Mellen
Mellen, WI · Local Life
Mesabi Tribune
Mesabi Symphony Orchestra performs with Young Artist Competition winner Toko Nakajima
The Mesabi Symphony Orchestra is inviting the public to celebrate the artistry of MSO Young Artist Competition winner Toko Nakajima! A Duluth-based cellist, Toko is MSO’s featured soloist and she will perform the 2nd movement from Dvorák’s iconic Cello Concerto. Born in Duluth (2009), Toko Nakajima began studying cello in 2014 under the instruction of Dr. Betsy Husby. She currently attends Duluth East High School where she plays in the orchestra. In addition to the high school orchestra, Toko has performed in pit orchestras at the NorShor Theatre in Duluth for performances of Next to Normal (2024) and at the University of Minnesota Duluth Theater Department’s performances of The Spitfire Grill (2023). Toko has also performed with the Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra Quartet Project (2022), as solo performer at the Madison Summer Music Camp at the University of Wisconsin Madison (2022), and as soloist at the Minnesota Orchestra Middle Level Orchestra Festival in Fergus Falls (2023). Among her honors and leadership positions are being selected for the Honor Orchestra at the University of Minnesota Duluth (2023), selected as Principal Cellist at the MMEA All-State Orchestra (2024-2025), and serving as Principal Cellist of the Duluth-Superior Symphony Youth Orchestra (2024-2026). In addition
WDIO-TV
Locally filmed “The Hockey Mom’s Revenge” premieres in Hermantown
Iron North Productions will host a free premiere screening of “The Hockey Mom’s Revenge” on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Northstar Ford Arena in Hermantown. The movie was filmed and produced in June 2025 by Mandy June Turpin of Iron North Productions for Lifetime. The 87-minute made-for-TV mystery thriller highlights youth hockey culture and features local talent from the Northland film community, many of whom will attend the event.
northernnewsnow.com
Cold Front Festival celebrates winter activities in the Northland
DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) - Bayfront Festival Park put the chill of winter to good use as people gathered for a day of winter games at the Cold Front Festival. Duluth Parks and Recreation hosted the festival, a gathering to celebrate winter in the northland. Organizers estimate around 2,000...
kaxe.org
The Setlist: Where to hear live music Feb. 5-7, 2026
We have three concerts for you this week on The Setlist, from Superior, Wisconsin, to Bemidji. Erik Koskinen and Sam Miltich bringing talented guests to the region, and music and community go hand in hand in Bemidji. Erik Koskinen is playing every Thursday this month at Earth Rider Brewery over...
northernnewsnow.com
‘Eastside Steppers’ celebrate 50 years of Greyhounds dance at winter showcase
DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) - The Duluth East Greyhounds dance team, also known as the Eastside Steppers, celebrated 50 years as a program Monday night with their annual winter dance showcase. Hundreds of friends, family members, teammates, alumni, and more all packed the Duluth East gym to watch 36...
northernnewsnow.com
Ashland Daily Press
Ashland couple opens restaurant in iconic downtown location
An Ashland couple is offering a modern dining experience at a cherished location in Ashland’s downtown history. Joe and Alannah Belanger have revamped the former Stagecoach Bar & Grill, which has been vacant for about two years. The couple wants to start a new chapter at the location with the Main Street Eatery by serving modern takes on classic dishes using local ingredients. Ashland community members celebrated the opening of the new restaurant with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 13. Overcome with emotion, Alannah had a tough time expressing her thoughts but said they are excited to open for business after months of planning and renovation. Their plan is to locally source ingredients as much as possible “beginning with Ashland and Bayfield counties, expanding to Wisconsin growers and turning to the broader Midwest region when needed,” Alannah said. Main Street Eatery’s menu features upscale, modern takes on classic sandwiches, offering comfort food with a creative twist. “We believe great food has the power to connect people. Our mission is to build a community table — one that celebrates local growers, honors timeless flavors and invites friends, families and neighbors to gather, share and belong,” Alannah said. Joe and Alannah originally
northernnewsnow.com
UMD Dance Team wins silver after National Championships
DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) - The University of Minnesota Duluth dance team made its mark on the national stage, claiming two silver medals at the Universal Dance Association College Nationals in Orlando, Fla. The Bulldogs earned runners-up in the Open Jazz and Open Pom categories at the competition. Coach...
northernnewsnow.com
Trampled by Turtles take the stage to raise funds for Twin Cities families
ST. PAUL, Minn. (Northern News Now) - A well-known folk band with Duluth roots is showing support for Minnesotans amid Operation Metro Surge. Northland band Trampled by Turtles will be hosting a benefit concert this Saturday in St. Paul. they’ll be taking the stage at 1 p.m. at ‘The Turf Club’.