Quote Me, Howie: Justin Wieck, Mark Labovitz, Roger Reinert, Tara Swenson

Bulldogs men's basketball coach Justin Wieck, who inked a four-year contract extension on Monday – "It's an honor to continue leading UMD men's basketball. We have achieved a great deal of success, and the best is yet to come. The true test of a successful program is one with great synergy from every angle, and I am proud of the entire program that we have built in Duluth. We are lined up and connected in all aspects and I am excited for the future. Thank you to Forrest and Chancellor Nies for continuing to push forward UMD Athletics and believing in our vision for success. Thank you to the fans, alums and donors who have helped position us to compete at a high level. Our program has been built by the hard work and dedication of our players, coaches, managers, and athletics staff. This University and the city of Duluth is a special place, attractive to our recruits and their families. A special thanks to my wife Laura and my entire family as all of our success is truly a family accomplishment. Our sights are set on winning a national championship and I look forward to the relentless pursuit of bringing that home to Duluth."

Business leader Mark Labovitz on George Goldfarb's amazing tenure at maurices – "George is a great person and just right to be leading maurices now. We connected yesterday and I told him I really liked his acknowledgement of mentors and of the dedication and outstanding culture of the maurices team. Felt like he was channeling my father Joel! Both maurices and Duluth are better because of George Goldfarb."

Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert on Goldfarb, a legendary local business leader and mentor – "Over his 40 years with maurices, George Goldfarb has been more than a leader — he’s been a driving force behind the company’s growth. His vision, dedication, and passion have shaped maurices into a national success while keeping its heart firmly rooted in the Northland. Further, George has been a pillar within the Twin Ports business community and a ready mentor for the next generation of civic-minded business leaders. Congratulations, George, on this incredible milestone and the lasting impact you’ve made."

4th District Duluth City Councilor Tara Swenson, congratulating Goldfarb – "Congratulations to George Goldfarb on an incredible 40 years at maurices. His leadership, dedication, and commitment to excellence have not only shaped maurices but have also made a lasting impact on Duluth and beyond. Under his guidance, maurices has grown as a business while staying deeply invested in our community — creating good-paying jobs, supporting economic growth, and giving back through initiatives that put 'people first.' From investing in Duluth to bringing fashion and opportunity to small communities, his leadership has helped turn challenges into triumphs. Thank you, George, for your contributions to our city and the region. Wishing you continued success and many more milestones."

DECC announces new show

The current cast members of the Emmy-nominated TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? are proud to present their new improv tour: WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY?, appearing live in concert at the DECC Symphony Hall on Saturday, September 13. 

WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? is 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions. Cast members Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, Ryan Stiles, and Joel Murray will leave you gasping with the very witty scenes they invent before your eyes. Audience participation is key to the show, so bring your suggestions and you might be asked to join the cast onstage. 

This particular style of improvisational comedy is rife with countless gags, one-liners, hilarious games and even songs so good you will hardly believe they were made up on the spot. The teamwork and trust that it takes to perform a show with no script is apparent, but when the best of the best do it, they do it effortlessly.

Watch them build entire scenes, characters, and storylines right before your eyes as they take you on a white-knuckle ride through endless chuckles. Ryan Stiles’ television credits include roles on “The Drew Carey Show” and “Two and a Half Men,” while Greg Proops has lent his vocal talents to animated characters in Star Wars: Episode 1, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Brother Bear.

However, both got their start as comedians and are excited to return to their funny-bone-tickling roots. Jeff B. Davis is also a highly experienced improv comedian and starred in the cult classic cartoon series, “Harmonquest.” He has also starred in “Drew Carey’s Green Screen Show” and “Improv-a-Ganza,” while gaining fame for his spot-on impressions of Christoper Walken, Keanu Reeves, and Jeff Goldblum. 

Joel Murray is the youngest of the nine Murray brothers, including Bill Murray, but has become a star in his own right. Though he has over 250 sitcom appearances, he is best known for his recurring roles like Freddy Rumsen on “Mad Men” and Eddie Jackson on “Shameless.” He has also appeared in One Crazy Summer, The Artist, Scrooged, and Bobcat Goldthwait’s God Bless America.. 

WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? showcases some of the improv games made famous on the long-running TV show as well as some exciting new ones, featuring musical direction by Bob Derkach. All ages welcome. 

Tickets are now on sale at Ticketmaster.com and in-person at the DECC’s AMSOIL Box Office.

Source: DECC press release