As a relatively new arrival to Cook County my wife and I chose the beauty and charm of the “North Coast” (along with the characters and common-folk who value such quality) over the glitz and multipleentertainment options of urban life.
We also became aware that there is an occasional schism between the West End and Grand Marais; the joke (around scheduling meetings) is that the drive from Grand Marais to Lutsen is longer than the other way around.
So I can partially understand a curiosity I observed the other night at Papa Charlie’s Singer-Songwriter Series. Jim Vick (promoter extraordinaire) had five incredibly talented musicians (lead singers from Trampled by Turtles, Dead Man Winter and The Pines) any one of whom could have put on a solo show, jamming together.
The previous night Duluth Public Television was recording some of our local groups for an upcoming broadcast on our gifted Cook County music scene.
For both of these shows there were just a handful of West End locals enjoying these amazing performances.
To be able to come and enjoy local discounted premium beers with no cover charge and hear musicians who consistently comment on how wonderful it is to play where people are actually listening is quite the deal. Vick with his musician sensibilities and connections to the national music scene is bringing extraordinary performers from around the country for this Monday/ Wednesday series (Meg Hutchinson from Boston shouldn’t be missed on Feb. 16!).
I understand that after a day of work or enjoying our outdoor beauties it can be a challenge to motivate ourselves away from the inevitable slugdom around a warm fire. I wanted to share this West End secret cure to our long night doldrums and guarantee the trip is more than worth the effort—besides the ride home is shorter than the ride coming!
Randy Voeks
Tofte
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