Simply Superior: Recent Episodes
Wisconsin Public Radio
"Simply Superior" is a public affairs program focused on events and issues in Northwestern Wisconsin hosted by award-winning journalist Robin Washington . The program airs on Fridays at 10 a.m. on WPR stations 91.3-FM KUWS in Superior and 90.9-FM WUWS in Ashland. The program will also be rebroadcast on Fridays at 7 p.m. on 89.9-FM WHSA in Brule, 88.5-FM WSSU in Superior and 104.7-FM WHWA in Ashland/Bayfield.
Just ahead of the premiere of WPR’s two new networks — “WPR News” and “WPR Music” — “Simply Superior” airs its final show this week. The regional news and features […]
On May 20, WPR is will change with the premiere of two new networks — “WPR News” and “WPR Music.” The new offerings include expansion of some shows and changes […]
When Superior Business Improvement District Executive Director Kelly Peterson scheduled a workshop for women entrepreneurs, she thought 10 might show up. Instead, 30-plus attendees crowded the business assistance center space […]
The Twin Ports biggest musical event of the year kicks off this Sunday, April 28, with 160 performers appearing at 35 venues in Duluth and Superior over the next week. But there’s no need to wait — the celebration starts early with five musicians appearing on WPR’s “Simply Superior” at 10 a.m. Friday, April 26. […]
In a speech touting the value of higher education to northwest Wisconsin delegates visiting the state Capitol for Superior Days, University of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman singled out the system’s Superior campus for particular praise. But his talk came amid a third-party analysis showing financial deficits at 10 of Wisconsin’s public universities, including the Superior campus. Rothman’s speech, […]
Dozens of northwestern Wisconsin delegates ranging from high school students to senior business and civic leaders descended on Madison this week for the 39th Annual Superior Days at the state capitol. On hand to greet them were Gov. Tony Evers and numerous other elected and administrative officials — decision-makers who otherwise may not hear the […]
By Robin Washington ASHLAND, Wisconsin — To read the hundreds of social media posts about her in recent weeks, Kathy Cargill is an uncaring outsider interloping on Duluth’s picturesque Park Point; an over-privileged billionaire intent on tearing down homes to create a gated enclave for her uber-rich relatives. Encouraging that impression are words she’s uttered […]
In hundreds of social media posts in the Twin Ports in recent weeks, Kathy Cargill has been cast as an evil outsider to Duluth’s picturesque Park Point neighborhood. A member of the billionaire Cargill family, she quietly purchased 20 homes on the sandbar jutting into Lake Superior, tearing down many and saying little about her […]
From her childhood, Bridget McCutchen always had a sense of discovery, even though she never ventured far from the family farm where she was homeschooled near Ashland. But last fall she went where few men — or women — had gone before to become the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe on a motorcycle, pending […]
Travis Novitsky is a park manager for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and an enrolled member in the Grand Portage Anishinaabe Nation. He’s also a nature and wildlife photographer who has taken countless images of the night sky, which he shared this week with members of BIPOC Outdoors Twin Ports. Excerpts will be heard […]
After 132 years as an Ashland institution, known for its specialty in environmental education, Northland College may close its doors at the end of this academic year. In a statement this week, administrators said the private liberal arts college needs to raise $12 million by April 3 to keep its doors open beyond the end of the […]
On Friday, March 8, the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians celebrates 50 years of the Gurnoe Decision, a 1970s court ruling that affirmed the Red Cliff and Bad River bands’ fishing rights in Lake Superior. Last fall, the Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission marked 40 years since the Voigt Decision, […]
The website ProPublica called the map a tyrannosaurus — with its hungry mouth taking a bite out of Democratic-leaning Douglas County to push Wisconsin’s 73rd Assembly district Republican. Now, the maps have been redrawn, with the state Supreme Court agreeing they more fairly reflect Wisconsin’s voting demographics. University of Wisconsin-Superior Political Science Professor Alisa Von […]
Don’t be alarmed, but you’re older than you were when you started reading this sentence, and we’re all continuing in that direction. Despite confusion over Social Security (take it early at 62 or wait until full retirement age?), health care and housing, none of us has to face aging issues alone. Dale Johnson of Senior Connections in Superior and Mary Bovee of Duluth’s Age Well Arrowhead join “Simply Superior” host Robin Washington to demystify aging and discuss the services offered by their agencies. And speaking of years — it’s been a decade since Dirk Meyer took the baton as the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra’s ninth conductor. He and the orchestra celebrate with a 2023-24 concert season featuring encores of some of their most memorable performances together along with works they’ve never before performed. Helping keep count is violist Ron Kari, who’s entering his remarkable 62nd year with the ensemble. Meyer and Kari join Washington to share highlights over the years.
The Duluth Transit Authority is offering free rides through Sept. 9 to introduce riders to its "Better Bus Blueprint." A federal study, meanwhile, details underperformance of battery powered buses acquired by the DTA in a national pilot program.
Shereen Siewert welcomes U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst) for a discussion about what’s happening in Washington.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Shalon Monroe of WDIO-TV.
Interviews about a plan for a new exposition district in Superior and with the band One Less Guest.
U.S. Supreme Court decision on an Indian Child Welfare Act and an interview with the concertmaster of the Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra.
Enbridge Energy's Line 5 pipeline court decision and the Rubber Chicken Theatre's one-act plays.
WPR's Larry Meiller at Bayfield's event Bayfield in Bloom and an interview with Babie Eyes' Heidi Feroe.
Conversations about housing prices and a new opera performance by the Lyric Opera of the North.
Ashley Johnson, a nurse practitioner with the Aspirus Tick Borne Illness Center in Woodruff. Soul Asylum, with guitarist Dan Murphy and singer-songwriter Jeff Arundel.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and WPR's Danielle Kaeding.
State Sen. Romaine Quinn expresses optimism for session, this week on Wisconsin Public Radio’s ‘Simply Superior’
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Shalon Monroe of WDIO-TV.
When Sude Kanan arrived in Washburn at the start of this school year as an exchange student from Turkey, she had no idea her native country would dominate world news during her absence. That all changed with the devastating earthquake in February and its aftershocks continuing through this week, taking at least 50,000 lives. Those lost include the family of one of Kanan’s exchange cohort members also in the U.S. The high school senior speaks with “Simply Superior” host Robin Washington about the disaster and ways locals in Washburn have mobilized to help. Also, Gabe Mayfield parlayed a role in a University of Wisconsin-Superior production of “Little Shop of Horrors” years ago into a career as arguably the Twin Ports’ most popular actor. He’s also made his mark as a singer, and shares selections with Washington from his recently released second album, “Showdown.” The two will meet on the stage as a participant and judge (we’ll let you guess which is in which role) at the Duluth Playhouse’s “Singing With the Stars” at the NorShor Theatre Friday night.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Shalon Monroe of WDIO-TV.
Superior citizens visit officeholders in Madison. The Duluth-Superior Symphony plays a concert of pieces by composer John Williams of movie-music fame.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Shalon Monroe of WDIO-TV.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Shalon Monroe of WDIO-TV.
Area universities send student musicians overseas for musical exchange programs. The show discusses the environmental impact of salt use on roads in the wintertime.
U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany joins Shereen Siewert for an hour-long conversation about what's happening in Washington, his priorities and the new Congress.
Storms, snow and ice - winter on Lake Superior. Scientists explain ice floe science. Musician Kelley Smith.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune Executive Editor Rick Lubbers and Rusty Mehlberg, Chief Meteorologist, at Fox21, Duluth.
With inflation woes continuing this holiday shopping season, budget-conscious parents might wonder how to teach their kids skills for stretching a dollar. “Simply Superior” host Robin Washington takes the question literally by visiting a dollar store with his 9-year-old twin grandchildren, giving each $5 and the assignment of picking five items of the best value. He reviews the experiment with University of Wisconsin River Falls Professor Logan Kelly, who heads the school’s Center for Economic Education. Plus, Skarlett Woods grew up listening to show tunes in Brainerd, Minn., before hitting the West Coast jazz scene and bringing that influence back home to create her own brand of genre-extending folk music. Woods shares her songs with Washington as she prepares to ring in 2023 with back-to-back New Year’s Eve weekend performances in both Superior and Duluth.
Rick Reyer welcomes Michael “Laughing Fox” Charette to share his music and the stories in the oral tradition of the Anishinaabe, also known as Ojibwe, that have been passed down for generations.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers.
An interview with Sheriff Gordon Ramsay and a look back at the life of musician Mimi Parker.
An analysis of the outcome of the midterm elections along with a rebroadcast of an interview with local 105-year-old Isabel Tusin.
Hockey is more than a sport in Minnesota and Wisconsin; it’s a way of life making the region one of the biggest contributors of players in the NHL. Director Tommy Haines delves into that passion with his chronicle of two high school teams: longtime powerhouse Eveleth on the Iron Range, which may have seen its better days, and more recent goal leader Hermantown. Haines speaks with “Simply Superior” host Robin Washington about his film, citing as an inspiration the acclaimed documentary “Hoop Dreams” that similarly told the story of Chicago youths longing to play in the NBA. Also, her name is the Viking word for love, and she draws on it in songs celebrating the strong women in her Scandinavian ancestry. Duluth-born singer-songwriter Elska shares her music with Washington, including her unapologetically political hit, “Bounty Hunter.” Plus: Want a real fright for Halloween? Superior’s spooky Fairlawn Mansion should do the job, but if you want more, head over to Duluth’s retired William A. Irvin ore boat, decked out as the “Haunted Ship.”
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio's Danielle Kaeding.
Covering a large swath of Minnesota, including Duluth and the Iron Range, the state’s 8th Congressional District is of crucial importance to the region, including neighboring Wisconsin. The competitive seat that has switched party hands four times in the past dozen years is also nationally significant, potentially among those determining the balance of power in Congress. Invited to join “Simply Superior” host Robin Washington to give their views on regional and national issues ranging from oil pipelines to abortion rights are Republican incumbent Rep. Pete Stauber and his Democratic challenger, state Rep. Jen Schultz. Also, second place isn’t bad when it’s appearing before millions on “The Voice,” as country singer Chris Kroeze of Barron did in 2018. He’s also been featured in Rolling Stone and People, and played with the Doobie Brothers, Travis Tritt and Blake Shelton, among others. Kroeze checks in with Washington to share his career and music ahead of his appearance at The West Theater in Duluth Oct. 28.
The Apostle Islands and their neighboring National Lakeshore are among Wisconsin’s most visited destinations, but are they for everybody? One of the main places to begin a day’s exploration of the famous Sea Caves and beyond is Meyer’s Beach – if you're able to traverse a 45-step outdoor stairway. Now, the National Park Service, supported by the Friends of the Apostle Islands, is putting a ramp at the site, making it accessible to wheelchair users and others. It’s among disability improvements begun in 2008, including accessible privies on some islands as well as audio and tactile information displays for those with vision and hearing challenges. Discussing the upgrades with “Simply Superior” host Robin Washington is outdoors disability activist Janet Badura and Friends of the Apostle Islands Executive Director Jeff Rennicke. Also, can a singer-songwriter from Minnesota’s bare-knuckled Iron Range be man enough to expose his sensitive side? Preston Gunderson, who hails from Virginia, Minn., is, and his latest album chronicles emotions from heartbreak to hopefulness. A Bob Dylan songwriting contest winner, Gunderson joins Washington to share his music, and also his foray on the national stage on “The Voice” and “American Idol.”
A debate with candidates for the 25th Wisconsin Senate District seat and an interview with musicians Pippi Ardenia and Daniel Leahy.
Republican Romaine Quinn and Democrat Kelly Westlund debate each other on WPR's "Simply Superior" ahead of the election on Tuesday, Nov. 8. The two are vying for the 25th Senate District seat.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio's Danielle Kaeding.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio's Danielle Kaeding.
The Wisconsin Writers Association holds its annual conference in the area for the first time in its 74-year history. A collaboration between poets and visual artists called "The Nature of Relationship" is on display at the Out of the Woods Winery.
The Wisconsin Writers Association holds its annual conference in the area for the first time in its 74-year history. A collaboration between poets and visual artists called "The Nature of Relationship" is on display at the Out of the Woods Winery.
Rick Reyer interviews the candidates from Wisconsin’s 7th U.S. Congressional District - icumbent Tom Tiffany-R, Minocqua, and challenger Richard Ausman-D, Lac du Flambeau.
Rick Reyer interviews the candidates from Wisconsin’s 7th U.S. Congressional District - icumbent Tom Tiffany-R, Minocqua, and challenger Richard Ausman-D, Lac du Flambeau.
Wisconsin's 87th Assembly District race, plus a visit with acclaimed Duluth singer-songwriter-violinist and disability activist Gaelynn Lea.
Wisconsin's 87th Assembly District race, plus a visit with acclaimed Duluth singer-songwriter-violinist and disability activist Gaelynn Lea.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio's Danielle Kaeding.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio's Danielle Kaeding.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio's Danielle Kaeding.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio's Danielle Kaeding.
A candidate for the 73rd district seat in the Wisconsin Assembly joins the show. Washington speaks with Shane Nelson of Crescent Moon about bandmate Zach Ross.
A candidate for the 73rd district seat in the Wisconsin Assembly joins the show. Washington speaks with Shane Nelson of Crescent Moon about bandmate Zach Ross.
74th Assembly District candidates debates. Danielle Kaeding speaks with Public Service Commission Chairperson Becky Valcq.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio's Danielle Kaeding.
Robin Washington and guests discuss the future of the Port of Duluth-Superior. Washington also visits with local actor and singer Gabe Mayfield.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio's Danielle Kaeding.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio's Danielle Kaeding.
Although the official election will be in November, the likely next sheriff of Douglas County is Matthew Izzard, the winner of a three-way Democratic primary on Aug. 9 who faces no Republican opponent. A detective, Izzard started in the sheriff’s department in 2003, the same year outgoing Sheriff Tom Dalbec took office. He shares his personal journey and vision for the department that covers greater Superior and its rural neighbors. Robin Washington also speaks with national policing expert Cedric Alexander about just what exactly a sheriff does as well as other law enforcement matters. Alexander will be putting his theories to work after being tapped two weeks ago for the newly created position of director of public safety in Minneapolis, overseeing its embattled police department still rebuilding after the killing of George Floyd. Plus: Singer-songwriter Greg Hall’s family has resided on the same farm outside La Crosse since 1868, which he draws on for inspiration in his music. He performs across the nation and particularly loves sharing his music with audiences in the Twin Ports, and joins Washington to offer a sampling.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio's Danielle Kaeding.
Robin Washington speaks with Pat Huston, project engineer for the Minn. Department of Transportation about an interstate reconstruction project. Musicians Debra and Thomas Wayne King visit the show.
Republicans Tom Tiffany and David Kunelius debate before the Aug. 9 primary for the 7th US Congressional District seat. One Less Guest members Nick Muska and Ren Cooper talk with host Robin Washington about their move from Minnesota to California.
Democrat John Adams faces the winner of a Republican primary race between Chanz Green and John Schey who face off on Aug. 9. Woodblind plays at the Concert Cafe.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio's Danielle Kaeding.
First elected in 2009, 73rd Assembly District state Rep. Nick Milroy is retiring this year. Hoping to replace him is a fellow Democratic from Superior, Laura Gapske, who will not face a primary challenger, and two Republicans: Angie Sapik of Lake Nebagamon and Scott Luostari of Lakeside. The two were invited to share their thoughts on “Simply Superior” this week ahead of their Aug. 9 primary.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio Superior-based reporter Danielle Kaeding.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers. Wisconsin Public Radio Superior-based reporter Danielle Kaeding is away this week.
Two years after the tragedy that changed the world, the intersection of East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis is hallowed ground as George Floyd Square. It remains so – though now open to traffic after being blocked off for a year. In a rebroadcast from the first anniversary of the murder, “Simply Superior” host Robin Washington visited the street corner, listening to those from near and far who’ve come to reflect, organize and demonstrate. Washington also speaks with Superior African heritage activist Kym Young about how far the region and nation have come since Floyd’s death. We then hear from Howard Colbert, managing editor of the MinnPost with how things look now at the two-year anniversary. Also, singer-songwriter duo Bill and Kate Isles share their most popular songs in a year’s worth of online concerts they began with the onset of the pandemic.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers. Wisconsin Public Radio Superior-based reporter Danielle Kaeding is away this week.
We feature migratory bird season on this week’s “Simply Superior.” If an inordinate number of birds seem to have descended on your backyard of late, it’s not your imagination. The long winter has meant a shorter migratory season with more birds crowding local feeding spots. Program host Robin Washington visits one of them – Wisconsin Point – with members of Duluth Audubon and the Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve. And if you missed the World Migratory Bird Day events last Saturday, chirp up: The migration window continues this week. Also, they grew up in Duluth and got together in the Twin Cities as a band – with a psychedelic twist not normally associated with their hometown. Washington speaks with “White Line Darko” as the group releases its new EP, “Turning Out.”
A look back at the week’s news highlights, including the return of migratory birds, with Shelley Nelson of the Superior Telegram.
This week on “Simply Superior,” from waffles to flying machines, we discuss new businesses in Northwest Wisconsin. Despite the pandemic, northwest Wisconsin has seen a surprising number of business launches in the past two years. Many are from entrepreneurs stuck at home from their regular jobs who decide now is the time to pursue a lifelong dream. Program host Robin Washington speaks about this trend with Andrew Donahue of the Superior Small Business Development Center. He also reviews the roster of local startups, such as the popular Superior Waffles, with Superior Telegram reporter Shelley Nelson. Plus, we take a deep dive – or leap skyward – with one innovator: mechanical engineer Daniel Gant, who’s developing a human-carrying drone in his Poplar garage.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio Superior-based reporter Danielle Kaeding.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio Superior-based reporter Danielle Kaeding.
We discuss the world supply chain disruption and the port of Duluth-Superior on today’s “Simply Superior” program. University of Wisconsin-Superior Professor of Transportation and Logistics Richard Stewart joins host Robin Washington to analyze the international supply chain disruptions due to the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, and how they affect our port – and even your trip down the interstate. Plus, last summer, Twin Ports-based singer-songwriter Sarah Krueger collaborated with musicians from Low, Trampled by Turtles, Bon Iver and Taylor Swift’s band to create the supergroup LANUE. She makes a return appearance on the show to share selections from their newly released second album, “Fire in My Mind.”
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio Superior-based reporter Danielle Kaeding.
Today on “Simply Superior,” we begin our program with an update on the tragic killings in Duluth this week. Duluth News Tribune Executive Editor Rick Lubbers shares the latest on this developing story with host Robin Washington. Next, in honor of Earth Day, we discuss how the Duluth Bag Fee is working out, and why it isn’t in Wisconsin. Three years ago, Duluth city councilors debated imposing a fee on plastic bags at stores. The ordinance passed - but its enactment was postponed when Covid 19 hit. It finally took effect last October, and, if shopper behavior is an indication, appears to have succeeded beyond its planners’ expectations. Washington discusses the results with Jamie Harvie, a leader of the “Bag It, Duluth” campaign. Also, if the pandemic delayed the start of Duluth’s bag fee, it also saw singer-songwriter couple Rich Mattson and Germaine Gemberling using their shut-in time to create a wealth of tunes. With their Iron Range-based group the Northstars, they’ve recorded them and are hitting the road again in Minnesota, Wisconsin and beyond. Mattson and Gemberling join Washington to share their latest work.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio Superior-based reporter Danielle Kaeding.
We hear from guests today on “Simply Superior” about a proposed $700 million gas power plant planned for Superior. This would be a needed pathway away from more polluting oil and coal, say project proponents. Yet, critics counter, the facility would still contribute to greenhouse gasses and climate change and allow power companies an unnecessary delay in the inevitable switch to renewable energy. In a rebroadcast from last fall, program host Robin Washington hears both sides of that argument with Sierra Club activists Jenna Yeakle and Jadine Sonoda, followed by gas plant company partners Josh Skelton of Minnesota Power and John Carr of Dairyland Power Cooperative. Also, WPR reporter Danielle Kaeding updates the project’s status as of this spring. Plus, she hit the country charts in the 90s as Molly and the Heymakers. Now, she’s fronting Molly and the Danger Band – and we’ll let her explain the name. Washington catches up with Hayward’s own Molly Otis.
This week on “Simply Superior,” we honor the 75th anniversary of the rides that helped lay the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement, April 9-23, 1947. A courageous group of interracial activists boarded Southern buses and trains to challenge local segregation laws – 14 years before the more famous Freedom Rides of 1961. They sought to force the Southern states to abide by a Supreme Court ruling the year before that had outlawed segregation in interstate transportation – only to be met with arrests, a physical attack, and ultimately, 30 days on a chain gang. Their story has become the lifework of show host Robin Washington, who nearly 50 years later brought the survivors together for a reunion retracing their trip, filmed for the acclaimed PBS television documentary, "You Don't Have to Ride Jim Crow!" Adapted for radio last summer to mark the anniversary of the Court’s decision, it’s presented again today on our program. Also, could Broadway be the next stop? Twin Ports song and stage favorites Gabe Mayfield, Dante Pirtle and Ryan Frane presented a black-box theatrical performance of three show tunes created from the documentary score several years ago, reimagining the story as historical and inspiring entertainment.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio Superior-based reporter Danielle Kaeding.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio Superior-based reporter Danielle Kaeding.
This week on “Simply Superior,” host Robin Washington speaks with several local Ukrainians on the impact of war. The discussion includes how family members have been directly impacted by the fighting that started just over two weeks ago when Russian troops crossed the border to reclaim the former Soviet republic. Also, her music has been described as smooth country heartbreak and foot-stomping Americana blues, with subject matter ranging from horses to strippers to whiskey. Part Lucinda Williams and part Charlie Parr, she’s all Colleen Myhre - and she shares her music with Washington on the eve of her performance at Duluth’s Sacred Heart Music Center.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio Superior-based reporter Danielle Kaeding.
A day after his first State of the Union Address, President Biden headed back to school – specifically, the Yellowjacket Union student center at our own University of Wisconsin-Superior. During his visit to the Twin Ports on Wednesday, March 2, Biden touted the recent passage of the $1 trillion Infrastructure Bill, which includes millions of dollars for environmental restoration in the Duluth-Superior Harbor. "Simply Superior" host Robin Washington took in the sights and sounds of his visit, and shares them on this week's program. Also, singer-songwriter Bruce Nelson, perhaps best known to listeners as the creator of the “Simply Superior” theme song, checks in with host Robin Washington. Having last year told Washington his goal was to write a song a day, Nelson overachieved with 500 new tunes to share.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio Superior-based reporter Danielle Kaeding.
After a scaled-down American Birkebeiner Cross Country Ski Race in 2021 due to the pandemic, the Cable-Hayward area’s largest week-long event returns to full strength this year. Race director Ben Popp joins “Simply Superior” this week and talks with host Robin Washington about the race and other activities that regularly attract 13,000 skiers from around the world. He also tells its history, including the origin of its name, going back to the rescue of a Norwegian prince in 1206. Plus, Americana singer-songwriter Danny Frank has been a frequent guest on the show, as has Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster Erin Aldridge. So, what do you get when you put them together? It’s the newest incarnation of Frank’s band Smoky Gold, with the violin virtuoso featured as fiddler phenom. The pair join Washington in advance of concerts, including Aldridge’s performance Saturday with the DSSO.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio Superior-based reporter Danielle Kaeding.
According to historical accounts, brothers Stephen and George Bonga joked that they were the "first white men" in the Wisconsin and Minnesota frontier where they settled – although they actually hailed from African and Ojibwe descent. The family was integral to the development of the area in the early 1800s, and an important cultural link to all its people. “Simply Superior” host Robin Washington speaks with Vern Northrup, a member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, about their legacy, and updates for where to find historical markers of their travels. We share this rebroadcast in honor of Black History Month. Plus, what do you get when you mix nontraditional song structures, genre blending (not bending), colorful synthesizers, and layered vocals? It’s the Superior-based psychedelic pop band Vanilla Bloom. Founder Jacob Cloutier shares the band’s work and backstory with Washington as this week’s musical guest.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio Superior-based reporter Danielle Kaeding.
This week we discuss election campaign funding on “Simply Superior,” including just what it costs to win an assembly seat in Wisconsin. Host Robin Washington speaks with Peter Cameron from the Badger Project, a nonpartisan and nonprofit watchdog group based in Madison, to analyze the effect of money on local races – including the decision by some incumbents that it’s just too expensive to run again. We then acknowledge the passing this week of former Duluth and Superior Mayor Herb Bergson, who passed away Feb. 10. We air an in depth interview from 2019 as Bergson joined our program and spoke with Washington about his legacy, accomplishments and challenges over his career, and how he was passing time in retirement.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio Superior-based reporter Danielle Kaeding.
This week it’s a celebration of winter on “Simply Superior.” Where else but in our region can you follow the longest and most storied dogsled race in the Lower 48, sing along with a band playing musical instruments made out of ice, and give well-wishes to your neighbors as they head off to compete in the Winter Olympics? Those activities and more are explored this week on our program as host Robin Washington reviews decidedly cold-weather activities of the season. Included are the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon to the sounds of ice musical instruments at the Lake Superior Ice Festival and a chat with Superior’s own U.S. Olympic Curling Team captain. Plus, more traditional music is on the bill with North of Nashville, a songwriters’ showcase this weekend at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC). Among the local talents are Buffy Lawson, whose songs have been recorded by Willie Nelson, Randy Travis and Dolly Parton, and Simply Superior favorite Shane Nelson, a perennial songwriting contest winner making his own mark on the music scene.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio Superior-based reporter Danielle Kaeding.
Learn all about the annual Lake Superior Ice Festival on this week's "Simply Superior" program. The area’s premiere free family event celebrating winter fun takes place Friday and Saturday, Jan. 28-29, at Barker’s Island in Superior. Festivities include an ice carousel, ice slide, ice sculptures (including one that pits fire against ice) and music with – you guessed it, ice instruments. The festival’s Nikky Farmakes gives the rundown of activities with show host Robin Washington. Also, it’s Salt Awareness Week in Superior. Wisconsin Salt Wise Coordinator Allison Madison and Megan Högfeldt, the city of Superior’s water resources specialist, tell Washington what you can – and should – do to minimize salt contamination in our waterways while trying to deal with the aforementioned winter ice. Plus, Pianist and composer Edward H. Ojard joins Washington to share “Minnesota,” the fourth album by the prodigious 13-year-old from Two Harbors, Minn.
A look back at the week’s news highlights with Duluth News Tribune executive editor Rick Lubbers and Wisconsin Public Radio Superior-based reporter Danielle Kaeding.
This week on “Simply Superior,” we learn about a multimedia exhibit sharing Twin Ports Asian American experiences. For more than a decade, an informal group of Twin Ports Asian American women met in each other’s homes for food and social activities. They took on a more activist role, however, after the horrific killings of eight Asian American women in Atlanta last year. Now called the Twin Ports Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Collective, the group has created “Like Me, Like You,” a multimedia exhibit at the Duluth Art Institute to bring understanding of the Asian American experience to the larger community. Members Sharon Yung and Laura Judd discuss their art and advocacy with program host Robin Washington. Also, Michael “Laughing Fox” Charette of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa joins WPR’s Rick Reyer to share his storytelling and hauntingly beautiful flute and drum music.