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…
August 3rd, 2017
By Kaycee Boe and Rachel Levy
kayceeboe35@gmail.com rlevy13@su.edu
For many people, black metal is as synonymous with Norway as snow and fjords. Imagery of young men with dark painted faces burning down churches and causing trouble in the grey Norwegian winters often comes to mind. The legacy of black metal draws fans from all over the world, who hope to learn more about the history and find out if the music they love still exists in Norway today.
Many are interested to find that black…
August 2nd, 2017
Local talent takes stage with big names
Among names like Luke Bryan and Lady Antebellum, the Fargo-based band BOOTS is taking the stage at this year’s WE Fest in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. BOOTS is performing at the WE Fest Pre-Party on Wednesday, August 2 at 11 p.m., and again on Thursday, August 3 at 4 p.m. on the BOB 95 stage. Nathan Pitcher, guitar and vocals for the band, sat down with HPR to talk about their upcoming show and the potential for a new BOOTS album.
HPR: Is this a…
August 2nd, 2017
Fargo Moorhead’s newest music destination
Last March, Jerry’s Bar closed its doors and we thought we’d lost a landmark. Fortunately for Fargo-Moorhead, Steven Langstaff and Scott Nelson closed on the property in June. This coming week they will be celebrating their grand opening with three days of music, with acts hailing from F-M to Australia, ending with their national headlining act Drowning Pool.
Though Jerry’s had undergone a remodel close to nine years ago, it has gotten…
July 26th, 2017
Most of us only hear about world records secondhand. Many might think they’re not up to the challenge, others might not see the point of breaking one, and others just read about them in books and think of them as an exotic curiosity. In any case, most people don’t think about taking part in them.
This isn’t the case for a man named Julian Ruck, however. Ruck is someone who has sought to break world records on several occasions. Starting on Friday, July 28 at 10am at the Red Raven,…
July 26th, 2017
Photo by Gary Lura
Downtown Fargo has its fair share of familiar faces. Regulars at Dempsey’s and its upstairs music venue The Aquarium will likely recognize a man named Jeremy Kinnen often watching their doors, whether by his long goatee and hair, his impressive stature, or his wide variety of band t-shirts.
Those who don’t know him no doubt see an intimidating bouncer. Those who know him, as I’ve been lucky to for the last two years, know despite what might be a scary appearance…
July 26th, 2017
Latest album doesn’t sound like anything they did before
When we had the chance to chat with Griffin Goldsmith, drummer of the popular band Dawes, they were just getting off tour with Willie Nelson. Often credited for a vintage Laurel Canyon-esque sound Dawes is making their mark.
We had the opportunity to chat with Goldsmith about their sound, their new album, and the family dynamic between he and his brother Taylor.
HPR: How’s the tour going so far?
Griffin Goldsmith: It’s been…
July 19th, 2017
The High Plains Reader had the opportunity to chat with Goo Goo Dolls Bassist Robby Takac about their origins, their ever evolving sound, and the impact of “Iris.”
High Plains Reader: You grew up in Buffalo New York. What was the music scene like when you first started?
Robby Takac: Our first gigs were in the 80s, ‘86 would have been our first album. The world was a much different place then. There was no internet and such, so everything was pretty hands-on and pretty local. So for…
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By Bryce Vincent Haugen By his own account, Edwin Chinchilla is lucky to still be in the United States. As a 12-year-old Salvadoran, he and his brother were packed into a semi with a couple dozen other people and given fake…
By Michael M. Miller Rev. Salomon Joachim, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, Beulah, North Dakota., delivered an address to the Western Conference of the Dakota District of the American Lutheran Church in 1939. His presentation was…
February 21, 6-8 p.m.Turtle River State Park, Arvilla, NDEnjoy a self-guided hike in the picturesque woods of Turtle River State Park. The trails will be lit with luminary candles. After the hike, warm those bones by the fire at…
By Sabrina HornungThe quote, "The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command” from George Orwell’s iconic novel “1984” has come up in conversation more times than…
By Ed Raymond‘Dakota Attitude’ should be read by all North Dakota studentsI have been meaning to write about this book by James Puppe for several years, but the world has been in such a mess I thought I should write about …
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…
Friday, March 13, 4-10 p.m.Brewhalla, Fargo, 1702 1st Ave. N., FargoPolish up those dancing shoes and come hungry for this ticketed event you won’t want to miss. Expect unlimited samples paired with wine and beer from 20+…
Saturday, January 17, doors at 7:30 p.m.The Aquarium above Dempsey’s, 226 N. Broadway, FargoThe Slow Death is a punk supergroup led by Jesse Thorson, with members and collaborators that include members of The Ergs!, Dillinger…
By Reagan Mueller Movie theaters have always been a place for people to take time out of their busy lives to watch the latest releases on the silver screen. In such a bustling world, it can be difficult to find the motivation to…
By Jacinta ZensWhile researching the upcoming exhibition, “Re-Arming Language: Post-Graffiti Artists,” which opens March 5 at the North Dakota Museum of Art (261 Centennial Dr. in Grand Forks), I spoke with graffiti expert and…
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 Ellie Liverani In January 2026, the 2026-2030 dietary guidelines for Americans were released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. They are supposed to be revolutionary and a “reset” from the previous ones.…
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…
By Vern Thompson Benjamin Franklin offered one of the most sobering warnings in American history. When asked what kind of government the framers had created in 1787, he replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.” Few words…
