Kim Leon, producer of the annual Cabin Fever Reliever Variety Show and longtime volunteer at Two Harbors Community Radio, can’t quite recall if this is her third or fourth year at the helm, but her involvement with KTWH 99.5 FM stretches back even before it hit the airwaves.
“I supported it when it was an idea and they were looking to come up with the funding and the people to get it on air,” she said. “When it was up on the air, I convinced my kids to get on board with the youth program there, the high school show, and they did. I was involved as an outsider from the get-go.”
Two Harbors Community Radio, a non-profit organization, launched in 2015 as KTWH-LP, “Radio with a Lake View.” Broadcasting over 100 hours per week, it delivers diverse programming, local news, and community-driven content, all available both on the air and via streaming at KTWH.org.
KTWH’s mission, as stated on its website, is to “provide low-power, listener-supported radio to build community in the greater Two Harbors area through intergenerational grassroots participation.”
Leon’s initial connection deepened less than a year after her kids joined.
“Other people at the radio station roped me in, talked me into it, and it’s been about eight years that I’ve been on the air and involved in that level,” she said. “I’ve helped for all these years with planning events, which kind of led me to have enough knowledge to be the producer of it now. Over the years other people have done all the hard work to get these shows produced before me.”
The Cabin Fever Reliever Variety Show is KTWH’s largest annual fundraiser and an event the community eagerly anticipates.
“I’m excited,” she said. “I’m always excited. It’s always fun to come up with a whole new group of musicians.”
That enthusiasm is shared by attendees. The first Cabin Fever Reliever was a hit even before KTWH officially launched, as excitement about a community radio station-built momentum.
“The first one was really successful because people were excited about a radio station coming to town,” Leon said.
Originally held at Harbor Theater in Two Harbors, the event quickly outgrew its 60-seat venue. The tickets sold out and the organization ended up splitting the event into three shows over the weekend.
By its third year, Cabin Fever moved to Two Harbors High School, where it remains today. Only the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the tradition, forcing a skipped year followed by a virtual event featuring livestreamed performances and on-air pledges.
Now in its ninth live edition, Cabin Fever Reliever returns on Sunday, March 30th, from 3-5 PM at Two Harbors High School. The event now includes a Health & Wellness Expo in the school’s Great Hall from 1-3 PM, aiming to combat winter blues with resources on physical, mental, environmental, and community health.
A flyer for the event advises, “There are many different specific approaches to maintaining good health and well-being. We hope to present a variety of topics: mental health, physical fitness, healthy diets, aging well, healthy kids, hobbies that improve and maintain good health, and ways to sustain healthy communities. e.g. local public health programs.”
This is the second year that the event has featured an expo ahead of the show. Last year the organization held a “Native Nations” expo. Native performers and Native ally performers also performed music in the variety show.
Other past performers that have attended the Cabin Fever Reliever include Charlie Parr, Feeding Leroy, and the McCullough Brothers.
Although Parr won’t make this year’s show, his friend and mentee Jon Edwards will take the stage. Edwards, a Duluth blues musician, discovered his love for traditional blues at Harbor City International School. He’ll perform both during the main event and as pre-show entertainment in the Great Hall during the expo.
The variety show will open with a poetry by Shelley Getten, an artist and instructor whose poetry reading will align with the Health & Wellness theme.
Serving as Master of Ceremonies is Kaylee Matuszak, a singer-songwriter from Duluth who released her second album, Leading Lady, in June.
“The Matuszak name is kind of known in Duluth for being a dynamic family of entertainer people. Kaylee is no exception, she’s very talented,” said Leon.
Matuszak, part of the Berserk Blawndz duo alongside accordionist “Iron Range Safety Hazard” Steve Solkela, will also perform, joined by Twin Ports music icons Pete & Joe Anderson on baritone sax and drums.
“They’re clever hooligans drenched in Minnesota magic, dead set on bringing Midwestern mayhem and music to your eardrums,” warns the group’s promo. “Buckle up, Two Harbors!”
Leon advises that they will, as you may have already guessed, bring some comedy to the variety show along with their impressive talents.
A highly anticipated addition to the lineup is Hot Tamale Cosmos, an all-women ensemble featuring veteran Northland musicians.
“These women have performed in groups like Danny Frank and the Smoky Gold, Boss Mama and the Jebberhooch, Junkyard Mule, Feeding Leroy, and the Morris Park Singers,” according to the event’s website.
The band—Colleen ‘Boss Mama’ Myhre, Jocelyn Mickelsen, Jen Krussow, Erin Aldridge, and Sonja Martin—will perform originals as well as covers of Iris Dement, Bob Dylan, and Gillian Welch.
“They’re all just uber talented so I’m just really thrilled,” said Leon.
Closing out the night will be The Fish Heads, a Northland staple known for bluegrass, classic rock, and originals. The trio—Mike and Kim Monson with Paul Jones on steel guitar—is beloved for their energy and creative takes on familiar tunes.
“They’re not afraid to put their own spin on a well-known song,” advises a promo for the event. “Your toes will be tapping.”
Leon expressed gratitude for the community and the sponsors that help to support the Two Harbors Community Radio and the Cabin Fever Reliever Variety Show.
“KTWH really appreciates the community’s participation. We depend on the community and we hope the community can always depend on us,” she said.
Advance tickets are available at KTWH.org and at KTWH Studios in the Harbor Landing Building. Prices are $15 per ticket, $35 for a family pass, and $18 at the door on the day of the event.
Doors open at 1 PM for the Health & Wellness Expo, with free treats available before the show.
