It is a busy weekend around Northern Minnesota with a punk music festival, an Iron Range bands showcase and two Minnesota favorites visiting from the Twin Cities.
We're starting things off with a "full circle" concert at the Ore House in Gilbert. Owler, Josh Palmi & Trapper and members of Pocketknife are playing Friday night, April 25, with music starting at 7 p.m. All three played the very first show at the venue and will be recreating the vibe of that debut event.
Also at 7 p.m. Friday, Davina and The Vagabonds are playing the Ripple Center in Aitkin. A jazz and blues combo led by the charismatic Davina Sowers, their authentic vintage sound features a mix of original music and selections from The Great American Songbook.
In Nisswa, Erik Koskinen will be at the Live Well Nightclub & Coffee Bar for the Grassroots Concert Series. A singer-songwriter and guitarist whose Americana sound draws from rock, folk, blues and more, Koskinen is renowned both for his solo music and as in-demand session player. The hosts of Grassroots recently announced the long-running series might be ending after this show. Music begins at 7:30 p.m.
On Saturday there is an all-day punk festival happening in Grand Rapids at Klockow Brewing. The Third Annual Der Erste Mai will feature six bands from Grand Rapids, Duluth and the Twin Cities: Underground Til Sundown, Battery Eyes, Suburban Muscle, Shadows of Me, 2003UB313 and Smalltown Sindrome. Doors open at noon and music begins at 3 p.m.
Friday, April 25
- Owler, Josh Palmi & Trapper, Pocketknife - 7 p.m., The Ore House, Gilbert, free
- Davina and The Vagabonds - 7 p.m., The Ripple Center, Aitkin, $26.50
- Erik Koskinen - 7:30 p.m., Live Well Nightclub & Coffee Bar, Nisswa, $15 (adults), $5 (under 12)
Saturday, April 26
- Third Annual Der Erste Mai Punk Festival - 3 p.m., Klockow Brewing, Grand Rapids, free with $15 suggested donation
Events this week include a hoedown in Hibbing, a cleanup day in Bemidji and a 5K for mental health awareness in Brainerd.
The weekly live music spotlight is made possible by the citizens of Minnesota through the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
