Local Happenings This Weekend: Art, Music, Poetry, Dance and TWO FREE TICKETS

Straight up, you have to make decisions. Too much to see, too little time.

Tonight, jazz/blues singer Pippi Ardienne will be at the Oldenburg House. It's sold out, so your decision has been made for you.

Tonight, the Great Lakes Academy of Fine Art is hosting its Second Annual Student/Instructor Exhibition. If you can't make the opening, the art school will be open throughout the weekend. Check the link for hours.

The Hibbing Dylan Project will be offering a Bob Dylan themed tour of Hibbing on Saturday May 19th. The tour will be given by Mary Keyes, a Hibbingite who has been giving Dylan themed tours of Hibbing for over a decade. Mary’s tours are always informative and entertaining. Dylan fans should not pass up this learning opportunity. The tour is part of a day long celebration put on by The Hibbing Dylan Project acknowledging Bob Dylan and his accomplishments.

The cost for the “Bob Dylan’s Hibbing Experience” bus tour is $30 and seating is limited. Tickets may be purchased at Security State Bank in downtown Hibbing, or may be reserved for will-call by emailing hibbingdylanproject@gmail.com. Refreshments will be served on the bus.

I HAVE ONE FREE TICKET that was purchased and donated for a giveaway here. The first person to contact me via email (ennyman3 AT gmail DOT com) or FB or Twitter (ennyman3) will receive this ticket if we can get it to you and you're planning to go.

Proceeds from the day will be going towards the Hibbing Dylan Project’s tribute of Bob Dylan’s achievements.

* * * *
The Largest open studio weekend of the year Nationwide is this weekend in Minneapolis. If you are in the Twin Cities, check out the Art-O-Whirl.

* * * *
I ALSO HAVE A FREE TICKET TO SEE BIG WU. This is a concert to support the Armory Arts and Music Center vision and to raise ongoing awareness for the Historic Armory. The first person to Buy a Ticket gets this FREE TICKET FOR A FRIEND.

Big Wu got its start in late 1991. Their first couple gigs were on campus in 1992. According to Mark Castino, "We weren't all that interested in school especially after we began having success with the music. Initially we learned and performed classic rock and funk tunes with an emphasis on Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers, thanks to Jason's influence. I had virtually zero knowledge of the Dead when I joined the band. Today I can safely say that Jerry Garcia is a guiding light for my guitar playing for the last 25 years."

After four years of playing cover songs in or around Northfield, the band mostly graduated and relocated to the Twin Cities with the intention of trying their luck in that music scene. "We quickly realized that we needed original music now, so I began writing music that would end up on our debut album in 1997. Terry also began writing. He and I have always been the main writers in the band."

This year the ban is putting the finishing touches on their ninth official release, due out this summer. No official title yet, but all original music with the exception of one song which utilizes the lyrics of Robert Hunter.

* * * *

SUNDAY After there will be a Celebration of Motherhood in all its forms at Beaners.

* * * *
ALSO on Sunday, Duluth Poet Laureate Ellie Schoenfeld is presenting an event called Wordy Dancing, a celebration of poetry through the movement of dance. DETAILS HERE

* * * *

AND FINALLY Duluth Dylan Fest begins tomorrow evening with the opening at Karpeles featuring a presentation of a portion of the William Pagel Dylan Archives, accompanied by the first of two lectures in the John Bushey Memorial Lecture Series. David Pichaske, who teaches literature and writing at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, is the author of more than two dozen books including A Generation in Motion: Popular Music and Society in the Sixties and Song of the North Country: A Midwest Framework to the Songs of Bob Dylan. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the Dylan lecture will begin at 7:00 p.m.  Learn more about our speaker at DavidPichaske.com.

I myself will be at this event (the lecture at Karpeles) as well as Sunday evening's Dylan Trivia at Carmody's, 9:00. This is the fifth or sixth year that I've assembled the trivia questions, and as usual there are some special ones. You don't really have to win to have fun. Join us.

* * * *

KEY LINKS
TICKETS FOR BIG WU
Duluth Dylan Fest Complete Schedule

Meantime, how do people find time for television?

Big Wu Comin' To Town

OK, tell me what you see. Yes, it's a snappy, lime-colored logo. 

Besides the name of the band the springtime colors
bespeak good times and ivy vines, loose lines splayed and flowing.

BIG WU.

And here's another one. Exploding with energy. Pow. Bam. Wham.

So Who is the Big Wu?

The Big Wu is a rock jam band from Minnesota composed of Al Oikari, Andy Miller, Chris Castino, Mark Joseph Grundhoefer, and Terry VanDeWalker. The band made its mark on the jam band scene with a reputation for hook-oriented songwriting and was one of the earliest jam bands from the Midwest to achieve some national success. Relentless touring in the late 1990s and early 2000s built a loyal fan base that calls themselves "family," many of whom get together for the band's recurring music festival, the Big Wu Family Reunion. From 1998-2006, the band annually held the Family Reunion on Memorial Weekend, frequently holding a Wu Years Eve event on December 31. The band has not toured extensively since the end of 2006, instead playing periodic shows here in Minnesota and other nearby states.

For this year's Duluth Dylan Fest, the Armory Arts and Music Center (AAMC) was looking to once again kick off the weeklong fest with a big concert. The idea of a Traveling Wilburys tribute came up, so they called on The Big Wu. As the Wu were in the middle of recording a new album, they felt that learning the Wilbury's set list would be a challenge in such short order. Since they already know plenty of the Dylan catalogue so they were given the nod.

Advance tickets are only $15 for this high energy show that will be here on Sunday, May 20. Big Wu influences include Dylan, George Harrison and other familiar names. I am personally hoping Duluth will give them a warm welcome because, frankly, I'd like to have them come back next year and do that Traveling Wilburys set that was discussed.

The Sports Garden is a perfect venue for a concert of this caliber. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. with the opening act, Born Too Late (from the Music Resource Center) taking the stage at 6:30. VIP seating is available for those desirous to support the Historic Armory in its continued quest to be a vital space in the community once again.

NELSON FRENCH of the Armory Arts Board sent this blurb to help you make a decision if your mind is sitting on the fence:
The musical influences that helped create the Big Wu were loud, large and heartfelt. Over the past seven years, this Minnesota troupe has stepped into the role of creating the type of music that wants to course through your veins. Writing in truly American styles, the Big Wu slides, bends, rumbles, and chicken-picks with on-the-top intensity and good-time fervor. So boys bring your girls, parents bring your kids, therapists bring your patients. Let the Big Wu loosen the straps of your daily burden with real vibrations.

Big Wu 25th Anniversary Show on First Avenue

For what it's worth, rumor has it that someone is knocking on Heaven's Door to acquire a couple bottles of Bob Dylan's newly released American distilled whiskey. Wouldn't it be great if there were samples available? I will keep you posted. (Or is that only for the VIPs, Nelson?)

Notes from the BIG WU WIKI

The Big Wu was founded in 1992 at St. Olaf College by students Chris Castino (guitar), Terry VanDeWalker (vocals), and Jason Fladager (guitar). Andrew Eklund (bass; now owns Ciceron, Inc.), Nathan Eklund (Keyboards; now with Kubla Khan), Chip House (drums, now a VP with ExactTarget) made up the rest of the regular lineup. Julie Crumrine (vocals) and Julie Niksitch (vocals) made frequent appearances.

While net surfing I found these lines written by Big Wu guitarist Chris Castino. 

Traveler

I can close my eyes and see the streets of a thousand towns

Greenville, neenah, portland, sparks

I see the package stores, bait shops, strip clubs, row houses

I hear them sing over the rattle of the chain stores,

The rat racers strung out on status,

The Hipsters just day-sleep like cats.

The world can spin you dizzy

But I keep it in the eye of a needle

and my songs are the salty drops from the oceans

by which we came.

Anywhere is where we are.

Even when I’m safe at home

I hear the same faint-familiar song

and try to work it through my old guitar.

Chris Castino / March 26, 2016 

TICKETS HERE at Eventbrite or at Electric Fetus

$15 in advance or $20 at the door.

May Arts Happenings -- Spring in Full Bloom Here in the Twin Ports

Print maker Joel Cooper will be at Red Mug at Friday's opening.

May is always a special month in the Twin Ports with far to much for anyone to humanly do it all. Homegrown Music Festival, now in full swing, opens a month that has Duluth Dylan Fest serving as a back end bookend, quickly followed by the DuSu Film Festival for dessert. In short, May is a month in which a year's worth of planning emerges to surprise us with ever new wonders. And can you believe it, even the Duluth Farmer's Market is opening this Saturday. April showers do bring May flowers.

As much as possible, dates are underlines, hotlinks are bold and in blue. Special shout-out to Esther Piszczek for doing most of the heavy lifting here, pulling most this info together on behalf of our community.

Thursdays through Memorial Day, the doors are open from 6 to 9 p.m. at Oldenburg House for the Magnolia Salon. Last week Woodblind performed. Tonight Tom Rauschenfels will share about print making. Check out and bookmark the new Oldenburg House website.

Friday, May 4, 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m
Joel Cooper Retrospective, Red Mug Coffehouse, 916 Hammond Avenue, Superior
A fine arts screen printer for over 28 years, with a portfolio of over 170 prints. Joel loves the screen print process...it is slow, contemplative and as the final vibrant colors are squeeged and the print comes to life, very exciting. Meet the artist and view his life's work.

Saturday, May 5, 1-3 p.m.
Let There Be Light, Opening Reception for Sue Chapin Brown at Lakeside Gallery, 4431 East Superior Street, Duluth
Chapin is a local watercolorist whose work will be on display through the end of May.

Saturday, May 5, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Art on Tap, Cedar Lounge- Earthrider Brewery, 1615 N. 3rd Street, Superior, WI (at the base of the high bridge)
If you've never been to the new Earthrider Brewery or Cedar Lounge, here's a good excuse to learn where it's located. They are inviting people to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo by exploring art from local makers. Kids craft tent. Music by Kyle Olah. Oasis del Norte food truck will be offering up the taste of Old Mexico.

Sunday, May 6, 3-4 p.m.
Coffee, Cake, and Chamber Music with the Knife River Ringers, Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, 902 E. 1st Street
This Ensemble has been delighting audiences for years at the Knife River Lutheran Church and brings its chiming beauty to the Museum's magical acoustics.

Sunday, May 6, 7-9 p.m.
Gag Me With A Spoon - A Community Storyshare, Teatro Zuccone, 222 East Superior Street
Adeline Wright hosts this evening of storytelling and open mic journal sharing in the style of the Moth and Mortified podcasts. There will be four featured storytellers: Kate Horvath, Erin Naughton-Garrison, Ellen Vaagen, & Killy Kay and musical guest Sarah Krueger

Members of the audience are also welcome to sign-up on the night for an 8 minute open mic journal-sharing segment. This is an opportunity for anyone to read a journal entry, or other hilarious, serious or heart-wrenching writing from their youth or to simply share a story. Suggested Donation: $5 at the door. For more information contact Adeline Wright at: adelineofduluth@gmail.com.

Mondays, May 7, 14, 21, 28, 5:30 p.m.
Tangling Mondays, Mount Royal Library, 105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle
This group meets in the the old Yarn Harbor space, which was taken over by the library awhile back (on the left when you walk in). It is open to anyone, but primarily focused on pattern drawing. Bring your supplies and something you want to finish or start. No instruction, no fee, no organization. It's wonderful to tangle together, if schedules align, and lovely to tangle alone. If you find yourself alone, no worries, another Monday is right around the corner. Enjoy!

Mondays, May 7, 14, 21, 28, 6-8 p.m.
Duluth Song Circle, Beaner's Central, 324 N. Central Avenue (on Beaner's web site: scroll down to calendar for event listing)
"A free night to sing old-timey folk songs with new and old friends. Start your week off on a good note! Everyone welcome. No training needed!"

Tuesdays, May 8, 15, 22, 29, 12:30-3 p.m.
Open Studio at the Duluth Depot, 506 W. Michigan Street
The Duluth Art Institute offers a regular Tuesday open art-studio session at the Depot. People of all abilities practicing all artistic mediums are invited to bring their own supplies and join the weekly group. Cost: $5 plus a DAI membership (first session is free).

Tuesday, May 8, 5-8 p.m. 

Clare Cooley's cranes. See the whole flock at Karpeles.

Artist Reception, Sentinels of Serenity: 15 Species of Cranes, Paintings & Drawings by Clare Cooley, Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, 902 E. 1st Street, FB Event Link

Wednesday, May 9, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Zentangle (R) & Wine, Master Framing Gallery, 1431 London Road
Come experience the fun and relaxation of drawing simple, repetitive line patterns with pen and ink and pencil shading. No previous drawing experience necessary. Class Cost: $35; Supplies: $10 (or use supplies provided without additional cost). RSVP to episzczek@gmail.com. Seats are limited.

Thursday, May 10, 6-9 p.m.
Artist Reception, Querida Presencia: new works by Jonathan Herrera, Duluth Art Institute at the Depot, John Steffl Gallery, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Querida Presencia explores various relationships between collective memory and historical instances of state-sponsored violence and trauma inflicted on politicized bodies. Within a Latin American historical framework, Herrera constructs print-based objects, installations and environments that echo lived experiences of those who are no longer with us." On view through July 1, 2018.

Thursday, May 10, 6-9 p.m. 

Artist Reception, Boreal Ornament: new works by Tara Austin, Duluth Art Institute at the Depot, George Morrison Gallery, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Tara Austin's paintings are inspired by rosemaling, a traditional form of decorative folk art that originated in the rural valleys of Norway. Incorporating techniques from faux painting and reverse painting on glass, Tara hybridizes traditional techniques with a contemporary perspective. These customary processes became a means for developing a personal aesthetic focused on traditions of geometry, harmony, and craftsmanship." On view through July 1, 2018.

Saturday, May 12, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Nice Girls of the North 2nd Saturday Marketplace, Lakeside Lester Park Community Center (the former Lakeside Library), 106 N. 54th Ave. East
"Free coffee, cookies, and a friendly atmosphere await while you browse a collection of handcrafted clothing and bags, pottery, jewelry, stained glass, photography, personal care products, baby items and much more. One central checkout, most major credit cards accepted."

Monday, May 14, RSVP Deadline* for ...

Mondays, June 4-25, 5:30-8 p.m., Zentangle (R) Pattern Drawing, Advanced, Peace Church, 1111 N. 11th Avenue E. This class is open to anyone who has taken Zentangle (R) Pattern Drawing with me in the past. Cost: $75 (includes supplies); Minimum: 5 students; Maximum: 10 students. RSVP* due by Monday, May 14: episzczek@gmail.com *If you'd like to take this class, but are not able to commit by 5/14, please email me!

Wednesday, May 16, 6-8 p.m.
Creative Expression Evening with Janice, Yoga North, 4628 Pitt Street, Suite 208 This two-hour class includes a brief discussion on the creative process, one hour of gentle yoga with guided imagery followed by an inspirational art project to take home. It takes place on the third Wednesday of every month. Class cost: $35

Thursday, May 17, Friday, May 18 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, May 19, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.,
Minnesota Charms Quilt Show 2018, AAD Shrine Auditorium, 5152 Miller Trunk Highway
"Creations Quilt Shop of Duluth, Quilted Dog Quilt Shop of Cloquet and Hingeley Road Quilting of Floodwood present the return of the Minnesota Charms Quilt Show, featuring vendors, speakers, demos, quilts on display and quilts for sale, along with a sewing machine giveaway. For more information contact Melissa at 218-476-3139, Pam at 218-628-1687, or Mary at 218-879-3577."

Friday, May 18, 4-7 p.m.
Kathryn Derbis Artist Reception, Blue Cross/Blue Shield Duluth Retail Center, 425 W. Superior Street, Suite 1060
The exhibition features select works form Kathryn's collection focusing on her time spent in Southeast Alaska, and the landscapes around Juneau, Skagway, and Haines.

Saturday, May 19, 6:30 p.m.-1 a.m.
Spirit of the Times Fundraiser and Party, Zeitgeist Arts, 222 E. Superior Street
"For one night only we shut down the Zeitgeist Arts Building and throw an incredible party to support our nonprofit work. You’ll enjoy delicious food, delightful drinks, live music, improv comedy, unique silent and live auction items, and an unforgettable dance party.

Your attendance directly supports the work of building a connected, creative, thriving community. You can be a part of investing in local artists & independent film, empowering residents to have a voice in their community, and creatively addressing disparities in health, income, access to fresh and healthy food, and transportation." Tickets: $100 [Author note: event included because Zeitgeist has been so very good to me as an artist and to so many others, as well.]

EdNote: Saturday, May 19 is also kickoff for Duluth Dylan Fest with the opening reception of the William Pagel archives at Karpeles in conjunction with the first of two talks as part of the John Bushey Memorial Lecture Series, this one featuring David Pichaske, author of Song of the North Country.

Monday, May 21, 5-7 p.m.

Duluth Dylan Fest Art Show, Zeitgeist Atrium, 222 E. Superior Street
Opening reception for this collaborative art show celebrating the work and music of Bob Dylan. Tom O’Keefe and Friends will perform. The art show will be on display May 20–27. There will be some fabulous new work on display. Theme: Visions of Duluth, featuring early influences on Bob Dylan.

Wednesday, May 23, 5-6 p.m.
Shakespeare's in the Alley, Opening Reception and Artist Talk, The Depot, 506 W. Michigan Street
Duluth Dylan Fest hosts a large text-based art installation by Skye, owner and operator of Bazyli Studio Wearable Art Gallery in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin, along with an opening reception and artist talk to be followed by Poets of the Northland reading in the Playhouse. This display by artist Skye in the Great Hall is noteworthy and not to be missed.

Wednesday, May 30 through Sunday, June 3
Duluth Superior Film Festival at multiple locations.
The ninth annual Duluth Superior Film Festival runs May 30 to June 3 at venues such as the Zeitgeist Arts Building, Clyde Iron Works and other settings along the shores of Lake Superior. The five days of events include numerous film screenings — some with visiting filmmakers to introduce and discuss their works. The array of supporting events include panels, discussions, parties and live music. The opening reception and film will take place on Wednesday, May 30 at Clyde Iron Works. As the festival nears, details can be found at ds-ff.com.

Art Exhibits

Ends May 18, 2018, Celebrating 20 Years of Music, A Homegrown Illustration Show, Prove Gallery, 21 N. Lake Avenue The 20th Anniversary Homegrown Illustration Show will feature twenty different artist-rendered caricatures, depicting the region’s cultural luminaries dressed as the Homegrown Chicken mascot. The individuals were chosen for being instrumental in the success and growth of the Homegrown Music Festival and overall commitment to the regional arts scene.

May 2018
Leah Yellowbird: Dimensions, Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center, 212 W. 2nd Street
Leah Yellowbird’s richly rewarding new art exhibition, Dimensions, features artwork that is cross-dimensional, with 3-D painted animal busts, a 9-foot bear sculpture constituted by pom-poms, a collection of black velvet beadwork designs, and a selection of her signature pointillist paintings. The event is free, though there is a suggested $10 donation. For more information contact Moira Villiard at moira.aicho@gmail.com.

May 2018
Sweep, Art Exhibition, Joseph Nease Gallery, 23 W. 1st Street
“Sweep", is the latest work of a group of experienced painters at a high point in their craft, “Sweep” is a regional and national survey of more than 20 contemporary painters: Alison Aune, Kirsten Aune, Robert Bingaman, James Brinsfield, Marcus Cain, Peter Granados, Christopher Harrison, Rachel Hayes, Matthew Kluber, Don Kottmann, Kay Kurt, Adam McCauley, Karen Owsley Nease, Heidi Pollard, Warren Rosser, Eric Sall, Rabbett before Horses Strickland, Jonathan Thunder, Mimi Chen Ting and Leah Yellowbird." Exhibit runs through May 31, 2018.

May 2018
Allen Killian-Moore and Tim White, Joseph Nease Gallery, 23 W. 1st Street "The photography exhibition, showing in Gallery A, represents an emergence of new work by local photographer Tim White after a period of reflection following the completion of several large projects including the NEMBA award winning book and exhibition In and Out of Context.

"In Gallery B, the installation film Permanent State of Exception by Allen Killian-Moore, “captures images of the present, on a medium from the past, in order to contemplate a possible future.” The film is composed of original footage, gathered over a period of four years in Pittsburgh, Minneapolis, Duluth, rural Wisconsin, and along the north shore of Lake Superior." Both exhibits run through June 2, 2018.

* * * * 

There's much more  to say, but this is a good start. Let's close with a couple posters.

Buy Tickets HERE at Eventbrite

Meantime, art goes on all around you.

Get into it.

Duluth Dylan Fest Update: Big Wu Comin'

"Double Dylan, Strathmore Style" by Ennyman

Events for Duluth Dylan Fest 2018 have been shaping up for months, and for additional icing on the proverbial Bob-Birthday Cake this year Big Wu will be in town for a Dylan-flavored concert on Sunday, May 20 at the Sports Garden in Canal Park.

If you're noticing a lot of Double Dylan images this year it's because the theme for our 2018 week-long celebration is Twins, selected because Duluth's Native Son will be 77 this year. He was born in the Twin Ports, went to college in the Twin Cities, has a zodiac sign of Gemini (The Twins), was the first rock musician to produce a Double Album (Blonde On Blonde) and no doubt has some fans who are twins. (Hibbing friends: can you add something from up there that fits the theme?)

Duluth Dylan Fest 2018 kicks off on May 19 at Karpeles with the opening reception for the William Pagel Archives and the John Bushey Memorial Lecture with David Pichaske, author of Songs of the North Country: A Midwest Framework to the Songs of Bob Dylan 6–8p. There is no cost. This is a free event. Mr. Pagel's exhibt will run from May 19 thru June 29.

Doors open for Sunday's Big Wu Concert at 5 pm. If for some reason you can't make it to the concert but you're in town, the annual Dylan Trivia Contest will be taking place at Carmody's Pub at 9 pm. The questions and answers have already been prepared, and are under wraps in a secret vault.

As we count down to Duluth Dylan Fest 2018 we'll keep you in the loop as regards the final schedule of events for the week. Join us if you can.

Related Links
Inside an Unbelievable Bob Dylan Memorabilia Collection by Kate Nelson
Artful Living Dylan Features
Call for Art -- 2018 Duluth Dylan Fest
Warhol, Dylan and the Double Elvis -- Catalyst for this year's theme image.