It started with a phone call. After 14 years living in Minneapolis, Charity Benedict returned to where she grew up and later met her husband. “With remote work after Covid, we jumped on the path to move back to Duluth.”
The Central High grad saw all the new musical opportunities now in the area from Concerts on the Pier to expanded Music in the Park series. As a singer/songwriter herself, she started to brainstorm more unique venues.
“I wanted to find a really cool place that had never showcased local musicians and bring those two worlds together, vibe and energy,” says Benedict. The William A. Irvin, a historic freighter with bridge views, fit that bill.
That’s when she approached DECC Executive Director Dan Hartman about putting bands on the spar deck of the William A. Irvin.
“It’s a great idea and frankly, I’ve been hoping to use the Irvin as a venue, but just lacked the capacity to organize it. Charity worked with our staff and reached out to all the bands, found Pizza Luce as a sponsor and has been trying to secure some food trucks, too.”
Music on The Ship Details
. The event is free and located atop of the William A. Irvin. The Irvin, a historic freighter, is not handicap accessible
. Six Thursdays starting July 25 featuring a variety of genres (from jazz to hard rock to 80’s pop) performed by local musicians
July 25 – Charity & Nate / Eldri Snow and The Wintery Mix
August 1 – The Hot Club of Duluth
August 8 – Derecho
August 15 – Teague Alexy and The Common Thread
August 22 – Nvr Tgthr/ Sadkin
August 29 – Boss Mama / and the Sonja Martin Band
. Maximum of 140 people per show
. Family-friendly event featuring mocktails and other soft drinks (No alcohol sales)
. Bring your own chairs in bags ONLY
The William A. Irvin is a floating museum owned and operated by the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. – DECC press release
