September 20th, 2017
Fall is arriving, and that of course means that the new season of the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra’s “Masterworks” series sponsored by Sanford Health is right around the corner.
In the last couple concert seasons they have performed some truly gala events, with many universally recognized and occasionally bombastic pieces, such as Orff’s “Carmina Burana” or Rossini’s “William Tell Overture,” that were bound to delight both newcomers and regular concertgoers.
This…
September 20th, 2017
When you disembark from the plane in Vegas, the first thing you encounter is slot machines.
The airport is a strange combination of a sh*tty casino and an overpriced mall. As you stand and wait for your $13 whopper you begin to notice the stream of outsiders filtering in -- every 15 minutes, a consistent flow of tourists from all around the globe, with dollars in their pockets, looking to make their fortune.
The next thing you notice is the oppressive, crushing weight of the heat. Being…
September 13th, 2017
Minneapolis-based rock and rollers are turning up the heat, that is to say Lutheran Heat. The band consists of Garth Blomberg on guitar and vocals; Sara Pette, guitar and vocals; Matt Engelstad, bass and vocals; and Justin Nelles on drums. Though hailing from the Twin Cities, Blomberg and Nelles are no strangers to the F-M music scene.
High Plains Reader: Where did the name Lutheran Heat come from? Second--Do you get any heat from the Lutherans on your name?
Matt Engelstad: Dave (Dave…
September 6th, 2017
I’m sure you’ve noticed that I write my fair share of articles about the music scene in Fargo-Moorhead. It is my honest opinion that many people don’t realize what an awesome music scene we have in this town. There was a time I didn’t, to be frank.
If there are people as much if not more devoted to promoting the local music scene, they’re certainly the DJs at KRFF. Recently I had the opportunity to interview Martin Beckman, who DJs “Locals on the 8” and “Thursday Night…
September 6th, 2017
On September 9, The Aquarium will erupt with the sounds of New Track City, Federal Way Washington’s very own hip-hop trio that produces their signature sound with a convergence of Jazz, Soul and Alternative. With Bem and Chi.Stone rapping and Dru on the beats, New Track City Brings the heat.
The Washington trio lays everything out on the table, and lets the chips fall where they may. Their all-in mentality produces an original sound that is clearly represented with their two online…
September 6th, 2017
Geoff Downes on the evolution of Yes
Since its inception in 1968 prog rock pioneers Yes have been breaking boundaries with complex soundscapes and experimental sounds, and their oeuvre has been constantly evolving. High Plains Reader had the opportunity to chat with Geoff Downes vocalist and keyboardist for Yes. Downes joined the band in 1980.
High Plains Reader: Is it true that you broke a Guinness World Record by playing 28 keyboards on stage?
Geoff Downes: I did that once in 1983 at a…
August 30th, 2017
Raitt on her blues beginnings and activist roots
Rated one of the top 100 guitarists of all time in 2015 and top 100 singers of all time in 2010 by Rolling Stone and with 45 years in the business, Bonnie Raitt is definitely giving ‘em, something to talk about.
High Plains Reader: You found your musical roots at an early age--can you tell us about that?
Bonnie Raitt: I grew up in a very musical family. My dad was a Broadway leading man and Broadway star. He created the role of Billy…
August 23rd, 2017
The “big band” is truly ubiquitous in the United States. Ever since the jazz-influenced genre of music first appeared and had its peak popularity in the 1930s and 1940s, it has stuck around, even having a resurgence in the 1990s and still being listened to this day.
No matter the musical innovations that come and go, we always seem to to return to the big band. Perhaps it’s because it is such a traditionally and uniquely American musical tradition, perhaps because it calls to mind…
August 9th, 2017
Formed in 1988, The Supersuckers have gained the moniker of being “the greatest rock n’ roll band in the world.” In 2015 lead singer/bassist Eddie Spaghetti was diagnosed with stage 3 oropharynx cancer. Thankfully he conquered it and is currently back in the ol’ rock n’ roll saddle. HPR had the opportunity to speak with the frontman: how did his illness affected his songwriting, Seattle in the 90s, and the current state of rock n’ roll?
High Plains Reader: How did your…
August 9th, 2017
Bill Bender on Center Fest, the geographical shift and Hanson’s Bar
Photo by Sabrina Hornung
The city of Robinson is nestled within the sprawling drift prairie of central North Dakota, with a population of close to 40. Though it’s a hunter’s paradise, the wildlife ascending the town this weekend won’t be their typical deer or waterfowl.
The first annual Center Fest will be taking place in Robinson this weekend. A celebration of North Dakota art, music, and the acquisition of the…
By Bryce Vincent Haugen By all accounts, Democratic-Farmer-Labor U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar — first elected in 2006 — is the most popular active politician in Minnesota, whether she’s judged by polling or by her four electoral…
Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.Paradox Comics-N-Cards, 814 Main Ave., FargoCalling all nerds: it’s time to get down and nerdy with vendors aplenty, who are selling comics, toys, video games, board games, various collectibles…
June 6-7StatewideYou grab a line and I’ll grab a pole — and if you’re a North Dakota resident, you can head on down to your favorite fishing hole, no license needed (for this weekend, anyway). All other rules still apply…
By John Strand It took us over 30 years for us to reach out and ask for your help. The High Plains Reader has always been subscription free and paywall free. Our content has — and always will be — free to access for all of our…
By Ed RaymondWere women created to do the work of God?One of the first requests made by new Pope Leo XIV was to invite an expert on the alt-right conservative Catholic organization known as Opus Dei to brief him about its…
By Rick Gionrickgion@gmail.com Holiday wine shopping shouldn’t have to be complicated. But unfortunately it can cause unneeded anxiety due to an overabundance of choices. Don’t fret my friends, we once again have you covered…
By Rick GionThe scarfing of canned fish and seafood products by online food influencer types is hard to miss on social media these days. Some of the consumed morsels range from exquisite to downright nasty. However, there are many…
By Bryce Vincent Haugen The curtain has come down on Jade Presents. Fargo-Moorhead’s largest event promoter has brought thousands of shows — more than 150 per year — and hundreds of artists to the area over the past 36 years. On…
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By Greg Carlson Steven Spielberg, who will turn 80 this December, returns to the subject of aliens among us in “Disclosure Day,” his first feature since “The Fabelmans” in 2022. Now closer to the end than the beginning of…
By Jacinta Zens I recently sat down for a chat with ceramicist Louie Albertson, Clay and Studio Program Manager at the Plains Art Museum. Before the interview, I had the pleasure of getting to know him a bit as a colleague when I…
Saturday, January 31, 6:30-9 p.m.Transfiguration Fitness, 764 34th St. N., Unit P, FargoAn enchanting evening celebrating movement and creativity in a staff-student showcase. This is a family-friendly event showcasing pole, aerial…
By Annie Prafckeannieprafcke@gmail.com AUSTIN, Texas – As a Chinese-American, connecting to my culture through food is essential, and no dish brings me back to my mother’s kitchen quite like hotdish. Yes, you heard me right –…
By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comNew Jamestown Brewery Serves up Local FlavorThere’s something delicious brewing out here on the prairie and it just so happens to be the newest brewery west of the Red River and east of the…
By Eli Liverani Cholesterol is probably one of the first molecules I have ever heard of in my childhood. Most of the relatives on my mother's side had high cholesterol in their blood, and apparently, levels above a certain range…
January 31, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.Viking Ship Park, 202 1st Ave. N., Moorhead2026 marks 10 years of frosty fun! Enjoy sauna sessions with Log the Sauna, try Snowga (yoga in the snow), take a guided snowshoe nature hike, listen to live…
Chris M. Stoner I was recently dismissed from my role as drag show director and emcee for Dakota OutRight, a role I had been fulfilling for more than two decades. The reason given? My political commentary during shows, while…
