Our Mission

The North Shore Music Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to presenting and supporting musical arts and musicians in northeast Minnesota with a focus on entertainment, education and cultural enrichment.

Our Goals

Be a principal channel for musical arts performance and education in Cook County.

Seek accomplished national and international musicians to perform here in northeast Minnesota.

Support professional and amateur musicians, and encourage local and regional musicians.

Promote a variety of musicians and musical styles that offer a variety of musical experiences for people of all ages.

Provide opportunities for personal and interactive participation in music.

Our Objectives

Sponsor and produce a series of concerts, dances and workshops throughout the year.

Generate income to support our mission through a variety of methods, typically through ticket sales, grants, and donations.

Engage in partnerships at every opportunity, e.g. joint ventures with local entities.

Act as a musical arts consultant and a link between musicians and those seeking contact with them.

Use the Arrowhead Center for the Arts (ACA) as the primary venue for NSMA concerts.

Use volunteers effectively in the promotion and production of NSMA activities.

Board of Directors

Chel Anderson, Hovland - Chairperson

Chel is an ecologist with MN DNR. She has been a board member of NSMA since 1989, serving in a number of positions. She has extensive experience serving other non-profits, as well as NSMA.

Wayne Russ, Tofte - Vice Chairperson

Wayne has been a member of NSMA since its inception in 1986, and he was instrumental in assisting with the design and layout of the ACA. He is the driving force behind the annual Bluegrass Masters Weekend, a musician, and a wildlife biologist in the Forest Service.

Susan Lappi, Hovland - Treasurer

Susan retired as Vice President of Ecolab Inc. Global Purchasing and moved to Hovland in 2003. She joined the board in 2007 and has other non-profit board experience. Susan enjoys Lake Superior fishing, fiber artistry, gardening, and playing the piano.

Greg Tofte, Tofte

Greg is a life-long resident of Cook County. He has been a supporter of NSMA for many years and joined the NSMA board in 2006.

Cheryl Larsen, Grand Marais

Cheryl has lived in Cook County since 1977, with a hiatus in Anchorage, AK from 2002-10. Again residing in Grand Marais, she works as a paraprofessional sub at ISD-166 and Great Expectations School. Dance and musical experiences have richly enhanced her life.

Joe Mundell, Lutsen

Joe is a Timber Resource Assistant for the U.S. Forest Service and previously served as a Protected Areas Management volunteer in the Peace Corps. He enjoys attending local music events, snowboarding, playing hockey, and spending time with his wife, daughter, and two dogs.

Myron Bursheim, Grand Marais

Myron Bursheim, Grand Marais Myron is a retired teacher, principal, and curriculum administrator who served the Anoka Hennepin school district from 1965 to 1999. He was also the frontman for nationally touring band Robby Lynn and the Teens from 1958-62. He continues to share his musical talent by playing guitar and singing at areas churches and the Cook County Care Center.

Veronica Weadock, Grand Marais

Veronica moved to Grand Marais in 2006. She is active with WTIP, the North Shore Care Center, CarePartners, and the Norpine Trail Association. She enjoys canoe and kayak trips, cross-country skiing, dancing, and teaching with Superior Swing Dance.