Explore New Creative Territories Through Events @ Magnolia Salon

It started with Sol Fest, leapt into new territory with Cookin' at the O and continues to expand its influence with the Magnolia Salon. (For more, see links at the end of this announcement.) Here is a schedule of Magnolia Salon events for the weeks ahead, including tonight if you can make it. They start at six, but you may wish to be early in the event it's crowded, which has happened.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE

April 12 - TONIGHT! - Poco Baroquo will welcome spring with Johann Sebastian Bach and friends in period costume. Fun, imaginative, creative, lively and loving!

April 19 - Cynthia Lapp joins us with her gongs for a scintillating night of vibrations and discussion. Experience the energy of microtones from the soothing, atmospheric sounds of gongs. Join the discussion on how vibration assists us to access what we deeply know and informs our unique, creative expression.

Veikko and Jason

April 26 - Woodblind, the great Duluth bluegrass/ska band, plays at the Salon in celebration of the announcement of Oldenburg Arts and Cultural Community, the private non-profit sister organization of Oldenburg House and it mission to encourage the vitality of our region through artistic expression, cultural exchanges and community development inspired by the geography, cultural wisdom and talent abundantly and irreplaceably around us.

May 3 - Tom Rauschenfels says "Being involved in and around a water environment has been an important part of my life since I was a young boy growing up on Park Point. Now as a retired public school teacher working in printmaking, drawing, painting and ceramics, I continue to be influenced by the greatest of all lakes (Superior) and the area I love. I utilize nature, the human figure, and the exploration of different art styles in my creative endeavors."

Print by Tom Rauschenfels

May 10 - Zachris Haataja, an exuberant potter and rock climber, will throw pots and share his observations on the creative process of centering - described by a noted potter and poet as ‘the act that precedes all others on the potter’s wheel; the bringing of the clay into a spinning, unwobbling pivot, free to take shape as potter and clay press against each other. The firm, tender, sensitive pressure yields as much as it asserts.’ How does centering inspire Zach as both potter and rock climber?

RELATED LINKS
Building Community at Magnolia Salon
What Makes Life Worth Living?
Follow the Salon on Facebook
Oldenburg House an Emerging Hot Spot

Oldenburg House

604 Chestnut Avenue

Carlton, MN

FIND YOUR NATURE

Wordless Wednesday: The Dancers

Plein Air Painters and Ayla the Mermaid Take Sol Fest Over the Top

Last week I did my best to encourage you to join us in Carlton for Sol Fest at the Oldenburg House and now it seems a follow up is in order, along with photos worth a few thousand words.

The setting, as I noted previously, was spectacular, the weather cooperating with enthusiasm. And the performers, as anticipated, were not only determined to make Sol Fest a spectacle, they were accompanied by some wonderful embellishments. I refer here to the plein air painters and Ayla the Mermaid.

Glenn Swanson, who assembled the high caliber talent, asked if I would add something to the event by painting live there. I declined, choosing instead to contact another whose live painter  who could bring much more to the event than I and none were disappointed.

Ken Marunowski

Plein air is French for "in open air." Think French Impressionism. This school of art is such that there are national organizations devoted to its expression, and national competitions dedicated to its preservation. Lee Englund, a retired art teacher who relishes his retirement, has won at least one if not more of these competitions.

I first met Englund while he was showing wares and painting at a tattoo convention a couple years back. I'd been invited there to do live painting along with several others while the Fractals played. When I broke from my "dance of color" I circled around and saw that Englund had a table showing his works and simultaneously captured the scene in a series of small canvases. In fact, this coming Thursday his work will be one of three art openings the Duluth Art Institute, which I do hope you'll attend if you live in the region.

So, I contacted Lee and he liked the idea so much that he brought along three others: Bob Luedtke, Diane Lewis and Ken Marunowski. And what a delightful addition it proved to be.

As noted, the talent was stellar. Local performer James Moors from Superior kicked it off with "I Used To Run Around" follwed by "Leaving for Cove" and several more songs from an engaging set. Larry Long followed, accompanied by Jason DeLaire on sax, Jack Gunderson, Billy Peterson on bass, an assortment of others and Pippi Ardennia. I was inside the living room as Larry ran through the chord structures with pianist Peter Schimke, Pippi singing in the dining room while making posters for the entrances.

Let's get real for a minute. The talent Glenn Swanson pulled together for this event was beyond phenomenal. Here's a short list of the musicians Sol Fest's musicians have performed or recorded with: Donny Osmond, Michael Bolton, Prince, Alexander O’Neal, Richard Marx, Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Lenny White, Stevie Nicks, Bonnie Raitt, Billy Joel, Anita Baker, James Taylor, Mavis Staples, Joe Sample, Sting, Sergio Mendes, Brian Wilson, Ben Sidran, Rodger Waters, Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, Phil Upchurch, Jimmy Buffet, Fine Young Cannibals, Steve Miller Band, GoGos, Paula Abdul, Boz Scaggs, Dave Koz, Lalah Hathaway, Sheryl Crow, Jonathon Butler, Bruce Willis, The Jets, Jermaine Jackson, Rhythm Syndicate, Chaka Khan, Robben Ford, Howard Hewett, Benny Carter, Mose Allison, Dave Leibman, Dewey Redman, Lew Tabakin, Slyde Hampton, Clark Terry, Larry Graham, Tuck & Patti and John Mayer. For a Northland event it was equal to none.

Let me add Bob Dylan to this list. Billy Peterson modestly excludes this one from his accolades, but Peterson was there in the studio playing bass as Bob Dylan recorded Blood on the Tracks, an album sometimes cited as Dylan's best. (I quibble because there are so many, but it's definitely in the short list.) Billy had nothing but the highest regard for Dylan's manner and sensitivity to the other artists in the studio. I spoke with him briefly about the experience and he shared several anecdotes. One of the many favs from this album is "Lily, Rosemarie and the Jack of Hearts." Peterson described how it was recorded in one take, no paper in the studio with notes or lyrics for Bob and team, just a straight up "go for it" swipe. Dylan's instructions: "Just keep playing. This song is longer than you think." You can grab Peterson's bass on the icebreaking "Idiot Wind" from side one as well.

How did Swanson put together an event like this? He's got a big heart. From hanging about it was evident these were friends, and friends do what they can to rally around friends. Did I forget to mention Sheila Raye, daughter of Ray Charles? Her gospel interlude, accompanied by Jason Croft, came straight from the heart.

Then there were those special accents you won't find anywhere else. Where do you get to hear a grand piano on an outcropping of bedrock? And how often can you strike up a conversation with a live mermaid, a friendly one at that?

A few days have past, and we're all back at our jobs... but this little exposure to heaven on earth was worth much for all who shared in it. A big thanks to everyone who helped make it happen.

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Paradise Rocks

I intended today to write something about Bob Dylan because (a) I got my tickets Friday for his upcoming concert in Bayfront Park here in Duluth July 9, and (b) because 25 years ago this weekend (yesterday to be precise) Dylan began his Never Ending Tour, which continues to this day without end. At least for the time being. But, having visited the Oldenburg House yesterday I find myself diverted to once again pump next weekend's Sol Fest. First, a little background on the place itself, then a little background on the event.

The Oldenburg House was built over a hundred years ago by Carl Henry Oldenburg, a respected Minnesota conservationist who served on the Minnesota Forestry Board from 1911-17. The property is adjacent to Jay Cooke State Park of which it is my understanding that he donated some of his land to the park. The setting is spectacular, stirring numerous memories by its arborial splendor organically nestled into a natural amphitheater of manicured geological formations.

The special features of the grounds show that the place was developed with great care. Ayla the Mermaid will be make her home at a small pool lined with vertical spears of stone. The various musicians will be performing amongst the ridges and trees. A grand piano sits surrealistically atop an outcropping of bedrock that kept reminding me of a Dali landscape. In the distance you can hear the rush and roar of the St. Louis River as it cascades through the rocks near Thompson.

The house today is a bed and breakfast. The Swansons are only the third family to own the place since its construction and development more than a century ago. Glenn Swanson, a drummer and poet, is one of several musical children who went off to other regions when he grew up and finished school. When his father passed away two years ago, he chose to return and help his mother run the place as it would be a somewhat daunting task for an elderly widow.

A grand piano on the rocks. What's not to like about that?

Sol Fest appears to have been conceived for the purpose of increasing awareness, to draw attention to this stellar property and venue which not only serves as a B&B but a fabulous location for weddings and garden parties. The event itself blends several of Swanson's interests, foremost being his passion for music, especially jazz and blues. But he's also passionate about youth and is committed to making this a family event with activities for kids including a music workshop in the morning, croquet, and face painting by the Cloquet Girl Scouts. There will also be food served with proceeds going to purchase new uniforms for the Wrenshall High School basketball team.

In addition, Swanson has invited plein aire painter Lee Englund and friends to do some live painting during the event. (Some of my own paintings will also be on display inside the house.)

But the real show is the music: blues, folk, R&B and jazz. Check out this playlist. Sheila Raye Charles (Ray's daughter) will be singing a few of her father's tunes. Then there's Pippi Ardenia, James Moors, John Penny, Larry Long and others whose accolades and honors are so lengthy I can't list them here. A common thread that runs through many of their resumes is a concern for the needs of youth and the marginalized. Check 'em out here.

The early evening music will commence with Glenn Swanson himself and friends. Of Swanson, his friend Ricky Peterson states, "I have yet to find a drummer with more passion and feel for music. All types of music. Swanny has always made the music we play swing harder whether its Jazz or a serious funk tune. Not to mention his talents for producing, arranging and all around musicality."

Ricky himself has a stellar resume himself that has intersected with the likes of Stevie Nicks, Bonnie Raitt, Billy Joel, Anita Baker, James Taylor, Mavis Staples, Joe Sample, Sting, Sergio Mendes, Brian Wilson, Ben Sidran, Rodger Waters, Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, Phil Upchurch, Jimmy Buffet, Fine Young Cannibals, Steve Miller Band, GoGos, Paula Abdul, Boz Scaggs and more. He had a big part in writing and producing George Benson's "That's Right" CD, and has written and played keyboards for Prince on and off since his early days in the Twin Cities music scene.

As if this weren't enough, Sol Fest will also have Billy Peterson on hand. If you're a Dylan fan you'll remember Billy Peterson as the stellar bass player who was brought in to record with Dylan on his Blood on the Tracks album. Peterson's qualifications were cited in the book A Simple Twist of Fate by Andy Gill and Kevin Odegard. Dylan's younger brother David had been tasked with assembling players for the recording sessions. "Billy Peterson and Bill Berg were an inspired choice as bassist and drummer respectively. Well trained, and working as jazz musicians with their fusion band Natural Life, they were among the nation's finest players and certainly of a caliber second to none in the local area." 

I just finished purchasing my tickets and the process is easy. It's quite an astonishing lineup for just ten dollars. It's $15 at the gate so you might want to purchase your tickets now.

A room with a view. Count me in.

Note to Glenn: You are to be commended for dreaming up such a fabulous event and for a day making your back yard our back yard.

Sol Fest, Anne Labovitz and the Mermaid

Her paintings will also be featured at Lizzards.

Let’s start with Anne. Tonight the Tweed Museum at UMD is having a homecoming exhibition for artist Anne Labovitz. It must be a pretty big deal because Mayor Ness will be on hand to welcome her and, who knows, might even make another proclamation. The Twin Ports arts community appreciates our mayor’s support, and is likewise honored to have Ms. Labovitz once again showing her work here.

People have been talking up this show to me since March or early April. I have heard a couple of amazing stories about how hard Labovitz works to make her events special for friends and fans who come out and support her.

Yesterday I stopped by Lizzard’s gallery to get a sneak preview of Anne’s paintings that are now on display there. I loved what I saw and especially look forward to the Tweed exhibit. The Tweed opening will feature a new collection of works titled "Composite Portraits." The reception will be from 5:30 till 8:00 p.m. If you’re able to attend you will see some great new work and maybe even make new friends. 

There’s plenty more going on this weekend worth drawing attention to, but I especially want to make a point of noting the Sol Fest that is taking place in Carlton on Saturday, June 15. I know it’s hard to imagine a mermaid swimming around here in the Northland with the weather we’ve been experiencing, but we can cross our fingers and hope Ayla the Mermaid will not only show but will survive the chill as she makes her appearance in the Morning Glory Pool. The event has been planned for months and any sensible event planner would have expected mermaid-caliber weather by this time of year.

The location is Oldenburg House. The event is called Sol Fest. The festival is featuring a lot of exciting names in the music scene along with a number of open air painters and other arts activities.

Festivities begin with a morning music workshop for area high school and college music students. It’s being presented as a partnership with the Oldenburg Art and Cultural Community, PipJazz Youth Program, PipJazz Foundation, the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council conducted at Carlton High School – three blocks from Oldenburg House.

A Labovitz Heart

As an aside here, one of the most impressive aspects of the concert two weeks ago at Weber Hall with Gene LaFond, Scarlet Rivera and Courtney Yasmineh was the time these performers spent with local youth at the Sacred Heart Music Center. By sharing their own skills and life lessons they inspired many young people who have been attracted to the arts through music. Likewise, a major driver behind Sol Fest is this giving back to youth and to the community.

The festival officially runs from 12:30 p.m. to early evening with the following performers lined up from jazz and R&B backgrounds: James Moors, Larry Long, Sheila Raye Charles with Jason Craft, John Penny, Pippi Ardennia, Glenn Swanson and Friends, and multifaceted Ricky Peterson. I’m dead serious when I say this level of performers is an exceptional treat for the North Country. It's an all-day affair with a ticket price so low it's like a gift: $10 in advance or $15 the day of the event. 

Whatcha gonna be doing this summer? The opportunities for diversion are many, but Sol Fest is one you won't want to miss. The property sits adjacent to Jay Cook State Park and is walking distance from center-city Carlton where you can even fetch a bike from Carlton Bike Rental and spend an hour on the Munger Trail if you like.

Meantime, life goes on all around you. Take it in.