Taking a break after the exciting announcement that National Public Radio’s Mountain Stage will be broadcasting two shows from the North House Folk School campus during the Unplugged X weekend in September 2011 are (L-R) WTIP Executive Director Debbie Benedict, Cook County Visitor’s Bureau Executive Director Sally Nankivell and North House Folk School Executive Director Greg Wright.
A number of community members were invited to a gathering at North House Folk School on Wednesday, January 12 to hear preliminary—and very exciting—plans for the Folk School’s 10th Unplugged: The Northern Harvest event to be held September 15 – 18, 2011. There were hints that the event would involve the return of a number of the artists who have performed in previous years and that there might be the addition of a nationally produced radio program. Attendees at the meeting in the sunny blue building’s conference room were delighted to hear the whispered advance information confirmed. Many of the amazing artists who have appeared at Unplugged will be returning for this special anniversary. And, the National Public Radio program Mountain Stage will be coming to Grand Marais.
North House Executive Director Greg Wright welcomed representatives from WTIP Community Radio, the Grand Marais Rec. Park, North House staff, the Grand Marais Lions Club, the Cook County Visitor’s Bureau and other tourism groups, the press, and numerous business owners, saying, “Every day at North House is an adventure. And today is not only an adventure but a celebration!”
Wright explained that Unplugged X was being held a week earlier than in the past to tie it to another very popular community event, WTIP’s Radio Waves. Wright said North House had been meeting with WTIP, the Cook County Visitor’s Bureau, and Unplugged founding musician Jon Vezner about the change. Wright said the intention was to move Unplugged from a weekend in which lodging facilities were already busy to a slower time frame. And closer to Radio Waves, which features local performers.
In addition, Nashville songwriter Vezner said he would contact a friend of his who happened to be the producer of the highly-successful radio show Mountain Stage to see if he would consider taking part in Unplugged X. North House staff was amazed and delighted when the producer, asking first if the local radio station carried Mountain Stage and getting an affirmative answer, said yes.
So, for the first time ever, Mountain Stage will be recorded in the Midwest, not for one, but two shows, on Thursday and Friday of Unplugged X. For those who have not caught this wonderful program on WTIP on Saturday from noon to 2:00 p.m., Mountain Stage features live music in the folk, roots, and Americana traditions. Hosted by Larry Groce, the show is produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting and is distributed by NPR. The show showcases four to six performers on each show.
In a press release about the upcoming event, Groce said, “Mountain Stage is very excited to be a part of the tenth anniversary celebration of the North House Folk School’s music offerings. The integrity of North House Folk School is well established, the site is one of the most beautiful spots in North America and songwriter-inthe round series, under the artistic direction of our friend (and very successful songwriter) Jon Vezner, has been superb. Getting involved with this is a no brainer for us and we hope you will be there for the two shows we will record in Grand Marais this September.”
“This will mean 10 days of music!” said Wright enthusiastically, opening the gathering to questions. There were many, about the county’s lodging capacity, parking, security and more. All good questions, said Wright, asking that people bring forward their suggestions and concerns.
How is the event being funded, asked Angry Trout restaurant owner Barb LaVigne, noting that it was her understanding that Unplugged was a fundraiser for the Folk School. Wright said that is correct. Two lead sponsors have stepped forward to make the event possible, the Minnesota State Arts Board’s Art Tour Minnesota program and the Iron Range Resources Culture and Tourism Program. Those two organizations are sponsoring the Mountain Stage visit. The Folk School will still be responsible for the Unplugged X concert, the silent and live auctions and other Northern Harvest events. The proceeds from those events are earmarked for the school’s educational endowment.
Tickets for all the two Mountain Stage concerts and Unplugged X will be available for purchase July 1, 2011. Event details, performer links and other weekend highlights are available at www.northhouse.org.
More information about Mountain Stage can be found at www.mountainstage.org.
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