The North Shore is rich with talent, and the annual Cabin Fever Reliever event, held at the Two Harbors High School, is an opportunity to highlight many of these musicians and performers, both locally and regionally. Two Harbors Community Radio will host the mid-winter variety show for its eighth year on Sunday, March 10.
The low power, nonprofit radio station, KTWH FM, will once again bring music and entertainment to the North Shore to celebrate local talent and provide a break from the long winter season. This year offers a new sound—with the long-standing local opening act THUG not performing, it inspired the organizers to expand and be creative. The performance will include acts with a simpler, less intense set up and production needs, which will provide a different experience for the audience.
This year’s event will feature a variety of Indigenous performers, putting the station’s mission into action “to strengthen community by sustaining a grassroots forum of respectful inquiry into shared values, issues, and cultural expressions.” Producer Kim Leon attended a native-themed performance over a year ago and was inspired to bring something similar to Two Harbors. “The idea is to provide an opportunity that fits our mission that hasn’t been done before,” says Leon. She is excited to reach out in a broader way with this year’s production.
Headlining the show is native ally, singer-songwriter David Huckfelt. His songs of no-spiritual-surrender have earned him a devoted following both regionally and nationally. Others taking the stage include the Oshkii Giizhik Singers, a group of Indigenous women singers and hand drummers from northern Minnesota. Founded in 2006, the group has had dozens of women and elders from the region sing and share teachings over the years. Storytelling also will be featured with Michael Laughing Fox Charette joining the show. He is an artist, musician, writer, and performer and a member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Two Harbors 15-year-old composer and pianist Edward Ojard will return to the stage. Ojard was recently invited to perform at Carnegie Hall. The Master of Ceremonies is singer, songwriter, and story weaver John Sonofmel.
This year, keeping with the cultural awareness theme, a free pre-show Native Nations Expo, has been added and will be held in the great hall, outside of the auditorium. Leon notes that, “The goal is to enlighten, educate, spark curiosity, possibly dispel some myths and then, entertain.” The exhibitors and demonstrators will share history, cultural wisdom, and current activities and issues. Native-owned businesses and industries will also part of the event. Leon is especially excited about debuting a modern-day industry of Native innovations of hemp products. This interactive expo will be entertaining and educational for all ages.
The Cabin Fever Reliver is held at the Two Harbors High School. Doors open at 1 p.m. for the expo and performances in the auditorium start at 3 p.m. Complimentary treats and beverages will also be available. Tickets are available online (ktwh.org) or in person at Cedar Coffee Company and at the KTWH studios in Two Harbors. Advance tickets are $15 each or $35 per family. Tickets are $18 at the door, the day of the event. This annual fundraiser supports Two Harbors Community Radio, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization which is volunteer driven and listener and community supported. To learn more, follow Two Harbors Community Radio on Facebook, or call 218-595-6195. KTWH studios are located on 7th Avenue in the Harbor Landing building.
Lovin’ Lake County has generously contributed to the promotional budget, and several local businesses have also sponsored the event.
