If you're anything like me, you've probably been checking your phone a little more than usual over the last few days. I know my screen time is way higher during election season, and the endless refreshing last night surely did not help my stress levels.
So why not take a break from the news for at least an hour or two and take in some live music? Here are four concerts for you to check out in Bemidji, Grand Rapids, Coleraine and Aitkin.
On Thursday, Choctaw opera singer Mark Billy will be at the Chief Theater in Bemidji, at 7 p.m. A McKnight Fellowship winner, Billy has been called the leading Indigenous baritone of his generation, and is known for combining classical music with Indigenous songs and instrumentation.
It's First Friday in Grand Rapids with music this week from singer-songwriter Mikaela James at the Old Central School, beginning at 4 p.m. She has an acoustic folk sound and has three songs out on the Home to Me EP.
Another Friday show is Grant Edwards at Smoke on the Water in Coleraine, 6 p.m. He is a singer and guitarist with a big voice, drawing from Americana, folk, country, blues and more in his original songs and deep bag of covers.
Wrapping up The Setlist with Fendrick & Peck at Sampaguita in Aitkin, also 6 p.m. Friday. They are an indie-acoustic folk duo whose live show blends music, poetry, storytelling and love for the environment. Their most recent release was a 2025 EP called Glimmers, Songs For Wintertime.
Thursday, Nov. 5
- Mark Billy - 7 p.m., Chief Theater, Bemidji, $10
Friday, Nov. 6
- Mikaela James - 4 p.m., Old Central School, Grand Rapids, free
- Grant Edwards - 6 p.m., Smoke on the Water, Coleraine, free
- Fendrick & Peck - 6 p.m., Sampaguita, Aitkin, $10 suggested donation
The weekly live music spotlight is made possible by the citizens of Minnesota through the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
