Duluth Piano Restoration
Has anyone had an antique piano restored in the Duluth area? I am looking to have a 1907 upright restored and thus far have an estimate from Master Piano. It seems to me it would be worth getting more than one estimate for such an extensive and costly undertaking. I understand Streblow is another option. I am wondering if there are any additional companies to consider or if anyone has any experience working with either of these companies.
Coyote CD Project on Kickstarter
Coyote is hard at work on a new album. Our goal is to record our latest batch of original tunes before Marc hits the road in June. We’re taking the leap and have set-up a Kickstarter page with rewards / “pre-sales” of the upcoming CD and such. Ryan Dahlberg made a little movie to tell you all about it.
This week: State of the City, urban chickens, baseball and Joan of Arc
Monday, April 2
Mayor Don Ness presents the State of the City Address at the DECC… for reals this time.
Tuesday, April 3
Learn how to raise urban chickens at the Whole Foods Co-op and get some soup and the bowl it comes in at the 19th annual Empty Bowl Second Harvest Food Bank fundraiser.
Wednesday, April 4
You can see Jim Hall at Thirsty Pagan and still have time to make it across the bridge to see Charlie Parr and Devil’s Flying Machine at Tycoons.
Friday, April 6
Spring is in the air and a young man’s thoughts turn to baseball! The Bulldogs and the Saints both have games today, and admission is free!
Friday and Saturday, April 6 & 7
Hear the classic 1928 silent film, The Passion of Joan of Arc, scored by the Minneapolis band, Zoo Animal at the Zinema 2.
The PDD Calendar Transition Team
Left to right in our photo are outgoing editor Abigail Schoenecker, intrepid intern Emily Haavik and … announcing the new PDD Calendar editor – Lawrence Lee.
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8-Bit Duluth
Can anyone give me a walkthrough of the dungeon underneath the Seaway Hotel?
The Ball Slashers (Live Debut!)
What? Yeah I started a rock band. We’re called the Ball Slashers and we’re going to open the show at RT’s next Friday. Poor Howard (Howlin’ Andy & Vince Cadillac) and Hard Feelings are in the middle, and the Blood Shot (my old band!!) are last. Come on down, we’re here to provide the blast of high octane rock and roll that this town is devoid of. Cheers!
Buffalo Bill Cody, his little sister Helen, and Duluth
There are a lot of rumors and facts about Buffalo Bill Cody and his connection to Duluth. In this post, we examine the subject as deeply as anyone would possibly want to.
In short: Buffalo Bill Cody financed the Duluth Press Building in the friendly West End. There used to be a Cody Hotel in West Duluth named after Buffalo Bill, and he is the namesake behind Cody Street.
Here’s a link to a story I wrote in 2002 about Buffalo Bill’s little sister for the Area Woman magazine, which provides a good general background: Area Women in History: Helen Cody Wetmore (more…)
Helen Cody Wetmore: More Than Just Buffalo Bill’s Little Sister
The reminders are all over the city, but still, few people know that Colonel William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody had business interests in Duluth one hundred years ago. His sister, Helen Cody Wetmore, lived in Duluth back then and convinced the famous frontiersman and Wild West showman to invest in the Zenith City. She also made a name for herself as an advocate for women achieving what she called “their rightful spheres in church and state.” (more…)
Blue Laws are Stupid, Post #5
I apologize for not being as vigilant with this as John Ramos has been with his countdown, but here’s the latest sad news on one of the most idiotic laws ever:
Bring Lucy Home Benefit
Lucille June Moe-Brummer was born Dec. 13 in Scottsdale, Ariz., to Sandra Moe and Charlie Brummer. Unfortunately, life for Lucy was an uphill battle from day one. Lucy had a degenerative genetic disorder that caused her to have significant brain atrophy within the first two months of her life. This is an extremely devastating and rare condition which is not treatable. We were hoping to get Lucy back to Minnesota, hence why the benefit is called “Bring Lucy Home,” but unfortunately time was not on our side.
There are still many medical costs to take care so the benefit is still on! Come join us this Saturday, March 31, from 1-5 p.m. at Mr. D’s in West Duluth. There will be a silent auction, raffles, spaghetti feed, and an acoustic performance by Lake Avenue. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance or at the door the day of the event.
To learn more about Lucy’s story go to caringbridge.org/visit/lucillebrummer or facebook.com/LucyJune3.
Where is the best place to eat smelt?
The spring smelt run should be not too far off. I was wondering where people thought the best place to get the golden fish fries were in the area? I have heard that most places that serve them don’t get them from local sources. Any smelt aficionados out there?
Downtown Duluth Safety
A dead body was found in Lake Place Park on Monday. I wonder if the police could set up a mini police station in the park. What do you think?
LakeVoiceNews: Local Themed Publication
What makes Duluth unique? What makes it special? We tried to answer this question through our stories. LakeVoice’s publication this week is about everything local. Here’s what we’ve been working on this week:
- Celiac is an autoimmune disorder believed to affect up to 1% of the US population. Sadly, there is no cure. The only known effective treatment is a gluten-free diet. Alicia Lebens put together a collection of gluten-free options for Duluthians on Pinterest.
- 2104 E. Superior St. has become the coolest house to see local musicians and artists. Recently, they’ve hosted journalist Adam Carr (creator of January in Duluth), music acts Dirty Horse and Big Wave Dave, and photographer Kip Praslowicz. Rebecca Mortensen interviewed the owners for this week’s LakeCast.
Independent Minnesota 8th Congressional District candidate seeks nomination
I realized back when I was a young man the United States of America was not the pillar of democracy that the propagandists claim it to be. Expressing what I knew as a 19 year old, I could name quite a list of ruthless dictators that clandestine parts of the U.S. government had at least some responsibility of bringing into power if they did not outright install them. They included the Shah of Iran, Baby Doc, Marcos, Batista, Samoza, Suharto and Saddam Hussein to name a few.
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This week: Apps and Ales, gardening and car delights, and more
Monday, March 26
Thirsty Pagan hosts its second Appetizers and Ales event with featured beer to complement Wide World of Wings wings.
Thursday, March 29
Enjoy an evening of wine and music at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College’s Taste of the Vineyards. More Fun Than Bowling, put on by a UMD student run theater group, opens at the Teatro and runs through the weekend.
Friday, March 30
The Tisdales release their third album Supercaldera at R.T.’s. Today through Sunday, gearheads and car lovers can get their fill at Motorhead Madness at the DECC.
Saturday, March 31
Featuring 3 DJs from California, the California Love Tour hits Clyde Iron. Kickoff the gardening season at third annual Spring Fling at Peace United Church.
There’s plenty more events where those came from on the PDD Calendar.

















