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2021 Volunteer Spotlight – Theresa Ekblad 

By The Chicken

HOMEGROWN MUSIC FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Full Name
Theresa Ekblad

How long have you volunteered for Homegrown?
Last year would have been my third year.

What is your favorite Homegrown memory?
There are so many, I’m freezing up when I try to choose – so instead of a memory, I’ll just share the feeling I get when it’s Homegrown time.  It truly is like a holiday for me – I do my best to take time off from work so I can celebrate and contribute as much as possible.  There are many people that I don’t get the opportunity to see outside of the Homegrown week when so many of us are out and about, exploring the great music that happens in our region.  I love the feeling of knowing that I’ll see friends and happy faces, listen and dance to fantastic music, and wish passersby “Happy Homegrown”.

How has music helped you through the pandemic thus far?
I have missed live music so much this year.  A few weeks into the pandemic, you could tell that musicians truly missed that connection too.  It was wonderful to see artists and bands get creative and find ways to share their music and connect with their fans.

Do you have any advice for future Homegrown Volunteers?
Every little bit helps!  It’s such a great opportunity to contribute to the local music community and help however you can.  Sign up with a friend and choose what shifts you want to work together!  Being a part of the magic makes me appreciate and enjoy the whole festival just a little bit more.

Thank you to all of our volunteers! We would not be able to have the festival without your help. 
Sign up for your HGMF volunteer shifts today: https://duluthhomegrown.org/volunteer/

2021 Volunteer Spotlight – Mona Cedillo

By The Chicken

HOMEGROWN MUSIC FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

1. Full Name: Mona Cedillo
2. How long have you volunteered for Homegrown? 2 years
3. What is your favorite Homegrown memory? Showing up at a pub for a shift in venue manager and seeing a table filled with priests. I was surprised and as I walked by, said “How about that, I actually walked into a place where a priest walked into a bar, too bad I don’t have a good joke to go with the moment”.
4. How has music helped you through the pandemic thus far? It has been encouraging and helped me grieve moments I miss getting out. Music also reminds me of good times and fun memories with friends. Gives me hope that one day to be back enjoying music, seeing friends and loved ones again.
5. Do you have any advice for future Homegrown Volunteers?
1) Be flexable!
2) Try to arrange at least one shift that lets you off early so you can enjoy the rest of the bands playing at whatever venue you work at.
3) Get a schedule and plan on seeing at least one new group. Make a point to discover one new band.
4) Control your liquor! Don’t ruin a good night or rosk getting kicked out for being rude or getting sick. Don’t drink and drive.
5) Remember to high five and be respectful with other Homegrown volunteers and staff. Bring enthusiasm and dance like no one is watching.

Thank you to all of our volunteers! We would not be able to have the festival without your help. 

 

Sign up for your HGMF volunteer shifts today: https://duluthhomegrown.org/volunteer/
Liz Minette photo

2021 Volunteer Spotlight – Liz Minette

By The Chicken

HOMEGROWN MUSIC FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Liz Minette photo

1. Full Name: Liz Minette

2. How long have you volunteered for Homegrown? I’ve been a volunteer for Homegrown since 2012.

3. What is your favorite Homegrown memory? Hmmmm… Poetry Showcases, especially the ones at Sacred Heart, NorShor and Duluth Folk School (all sweet spaces); working the shows at Clyde Iron, especially when Trampled by Turtles was playing; seeing TbT at Pizza Luce the time before the last time (when they tweeted their surprise show at Luce : ); all the shows at Cedar Lounge, especially when Venus de Mars played her acoustic set and we all were pretty much in tears it was so beautiful; Mary Bue, Retribution Gospel Choir & Wolf Blood at Luce; working the door at Quinlan’s; the sweet shows at Blush; creating music videos for Homegrown & all the Homegrown Music Video screenings

4. How has music helped you through the pandemic thus far? Music has helped very much through the pandemic; whether listening to tunes while taking walks, but more importantly, my Mom and I can watch concerts of local artists from home – we’ve watched Charlie Parr’s concerts at Sacred Heart via YouTube cast to our tv as well as Al Sparhawk & Friends at First Ave.

5. Do you have any advice for future Homegrown Volunteers? Show up for the shift you signed up for; have a great time hanging out with your crew; have fun; respect the Chicken : )

Thank you to all of our volunteers! We would not be able to have the festival without your help. 

Sign up for your HGMF volunteer shifts today: https://duluthhomegrown.org/volunteer/