2023 BRIDGE SESSIONS
Welcome to our 2023/24 Bridge Sessions Viewing!
We had a few things in store for you this season starting with three wonderful band collaborations arranged by Wendy Durrwachter & Greg Moore for three separate dates throughout this past summer. Concerts took place at The Depot Theatre and now in your living room!
Superior Siren
S U P E R I O R S I R E N is an eerie folk project from Duluth, Minnesota. The music is inspired by Lake Superior and Siren mythology, and offers an alluring & dangerous expression of vulnerability & desire. Superior Siren is led by singer-songwriter and guitarist Laura Sellner. In 2014, Sellner debuted her captivating vocals and heartfelt lyricism with the solo EP ‘Lotus in the Muck’. In 2016 she joined forces with cellist Rachel Gobin, bassist Nyssa Krause, and drummer Emma Deaner to craft a mesmerizing blend of strings and percussion. The all-female band released the full-length album ‘Superior Siren‘ in 2018, followed by a tour of the Midwest. In 2021, Superior Siren released another ethereal solo EP titled ‘Kill Your Darlings’. Superior Siren continues to perform as a solo or full band act, and is in production of the next full-length album.
Vocals, Guitar / Laura Sellner
Cello / Rachel Gobin
Bass / Nyssa Krause
Drums / Emma Deaner
TIMPANI
JEREMY CRAYCRAFT
HARP
JANELL LEMIRE
VIOLIN I
ERIN ALDRIDGE
MARY ALICE HUTTON
LAURIE BASTIAN
AMANDA WIRTA
VIOLIN II
JEAN LEIBFRIED
CELLO
BETSY HUSBY
LUCIA MAGNEY
Bill & Kate Isles
Bill & Kate Isles are an acoustic singer/songwriter duo based in Duluth, Minnesota. Using a wide variety of musical styles, their performances carry audiences through a broad landscape of experiences from metaphorical worlds to small town family stories and to zany comedy. Consummate performers, they are known for their catchy melodies and memorable songs. They have a deep-seated love for the audience, and each other, and it shines before, during, and after the performance. They tour nationally, presenting their profound songs for audiences large and small, from house concerts to festival stages and everything in between. Words like ‘Mesmerizing, ‘Transcendent’, and even, ‘Hysterical’ are common descriptions from audience reviews and audiences members feel that they are listening to stories of their own lives, told by two of their best friends.
She released her debut solo album, “From Home” in November of 2015.
FLUTE
MELANIE SEVER
CLARINET
THEODORE SCHOEN
FRENCH HORN
JAMES POSPISIL
PERCUSSION
CAITLIN LUCIC
PIANO
ALEXANDER SANDOR
VIOLIN I
ERIN ALDRIDGE
MARY ALICE HUTTON
BASS
TIMOTHY CHURCHILL
Breanne Marie & the
Front Porch Sinners
Great Lakes country music from a front porch in Duluth, MN. Breanne Marie broke into the Minnesota music scene as a solo performer with an acoustic guitar and a repertoire of country covers and originals. Her 2013 debut album “Six Strings of Peace and Sanity” was a collection of sweet and deeply personal songs she wrote following her father’s suicide and her brother’s death in a car accident. The success of the album set the stage for the formation of her full-blown backing band The Front Porch Sinners and they began to prepare for Breanne’s sophomore effort. The “Timothy John” EP was a journey of pain and healing, dedicated to her brother.
Kicking off with a bluegrass tune (Central Hillside ‘91) and ending with a slow burn (Juniper) the album gives you a peek into the versatility of the group. The Front Porch Sinners consists of Evan Tepler on guitar; Johnny Peterson on pedal steel and mandolin; Kyle Gondik-Anderson on bass; Matt Groom on drums; Kailyn Spencer on fiddle and Danielle Gondik-Anderson on background vocals. The group plays “Great Lakes country music” which is an alt-country sound using classic country instruments mixed with lyrics that speak to the hard times and natural beauty of rust belt communities like Duluth, MN.
FRENCH HORN
JAMES POSPISIL
TRUMPET
EARL SALEMINK
TROMBONE
CHRISTOPHER CAINE
PERCUSSION
MARC HILL
PIANO
ALEXANDER SANDOR
VIOLIN I
ERIN ALDRIDGE
VIOLIN II
LAURIE BASTIAN
CELLO
BETSY HUSBY
Danny Frank and the Smoky Gold
After two decades of writing songs, years of performing as a solo artist, and the release of his debut album Smoky Gold, singer-songwriter Danny Frank has curated an all-star cast of seasoned musicians that fully compliments his skillfully-crafted works. Based in Duluth, MN, “The Smoky Gold” is comprised of banjo player Harrison Olk (Tin Can Gin, Cascade Crescendo, Kind Country Band), bassist Joe Scarpellino (Smokin’ Joe, Dead Larry), and fiddle savant Erin Aldridge (Concert Master – Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra). Danny Frank & The Smoky Gold’s unique sound blends soulful lead vocals with rich harmonies and virtuosic instrumentalism. Steeped in musical traditions of folk, bluegrass, country, classic rock, and blues, Danny Frank & The Smoky Gold offers a genre-blending Americana sound that is captivating, invigorating, and sure to get your toe tapping.
South of Superior
South of Superior is a four-piece band consisting of Hannah Rey, Andy Hauswirth, Tom Berrigan, and Luke Perry. They are known for their high-energy covers and also perform original songs. In addition to their regular gigs, the band had the honor of playing with the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra in their 22-23 Bridge Sessions series. Their unique sound and dynamic performances make them a must-see act. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to experience South of Superior live!
PHONE
218-623-DSSO (3776)
OFFICE
506 West Michigan Street, Suite 7
Duluth, MN 55802
(Open Weekdays 10am-5pm)
The DSSO’s vision it to create a stronger community through the power of music. DSSO musicians are continuing to live this vision by finding new and “social distance approved” ways to make music for our community! Please help us continue to make music in the Twin Ports by donating today!
