Culturology 6-23: tint dispensaries and summertime festivals abound

by Travis Ryder

The Twin-Cities based group The Color Pharmacy creates experimental indie-rock music with a unique, unpredictable, and edgy style.  They’ve been compared to Syd Barrett, Neutral Milk Hotel, and Willy Wonka.  Back from their third appearance at the venerable South by Southwest Festival, producer Doug MacRostie joined them at Terrapin Station for "An Evening With The Color Pharmacy."  Jake Dilley and The Color Pharmacy return to Terrapin Station in Nevis for a show on Thursday, July 14.  Hear the piece in the Culturology Archives.

Scott Hall visited with the folks at Mesaba Co-op Park east of Hibbing.  They present their Midsummer Festival this weekend, with camping, sustainability workshops, a Finnish dinner, and music Friday night from Matt Ray and Those Damn Horses.  Saturday night’s music includes a jam session, the Déjà vu Drifters, and the Mesaba Park Band. Scott's piece includes

a song recorded at Mesaba Park: “Villi Ruusu” (Wild Rose), performed by Oscar Forsman on accordion and vocalist, Barbara Hanka.  He also captures remarks from Mesaba Coop Park member, David Bednardczuk, with a little history of the Park.

Steve Ross, member of the Lady Slipper Scenic Byway Board, joined us by phone.  The group has community celebrations this Saturday in Blackduck, and the following weekend, July 1 & 2, in Cass Lake.  Steve fills us in on the significance of the road that runs between those communities, and the schedule of events in Blackduck this Saturday.  Music and other events begin at 10 a.m.

Culturology Calendar:

Friday, June 24

Pine River Art Show runs Thursday through Saturday at the Warehouse Community Center.  Fine art pieces will include paintings from area artists.

Nisswa has an artists’ show from 10 to 5 Friday and Saturday at the community center.  Organizers say to expect original oil and acrylic paintings, watercolors, Asian Brush painting, nature prints, monotypes, and art pottery.

Sam Miltich Trio featuring Don Vidal, Edge Center, Bigfork, 7 p.m.

Finnish-American folk duo Kaivama performs at Brigid’s Cross Pub in Bemidji, 8 p.m.

Mesaba Co-op Park Midsummer Festival includes camping, sustainability workshops, a Finnish dinner, and music Friday night from Matt Ray and Those Damn Horses.  Saturday night’s music includes a jam session, the Déjà vu Drifters, and the Mesaba Park Band.  The Park is near the Thirsty Moose Bar off Highway 37 in Cherry.

Saturday, June 25

Celtic Festival at the Farm on St. Mathias Road in Brainerd.  Music from Rumgumption, Boiled in Lead frontman Todd Menton, Irish dance and storytelling, craft demonstrations and vendors, 10 am-4 pm.

Zorya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, 1:30 p.m., MN Discovery Center in Chisholm.

Lady’s Slipper Scenic Byway celebration Saturday in Blackduck.  Live music, tours, activities begin at 10 a.m.

Guitarist Tim Sparks holds a workshop at 2 pm, and the Blue Turtle Grass Band performs at 7:30, at Lake Bemidji State Park.

Monday, June 27

Mississippi Traveler, St. Louis, MO author Dean Klinkenburg, 7p @ GrRpds Library

Thursday, June 30

Hibbing Gallery Hop, 19^th annual event: Expecting about 50 artists to set up their works in storefronts along Howard Street from 2 to 7 p.m.  Musicians in US Bank Plaza throughout.

Minnesota History Datebook

June 19, 1873 The first graduation ceremony for the University of Minnesota is held at the Academy of Music in Minneapolis to honor both graduates.  Warren Eustis and Henry Williamson.

June 21, 1921 Actress Jane Russell is born in Bemidji.

June 23, 1927 The 42-foot Viking ship Leif Erickson sails into Duluth, completing a voyage from Norway. The ship is now displayed in a Duluth park bearing its name.

June 21, 1973 The United States Hockey Hall of Fame opens in Eveleth, the capital of American hockey.

The very next day in Grand Rapids, hail 7 inches deep stops traffic on Highway 169.