This Hansi Johnson picture was posted to outgoing Duluth Mayor Don Ness’s distinctive Facebook page, which he has used to promote Duluth and its musicians for his two terms in office.
Duluth Mayor Don Ness will leave office this January after two successful terms as leader of Northern Minnesota’s biggest city during a time of economic diversification and growth.
Before Mayor-elect Emily Larson takes the oath, however, Ness will give one more mayoral address. Not at city hall. Not at some hotel conference room, either. Ness will deliver his final speech as mayor from the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center on Wednesday, Dec. 16. Further, his comments are but a sideshow to a free concert featuring several of the biggest names in Duluth’s distinct offshoot of the Minnesota music scene.
In the past I’ve referred to Ness as “The Hipster King of the Zenith City.” He’s always quick to reject the “hipster” moniker, self-identifying as more of a nerd. But Ness is actually pretty cool, and he got to be cool in the best way possible: by just loving a place and making things happen there. Ness refused to look at the traditional palate of political activities as his only options, instead integrating music, culture and entrepreneurship into the realm of public service.
There’s a lesson there for rust belt cities everywhere, and anywhere else where leadership is struggling to make a generational leap.
So it’s fitting that Mayor Ness leaves office with a free public concert, funded by donations and his own resources.
The concert will feature music by Dave Simonett of Trampled by Turtles, Alan Sparhawk and Gaelynn Lea of The Murder of Crows, Sarah Lawrence, Sara Thomsen, Sarah Krueger, Jerree Small and the “Yoda” of the Duluth folk-infused music scene, Charlie Parr.
Ness will hold a book-signing and reception from 5:30-7 p.m on Wednesday, Dec. 16 in Paulucci Hall at the DECC. Ness’s farewell speech and the music will start at 7, followed by a 9 p.m. afterparty in Paulucci Hall featuring the Boomchucks and a CD release party for Kristi Marie at the Red Herring Lounge.
This is such a great idea and a very cool way to leave office. I think Mayor Ness did a great job and will be difficult to replace! Our new mayor has big shoes to fill.