North & Shore opens in Enger Lofts
Makers Mercantile, a store that's been based in a vintage camper trailer for the past few years (after initially opening at a storefront in West Duluth), is taking up new permanent residence at a new space called North & Shore in Lincoln Park's Enger Lofts. Proprietors Sara and Scott Clifton sell goods from dozens of local, independent makers. They promise that the Saturday grand-opening celebration, taking place from 3-6 p.m., will feature live music, kids' activities and snacks. For details, see facebook.com/northandshoremn.
Open mic for Northland writers
Who will be the next big writer to emerge from our region? You can keep your ear to the ground at the open-mic nights organized by Lake Superior Writers. The organization works to sustain the literary arts scene in northern Minnesota and northern Wisconsin through programs including the Northeastern Minnesota Book Awards — which they've just taken over from University of Minnesota Duluth library staff. Their last open-mic night of the season takes place Wednesday from 6-7 p.m. To register for the virtual event, and to indicate your interest in a five-minute reading slot if they're still available, email writers@lakesuperiorwriters.org .
Dave Simonett at Sacred Heart
While Trampled by Turtles' return to Bayfront Festival Park is all the buzz, this Thursday you have the opportunity to see their frontman play a solo show in the stunning setting of Sacred Heart Music Center in Duluth. Dave Simonett, who co-founded Trampled by Turtles in 2003, has also released solo work including 2020's album "Red Tail" and the 2021 EP "Orion" — in addition to leading the band Dead Man Winter. Nat Harvie will open the show, with music starting at 7:30 p.m. For information on tickets ($20 advance, $25 door) and other details, see sacredheartmusic.org.
Depot picks up STEAM
There's been plenty of steam power at the St. Louis County Depot over the course of its century-plus history, and it's all thanks to STEAM: science, technology, engineering and math. Now, the Depot is setting out to inspire the next generation of inventors with a free Saturday festival aimed at kids in grades K-5. Twenty local organizations are participating or supporting the effort — including STARBASE, multiple high school robotics teams, and the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. "Youth attendees will be encouraged to engage in experiments and art projects, watch robots in action, or view educational displays" at the event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Details at experiencethedepot.org.
Pop up record shop
When you think of brunch, you're probably more likely to envision circles of Canadian bacon than circles of black vinyl, but Pizza Luce — which knows a thing or two about flat circles — is bringing records to breakfast this Saturday. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the downtown pizzeria is collaborating with Duluth's Round Here Records to offer a pop-up record shop featuring new and used vinyl with plenty of local flavor. If you have some platters you're looking to unload, you can also bring records to trade or sell. For details, see facebook.com/pizzaluceduluth.
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Syttende Mai
Norwegian Independence Day is Tuesday, May 17, and a group of Norse-loving locals are throwing a celebration Sunday in Knife River. The Syttende Mai potluck party is sponsored by the Duluth Sons of Norway and Save Our Ship — the organization working to preserve the "Leif Erickson," a Viking ship replica that's now a historic artifact in and of itself. The ship landed in Duluth in 1927 after a voyage from Bergen, Norway, and stood on public display for decades under city ownership. Now, Save Our Ship owns the ship, which sits literally under wraps at the Knife River Heritage & Cultural Center. It will be a silent guest at the celebration, which takes place from 4-6 p.m. For information and to RSVP, see facebook.com/nortunlodge16.
