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10.28.26 Cathy Erickson
A wall in the Self-Taught Artists, Self-Told Stories folk art exhibit is dedicated to “Polka Queen” Cathy Erickson of Middle River. The Cathy Erickson Band is nationally recognized with Cathy as the accordion player. She also played with The Alleycats. This spring she was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame and was awarded the NW Star Award from the NWMAC a few years ago. Cathy received a grant from the NWMAC to purchase radio equipment to allow her to host radio shows from home. Learn how she came to host a show on Pioneer 90.1 and many more stories.
9.23.26 Brianna Geer
Brianna Geer is the Goose Festival Committee Chair. Goose Festival is September 25-27 this and has an impressive lineup of music this year. The NWMAC has provided grant funding to help fund the music at the Middle River Sportsmen’s Club and on Main Street. Performers include Tennis Tyler, The WoodPicks, the Alley Cats Reunion Band, Cathy Erickson, Nathan Bukowski, Gracie Crocker, and Key Beat. Listen to the interview for details.
5.9.22 Cathy Erickson
Cathy Erickson of Middle River recently received the Northwest Star Award. The award was presented to Erickson on Sunday, April 30 in Middle River at the Middle River Legacy Center during the NW Art Exhibit Awards Reception and Program. She spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about the award, her musical background, and more!
Erickson is a well-known musician and radio show host in the area. She has been entertaining professionally in northwestern Minnesota and beyond, playing music for almost 50 years. Cathy plays the accordion, piano, organ, guitar, and vocals. She also hosts her own radio show Cathy’s Variety Show on Pioneer 90.1 FM. The live variety show consists of polkas, waltzes, classic country, bluegrass, gospel, and local artists. Additionally, she hosts two other live weekly radio shows – Country Church and Live from the Farm.
The NW Star Award comes with $5,000. Artists can only receive our Northwest Star Award once as a lifetime achievement award. Funding for the Northwest Star comes from The McKnight Foundation. Three awards are given each year to recognize artists and arts advocates within our seven-county region who stand out in terms of artistry or volunteerism in the arts. Of the Year Award winners were nominated by area residents. Listen to the podcast for an interesting conversation about Cathy!