MY BANDS
Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra | Danny Frank & the Smoky Gold | Superior Siren
Hot Tamale Cosmos | Barefoot Bluegrass | Lyric Opera of the North
Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra
I am currently in my 20th year as Concertmaster of the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra (DSSO), 22nd as a member. The DSSO is a professional symphony in the Twin Ports (Duluth, MN and Superior, WI) led by the fantastic maestro Dirk Meyer. Along with my role as Concertmaster, I also am a featured soloist every year. We perform 6 Masterworks concerts (classical) and 2 Pops concerts, along with various other concerts that focuses on smaller ensembles.
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The video shows the end of my performance of Bruch's Scottish Fantasy with the DSSO.
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Danny Frank & 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.
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Video is a live recording of "A Price Above Rubies" written by Thies, Frank, and Aldridge
Photo credit: Jace Martinetto
Video credit: Sacred Heart Music Center (Duluth, MN)
Photo credit: Brandon Michael
Superior Siren
Superior Siren is an eerie folk project created by singer-songwriter Laura Sellner. The music offers an alluring expression of vulnerability & desire, with inspiration from Lake Superior and Siren mythology. When Sellner joined forces with cellist Rachel Gobin, bassist Nyssa Krause, and drummer Emma Deaner a sisterhood of sirens was formed. For the past nine years they crafted a mesmerizing blend of vocals, strings, & percussion. The band recently welcomed violinist and Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Erin Aldridge, creating an all the more captivating sound and performance. Superior Siren is not for the faint of heart, and will enchant those who dare to listen.
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Video is an overview of our recent performance at First Avenue opening for DeVotchka.
Video credit: Chelsea Oxborough
Side Project: Hot Tamale Cosmos
Bigtime national recording stars Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris, Amanda Shires and Natalie Hemby formed The Highwomen in 2019, scoring several hits including a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain.” Now the Twin Ports has its own women-led supergroup. Hot Tamale Cosmos features five artists that bonded over their love of vocal harmony and deep-cut cover songs. The group features Sonja Martin of Feeding Leroy, Colleen Myhre of Boss Mama & the Jebberhooch, Jen Krussow of the Field Birds and Sugar on the Roof, Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster Erin Aldridge of The Smoky Gold, and Jocelyn Mikkelson.
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Video is a live recording of "Slip Away" written by Boss Momma Colleen Myhre.
Side Project: Barefoot Bluegrass
Rooted in tradition yet driven by improvisation, Barefoot Bluegrass is a jam-inspired bluegrass band that brings five seasoned musicians with a shared passion for exploring the frontiers of acoustic music. The group is made up of Harrison Olk on banjo, Jon Miller on guitar, Nate Hynum on mandolin, Erin Aldridge on fiddle, and Joe Sheehan on bass. Together they craft the sound that blends the grit of classic bluegrass with the freewheeling energy of a jam band.
Lyric Opera of the North
I absolutely love playing in the pit for opera. I am thrilled to be LOON's Opera Orchestra Concertmaster, and have been for a little over ten years. LOON presents opera to regional audiences using local resources and talent. Northern Minnesota is home to a remarkable concentration of cultural wealth: singers, orchestral, popular and ethnic musicians, artists, dancers, poets, writers, actors, and passionate supporters. LOON welcomes the opportunity to channel their many diverse local strengths and passions into collaborative efforts for all who love the grandest of the performing arts, opera.