Jay Gabler

The grounds of the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center have not been so significantly improved since the attraction opened in 1973. The visitor center has also returned to daily opening hours.

Organizers believe the festival is the largest annual transgender Pride event in the Midwest. "The more, the merrier," said founder Sean Hayes as Minnesota's legal protections expand the community.

The internationally famed concert pianist brought opera, and much more, to the Iron Range. "She was like Moses," said one mentee.

The organization is preparing to develop a master plan that will answer the question, "What kind of destination do we want Duluth to be?"

Sarah Lawrence and Calland Metts will play former lovers, while their daughter, Giulia Calland, will play their child. That kind of echo doesn't happen often ... and possibly never before in this show.

Ellie Adams, Oliver Heck and Gavin Weiers see their zine as an "ongoing documentary" of the independent musicians making their way through the densely interconnected scene in Duluth and Superior.

Lyric Opera of the North's production of Stephen Sondheim's classic musical had a special resonance given its real-life family casting, and Sunday's audience was clearly moved.

The group includes Hollis Sparhawk, daughter of Low's Mimi Parker and Alan Sparhawk. "I'm always drawn to slowing it down," she said.

Duluth authors Cassandra Medcalf and Gia Stevens have new books on the shelves, as does hockey romance specialist (and spouse of a former Bulldog) Lexi LaFleur Brown.

New board president Don Ness is seeking to return the organization to compliance after a financial filing lapse. Despite some uncertainty, board members say the festival's future is not in jeopardy.