HEADWATERS MUSIC AND ARTS

Open Mic and CoffeeHouse event set for June 6 at Headwaters

Pioneer Staff Report — Thu, 29 May 2025 15:00:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — Headwaters Music and Arts will host an Open Mic and CoffeeHouse featuring Known Only Locally at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 6, at Headwaters, 519 Minnesota Ave. NW.

The latest iteration of Known Only Locally features Sawyer Corcoran on fiddle and Mauro Gutierrez on guitar, joining original members Kristi Miller, Gary Broste, and Kate Tesar, along with longtime collaborator Eric Carlson.

"Together, they continue the tradition of delivering top-notch, homegrown North Country music," a release said.

Held at 7 p.m. on the first Friday of each month except July and August, the Headwaters Open Mic CoffeeHouse showcases the region’s finest musical ensembles and offers a supportive space for local singers, songwriters, and spoken-word artists to share their talents.

All ages and experience levels are welcome to perform. Open mic sign-up begins at 6:30 p.m. or in advance by emailing jjhgaard@gmail.com. Performers may sign up for a 10-minute set.

Admission costs $4 per person or $10 per family. Coffee and treats are available for purchase in partnership with Starbucks.

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Monroe Crossing to perform at Headwaters Music and Arts fundraising event

Pioneer Staff Report — Wed, 07 May 2025 14:26:59 GMT

BEMIDJI — Headwaters Music and Arts will host Bemidji bluegrass entertainers Monroe Crossing for a fundraiser performance at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, at the Historic Chief Theater.

Monroe Crossing will treat concert-goers to an unforgettable evening of toe-tapping rhythms, soaring harmonies and pure bluegrass magic, a release said.

"Whether you're a lifelong bluegrass fan or just discovering the joy of fiddle, banjo, and harmony, Monroe Crossing's energy and talent will have you clapping, dancing and smiling all night long," added the release.

Tickets cost $30 each and are available at givebutter.com/ZR8lgP.

Admission is open seating and advanced ticket purchase is recommended.

Proceeds support the Headwaters Scholarship Program to help reduce student tuition based on financial need.

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Headwaters Music and Arts to host Fiddle Camp

Pioneer Staff Report — Mon, 05 May 2025 20:00:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — Headwaters Music and Arts is set to offer a Fiddle Camp for string musicians from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 16-20 at Headwaters, 519 Minnesota Ave. NW.

The camp is open to youth and adult string musicians with at least one year of playing experience, a release said. Campers will highlight their work with a public show on Friday, June 20.

Instructors will include Eric Carlson, Carrie Dlutkowski, Sawyer Corcoran, Mary Vanorny and Brian Miller.

The cost to attend is $175 per participant with a $40 non-refundable registration fee. Those who would like to register for camp and pay only the deposit now, call Headwaters at (218) 444-5606.

Headwaters offers several scholarship and grant options for all of its youth programming in an effort to make its programming accessible for all, the release noted.

Registration deadline and full payment are due by June 9.

To register or learn more about Headwaters Fiddle Camp and other summer camps, visit headwatersmusicandarts.org.

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Open Mic and CoffeeHouse event set for May 2 at Headwaters

Pioneer Staff Report — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 14:00:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — Headwaters Music and Arts will host an Open Mic and CoffeeHouse featuring Paul Olson at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 2, at Headwaters, 519 Minnesota Ave. NW.

Olson, a Bemidji-based musician, traces his musical roots to Fort Ransom, N.D., a release said. His father, a finger-picking crooner with a deep love for Elvis Presley and classic country icons like Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash, instilled in Olson an early appreciation for heartfelt, honest music.

As a teenager, Olson found his sound through the chords and melodies of Nirvana’s "Nevermind" and Blink-182’s records. He began playing in bands during his teens, eventually joining a Fargo-based group called The Suit that gained national recognition in 2010, winning the Warped Tour Battle of the Bands out of 40,000 entries.

"In 2019, the passing of his father deeply reshaped Paul’s approach to music. Grieving and reflecting on their shared bond, he turned to songwriting as a way to process his loss and honor his roots," the release noted. "Some of those songs have found a home in his current band, Wildview, while others remain unreleased — private snapshots of a personal journey."

Outside of music, Paul is a flooring contractor, a loving husband and a proud father of two daughters, the release said. His life is a blend of work, family, and creativity, all of which fuel his songwriting.

Held on the first Friday of most months, the Headwaters Open Mic offers a welcoming and supportive community for musicians and spoken-word performers. All ages and skill levels are encouraged to sign up for a 10 to 15-minute set.

Sign-up begins at 6:30 p.m. or by email to jjhgaard@gmail.com. Admission is $4 per person and $10 for families. Coffee and treats will be available for purchase courtesy of Apple Blossom Village in partnership with Starbucks.

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Headwaters to host Birds and Bees pottery series

Pioneer Staff Report — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 18:42:24 GMT

BEMIDJI — Headwaters Music and Arts will host a Birds and Bees pottery series starting Saturday, May 3, at Headwaters, 519 Minnesota Ave. NW.

Participants of all ages can create a bird bath and pollinator dish during the program from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 3; 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, May 4; and 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, May 18.

Instructor Tom Daly will teach participants how to make these useful pieces to create a bird and butterfly oasis in their yard, a release said.

"Providing water in your yard can be more beneficial than feeding wildlife, especially in the warm months of the year when water can be difficult to find," the release noted.

The cost is $100 for the entire series. No experience is necessary. Participants will receive 25 pounds of clay.

Space for the program is limited and advanced registration is required. To register, call (218) 444-5606 or visit headwatersmusicandarts.org/shop.

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Headwaters to host spring pottery classes

Pioneer Staff Report — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 22:00:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — Headwaters Music and Arts will host a Pottery and Pints class and a Birds and Bees Pottery series this April at Headwaters, 519 Minnesota Ave. NW.

Pottery and Pints

Adult participants can enjoy a relaxing afternoon of glazing pottery pieces at a Pottery and Pints class from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 12.

Attendees have the opportunity to bring their favorite beer to enjoy with provided light appetizers as instructor Tom Daly walks them through the process of glazing two pre-made pieces, such as a beer mug, wine mug, plate or bowl, a release said.

There will be plenty of breaks for socializing and enjoying beer and food. No art experience is required.

"Come learn in a fun and supportive environment surrounded by friends," the release said.

The cost is $45 per person. This class is for participants ages 21 and older.

Birds and Bees Pottery

Participants of all ages can create a bird bath and pollinator dish at a Birds and Bees Pottery series from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 3; 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, May 4; and 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, May 18.

Instructor Tom Daly will teach participants how to make these useful pieces to create a bird and butterfly oasis in their yard, the release said.

"Providing water in your yard can be more beneficial than feeding wildlife, especially in the warm months of the year when water can be difficult to find," the release explained.

The cost is $100 for the entire series. No experience is necessary. Participants will receive 25 pounds of clay.

Space for the programs is limited and advanced registration is required. To register, call (218) 444-5606 or visit headwatersmusicandarts.org/shop.

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Headwaters to host Youth Rock Band class starting April 10

Pioneer Staff Report — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 15:00:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — Headwaters Music and Arts will host a Youth Rock Band class for young musicians from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursdays, April 10 to May 29, at Headwaters, 519 Minnesota Ave. NW.

Youth in grades 4-12 with at least one to two years of experience playing drums, guitar, piano, bass or voice will learn by playing along with teachers and fellow students, working together as a band to choose what songs they want to practice and learn, a release said.

Drum kits and most instruments are provided. Participants are encouraged to bring a secondary instrument if they would like to learn how to improvise.

Led by Headwaters music instructors Vincent Noble and Mauro Gutierrez, this class will teach attendees covers, songwriting, chord progressions, scales, singing harmonies, soloing, band communication and just having fun making music together, added the release.

The cost to attend is $200 per participant with limited financial assistance available. Space is limited, so advanced registration is required.

For more information visit, HeadwatersMusicAndArts.org.

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Open Mic and CoffeeHouse event set for April 4 at Headwaters

Pioneer Staff Report — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 18:00:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — Headwaters Music and Arts will host an Open Mic and CoffeeHouse featuring April Aylesworth at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 4, at Headwaters, 519 Minnesota Ave. NW.

Aylesworth is an area vocalist who grew up performing in Bemidji’s music programs from the Bemidji High �� show choir to the Paul Bunyan Playhouse. In 2019, she won first place at the Minnesota Sings Vocal Competition.

She enjoys collaborating with area musicians on a variety of projects and when singing solo, she accompanies herself on acoustic guitar. Open mic attendees will get to hear Aylesworth share a range of cover songs, including some with an acoustic bass guitar, a release said.

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Headwaters to host Porch Pottery class

Pioneer Staff Report — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 15:25:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — Headwaters Music and Arts will host a Porch Pottery series this spring at Headwaters, 519 Minnesota Ave. NW.

Daly will guide participants of all ages through step-by-step techniques to craft unique, functional garden pots perfect for their outdoor space, a release said.

Attendees will be given up to 25 pounds of clay to make one or more planters from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 22 and 29. Participants will glaze their pots from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 12.

From 10 to 11:30 a.m. on the last day of class on Saturday, May 27, participants will come to pick up their finished pieces, select flower or vegetable seedlings to plant in their pots and enjoy a potluck lunch.

"Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, this hands-on session promises fun, inspiration and a chance to connect with fellow creators," the release said.

The cost is $100 for the entire series, which includes 25 pounds of clay. No experience is necessary.

Headwaters offers financial assistance options for all of its adult and youth programming to ensure accessibility for all, the release said.

Pre-registration is required. To register, visit headwatersmusicandarts.org.

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Open Mic and CoffeeHouse event set for March 7 at Headwaters

Pioneer Staff Report — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 21:30:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — Headwaters Music and Arts will host an Open Mic and CoffeeHouse featuring Caleigh at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 7, at Headwaters, 519 Minnesota Ave. NW.

The Northern Minnesota trio Caleigh presents a fusion of world folk, Celtic, bluegrass, American Old-Time, original compositions and folk music. Caleigh has shared their 29-year musical journey with audiences throughout Minnesota and fans worldwide online, a release said.

"Graced with harp, fiddle, bodhran, banjo, accordion, guitars, mandolin, congas, viola, contra bass and captivating vocals, Caleigh’s music will inspire the imagination of listeners as they travel through a time-honored musical experience," the release said.

The band has released five albums on the Lily Label.

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