We made it through another year.........barely. Ring in 2026 at New Year's Eve parties in Bemidji and Eveleth, or wait 'til the weekend for hot club jazz and Americana songwriting in Grand Rapids and Hackensack.
The first of two NYE shows on The Setlist this week is Corey Medina & Brothers at The Loft in downtown Bemidji, music beginning at 8 p.m. The electric blues rock quartet are raising funds for the new year, including plans to book studio time for new recordings. Corey Medina & Brothers at the Loft for New Year's Eve.
Another end of year party is The Imports at Eggy’s Red Garter in Eveleth, beginning at 8 p.m. The group initially formed on the Iron Range in the mid '80s with Rich Mattson, Tim Leseman, Jim Kennedy and Russ Bergum. They’ve gotten the band back together from time to time over the last few years - it's new wave rock at Eggy's on NYE.
Friday is an extra special First Friday of the month and year, and Sam Miltich & Friends are going electric at Rapids Brewing at 6 p.m. in Grand Rapids. The group’s special guest this week is electric guitarist Robb Henry, and the theme of the show is electric Django.
On Saturday, Charley Wagner and Mama Wags are playing at Rendezvous Brewing in Hackensack at 5 p.m. Wagner is an Americana singer-songwriter who recently released Finding Home, with Northwoods-inspired songwriting and personal stories. It features contributions from Mama Wags who is his real life mom. You can also find Wagner playing around the area with Forge North.
Wednesday, Dec. 31
- Corey Medina & Brothers - 8 p.m., The Loft, Bemidji, $23.18 and up
- The Imports - 8 p.m., Eggy's Red Garter, Eveleth, free
Friday, Jan. 2
- Sam Miltich & Friends - 6 p.m., Rapids Brewing, Grand Rapids, free
Saturday, Jan. 3
- Charley Wagner and Mama Wags - 5 p.m., Rendezvous Brewing, Hackensack, free
Events Up North Dec. 23-Jan. 5: Kids' New Year's celebration in Brainerd, storytelling near PalisadeEvents over the next two weeks include two activities at Lake Bemidji State Park, a hockey tournament in Baxter and the First Friday Art Walk in Grand Rapids.
The weekly live music spotlight is made possible by the citizens of Minnesota through the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
