Celebrate the NDDC’s 10th Birthday with Free Live Local Music at The Grand
On Saturday, Jan. 23, the Northfield Downtown Development Corporation (NDDC) will host its annual partnership celebration from 6 to 11 p.m. at The Grand Event Center. This year’s celebration highlights the renowned local music scene in Northfield, bringing to the stage performances by four area favorites: Scandium, Matt Arthur & the Bratlanders, Meredith Fierke, and TV & the Bellard Yellers. Partygoers will also enjoy hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, and a raffle featuring an array of prizes. There is no cover charge and everyone is invited to celebrate with the NDDC.
“This is our annual opportunity to acknowledge the NDDC’s accomplishments and publicly thank our many, many community partners,” says NDDC executive director Ross Currier. “This year’s event also kicks-off the NDDC’s tenth year dedicated to supporting and sustaining the vibrancy and vitality of historic downtown Northfield.”
The event begins at 6 p.m. with a performance by the Nordic folk music ensemble, Scandium; followed at 7:15 p.m. by Matt Arthur & the Bratlanders, known for their spirited melding of country, gospel, blues and rock. At 8:30 p.m., critically-acclaimed singer/songwriter Meredith Fierke takes the stage, with a not-to-be-missed set highlighting her hypnotic compositions and ethereal vocals. The top-notch line-up concludes with TV & the Bellard Yellers at 9:15 p.m., a recent addition to the Northfield music scene, featuring members of the very popular groovemasters, Mr. Sticky and Harmonic Voodoo.
“It’s a fantastic and eclectic mix of music that really reflects the amazing live music scene here in Northfield,” comments NDDC board member and event co-chair Jessica Paxton.
The celebration also features an opportunity to win one of many wonderful raffle prizes, including a $500 downtown shopping & dining spree, a hand-selected case of gourmet wines, framed original art, dinner for two and an overnight stay at The Archer House, copies of the sold-out Cities 97 Sampler Vol. 21 (featuring a live track by Meredith Fierke, the only Twin Cities’ artist included in this year’s sampler), and much more!
The NDDC was created in late 1999 and has been working since then for the cultural, economic, and social vitality of Northfield's downtown district. While in recent years the Northfield Economic Development Authority (EDA) has provided financial support for specific initiatives, the majority of the NDDC's support comes from individuals and businesses that recognize the importance of the downtown to the overall health of the Northfield community.
“We believe downtown Northfield is the heart and soul of this wonderful community. We also believe that ‘great downtowns don’t just happen.’ It takes the ongoing support and dedication of our citizens to keep downtown alive and thriving,” says Paxton. She adds, “This event is an opportunity for everyone to come down to this historic downtown landmark – hear some great music, have fun and enjoy themselves, and learn more about the NDDC and our efforts.”
Currier concurs, “The NDDC believes that downtown is for everyone. Whether you were born and raised here or moved here last month, whether you live in a historic neighborhood or a newer part of town, whether you love old buildings or prefer new music, we really hope to see you at The Grand on January 23.”
The Grand Event Center is located at 316 Washington Street in historic downtown Northfield. Visit their website at www.thegrandnorthfield.com. For more information about this event, contact NDDC Executive Director Ross Currier at (507) 663-0319 or rcurrier@nddc.org.
