When we talk about building a vibrant, diversified, creative future for the Iron Range we can’t discount the things we’ve already got going for us. For decades, the Mesaba Concert Association, and their counterparts in Virginia and Ely, have brought quality professional musical entertainment to the Iron Range. They keep the cost to the audience low in what is essentially an old cooperative trick. Aggregate costs across a wide group, giving access to all.
A $35 membership ($10 for students and $80 for families of two parents and children) gets you access to up to 15 touring shows throughout the year that would each normally charge $20 at a nice venue. The five shows in Hibbing are held in the historic Hibbing High School auditorium, which is worth seeing just on its own.
Find out more at the Mesabi Concert Association.
Jaimee Paul
JAIMEE PAUL – Friday, October 24, 2014: Singer with a dramatic voice performing jazz standards and James Bond movie themes. She is accompanied by a jazz combo led by her husband, Leif Shires. www.jaimeepaul.com
Two on Tap
TWO ON TAP – Tuesday, November 18, 2014: This duo will dance and sing as they present Broadway showstoppers and holiday favorites. www.two-on-tap.com
Amit Peled
AMIT PELED – Thursday, December 4, 2014: Dynamic cellist of profound artistry and charismatic personality, accompanied by a pianist. www.amitpeled.com
Harmonious Wail
HARMONIOUS WAIL – Tuesday, March 3, 2015: Gypsy jazz group; melodic vocals with mandolin, guitar, and “creative” percussion instruments. www.wail.com
Alliance Brass Quintet
ALLIANCE BRASS QUINTET – Sunday, April 26, 2015: Dazzling audiences with a blend of virtuosity and vitality, this ensemble performs a repertoire ranging from early Renaissance to jazz. www.alliancebrass.com
In addition to the five Hibbing shows, a Mesaba Concert Association membership gets you into the Arrowhead Concert Association and Ely Concert Association shows at the Goodman Auditorium and Washington Auditorium, respectively. Members of those associations also have reciprocity into the others, so if you’d prefer check out the links above to join those organizations.
VIRGINIA – Goodman Auditorium (HS): 9/27/14 – Igor Butman’s Moscow Jazz Orchestra; 11/13/14 – Ben Gulley, tenor; 1/26/15 – Julian Gargiulo, pianist; 2/17/15 – Suchon Wind Quintet w/Michiko Otaki; 4/12/15 – Six Appeal, male a cappela group; 5/10/15 – Step Crew, dance show
ELY – Washington Auditorium (HS) 9/27/14 – The Limeliters, folk music; 11/25/14 – Tapestry, American folk; 2/22/15, 4PM matinee – Todd Oliver & Friends; music, comedy, and dogs; TBA– Link Union, family singers
As a long time concert goer, I have been a supporter of these concert series. And I became a ticket seller for the Arrowhead Concert Association some years ago. That is the Virginia branch. Yes, these organizations have been able to keep the prices quite low. In fact, because of the high cost of tickets in any big name venue, plus the cost of parking and gas to get there, I tell my potential customers: Buy a ticket for ONE concert and get 14 concerts free! The quality of these concerts and productions is always great and sometimes outstanding. In fact, many of the musicians are world class, well know people.
What is too bad is that there are too few of the middle age group of people, as well as families with children, supporting and attending these concerts. Yes, people have to get up and go to work the next day, or get their kids to bed because of school the next day, but for this great low price, it is still a bargain if you attend the first half of the concerts and leave for home. Lets spread the love of music to our children.
Watch for further concert ticket sales in Hibbing, Virginia, and Ely within the next two months.