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Read about Nashville's best in Grand Marais June 2002
By Rhonda Silence Some people came because they are Eagles fans. Others are crazy about the Doobie Brothers. Some came hoping to hear Michael Monroe sing "The Fishburger Song" on the Arrowhead Center for the Arts stage. Some came just to support the North House Folk School. Whatever the reason, everyone left last Saturday's "North House Unplugged" concert as fans of Michael McDonald, Bernie Leadon, Jon Vezner, Michael Monroe and--surprise guest, Kathy Mattea. Grammy award-winning songwriter Jon Vezner was credited with the idea for the benefit concert for North House. Vezner was born in Minnesota and has visited the North Shore often. On his last visit, his father became ill and spent a week at Cook County North Shore Hospital. During that time, Jon Vezner became friends with Dr. John Wood. Dr. Wood, a board member of the North House Folk School encouraged Vezner to visit the School. Vezner did, and has since become an advocate of the Folk School. When he learned that Greg Wright and the North House board were working to establish an educational endowment, he wanted to help. He called on a few friends and the fundraising concert was set. Although concert is not exactly correct. The musicians took turns performing in what Vezner described as a "Songwriter's Circle." He said on any night in a Nashville club visitors will see such interaction. The North Shore audiences at the 7:00 and 9:30 p.m. shows were delighted with the format, which allowed each artist to play something of their own. Between songs the musicians explained the story behind the music and teased one another. At the 9:30 show, Vezner opened with an uplifting "All Things Considered" and then introduced former Eagle Bernie Leadon. Leadon stunned the early audience with a hard-edged song with somewhat controversial lyrics and Vezner said, "I'm afraid to see what he's starting with this time." Leadon grinned and said he was going to sing a little tune about death. His friend grimaced and Leadon launched into a wonderfully meaningful song about taking time to enjoy life, with the refrain "only love will last...." Introduced next as "Grand Marais' own," was Michael Monroe, who said he liked "belonging to a town." He started with an old favorite, "You and I," dedicated to his partner, Deb Mueller, adding his thanks for all the work she did to put the evening together. The other Michael--former Doobie Brother, Michael McDonald was next, singing in his deeply rich and familiar voice, "In matters of the heart...there's nothing a fool won't get used to...." The evening continued in casual open mike format, with a surprise appearance by Kathy Mattea on the Doobie's "It Keeps You Running." Mattea is married to Vezner, and she joined him at his microphone to sing impromptu back-up. It looked as though the couple had as much fun as the audience. When Vezner asked if it would be okay if his wife sang, the audience gave a resounding "Yes!" At the 9:30 show, Mattea rocked the house with her 1997 hit, "455 Rocket." The music continued with each artist taking turns, sharing something old or new. The concerts were over all too soon, with all of the talented musicians joining in on the finale Doobie Brothers "What A Fool Believes." It was an night to be remembered--and hopefully repeated. North House Director Greg Wright agrees and hopes the artists can be enticed to return someday. After all, Grand Marais' own Michael Monroe never did sing the "Fishburger Song."
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Rhonda Silence
Editor/Writer
Cook County Star
PO Box 321
Grand Marais MN 55604
(218) 387-9100
Toll-free (888)387-8228
Fax: (218) 387-9500
News@cookcountystar.com