Duluth artists share their Homegrown Music Festival 2025 recommendations
April 28, 2025
A week-long party showcasing hundreds of local musicians at dozens of venues across the Twin Ports begins in Duluth this Sunday.
The 27th Annual Homegrown Music Festival runs from April 27 to May 4 in Duluth and Superior, Wisconsin. More than 170 acts are scheduled to perform in 38 venues, which are broken down into neighborhood clusters each night for maximum listening adventures.
The Duluth Homegrown Field Guide profiles all the performers in short 100-word paragraphs, but some festival-goers may need more information. To find out, The Current asked those who know the Twin Ports’ music scene the best: Local musicians. Below, artists share which acts they look forward to seeing during the week-long musical showcase.
Three new bands to watch at the 2025 Homegrown Music FestivalArtist: Kala Moria of Winzige Hosen
Most excited to see: I can’t wait to catch The Leave Alones. The Leave Alones made their Homegrown debut last year, and I had so much fun. They have excellent energy on stage, and the music keeps you moving. I’m not great at describing genres, this is just fun rock music. I will definitely not be missing that set.
Where: Blacklist Brewing Company, 11:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 3.
Artist: Jim Thole of Brody & The Roadies
Most excited to see: Born Too Late. They started out as pre-teens and have a second album out. Smooth vocals and harmonies.
Where: Spirit of the Lakes Arts, 6 p.m. on Friday, May 2.
Artist: Sabrina Wertman (Swerty) of C U Next Tuesday
Most excited to see: Mara Lovejoy, she's amazing, the energy and the talent and the songwriting and the theatrics: all unmatched.
Where: Pizza Luce, 11 p.m. on Friday, May 2.
Artist: Dicky Brooks of 500 Million Society and Breanne Marie the Front Porch Sinners.
Most excited to see: Superior Siren. They recently became a five-piece, adding Erin Aldridge on violin.
Where: Moorish Room, 11:30 p.m. on Friday, May 2.
Artist: Bret Holland of Dirtbike Boyfriend
Most excited to see: Gnarwhals, because I want to see the smile on Sean’s face. Or Bratwurst, because who doesn’t love raw liver and sparks?
Where: Gnarwhals at Amsoil Arena, 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29; Bratwurst at R.T. Quinlan’s Saloon, 11:15 p.m. on Saturday, May 3.
Artist: Mara Lovejoy
Most excited to see: I'm most excited to see Willem Dafoe Fan Club play because I think Sacred Heart will be such a gorgeous venue for their sound.
Where: Sacred Heart Music Center, 9 p.m. on Friday, May 2.
Artist: Starr Brainard of God’s Holy Blood
Most excited to see: Mallards. They're a great band that hasn't played for years. This is a unique opportunity to see them rock again!
Where: Carmody’s, 10:45 p.m. on Friday, May 2.
Artist: Laura Sellner of Superior Siren
Most excited to see: The Crunchy Bunch. The West Duluth night has become a favorite of the week; and I always love to dance to the mix of house, club, disco, and hip-hop that these beloved DJs spin!
Where: Kom-On-Inn, 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30.
Artist: Dan Munthe of Dan the Monkeyman, Life Parade and Deep Fake Five
Most excited to see: Venus de Mars and All the Pretty Horses because I haven’t seen them in years.
Where: R.T. Quinlan’s Saloon, 11:15 p.m. on Friday, May 2.
Artist: Laura Idle and Rose Spieler-Sandberg of Idle Rose
Most excited to see: Sugar on the Roof. This band plays unique arrangements of old hot club jazz tunes, folk tunes, as well as thoughtful originals, and they’re really fun to dance to.
Where: Sir Benedict’s Tavern, 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29.
Artist: Emma Deaner of Superior Siren
Most excited to see: Youms - DJ & Producer whose positive spark has brought the community together through the power of music and a solid bass drop. Since moving to Duluth from Arizona in 2022, Emily Youmans has built up an electronic music scene by curating local showcases and hosting her own shows. Her commitment to community is fierce. No matter where she performs, you can always count on good vibes and a welcoming dance floor for all.
Where: Owls Club, 8:15 p.m. on Saturday, May 3.
Artist: Sophie Hiroko
Most excited to see: Bellerpuss. Bellerpuss is the most interesting, noisy, fun, weird (in a good way) punk band in Duluth. Any time they’re playing a show, I just have to be there.
Where: Blacklist, 10:45 p.m. on Friday, May 2.
Artist: Ross Thorn
Most excited to see: Peat Boggs
Where: Carmody’s, 9:45 p.m. on Friday, May 2.
Artist: Lucy TA of Alonzo
Most excited to see: Willem Dafoe Fan Club. WDFC playing at Sacred Heart? A match made in heaven. One of the very finest groups in Duluth right now. They’re moody, funny, stylish, and very nice people.
Where: Sacred Heart Music Center, 9 p.m. on Friday, May 2.
Artist: Ian Alexy
Most excited to see: Baharat! There is so much talent in this group. I really enjoy seeing them evolve. Lyla Abukhodair is such an amazing frontwoman, and the musicianship is tip-top. You have to see them!
Where: Blacklist, 9:45 p.m. on Friday, May 2.
Artist: Leon Rohrbaugh of A Band Called Truman, Winzige Hosen, The Kaylee Matuszak Band and Bratwurst.
Most excited to see: I am most excited to see the hip-hop collective BOOG3YM3N.
Where: Amsoil Arena, 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29.
Artist: John Agacki
Most excited to see: I can’t choose just one! Of course, I look forward to known artists (Big Dave & the Ripples, Saltydog, Shane Nelson and Woodblind immediately spring to mind) but I very much enjoy new discoveries, too. Either first timers or ones I hadn't seen before! It is an amazing cavalcade of talented artists! I was surprised to find that even musicians in LA have heard of Duluth Homegrown!
Where: All over
