If Duluth feels like home,
it's because it could be.

DD PHOTOGRAPHER PROFILE SERIES - Ethan Sorensen is a talented teenage photographer. 

Photos by Ethan Sorenson

September 9, 2024

Happy 19^th Birthday to DD Contributing Photographer Ethan Sorensen. With skill and maturity beyond his years, he and his friend Bobby Kronschnabel were just 16 years old when they planned and kayaked an 8-day, 160 mile adventure. Starting at Brighton Beach in Duluth, they paddled the entire North Shore, finishing at Grand Portage Marina.

“Convincing my parents took some work,” Ethan states, adding, “and lots of Google Docs showing how much planning I had done.”

With weather delays, it took the duo 15 days, enduring days on end in their small tent. “We spent a lot of that time playing UNO and other card games which was great until UNO got water flooded one day. Thankfully, for one big stretch of rainy days, we were able to walk into Two Harbors for food.

 

“The last day, we had to make up for rain day miles with a super long and physically challenging 40-mile, 14-hour paddle.”

When asked about their best memories, Ethan states, “Getting to the finish line while it started to downpour on us. Getting to see tons of sea caves and places we didn't know existed. I saw some of my favorite landmarks, like Split Rock Lighthouse, from the water's perspective. And the incredible friendship that grew between us as we endured so much struggle together.”

On his 19th birthday, Ethan states he is “taking a gap year to focus on making some money for savings and figuring out exactly what I'd like to do." Currently living in St. Paul, "I'm really considering the trades right now. In 5-10 years, I see myself hopefully in my career and being able to move to Duluth. I'd absolutely love to live there.”

 

#lifeupnorth #destinationduluth #befromduluth #yourdestinationforlife

 

 

The Duluth Oktoberfestival celebrates its 5th anniversary of family-friendly fun - in German Style - Sept 13-15!

Duluth Oktoberfestival is here, which means it’s prime time to celebrate German culture. Music, dancing, traditional German attire, games, and plenty of food and drink are all part of the fun.

This year, Duluth Oktoberfestival will celebrate its 5^th anniversary. Ryan Kern, President of Kern and Kompany, produces the event.

“The Duluth Oktoberfestival is a family festival in the spirit of the Oktoberfestival celebrations that take place across Bavaria in Germany,” Kern explained. “The event is more than just bier; it’s a celebration of German heritage and how traditional Oktoberfest celebrations take place. They are very family-inclusive, bringing together families and neighbors to celebrate.”

There are several reasons to consider taking part. “Dressing up in your favorite Lederhosen and Dirndl is a good time, plus you’ll get buttons for being authentic,” Kern noted. (Oktoberfestival personnel give these buttons out for free, to those who made the effort to wear authentic attire).

“And, the Duluth Oktoberfestival is basically a free event because your admission ticket comes with a German beverage,” he added. “All the games (both adult and youth) are free. It’s really a great opportunity for the community to enjoy Bayfront Festival Park with music, games, and new experiences.”

Logistics

Oktoberfestival will take place September 13 – 15, 2024, at Bayfront Festival Park. As noted, there will be food, beverages, games, music, and much more. The event will happen rain or shine, as the bier hall is housed under a massive tent structure.

“The event is outdoors, but the main bier hall is under a tent and features the largest free standing tent structure ever erected at Bayfront Festival Park,” Kern said. “Walking into the tent feels like walking into a real German bier hall and needs to be experienced!

“We’ve worked very hard to provide an authentic experience by bringing in bier tables, benches, and décor direct from Germany. It’s a fantastic space for celebration. In addition to the tented bier hall, the park will be filled with games and activities for adults and children.”

A variety of ticket options are available. Please use this link to learn more. Tickets | Duluth Oktoberfestival

Food and Drink

Plenty of authentic Bavarian cuisine – courtesy of Blackwoods – will be served at the event. This year’s menu includes Bratwurst, Chicken Schnitzel, Spaetzle, Black Forest Stew, pork wings, pretzels, and apple crisp.

And, of course, plenty of cold, refreshing beverages will be available, too. Duluth Oktoberfestival’s official German bier is Paulaner, which is imported directly from Germany. Varietals will include:

Munchner Lager

This classic bier from Munich has a perfect balance of malty character and the light bitterness of hops.

Hefeweizen

This wheat bier classic from Munich is a traditional, unfiltered hefeweizen that is naturally hazy, and silky gold under a strong head of foam.

Oktoberfest Marzen

This full-bodied amber bier, with its rich malt flavor and dark toffee notes, has an underlying fruitiness and masterful hop balance.

Oktoberfest Bier

This golden lager is Germany’s #1 Oktoberfest bier. Deep golden color, full-bodied and wonderfully mellow, it offers a balanced harmonious taste and the pleasant fragrance of hops.

Grapefruit Radler

Naturally cloudy grapefruit flavoring meets Paulaner’s tasty Münchner Lager. This tangy thirst-quencher is the perfect accompaniment: fruity-tart, 100% natural and not too sweet.

Jägermeister and cold brew coffee shots will also be available.

Fun and Games

Duluth Oktoberfestival provides fun for the entire family. Live music, an arts and crafts festival, and helicopter rides are part of the celebration. There are plenty of activities specifically designed to keep the kids occupied, too, including inflatables, a bouncy house, cookie decorating, a kids’ stein holding competition, and more.

The adorable and hilarious Dachshund Derby is another popular part of the weekend. From the Oktoberfestival website:

“If your wiener dog feels the need for speed, comes from an impressive blood line, or just dresses well enough to come in last and still merit a photo finish, feel free to enter them in the third annual Dachshund Derby, presented by Lake County Veterinary Clinics. From adults to puppies, all wiener dogs are welcome to participate. The derby will pit all the registered Dachshund pups against each other in a timed race from one end of a grass track to the other.”

Please note that Dachshunds are the only dog breed allowed at the event, and are only allowed to attend during the Dachshund Derby on Sunday.

Additionally, there is an original song that was composed and recorded specifically for the event! You can listen to the song here: https://duluthoktoberfestival.com/things-to-know/

The Duluth Oktoberfestival theme song will also be played throughout the weekend.

Festmaster/Frauline

Two Duluth Oktoberfestival ambassadors will be chosen, and pronounced Festmaster/Frauline. Past honorees have included former Duluth Mayor Don Ness and his wife, Laura, among other notable residents.

“The Festmaster and Frau are typically community members who have demonstrated their commitment to our community, and their role is to welcome everyone to the Duluth Oktoberfest as ambassadors of our community,” Kern said. “Being chosen as the Festmaster is considered a great honor, and patrons usually attend the opening ceremony to collect buttons from the Festmaster each year as collectibles.

“The Festmaster and Frau (Frauline) won’t be announced until just prior to the opening ceremony,” Kern added. “They’ll have the honor of tapping ‘The Golden Keg,’ which was importuned from Germany to open the festival.”

Lingo

Care to practice your German? Below are a few popular phrases you may hear during Oktoberfestival:

Dirndl: (Dern-dull) The traditional German dress you’ll see on staff as well as guests who love to get into the spirit of Oktoberfest.

Lederhosen: (Lay-der-hose-in) This literally translates to “leather pants.” You’ll see a lot of men sport these trendy trousers in all kinds of styles.

Guten Appetit!: (goo-ten app-a-teet) How we wish you bon appetit.

Noch ein Bier, bitte: (nock ine beer bit-a) You’ll want to commit this to memory; it’s how you ask for “Another beer, please!”

Prost!: (Prōst) This is how we say, “Cheers!” You’ll also hear ein Prost, which means “a toast.”

Brezen: (Bray-tsun) Pretzel. There’s no shortage of these twisted traditions, made fresh and served hot.

O’zapft is!: (Ō-tsapft is) literally means “It’s tapped!” This is the opening cheer when the first keg is tapped, kicking off Oktoberfestival.

Schunkeln: (Shoon-kulln) It’s the ideal drinking “dance” because you don’t even have to stand up! Just stay seated and when the Schunkeln song comes on, lock arms with your neighbor and sway side to side.

Eins, zwei, drei: (ines tsvy dry) “One, two, three.” You’ll hear this a lot, like at the start of the stein-holding contests. Here’s how to get really legit and count with your fingers in German: one is the thumb, two is the thumb and forefinger, and three is thumb, forefinger, and middle finger.

Oans, zwoa, g’suffa!: (ōnns tswō g’zoo-fa) “One, two, drink up!” Enough said.

Zicke zacke, zicke zacke, hoi hoi hoi!: (tsick-a tsack-a, tsick-a tsack-a, hoy hoy hoy) Another common band call-out, usually followed by Prost! and a hearty chug of bier.

Plan a Safe Ride Home

With all the fun and merriment, it is important to remember to plan a safe ride home. Designated driver admission for the event is only $5.

Duluth Oktoberfestival also partners with Northeast Minnesota JOYRIDE. Guests at the event can grab a JOYRIDE voucher to put towards a safe and sober ride home.

Rewarding

For Kern and his family, producing Oktoberfestival is a highly rewarding endeavor. “Bringing the generations together - children, teens, adults and grandparents – makes it a multigenerational event,” he noted. “We really love the idea of sitting at a table and singing German songs with your family, neighbors, and friends.

“We really focus on creating events that are family-oriented,” he added. “As parents of a high schooler and middle schooler, we always look for events that we can all attend as a family.

“The Duluth Oktoberfest is no different, in that we created this event with family in mind. We see families with members of all ages joining us for the celebration. Children, parents, and grandparents all participating together is what sets this event apart – it’s truly a multigenerational event for the entire family.”

For more information about Oktoberfestival, please visit Duluth Oktoberfestival | German Oktoberfest | Duluth, MN

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Andrea Busche is a Duluth + regional freelance writer and small business owner. She is credited with over 1,000 bylines in local print and digital publications, and has been a frequent contributor to Destination Duluth since 2017.

 

 

DD ARTIST PROFILE SERIES: Singer and Actor Jace LeGarde Widens His Horizons Back in His Hometown

Born and raised in Duluth and a graduate of Hermantown High School, Jace LeGarde said, “I have so much pride in being a native Duluthian - this is the greatest city in the world!” Jace is thrilled to be playing one of the famous Four Seasons quartet members in the Duluth Playhouse’s upcoming musical, “Jersey Boys,” September 13-29 at the historic NorShor Theatre in Duluth.

After high school, LeGarde went to Illinois Wesleyan University for a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Theatre. “I absolutely loved my time in this program. While there, I got the chance to workshop several musicals, participate and perform in productions of many different styles, and develop my craft in unique and individualized ways.”

While still an undergrad, he started auditioning and performing in regional theaters nationwide and then decided to move to New York. There, he did gigs singing in cabaret bars, auditioned nearly every day, and bartended and walked dogs to make ends meet. Then, when the pandemic began, and performing and bartending were the first jobs to hit the chopping block, Jace decided to move back home.

After reflecting on himself as an artist and performer, he decided that the competitive aspect of a career in performing arts was not a great fit for him. He said he “spent a lot of time in New York craving stability and a simpler life while watching his peers thriving in this fast-paced, crazy industry.”

“Being back in Duluth was like I was living here for the first time,” he explained. “I couldn’t believe how much theatre and art had exploded here since I’d left six years earlier. Even though it was my hometown, Duluth really felt like home for the first time, and I gained a sense of clarity, realizing quickly that everything I needed and wanted was here.”

Once he had moved back to Duluth, he began to work as a speech coach for Duluth East and worked on choreographing a musical at Hermantown. “This kind of sparked a new passion in taking on more of a coach-like position. I started taking on a few private voice students, and it immediately clicked that this is what I should be doing.”

In that endeavor, Jace is also currently pursuing his Master of Music in Commercial Contemporary Voice Pedagogy through Shenandoah University. He noted that this is one of the pioneering pedagogy programs in the world that honor and appreciate all styles of vocal music.

“It is exciting to be a small part of this legacy and to pass along what I learn to my students and colleagues, he said. “I feel incredibly grateful to be learning from some of the best voice pedagogues in the industry and extremely excited to see where this love of teaching takes me.”

“I never thought it would be an option to support myself as an artist here in Duluth, and I’m very grateful to have had this nudge from the universe to realize this possibility!” he added.

Back Onstage

Despite the rest of his busy schedule, Jace has enjoyed acting at Zeitgeist in a production of “Daddy Longlegs” and appearing at the Playhouse in several productions, including “Into the Woods,” “Ragtime,” “Little Women,” and “The Sound of Music.”

“We are so fortunate to have so much theatre right in our backyard. Every show I’ve been involved in with the Duluth Playhouse has been so magical,” he said.

“I find myself mentioning “Ragtime” pretty often in my life. This was my first production with the Playhouse in over ten years, and I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity. The artists, both local and guest, involved in that production were genuinely incredible and that story is so beautifully written.”

He added, “Theatre always knows exactly how and when to heal something in me. I have seen and been in productions that so perfectly articulated how something in my life is going in that moment that it is therapeutic. It’s a perfect art form for that, whether that’s through escapism or the catharsis of tackling those feelings head on.”

Family Support

“My parents have been my biggest supporters since day one and I am constantly in awe of their relationship and commitment to each other. I often say they set the bar too high for my expectations in a relationship! I also have the greatest friends in the world who constantly understand and forgive my busy schedule,” he said.

Jace and his fiancé Alex have been together for nearly four years. Alex has introduced him to the world of traveling, and they are always looking forward to the next pin they get to put in their map. They plan to go with Jace’s parents to Winchester, Virginia, next spring for his graduation.

Up Next “Jersey Boys”

Jace explained, “Jersey Boys is a show that has never been on my radar, but I am so glad I got involved in this production and very excited for people to see this. This show is so different vocally than what I’m used to singing, and it’s been a fun challenge to stretch myself in that way.”

He noted, “We crave humanity now more than ever, and this show is such an exciting snapshot of a specific period of time and explores complex chosen family relationships so beautifully.”

“I hope everyone leaves this show feeling a sense of lightness, that they can take away a theme of forgiveness, and that they can have the courage to embrace change, both positive and negative, in their lives.”

“Jersey Boys”
The Story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
Book by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice
Music by Bob Gaudio
Lyrics by Bob Crewe

Duluth Playhouse at the NorShor Theatre
211 E. Superior St., Duluth, MN 55802

Performances:
September 13 - 29, 2024
Thursdays - Saturdays @ 7:30pm
Sunday Matinees at 2pm

Audio Description: September 15 @ 2pm
ASL Interpretation: September 27 @ 7:30pm

For tickets, call  218-733-7555 or go to  www.duluthplayhouse.org/shows/jersey-boys

From the Playhouse: Set against the gritty backdrop of 1950s New Jersey, the jukebox musical tells the riveting story of young Frankie Valli, Tommy DeVito, and Nick Massi as they claw their way to the top of the music world. Determined to escape their rough beginnings, they join forces with songwriter Bob Gaudio, creating the legendary Four Seasons.

Their breakout hit, "Sherry," catapults them into the spotlight, leading to a string of chart-toppers like "Big Girls Don't Cry" and "Walk Like a Man." But as their fame skyrockets, so do the pressures and conflicts within the group, threatening to tear them apart.

Through it all, Frankie Valli pushes forward, carving out a solo career that cements his place in music history. The musical climaxes with the band's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, a powerful tribute to their enduring impact and the unforgettable songs that defined a generation.

 

Destination Duluth Outdoors is a new initiative that will weekly highlight Duluth as an Outdoor Enthusiast's Destination for Life! 

When it comes to outdoor activities, what’s your vibe?

Do you get your kicks from extreme sports like rock climbing or downhill skiing? Or, do you enjoy more leisurely movement, like snowshoeing or walking?

Either way, Duluth has a place for you … and we can’t wait to tell you about it!

Destination Duluth is pleased to announce “DD Outdoors,” a new initiative highlighting all the outdoor recreational adventures in Duluth. Each post will describe an exciting outdoor activity, such as mountain biking, cross-country skiing, hiking, and many others.

This new series will also support the efforts of the Duluth Area Outdoor Alliance (DAOA). But, more on that later.

And, of course it wouldn’t be a DD initiative without plenty of captivating images. Along with thorough written descriptions, DD Outdoors posts will be accompanied by plenty of great photos, videos, and/or reels, captured by some of DD’s top outdoor photographers.

The Team

Spearheading this initiative are two talented – and Duluth-based - photographers who truly know their stuff: Ryan Rumpca and Tanner Hermes.

You probably already recognize their names, as they are regular contributors to DD. But, here are some highlights:

Ryan Rumpca enjoys all forms of outdoor activities. Some of his favorites include gravel biking, hiking, backpacking, stand-up paddleboarding, and camping. He is also a talented photographer. Professionally, Rumpca is an engineering project manager at Cirrus.

Ryan’s full backstory can be found here: Photographer Ryan Rumpca Captures the Adventurous - Destination Duluth

Tanner Hermes is a true outdoorsman, with an affinity for skiing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Photography is another one of his skills and talents. He and his wife, Pamela, moved to Duluth in 2017 after seeing an article about Duluth winning Outside Magazine's 2014 "Best Town in America" contest. His “day job” is as a physician assistant for Orthopedic Associates.

Tanner’s full story can be found here: Outside Magazine was the inspiration to #befromDuluth - Destination Duluth

Additionally, Hermes and Rumpca will also be relying on a variety of other DD content contributors to submit photos for DD Outdoors. “We all have our niche,” Hermes said. “We want to include other content creators, too, to spread out the exposure and build this initiative from the ground up.”

Why?

Hermes shared some of the reasons for creating DD Outdoors. “We want to support the Duluth Area Outdoor Alliance (DAOA), an organization that inspires collaboration within our outdoor recreation community,” he explained. “We also want to highlight DAOA’s upcoming Great Lakes Outdoor Summit, which will take place October 24 – 26, 2024.

“We will also be trying to bring awareness to the various outdoor recreation organizations within the DAOA. Many of these are volunteer-led and the services they provide (such as trail building and maintenance) are volunteer-based. We think it is important to recognize and support these groups and the amazing work they do for the outdoor recreation community in this area.”

(More info can be found here: Duluth Area Outdoor Alliance (duluthaoa.org)).

“Additionally, we really want to get the momentum for Duluth going again, like it had after the ‘Best Town in America’ award,” he added. “We really want to increase the awareness of Duluth as an outdoor city.”

Details

DD Outdoors is currently expected to offer 1-2 posts per week, describing the wonderful, year-round recreational opportunities available to us here in Duluth. And, accompanying photos will display the “outdoor lifestyle,” along with the people who love it. No matter your skill level or ability, it will feature activities for all people.

“Recreation means different things for different people,” Hermes said. “For many, it’s things like skiing and rock-climbing, but for others, it’s a leisurely walk through the Rose Garden. Our goal is to try to represent everyone; it isn’t just going to be extreme sports.”

Goal

As noted, Hermes and his family moved here in 2017. He hopes to inspire others to #befromduluth, too.

“We want to appeal to the 18-year-old who is looking for a great place to go to college, the family with small kids who are thinking of relocating, or people who simply just want to enjoy nature and the easily accessible trails and paved paths in Duluth,” he said.

Kick-Off

This ambitious new initiative will kick off with its first post on September 3^rd. Hermes and Rumpca are thrilled to get it up and running.

“I’m very excited to be a part of this,” Hermes shared. “It’s such an exciting opportunity. We truly want to make Duluth your destination for outdoors.”

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Andrea Busche is a Duluth + regional freelance writer and small business owner. She is credited with over 1,000 bylines in local print and digital publications, and has been a frequent contributor to Destination Duluth since 2017.

 

DD REVIEW - “Liberace and Liza, A Tribute” Sparkles With Over the Top Performances

By Sheryl Jensen, Arts & Entertainment Editor

Famed pianist Liberace, who toured with concerts, had Las Vegas residencies, and starred in his own popular television show, entertained not only with his dazzling piano technique, but also with his audacious costumes, outlandish cars, elaborate mansions, and flamboyant lifestyle.

Judy Garland’s daughter, Liza Minnelli, Tony, Emmy, Oscar, and Golden Globe winner, is known for her big belt voice and flashy stage presence. A living legend in the entertainment industry, Minnelli proved herself to be a true triple threat— a dancer, an actress, and a singer, who was in her element both live onstage and in film.

While Liberace and Liza never performed together in real life, Portland, Oregon, residents David Saffert and Jillian Snow make an imaginary concert appearance of the two come to life in their Liberace and Liza Tribute on the Depot stage for a two night gig.

Doing their Liberace and Liza show for ten years, they have a relaxed and easy style on stage with each other. At the same time, as their characters, they exchanged barbed comments, making fun of each other’s lifestyles and personalities.

They have done shows and residencies at Portland’s Center Stage (OR) 54 Below (NY), Feinsteins’s at the Nikko (CA), and many other venues.

The duo prefer to call their show a tribute to Liberace and Liza, rather than to describe their act as impersonations. Their incredible homage to these two unforgettable entertainers makes for a sparkling evening of old-fashioned show biz fun, showing off the pair’s comedy chops, as well as their amazing musical talents.

While Saffert does undeniably have Liberace’s mannerisms, facial expressions, and speaking voice down pat, it is his flashy and incomparable flashy piano technique, however, that is truly astonishing. Playing from memory, without sheet music, Saffert is a true virtuoso, able even to match the skill of Liberace himself.

Beginning the evening with “Chopsticks,” playing haltingly. like a five-year-old at his first piano lesson, Saffert then sped it up, adding a complex blur of notes and variations. Before intermission, his show-stopping ten-minute Gershwin medley brought the house to their feet.

Part of Saffert’s schtick are his costumes, starting with an elaborate brocade “ensemble” covered with sparkly “dangles,” and for the second half of the show, a patriotic, fringed red, white, and blue jacket and “short shorts” outfit complete with fringe, argyle socks, and colorful shoes.

From the moment Jillian Snow made her entrance, she embodied Liza, with her dark pixie haircut, sequined outfit with her iconic long red scarf, signature quivery speaking voice, and dithery absent-minded commentary.

Snow’s commanding Broadway voice was front and center from the first with Liza’s anthem from playing Sally Bowles, the bigger than life rendition of “Cabaret.”

Every song, including another of Liza’s go-to tunes, “New York, New York,” displayed both Snow’s incredible vocals and an ability to make the audience forget they weren’t watching the legendary diva herself.

Judy Garland’s signature “Over the Rainbow” showed off Snow’s true and most honest vocal qualities in one of the show’s heart-touching and quiet moments. Another sweet moment was a duet with Liberace singing “My Mother’s Eyes” and Liza joining in with her mother’s “Liza, All The Clouds’ll Roll Away” song.

Audience participation was a key element to the show’s silliness including
Saffert introducing one poor audience member as his mother and Snow saying another woman was her sister, Lorna Luft.

Adding local references was also part of the fun, from stopping at Toby’s for sugary treats on their way up to Duluth to inviting the whole audience to go to Perkins after the show for pie.

Saffert and Snow’s chemistry and their ability to connect with each other and the audience is completely on point. The show is, at turns, campy, charming, and hysterical, but most of all wildly entertaining.

Ending with their improbable rendition of Beyonce’s "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” they left their audience wanting more.

Kudos to Brian Matuszak (Rubber Chicken Theater) for bringing them back for the third-time to the Twin Ports after a seven-year hiatus. Their act has gotten even better “with age.”

Liberace & Liza: A Tribute
Final Performance at 7 pm on Saturday, August 31
The St. Louis County Depot Theatre
506 W. Superior Street   Duluth
For Tickets & Info: Call 218-213-2780
brian@RubberChickenTheater.com

For a profile of Saffert and Snow and a review of the show, go here. 

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About Sheryl Jensen - Arts & Entertainment Editor

A retired educator with the Duluth Public Schools, Sheryl Jensen has been a theater director of over 60 school and community productions. Her production of William Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew at East High School won the National High School Theater award from the BRAVO television network.

Having written theater, music, dance, and opera reviews for the Duluth News Tribune for many years, she now is the Arts & Entertainment Editor for Destination Duluth.

 

 

David Saffert and Jillian Snow in
Liberace & Liza: A Tribute
August 30 and 31 at Depot Theatre

From humble beginnings in Wisconsin, piano virtuoso Liberace went on to be a theatrical superstar, known as “Mr. Showmanship,” performing from the 1950s to the 1980s. Known for his glitz and glitter, his gold-leaf and rhinestone-encrusted grand pianos, and his ridiculously outlandish costumes with ostrich feathers, mink, capes, and huge rings, he was often chauffeured onstage in a Rolls-Royce.

Also born in Wisconsin, talented pianist David Saffert seemed an unlikely person to become an impersonator of the outrageous Liberace. Saffert went to the University of Wisconsin Superior and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in piano performance.

In Duluth, he played piano for the musical “The Secret Garden,” performed at the Marshall Performing Arts Center, and was involved with several Renegade Comedy Theater productions where he played piano and was an actor in their sketch comedy pieces.

He now lives in Portland, Oregon, with his husband Tyler Buswell. David has worked as a pianist with such organizations as the Oregon Ballet Theatre, Portland Opera, Oregon Symphony, Portland Gay Men’s Chorus, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and Portland Center Stage.

Becoming Liberace

“I have been performing as Liberace for over ten years. It really started out as a bit and was never meant to go this long! In 2010, I started what would become my own yearly variety show in Portland, Oregon, at Curious Comedy Theatre.”

“My friend Sammuel Hawkins suggested to me that I perform as Liberace. He made my first rhinestone outfit and supplied me with a candelabra and rings. I will be honest, I was hesitant to do any of this.”

But once Saffert got on YouTube and started to dig into all the Liberace content  and videos available, he was hooked.

“I even acquired Liberace’s first 1973 autobiography to get more insight and material. Prior to any of this, I had only remembered seeing Liberace on television back in the early 1980’s on The Muppet Show and several TV variety shows,” he said.

Finding Liza

“Having been in so many sketch shows and plays, I knew early on that I never wanted to have my own solo show. I love being on stage with other people and having that amazing energy bouncing back and forth like a tennis match,” David said.

He added, “By my fourth year of shows, I had met Jillian Snow who performs as Liza Minnelli, and I knew that I needed her in my show. I had seen Jillian perform as Liza several times, and I was blown away by her comedy and her powerful belting voice. There are a lot of Liza impersonators out there, but there’s only one that can do the whole act justice, and that’s Jillian.”

Snow said she was a lifelong Judy Garland fan, and after finding out that Liza Minnelli was Garland’s daughter, she became obsessed with her too. “I actually sat next to Liza once at a theater production, but I was too shy to say anything to her.”

She explained that she met David through her sister who had worked with him in a theater company. Jillian said that she saw David perform in his annual birthday show and was blown away by his talent.

Though Liberace and Liza never performed together in real life, David  and Jillian began putting together a show where they blend their talents as these two bigger than life personalities.

“It is a different show every time. We can start and stop and improvise,” Snow said. “We trust each other as friends and performers and that comes across on stage.”

David shares that a big part of the act is the two of them being campy and funny. “The humor comes from the fact that both Liberace and Liza aren’t elitists. They’re superstars dressed in head-to-toe sequins who can have lunch at Perkins or shop at Safeway. Can you imagine seeing Liberace and Liza at a laundromat or standing outside The Portland Malt Shop ordering sundaes? That’s where we see these characters interacting.”

Performing and Touring

Several years ago, Saffert and Snow performed their Liberace and Liza act in Superior at UWS. They are excited to be coming back, this time to Duluth.

The duo annually performs their holiday show at Portland Center Stage in Oregon with 7-8 shows a week for around seven weeks every November and December.

They frequently tour, including gigs at 54 Below in New York, residencies at Feinstein’s at the Nikko in San Francisco, and television specials from Liberace’s own mansion in Las Vegas.

“We’re also very fortunate to have guidance and musical support from Bo Ayars who was the real Liberace’s music director from 1973-1985,” Saffert said.

Ayers still conducts and performs with them at their annual holiday shows in Portland. He also creates their band arrangements and is a wealth of information from his days of performing with Liberace at Radio City Music Hall and all the Las Vegas residencies.

“We have been so lucky to have Ayars work with us and have him create our music charts,” Snow said.

Eye-Popping Costumes

David noted, “The only item of Liberace’s that I currently own is a black and tan brocade jacket made for Liberace by his costumer Frank Acuña. The Frank Acuña family gifted it to me several years ago, and I often wear it during television interviews.”

Saffert now has two costumers from the Portland Opera make his Liberace costumes. Jason Bray made his head-to-toe pink sequin outfit complete with cape and a 4th of July hot pants outfit with a fringe coat.

His current costumer, Jeffery Wilson, has made David a Christmas costume with light-up cape, a Victorian looking purple outfit with “diamond” buttons, and a maroon and gold outfit with dangly jewels.

John Hance, the founder of the largest online Liberace Fan Club, gifted him two outrageously huge fake fur coats. They weigh around 40 pounds apiece and David related they’re “absolute showstoppers.:

Coming Home

“I love any chance I can get to be back to Duluth because I think it’s such a beautiful part of our country. I still have many friends in the Duluth/Superior area, and it’s a joy to reconnect,” David said.

“But maybe the biggest reason I’m happy this year to be back is to be part of Duluth-Superior Pride . . . I am extremely proud to be a queer entertainer bringing this outrageous show to Pride and to all the great Twin Ports people.”

“I never grew up thinking, ‘Someday I’m going to perform as Liberace!’ But here I am touring the country with luggage full of sequined outfits and playing the piano with fingers full of rings!”

David Saffert and Jillian Snow in Liberace & Liza: A Tribute

August 30 and 31
Depot Theatre
506 West Michigan Street.
St. Louis County Depot Theatre
Tickets and Information at 218-213-2780
RubberChickenTheater.com

David Saffert and Jillian Snow return to the Northland with a brand new show that features their wildly successful mashup of two over-the-top icons. Saffert’s dizzying piano skills and Snow’s powerhouse belt team up for a hilarious evening of music and laughter.

"Barton Sutter is so thoroughly a Minnesota Scandinavian—with the usual streak of curmudgeonly pessimism—that he becomes something larger, a type of American artist and culture maker, an emblem of us at our best." - Bill Holm, American poet, essayist, and musician

Whether he is paddling on a tranquil lake, hiking a deserted country trail, describing an impending blizzard, or facing his own mortality, Barton Sutter’s reflections on nature and life are immortalized in his eloquent, soul-touching poems.

As the son of a Lutheran minister, Sutter grew up learning the poetry of the scripture and the sermon. Graduating from Southwest Minnesota State University in 1972 with a B.A. in language arts, he went on to earn his M.A. in creative writing from Syracuse University in 1975.

Working as a printer for a decade, he then started to make a living as a freelance writer and part-time and full-time instructor at St. John’s University; the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities; the University of Minnesota, Duluth; and at the University of Wisconsin, Superior.

He has written eleven books, including poetry collections, essays, and short fiction. The only writer to win the Minnesota Book Award in three different categories, he received the award for poetry with The Book of Names; for fiction with My Father’s War and Other Stories; and for creative non-fiction with Cold Comfort: Life at the Top of the Map.

He has also written plays that have been produced by the Great American History Theater in St. Paul, locally by Rubber Chicken Theater, and at Southwest Minnesota State University.

Produced by the Swedish Cultural Society of Duluth in 2016, with additional performances at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, “Cow Calls in Dalarna,” is one of Sutter’s poetry collections that he turned into a one-act readers’ theater piece with music, telling the lyrical, humorous, and sometimes sad stories of a community of Swedish women who herded cows.

In 2005, Sutter was named Poet Laureate of Duluth. He made it his mission during his tenure to have poets and poetry more visible in the community and not just in academic settings.

Other honors include the George Morrison Artist Award, and awards from the Academy of American Poets, the Jerome Foundation, the Loft Literary Center, and the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council.

Observations About Duluth and the Region

Sutter told Contemporary Authors (a book series of short biographies and bibliographies of contemporary writers), “I live in Duluth, on the shores of the largest freshwater lake in the world, where canoe racks are standard equipment and the temperature sometimes drops to forty below. I enjoy being out of the swim . . . I like writing about country people and the natural world. I manage to get out in a canoe about thirty days a year and usually bring back fish or a poem—on lucky days, both.”

Sutter speaks with admiration, love, and reverence for the Northland and specifically of Duluth where he makes his home with his wife Dorothea Diver. Extolling some of the virtues of those who live here, he said, “Duluth is full of talented, intelligent people who are lovably unpretentious and down-to-earth.”

Appreciating the natural world around him, Sutter said, “Duluth is a wild city. So far this summer, my wife and I have spotted a fox sneaking into our orchard, scared a cinnamon black bear out of our front yard, and watched a fawn learn to walk just minutes after it was born in our back yard.”

Sutter noted the richness of the cultural landscape here as well. “It’s been one of the great pleasures of my life to watch the arts truly come of age here and to be able to contribute to that process, myself. Music thrives—from the symphony orchestra to multiple festivals to jam sessions. Sculptors, potters, and painters maintain studios and sell through galleries and fairs. The quality of theatrical productions is surprisingly high for a city of this size.”

He added, “The literary scene is also so dynamic that the Northeastern Minnesota Book Awards had to be established and live readings are on offer almost every week.”

The Sutter Brothers

In addition to his writing, Bart enjoys performing in the musical duo, the Sutter Brothers, with his brother Ross Sutter. Ross’s repertoire includes Scandinavian, Scottish, and Irish songs, along with traditional American songs. He plays the guitar, dulcimer, button accordion, and bodhran (the Irish goat-skin drum).

Together, the Sutter Brothers present a delightful blend of music, storytelling, and poetry. They enjoy sharing the stories of their distinctly Scandinavian upbringing and of growing up as a preacher’s kids.

“Cotton Grass”

Sutter described his newest poetry collection “Cotton Grass” as “the best of his poetry focusing on nature.” The book includes some of his favorite past works from other books and many new poems. He dedicates the book “with love and gratitude to the Lake Superior region.”

About one of the poems in the collection, “Marsh Marigolds,” Sutter writes, “One spring morning, I went out to scout a trout stream on a trail I’d never walked, and halfway to the river, I found myself in a cedar swamp with a fairytale feel when those marsh marigolds surprised me. I had to think before their name came back to me, the way we hesitate when we encounter a friend we haven’t seen in some time; hence, the repetition: Marigolds, marsh marigolds. That effort to remember, plus the gratitude and tenderness I felt toward them after the long winter, triggered the deeper recollection of those girls I’d known so long ago.”

“Marsh Marigolds”
By Barton Sutter

The hiking trail takes me uphill
And then through wetlands in the woods,
The river still ahead. It’s dark
In here, the water black. I slosh
Through shallow pools, rock hop,
Cross a crude boardwalk, and notice
Marigolds, marsh marigolds,
Half grown but glowing in the dusk,
Their cup-shaped, deep green leaves
Still small, their yellow flowers
Still more bud than bloom, and think
Of country girls with whom I went
To grade school way back when.
Jeanie, Sandy, Margie, Joyce . . .
I’m so surprised to find you here,
Half hidden in the cedar shade,
And after all these years

"Marsh Marigolds" from “So Surprised to Find You Here” and “Cotton Grass” copyright 2022 by Barton Sutter. Reprinted with permission of Nodin Press.

In the afterword to “Cotton Grass,” Sutter wrote, “When I was nineteen. I borrowed a friend’s canoe and spent half the summer along the Northern border.”

While his packs that summer were heavy, he also carried a book of poems, “The Back Country” by Gary Snyder. “I enjoyed the poems for their own sake, but they also affirmed what I was doing out there by myself and helped me see—and see into and behind what I was seeing.”

Sutter added, “Experience has taught me to keep my expectations low when it comes to the reception of a book of poems. I’m still hanging onto the fantasy for this one though, that, at the last minute, some young hiker or paddler, heading out into the quiet, slips a copy of “Cotton Grass” into a pack and finds it well worth the added weight.”

This Dazzling Display of Color and Texture Delight Locals and Guests of the South Pier Inn

Fifteen years ago, “All I really knew was ‘Short ones in the front, tall ones in the back,’ Betty Sola said with a laugh when asked how she became such a masterful gardener. Today, Betty’s gardens are considered by many to be the best tulip and perennial garden in Duluth.

The garden grew from a backyard hobby into a one-block stretch of shoreline behind the South Pier Inn on Park Point, which is owned by the Sola family. Beginning with the 3,000-bulb tulips in May and stretching into the late August “Dinner plate Dahlias,” the garden has become a destination for Duluthians and hotel guests to appreciate.

In addition to many species of flora and fauna, “Betty’s Gardens” contain walking paths, Japanese Zen Gardens, and plenty of unique items that have washed ashore on the beach. While the garden looks professional - and straight out of the pages of a magazine - the Solas are impressively self-taught.

“When we started, this area was all weeds and rubble,” she said. With the help of husband Dale, “We brought in all the dirt; moved all the rocks,” beginning the transformation we see today. Next-door neighbor and friend Patti Peters joined the effort. Over the last 15+ years, and with plenty of TLC, the garden has continued to grow and evolve as she and Patti got inspired. “You know how gardeners are,” Sola noted with a chuckle. “We just keep expanding.”

The Solas’ gardens are enjoyed all spring and summer by guests at the Inn, passersby, and even the Solas’ three cats – Paris, Pepper, and Susie Q – who enjoy an enviable view from their screened-in “cat penthouse.”

Species

Betty’s gardens spring into life in May, when her 3,000+ tulips blossom.

In the summer, one of the last varietals to arrive on the scene are her glorious 12-inch Dinnerplate Dahlias, which bloom in August. After hosting a garden party for Duluth Rotary Club 25, The Gimlet newsletter reported, “Betty never met a Dahlia she didn’t love.”

Between that time, however, the garden is awash in the colors and textures provided by various other plant species. For instance, her bright pink Hollyhocks – grown from seeds given to Betty from the Master Gardener at Glensheen - can grow up to 12’ in height, standing tall and straight on thick, fibrous stalks.

Tart cherry trees provide delicious, edible fruit that is perfect for jams, jellies, or eating straight off the tree. Pink and purple Fuchsia are almost otherworldly in their vibrant hues.

There are gorgeous Hydrangeas and Geraniums. An abundance of wild roses offers a lovely color and fragrance. Salvia attracts plenty of pollinators, like hummingbirds and Monarch butterflies.

Red Poppies, lush green ferns, Hostas, Black Eyed Susans, Cloeme, and Cosmos capture the eye with their beauty. There is also Astilboid Tabularis, a curious, extra-large-leafed perennial, which is native to Korea. Betty’s ethereal, fluffy-looking Smoke Tree is another unique addition.

Here, all of these amazing species – and more - live together in harmony. They can be explored by way of a variety of walking paths Dale has constructed from slate and pavers from old turn-of-the-century Duluth streets, which he has been collecting for over 50 years.

Dale, who is of 100% Finnish descent (and was also the designer of the South Pier Inn), takes pride in the aesthetic of crisp, clean Scandinavian design. All the path’s lines are beautifully straight and true.

Other Unique Finds

The Solas’ gardens also contain plenty of other unique finds; some of which have washed up on the beach directly in front of their house.

For instance, there are three large, terra cotta Fleur-de-Lis. These artistic, architectural flourishes came from the old Holland Hotel, which stood at 501-503 West Superior Street, where the Radisson Hotel operates today.

When the majestic old hotel was demolished by a wrecking ball in the 1960s, its remains were unceremoniously dumped into the bay. However, after a storm several years ago, the remains of a once glorious hotel were washed ashore directly in front of the Solas’ home, and now, they are a beautiful addition to the garden.

Large, beautiful stones with thick, visible veining are scattered throughout the garden paths, too, courtesy of “a friend who is a connoisseur of rocks.” And much of the slate used in their pathways are slabs the Solas found on a beach up the river.

A multi-talented lady

Betty Sola is a woman of many talents. Having studied communications, psychology, and English at UMD, she has a background in marketing and many decades of business experience. For 35 years she has been the CEO of North American Training Institute, which provides web-based clinical training on gambling addiction treatment, educational youth gambling prevention.

Twenty-three years ago, the Sola family, including Betty, her husband Dale, and his sons Steven and Rand, purchased the land at the foot of the Aerial Lift Bridge (adjacent to the west side of the south pier canal) and built the South Pier Inn. At that time they also purchased 11 lots of water and shoreline along Superior Bay, now Betty’s playground for her garden.

The Sola family believes that small businesses are the heart and soul of communities and prioritize working with other Duluth small businesses. Read the Destination Duluth story on the South Pier Inn.

Remarkably, Trip Advisor consistently ranks South Pier Inn as the #1 hotel in Duluth and in the Top 10 for the entire state of Minnesota.

Landscaping at the Inn

The Solas have also invested plenty of time in installing some lovely landscaping at South Pier Inn.

There is a gorgeous slate patio directly overlooking the Aerial Lift Bridge. A rock walking path hugs the 400 feet of private shoreline on the bay. Cherry trees add plenty of bright visual interest … and a delicious snack for guests.

“Five years ago, the back of the hotel was all just green grass,” Betty said. “We put in a rock path that follows the shoreline and planted ten dwarf cherry trees.” Beautiful hanging baskets of pink and red Geraniums, as well as a show-worthy petunia planter, also add pops of color to the exterior of the Inn.

Many guests view the gardens as a priceless bonus of staying at the Inn as they stroll through on a morning or evening walk.

Pride

For the Solas, who have incorporated over 15 years of trial and error to create these magical gardens, the rewards of their bounty have been well worth the effort.

“Where we are today, it is so rewarding to see everything through other people’s eyes,” Betty stated. “I noticed that some Duluth Plein Air painters were out sketching the gardens one day earlier this summer,” she added. “That just makes my heart sing. This process has been so joyful for me.”

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Andrea Busche is a Duluth + regional freelance writer and small business owner. She is credited with over 1,000 bylines in local print and digital publications, and has been a frequent contributor to Destination Duluth since 2017.

 

 

DD Eat & Drink Duluth Review - The Boat Club Restaurant & Bar has Award Winning Food and Lake Superior Views

It doesn’t get much better than dining al fresco on a summer evening in Duluth; especially if your view includes Lake Superior.

Pair this amazing view with delicious cuisine – think fresh seafood, tender steak, and flavorful pastas – and you have a winning combination. This is exactly what you’ll find at The Boat Club Restaurant & Bar, located in the historic Fitger's complex at 600 E Superior St in Duluth.

Here at The Boat Club, patrons can choose to sit inside the comfortable, nautical-themed restaurant, or head outside. The outdoor patio features an elevated platform section where diners can enjoy front-row seats of Lake Superior and all its compelling shipping activity. (Interior diners also have excellent views; there truly isn’t a bad seat in the house).

There are so many other highlights, too: their extensive wine list, excellent service, unique breakfast and brunch creations, and the fact that the restaurant is locally-owned.

Simply put, the Boat Club is an elevated dining experience, perfect for a special occasion, or any random night of the week. They also host special events and banquets for parties, conferences, wedding receptions and more.

Please join us as we Eat & Drink Duluth – The Boat Club way!

History

The Boat Club, located in the lower level of Duluth’s Fitger’s complex (600 East Superior Street), was opened in 2017 by married couple Jeff Anderson and Jason Vincent. The men also own a few other businesses, too: Vanilla Bean Two Harbors, Jaybee Travel, and Boat Club Productions, offering theater and stand-up comedy under the roof of the historic Fitger’s complex.

The restaurant has already attracted some serious attention in its seven years in business. The Boat Club was an Open Table Diners’ Choice for 2022 and has been named a Traveler’s Choice on Tripadvisor.

Vibe

The vibe at The Boat Club is crisp and nautical. The color scheme is blue, gray, and white. The white curtains feature images of sailboats. There is lots of interesting shipping décor. And the tables are outfitted with crisp white linen tablecloths and navy blue napkins.

And, as noted, the restaurant features stellar views. We opted to sit inside on the day we visited, as it was 90 degrees and muggy outside.

But even from our inside table, we had great views of Lake Superior, and all the ships on the horizon. We did take a little walk around the patio, though, just to check it out. It is beautiful, with flowers and landscaping. The patio is even dog-friendly!

There were several differing demographics dining on the night we visited. There were groups of adult women, larger families, and plenty of couples.

Food

The Boat Club offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. It is adjacent to the Fitger’s Inn, making it a convenient place for hotel guests to grab breakfast. But everyone is welcome.

Breakfast and brunch include traditional dishes, but plenty of unique offerings, too, such as mixed berry crêpes and a Boat Club benedict. Their featured cocktail, the substantial lobster Bloody Mary, makes a great brunchy drink. Lunch features soups, salads, sandwiches, and pasta.

Dinner offers heartier, more upscale dining options, like fresh seafood, steaks, and pastas. When it came time to order, it was a tough decision. Mike opted for the surf & turf combo.

From the menu:

Hand-cut, 6 ounce marinated flat iron steak with seasonal vegetable, choice of garlic confit mashed potatoes, Minnesota wild rice pilaf, or French fries paired with:

• Grilled Skewer or Garlic Sautéed Shrimp
• Seared Scallops
• Grilled Salmon or Broiled Walleye fillet
• Broiled Lobster Tail

Mike chose the broiled walleye for his “surf,” and selected the garlic mashed for his side. The steak was melt-in-your-mouth tender and delicious. He ordered it medium-well, so it had just a hint of pink.

The walleye was fresh and presented beautifully in a unique, “folded” manner. The mashed potatoes were thick, creamy, and delicious – with a delicate garlic flavor, and the appetizing yellow hue of the Yukon Gold variety. And the seasonal veg contained sugar pea pods, onions, and bell peppers, sauteed to a sweet, caramelized finish.

I selected the Alaskan salmon. From the menu:

8 ounce, cedar-planked fillet served with Minnesota wild rice pilaf and seasonal vegetable topped with a citrus glaze and micro cilantro.

The salmon arrived still resting on that cedar plank. The fish had a slight maple-y flavor. The micro cilantro greens were fresh and crisp, and lended a peppery flavor to the fish. The citrus glaze contained flavors of blood orange, pineapple, and ginger.

The wild rice pilaf contained plenty of sweet and savory additions: carrots, celery, craisins and raisins. The rice was perfectly chewy and savory – like the true Minnesota delicacy it is. This dish also came with the seasonal vegetable medley.

Before our meal arrived, we were treated to two warm, fluffy popovers, which were served with delicious whipped honey butter. The outside of the pastry was crisp and buttery, and the inside soft and chewy.

Beverages

We paired our meal with a bottle of The Boat Club’s house red wine – A 2020 Tempranillo called Radio Boka from Valencia, Spain. This wine offers a full mouthfeel with overtones of ripe strawberry and dark cherries. Rather than being sweet, it was a tiny bit tart – just like a ripe strawberry.

If you are a wine lover, The Boat Club offers a wide variety of wines including white, red, rosé, and champagne. Pro tip: The Boat Club offers ½ priced bottles of wine after 4 pm on Mondays.

Beyond wine, the restaurant offers martinis, spirits, custom craft cocktails, beer, coffee, mocktails, soda, milk, tea, and juice.

Service

Our server, Jolene Moravec, was friendly and engaging. A former teacher, she has been working at The Boat Club for about a year.

Jolene spent plenty of time with us, answering questions about the food and wine. She offered us small samples of wine before we made our selection, and gladly ran back to the kitchen to converse with the chef when we had ingredient-specific questions.

The restaurant’s manager, Ben Renner, also made it a point to stop by and check on us a couple times.

Verdict

The Boat Club offers delicious cuisine in a beautiful setting. The steaks and seafood are fresh, with unique, inventive ingredients. The wine list is extensive - for even the most well-cultured connoisseur. The service is excellent. And the view is next-level.

Maybe next time, we’ll come back for brunch. Those crêpes are calling my name.

For a menu and to make reservations, please visit theboatclubrestaurant.com, or visit their Facebook and Instagram pages.

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Andrea Busche is a Duluth and regional freelance writer credited with over 1,000 bylines in local print and digital publications. Her food column, Local Pairings, was first featured in Duluth.com magazine, and later published in the Duluth News Tribune from 2016-2018.

 

North Shore Inline Marathon Is The National Championship of Inline Marathons

Duluth is well-known for being a humble, salt of the Earth-type place.

We Duluthians aren’t very good at tooting our own horn, or boasting about everything we have going on; even when it’s well-deserved. But maybe we should do a little bragging from time to time.

In typical Duluth fashion, our city will host an elite-level athletic event this September, and it’s one you may not know much about: the North Shore Inline Marathon.

This event has attracted top-tier, elite athletes – including Olympic gold medalists, NHL players, and more - to our fine city for the last 28 years. It is expected to provide a healthy economic impact of $2-3 million dollars in the Twin Ports in 2024.

The event is the official National Championship of Inline Marathons. It is also the largest inline skating event in North America, and the 2^nd largest inline marathon in the world. (Second only to the Berlin Marathon, in Berlin, Germany).

“The North Shore Inline Marathon is one of those typical Duluth events: its wacky, weird, and sort of fits the community,” said Andrew Weisz, CEO of Finden Marketing – the company handling marketing and PR for the event.

“It brings people from all around the world,” he added. “The athletes get to see the Lake; see the Aerial Lift Bridge. It kind of encapsulates what I think of when I think of Duluth. Ultimately, it brings people to Duluth who would otherwise not know about our town.”

History

The marathon started in 1996, and was founded by a group of male athletes, including Duluthian George Hovland. “George was a very impactful person in the Duluth community,” Weisz shared.

“He was an Olympic cross-country skier, and participated in the 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo, Norway. He was also one of the founders of Spirit Mountain.”

Sadly, Hovland passed away a few years ago. But his legacy lives on through this dynamic event.

The history of the sport of inline skating has ties to Minnesota, too. The brand name Rollerblade was founded by two Minnesota brothers who wanted to continue training year-round for ice hockey season.

Event

This year’s North Shore Inline Marathon will take place Saturday, September 14^th. The event has three different “disciplines,” with a total of eight races.

Inline skating:

• Full marathon (26.2 miles)
• Half marathon (13.1 miles)
• 10k (6.2 miles)
• Combined (athletes do a half marathon, followed by a full marathon, for a total of 39.3 miles)

Running:

• Aspirus/St. Luke’s Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
• Finden Marketing Tunnel 10k (6.2 miles)

Roller Ski:

• Full marathon – Volkswagen of Duluth Roller Ski Marathon (26.2 miles)
• Roller ski half marathon (13.1 miles)

The day before the event, on September 13^th, there will be a Skate and Health Expo, held at the DECC from noon – 9 pm. Here, athletes can pick up their race packets and visit between 50 and 75 vendor booths.

One of the vendors signed on to attend is Rollerblade. Athletes - using any brand of inline skates - can have their equipment checked, and/or receive some minor maintenance to their skates, right on-site.

Route

The North Shore Inline Marathon follows almost the exact same route as Grandma’s Marathon, but with a slightly different finish line location.

The race begins near Sonju Two Harbors, continues south on Highway 61 to London Road, enters the Interstate (the racers go through the tunnels), veers right toward Lake Avenue, follows 5^th Avenue, wraps around the DECC, and finishes next to the William A. Irvin in Canal Park.

The full marathon begins at 9 am, and the half starts at 7 am. To accommodate the marathon, the entire race route will be shut down from 6 am – 2 pm the day of the race.

The average skater typically completes the full marathon in about two hours. The elites come in at about 1:05 – 1:15, with the record being 58 minutes. The half marathon takes about 35 minutes for the average skater.

If you are interested in catching the action at the finish line, plan to be at the William A. Irvin around 7:30 am for the half, and 10 am for the full. The event will be live streamed through Roller Planet, and Weisz currently in negotiations to have it covered by local TV and radio.

Please visit the website (northshoreinline.com) and their social media platforms to stay up-to-date.

Beginner to Elite Participants

This year is expected to see the largest registration numbers in 15 years, with close to 3,000 participants. This includes over 2,100 inline skaters, 800 runners, and over 100 roller skiers.

The event is open to all ages and athletic abilities, from beginner to advanced. Each race “division” is broken down by age groups. There is even a "kids sprint" on Friday, so there is fun for the whole family.

There are expected to be 80 elite athletes from across the world this year including world champions, Olympians, and professional athletes. The other 2,900 participants range in skill level from recreational skaters to advanced.

“Our race isn’t just for the elites; it’s definitely for the recreational skaters, too,” Weisz shared. “So, anyone is welcome to participate.”

And you don’t have to be a tremendous athlete to take part. Anyone can learn to inline skate. “The best thing about inline skating is that it’s easy on the body,” noted Weisz, who is himself participating in his fifth full marathon.

Registration for the marathon remains open until the day beforehand – September 13^th. And, in contrast to many other marathons, there is no specific number cap. “We are open to having as many racers that want to join in the fun,” Weisz said.

The price point for entry is very affordable. The full marathon is $119; the half is $89; and the 10k is $58. If you are looking for an even better deal, there is an early bird discount to make it even more affordable.

The top three male and female racers will receive a medal: gold, silver, or bronze. And, for the elites, whoever wins will earn the title of U.S. National Inline Marathon Champion. Cash prizes totaling upwards of $10,000 will also be awarded to the winners.

The event will bring people from all over the world. “Usually, we have people from ten to twelve different countries racing every year,” Weisz noted. “Since 1996, we’ve had 26 countries represented. And, we usually have people from 46 – 50 of the United States here to compete every year.”

Elite Athletes

This year, NSIM is excited to share that two Olympic athletes – married couple Viktor and Sofia Thorup – will be participating. The Thorups, who compete on behalf of Denmark, are at the top of their field in a sport with many commonalities – long-track speed ice skating.

Past “celebrity” participants include American Chad Hedrick, a five-time Olympic medal winner (1 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze). Hedrick remains the current record holder; a designation he has held since 1998.

Other big names over the past five years include Bart Swings (Olympian), Joey Mantia (Olympian), Sebastian Guzman (World Champion), Julie Glass (X-Games), and Eddy Matzger (the first person to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro – on skates!).

And, the female record holder is Columbian Gabriela Rueda, who is a World Champion Inline skater. Rueda, who broke the ladies’ record in 2023, is also a past winner of the Berlin Marathon.

A variety of professional hockey players from the NHL have also completed the race.

Come out and Cheer!

The North Shore Inline Marathon is an amazing Duluth event that doesn’t get nearly as much attention as it deserves. Consider finding a spot along Scenic Highway 61, London Road, or at the finish line the day of the race to cheer on the athletes.

“We love to have people come out and cheer,” Weisz said. “The racers hit speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, so it’s fast-paced and really fun to watch.”

Race registration remains open until September 13. Racers can use any age/brand of inline skates, but are required to wear a helmet. Please visit northshoreinline.com to learn more.

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Andrea Busche is a Duluth + regional freelance writer and small business owner. She is credited with over 1,000 bylines in local print and digital publications, and has been a frequent contributor to Destination Duluth since 2017.