OMG! Near collision in Duluth Ship Canal

Runners and their families milling about foggy Canal Park almost got a big thrill this afternoon. The BBC Orinoco nearly side-swiped the South Pier Lighthouse.

I had the best angle, and I was sure this boat was going to hit. More photos in my blog.

Grandma’s Finish Line

Grandma’s Marathon will have a live video feed from the finish line this year.
Here is the link

Right now it’s pointed at the beer tents.

Two Many Banjos at Chester Creek Cafe

Gartband

Happy Hour
June 17, 6-8 p.m.

Buskers Wanted for Sidewalk Days

Downtown Duluth’s annual Sidewalk Days Festival will be held July 6-8 on Superior Street between Lake Avenue and Fourth Avenue West.

The Greater Downtown Council is encouraging all buskers to open a case wherever it’s convenient — except, of course, where merchants and vendors have assigned spaces. (The GDC holds the permit for the street closure and with that can invite anyone to busk, so you don’t need a fancy busking permit.)

Contact Darlene if you have any questions — 218-428-2258 or dmarshall @ downtownduluth.com.

Half Hearts | People Say Fox | Hot Ashes

R.T. Quinlan’s will be hosting some of Duluth’s up-and-comers on Saturday, July 9, at 9PM.

The Half Hearts
The People Say Fox
Hot Ashes

Things to do in Duluth

I always look at the Transistor for things to do on any given week, but sometimes it can be inconvenient to have to wait for the new issue.  I have family visiting next week, and it would be nice to see what’s going on in town.  Is there anything that is anywhere near as comprehensive and as focused on the arts as the Transistor that covers a longer period of time?

This Is How Dave Found His Voice

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDdXzgcKb80

I think you might like this documentary for a number of reasons:
1) It’s really good.
2) It’s super pretty.
3) It’s way more interesting to hear a swell guy like Dave tell you his story than it is to learn about teen depression on Wikipedia. (But if you do happen to learn a few things about depression, and you want to do something about that, please visit givevoicenow.com and donate a couple of bucks to help the Miller-Dwan Foundation build Amberwing, a mental health facility for kids, teens and young adults here in Duluth.)

Homegirl Justy Dodge Makin’ ’em Smile in the Big Apple

Justy Dodge Photograph: Jakob N. Layman

Mrs. Goose’ close pal Justy Dodge has the Joke of the Week on Time Out New York. Who knows? Maybe the right person will crack a smile and who knows where that could lead in a city that has launched the careers of 10,000 entertainment icons? (more…)

Into the Woods: Grimms Fairytale Musical

Into the Woods (Summer Musical)
July 14-31, 2011
Wednesdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.
Sundays at 2 p.m.
(more…)

Duluth’s Providence Building, Wangenstein & Baillie projects

The Providence Building opened in 1895 on the corner of Superior Street and Fourth Avenue West in Downtown Duluth. Originally it was a more ornate five-story building. A Northern Pacific Railroad office was located on the first floor.
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Looking for a Guitar Setup

I’m wondering if anyone has recommendations about someone who can do guitar setups in the Twin Ports. Thanks!

Someone in Duluth Loves Me…

I’m headed out to Cape Breton in Nova Scotia in a couple weeks to visit some newly formed friends whose daughter attends school here at UMD.   Capers are lovely, hospitable, and will take you in as their very own.  Since they are planning the most authentic, local, Cape Breton experience for me (lobster fishing, sailing, music & pubs) I would like to bring some gifts from Duluth that really reflect the culture here. Something besides a shirt that says, “Someone in Duluth Loves Me” (though I’m not opposed to Ts.)  Keep in mind that things like maple syrup and blueberries are very much a part of their culture given the similar climates.  Wild Rice might be a unique option though.   Thoughts?  What would you bring from Duluth to far away lands?

Stand in Line Tonight; Sale Opens Tomorrow

The DPL Friends sale starts in just 24 hours; stand in line now if you want to be first. Or, maybe, just get their early tomorrow.

Video of 2009 Friends Sale

From the Friends: The 2011 Book Sale will be held June 14-17

The Friends of the Duluth Public Library annual used book sale is held this year in June. The first day of the sale is for Friends members only; anyone may join the Friends on that day by paying the membership dues ($10 annually for an individual) at the table in the Michigan Street Lobby.

Build your own home library and contribute to a good cause at the same time. The 2010 sale raised more than $30,000! These funds are given back to the Library to purchase special materials and to support specific programs.

The Book Sale is the Friends’ major fundraising activity. All proceeds from the sale are returned to the Library and are used to purchase new materials and to support programs and special activities.

The War Continues…

Norton’s going crazy this morning while checking up on my PDD.

Blackhole Toolkit Website 5 is hitting my firewall pretty hard…

Arto Jarvela and Kaivama at Sacred Heart

Sacred Heart Music Center
Monday, June 13, 7:30 p.m.
$15 at the door

Info at sacredheartmusic.org

Come hear Finland’s greatest fiddle player at the beautiful Sacred Heart!

Gyro Saturday Sale!

Gyro Saturday Sale

Twelve Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church is having a Gyro Saturday Sale on Saturday, June 18, 11:30 a.m – 5 p.m.

Address: 632 E. Second St., Duluth MN 55805
Questions: 218-722-5957
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Where the hell’s Cooper?

This article was originally published in the June 2006 issue of Minnesota Monthly magazine.

A corner of the Squirrel Cage Bar in Willow River still pays tribute to the town’s most infamous citizen. At the top of a collection of framed newspaper clippings is a computer printout asking a question that once appeared on hundreds of bumper stickers in the area: “Where the hell’s Cooper?”

U. S. Marshals are still trying to answer that question. (more…)

Make Way for Ducklings: Vintage Duluth to Forest Hill Cemetery

Yesterday, Wildwoods volunteer Kate VTB was shopping with Clare and Katherine at Vintage Duluth downtown.

The owner was stroking her shoulder oddly. It seems a duckling had wandered in, found nothing in its size, and had lost track of its mom.

Kate leapt into action, calling the licensed rehabber for advice. She needs to be released into a pond, Kate was told. A hat-box was prepared with holes for air, tender goodbyes made, and we were off. (more…)

Ashland Advice

I’m looking to spend a weekend in Ashland. This is what I know to do so far:

1. Stare at the beautiful bay. (more…)

The Chronicle Premiere

Image from: Pioneer Productions

I was at the same opening that Ennyman (from whose blog I took these images last night) attended, for Chronicle, a multi-media show based on a comic book being produced by Eric Horn, Ben Fisher-Merritt and others.
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Challenge: Gary-New Duluth vs. East Hillside / Chester Park

The challenge is to list the Pros and Cons of living in either location. GO TEAM GO!

Summer Specials at the Teatro Zuccone

There’s only 5 performances left of Renegade Theater Company’s production of REASONS TO BE PRETTY. The show has been dubbed “A high-impact drama with a superb cast” by the Duluth News Tribune, “A must-see performance” by Oeuvre Magazine and “Better than a kick in the junk” by Jody Kujawa. That’s some serious high-praise, guys.

So if you haven’t seen it yet, what are you waiting for? That’s not rhetorical. Seriously, what are you waiting for? There’s only five shows left! Well, how about if we give you one more reason to see it?

When you either call the box office (218-336-1414) or show up to purchase tickets, use the codeword and get your tickets for ONLY $5!   Yeah, you heard us right. This offer is good for ANY of the remaining performances. It doesn’t matter if there are 2 people in your party or 20, the tickets are $5 EACH. But only if you use the codeword.

What is the codeword? It’s the url of THIS WEBSITE.

And from now until June 18th at the Zeitgeist Arts Cafe you can get a “Pretty Cosmo” for only $5 and receive 10% off your food bill if you show them your program from the production.

Hope to see you there!

Rummage Sale Fund Raiser!

I’m helping out with a with a little rummage sale this weekend and all of the profits are being donated to the CHUM Emergency Shelter.  The big sale takes place June 10 & 11 from 9am-4pm at 2306 Apple Ridge Dr. off of Arrowhead Rd.  There is something for everyone: t, clothes, furniture, etc.  We will also be selling hotdogs and bottled water, & KQDS will be there too tomorrow for a bit!

“Street Talkin'”opens at Washington Gallery on Friday, June 10

Artist Jacob Rosandich is exhibiting new artwork in Street Talkin’, opening at Washington Gallery on Friday, June 10, from 6-9pm. Colorful and bold, his paintings could be called genre pieces with a concentration on line and color.
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Homegrown Rummage Sale

A number of folks expressed interest in buying our snazzy Homegrown tees this year, which were only available to volunteers and musicians. Well, we’ve got a few leftover so Rummage Sale time it is. If you’re headed to the Park Point sales tomorrow, June 10, stop by and visit us on Minnesota Ave between 18th and 19th, on the Lake side.

We’ll also have CDs, including the new Mayor’s Mix, Homegrown coozies, and tees screenprinted with the logo above.