January 2015 Posts

Perfect Play or Musical of 2014: Renegade’s Red

Jan 31, 2015 1 Comment

PDDPerfectPlay-MusicalLogo2014It was close, and it has to be considered an upset. Renegade Theater Company’s two-character biographical play, Red, staged in the roughly 100-seat Teatro Zuccone theater, was the winner in Perfect Duluth Day’s poll to name the best play or musical of 2014. It edged out the Duluth Playhouse’s centennial-marking, big-budget musical production of Les Misérables, which was staged in the 2,200-seat Symphony Hall at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center.

Best Play of 2015 - Red - Renegade Theater Company

Renegade Comedy Theater - Red - 2014

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Art , ,

Where in Duluth?

Jan 31, 2015 6 Comments

Free Hugs

Ok, this actually isn’t in Duluth, but I saw these today. And it’s pretty close to Duluth.

Free Compliments 1

Seeing these was surprisingly moving for me and gave me an opportunity to consider all of my relationships and re-evaluate my life direction. And, I mean that in a good way. Actually, what I mean is that compliments are so free, and pleasant, and often inspiring, and life-affirming and I don’t give them out enough. This was a great reminder and I hope the idea spreads.

I didn’t notice this until I uploaded the pictures, but the bulletin board message credits kindovermatter.com so these may be appearing elsewhere as well. Perhaps we’re on the edge of a movement.


Photos

Cool Duluth Minnesota: Summer City of the Continent

Jan 30, 2015 5 Comments

Cool Duluth

This little item was recently unearthed by Michael J. Martens of Portland, Ore., and sent PDD’s way via Jess Koski.

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History

Selective Focus: Hypercaffeinated

Jan 30, 2015 No Comments
Hugh Reitan

Hugh Reitan, untitled

Interpretations of our theme ran the gamut this week from loose to literal, from graphical to perfectly-banal. However, Hugh Reitan’s hyperkinetic take was irresistible as a feature photo (regardless whether caffeine, or pure glee was the stimulant responsible). Based on some tales swapped at Tycoon’s, next week’s theme will be “capers” (no, not the pickled flowers- stunts, escapades, pranks).

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Photos

High School Hockey on Local Radio

Jan 29, 2015 1 Comment

Yes, I’m a sports fan, I enjoy ice hockey, and I go to the state high school tournament often. Now time for the whining.  Why are two local sports stations broadcasting the same high school hockey game live (e.g., Jan. 29)? This is not the first time. Both 560 and 1490 have it and 1490 is the “home of the Minnesota Wild” in these parts. The Wild have a game this evening, which would be on 1490, that I assume will be preempted or joined in progress. One station for the high school game tonight is enough. My suggestion: Trade off or put Wild game on another station owned by whatever radio group. Looking forward to reading comments and other views on this situation.


Sports , , , ,

Duluth Childcare Recommendations

Jan 29, 2015 6 Comments

I seem to be getting much closer to securing the ever-elusive employment (in my career field) in Duluth and I am just so excited. (Hopefully, I haven’t just jinxed myself!)

My next hurdle will be finding and securing childcare for my toddler. I’m hoping that someone here can recommend a few places or at least point me in the right direction (besides Google). I’m interested in, and open to, options such as structured/educational in-home care and the traditional childcare center. References required, obviously, as well as certification.

I appreciate the help!


Recommendations

Curiosity

Jan 29, 2015 No Comments

Chuck Ilenda’s workshop in Duluth is the scene in this video by Level Visuals, inspired by a quote from William Faulkner.


Videos

Scenes from Duluth: Glen Avon

Jan 29, 2015 No Comments

Video by Q.V. Hough.


Sports, Videos

History Mystery: Point of Rocks

Jan 28, 2015 5 Comments

Google Map of Point of Rocks
Google Maps

Across from the M&H gas station at Point of Rocks Park, there is a gap in the rocks, a ravine, for which in the past appeared to have many buildings around it. Was this the location of Duluth’s Little Italy? It seems like it may have been. The big question, however, is what is with the ravine there? It seems to be man made, and almost as if they were attempting to continue Superior Street, as it lines up near perfectly. The buildings slowly disappear over the decades, until they all seem to be gone by 1989. Was this ravine an attempt to continue Superior Street, or was there some other reason for it? It’s been fascinating me for some time. (I’ve included links to historical aerial photos of the area).

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History ,

A place to enjoy a book and a brew

Jan 27, 2015 12 Comments

I am looking for a place in Duluth to read a book and enjoy a beer. Are there any bars/pubs that you recommend which have more of a quiet and calm atmosphere? I enjoy reading at coffee houses, but when it’s the evening I’d much prefer a beer over a coffee or tea.


Recommendations, Restaurants

Poll: Best Play or Musical of 2014 (Final Ballot)

Jan 27, 2015 No Comments

Red and Les Miserables

From the list of 18 nominated plays or musicals from last year, our previous poll trimmed it down to the final two. Now it’s time to ask, once and for all …

What was the best play or musical of 2014?

Loading ... Loading ...

This poll is now closed. The results were:

Renegade Theater Company’s Red – 51.1 percent
Duluth Playhouse’s Les Misérables – 48.9 percent


Polls

John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon 2015 Video

Jan 26, 2015 12 Comments

The PDD drone, piloted by Cory Fechner (liftoffaerials.com) was at the start of the 2015 John Beargrease Sled Dog marathon yesterday to shoot aerial footage. There were other drones at the starting line so we ventured out into the woods to capture the mushers a quarter-mile into the race.

Music: “Guit. Ditty” by Hattie Peterson from Twenty3 Years Into 4teen Songs.


News and Current Affairs, Outdoors, Videos , , ,

This Week: films, Fiascos, Fever Dream and more

Jan 26, 2015 No Comments

Untitled design
Here’s a bit of what you’ll find on this week’s PDD Calendar:

WDSE’s The Playlist is taping musical performances at Lutsen (where The Pines and Dead Man Winter will also play later in the week), Go, Dog. Go! is at the Mount Royal Library, short films about water are being screened at UWS and The Turn of the Screw opens at the Duluth Playhouse.

The Homegrown Festival’s Winter Fiasco goes down at three local venues, the 1959 Winter Dance Party tour is celebrated at Sacred Heart (while the 1980s and ’90s get a tribute at the Red Star), Hippo Campus and Fever Dream kick it at the Red Herring and there’s stand-up comedy at Dubh Linn.

Any way you slice it, there’s plenty afoot in this last week of January.


Events

Bobby Aro: King of the Great Northwoods

Jan 25, 2015 1 Comment

WDSE-TV presents this one-hour documentary on Bobby Aro, the famed 1950-90s Northern Minnesota disc jockey, singer/songwriter and entertainer who put St. Louis County’s Highway 7 on the map. Aro’s Finn-glish novelty songs are well known throughout the Finish communities of the United States and Canada.


History, Videos

January 2005 in Review

Jan 25, 2015 2 Comments
  • Low releases The Great Destroyer. (Video by Starfire.)
  • The Twin Ports Music and Arts Collective closes.
  • Nutty Meg’s closes.
  • Eric Ringsred and his son Miles plan to open a drinking establishment called the Cider House at the old Snyder’s Superstop. (It never happens, and instead Dubh Linn Irish Pub opens there in 2006.)
  • The Red Star Lounge is under construction at the Fitger’s Brewery Complex.
  • Mike Neal opens Splash Beach Club in the former Western Tavern. It briefly serves as Duluth’s only alcohol-free weekend dance club.
  • Management of the NorShor Theatre transfers from Chip Stewart and Craig Samborski to J.P. Rennquist.

Music, Videos ,