Entertainment

Ending of CSS Theater Program Draws Sit-in by Students and Supporters

DULUTH, Minn. – A decision announced by the College of St. Scholastica last Friday to cease offering theater productions this fall has shocked students, staff, alumni and the community.  A sit-in by students and others took place Monday. The all-day sit-in outside the school president’s office saw many people from the school and the community taking part. The students talked…

Students Protest Ending of Theater Program at St. Scholastica

DULUTH, Minn. — A late Friday afternoon announcement that the College of St. Scholastica is ending its theatre productions led to a protest Monday outside the school president’s office. Students from the theater program and others gathered for a sit-in to let school officials know they disagree with the decision. The CSS students were joined by UMD theatre students who…

Endion Station Inn Hosts ‘The Great Duluth Sweat Together’

DULUTH, Minn. – Hearty Duluthians came out Saturday for The Great Duluth Sweat Together at the Endion Station Inn in Canal Park. The fun included around a dozen mobile Wood Fire Saunas and an Endion Deck Sauna. People also got their cold plunge into Lake Superior or use cold plunge tubs. The event was described as a day full of…

Students To Protest College of St. Scholastica’s Decision To Cut Theatre Program

DULUTH, Minn. —  There was growing disappointment and sadness Sunday from current and former theatre students at the College of St. Scholastica after learning Friday that the college’s long-running theatre program will be dissolved.  Students plan to hold a sit-in protest at CSS during the day Monday to try to get the decision reversed. “These stories that everyone has, it…

College Of St. Scholastica’s Decades-Long Theatre Productions To Shut Down

The decision was made as the college "navigates the challenging environment of higher education"

DULUTH, Minn. – The Twin Ports theater community will be losing one of its longest-running stages this fall when the College of St. Scholastica shuts down its decades-long theatre program. Students have been producing high-quality productions for the CSS campus and the general community since at least the 1970s, according to a former director of the program. The college released…

16th Annual ‘Continental Bike Swap’ Set For April 26-28

DULUTH, Minn. — If you’re looking to sell, donate or buy a bike, the 16th annual Continental Bike Swap is the place to be next weekend. Continental Ski and Bike puts on the event every year at its store in Duluth.  This year’s even happens April 26-28. The goal is to help Duluthians stay healthy and active. The Bike Swap…

Boat Club Productions Kicks Off Season With ‘Decision Height’

DULUTH, Minn. — Boat Club Productions is kicking off its 2024 season with a show called Decision Height. It’s about the first all-women Air Force unit during World War II and follows the story of six women who make the toughest decision of their lives. Director Rylee Kuberra tells us what this story means to her and history. “I think…

UWS Students Prepare for Opening Night of Ride the Cyclone Musical

SUPERIOR, Wis. – UW-Superior students are rehearsing for a music filled performance taking place starting this weekend. Ride the Cyclone is a contemporary pop-rock musical. It about 6 teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir whose lives are cut short in a freak accident while aboard a roller coaster. They are each then invited to tell a story to win the…

Fitger’s Bockfest Kicks Off With Blessing Of The Bock

DULUTH, Minn. — The annual Fitger’s Bockfest kicked off Thursday evening with the blessing of the bock. It’s a traditional German-styled celebration of spring, and the fun goes all the way through Saturday evening in the Fitger’s Courtyard. On Friday beginning at 5 p.m., there’s a beer tent, entertainment and campfires. Then on Saturday, it’s the main event beginning at…

Local Filmmaker Shines at Minnesota Film Festival

The festival started as a way to make sure audiences heard those untold stories and features filmmakers from right here in Duluth, and around the world. Seed of Doubt is directed by William J. Cox. It tells the story of a young couple’s world turning into paranoia and delusion. Cox wanted to create a psychological drama about gaslighting which is…

Twin Ports Community Doubles Support For ‘Musical Bingo’ & Local Artists

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Bingo fanatics, roughly 170 of them, joined together Thursday night at Barker’s Island Inn to support free community music by playing Musical Bingo. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger called the song titles at Siggy’s Musical Garden, which is an organization that supports local music and artists behind it. Songs were provided by the Mackie Brothers, a rock group…

Mayor Wants “Authentic Duluth” After City’s Tourism Marketing Contract Ends With Twin Cities Firm

DULUTH, Minn. — The city of Duluth’s multi-million dollar tourism marketing contract with a Twin Cities-based firm will expire at the end of the year.  And now, newly elected Mayor Roger Reinert says he believes the contract should come back home. “I fundamentally believe as a Duluthian that we have the creative talents in our community to tell our own…

“Duluth Cheerio Challenge” Launches, Mayor Gets Cheeky After Kathy Cargill’s Insults On City

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluthians, including Mayor Roger Reinert, are responding in creative and humorous ways to billionaire Kathy Cargill, who told the Wall Street Journal over the weekend that Duluth is a “small-minded community” and that Mayor Reinert “peed in his cheerios” when he sent her a letter wanting to know her plans for 20 properties she recently purchased on…

Superior Approves $120K Marketing Partnership With Comedian Charlie Berens

The contract will be paid through hotel-motel tax revenue.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Superior City Council has approved a $120,000 deal with Wisconsin comedian Charlie Berens to help boost tourism in the area. The council’s approval comes after an approval by the Tourism Development Commission. Hotel-motel tax revenue will pay for the production of 10 types of content created by Berens, including photos and videos on social media. The…

Stolen ‘Wizard of Oz’ Ruby Slippers To Go On Tour, Then Be Auctioned

MINNESOTA –The famous “Wizard Of Oz” ruby slippers have been reunited with their owner, but will soon be on the auction block. Jerry Saliterman (AP) As first reported Sunday night, a second man was charged in the case Friday in Federal Court in St. Paul.  76-year-old Jerry Saliterman is accused of theft of a major artwork and witness tampering. The…

Downtown Duluth Eatery Closes After 5 Months; New Eatery Eyeing Location

DULUTH, Minn. – Blue Rock Grill in the heart of downtown Duluth has closed after five months in business. Owner Rick Lampton tells FOX 21 the business closed on March 9. “We definitely didn’t get the volume we were expecting,” said Lampton. Blue Rock Grill moved into the former 7 West Taphouse in early October of 2023. 7 West Taphouse,…

Twin Ports Women’s Invitational Hockey Tournament Begins

24 teams come together for meaningful 30-year tradition that may come to an end.

The Twin Ports Women’s Invitational begins this weekend. The games started over 30 years ago and attracts women hockey players all around the state from ages 18 to 80. Like so many players at the invitational, Angie Hugdahl began playing hockey as a little girl. In college she says hockey changed her life. It was the sense of belonging that…

‘Singing With The Stars’ Dress Rehearsal Before Friday Debut At NorShor Theatre

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Playhouse is getting ready for its 2nd annual “Singing with the Stars” fundraiser. The contestants with familiar faces perform a piece of musical theatre using their own vocals.  Thursday night was the dress rehearsal before performing live Friday at the NorShor Theatre. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger will be one of three judges on stage giving…

Superior’s Boulder Tap House To Open Wednesday

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Goodbye, Grizzly’s. Hello, Boulder Tap House. The countdown is on for the newest member of the Twin Ports dining scene. Finishing touches and staff training continue as Wednesday’s opening gets closer. On Tower Avenue in Superior, Boulder will sit – literally — on the site of the old Grizzly’s. That long-time favorite had been remodeled five times,…

No Madeline Island Ice Challenges “Mad Island”

Film crew adjusts and finds "winter" at Fish Lake.

So, you want to film a movie that requires lots of ice and snow. You grew up in Superior and spent lots of time on Madeline Island. So, why not schedule the shoot for February? Good plan, but Mother Nature had other plans. That’s why a film crew found itself on the shores of Fish Lake, north of the Duluth….

Comedian Maria Bamford Talks Duluth Comedy Festival, Book Signing

Bamford performs at the NorShor Theatre Saturday before holding a book signing at Zenith Bookstore on Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth-raised comedian Maria Bamford is headlining the Duluth Comedy Festival at the NorShor Theatre this weekend.  She’s also holding a book signing at Zenith Bookstore. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger talked with Bamford about her upcoming visit.  And, well, she was her usual authentic self, of course. “I am a mess Dan hanger. I will, I will guarantee…

Snow-Making Machines Save 50th American Birkebeiner, But With Changes

CABLE, Wis. – Officials with the 50th Annual American Birkebeiner announced Monday evening that the races will go on next week in one form or another. The Birkie won’t be taking its traditional path from Cable to Hayward and will instead take place on a 10 kilometer loop in Cable. Races that go beyond 10 kilometers will do loops. Organizers…

Patrick Mahomes Rallies The Chiefs To 2nd Straight Super Bowl Title

(AP) LAS VEGAS (AP) — Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs are back-to-back Super Bowl champions. Mahomes threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman with 3 seconds left in overtime, and the Chiefs rallied to beat the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 on Sunday, becoming the first repeat Super Bowl champs in 19 years and ninth overall….

Florian, of Chmielewski Funtime Band, Going Strong at 97

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Chmielewski Funtime Band has been performing for six generations. Florian Chmielewski, one of 15 Chmielewski kids, continues leading the band and playing polka music to adoring fans. Even on his 97th birthday, he was in Cloquet, busy playing his accordion with his band. “It’s so much fun,” said Florian. “I bring happiness to wherever I go…

Toby Keith, Country Singer-Songwriter, Dies At 62 After Stomach Cancer Diagnosis

(AP) — Toby Keith, a hit country crafter of pro-American anthems who both riled up critics and was loved by millions of fans, has died. He was 62. The “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” singer-songwriter, who had stomach cancer, died peacefully Monday surrounded by his family, according to a statement posted on the country singer’s website. “He fought his fight with grace and…

Carl Weathers, Linebacker-Turned-Actor Who Starred In ‘Rocky’ Movies And ‘The Mandalorian,’ Dies

NEW YORK (AP) — Carl Weathers, a former NFL linebacker who became a Hollywood action movie and comedy star, playing nemesis-turned-ally Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” movies, facing off against Arnold Schwarzenegger in “Predator” and teaching golf in “Happy Gilmore,” has died. He was 76. Matt Luber, his manager, said Weathers died Thursday. His family issued a statement saying he died “peacefully…

Duluth Playhouse’s ‘Singing With The Stars’ Fundraiser Returns March 1

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Playhouse is getting ready for its 2nd annual “Singing with the Stars” fundraiser. The contestants with familiar faces perform a piece of musical theatre using their own vocals. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger will be one of three judges on stage giving some flare. But the real judges are people in the audience. Donations to each…

Popular Mexican Restaurant Close To Opening In Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A popular Mexican restaurant in Cloquet is getting closer to opening its second location in Superior. Pedro’s Grill and Cantina posted pictures on social media showing the inside of the new restaurant. It’s located in the 3200 block of Tower Avenue in the former Epic Restaurant building. Pedro’s has a capacity to serve 240 people. An opening…

Locally Produced Documentary “Duluth For Mandela” Premiers at Zeitgeist

DULUTH, Minn. — A locally produced documentary had its premiere at Zeitgeist yesterday and drew in a large crowd. The film “Duluth for Mandela: A Northland Celebration” is based on community events that took place in 2018, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Nelson Mandela, a South African liberation leader. Director and producer Gerri Williams wanted to include…

Ann Glumac Officially Named Exec. Director Of Spirit Mountain

DULUTH, Minn. — Spirit Mountain’s Board has officially named Ann Glumac as the attraction’s new executive director. This comes after Glumac served as interim executive director since 2020 after the previous husband-and-wife leadership team resigned. Glumac is a former deputy commissioner of the MPCA, IRRB, and former president of the Great Lakes Aquarium. Under her first season at Spirit Mountain,…

“Made In Chisholm Film Screening” At The Minnesota Discovery Center Thursday

CHISHOLM, Minn. — A celebration of films and television programming, all produced in the city, is taking place Thursday. The pilot for the comedy Canusa Street was among those filmed in Chisholm. Things kick off at the Minnesota Discovery Center. It is billed as the first-ever “Made in Chisholm Film Screening.” In addition to Canusa Street, three films produced in…

Rubber Chicken Theater Produces ‘Mayor Mia! – Emily’s Christmas Musical’

DULUTH, Minn. — The annual holiday sketch comedy revue by the Rubber Chicken Theater returns this Friday with “Mayor Mia! – Emily’s Christmas Musical.” Rehearsals were underway Sunday evening at Stage Four (former Underground Theatre) in the Duluth Depot. The revue is all about looking back at the past year by creating sketch comedy, much like Saturday Night Live. Topics…

People Pack Bentleyville As Christmas Nears

DULUTH, Minn. — With Christmas one week away, Bentleyville Tour of Lights was busier than ever Sunday at Bayfront Park. Thousands of families enjoyed all of the lights, displays and joy Bentleyville has to offer. It’s the attraction’s 20th season at Bayfront. And while it’s the largest free walk-through display in America, some decided to run through it Sunday evening,…

‘Hairball’ Coming to Black Bear; Vocalist Drew Hart Wowed By Age Range Of Fans

Hairball, one of the most popular tribute bands in America, is hitting the big, big stage this New Year’s Eve, performing at half-time at U.S. Bank Stadium for the Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers game. But before that, Hairball is headed back to Black Bear Casino this Friday to perform. Drew Hart, one of the lead vocalist for Hairball,…

‘Northern Lights Drone Show’ Wows Crowds Over Lake Superior, Winds Cancel Day 2

Saturday's shows were canceled because of strong winds

DULUTH, Minn. – Saturday night’s strong winds canceled the Northern Lights Drone Show outside Fitger’s. But Friday’s show amazed crowds of people. The holiday show performed multiple times during the evening was put on by the North Shore Scenic Railroad and Fitger’s. 100 lighted drones took to the sky over Lake Superior forming animated scenes to music. Firefly, which created…

On Stage Dec. 8-17: ‘A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol’

DULUTH, Minn. — If you like Charles Dickens’ famous “A Christmas Carol,” there’s a Minnesota spoof of the production hitting the stage in Duluth this weekend. “A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol” takes place Christmas Eve in Bunyan Bay, Minnesota.  Jason Vincent, of Boat Club Productions, explains the rest! “So, the bar owner, Gunner Johnson, gets into a snowmobile accident…

10th Annual Scholarship Awards Spread Holiday Cheer and Music

Northland Musicians and Bluebird Foundation Fundraise for Youth in Performing Arts

Christmas music and the giving spirit filled the air at Clyde Iron Works earlier tonight. Northland artists, like Tom O’Hara, joined together to help the Bluebird Foundation spread holiday cheer. It was also the 10th Annual Scholarship Awards. It recognizes an outstanding student in the performing arts with a scholarship and also offers six different grants. The Holiday Celebration also…

‘Steam-Powered Christmas Tree Train’ Chugs Through Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — An old-fashioned, steam-powered Christmas Tree Train departed the Duluth Depot for Knife River over the weekend. When the locomotive arrived to its destination at the train station in Knife River, riders could pick out a tree, wreaths and garland, which was hauled back to the Depot by train car. The unique ride is made possible because the…