Key Takeaways
- The year 2025 saw a variety of notable events in the Red River Valley, including concerts, art exhibitions, and film screenings.
- Some of the top events included Sierra Ferrell’s concert at the UP District Festival Field, the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra’s season opening concert, and the Red River Valley Fair’s record-breaking attendance.
- The year also saw the closure of the Spirit Room, a cultural center that had been a staple in the community for over 25 years.
- Other notable events included the theatrical premiere of "AJ Goes to the Dog Park," a film made in Fargo, and the final bow of Michael Walling as artistic director of Trollwood Performing Arts School.
- The year also saw performances by notable comedians, including Louis CK and Theo Von, as well as the passing of local personality Madd Frank.
Introduction to 2025 Events
The year 2025 was a notable one for the Red River Valley, with a wide range of events taking place throughout the year. From concerts and art exhibitions to film screenings and theatrical performances, there was something for everyone. In this article, we will take a look at some of the top events of the year, including those that made headlines and those that may have flown under the radar.
Concerts and Music Events
One of the highlights of the year was the concert by Sierra Ferrell at the UP District Festival Field. Ferrell, an Americana singer, put on a mesmerizing show that was punctuated by her soliciting prayers for water bottles on a warm July night. The concert was a standout event in a year that saw a relatively quiet year for concerts at The Fargodome. However, other venues such as The Lights and Scheels Arena stepped up to fill the gap, hosting a number of notable shows. The Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra also had a notable year, starting its new season with a bang in September. The show opened with the premiere of Noir Concerto No. 1, which was written by Concordia College graduate Adam Hochstatter for his former teacher and saxophone soloist Russell Peterson.
Art Exhibitions and Openings
The year also saw a number of notable art exhibitions and openings. The Plains Art Museum’s retrospective of photographer Murray Lemley and sculptor/printmaker Catherine Esmond Mulligan’s show at the Rourke Art Gallery + Museum brought the artists back for their first major shows in years. The events also brought out dozens of old friends of the artists, making them a reunion of sorts. Lemley’s exhibit remains up through January 4, giving art lovers a chance to see his work. Another notable exhibition was the show by Catherine Esmond Mulligan at The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum, which featured her sculptures and prints.
Film Screenings and Theatrical Performances
The year saw a number of notable film screenings and theatrical performances. The Fargo Theatre hosted a number of events, including a screening of "The Breakfast Club" with Molly Ringwald in attendance. The theatre also hosted a screening of "The Outsiders" with C. Thomas Howell, as well as the theatrical premiere of "AJ Goes to the Dog Park," a film made in Fargo. The film’s premiere was interrupted by a 14-foot-tall Demon Lord Krogloch, who sat for a panel discussion. The film was later released on Blu-ray.
Closures and Final Bows
The year also saw the closure of the Spirit Room, a cultural center that had been a staple in the community for over 25 years. The space, which was located above Moonrise Cafe, held art exhibits, concerts, readings, discussions, as well as yoga and meditation classes. The closure was due to a decline in attendance, according to Executive Director Dawn Morgan. Another notable farewell was the final bow of Michael Walling as artistic director of Trollwood Performing Arts School. Walling had been with the school for 34 years and had seen the productions grow from the former stage at Trollwood Park to the Bluestem Amphitheater.
Comedy and Other Events
The year also saw a number of notable comedy performances, including a show by Louis CK at The Cellar at Front Street Taproom. The show was quietly announced and quickly sold out, with tickets going for $35. The year also saw performances by comedians Theo Von and Jeff Dunham, as well as the passing of local personality Madd Frank. Frank, who was known for his B-level horror movie host persona, had developed a strong regional following over the years. His death was met with an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow performers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the year 2025 was a notable one for the Red River Valley, with a wide range of events taking place throughout the year. From concerts and art exhibitions to film screenings and theatrical performances, there was something for everyone. The year also saw the closure of the Spirit Room and the final bow of Michael Walling as artistic director of Trollwood Performing Arts School. With so many notable events, it’s clear that the Red River Valley is a vibrant and thriving community with a rich cultural scene.
