Tag Archives: Studio 222

Storytelling gains a new platform: Q&A with founder of ‘The Tell’

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Charly Haley, MSUM Multimedia Journalism

Laura Egland, founder of ‘The Tell,’ speaks at the first event, ‘Fear.’

FARGO, N.D. – While a project out of New York City may have sparked Laura Egland’s recent creative venture, stories and people from Fargo-Moorhead are what cultivated her inspiration.

The 39-year-old Fargo resident knows that people have stories to tell. She also knows that others will listen. A few months ago, Egland came up with a way to bring those people together and give them an outlet.

She started “The Tell,” a monthly story slam in October at Studio 222 at 222 Broadway in downtown Fargo.

The day after the November event, Egland told the story of “The Tell” to “Doing it Downtown.”

DoingitDT: Tell me about ‘The Tell,’ and how you came up with the idea.

Jacinta Thieschafer won the first ‘Tell’ with her story ‘Slice on slice.’

Egland: All right, well, do you want the long story or the short story?

Whatever you feel like.

Well, I’m feeling pretty wordy. So, about four or five years ago I got my first iPod Touch, and with that came with what I felt was a responsibility to start downloading podcasts even though I had no idea what a podcast was or what was good or even what was popular. So I cruised through the iTunes store and I found a logo that I liked and it was for “The Moth.” So I started downloading those and within, I would say, about two sessions of them I was hooked. “The Moth” is a story slam out of New York City and the sole inspiration for “The Tell.”

So, you could call it a rip-off if you want, that’s fine, but that’s exactly what I did. And I liken it to as a human being, you know, what a baby looks like, you know how to make one, just about anybody can get one by one means or another, but we all want our own, and that’s exactly how this happened. I saw “The Moth” as their baby, and I wanted to create my own. So I very purposely went about not learning anything about story slams because I wanted it to be very organic and I wanted it to come from a place of true learning, which to me involves mistakes.

Mark Anderson tells ‘Fear of public speaking.’

So the only background that I have in story slams or story competitions is listening to “The Moth.” That’s it. And I found myself so very inspired, and feeling so connected to people who, based on their names and knowing what part of the country they’re from and what sort of occupations they hold, thinking that I would have nothing in common with them to feeling this unbelievable connectivity with someone whose face I couldn’t even see. It was profound for me. So I wanted to bring that to Fargo.

We have such a great music scene. We have a great theater scene; we have a great bar scene. We have all kinds of great scenes, but we didn’t have a story scene that I knew about or that appealed to me. There are some really fantastic poetry groups in town, but that doesn’t appeal to me. Not everything is for everybody, like not everybody likes rap music, it’s that kind of idea. So to bring another way for us to connect as a community is really my sole purpose for bringing “The Tell” to Fargo.

There have been two events so far, right?

Maria Bosak tells her story, ‘Sixteen.’

There are six events in the season. The season runs from October to April, and this is the first season. We’re skipping December, and a finalist is chosen by a panel of judges from each event and all five finalists will go on to the Tell-Off in April.

How has it been going so far?

The first one was great. The second one was fan-f—ing-tastic. It was really great. For the first one, I would say 80 percent of people were my friends and people that I know on Facebook, and from last night, we did the math, and I knew 25 percent of the audience. And that’s what we want, right? I love it when my friends come to my stuff, love it. But I wanted to reach people that I otherwise would have really no knowledge of their existence. So we had a great gamut of ages; we had a great gamut of socio-economical happenings and it made me happy, happy, happy. And everybody had a good time. It was perfect.

So, the first one was ‘Fear,’ and the second one was about accidents?

Lawrence Vanderbush tells ‘Don’t believe them.’

It was “Whoops” and yes. In January it will be “First Time for Everything.” So how the night goes is, doors open at 6:30; you come in; you pay your five bucks, and there’s a cash bar for those of legal ages for wine and beer. And you stake out your seat, and if you want a chance to tell you fill out a media release, and you put it in the hat, and we pull 10 names out of the hat, one at a time, throughout the evening. And those people will get up and tell.

They have a five-minute time limit with a 60-second grace period, and as long as it fits within the theme and it’s an original story – it needs to be a first-hand, true experience – then you’re well within the rules. The panel of judges is comprised of three people, and they grade based on whether or not it’s really a story, like does it follow the arch, does it have a beginning, a middle and an end? Is it compelling? Does it engage the audience? And how was the connection? Was the connection there?

Who are the judges?

It varies. I have different ones every time. Usually my friends or just people that I know.

So I pretty much understand what ‘The Tell’ is all about, but what do you do, outside of ‘The Tell?’

Hannah Andring tells ‘Gym class.’

By day I’m an office manager for a janitorial company, and then I have my own company on the side – I do work as a psychic. The psychic medium, specifically, and I have a company called Vision Architect, where I work with companies and couples and small businesses to get their vision out on paper so that they actually have a list of their values. It’s very value-based.

Do you have anything else you’d like to add about ‘The Tell?’

BIll Lucas tells his story for ‘Fear.’

The thing about “The Tell,” and about storytelling in particular, is that people don’t want to speak in public. I hear that over and over again, ‘I’d never get up, I’d never get up.’ But so far both of our winners for each event have came in thinking they weren’t going to tell, and then halfway through were inspired to get up and tell a story that they had not prepared, and yet they won. So “The Tell” and storytelling are about inspiration. It’s about showing your own vulnerability, combined with your own greatness, and giving somebody else permission to do the same. That’s what we do.

To listen to audio from October’s Tell, “Fear,” click here.

Schedule for the rest of ‘The Tell’ season:

Jan. 9: “First Time for Everything”

Feb. 6: “Love”

March 7: “Ingenuity”

April 4: Winners compete in “The Tell-Off”

All events: 7 p.m., Studio 222 in downtown Fargo, $5

For more information: thetellfargo.blogspot.com and Facebook.com/TheTellFargo

Photos by Frozen Music Studios Photography, courtesy of Laura Egland

Downtown Bathroom Guide: Men’s Edition

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Photos and illustrations by Zach Kobrinsky

Whether you’re out shopping during the day or bar hopping at night, you may find yourself subject to one of our most basic and necessary human needs: the need to relieve yourself. If you’re looking for a spot to go number one, two, or even three, I offer this downtown bathroom guide in the hopes that you might find the right bathroom to serve your needs. I was unable to investigate the downtown women’s bathrooms for obvious ethical reasons, but should you be a male in need of relief, may this guide point you in the right direction.

Day bathrooms (numbers correspond to map, not to actual rank)

#1: Pita Pit (206 Broadway N)

There’s nothing horribly wrong with Pita Pit’s bathroom, but rather it’s quite plain. Functionality is the key word for this stop. It’s a one man, one toilet scenario, and by toilet I mean a multi-functional toilet. No urinals, just the old fashion john like you might find in your home. It smells quite nice, or at least it did at the time I was there. Other than that, it’s pretty boring. If you can help it, there are far more interesting and comfortable bathrooms to make in. At least the old Pita Pit’s there for you in a pinch, and the staff aren’t likely to harass you if you’re not a customer. Just walk really fast straight to the back of the establishment like you own the place.

Grade: C

#2: Atomic Coffee / Studio 222 / Spider and Company (222 Broadway N)

There is an absolute world of difference between the Pita Pit and 222’s bathroom. For one, you won’t have to hang your head in shame as you leave the bathroom without buying anything, although purchasing a double shot latte from Atomic Coffee might expedite your restroom duration. There is a public hallway, with Atomic on the left, where you will find this soiling sanctum. It has cozy, warm colors, and a general comfortable feel to it. And while I normally don’t particularly enjoy being advertised to, the collection of flyers on the walls makes for good reading material, even if they’re out of date. Decorum and comfort level aside, however, it has the same basic amenities (single stall multi-purpose toilet and sink) as Pita Pit, albeit in a more stylish setting. It may also serve you to know that the ventilation fan was out of order at the time of my investigation.
Grade: B+

Erbert & Gerbert's

#3: Erbert & Gerbert’s (300 Broadway N)

Having investigated a significant number of downtown bathrooms, a pattern begins to emerge: franchise bathrooms lack character. I will say that Erb’s and Gerb’s bathroom has more character than a Walmart bathroom, but it remains pretty sterile nonetheless. In a positive light, however, their bathroom is immaculate, and spacious to boot. This is also the first stop on the list that accommodates multiple patrons at a time. It has two urinals and two stalls (one of them handicap accessible). There is a partition between the urinals, which bodes well for urinal users that are perhaps a little self-conscious. Urinal partitions can make or break whether or not you use a urinal at all, for some. If you’re not a customer, make sure you go in the Kilbourne building entrance, and then through the Erb’s and Gerb’s side door. The staff won’t even notice you slip in and out without buying anything.
Grade: B-

Public Library

 

#4: The Downtown Public Library (209 3rd St. N)
Although it may be on the outskirts of what is typically considered the downtown area, this bathroom is well worth the trip if you can muster the wait. It’s about as spacious as downtown bathrooms get, which is kind of liberating. It has two urinals and two stalls, one of them handicap accessible. The urinals have partitions, and even drip mats to prevent any mishaps from ending up on your shoes. For the father on the go, there is a diaper changing station, complete with stainless steel veneer. The best part of the library’s bathroom is that it has wi-fi. If you have your laptop on you, you can cruise the web while you take care of business. And when you’re done and have washed your hands (assuming you do wash your hands), you have a choice between hand towels or air-drying. You can go green with the air dryer to save on paper, or you can save time by giving your hands a quick wipe. Its only pitfall is that it has kind of a corporate, impersonal feel to it.
Grade: B

Sidestreet Upstairs Bathroom

#5: The Sidestreet / Howard Johnson (301 3rd Ave N)
Time of day is a key factor in determining the worth of the Sidestreet bathrooms. During the day they can be quite pleasant. Upstairs, in the hallway between the bar and the hotel, you will find a one-person setup, although this lock-in bathroom has both classic toilet and urinal. Should you and your buddy decide to go simultaneously, the accommodations permit it if that’s what you’re into. It has a granite-top sink and burgundy walls, which significantly add character. A peculiar point of interest is that the ventilation fan has been inexplicably removed from the wall entirely. In the late hours, the missing fan may contribute to the horrendous odor that accrues. During bar hours, I typically forgo the men’s bathroom entirely and opt to use the women’s. It’s a lock-in private bathroom, don’t worry. No one’s privacy is being invaded in the process.
Grade: B-

Sidestreet Basement

In the basement on the hotel side, you will find a very different type of bathroom indeed. It has two toilets and no urinals. One of the toilets has a disconcerting permanent stain inside the bowl. It seems clean enough, or at least as clean as it can be. It seems to have suffered the wear and tear of many flushes, and there’s only so much industrial cleaners can do. If the face value of this bathroom makes you apprehensive, there are dispensable toilet seat covers available.
Grade: C-

There is yet another bathroom on the premises, but it is regarded as a privileged secret. It is clean, private and secluded. If I were to disclose the whereabouts of this bathroom, it would cease to be all those things.

Night bathrooms

I must preface the night bathroom section by pointing out that you must reduce your expectations of quality when dealing with bar bathrooms. I’ve already pointed out the disparity between day and night trips to Sidestreet bathrooms. Basically, smell and cleanliness are expected to degrade a notch between the hours of 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. Keep that in mind.

Dempsey's Main Floor

#6: Dempsey’s / The Aquarium (226 Broadway N)

The main floor of Dempsey’s has quite recently undergone some serious renovations in their bathrooms. The walls are adorned with granite tiling, which is not a cheap undertaking. It has two urinals with a partition, and a single toilet stall. What’s remarkable about the stall is that it has an actual door, as opposed to your typical metal rectangle and latch. There could be 500 people in the bar and you would still feel completely comfortable and secluded in this stall. A full-on door adds significantly to this bathroom’s quality.

Grade: B+

The Aquarium

The upstairs of Dempsey’s is a different world entirely. The Aquarium is one of the premier venues for both traveling and local musicians alike, and you can find evidence of this in the bathroom. Although some of the graffiti can be both lewd and crude, it also touts band stickers and logos from across the nation. Minnesota’s White Iron Band has made its mark prominently on the hand towel dispenser, for example. However, these bathrooms can get significantly grosser than other bar bathrooms throughout the course of an evening. But again, that is to be expected. There is a direct correlation between the amount of traffic a bar gets and the cleanliness of its bathrooms. Late night cleanliness aside, the artwork and graffiti make The Aquarium’s bathroom an unforgettable experience… in a good way.
Grade: B-


HoDo

#7: The Hotel Donaldson Lounge (101 Broadway N)
The HoDo has the best bathroom in all of downtown Fargo, hands down. I doubt anyone would dispute this claim. It’s clean, classy and elegant. It wouldn’t seem out of place for a bathroom attendant to reside their, although those guys are kind of creepy, and they’re probably better off without one. Like the rest of the HoDo, the bathroom has all original artwork. You can also solicit your wares or get informed on upcoming events via the flyer wall near the exit. This bathroom also has some kind of magical ability to stay clean and fresh-smelling, regardless of time of day. Ultimately, though, what truly makes the HoDo’s bathroom great is quality toilet paper. Very few establishments will go beyond the single-ply, but the HoDo has made it clear that it cares about its patrons by means of soft, quality T.P.
Grade: A+

Monte's

#8: Monte’s (220 Broadway N)

Monte’s is one of the closest contenders to the HoDo. It’s a single-person lock-in bathroom, but Monte’s doesn’t really need to accommodate more than that. Their traffic is significantly less than some of the other locations listed, so a bigger bathroom isn’t really necessary. Monte’s bathroom needs no bells and whistles. It stands strong by simply providing the basics, and providing them well.

The general feel of Monte’s is just comfortable. What more can you really ask for in a bathroom other than comfort? You could ask for quality T.P., but the HoDo has cornered the market on that. I was a little perplexed by the random chair sitting in the corner, but then it occurred to me that this likely serves as a changing table for single dads. A changing table the HoDo does not have, I’m afraid.
Grade: A-


The Empire

#9: Empire Tavern (424 Broadway N)
Now we begin to delve into an entirely different type of bathroom altogether: the dive bar bathroom. Dive bars are a very different kind of monster — monster being the operative word. The Empire has two urinals (no partition) and one toilet stall (handicap accessible). When choosing one of the two urinals, the issue is not if you’re comfortable urinating next to a stranger with no partition. Rather, the issue is whether or not you want random bar-goers to potentially see your business. Should you choose the urinal on the right, not only will anyone who walks in get a clear view, but under the right circumstances, a few lucky folks in the bar may just get to see the full monty. The conditions are what you might typically expect from a dive — nothing to write home about. However, it serves its function. Just keep in mind that if you’re not entirely comfortable in your skin, choose the urinal on the left if you can help it.
Grade: C

The Bismarck

#10: The Bismarck (522 Broadway N)
The Bismarck bathroom is probably the smallest bar bathroom yet addressed. It has two urinals, no partition, and one toilet stall. The problem with the toilet stall is that there is no door whatsoever. Should you choose to go number two, you will be on full display for anyone who might peak around the wall. There is no mirror above the urinals, however, so at least anyone utilizing a urinal won’t catch you in the reflection. There is a mirror near the door, but it’s distorted to the point where you almost feel like you’re in a circus fun house by using it.
Grade: D

The VFW

#11: The VFW (202 Broadway N)
For its age, the VFW bathroom is in reasonable condition. It’s kind of gross regardless of what time a day you use it, but not to the point where it’s too repulsive to use. It has two urinals and a toilet stall. There is no urinal partition, which I find is normally no big deal. However, these urinals are so close together that you’re literally going to be rubbing elbows with your neighbor. Like the library, the VFW offers a choice between hand towel or air drying, which is nice. I prefer hand towels, personally. There’s a spot on the wall near the mirror that looks like it may have been subjected to a drunken telephone conversation with a girlfriend gone horribly wrong. There a couple dents in the dry wall that appear to have been created by a fist or two. All things considered, though, its semi-dilapidated state almost gives it charm.
Grade: C



A ride along with Bicycle Rodeo to Studio 222

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Studio 222 in downtown Fargo hosted a special show on Oct 2. Bicycle Rodeo, a folk rock band, gave their first live performance together after a year’s break from the local music scene.

The band was formed about a month ago when ex-members of the band Forgotten Voices decided to start playing shows together under a new name. “Forgotten Voices stopped playing in July of 2009 and we had not played since then and now we’ve decided to come back as Bicycle Rodeo” says Roy Haberstick, who plays upright bass for the band.

Lifelong friendship leads to a successful band

“As a band we like to play several genres but you can tag us to folk rock, bluegrass, and country” says Benjamin Mahowald, who sings in the band. The band consists of five members namely, Benjamin Mahowald (vocals, guitar and banjo), Roy Haberstick (bass), Dustin Matte (guitar, mandolin), Madison Karan (violin) and Ryan Worthley (percussion).

Mahowald, Haberstick and Mattke are originally from Huron, S.D. and grew up together. “Our parents were family friends and we were friends growing up, later Ryan saw us playing a show together and we didn’t have a drummer and he later decided to play drums for us” says Mattke, who also plays slide guitar and mandolin in some of their songs.

Karan originally from Alexandria, is an aspiring thespian who also sings and plays with several other bands. Worthley comes from White Bear Lake, Minn.

Creative instruments lead to a unique sound

The band incorporates different stringed instruments to create a wide variety of tones that go together with thoughtful lyrics. The members are multitalented and often include different instruments like banjo, slide guitar and mandolin in their songs.

The show at Studio 222, downtown Fargo was their first act together as Bicycle Rodeo. Dive 95.9, a local F-M radio station, sponsored the event. “This is our second time organizing a show at this venue but we are trying to do it more often” says Kelsey Hedman, a volunteer for the radio station. Del Barber a folk artist from Winnipeg was the headliner for the event.

Musical inspiration comes from everywhere.

The band members share a common love for soccer, riding bicycles and playing at shows in the venues in the region. Musical influences of Credence Clearwater Revival, Beatles, Simon and Garfunkle, Willie Nelson, Johny Cash and similar bands from the late ‘60s resonate in their beautiful compositions.

“We are often inspired by our friends and our community and we enjoy playing music together” says Haberstick. The band loves being around with their friends and fans and draws a lot of energy from the crowds that support them at the shows.

A promising future lies ahead

The band is working on a CD that has not been released yet but their songs are available online through Myspace. Mahowald, Haberstick and Mattke are all students from MSUM and Worthley is attending NDSU. This kind of an amalgamation of musicians from colleges around the region is nothing but good news to the thriving music scene in the area.

Live jazz at Studio 222

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Story and photos by Keiko Kimoto
MSUM mass communications major

The Simon Rowe Organ Trio, featuring trumpeter Tom Strait, plays at Studio 222 earlier this spring.


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Every Friday night The Simon Rowe Trio or The Simon Rowe Organ Trio brings live jazz to downtown Fargo. The show starts with an introduction of the members by Simon Rowe, who plays the piano and organ. Starting at 8 p.m., they bring the audience at Studio 222 two hours of live jazz.

Located at 222 Broadway in Fargo, Studio 222 is managed by the Spider and Company and can hold a maximum of 75 people comfortably seated at tables. It is located next to Atomic Coffee, which provides drinks at a bar in the back corner inside of the studio during the show.

The show costs $10 for adults and $5 for students. People who have dinner at The HoDo Restaurant, at 101 Broadway in Fargo, with a glass of wine or beer can get into the studio at half the price.

Studio 222 is at 222 Broadway in Fargo, next to Atomic Coffee.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Simon Rowe Trio and The Simon Rowe Organ Trio

At the moment, The Simon Rowe Trio consists of four members: Allen Carter (drums), Bill Law (bass), Nick Fryer (guitar) and Simon Rowe (piano and organ). They play as The Simon Rowe Trio — bass, drums and piano — and as The Simon Rowe Organ Trio — guitar, drums and organ. Each member is on the faculty at Minnesota State University Moorhead or North Dakota State University.

Simon Rowe, founder of the trios, has rich experiences in the music field. He is originally from Sydney, Australia, where he became involved with music.

“From the first moment I heard jazz, I was electrified,” Rowe said. “I felt ‘this is for me.’ I had no choice. I thought, ‘That’s what I’m doing.’ ”

Simon Rowe plays the organ in The Simon Rowe Organ Trio.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 16, Rowe had a chance to study trumpet, which is his first instrument, at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Huston, Texas. After high school, he went to Northwestern University in Chicago for a year and then returned to Australia and continued his education and playing trumpet professionally.

In his mid-20s, Rowe was back in the United States. He began studying trumpet with a well-known trumpet teacher. At the same time he started to play the piano. Eastern Illinois University offered him a scholarship to study piano, he took it and received an undergraduate degree there. He then moved to St. Louis and attained a master’s degree at Southern Illinois University.

“The real training at St. Louis was playing with a great saxophonist by the name of Willie Akins,” Rowe said.

After playing as one of the members of Akins’s group, Rowe founded his record label Catalyst Production. Although his label had five national releases starting with Akins’s record by the end of ’90s, it folded because the music industry was struggling at the time.

The Simon Rowe Organ Trio: Simon Rowe (organ), Allen Carter (drums) and Nick Fryer (guitar).


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rowe took a teaching job at EIU, and while there he formed The Simon Rowe Trio and played mainly in Indianapolis. In 2004 he took the position of assistant professor of music at MSUM and moved to Fargo. One year later, he started up the trio again and started playing downtown Fargo. They have played at The Hotel Donaldson for three years and moved their venue to Studio 222 in 2008. Now Rowe plays in two groups: The Simon Rowe Trio and The Simon Rowe Organ Trio.

Joseph Wallevand, one of the audience members, has been to the show many times. He said he loves the trios, especially when they feature local musicians of saxophone or trumpet.

“They are very plain musicians,” Wallevand said. “As far as the music is concerned, whatever they want to play I am going to enjoy it.”

The Simon Rowe Organ Trio plays on April 2 with Tom Strait (trumpet) and Russ Peterson (saxophone).




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


What’s the pull to downtown?

“I love to play,” Rowe said with a smile. “It’s a great fun. You can probably see that (when you come to the show.)”

He also said it’s vital for him as a musician to practice playing; that practicing keeps him growing and tests him to push himself to play better.

When Rowe came to Fargo, he could see the city was growing and thought growth would be a good opportunity to create and do what he does because it is a very receptive environment. Rowe believes live jazz is great for high school or college students because there aren’t many places younger people can come to hear live music.

“We try to involve students as much as we can,” Rowe said. “What we’re trying to do is create a little … jazz scene and do that by having people all ages and all different instruments.”

Simon Rowe introduces each song the trio plays.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With his jazz expertise, Rowe hopes he can provide people in the Fargo-Moorhead area a chance to listen to the kind of jazz that’s usually played in bigger cities.

“I want (live jazz) to help to make the activity in downtown Fargo really sophisticated and worthwhile,” Rowe said. “I want to help bring it here because it’s special. It would be special in Minneapolis, New York or Chicago, too, but it’s more special here because it’s the only venue. I feel very responsible for bringing that.”


Visit Studio 222 for more information.