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Tag Archives: concerts

Trendy, new music venue opens Downtown

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Today’s blog is written by Michaela Schell, a local writer and business professional.   A new music venue has come to Downtown Grand Forks! You probably haven’t seen any big outdoor sign marking its location, actually you can’t even see the venue from the street. That’s because it is tucked away in one of Downtown’s already prominent landmarks… The Empire Arts Center. What used to be a staging area behind the theater has be recreated into a trendy little social area the Empire is calling “The Backstage Project.”  The Empire’s website describes it as a place “designed to utilize creative, urban spaces for live music performances by local and regional artists.” I call it “pretty cool.” Grand Forks is lucky to have the large scale concert venues such as the Alerus Center and Ralph Engelstad Arena and mid-size venues like the Empire’s and the Chester Fritz Auditorium’s stages for fairly large performances, but we have always been missing that small, intimate space where local artists can perform to an up-close and personal crowd. Until now. The Backstage Project kicked off its first show of the series on April 5th with music from local jazz band favorite, Jazz On Tap. Jazz …

Posted in: Entertainment, Events, shows and concerts, Travel & Tourism
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Simply grand events – week of August 20

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Posted in: Entertainment, Events, shows and concerts, Sports & Recreation, Travel & Tourism
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Royally rocking the Ralph

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“For someone who has played countless concerts and churned out numerous albums, Sir Elton never lets his skill, energy and gratitude for the crowd fade throughout his nearly three-hour-long show,” this according to one reporter who recently saw John perform live.  Even though the iconic entertainer has played various arenas all over the world, his stage show is said to be tailored specifically to each venue.  And fortunately for Greater Grand Forks, Elton John & His Band will be appearing live at Ralph Engelstad Arena (REA), March 24, at 8 p.m. John’s talented musicians include Davey Johnstone on guitar, Bob Birch on bass, John Mahon on percussion, Nigel Olsson on drums and Kim Bullard on keyboards.  One of the most successful live bands on the road today, Elton & His Band put on the kind of concert you will never forget.  The entire audience will be standing, dancing and singing along with much-loved classic songs like “Rocket Man”, “Bennie & the Jets”, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”, “Your Song”, “Philadelphia Freedom”, “Someone Saved My Life Tonight”, “Crocodile Rock”, “Tiny Dancer”, “Levon” and “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”. “Elton John is an entertainment legend,” said REA General Manager …

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My simply grand week…

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ND Museum of Art Concerts in the Garden

This is going to be a great week in the Grand Cities!  I am looking forward to enjoying all that the town has to offer in the summer.  This is just a sample of my plans for the week… Tonight I have a meeting, but it won’t be without fun and great food, as it is taking place at the new restaurant, Jake’s.  Since I have only been there once, I am really excited to check out some of their food especially the Red Pepper Lavosh. On Tuesday I will grab the family and head over to the ND Museum of Art for the third installment of the 2011 Concerts in the Garden music series.  The Boston-based band and critically acclaimed, David Wax Museum, will headline while local artist, Xavier Pastrano, will open the show at 6 p.m.  Tickets are $5 in advance or $8 at the door, and there is great food including burgers and brats available in the museum’s garden.  With a weather prediction of mostly sunny and 75 degrees what more could we need? Since there is another good weather prediction for Wednesday, my husband and I plan to meet friends on the rooftop of Rhombus for …

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Spring events at the Fritz

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Chester Fritz Auditorium

Where can you go to hear everything from Broadway show tunes and Irish songs to classical masterpieces and Sousa marches?  If you answered the Chester Fritz Auditorium, you are correct!  The Fritz’s upcoming spring schedule is sure to please a wide variety of musical tastes.  An auditorium layout that makes you feel at one with the production and the amazing acoustics only add to the experience.  Explore a little of the Fritz’s great history by strolling down the halls lined with autographed pictures of past performers.  No matter what show(s) you choose, it guaranteed to be a performance worthy of a standing ovation. April 1 @ 10 .m. – GGF Symphony Orchestra Youth Concert April 14 @ 7:30 p.m. – “The Music Man” April 16 @ 8 p.m. – UND Pride of the North Marching Band April 27 @ 7:30 p.m. – University Band & Wind Ensemble April 30 @ 7 p.m. – Heartland of America Band May 16 @ 7:30 p.m. – Daniel O’Donnell May 21 @ 8 p.m. – GGF Symphony Orchestra Tickest are available at the Chester Fritz Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, charge by phone (701.772.5151) or online.  For additional information check out the Fritz online.

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