The first performers at the 25th annual Homegrown Music Festival weren’t alive when the inaugural Homegrown happened in 1999. They weren’t even alive when the 10th Homegrown happened. That’s because the aerialists who make up the Phoenix Flyers are all under the age of 15.
This year’s Homegrown Children’s Music Showcase at Dovetail Café and Marketplace offers an array of performances and activities geared to kids and families. Along with six stage acts, there will be playthings available courtesy of the Duluth Children’s Museum and other entertainment, including balloon twisting and a beanbag toss fundraiser for Bags and Brews, which raises money to support Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for childhood cancer.
Duluth Mayor Emily Larson will proclaim Homegrown Music Festival Week in the city of Duluth during a 4 p.m. reception at Hoops Brewing. The crew at Hoops is creating another batch of Emily’s Extra IPA for the event. Owner Dave Hoops said the always dank India pale ale will be a special version this year that will be “extra dank.”
Warned of the promised dankness, Mayor Larson did not falter. “That’s risky,” she said, “but I like it.”
The mayor noted the introduction of a ceremonial chalice to last year’s reception is a new tradition she’s excited about. Larson’s proclamation and remarks will be followed by music at Hoops, Zeitgeist Teatro, Blacklist, Carmody Irish Pub and the traditional New Band Showcase at Pizza Lucé.