The west side of Duluth is where to be on Wednesday. It’s a powerful lineup in the Clyde Iron Works event center starting with the high-energy rock of the Fontanelles. Duluth’s beloved minimalist rawkers, Low, come next. Expect new songs; the band has a new album coming out later this year.

Alan Sparhawk, who was instrumental in putting the local music scene on the map, is quick to give credit to others when asked about the fest hitting the 20-year mark.

“Homegrown to me has always been a celebration of each effort made over the years by individuals to make a vibrant community — the many people who, by sharing their voice and passion, have paved the way for others to do the same,” Sparhawk says.

Insert ear protection for the next act. The recently reunited Dames can still melt faces off and erupt eardrums. It’s their first Homegrown set since 2002. Frontman Tony Bennett is characteristically deadpan about the band’s stage persona (or lack thereof).

“A lot of bands like to pull off crazy stunts during Homegrown, but we’re just doing what we always did. We’re kinda no-frills. Apologies to those who demand frills,” Bennett says. “We just put on the helmets and jump into the mineshaft.”

After Clyde, late-night Hump Day fun can still be had at veritable neighborhood institutions like Mr. D’s, the Gopher and the Kom-on-Inn.

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The third evening of the Homegrown journey begins at Bent Paddle Brewing with Four Mile Portage, appropriately enough. Those who missed the inaugural showing of the Homegrown
Music Video Festival can see the encore presentation at Zinema 2.

Much of the rest of Tuesday’s carousing happens in Canal Park. Amazing Grace Bakery & Café and Vikre Distillery host an assortment of acts starting on the early side, from the bluesy rock and roll of Bill Bastian to the “acoustic cat rock” of the Trash Cats.

Per tradition, the big show of the night takes place at the Sports Garden. The diverse programming will progress from the Django-style jazz of Sam Miltich and the Clearwater Hot Club to Woodblind’s sanguine ska stylings. Next come the Duluth Dolls with their playful and provocative blend of dance and theater.

Bluegrass band Black River Revue closes out the night at Grandma’s. Tim Leutgeub says the band is pumped to be playing on the Sports Garden stage, noting that one of the highlights of Homegrown is getting to play on a bill that showcases the diversity of the Duluth music scene.

Prøve Gallery offers a cozy alternative with hard rock, Americana, and hip-hop. Dubh Linn hosts a similarly diverse late night bill that transitions from old-time to avant-garde to hardcore.

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Festival-goers need only hop, skip and jump to witness all the ancillary arts. The photography, videography, and poetry take place along a one-block stretch on Superior Street. Trying to find street parking downtown can quickly sour a good vibe, however. Pro tip: Take advantage of the Historic Arts and Theater parking ramp by Fond-du-Luth Casino or the Sheraton Duluth Hotel ramp.

The opening reception for the Homegrown Photo Show starts at 5 p.m. Blacklist Artisan Ales hosts the display as well as half a dozen different musical acts.

The premiere of the 2018 Homegrown Music Video Festival happens at Zinema 2. The fest has a retrospective aspect this year. Some of the assigned songs will be from “legacy bands” that played the first couple of festival lineups.

The newly restored NorShor Theatre hosts the Homegrown Poetry Showcase at 7:30 p.m. It’s the first time the NorShor has served as a Homegrown venue since 2010. Coordinator Tina Higgins Wussow expects a packed house. Violinist Gaelynn Lea will again provide musical accompaniment for the roughly 30 poets.

The Rex has an offbeat lineup that ranges from experimental weirdo music to noise punk, dance music, and alt-country.

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