First Frost | Roots and Reverberations - October 2025

First Frost | Roots and Reverberations - October 2025

Call of the Wild Poetry Podcast Produced by the Northern Lakes Arts Association in Ely, Minnesota — a place where all roads lead. The Call of the Wild Poetry Podcast celebrates the living arts ecosystem of the North. Each episode captures the voices of local poets, artists, and neighbors who gather each month to write, listen, and speak into the quiet beauty of this place we call home. In this October episode, we lean into the spirit of First Frost | Roots and Reverberations — exploring how creativity takes root in daily life, and how the echoes of our beginnings continue to shape the work we make. This evening features Ely artists Cecilia Rolando and John Kopp, each reflecting the deep connection between art, craft, and place that defines our community. Rolando’s visual and written work moves between color and silence, gesture and gratitude. Kopp’s writing invites listeners to consider belonging as a creative act — where words grow out of the same soil as the pines and lakes around us. Together, their voices remind us why the arts matter here: because they keep us connected, curious, and alive to the seasons of our own becoming.

Episode 2: Winter's Whispers

Step into the serene beauty of the Northwoods with the December edition of Call of the Wild. Recorded live at the Ely Folk School, this month’s episode explores the theme Winter’s Whispers, inviting listeners to reflect on the quiet introspection that comes with the stillness of the season. Featuring poetry from Sara Skelton, Joshua Forsman, Maggie Jesme, and more, these pieces capture the essence of winter in northern Minnesota — moments of solitude, the glow of memory, and dreams carried on the cold northern wind. Whether you’re listening by a crackling fire or wrapped in a cozy blanket, let the voices of our community bring you closer to the heart of winter’s beauty and mystery. New episodes of Call of the Wild are released monthly, showcasing live readings from our Call of the Wild poetry nights at the Ely Folk School in Ely, Minnesota.

Episode 1: Echoes of Autumn

Call of the Wild: Episode 1 - Echoes of Autumn Step into the heart of the Northwoods with Call of the Wild, a live poetry podcast from Ely, Minnesota, that celebrates the power of words and the beauty of nature. In our debut episode, Echoes of Autumn, we explore the changing seasons through poetry that captures the fleeting moments of fall in northern Minnesota. Recorded live at the Ely Folk School, this episode features local poets and readers sharing their reflections on life, aging, nature, and transformation. Each poem in this collection offers a unique perspective on the themes of transition and growth, making this a perfect listen for anyone who loves the blend of poetry and nature. Featured Poems and Readers: * "With Aging" by Cecilia Rolando (written and read by Cecilia Rolando) * "The Darkest Places of My Heart Hold The Most Fertile Soil" by Ian Francis Lah (written and read by Ian Francis Lah) * "The Loon" by Mary Oliver (read by Sara Skelton) * "Untitled" by Maggie Jesme (written and read by Maggie Jesme) * "Echoes of Autumn" by Lacey Squier (written and read by Lacey Squier) * "The Boy Voted Most Likely" by Kay Vandervort (written and read by Kay Vandervort) * "Dance of Transition" (featuring "Warmth Entices," "Sound Maker," and "Mystery Message") by John Kopp (written and read by John Kopp) Whether you're listening to Mary Oliver's classic "The Loon" or the heartfelt words of Ely’s local poets, this episode is filled with imagery and emotion that brings the season of autumn to life. Tune in to experience the magic of live poetry set against the backdrop of northern Minnesota. New episodes of Call of the Wild are released monthly, showcasing live performances from our Call of the Wild poetry nights at the Ely Folk School. If tonight’s poetry has resonated with you, we invite you to support the Call of the Wild series. You can sponsor a session and episode for just $50, or help us continue the entire season of events for $500. Your support ensures we can keep bringing the voices of the Northwoods to life. Visit our donation page at https://www.northernlakesarts.org/donate [https://www.northernlakesarts.org/donate] to learn more. Every contribution helps us share the power of poetry with our community.

Episode 0: Welcome to the Wilderness of Poetry

Podcast Description: Call of the Wild: Poetry from the Northwoods of Ely, Minnesota Welcome to Call of the Wild, a monthly poetry podcast from Northern Lakes Arts Association, hosted by Ian Francis Lah. Recorded live from the Ely Folk School, in the heart of the Northwoods, this podcast brings together the powerful voices of local poets from Ely, Minnesota. Each episode showcases live poetry readings that capture the wild beauty, personal stories, and community spirit of the North Country. Whether you're a poetry lover or curious listener, join us each month as we explore the wilderness of poetry and celebrate the art of spoken word. Tune in to experience the raw, unfiltered creativity of Ely’s poetry nights. Episode 1: Welcome to the Wilderness of Poetry In this debut episode of Call of the Wild, host Ian Francis Lah, Executive Artistic Director of Northern Lakes Arts Association, [https://www.northernlakesarts.org] introduces listeners to the purpose and vision behind this unique poetry podcast. Recorded live at the Ely Folk School in Ely, Minnesota, Call of the Wild showcases monthly poetry readings that reflect the natural beauty, community spirit, and creative voices of the Northwoods. Episode Highlights: * Introduction to Call of the Wild and its mission to bring local poetry to life. * Ian Francis Lah shares insights on the Northern Lakes Arts Association and its role in supporting the arts community in Ely, Minnesota. * A preview of upcoming episodes featuring live poetry performances from Ely’s monthly Call of the Wild poetry nights. Learn More: * Discover more about the Northern Lakes Arts Association and their community programs here. [https://www.northernlakesarts.org] * Follow Ian Francis Lah for updates on arts and culture in Ely, MN on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ian.lah/?hl=en] and Tik Tok [https://www.tiktok.com/@ian.francis.lah?_t=8q8bD8rFDLy&_r=1]. * Learn about classes and events at the Ely Folk School. [https://elyfolkschool.org] Support the Arts in Ely, MN: Support Northern Lakes Arts Association’s mission to bring accessible, high-quality arts experiences to the Northwoods. Consider donating to help us continue offering events like Call of the Wild. Every contribution helps keep the arts alive in our community. Support the Call of the Wild series by becoming an Event Sponsor with a $50 donation [https://www.northernlakesarts.org/donate], or elevate your impact by becoming the Season Sponsor with a $500 contribution [https://www.northernlakesarts.org/donate]. Your support helps us bring creative programming to the community and foster a thriving arts culture in the North Country.