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A week of ‘homegrown’ music
BY BECCA JAMES
STATESMAN STAFF WRITER
ISSUE 17/25
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Fans eagerly await the next band to get on stage during last year’s ‘Homegrown Music Festival.’ This year’s festival kicks off on April 27.
Music enthusiasts will celebrate a decade of local music in Duluth, April 27 through May 4 with the 10th annual Homegrown Music Festival taking place in venues throughout the city. Homegrown comes from humble beginnings. Celebrated with just five bands in 1999 as part of Duluthian DJ Scott Lunt’s 30th birthday party, the festival has grown to include 150 artists based out of the Twin Ports and surrounding areas.
Since 1999, Homegrown has passed through many hands, including Duluth Mayor Don Ness, who acted as the festival director in both 2006 and 2007. With Ness’ responsibility as mayor, it places a limit on his availability. First-time festival director Paul Connolly has happily taken the reigns. “I can’t think of any city other than Duluth that has an event like this in the state,” said Connolly. “The festival offers a great chance for the community to really take in and appreciate the amazing amount of talented musicians in the area writing and performing original music.”
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The Keep-aways peform during last year’s festival.
All bands performing have roots to Duluth.
While Connolly will be busy coordinating volunteers and booking bands for this non-profit festival, former director Ness looks forward to a less demanding festival experience. “I can’t wait for this year’s Homegrown. I look forward to being able to go to the shows and not worrying about all of the logistics,” said Ness. Ness also looks forward to seeing his brother’s band, Taconite, and bands with roots in the Hillside perform. “The band [Taconite] is sounding great these days,” Ness said. “Jamie [Ness] is a great songwriter, and he has a very tight band behind him right now. Original live music is more authentic, and you can see the passion of these artists who are doing it for the love of the music and for the enjoyment of their friends. That’s what it’s all about.”
Local and 10-time Homegrown attendee Melissa La Tour is also excited about experiencing great-sounding original music in her favorite venue, R.T. Quinlan’s Saloon. La Tour continues coming back to the festival to support local artists and to see them become stronger over the years. “If you are hardcore like me, map out your journey ahead of time, and take advantage of the free trolley,” said La Tour as a bit of advice for festival newcomers.
For the Homegrown Music Festival schedule, list of performing bands and ticket prices, visit www.duluthhomegrown.com
