Films for shooting the video.