May 2015 Posts

Charlie Parr: guitar virtuoso, friend, barefoot prophet

May 18, 2015 1 Comment

Charlie Parr Duluth

Charlie Parr is one of the most unusual and fascinating individuals I’ve ever met. He has lived in my neighborhood for years, but for some reason I hadn’t summoned the courage required to knock on his door until only recently. Finding him to be as accessible as an open book, I unexpectedly encountered a kindred spirit while making a friend. I don’t come across many kindred spirits, so this is worth writing home about.

Read more about this fascinating, one-of-a-kind soul here.


Music

This Week: Dylan, nerds, train-tunes and more

May 18, 2015 No Comments

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

The Nerds are having another Nite, there’s a TED Talk at the Teatro, people can get their antiques appraised at the Depot, a Nepal relief benefit is happening and bands and fans jam themselves onto a train.

The 2015 Northeastern Minnesota Book Awards take place, it’s Community Day at Glensheen Mansion, rock bands play an Italian restaurant, Blake Thomas continues his residency at the Zeitgeist Arts building and Bob Dylan gets even more adoration at Sacred Heart.


Events

Tuesday in Duluth

May 17, 2015 No Comments

Video by Jake Durham.


Art, Videos

Adam Booker – “Unraveled Rival” (Live on The PlayList)

May 16, 2015 1 Comment

Duluth jazz bassist Adam Booker performs a track from his new album Unraveled Rival on the May 14 episode of WDSE-TV’s The PlayList. Booker’s band features Ryan Frane on keyboard, Tim Stratioti on trombone and Ben Ophoven-Baldwin on drums.


Music, Videos ,

Free Bulletin Boards in Duluth???

May 15, 2015 8 Comments

I’m looking for some places in Duluth where I can post some Community Action Duluth posters promoting our free MNsure and SNAP assistance program where they can be seen by wide audiences. If you know of a good place where our poster won’t be immediately ripped down or apart, I’d love to hear of it. Thank you!


Random

Selective Focus: Tranquil

May 15, 2015 1 Comment
Aaron Reichow

Aaron Reichow, untitled

Oft sought, seldom found, more often induced. Still, when genuine… It might not be apparent, but our lead image this week by Aaron Reichow was shot at the circus. Amazing that amidst all of the tumult that this child managed to tune all else out. There’s something axiomatically spiritual in that, I think.

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Art, Photos

Was your great-aunt a milliner? Or grandmother? Or second cousin?

May 14, 2015 3 Comments

I’m working on an art and history project that tells the story of women milliners from our state’s past. Millinery was one of the only professions open to middle-class women for a very long time. I’m looking for your relative who made hats. Or rather, I’m looking for stories about your relative who made hats. Anytime from the 1890s until the 1950s. Please contact me if you’ve got a relative who was a milliner!


Random ,

“… the second time as farce.”

May 13, 2015 1 Comment

Contra Karl Marx, history repeats itself, but both times as farce.

Apparently Duluth, Georgia is missing a giant plastic chicken.  So the city named in homage to Proctor Knott’s big joke is stealing a page from Two Harbors.

Screenshot 2015-05-13 23.34.52


Random

Best Twin Ports Newstand?

May 13, 2015 4 Comments

Does anyone have a thought as to where I could find a wide variety of news-type magazines/newspapers for sale in town? Am I stuck having to hit Barnes & Noble on the dreaded Miller Hill or are there other options? Used magazines would be even better, as this is for a project I’m working on. The printed material will be effectively chopped apart as part of the process. Oh, Carlson’s … where are you when I need you???


Recommendations ,

Beware the gadfly’s sting

May 13, 2015 19 Comments

Duluth News Tribune photo by Clint Austin

Duluth News Tribune photo by Clint Austin

The crabby, vindictive majority on the School Board crumpled like wet tissue when Art Johnston stood up and defended himself in court — something he has been unable to do in the majority-controlled environs of the School Board.

In your face, petty tyrants! The First Amendment rules!

Duluth News Tribune: Duluth School Board may opt against removing Johnston

Duluth Reader: Stop swatting the gadflies


News and Current Affairs

Old Klearflax warehouse is a-comin’ down

May 13, 2015 14 Comments

Klearflax 2015

As previously reported on PDD, Walker Display has moved its operations out of West Duluth, and its former location on Grand Avenue is being demolished to make way for a Kwik Trip convenience store. The demolition process has revealed the former exterior of the building’s west side — a reminder that it once served as a warehouse for Klearflax Linen Rugs Co.

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News and Current Affairs, R.I.P.

Duluth Superior Film Festival seeks volunteers

May 13, 2015 No Comments

It is time again for the Duluth Superior Film Festival’s call for volunteers. This is an international film festival, and June 3-7 will be the sixth year of bringing independent film, musical events, performances, parties and art to the Duluth area. To keep the fun running smoothly, we depend on the help of volunteers.

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Art, Events ,

Monster Mob – Human Centipede

May 12, 2015 No Comments

Monster Mob logoDuluth punk band Monster Mob has announced it will accept donations for Safe Haven Shelter at all of its shows in 2015. Upcoming gigs are May 22 at Sclavi’s Italian Restaurant and May 30 at the Red Star Lounge.

The band released its debut EP in March.


Music, Videos

Video Archive: Duckumentary

May 11, 2015 No Comments

In this PDD classic from 2005, Duluthians visit Indianapolis to experience the wonders of duckpin bowling.


Sports, Videos

Peter Juhl rocks!

May 11, 2015 7 Comments

Peter Juhl RocksMinneapolis TV station KARE 11 last night aired a feature from the north shore of Lake Superior, where Peter Juhl balances rocks in ways that defy gravity. (Click the “read more” button to view the video; it starts playing automatically, so we can’t have it on the home page.)

Post some of your favorite rock balancing photos in the comments.

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Outdoors, Videos