Arts News
Verse Junction, an evening of poetry and music Oct 8 in East Grand Forks
Verse Junction:
Prairie Sea Flotilla and the The Poetry Bus poetry reading
Thursday, October 8 from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
You are invited to Verse Junction, an evening of poetry and music at the EGF Campbell Library. Verse Junction will feature readings by members of two Upper Midwest poetry collectives: The Poetry Bus (Twin Cities/Central MN) and Prairie Sea Flotilla (Grand Forks/East Grand Forks). The event will also feature a musical interlude by Grand Forks cellist Naomi Welsh.
The Poetry Bus is a group of four poets from the Twin Cities and central Minnesota. Poetry is their vehicle for communicating the sorrow and the sweet of ordinary lives. Since 2024, they have traveled to communities across the state offering free public readings in formal and informal places. Traveling on the bus to EGF will be Sara Dovre Wudali, Athena Kildegaard and Michael Kleber-Diggs.
Prairie Sea Flotilla is a local editorial collective and micropress. They created limited-run handmade books using a combination of digital and letterpress printing technologies. Floating over to the library will be Casey Fuller, Matt Bruflodt, Shilo Previti, Grant McMillan, and Brendan Stermer.
Light refreshments will be served, and books will be available for sale.
Sara Dovre Wudali is a fiscal year 2026 recipient of a Creative Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
North Country Fiddle & Dance Community Folk Dance Oct 10 Everyone Welcome!
North Country Fiddle and Dance Community Folk Dance
Saturday, October 10 from 3:00 to 5:30 PM
with Peggy and Dean Ellingson of Bemidji,
together with the O'Neil Family Band
Bernies Restaurant, 121 DeMers Ave, EGF
Reels, squares, circle mixers, contras and more...
All are welcome, all ages; families, couples, singles
Donations at the door
Coming up:
Saturday, November 14 from 3-5:30
with Sugar on the Roof of Hibbing/Duluth
Find them online at <northcountrydance.org>
In Progress Offers Workshops Cinematics I and II
In Progress Offers Workshops
Cinematics I
Saturday & Sunday, August 1 & 2, 1-4 PM
Family Resource Center
1505 Central Avenue NW
East Grand Forks 56721
Cinematics II
Saturday, August 15 & Sunday, August 16, 1-4 PM
Studio 110
Crookston
Join internationally recognized filmmaker Mickies Kiros and local artist Sana Nur in learning the art of video creation. Write stories, and bring them to life using professional video cameras. Cinematics. explores the craft of videography as a powerful tool for storytelling rooted in culture, identity, and lived experience.
All ages are welcomed to join, make movies and share stories with others that reflects personal truth and the power of visual stories.
Workshop Coordinator - Rena Zapata
Please register below. This activity is intended to build belonging through creativity.
Questions can be directed to info@in-progress.org.
If you would like to find out more about In Progress - their history and the artists’ work, please visit their website at: www.in-progress.org
Heritage Days Music Show Aug 8 and 9
East Grand Forks Heritage Days Traditional Music Show
August 8 and 9, 2026
Heritage Village, 219 20th St. NE, East Grand Forks
Saturday- August 8
1:00 PM- Jeremy Kingsbury- bagpiper and historian. Jeremy plays several types of small pipes in the Scottish, French and Irish traditions.
2:00 PM Bob and Gail Johnson - Songs and tunes from Ireland and Appalachia, with guitar, harmonica, recorder, harp and more.
3:00 PM -Vidar Skrede- Norwegian folk music - fiddle, hardanger fiddle, guitar and mandolin.
Sunday- August 9
12:00 PM– O'Neil Family Band- French Canadian, Celtic and Appalachian tunes and songs – fiddle, guitar, banjo, concertina and step dance.
1:00 PM- Vidar Skrede- Norwegian fiddle music
2:00 PM- Bob and Gail Johnson- Celtic and Appalachian songs and tunes
3:00 PM Jeremy Kingsbury- Bagpiper
Chuck Gust, accordionist, will entertain for the Sunday noon dinner in the Beier Bldg.
*This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council through funding from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State's general fund.
Other activities on the grounds from 10 AM to 4 PM each day.
In Progress Artist Jeremy Gardner Offers Art of Music July 25 & 26 in East Grand Forks
The Art of Music
Saturday, July 25 & Sunday, July 26 1-4PM
Family Resource Center
East Grand Forks
Begin your music-making journey by uncovering your unique creative voice. Through playful experimentation and guided exploration, In Progress artist Jeremy Gardner helps participants tap into their curiosities, interests, and talents in the world of digital music. Participants will have the opportunity to learn song creation, beat making and sound engineering, depending on participant interest.
Dates:
Saturday & Sunday, July 25 & 26 / 1-4PM
Location:
Family Resource Center
1505 Central Avenue NW
East Grand Forks MN. 56721
Please register below. This activity is intended to build belonging through creativity.
Questions can be directed to info@in-progress.org.
Call for Art for EGF Campbell Library 2026 Community Art Exhibit
Call for Art!
The East Grand Forks Campbell Library is now accepting submissions for their 2026 Community Art Exhibit!
The exhibit will open Monday, July 27th and will run for 6 weeks. If you are interested in submitting, please send Andrea an email at alorenz@egflibrary.org with your name, phone number, and the number of pieces you would like to show (for now the number of pieces an individual can show will be capped at 5, which may change ).
Submissions will be accepted until July 20, 2026.
Danish Folk Music, Songs and Stories May 15 East Grand Forks
East Grand Forks Campbell Library and North Country Fiddle and Dance present:
A Concert of Danish Folk Music, Songs and Stories on
Friday, May 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM
KRISTIAN BUGGE, of Copenhagen, Denmark, (fiddle, vocals) and WB REID, of Seattle, ( guitar ) will take you on an entertaining journey through the traditions of Danish folk music with songs and stories in Danish and English, wild polkas, fiery reels, jigs and lyrical waltzes from every corner of Denmark.
Campbell Library at 422 4th St. NW in East Grand Forks
Community Folk Dance for All March 21 in East Grand Forks
North Country Fiddle and Dance
Community Folk Dance
Saturday – March 21, 3:00 to 5:30 pm
Bernie's Restaurant
121 DeMers Ave, East Grand Forks
with music by Four Mile Portage, of Duluth
Live Music! All join in, all ages are welcome; families, couples, singles
Traditional American folk dances: Reels, barn -dance squares, circle mixers and more...
All dances are taught and easy to learn!
Donations at the door
Call for Art: Book, Library, and Reading Related Artwork by EGF’s Campbell Library
Call for Art: Book, Library, & Reading Related Art for
East Grand Fork’s Campbell Library
The East Grand Forks Campbell Library is putting out a call for art. The Campbell Library will be celebrating its 25th anniversary on April 17, and they would love to fill their space with book, library, and reading related artwork. Their library has always been, and will continue to be, a hub for art and a launching place for young and emerging artists. All are welcome. If you are interested in submitting work, please email Andrea with your name, email address, phone number, and the number of works you will be submitting.
Andrea Lorenz
Program Coordinator
alorenz@egflibrary.org, (218) 773-9121, http://www.egflibrary.org
Campbell Library, East Grand Forks
Community Dance on January 24 with North Country Fiddle & Dance in East Grand Forks
North Country Fiddle and Dance Community Folk Dance
Saturday, January 24 from 3:00 to 5:30 PM
Bernie's Restaurant
121 DeMers Ave, East Grand Forks, MN
with music by O'Neil Family Band
Live Music! All join in, all ages are welcome; families, couples, singles
Traditional American folk dances: Reels, barn -dance squares, circle mixers and more...
All dances are taught and easy to learn!
December Newsletter … What’s happening in the arts?
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the December 2025 newsletter to find out what’s going on in the arts in NW Minnesota, including upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at https://conta.cc/48w5PxC
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
November Newsletter … What’s happening in the arts?
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the November 2025 newsletter to find out what’s going on in the arts in NW Minnesota, including upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at https://conta.cc/47VzqQP.
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Community Dance Nov 15 — All are Welcome
North Country Fiddle & Dance
presents a
Community Dance with O'Neil Family Band
Saturday, November 15 from 3-5:30 PM
Bernie’s Restaurant
121 DeMers, East Grand Forks
The O'Neil Family Band will provide rousing fiddle tunes for American folk dances including reels, simple squares, circle mixers and more. You do not need to know how to dance -- all dances are taught and easy to learn. All are welcome — singles, couples, and families!
Join us!
Donations at the door
This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council through funding from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State's general fund.
October Newsletter … Read it Now
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the October 2025 newsletter to find out what’s going on in the arts in NW Minnesota, including upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at https://conta.cc/3ICnn26.
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Community Folk Dance with Corner Booth String Band Oct 11
North Country Fiddle and Dance presents a Community Folk Dance with
Corner Booth String Band
Saturday, October 11 from 3 to 5:30 PM
Bernies Restaurant, 121 DeMers, East Grand Forks
Corner Booth String Band, from Fergus Falls, will provide rousing dance tunes on banjo, guitar, bass, and harmonica for reels, simple squares, circle mixers and more.
All dances are taught and easy to learn, all ages are welcome! Everyone is welcome!
Donations at the door.
This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council through funding from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State's general fund.
North Country Fiddle & Dance September Events
North Country Fiddle and Dance September Events
Nordic Fiddle with Vidar Skrede
September 8th, 5:30 PM at the EGF Campbell Library
Vidar Skrede is a performer and composer of Nordic folk music. Originally from western Norway, and currently living in Milwaukee, WI, he is a multi-instrumentalist performing fiddle, Hardanger fiddle, guitar, and mandolin.
Vidar is a leading musician on the Nordic folk music scene and is well known for his own tune creations across the scene.
Community Dance with Eric Lind and Teresa Neby-Lind
Saturday, September 13th, 3 to 5:30 PM at
Bernies Restaurant, 121 DeMers, EGF
Fiddle and banjo duo Eric Lind and Teresa Neby-Lind from the Twin cities, will provide rousing dance tunes for reels, simple squares, circle mixers and more.
All dances are taught and easy to learn, all ages are welcome! Join us!
Donations at the door for both events.
East Grand Forks Heritage Days with Live Music and Dancing Aug 8-10
East Grand Forks 2025 Heritage Days with
Live Music and Dancing
August 8, 9, 10
Heritage Village 219 20th Street NE, East Grand Forks
Bandstand Show
Open gate for all events
Friday, August 8 – Bandstand
Classic Swing Band - 6 - 8 PM dance / concert, hotdogs available at concessions, antique car show on grounds.
Saturday, August 9 : Bandstand, Heritage Village Grounds
1 - 2 PM – Peggy and Dean Ellingson, ( Bemidji ) - Light-hearted songs from the 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s - Guitar and Mandolin
2 - 3 PM - Skally Line,- Original songs and stories about Minnesota history and traditional tunes.
3 - 4 PM- O'Neil Family Band - traditional and original songs, tunes, and dancing
Sunday, August 10: Bandstand, Heritage Village Grounds
12 -1 PM – Chuck Gust – accordion
1 - 2 PM – Skally Line - Original songs and stories about Minnesota history and traditional tunes.
2 - 3 PM - Fargo Spelemanslag- Hardanger Fiddle ensemble
3 - 4 PM – O'Neil Family Band - traditional and original songs, tunes, dancing, and dance participation
Call for Art for EGF Campbell Library Community Art Exhibit
The East Grand Forks Campbell Library is now accepting submissions for their 2025 Community Art Exhibit.
The exhibit opens Monday, July 14th and will run for 6 weeks. If you are interested in submitting, please send Andrea an email with your name, phone number, and the number of pieces you would like to show (up to 5 pieces for an individual at this time).
Submissions will be accepted until July 3rd.
Submissions or Questions? Reach out to Andrea Lorenz, Program Coordinator at alorenz@egflibrary.org or (218) 773-9121. egflibrary.org
North Country Fiddle and Dance Community Dance May 24 from 3 to 5:30 PM
The public is invited to
North Country Fiddle and Dance’s
Community Dance
Saturday, May 24 from 3:00 to 5:30 PM
Bernie's Restaurant
121 DeMers Ave, East Grand Forks
with
Four Mile Portage ( of Duluth )
Live Music! All Join Hands! All ages; families, couples, singles
North American Folk Dances: Reels, squares, circle mixers and more...
All dances are taught and easy to learn!
Donations at the door
Find them at <northcountrydance.org>
Note: This is an after hours event, if you would like to eat, come by 2:30 PM
North Country Fiddle and Dance Community Dance April 5
North Country Fiddle and Dance
Community Dance
Saturday, April 5
3 to 5:30 PM
Bernie's Restaurant
121 DeMers Ave, East Grand Forks
with
Sugar on the Roof, (of Hibbing and Duluth)
Live Music! All Join Hands! All ages; families, couples, singles
North American Folk Dances: Reels, squares, circle mixers and more...
All dances are taught and easy to learn!
Donations at the door
Find them at northcountrydance.org
(This is an after hours event, if you would like to eat, come by 2:30 PM)
Sugar on the Roof is Megan Orwig Reynolds on guitar and vocals, Jefferson Reynolds on banjo and trombone, and Clancy Ward on fiddle and vocals. They craft an evening of early Americana music from the 1920s, 30s and 40s. They met on the dance floor, so dancing is their thing.