Help Support West Duluth's Theater Revival

Duluth’s theatrical history is steeped in rich traditions, with iconic venues like The West Theatre and The Alhambra Theatre standing as cultural beacons in the community. These historic landmarks not only drew audiences from across the region but also became deeply woven into the social fabric of Duluth.

  Built in 1937, The West Theatre was a stunning example of Art Deco architecture. It became a popular gathering spot for movie lovers and community members alike. With the changing tides of the entertainment industry and urban development, however, the theater was forced to close its doors in 1976. After decades of dormancy, The West Theater was triumphantly revived in 2019, bringing back its historical charm while serving a new generation of arts and culture enthusiasts.

The Alhambra. Circa 1913

  Similarly, The Alhambra Theater—famed for its lavish design and opulent interior—was a space where vaudeville acts and films transported audiences into worlds of imagination and creativity. While it, too, faced challenges from modern entertainment trends--shuttering with the advents of "talkies"-- the efforts to restore this gem are nearly complete.

  These restorations are more than just architectural projects. They represent the preservation of Duluth’s artistic legacy and the rekindling of community spirit. With The West Theater restored and The Alhambra’s renovation nearing completion, these venues will once again offer spaces where art, performance, and culture thrive.

  By supporting the revival of these theaters, future generations can experience the magic of live performances and cinematic history, keeping Duluth’s cultural heart beating strong.

Help Support West Duluth’s Theatre Revival

The West Theatre is a unique establishment offering movies and entertainment for the community. The Alhambra offers a unique theatre experience as well as entertainment in a beautifully restored venue.

The Alhambra restoration is nearly complete. Located in the heart of West Duluth at 321 N. Central Ave., the theater is on the cusp of reopening, thanks to the dedication and vision of its current owner Bob Boone, and a host of volunteers. To complete the project Boone is offering the following incentives for contributors:

Visionary - Save A Seat $2500/year (or $220 per month)
•  Exclusive newsletter with member recognition on our website.
• Access to purchase tickets during member pre-sales*
• Occasional discounted event tickets.
• Members-only monthly screening.
• Two admissions to West Night, a members only appreciation night
• Four pairs of movie passes.
* Four certificates, each good for a pair of drinks.
• Two tickets to your choice of our special events
• Occasional meet and greet opportunities
* Film party for you and twenty of your friends. (Upon scheduling availability)
• Discounted theater rentals. (Save $350)
* Locally crafted coffee mug
* Pair of custom T-shirts
* Personal Marquee Message
* Annual Unlimited Film Pass For Two
• Name engraved on a brass plate on a seat at The Alhambra.
 
Directors Circle - Save A Seat   $1000/year (or $88 per month)
 • Exclusive newsletter with member recognition on our website.
• Access to purchase tickets during member pre-sales*
• Occasional discounted event tickets.
• Members-only monthly screening.
• Two admissions to West Night, a members only appreciationn night
• Four pairs of movie passes.
* Four certificates, each good for a pair of drinks.
• Two tickets to your choice of our special events
• Occasional meet and greet opportunities
* Film party for you and twenty of your friends. (Upon scheduling availability)
• Discounted theater rentals. (Save $350)
* Locally crafted coffee mug
* Pair of custom T-shirts
• Name engraved on a brass plate on a seat at The West.
 
Icon $500/year (or $44 per month)
• Exclusive newsletter with member recognition on our website.
• Access to purchase tickets during member pre-sales*
• Occasional discounted event tickets.
• Members-only monthly screening.
• Two admissions to West Night, a members only appreciation night
• Three pairs of movie passes.
• Two tickets to your choice of our special events
• Occasional meet and greet oopportunities
* Film party for you and fifteen of your friends. (Upon scheduling availability)
• Discounted theater rentals. (Save $200)
* Locally crafted coffee mug
* Pair of custom T-shirts
 
Leading Role $250/year (or $22 per month)
• Exclusive newsletter with member recognition on our website.
• Access to purchase tickets during member pre-sales*
• Occasional discounted event tickets.
• Members-only monthly screening.
* Two admissions to West Night, a members only appreciation night
• Two pairs of movie passes.
* Film party for you and ten of your friends. (Upon scheduling availability)*
* Locally crafted coffee mug
 
Supporting Cast Membership $100/year (or $9 per month)
• Exclusive newsletter with member recognition on our website.
• Access to purchase tickets during member pre-sales*
• Occasional discounted event tickets.
• Members-only monthly screening.
* Two admissions to West Night, a members only appreciation night
• One pair of movie passes.
 
DETAILS DETAILS DETAILS
* Benefit packages will be mailed directly to members.
* The West and Alhambra are not a 501 C3 non-profit. (In theory, anyway)
* Film parties include private use of our Black Lounge, viewing of a scheduled current film, and free pop and popcorn for you and your guests.
Licensing fees will incur if you want to show your favorite film. There may be a fee if scheduled outside normal operating hours.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP HERE:

https://www.thewesttheatre.com/support

https://www.thewesttheatre.com/

Veikko and Jason: How Bad Coffee Brought Them Together to Form Wood Blind

On this day in history Rene Magritte, another of my favorite artists was born in 1898.

* * * *

The other day, while having another great soup for lunch at Beaners Central, I overheard Veikko Lepisto and Jason Wussow discussing a press release regarding their show next Friday night and their new record, a 7" split vinyl which the cut, both in conjunction with Teague Alexy of the Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank. Those who follow the scene know that Jason is the founder and owner of Beaners, which has established itself as an important music venue here in the heart of Spirit Valley/West Duluth.

Beaners is one of those places that seems like it has always been there. What was Duluth before Beaners? One of Jason's life passions is music, hence it's only natural that music would be central to the venue Beaners has become, including a recording studio downstairs among other things. I think it's his gentle good-hearted cheer that brings people in the door, though.

Veikko is a former L.A. musician with a strong pedigree whose parents home is in Morgan Park. With every visit to his parent’s home in Morgan Park from Los Angeles, Veikko would end up across the counter from Jason at Beaner’s Central. “My mom makes terrible coffee. Just terrible.” This is another reason Beaners' regulars weave there way in to Jason's java joint. Good coffee.

Invariably, the two would start talking about music while Jason steamed his tall latte. Veikko, the stand-up bass player for eight years with The Royal Crown Review, instantly connected with Jason’s tenacity for life and passion for music. But, year after year, Veikko would return to LA, lose track of Beaner’s and Jason would lose track of him.

If you followed what he was doing, it's easy to see why Veikko might forget Duluth for a season now and then. In addition to his years with The Royal Crown Review, he did studio work with the likes of Bette Midler, Mike Ness of Social Distortion, and the producer Ted Templeman.

For those unaware, Jason himself has quite a background in music beyond the home turf, touring the country with his band Flux Skapacitor, and opening for The Skatalites.

After over twenty years in L.A., Veikko finally made his move to the Duluth area in last year. Naturally Jason and Veikko wanted to make music together. Their first practice was thrown together on the spot behind Beaner’s (it must have been summer) and within a week they had written two originals and worked out two covers and soon became Wood Blind, an acoustic Ska duo.

There is balance between them. Veikko is the detail orientated planner and Jason brings the energy and his perpetually positive attitude. “He’s the happy little bird and I’m the hawk,” explains Veikko. Jason describes Wood Blind as “a simmered reduction of all my favorite things, the energy of my young bands and the maturity of the later ones.” They have a shared vision to do as much as they can with the time they’re allowed. “We strive to master the style, but first we strive to have a good time,” says Veikko. Derived from the Ska style is what the two call “Ska Box” – or Toasting, the Jamaican version of beat-boxing, rhythmic sound effects to enhance the already big sound of Veikko’s bass and Jason’s acoustic guitar.

SO HERE'S THE ANNOUNCEMENT PART

The two have recently connected with Teague Alexy of Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank to collaborate on a 7” split vinyl. Coffee was the catalyst between Jason and Teague as well when they met at Beaner’s 13 years ago. The three recorded and Wood Blind produced two tracks this fall in the Beaner’s studio. The release is set for November 28th at 7:00 p.m. at Beaner’s Central where they will share the stage with local favorite Jack Campbell.

Beaner’s Central
Friday November 28th
7pm   $5
Wood Blind * Teague Alexy * Jack Campbell
Single Release and Vinyl preorder party

Tuesday January 6th Official Vinyl Release Date

Saturday January 24th Minneapolis Release Harriet Brewery

If you want more details than this, stop in a see Jason. In the meantime... listen to the music.