As I thought back recently about how the Grand Forks night life used to be, it hit me how well our Grand Forks nightlife has evolved. I remember when the Uptown Bar used to pack folks in after a long workday.
How about when Josh Jones, a DJ from a local radio station, used to spin the music at the El Roco? What about when Kid Johnny Lang and others used to play at the Diamond, and Charlie Brown’s, and The Hub? That was our nightlife back then, and today we now have many of the best in regional artists, and even some national acts that play the clubs in Grand Forks.
One of the best at bringing these artists to town, and leading other clubs to do the same to compete, is Chad Klimek, owner of Big D’s nightclub. This past weekend, Big D’s hosted Tripwire and Brat Pack Radio, two phenomenal bands that now regularly come to town to play Klimek’s club. The lead singer from Brat Pack Radio has been nominated for four Emmy awards, which to me speaks volumes of the quality of the artists that are coming to Big D’s, and Grand Forks. Other notables that come to Big D’s on a regular basis include Pop Rocks, Hitchville, Lost Highway, ID5, Hairball, and 32-Below.
I think the night life in Grand Forks over the last decade has evolved into something that now makes it enjoyable for folks to head out on the town any day of the week for good quality entertainment of all genres.
TJ’s Sports Bar has free poker four nights a week and also plays host to bigger cash tournaments as well. Big D’s will host a $10,000 tournament on Sunday April 1st which is being run by N.D.A.D, the gaming provider for Big D’s. Comedy has always gone over well in Grand Forks. Back when the Westward Ho Entertainment Complex was still intact and the Comedy Gallery was there, sellouts were not uncommon for their shows. Today comedy shows are beginning once again to be popular in Grand Forks. The Ramada Hotel hosts comedians regularly, and now, as seems to be the case a lot in Grand Forks entertainment, Big D’s is also leading the way for bars and nightclubs to host comedy shows.
This Thursday is comedy night at Big D’s, and hypnotist Gabriel Holmes will be appearing at Klimek’s club.
Elton John Rocks The Ralph
On the eve of his 65th birthday, Elton John was still sounding like the rocker he was thirty years ago. Dressed in a flashy black suit with sparkly red trim and his signature glasses which were red (I’m sure to match his suit), his fingers danced across the keys of his grand piano as he played songs from an era which will not soon be forgotten. From Benny and the Jets, Yellow Brick Road, Saturday Night’s Alright and many others, Sir Elton John did not disappoint the crowd on hand at The Ralph. Many years ago I saw Sir Elton John perform at another venue, and I can say this today: his music still makes people tap their feet as he performs his electrifying music. His music is timeless, and I’m sure, like a few others including the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, and one or two others, we will be happily listening to Elton John music for many years to come. As for as the venue for the Grand Forks event, The Ralph Engelstad Arena once again was a step above the rest; need I say more? If you have ever been to any event at The Ralph Engelstad Arena, then you know it is a first-class venue, and that was the case for the Elton John show. On a scale of one to ten, including all factors of the Elton John performance, I give it a twelve.
Grand Forks Home and Garden Show shines again
This past weekend the Alerus Center played host to the 37th Annual Grand Forks Home and Garden Show put on by the Forx Builders Association. The event featured many exhibitors and seminars, and was well attended by many people from the region. The New Century Press booth had many visitors, some from as far away as Cooperstown and Minneapolis. I was surprised to see that folks had traveled such distances to attend the event, and it was nice, to say the least, to get to meet and see so many people who read our publications.
While at the event, we handed out all of our publications for FREE to attendees and exhibitors. We also gave away some sensational prizes for which we had drawings throughout the weekend. It was a great time, and I would like to personally thank all of you who stopped by our booth to visit, and a special thanks to Seven Clans Casino, Hotel and Water Park, and Quiet Waters Massage, who donated several fireplace suites, water park passes, and 30-minute massage packages for us to hold drawings for. Thank you also to Big D’s in Grand Forks who gave us some $10 gift certificates to hand out to visitors at our booth. It was a fun event for all who were exhibitors or attendees, and I can’t wait til next year’s event!
Send questions or comments to: mfranklin@ncppub.com