Coffee Conversation

Coffee Conversation: Steppers Dance Show Returns Post-Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. — Local dance groups are teaming up to present Steppers Dance Show for the first time since 2019. 13 different teams/studios will perform 30 routines at the Duluth East Gym on January 24 at 6:30 pm. Duluth East Coach Kimberly Chick Joined FOX21 on the morning show to preview the event. Special performances by both the CSS and UMD…

Coffee Conversation: Riverside Soy Candles and For Floral Sake Host DIY Winter Workshop

DULUTH, Minn. — Riverside Soy Candles and For Floral Sake team-up to hold DIY Winter Workshop. Create your own soy candle and build a colorful bouquet while sipping on morning mimosas at Riverside Soy Candles. Beth Hanson from For Floral Sake and Danette Thacker from Riverside Soy Candles previewed the workshop on FOX21’s morning newscast. The event is taking place…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Fiber Guild Celebrates 50 Years with Exhibition

DULUTH, Minn. —  Opening Tuesday, January 24, “The Duluth Fiber Handcrafters Guild” exhibition at the Tweed Museum of Art. For fifty years, the Duluth Fiber Guild has been gathering in fellowship around an appreciation of textile arts, sharing traditions and exploring the creative limits of the medium. Curator Annie Dugan and Fiber Artist Louise Young joined FOX21 on the morning show to talk about the…

Coffee Conversation: Realtor Tom Acton Talks Current State of Housing Market

DULUTH, Minn. — Some good news for those looking to buy or sell their homes, the red-hot housing market is starting to cool. However, high demand and limited selection still remains relevant. RE/MAX Realtor Tom “Action” Acton joined FOX21 on the morning show to talk about the current state of the housing market. For more information on RE/MAX Results or…

Coffee Conversation: MN Schools Seek Extended Covid-19 Relief Funds

DULUTH, Minn. — While the brunt of Covid clears out, so does its funding relief. However, there may be some hope for schools in Minnesota. Governor Tim Walz announced Tuesday plans for a $12 billion budget proposal focusing on kids and families — with a big portion on the education front. We caught up with Duluth Public Schools Superintendent John…

Coffee Conversation: “Best Date Ever” at Lake Superior Zoo

DULUTH, Minn. — In celebration of Valentines Day, Best Date Ever is returning to the Lake Superior Zoo on select dates in February. Zoo-goers and their dates will get to create a valentine’s themed enrichment for an animal of their choice, while also enjoying dessert and toasting champagne (or non-alcohol drinks.) Marketing Coordinator Caroline Routley talked about the fun event…

Coffee Conversation: ‘Minnesota Hockey Fights Cancer’ at Heritage Center

DULUTH, Minn. — Local youth hockey teams join in on the fight against cancer with fundraising games. Teams with Duluth Amateur Hockey Association (DAHA) and Hermantown will play at the Heritage Center on Monday night in honor of Minnesota Hockey Fights Cancer. Brant Nicklin joined FOX21 on the morning show to chat about the event. There will be chuck-a-puck, raffles,…

Coffee Conversation: Women’s Night Fat Biking and Nordic Skiing

DULUTH, Minn. — Every Thursday, women in the Northland are welcome to gather at the Lester-Amity Chalet for Fat Bike Riding, Skate Skiing or Classic Skiing. The reoccurring event is a joint collaboration between women representing SkiHut, Continental Bikes & Ski, COGGS and DXC. Bobblie Larson with Ski Hut joined FOX21 on the morning show to chat about all that Women’s…

Coffee Conversation: Boat Club Productions Celebrates Success with Theatre Gala

DULUTH, Minn. — Boat Club Productions to hold Theatre Gala in celebration of its first season as a Theatre Company, and to highlight upcoming productions in 2023. The newly-founded BCP has blossomed over its 2022 season, with shows like “Nunsense” and “A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol” ringing in ticket sales. Founder Jason Vincent shared with FOX21 the meaning behind…

Coffee Conversation: Rubber Chicken Theater Presents Comedy Show at the Aquarium

DULUTH, Minn. — The Rubber Chicken Theater kicks off 2023 with ‘Christmas Aquarium in January, or, Jokin’ in a Fishy Wonderland.’ Director Brian Matuszak joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to preview the comedy show. You can check out the show January 20-21 and 27-28 at 7:30pm at the Great Lakes Aquarium.  Tickets are $20 per person. There is an additional…

Coffee Conversation: How To Brew Kombucha with Mix Cosmetiques

DULUTH, Minn. —  Founder of Mix Cosmetiques, Lanae Rhoads, showcased kombucha tea brewing on FOX21’s morning show on Thursday. Mix Cosmetiques is offering kombucha brewing classes Wednesday, January 11 through Saturday, January 14: 3-4 pm 4-5 pm 5-6 pm 6-7 pm. It’s an hour-long class class and will cover ingredient selection, brewing, fermenting, bottling, flavoring and tasting. You will go…

Coffee Conversation: Sunrise Coffee Thursday’s in January at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Hot coffee, stellar views, and good company; the trio is taking over the DECC every Thursday morning in January, free of cost. DECC Communications Director, Lucie Amundsen, was on Monday’s morning show to chat about the (January) reoccurring Sunrise Coffee event. You can catch a glimpse and a drink Thursday’s from 7-9am in the DECC’s Symphony Hall…

Coffee Conversation: Benefit For Duluth Armory Arts And Music Center Jan. 29

Fox 21's Dan Hanger will be the MC.

DULUTH, Minn. — A big fundraiser is taking place at the end of January to benefit the Duluth Armory Arts and Music Center. A Tribute to the Music of Buddy Holly and the late 50’s will be at Clyde Iron Works Event Center in Duluth from 6-9 p.m. on January 29. Todd Eckart will be performing as well as the…

Coffee Conversation: Vitta Pizza Brings Fresh Pizza On Morning Show

DULUTH, Minn. — Vitta Pizza Co-owner Christie Erickson brought fresh pizzas on the morning show Friday. Vitta Pizza recently expanded in November with a second location on Central Entrance, the first being in Canal Park. The Neapolitan style pizza is made with fresh ingredients, and everything is homemade including the red sauce and Caesar salad dressing. Watch the videos below…

Coffee Conversation: Alworth Scholarship Deadline January 15

DULUTH, Minn. — The Executive Director, Patty Salo Downs, of the Alworth Memorial Fund came on the morning show to spread the word encouraging students to apply for the Alworth Scholarship. The scholarship is $20,000 and the deadline to apply is January 15. To be considered you need to have an interest in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in studies related…

Coffee Conversation: Folk and Jazz Musician Skarlett Woods Performs Live

DULUTH, Minn. — Skarlett Woods, a swing, jazz, and folk singer/songwriter stopped by the morning show to perform a few songs. This was Woods’ first time on live television. Woods will be releasing a new single, “Close To You” from her Sophomore album. Watch the videos below to listen and click the link here to keep up to date with…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Police Chief Highlights Top Priorities in the New Year

DULUTH, Minn. — Chief of Police for the City of Duluth, Mike Ceynowa, joined FOX21 on the morning show to highlight the departments top priorities heading into the New Year. Recruiting and retaining officers continues to be a top challenge for the department — and departments nationwide. The DPD recently swore in 8 new officers to the department, but is…

Coffee Conversation: Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour returns to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn – The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour returns to Duluth on January 6 & 7 of 2023 at the DECC Symphony Hall. AMSOIL Staff Product Development Engineer and Mechanical R&D Manager, Mark Nyholm, joined FOX21 on the morning show to preview the event. The Banff World Tour showcases outdoor storytelling and filmmaking worldwide. The Duluth Cross Country Ski…

Coffee Conversation: “Overpopulated” One-Man Band Rings in the New Year

DULUTH, Minn. — Steve Solkela’s “Overpopulated” One-Man Band joined FOX21 on the morning show on Friday to ring in the New Year. Solkela made a surprise appearance as Santa and played a tune on the accordion. You can check out the One-Man Band at a few spots this weekend. Rubber Chicken’s New Year’s Cluckin’ Eve / Fitger’s Inn / Sat,…

Coffee Conversation: Endangered Animals of MN Paintings on Display at Zeitgeist

DULUTH, Minn. — Local Artist, Adam Swanson, presents a collection of the federal and state listed Endangered Animals in Minnesota. Swanson hopes to use his art to bring awareness to endangered wildlife species. Here’s a clip of his interview on the FOX21 morning show on Thursday. You can check out his 8 Endangered Animals of MN paintings on display at…

Coffee Conversation: Glitterati Events to hold New Year’s Eve Bash

DULUTH, Minn. — Glitterati Events presents New Year’s Eve Bash at the DECC. Ring in the New Year with food, fun, and friends at the DECC’s Harborside Ballroom, Dec. 31 6:00 pm – 12:00 am. Amber Brostrom with Glitterati Events joined FOX21 on the morning show to preview the gala.   Brostrom says the night also serves as a way to…

Coffee Conversation: New Year’s Cluckin’ Eve Returns to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The Rubber Chicken Theater presents ‘New Year’s Cluckin’ Eve’ at Fitger’s Spirit of the North Theater. Ring in the New Year with comedy, sketches, prize giveaways, live music, and more. Brian Matuszak joined FOX21 on the morning show to preview the one-night-only gala. The event is taking place Saturday, Dec. 31from 7:30-9:00 pm. Tickets are $25. Categories:…

Coffee Conversation: CHUM Homeless Community Vigil / Warming Center

DULUTH, Minn. — CHUM to hold Homeless Community Vigil on the steps of Duluth City Hall, Christmas Eve. It’s an effort to remember and honor the lives that have been lost in the homeless community, while also drawing attention to the ongoing homelessness crisis. CHUM Street Outreach Worker, Deb Holman, joined FOX21 on the morning show to talk about the…

Coffee Conversation: Final Stretch of ‘Zoo Lights’ at the Lake Superior Zoo

DULUTH, Minn. — The ‘Zoo Lights’ holiday event is back for a 2nd year at the Lake Superior Zoo. On Tuesday, Caroline Routley joined FOX21 on the morning show to talk about the festive event. A glimpse of what you might find onsite: an expanded light display, Santa, free s’mores, hot cocoa, and giant inflatable animals. Not to mention, its…

Coffee Conversation: Family Freedom Center to hold ‘Christmas at the Farm’

DULUTH, Minn — The Family Freedom Center and Neighborhood Youth Services prepares to hold its first-ever ‘Christmas at the Farm’ event on December 22. Pez Davila with the Family Freedom Center joined us on the morning show to talk about the holiday gathering. The event will be held in the Washington Center Gym (310 N. 1st Ave W. Duluth, MN)…

Coffee Conversation: The Gift of Local Publishing’s / Zenith Bookstore

DULUTH, Minn. — If you’re looking for a special, local gift this Christmas.. Zenith Bookstore has a big case of pickings. Co-Owner, Bob Dobrow, joined FOX21 on the morning show to talk about the busy holiday season and local finds in store. Some northland authors you can find at Zenith include; Tony dierckins, Linda Legarde Grover, Leif Enger, Chris Monroe,…

Coffee Conversation: Heidi Pack & Whiskey Trail Perform Live On Morning Show

DULUTH, Minn. — Heidi Pack and Ryan Holte from the band “Heidi Pack & Whiskey Trail” came on the morning show to perform a few songs. Pack released her first single “Cowgirl” this year and it hit almost 100,000 streams in 3 months. She will be moving to Nashville in January. To learn more about Heidi Pack & Whiskey Trail,…

Coffee Conversation: Andy Peterson Quartet Performing Holiday Show December 16

DULUTH, Minn. — The Andy Peterson Quartet came on the morning show to preview their “Swingin’ into the Season” holiday show coming up December 16. The local jazz ensemble will be playing at the Amazing Grace Cafe and Grocery at 6 p.m. for an all-ages show with a $10 cover charge. “We hear everywhere, Christmas jazz music, or holiday jazz…

Coffee Conversation: ‘A Christmas Story: The Musical’ in Virginia, MN

VIRGINIA, Minn. — Lyric Center for the Arts presents: ‘A Christmas Story: The Musical,’ debuting Thursday at the Minn. North College Mesabi Range Virginia Campus. Steve Solkela joined FOX21 on the morning show to chat about the upcoming performance. The show dates and times are listed below. Dec. 8 & 9 at 7pm. Dec. 11 at 2pm. Dec. 16 &…

Coffee Conversation: ‘A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol’ in Duluth, MN

DULUTH, Minn. — The Boat Club and St. Luke’s present Minnesota spoof, ‘A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol.’ Inspiration for the musical stems from Charles Dickens’ famous “A Christmas Carol.” Boat Club Restaurant Owner, Jason Vincent joined FOX21 on the morning show to preview the upcoming performance. It’s taking place throughout Dec. 9-18 at Fitger’s Spirit of the North Theater….

Coffee Conversation: Vineyard Church to hold Blue Christmas Service

DULUTH, Minn. — The Vineyard Church to hold a Blue Christmas Service for those dealing with loss and grief this holiday season. Associate Pastors, Brian Brinkert and Becca Eastvold, joined FOX21 on the morning show to talk about the meaning behind this service. The event will be held Sunday, December 4 at 6pm at their Arrowhead location at 1533 W….

Coffee Conversation: Rafe Carlson Presents Veterans Tribute Song

DULUTH, Minn. — Local Musician Rafe Carlson tributes his new song, A Place To Fall, to veterans and service members. Carlson played his new song live at FOX21 and talked about the meaning behind it. Carlson is a Duluth/Hermantown native. He went on to talk about growing up in the community and his plans moving forward. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota,…

Coffee Conversation: Musician Gina Lee Performs New Song, Covers

DULUTH, Minn. — Local musician Gina Lee stopped by the morning show Monday to play one of her newest songs and a couple of covers. Check them out below!   You may have seen Lee featured on the morning show in the past because FOX 21’s Dan Hanger enjoys her tunes! Song 1 Song 2 Song 3 Categories: Coffee Conversation, Entertainment,…

Bluebird Foundation To Host ‘Christmas By The Lake’ Concert Dec. 1

DULUTH, Minn. — Tracy Lundeen, founder of the Bluebird Foundation, stopped by the morning show Monday to talk about the annual Christmas by the Lake Scholarship, Christmas by the Lake Concert and this year’s Christmas by the Lake music album.  Click the video above for more, and check out the Bluebird Foundation’s website. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Community, Minnesota, News, News…

Coffee Conversation: “Drinksgiving Returns” Comedy Show at Zeitgeist

DULTUH, Minn. — Renegade Improv’s “Drinksgiving Returns” will take place at Zeitgeist November 23. The show is a mix of live and filmed sketch comedy, improvisation, and special guests that tell a new story each time. The Fabulous Dik and Flip the turkey joined FOX21 on Friday’s morning newscast. Local performers will take stage at Zeitgeist’s Teatro Zuccone, November 23…

Coffee Conversation: Victory Chorus to hold “Celebration of Song”

DULUTH, Minn —  The Victory Chorus is having its “Celebration of Song” to recognize the completion of its first session for 2022. The Victory Chorus is a dementia-friendly choir made up of people living with memory loss, their care partners or loved ones, and volunteer singers from the community. On Thursday, Victory Chorus Music Director, Beth Kaiser, joined FOX21 on the morning…

Coffee Conversation: Hermantown High School Presents “Elf the Musical”

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Based on the beloved holiday film, Elf the Musical takes the stage at Hermantown High School. Two performers, Lily Meichsner and Jillian Jaros of Hermantown, joined FOX21 on Thursday to preview the show. You can see it live at Hermantown High School November 17 & 19, 2022 – 7pm.       Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News,…

Coffee Conversation: West Duluth Business Club Seeks More Advancement

DULUTH, Minn — The West Duluth Business Club is a private non-profit club, consisting of business/commercial interests, community organizations, and area citizens who have an interest in focusing on the western area of Duluth, MN. The group holds monthly speaker meetings and is currently setting up a vision for the Western Business district which includes a strategic plan for advancement…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Winter Village to Return to DECC in December

DULUTH, Minn. —  The 2022 Duluth Winter Village will be back at the DECC this December. It’s an outdoor village with festive greens, local shops, hot drinks, and fire pits — overlooking Lake Superior and the Lift Bridge. On Tuesday, Lucie Amundsen with the DECC previewed the event on FOX21’s morning show. The Winter Village is taking place December 3…

Coffee Conversation: UMD Students Share Experiences of Studying Abroad

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s International Education Week and the University of Minnesota Duluth is holding a range of events, one being a study abroad informative panel. On Monday, UMD students Amy Diedrich and Issac Conrad joined FOX21 live in-studio to talk about their time spent abroad. Diedrich participated in the University College Dublin program in Dublin, Ireland. Conrad participated in…

Coffee Conversation: Marshall School Presents “Seussical the Musical”

DULUTH, Minn — Marshall School presents, “Seussical the Musical,” based on the many children’s stories of Dr. Seuss. Two students apart of the production, Faith Hoffman and Sophie Haug, joined FOX21 Wednesday on the morning show. It’s taking place at Marshall School, November 10-12 at 7pm and Sunday November 13th at 2pm. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for students,…

Coffee Conversation: The American Red Cross / Veterans Day

DULUTH, Minn. — Dan Williams and Jeff Kazel with the American Red Cross joined FOX21 in-studio to preview upcoming happenings around Veteran’s Day. Here’s a rundown of the work that the Red Cross will be doing within the community: On Monday, November 7th, the Red Cross is teaming up with the UMD men’s and women’s hockey teams to write out…

Coffee Conversation: Local Hiker Encourages People to Explore the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — Local hiker, Sandi Larson, hits the many trails of Duluth every day. She posts a photo of each journey on social media and is apart of Women Hike Duluth. Larson joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to showcase her hikes and experiences. Her goal is to encourage people to get outside, explore the northland and the many…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Fiber Guild Holiday Sale Nov. 19

DULUTH, Minn. — Kit Sitter from Duluth Fiber Guild came on the morning show to talk about an upcoming event. The Duluth Fiber Guild is putting on a holiday sale November 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church (The Coppertop) in Duluth. The free event features gifts created by local artists, demonstrations of weaving, spinning,…

Coffee Conversation: Singer/Songwriter Austin Castle Performs Live

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota native and country artist, Austin Castle, performed live on the FOX21 morning show. You’ll have a chance to hear him play at Ursa Minor Brewing in Duluth on November 12. His latest album, “Northwoods,” is available for streaming on Spotify, SoundCloud, and Apple Music. Castle plans on releasing an EP and another album in 2023 but…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Junk Hunt Returns for 10th Year Anniversary

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Junk Hunt is a three-day indoor market filled with vintage goodness. This year, it’s celebrating 10 years of success. Event organizer, Emily Broman, joined FOX21 in studio to preview the event. There will be over 100 booths and vendors from across the state. It’s taking place at the DECC on November 3 (4-7pm) and November…