Bradfest Memorial to celebrate, cultivate local musicians
TWO HARBORS - The Friends of Brad Memorial Foundation announces the first annual BradFest—a music festival to benefit young Minnesota musicians and honor the memory of Iron Range native Bradley E. Rozman.
BradFest will take place from August 13-14 at the Earthwood Inn in Two Harbors, MN. The festival will feature an exciting and eclectic mix of live music, belly dancing, and other entertainment. There will also be plenty of tasty local food, beer, and refreshments and a raffle and silent auction with an abundance of local products and crafts.
Confirmed BradFest performers (more coming!) include: Arcwelder, Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank, The Acceleratii, High Volt Rustler, Ray the Wolf, Acrylic, Burnsville City Limits, Red Label, The Sessionists, Meat Raffle Road, Rosebud Social, Spindrift, Deafman’s, Radio, Expressive Machines Musical Instruments, Terry Vermillion, and Zenith City Tribal.
All proceeds will benefit young MN musicians through the Friends of Brad Memorial Foundation. Tickets are available online at www.bradfest.org.
Who was Brad?
Brad Rozman was a talented local musician. He discovered a love for drumming at a young age and pursued this passion with vigor for the rest of his life. He studied percussion performance at St. Cloud State University and the University of Illinois— Champagne. In recent years, Brad was active in the Duluth area music scene, most notably as the drummer for the bands High Volt Rustler and Equal Xchange.
In May, 2009, Brad’s life was cut short when he died unexpectedly of a seizure. His drumming is immortalized in the bands’ newest record releases.
What is BradFest?
BradFest will celebrate the life of an extraordinary, beloved friend and family member and talented local musician with a fun-filled weekend of music. BradFest will be a showcase of local and regional talent, a homecoming for native Northern Minnesotan musicians and fans, and an opportunity to raise money to support local musicians— all while having a blast together on the beautiful North Shore of Lake Superior.
The First Annual Bradfest will please every musical palate with its incredibly diverse line-up of talented musicians and performers. Music will span the gamut from rock and folk to alternative country, rockabilly, robots and more. BradFest will also feature belly dancing, samba, and absurd interludes befitting Brad’s wacky and funloving spirit.
Who are the Friends of Brad Memorial Foundation?
The Friends of Brad Memorial Foundation is a nonprofit organization that seeks to honor Bradley E. Rozman’s memory by reaching out to support young Minnesota musicians. Brad believed in the power and importance of music in our lives and communities. Friends of Brad shares this belief and is committed to developing and improving opportunities for area musicians as a means of honoring Brad.
Preliminary initiatives include: an after school music program for Iron Range secondary school students; a visiting performer fund at St. Cloud State University; and a ‘bridge’ fellowship to assist young musicians in northern Minnesota as they transition between formal music training and the onset of a professional music career.
Festival details
The festival will run from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday. The Earthwood Inn is located at 933 Stanley Rd., one mile south of Two Harbors.
Tickets (online/at the gate):
Weekend pass (best value): $20.82/$22; Friday: $10.82/$13; Saturday: $15.82/$17; Children 12 and under: free.
Submitted by Melissa Maki of the Friends of
Brad Memorial Foundation.
