Stars of the North Music Festival hits all of the high notes

Rich Matson and The North Stars Band.

The Grand Marais Music Collaborative Two-day Stars of the North Music Festival held on Friday and Saturday, July 29 & 30, at Bear Tree Park in the Grand Marais Harbor Park featured a host of talented local and regional music talent that never disappointed. It was just one great act after another.

Bands and musicians who performed on Friday night were Fred Anderson, Adam Kirsch, and The Splints. Saturday’s line up featured Michael Monroe, Briand Morrison, Dan Israel, Pete Kavanaugh, Andre, and Rich Mattson & the NorthStar’s, with performances by Bump Blomberg between the sets both days.

The weather on the harbor which has been overly cool this summer, warmed up and it was comfortable for both musicians and listeners.

Proceeds from sales of beverages, CDs’, shirts and donations are used to pay for music lessons for area kids who otherwise couldn’t afford them.

The event was free to the public and was sponsored by Visit Cook County and Voyageur Brewing Company.

Adam Kirsch

Of note was a tribute offered to the late John Mianowski, a bass player and sound board expert who helped form the music collaborative

The Grand Marais Music Collaborative, a 501(c) (3) not for profit organization that focuses on the local music scene, education, and performance, sponsors the Stars of the North Music Festival. All of the proceeds raised after concert expenses go toward building the music lesson program for area youth and paying the teachers.

The Splints

Dan Israel

Todd Miller and Rod Dockan

Bump

Fred Anderson

Pete K. Band