Scenic Route

North Shore favorites Pushing Chain have the distinction of being the last musical guests on Scenic Route of 2019 and the whole decade of the 2010s. Bump Blomberg and Adam Moe share hilarious stories and anecdotes while playing song from their latest record Sorrows Always Swim, and talk about big plans in 2020.

Kevin Buck is a guitarist from Duluth who uses an interesting vocal harmonizer to create rich, new versions of favorite songs in a "choir of angels" style. He joined Will Moore on the Scenic Route during a string of shows in Cook County.

"The Lingering Light of Day" is a new original choral piece commissioned for the Borealis Chorale and Orchestra's annual Christmas Concert in Grand Marais. It was composed by Craig Carnahan with lyrics by Twin Cities poet Julia Klatt Singer. On the Scenic Route, Will Moore chats with both Carnahan and Singer by phone. They talk about how the collaborated on the piece, how the Grand Marais community's input inspired much of the lyrical imagery, and what they find creatively compelling about the North Shore. 

The world premiere of the piece was performed on December 8th at Bethelem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais.

Local luthier and musician Drew Heinonen has been offered the opportunity of a lifetime: a specially commissioned guitar made with a rare type of wood grown by former US President Jimmy Carter. Drew talks with host Will Moore about how he got involved with this unique series of instruments being made, and how he's putting a Cook County twist on the guitar that still connects the back to the 39th President himself. 

Cook County musician Joe Paulik has come out with a new album called "Treepreacher", produced and mixed by Al Oikari and recorded at the Hovland Lutheran Church. Joe and Al join Will Moore on the air to talk about the album, which features new musicians and a number of songs that Joe wrote decades ago that are finally getting a proper release.

Red Lips is a duo of two young women with incredible vocal talent and harmonizing abilities. Kenna Rose of Hovland and Maja Sullivan of Minneapolis come together to give powerful renditions of some favorite songs, even classic ones that go back decades in popular culture. This is the first time they've been on the Scenic Route, appearing before a show at the Wunderbar in Grand Marais. 

Michael Gulezian is a Colorado guitarist who's been known for decades for his intricate and experimental fingerstyle. But now, he says he's a totally different musician and freer than ever. In this conversation, Michael talks with host Will Moore about how his music has affected people over the years, the issues playing for what he calls a "Youtube audience", and why he loves playing at universities that support environmental studies. He also talks about car troubles on the road, his friend and fellow musician Andy McKee, and much more.

Ivy Ford is a blues guitarist and singer from the Chicago area, and is a rising star in the city's revered blues scene. At age 26, she's part of a new generation of high quality blues talent. Ahead of a performance with John Primer in Thunder Bay, she chats with host Will Moore about getting started in the blues, playing at Buddy Guy's legendary venue, and mentions a few of her favorite young blues musicians performing today. She also talks about her latest album "Harvesting my Roots" and new music coming in 2020.

More about Ivy can be found on her website here: https://www.ivyfordmusic.com/

Rhoda Anderson is a guitarist and songwriter from northwest Minnesota who frequents the North Shore with uplifting music and genuine storytelling. She joins Will Moore on the Scenic Route ahead of a performance at the Wunderbar in Grand Marais to talk about the latest in her life and thoughts on how people create art. 

Fred Anderson is a guitarist from Lutsen adept in fingerstyle playing reminiscent of Leo Kottke as well as jazz. He comes back for a long-overdue return to Scenic Route with Will Moore, playing entrancing songs and telling stories, including playing in New Orleans and seeing one of his favorite guitarists live at last.