John Lamb
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I cover arts, entertainment and culture in the Fargo-Moorhead area.
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Articles by John Lamb
Despite obstacles, Bill Lucas scores with new FMCT play, 'Time Out!'
MOORHEAD — Bill Lucas has experienced numerous theatrical mishaps, from set doors not opening, to being thrust into a leading role at the last minute and walking onstage with a script to read. He even survived a mid-show stroke only to be more concerned about returning for the next night’s production. This week, he’s getting butterflies for a different reason. On Friday night, his comedy, “Time Out!” makes its premiere at the Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre in the Hjemkomst Center.
Moorhead artist's horror graphic novel brings hunt for Bigfoot to northern Minnesota
MOORHEAD, Minn. — Every November for two decades, Dirk Eidsmoe would go out to the woods, climb into a deer stand, sit and wait. And wait and wait and wait. He’d sit for hours, watching and listening, waiting for the right deer to cross his path. While he waited, he also thought about how he could work deer hunting into his other love, comic books. Over the last decade he started figuring it out. Earlier this month, his debut horror graphic novel, “Big Buck Island, hit stores.
Dance, sing and scream at 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show"
The Fargo Theatre has settled into a nice holiday tradition. This Friday the Fargo Theatre is rolling out its Halloween ritual with “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ Friday From left: Tim Curry (Dr. Frank N. Furter), Barry Bostwick (Brad Majors) and Susan Sarandon (Janet Weiss) starred in the cult classic film "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." The 1975 campy, classic musical is packed with transgressive humor and plenty of tunes.
From 2003: Chekov beams into Moorhead for ValleyCon
Editor's note: The following story originally appeared in The Forum on Oct. 30, 2003. It is being republished to mark the death of Walter Koenig. Koenig died Sunday, Oct. 25, at age 90. Space may be the final frontier, but Walter Koenig knows science fiction conventions are his last stand. The actor best known as Ensign Pavel Chekov on "Star Trek" appears this weekend at ValleyCon, a science fiction and fantasy convention.
Artist Aaron Coleman's show reflects on racism at home and in the Plains Art Museum
FARGO — If an image is worth a thousand words, Aaron Coleman’s exhibit at the Plains Art Museum speaks volumes. The show, "Come, Go Back, Child," which opened in late September, looks at the deep history of racism in America in bold statements and subversive use of material.
Nothing says 'fall' quite like a pumpkin Original
Nothing epitomizes the fall season quite like a pumpkin. In this episode, Don and John discuss the pumpkin and its deep connection to our fall season through food, decorations, history, and more. They also marvel at a listener's detailed garden journal and discuss the benefits of cotoneaster.
FM Opera's twisting 'Tosca' spills the blood
FARGO — Halloween traditions usually involve dressing up in costumes, carving pumpkins, eating candy and watching a scary or not-so-scary movie. Over the last decade, the Fargo-Moorhead area has added another feature to the spooky season calendar: opera.
Fargo's ValleyCon brings fantasy worlds to life this weekend
The Fargo Air Museum serves as an ideal backdrop for this weekend’s ValleyCon. In front of the vintage aircraft, fans of science fiction and fantasy comics, movies, games and more will celebrate their love for creative expression. Friday - Sunday Kristen Swenson dresses up as Hela from Thor for ValleyCon in 2025. The annual event brings in gaming demos and tournaments, vendors, panel discussions, cosplay, trivia, a furry parade and more for three days of fan interaction.
A checklist for your autumn garden
Now that the harvest is wrapping up, it's time to spend a few moments tucking your garden into bed for its long winter's nap. In this episode, Don and John go over autumn tasks for your lawn and garden. Plus, they look at an all-too-common trend with evergreens in the area. Don Kinzler, a lifelong gardener, is the horticulturist with North Dakota State University Extension for Cass County. Readers can reach him at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu .
A checklist for your autumn garden
Now that the harvest is wrapping up, it's time to spend a few moments tucking your garden into bed for its long winter's nap. In this episode, Don and John go over autumn tasks for your lawn and garden. Plus, they look at an all-too-common trend with evergreens in the area.
Home comes into focus for North Dakota photographers
MOORHEAD — Home means different things to different people. A trio of Minnesota State University Moorhead alumni share their visions on the subject with "Three Ways Home" at the Rourke Art Gallery + Museum. Each of the photographers is from North Dakota and has an affinity for the state that comes out in the works. The show runs through Oct. 25. Even though she no longer lives in the state a big part of Sarah Christianson’s heart remains on the family farm near Hillsboro, North Dakota.
Photographer Murray Lemley brought a European style back to North Dakota
FARGO — For more than 50 years, Murray Lemley traveled back and forth between North Dakota — where he was born and started his career — and Europe and the streets that fueled his photography. His photos made him a fixture on the regional art scene from the mid 1970s to the mid-’80s, before he moved to Seattle. He displayed many of those black and white photos at a Plains Art Museum retrospective, Fifty Years of Photography and Design, in 2025.
Take a stroll through an interactive arboretum Original
Anyone can get a lot of enjoyment out of a simple walk through the trees, but a new program at North Dakota State University wants to take that a step further. In this episode, Don and John talk with Dr. Todd West, a professor of plant sciences and the director of the NDSU Woody Plant Improvement Program, about the new Interactive Campus Arboretum. This interactive experience allows anyone to learn more about the trees and shrubs on campus and test their knowledge with a quiz.
Tigirlily Gold returns home for release of new album, 'Country & Midwestern'
FARGO — Growing up in Hazen, North Dakota, Kendra and Krista Slaubaugh didn’t have a neighborhood record store to shop. The closest thing was driving about an hour southeast to the Walmart in Bismarck. “We’d be begging our parents, ‘Can we get this Shania Twain album? Can we get this Carrie Underwood album?” said Kendra. “We built up quite a collection thanks to Walmart.” Sisters Kendra Olson and Krista Slaubaugh of Tigirlily Gold stop by the Walmart Supercenter in south Fargo on Friday, Oct.
After years of playing with Parkinson's, drummer Trevor Pearson takes final bow
MOORHEAD — Trevor Pearson grew up surrounded by music. “My dad plays everything. Guitar, bass, mandolin — a little bit of everything that's got strings on it — he'll play it. My grandpa did the same thing,” Pearson said. But when he became a teenager, he decided to march to the beat of a different drummer — himself. He bypassed the stringed instruments to sit behind a kit and pick up the drumsticks. “I grew up, and thought, ‘I want to play the one thing you don't have,’” he said.
701's Prairie Kitchen hosts dinner with Jeremiah Wine
FARGO — 701 Eateries is hosting a dinner collaboration with Jeremiah Wine on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The California winery was founded by Bismarck men, Joel Gilbertson and Gene Griffin, Jeremiah Wine released its first bottles in 2007. Griffin now runs the company with Gilbertson’s daughter Lisa Gilbertson Navarro and her husband Mike Navarro. Gene Griffin of Bismarck, co-owns Jeremiah Wine, a winery located in California.
Theatre B's 'Frankenstein' asks about the real monster
Mary Shelly’s 1818 novel “Frankenstein” set the stage for monster stories in books, film and theater. Nick Dear’s 2011 theatrical adaptation gave the classic a new twist and now Theatre B brings it to the stage through Nov. 1. Friday - Sunday Sam Schotzko and Keith Schweigert act as The Creature and De Lacey in the Theatre B production of "Frankenstein" on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at Theatre B in Moorhead. The production goes on from Oct. 9 through Nov. 1, 2026.
Fargo Theatre adds new shows, concerts to winter lineup
FARGO — The Fargo Theatre recently added a number of live events to its upcoming fall and winter line up. “Wheel of Fortune: Live,” a version of the popular televised game show, will return on Monday, Oct. 19. Tickets range from $36.60 to $77.75. The Wizards of Winter will bring its mix of symphonic holiday rock to the room on Sunday, Nov. 22. Tickets range from $49 to $92.50. On Sunday, Nov. 29, Emo Orchestra adds strings to angsty melodic rock.
Staind, Seether, Hoobastank and more to play Fargodome
FARGO — Rock bands Staind, Seether, Hoobastank and Hinder have teamed up for a tour coming to the Fargodome on Wednesday, April 7. Staind is touring to mark the 25th anniversary of its breakthrough album, “Break the Cycle” and the singles “It’s Been Awhile” and “Outside.” The group would follow that up with the 2003 hit, “So Far Away.” Tickets for the show go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 9. Tickets range from $40.50 to $130.50. The show will be set up in the half-dome configuration.
Tigirlily Gold will host record-signing event at Fargo Walmart
FARGO — Country duo Tigirlyly Gold will sign copies of their new album, “Country & Midwestern” Friday at the South Fargo Walmart, 3757 55th Ave. S. The singing sisters, Kendra Olson and Krista Slaubaugh, will sign copies of the album from 5 to 7 p.m. They are promoting the new album and the singles “Something to Drink About,” “I Do or Die” and “70 and Neon” as well as the title track. The 16-track album is split in two, with a Country and Midwestern side.
Scare up some fun with these Halloween happenings
Don’t let the Christmas displays in some stores fool you — Halloween is the holiday at hand and there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season. Whether you want some family fun or you want to get your scream on and challenge your fear factor, there are plenty of opportunities in the area to embrace Halloween. Great Straw Maze, 2 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
RiverHaven invites community to celebrate 90 years of history for Moorhead landmark
MOORHEAD — Aaron Duma and 701 First Ave. N., Moorhead go way back. He started working at the Moorhead landmark in 2006 when it was the Broken Axe. He managed its next iteration as Usher’s House from 2008 until 2013. Usher’s closed in 2017 and two years later, Duma and his business partners opened RiverHaven Events Center there. Aaron Duma talks about the changes that RiverHaven Events Center has undergone over the years on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, in Moorhead. “I love this building. It's like my baby.
Luna Fargo hosts German wine and large game dinners
FARGO — Luna Fargo is preparing for two special event dinners in October. On Wednesday, Oct. 7, the restaurant hosts a German Wine Dinner with guest Amy Waller of The German Wine Collection, which imports the region's varieties. The dinner starts at 6 p.m. with a cheese social, followed by Alp blossom and weisswurst made of delicata squash, black walnuts, pickle relish and sheep’s milk cheese crema. Walleye dumplings, roasted pork belly and seared duck breast will also be served.
Madd Frank returns with Fargo Theatre screening of 'The Little Shop of Horrors'
It’s been nearly a year since Del Dvoracek passed away, along with his alter-ego, “spooky movie” auteur, Madd Frank. You can hear the late night TV host’s cackle again this Sunday at the Fargo Theatre. The Theatre will screen Roger Corman’s original 1960 low-budget cult classic, “The Little Shop of Horrors,” as well as remastered, vintage “Madd Frank Presents” clips. The movie is noted for being one of Jack Nicholson’s earliest film roles, playing a masochist dental patient.
Fargo artist gets community to create art for family bike trails
FARGO — There’s a lot of work going on along South River Road in Fargo as crews work on a flood reduction project south of the Water Treatment Plant. Just over the earthen dikes, on the river side, there’s another project unfolding in fields and groves of trees. Along the All American Trail North, pieces of art have been left out on display for those who travel the 2 ½-mile route from Dike East to Lindenwood Park. The art was created by community members and trail-maker Pat Crary.
Harvesting your fall veggies Original
All the hard work and worry you put into your vegetable garden comes to fruition in fall. In this episode, Don and John go over the basics of harvesting and storing your fall veggies. Plus, they go over some of the science behind fall colors.
FM Symphony Orchestra's all-American concert captures different experiences
FARGO — When the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra decided it wanted to open its 95th season with a nod to America’s 250th anniversary, it had an array of American composers to choose from. Aaron Copland. Charles Ives. Leonard Bernstein. George Gershwin. Samuel Barber. It chose Barber, but not the piece you’re thinking of. It also chose the lesser known Howard Hanson and the contemporary Carlos Simon.
FM Symphony's American-made Masterworks concert opens its new season
The Fargo-Moorhead Symphony orchestra will open its new season with a program of American composers, a nod to the 250th anniversary of the country. The show kicks off with the regional premiere of Carlos Simon’s “Four Black American Dances.” The composer implements different music — classical, gospel, jazz and pop — to evoke dance traditions — the ring shout, waltz, tap dance and holy dance.
It's mums' time to shine Original
Your petunias are probably looking a little worse for wear right now, but enter any garden center and the mums are hitting their peak. In this episode, Don and John go over the basics of buying and caring for mums and other autumn bloomers.
Pop-up exhibit shows creativity, controversy of late Fargo artist Modern Man's work
FARGO — Nineteen months after his death, a collection of Modern Man’s art has resurfaced in a month-long pop-up gallery. It’s the biggest public display of the late artist’s work in over a decade and includes some of his best known, most notorious and earliest pieces. The show is open Fridays from 5 to 9.p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the end of September at 618 Second Ave., N., Fargo, the site of the former Bottle Barn.
Wild Terra hosts annual Fall Vintage Market
FARGO — Wild Terra in Fargo hosts its 9th Annual Fall Vintage Market from noon to 5 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 20. The event brings together more than 30 vintage and retro vendors from around the Midwest, selling clothes, accessories, furniture, decor, albums, art and more. Food trucks available and a variety of beverages will also be available. For more information go to wildterra.co .
West Fargo celebrates with a parade, car show, family fun and Hairball
West Fest keeps on rolling, celebrating West Fargo pride citywide through Saturday. Things fire up again Thursday with the last West Fargo Cruise Night. See hundreds of classic cars line Sheyenne Street downtown from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday - Saturday Kiss tribute band Hairball performs Friday in West Fargo. Turn up the volume at The Lights when Hairball takes the MIDCO Stage at Essentia Health Plaza from 7 to 11:30 p.m. Tickets are $35.
How a Horace native found peace through a Norwegian reality TV show
FARGO — As a graphic designer, Jeffrey Johnson knows how to make a point combining text, imagery and color. To tell the story of his own life, however, he put pen to paper to write his memoir.
In first local show in years, Fargodome gets the best of Foo
FARGO -- When it comes to rock ‘n’ roll, often the best approach to a long, successful career is, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. It’s worked for Foo Fighters for 32 years. The Foo Fighters perform during their Take Cover Tour stop on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at the Fargodome. The lineup has changed over the years, but the mix of rock hooks, punk energy and heavy metal howling remains the same.
'Dakota Spotlight' podcast adapted for film documentary
BISMARCK, N.D. — On Aug. 2, 1994, Michele “Shelly” Julson dropped her 3-year-old son off with his paternal grandfather in Bismarck, North Dakota and went to go get her paycheck. The 26-year-old never picked up her check, never picked up her son and was never seen again. Michele 'Shelly' Julson grew up in Center, North Dakota. She was the daughter of Wesley and Linda Julson. She has not been seen or heard from since Aug. 2, 1994.
'Dakota Spotlight' podcast adapted for film documentary
BISMARCK, N.D. — On Aug. 2, 1994, Michele “Shelly” Julson dropped her 3-year-old son off with his paternal grandfather in Bismarck, North Dakota and went to go get her paycheck. The 26-year-old never picked up her check, never picked up her son and was never seen again. Michele 'Shelly' Julson grew up in Center, North Dakota. She was the daughter of Wesley and Linda Julson. She has not been seen or heard from since Aug. 2, 1994. She was never found.
Foo Fighters tune up for long-awaited Fargo return
After 29 years, Foo Fighters is finally returning to Fargo Saturday night for its Fargodome debut. In the years since, the group, fronted by singer/guitarist Dave Grohl, has become the biggest American rock band and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021.
Fall for autumn with these fun, family-friendly activities
FARGO — Embrace the change of seasons. Get out and enjoy some autumnal family-friendly activities and check out these upcoming events. Sept. 11 through Oct. 31 Red River Valley Fairgrounds Lost in the Valley returns Sept. 11 to the Red River Valley Fairgrounds. Corn maze, pumpkin patch and variety of family activities as well a special nights for Dazed in the Maze and Movies in the Maze. $10 - $25. redrivervalleyfair.com Saturday, Sept. 12 Anne Carlsen, 4152 30th Ave.
Solving the mystery of a wounded tree Original
With the hot, dry summer, you might see trees showing signs of distress, like yellowing leaves. How do you sleuth out a possible culprit? In this episode, Don and John go over some of the more common distress signals your tree might give you along with some ways to try to heal it.
Moorhead visual artists represent at the Minnesota State Fair
MOORHEAD — Three Moorhead artists are celebrating having works selected for the Minnesota State Fair 2026 fine arts competition in St. Paul. Concordia College art professor Chris Mortensen won a green ribbon for his photo. Concordia College junior Lydia Holmgren’s drawing “Choose to See” was selected in the drawing/pastel category. Minnesota State University Moorhead junior Lexi Hills’ photo “Remembrance” was also selected. Artist Lexi Hills poses with her photograph at the Minnesota State Fair.
Moorhead to show its colors with Greater Moorhead Days
Moorhead is a town in transition. While some businesses have closed, the new public library is open and the 11th Street underpass project is nearing completion. The city puts its best food forward over the next 10 days for Greater Moorhead Days. Thursday through Sept. 12 Ximena Cardenas (center) dances as part of the La Unica Mexican Market float in the Greater Moorhead Days Parade on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, along 20th Street South. Things get rolling Thursday with the monthly Moorhead Cruise Night.
Country star Brad Paisley plays to the fans with Scheels show
FARGO — They say you shouldn’t meet your idols, but if you bump into Brad Paisley, go ahead and say ‘Hi.” One of the nice guys in country music, the singer/guitarist emphasized the good in good ol’ boy Wednesday night at Scheels Arena. Brad Paisley performs on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, at the Scheels Arena in Fargo. The star packed 20 tunes into an 80-minute set, which is no small feat considering he had some lengthy interactions with fans.
Moorhead artist recalls playing with Brad Paisley at WE Fest
DETROIT LAKES, Minn. — When Brad Paisley plays Scheels Arena on Wednesday, it will be the first time the country star has played Fargo in 24 years. The singer/guitarist played Grand Forks three times between 2005 and 2010 and WE Fest four times, most recently in 2023. If you go What: Brad Paisley When: 7 p.m., Wednesday Where: Scheels Arena, Fargo Info: Tickets from $60 to $154, scheelsarena.com But it was the country star’s WE Fest 2014 performance that is most memorable for Moorhead’s Dan Brekke.
What to do with your drought-stricken lawn Original
Take a walk down any street in our region and it's as plain as day: this dry summer was rough on our lawns. But where do we go from here? In this episode, Don and John go over the steps you can take to bring your lawn back, starting with a little TLC this fall.
As country fest returns to The Lights, promoter looks to expand bookings to other stages
WEST FARGO — Buckaroo is back. The two-day country music festival returns to Essentia Health Plaza at The Lights Friday and Saturday with sets from Old Crow Medicine Show, Sawyer Brown, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, Phil Vassar and more. Lance Johnson and Jared Bye smile together during a Brantley Gilbert concert on Saturday, June 26, 2026, at The Lights in West Fargo.
Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome hosting concert to celebrate 20 years of music
A lot of acts have come and gone in the last 20 years in the Fargo-Moorhead music scene, but the beat goes on for Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome. The horn-based band celebrates its 20th birthday this Friday the only way it knows how — by getting down with a mix of pop, rock, R & B, soul and, of course, the funk. Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome Friday Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome will play Friday night at TAK Music Venue.
After years apart, Brad Ryan and Grandma Joy reconnected by visiting every national park
EDITOR'S NOTE: If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or is in crisis, help can be found by calling or texting 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or by texting “HOME” to 741-741. LGBTQ+ youth can reach The Trevor Project's Crisis Support Hotline by calling 1-866-488-7386 or by texting “START” to 678-678. FARGO — Sometimes a walk can clear your mind and give you a new perspective. Sometimes going on a walk with someone else helps clear the air and repairs a relationship.
Late-season digging and dividing your irises and peonies
The season is winding down, and as you wait for those late-season veggies to come in finish up you can do a little planning to divide some perennials. In this episode, Don and John go over the fundamentals for digging and dividing your irises and peonies, which is best done in late summer and early fall.
Tom Brosseau, Prairie Public to end 'Great American Folk Show' Original
GRAND FORKS, N.D. — After six years, around 1,000 guests and countless miles criss-crossing North Dakota, Tom Brosseau is wrapping up his public radio program, “Great American Folk Show.” The final show will air on Prairie Public Radio at 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29. It will be the 182nd episode of the program. The Grand Forks-based singer/songwriter paired interviews and recordings of North Dakota artists and personalities with nationally known friends, including John C.
Bob Korum, last surviving member of legendary band, The Shadows, has died
FARGO — Bob Korum, the last surviving member of The Shadows, the influential Fargo rock band, has died. The band played the fateful Moorhead Armory show that Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson died trying to reach. The 86-year-old Korum passed away on July 16 in Fargo. Robert “Bob” Korum, the drummer for Bobby Vee and The Shadows, and the last surviving member of the original Shadows, died July 16, 2026 at age 86 in Fargo, ND. According to his nephew, Dan J.
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