This rotating group of fire and flow artists has been a Homegrown regular since 2010. The Spin Collective syncs its flaming props, dance routines and other pyrotic talents with trippy tribal dance music, keeping the festival aflame with hoops, fire sticks, fire poi, staffs, fans and other instruments of danger frowned on by the Duluth Fire Department. Whether the event calls for a steampunk twist or a Day of the Dead homage, Spin Collective members Aleasha Hladilek, Jayme Hudson, Sherry Christiansen, Matt Lindberg, Erin Filletoe, Amethyst Leamuria Harle, Hannah Elizabeth Albert, Briana Sterle, Jillian Forte and Denise Hooper are there in full regalia, ready to get the town lit.

The punk-influenced Dead End Friends have kept heads bobbing and feet stomping in since the band’s formation in 2011. Known for a play-too-loud aesthetic and rippling guitar solos, the group delivers a powerful sound inspired by Foo Fighters, Led Zeppelin and The Black Keys. Phil McLoughlin and Joey Warttman share lead vocals and guitar duties, Ben Anderson adds his voice while holding down the bassline, and Pete Hannegraf drives the rhythm on drums. One of the band’s claims to fame is being kicked out of Lake Avenue Café during Homegrown for being too loud.

Once a year the dirtbag musicians of Duluth attempt athleticism in the Homegrown Kickball Classic. It’s always an epic battle of evil against evil, with plenty of stabs in the back, name calling and other things polite society shuns