Three Wednesday evenings. Three remarkable artists. Countless reasons to gather.

The North Shore Music Association, North House Folk School, and WTIP North Shore Community Radio are thrilled to announce the inaugural Dockside Sessions, a new series of free outdoor concerts taking place on the first three Wednesdays in August at 7:30 p.m. on the North House Folk School Commons overlooking the Grand Marais harbor.

The series will unfold on a timber frame stage built by North House Folk School students during a July course, adding another layer of community craftsmanship to the project. Like Dockside Sessions itself, the stage is the result of many hands working together to create something that will be shared by everyone.

Community members and visitors are invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket and settle in for an evening of outstanding live music in one of Minnesota’s most scenic settings. In the event of inclement weather, concerts will move indoors to Up Yonder.

Born from a shared vision between three community organizations, Dockside Sessions celebrates the best of summer on the North Shore: great music, gathering with neighbors, and the magic that happens when organizations bring their unique strengths together to create something none of them could accomplish alone."

Wednesday, August 5

Chastity Brown

Dockside Sessions opens with acclaimed Minneapolis singer-songwriter Chastity Brown, whose soulful blend of Americana, folk, blues, and roots music has earned national acclaim for its emotional depth and unmistakable voice.

Her most recent album, Sing To The Walls, explores themes of hope, healing, connection, and resilience. Brown’s expansive songwriting moves effortlessly between intimate reflection and powerful social commentary while remaining grounded in warmth and optimism. Her performances are deeply moving, pairing expressive vocals with rich musicianship that leaves audiences feeling both challenged and uplifted.

Wednesday, August 12

Molly Dean

The series continues with Minneapolis vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Molly Dean, whose music weaves together folk, indie, and singer-songwriter traditions into a sound that is both timeless and distinctly her own.

Her latest release, Interwoven, explores themes of connection, personal growth, and shared experience through graceful melodies, thoughtful songwriting, and elegant arrangements. Known for her versatility as both a solo artist and collaborator, Dean brings a warm, intimate stage presence that feels perfectly suited to an August evening on the harbor.

Wednesday, August 19

Bad Bad Hats

The inaugural Dockside Sessions concludes with Minneapolis indie-rock favorites Bad Bad Hats.

Founded by singer-songwriter Kerry Alexander and guitarist Chris Hoge, the band has spent more than a decade building a devoted following through irresistible melodies, sharp songwriting, and energetic live performances. Their self-produced fourth album, Bad Bad Hats, released in 2024 on Don Giovanni Records, showcases the duo’s signature mix of hook-filled indie rock, playful storytelling, and heartfelt musicianship. Having toured nationally alongside artists including Hippo Campus, The Beths, Michelle Branch, and The Front Bottoms, Bad Bad Hats brings an unforgettable finale to the inaugural Dockside Sessions.

Dockside Sessions is presented by the North Shore Music Association, North House Folk School, and WTIP North Shore Community Radio.

The series is made possible in part through support from the Cook County Community Fund, Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, Visit Cook County, Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation, and by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Dockside Sessions

• Wednesdays: August 5, 12 & 19

• 7:30 p.m.

• North House Folk School Commons

• Free and open to the public

• Bring a lawn chair or blanket

• Rain location: Up Yonder

For more information, visit: www.northshoremusicassociation.com