What in this wondrous whirled world is the Water Is Life music arts & cultural festival? In case you don’t know this pioneering yearly festive festival combines live music, powerful speakers, native indigenous cultural awareness, community mindedness, & overall celebration toward healing of our home planet. This is the 2nd year gracing the Bayfront Park in scenic Duluth on Sunday September 4, 2022 presented by Honor The Earth, which was created 3 decades ago by Amy & Emily of the Indigo Girls along with fest host Winona LaDuke & others.
Honortheearth.org
When I happily witnessed & experienced firsthand last year’s Water Is Life Festival on the water’s edge on these amazing grounds & also from a pontoon boat, I knew in my heart that I wanted to return for their 2nd year as they grow.I truly support their causes & action on behalf of our beautiful earthship. I loved the 2021 music: Bon Iver, Hippo Campus, Alan Sparhawk, Charlie Parr, et al. In real time I want to bring more & new awareness to all this festy encompasses & represents. All while growing curious interest to dig deeper into these incredible visionary organizations & causes & our path to the future as I did.
Here’s my call to action: I am inviting you to join me for the Honor The Earth : Water Is Life Music + Resistance Festival on Sunday, September 4, 2022 at Bayfront Park in Duluth starting at noon. Live Music from the Indigo Girls, Ani Difranco, Low (Duluth legends), Tia Wood, Dessa, Gaelynn Lea, David Huckfelt, Keith Secola, Annie Humphrey, Joe Rainey Sr., Corey Medina, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Quannah Chasinghorse, etc. Hosted by Winona LaDuke. Sponsored by the quintessential First Avenue (Mpls’s premiere live music club) & The Current.
FIRST-AVENUE.COM THECURRENT.ORG
This spectacular women celebrated gathering continues to touch my heart & spark my mind inspiring me to be a better & more responsible planetary citizen. Truly, Water is life. Freakers Choice. ~timmy
This wonder enriched book chronicles & details arctic expedition leaders Will Steger & Paul Schurke, along with their self contained sled team of seven men, one woman & 49 dogs, as they fearlessly embarked on a long cold hard journey on only their own power to the North Pole. The true top of the world. This feat seemed to regular folk to be impossible. You couldn’t tell that to this fully invested exuberant team. They don’t know that word. Explorers will explore. Their passionate brave efforts for the final treacherous stretch to the Pole started on March 7, 1986.
After meeting Will Steger a few times up at his magnificent secluded property Steger Wilderness Center near Ely, Minnesota, I decided to read one of his books. A dear friend was right there to hand me a copy of “North to the Pole”. Meeting Will at his welcoming warm abode was truly as humbling as it was exquisite. The village-like community that Will has created with his center, team, friends & extended family is a real natural earthly paradise where dwellers live together in harmony while sharing & enjoying friendships while maintaining their essential roles on the land.
Austin Smith & Timmy with Will Steger
At his visionary core, Will Steger is a storyteller. The book is full of his expressiveness as an accumulated trove of his words, wonder, ideas, insights, hopes, fears, emotions, best to worst case scenarios, strategy, risks, rewards & seemingly everything in between.
Through Will’s (& with the help of Paul) descriptive narration, the reader is taken along & gets to know this oddly matched crew of humans & dogs propelling the way. Will affectionately calls the dogs the real “heroes” of the mission. All traveling by sled, on foot or on skis for what seemed like forever. All the while displaying unwavering determination, hopeful positivity, unshakeable loyalty to the group goal & the team’s ultimate final destination.
This is as real as it gets. All these words rang true as pure unfiltered non-fiction. The stuff legends are made of. Never give up became a constant mantra. Even as the reader. It is at the same time raw, uncensored, genuine, vulnerable, deeply emotional, spontaneous, mysterious, joyful, painful, celebratory, nurturing, isolating, unpredictable, lonely, absurd & more spanning a wide spectrum of experiential moods & revelations all along the winding way.
The shared experience is everything. The group dynamic & deep commitment holds. This meant going full send on preparatory training, intense planning & solid logistics. Then going over the top fuller send on the do or die actual polar voyage to a place where the ice of the sea below is the thickest on earth. Not to mention the bitter cold & mad wind.
Gleaned from the collective personal journal entries & remembered conversations of all participants, much is revealed in terms of personalities, quirks, eccentricities, , group compatibility, morale, self control, resistance to pain & stress, acceptance, collaborative energy, positivity, uneasiness, homesickness, determination & especially their connection to the dogs, a vital component for success.
I’ve been careful to not give anything away in this observational review, as I urge everyone to read this worthy vivid historical account of a quintessential spectacular adventure of many lifetimes. I found that I learned a tremendous amount about multiple subjects like dogsledding, ice floes & leads, the harshness of the arctic, human strength, perseverance, Will power (literally), our bodies’ miraculous constitution, navigation, the power of positive thought & vastly more.
Led by the experienced trusted polar adventurers Will Steger & Paul Schurke, their herculean teams of dogsleds defied wildly slanted odds on this epic tumultuous odyssey, which captured the heart of America. As it was greatly documented & tracked locally by Minneapolis media KSTP-TV & internationally by National Geographic. Both sent excellent reporters to get up close to photograph the scenes along with some team member interviews delivered with timely updates of progress until the end.
Will’s life work continues. Among his countless roles, he tirelessly advocates for the Earth & her survival. The planet must heal so humankind can prosper. The Steger Wilderness Center is being built, which Will has been leading the charge on. He teaches (& learns) about climate change, the arctic, sustainability, overall planet awareness etc. He speaks all over the world every year as well. Will founded a youth based climate literacy & education non profit called Climate Generation. willstegerfoundation/climategen.org
In case you were wondering, Will is about to venture out in April 2022 on a dangerous solo expedition way up north of the Arctic Circle somewhere in Canada that will take 2 months to complete. Let’s take a moment & all wish Will a phenomenal well deserved success this spring. Quite literally & figuratively, where there is a Will, there is a way. This book will back that up.
One of my true & quintessential joys of my existence comes from dancing wildly to my favorite ever freaking band from Minneapolis Frogleg. Their prolific exquisite eccentric music propels me in ways that defy nature & challenge gravity. As many who know me can imagine, I don’t need to listen repeatedly to this album to write my honest review. These Frogleg songs contained in here have been ringing in my ears & playing in my head all the time every day. Dancing brings myself unrestrained release & hence; expression. I’ve immersed my being in this inviting magical spellbinding music for the 21st century.
Here’s my own take on the songs: “Last Glass Fall” follows a wandersome soul who fights life’s demons & dragons while trying to persevere to a better place. “Homestead” beams of bestie style friendship with loyal nurturing quality time spent. A special one who shares in dark times turning back to the light. “Up in the Blue” speaks lucidly of love & freedom in a dreamlike sequence.
“Tommy & Isabelle” spins a beautiful tale of dreams & dashed hopes. “First thunder, first rain” sweetly celebrates spring & the turning of the mindset while lamenting the eventual winter, savoring summer & fall, hinting of wondrous nature & ritual. “Busy checking in” is a modern day poke at today’s obsessive digital culture & yearning for the potential of moving past it.
“Persephone” delves into myths of the past with it’s moving & in the end hopeful story. Captivating instrumental “Mash Pierre” serves the imagination with its frolicking adventurously cascading moods & changes. “Johnny Law” chronicles the much maligned nighttime roadside encounter with a nosy cop & a not so happy ending. Listen for Demitri’s frenetic explosive guitar solo right after the law gets handed the precious nugs. “In the Dust” resonates of a young man & his BMX bike that provides his simple joy while leaving his troubles behind him. Hence; in the dust. “Longing” is a sensory meandering tune of traveling thoughts, attraction & love just out of reach. On the blue vinyl release of this record are recorded live bonus tracks “In the Vines” & signature “Little Sleep” (found on Frogleg’s debut self titled release).
Chief songwriter (& guitarist) Joe Dunn has a miraculous ability to observe everyday things in real life & then transpose them articulately into truly fantastic songs. All members of the group are extraordinarily talented. Their chemistry is astounding.
I now know intimately the lyrics, changes, hooks, bridges, choruses, nuances & even have spun countless hours of experience, I’m only one of many many fans of the increasingly beloved Frogleg. The local music scene has been positively infused & strongly invigorated my the powerful funky presence of this rising band. Now they have become my brothers & near dear family. For this, I am forever fully blessed. In all my years of being a passionate mad dancing music fanatic, very few acts have ever moved me like Frogleg has. The future for them is getting brighter every day. This is what I live for. ~Timmy the Freak timmy@chateaulafreak.com
This record easily gets ****4 Smoking Bongs~ the freak’s highest possible rating. Enjoy with a friend or twenty. Freak on the dancefloor! Join me on tour!!
Enjoy this wide ranging free form conversation with New Orleans’ own Kirk Joseph, who is the sousaphone extraordinaire of Dirty Dozen Brass Band. The world renowned festive groundbreaking band has an amazing story, historic legacy & a truly lasting influence. Celebrating their 40th anniversary, DDBB continues to thrive today & into the future.
Kirk & I have been friends for over 20 years. We take great pleasure in deeply talking about music, our adventures, various cultural insights & just about anything whenever possible. The Dirty Dozen will be performing funky night “services” at the Dakota on Sun. April 23, 2017 at 6 & 8pm.
Join us for this fully energized dance party celebration of epic proportions.
~Timmy the Freak
Dirty Dozen Brass Band Sun. April 23, 2016, 6pm & 8pm The Dakota Jazz Club
Here’s the exclusive podcast of my interview of DDBB’s founding member & sousaphonist Kirk Joseph, that was created by Brave New Radio.
For a genuine gist of who my friend Nick aka Nicholas David is, look no further than his aptly earned nickname The Feelin’. Nick the Feelin’ is the warmest, most soulful human beacon of exquisite voice, musicianship & beaming presence on the vibrant Minneapolis Saint Paul music scene. And has been for well over a decade. I trust that I’m largely preaching to the choir here.
Think of Nicholas as a master muse soul star shiny sherpa musically guiding music lovers on exotic adventures like his moving amazing blazing live performances. His always dynamic style & distinctive golden voice have only gotten sweeter with time.
Upon launching his earliest career here on our fertile local scene, Nick gravitationally rose to greater opportunities like making it to the finals of the Voice TV show in 2012. It’s been a pleasure watching Nick live out his dreams from when we first met to gaining an immense national & international prominence & now beyond. Nicholas David puts his whole heart into his music exactly every time. This passion becomes him. His freedom shines.
The Feelin’ will give you the feelin’
The exciting stellar band that Nick has assembled is truly a dream team bringing in Ryan Young (of Trampled By Turtles) on fiddle, Vic Volare, Mike Cini & Billy McLaughlin on guitar. This Dakota show is a benefit for a great cause, which is the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation. Dystonia is a devastating condition that the aforementioned legendary Twin Cities guitarist Billy McLaughlin has suffered from.
I can’t urge you enough to come experience this sultry special evening of music by Nicholas David & his dear friends on Thu. March 16, 2017 for shows at 7pm & 9pm. The Feelin’ will give you the feelin’. Know this to be true.
Nicholas David, Ryan Young, Mike Cini feat. Billy McLaughlin Thu. March 16, 2017, 7pm & 9pm The Dakota Jazz Club
A number of Jazzfests ago in New Orleans, it just so happened the Subdudes were playing right before Crosby, Stills & Nash at a major stage. Please allow me to share with you a story. During the fiercely impassioned Subdudes set, guitarist singer songslinger Tommy Malone broke a string. After the song something unusual happened on stage instantly. Saintly (Subdudes fan) Stephen Stills was about to send his guitar tech out with one of his axes to lend but then decided to deliver it to Tommy at the front of stage himself. That was a sweet gesture drawing wild cheers from the festive crowd. Not to mention a huge surprised grin from Tommy. Stephen & the band had been watching intently from the side stage.
As you can see here, the ‘Dudes have made fans at the highest echelons of the music world. Their fans come in all categories from the casual listening fan to classic rock & roll royalty. The Subdudes’ lively live shows are jaw dropping & warmly dance friendly. Come see how & why.
The Subdudes Sat. March 11, 2017, 7:30pm The Dakota Jazz Club
To fully experience the soulful roots driven rock & New Orleans swamp steeped high octane hybrid sensation The Subdudes, please come by on Saturday, March 11, 2017 as they bring their captivating seductive sounds & deeply satisfying irresistible grooves to our own exquisite The Dakota stage at 7:30pm. Feel & indulge in some home stewed Louisiana music & culture . For you discerning music lovers, this is a dream come true evening of fun to be had & magic to be made. Befriend the muse.
The Subdudes capture with their deep New Orleans roots
Dobet Gnahoré is a young true visionary living the dream of music & dance & celebration of her expansive African culture. She is a highly dynamic talent who has brightly & wonderfully emerged from the Ivory Coast of Africa. Dobet’s father is a legendary percussionist who remains influential & active (often playing with his daughter). Dobet grew up in a very unique artistic enclave in her home village surrounded by nurturing creative family & friends. Fleeing civil war at home, she resettled in France in 1999. She has acquired immense experience & skills from years of performing on stages & at festivals throughout the world.
Dobet has been nicely described as a voice of the future. She has honed her art from a young age combining live music, dance, movement, energy, healing, love, inspiration, imagination, vision, family & even social concerns. Beginning as a dancer, singer & percussionist, she continues to immerse herself in this destined performing career. At its core, her inner muse is expressed when she performs. Versed in at least 6 African languages, Dobet’s mastery & luminous voice have no perceivable limits. This is music for all the senses. It is to its roots emotional. Bringing you along on a surreal journey. It’s as honest as the truth. The authentic vibrance comes to life. The power captivates & thrills while still allowing for escape & indulgence. Find out for yourself.
Dobet Gnahoré Fri. February 17, 2017, 7pm 9pm The Dakota Jazz Club
Don’t miss this stunning evening of music driven joy. Dobet hypnotically presents her beautiful voice as its own musical instrument. The naturally occurring collaborative result will give you the urge to dance. Don’t resist this. I believe this feeling is meant it for you who are moved physically.
Whether you are privy to African music & culture or you are merely curious, this is sure to be an extraordinary rhythm soaked euphoric experience. Enter the fantastic world of Dobet Gnahoré & her band on Friday, February 17, 2017 as they create lively heart warming body emboldening magical music in our downtown world class “living room” the Dakota stage for shows at 7pm & 9pm. Come celebrate Africa “the mother of all living”.
Rootsy Texas singer songwriter Hayes Carll has been known to have positively profound effects on his captive audience. I will share this true story. Hayes was playing a 2 hour show in Austin & prior to that had been hanging with a musician friend who happened to tell some really bad Arkansas jokes. So Hayes reluctantly told these terrible jokes to help fill the time, a first in 9 years he confessed. At the end of his show, Carll noticed everybody had fancy drinks & there was a huge tip in his tip jar. Turns out, a rich guy from Arkansas who owns a giant chicken company loved the set & bought 2 rounds of drinks for the entire place on top the tip. Hayes later met the benefactor to thank him. And he later said “It wasn’t a total waste” as he wrote an oddly prolific song called “Chickens”. (see below) Hayes also commented that “this stuff never happens to me”. I must add, well, now is does Hayes & very deservedly so.
Hayes Carll Tue. February 14, 2017, 9:30pm The Dakota Jazz Club
In a very real & grassroots fashion Hayes Carll has steadily risen up through the years. His music rings authentic & in real time yet timeless in nature. His loyal base of fans are on the uptick due to good old word of mouth. The best advertising in most every biz. Hayes Carll has recently birthed his 5th studio record & his obscurity is fading these days as his music is reaching more people all the time. He’s a spontaneous wonderful performer.
Whether you attend to celebrate Valentine’s or not, this will be a twangy captivating evening that is sure to be exquisitely entertaining & mesmerizingly memorable. This is a show not to miss. Experience Hayes Carll on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 lighting up the comfy cozy Dakota stage at 9:30pm. This is your call to action.
There is a new buzzword going around the Twin Cities music scene & among the greater world: Davina. Yes, Davina Sowers is becoming more & more of an icon in the making all the time. Her songwriting prowess joined with her enigmatic firebrand delivery fuel countless live shows & exuberant recordings. Davina forges a unique dreamy vintage soundscape that mostly defies description begging to be heard by any & all. The band lives for this, rejoicing in their well deserved rise to greater heights in popularity & talent.
Davina & the Vagabonds Sat. December 31, 2016, 6pm & 10:30pm The Dakota Jazz Club
Davina & the Vagabonds create a spirited excitable charm & feverish vibe when experienced by the audience. They are ever lively, spontaneous, unpredictable & always celebrating the moment until the next one comes along. This band celebrates history & subsequently makes history all at once. No easy feat by any means.
DATV fabulously return to the Dakota for what is sure to be one of the very best top notch New Year’s Eve shows in the Twin Cities & beyond. As hometown fans, we couldn’t be more enthralled for this special night to vibrantly celebrate entering a new fresh year.
To say Davina is going places would be an extreme understatement. The band keeps adding new countries & cities to the vastly growing list of places they’ve played. Hitting Europe every few months alone sets a wildly enthusiastic pace. Let’s just say: It’s ON!
Knowing these musicians personally has very much enhanced my appreciation & heightened my perception as a fan, a friend & a music lover. This has me processing these blessings as unrivaled joy.
Ring in 2017 with the unstoppable DATV at your downtown living room The Dakota. The participatory fun ensues with 2 epic thrill ride shows. Early Dinner show @ 6pm & Cocktail show @ 10:30pm blasting into the new chapter of 2017. Minneapolis: Prepare for lift-off!
Listen here to an exclusive “Coming to the Dakota” podcast of my candid interview of DATV’s founding mastermind & charismatic leader Davina Sowers, that was created by Brave New Radio. During the casual exchange, we touched on topics like passion, life, music, family, hopes & dreams. Enjoy the conversation. http://bravenewmedia.net/brave-new-radio/
Davina Sowers is a true powerhouse among today’s women singer songwriters. Over the years, her profoundly talented band Davina & the Vagabonds have amassed countless fans while achieving international presence & touring status. That said, Minneapolis is blessed to be the chosen hometown of Davina along with her fantastic fun accomplices. Here is a chance to come witness DATV’s well deserved success at the Dakota for upcoming shows on Oct. 31, Nov. 25, & Dec. 31st. I couldn’t urge you enough to attend & indulge in this moving soul provoking musical experience. Swing on in.
Davina & the Vagabonds Mon. October 31, 2016, 7pm & 9pm The Dakota Jazz Club
Davina’s sultry saucy personality combined with her vintage stylish eccentricities fuel her energy enriched sensory pleasing beaming live performances. Davina & the Vagabonds have played almost all of the United States, some Canadian provinces & ten European nations with much more on the global horizon. A warm welcome is in order for Davina & the Vagabonds to the intimate setting of the Dakota on Mon. October 31, 2016 at 7 & 9pm. Treat yourself & those you love to this enchanting entertaining mystical music & merriment on stage.
Here is an exclusive podcast of my interview of DATV’s founder & dynamic leader Davina Sowers, that was created by Brave New Radio. During the flowing conversation, we touched on topics like passion, life, music, family, hopes & dreams. Have a listen. http://bravenewmedia.net/brave-new-radio/
Timmy the Freak 