Duluth deserves a high quality concert and events venue designed for artistic expression at the forefront. Co-founders Kristi Olson and Sabrina Wertman are making it happen!
The Parasol
The Parasol is a worker owned and operated Duluth-based concert and event venue that showcases local, regional, and national musicians of all genres, as well as theatre, dance, and other performance. The venue is dedicated to promoting artistic expression in diverse voices, uplifting emerging artists, welcoming both new and familiar artists, providing high caliber experiences to artists and patrons, and providing a space for artists and fans to build community.
Located in Duluth, Minnesota's Lincoln Park Craft District neighborhood, The Parasol will open early 2028 as a fully accessible, all-ages, 500-700 person capacity venue. You will be able to enjoy shows from our ground floor or get a higher view from the mezzanine. Drop your coat and bag with coat-check and head to concessions, which will offer a variety of beverages (both alcoholic and nonalcoholic) and delicious small bites.
The Parasol will be the mid-sized venue that Duluth is missing. It shall be a cultural hub built for and by the community. We launched this Crowdfundr because we want to create this vision with you from day one. By supporting The Parasol, you are funding a small, independent business. More importantly, you are helping establish a landmark gathering place for live artistry across upper Minnesota.
How Your Support Helps:
Every dollar raised through this campaign goes directly into creating the best possible experience for live artistry. The funds will support purchase and redevelopment of the building, accessible stage and loading dock, building a mezzanine for best back-of-the-room sightlines, installing a quiet elevator that won't interrupt the sound of silence, and top-tier audiovisual tech and acoustic treatment to ensure for a show that's unforgettable for all the right reasons. By backing this project, you help us create a venue designed for immersed artistic experiences.
Where is this building?The Parasol will be in Duluth's Lincoln Park Craft District just off the highway exit. We'll be right on the corner of 23rd Ave W and Superior St. (Two doors down from Duluth Cider.)
2301 W Superior St |  |
Here's what the building looks like now:
Here's the general vision we've got in mind:
- An atmosphere of artistry, whimsy, and community
- 500-700 person capacity
- Fully accessible audience and performer spaces
- Wraparound mezzanine with double stairways and elevator
- Acoustic absorption treatment
- Concessions offerings
- tasty small food items in an emotional support cup
- alcoholic beverages: beer, seltzer, wine, spirits
- non-alcoholic beverages: kombucha, sodas, juices
- Coat and bag check
- Dedicated security
- Mobile merch area
- Artist green room with kitchenette, makeup vanity, gear drop-zone space, artist bathroom
- Loading dock direct to green room and backstage
- Overnight accommodations for touring artists
- Excellent airflow and purification to mitigate super-spreader health events
Who's behind this scheme?
Kristi Olson and Sabrina Wertman are the folks that bring you On The Record Duluth-Superior Music and Arts Zine every other week!
Kristi Olson |
| Kristi is a music teacher turned audio engineer. She holds degrees in Music, Music Education, & Psychology. She also has 15+ years of music training, leadership, & teaching expertise. She honed her audio engineering skills & knowledge working at multiple local venues & contracted services. In her current role as audio engineer & booking agent at Bent Paddle Brewing, she regularly books lineups of diverse performers while coordinating event promotion, payment, & logistics between the artists & staff. She worked previously in public school education, nonprofit development & events coordination, marketing, tax preparation, & customer service. She is the founder of On The Record LLC, whose primary operation is the self-titled Duluth-Superior music & arts publication. This independent biweekly publication - delivered in both print & online - is a key piece of local art infrastructure. It has been kept self-sustaining by Kristi for three years, without requiring loans or personal investment since the 2nd edition. The purpose of On The Record is to reignite the live music & arts scene post-pandemic, to gently push people toward community spaces to connect with others, to host a platform for discourse about the arts & opportunities for discovering new musicians. Other major cities have identified these types of publications to be vital elements for keeping live music & venues thriving. |
Sabrina “Swerty” Wertman |
|  | Swerty is a lighting tech & graphic designer. She holds a fine arts degree in Theatre Design & Technology with a minor in Film Studies & has 9+ years of theatre design, leadership, teaching, graphic design, concert AV, & construction experience. She spent the summer on tour working for Christie Lites as a lighting tech & has been freelancing in lighting & audio-visual spaces in various places, including the regional production companies. They provide support as a graphic designer, providing layout & illustration services for local musicians & publications, including Duluth-Superior Pride, the Duluth Poetry Chapter, Mara Lovejoy, & Dirt Magnet. Since 2025 she has supported On the Record through layout, artwork, & editing. They also have experience teaching, having been an adjunct professor of stagecraft at Cypress College & acting as crew head for four interns at the Contemporary American Theatre Festival. |
Rewards
Enjoy this pilot run of Parasol merch! Includes: T-Shirt and beanie. Items will be ordered at the end of the campaign. Expect your merch to arrive by April. You can have it delivered directly or arrange to pick it up at The Parasol.
[Please indicate your T-Shirt Size]
Let's celebrate together! Join us for our exclusive soft-open show in February 2028! Test drive the attendee experience, let us know what you love and what could be better. Lineup to be announced by Fall 2027!
Also includes the following perks:
- 1 Merch package: Please indicate your shirt size. Items will be ordered at the end of the campaign. Expect your merch to arrive by April. You can have it delivered directly or arrange to pick it up at The Parasol.
Check your coat & bag at the door for free for all shows & events throughout our opening year 2028! (This service is otherwise $5 per show.)
Also includes the following perks:
- Merch package: Please indicate your shirt size. Items will be ordered at the end of the campaign. Expect your merch to arrive by April. You can have it delivered directly or arrange to pick it up at The Parasol.
- Pre-open show entry: This will be February 2028. Lineup to be announced! No need to purchase a ticket, you're already on the list.
Schedule up to 10 hours with Kristi or Sabrina
- Audio services with Kristi: consulting, training, establish solid presets, live mixing, recorded tracks feedback, etc
- Lighting services with Sabrina: consulting, training, establish solid presents
- Graphics/Artwork/Branding with Sabrina: design services, consulting, brand development or feedback
- Events promotion consulting: Book time with Sabrina for design-based consulting. Book time with Kristi for strategy-based consulting.
Upon donating, we'll follow-up via email (from theparasolduluth@gmail.com) to coordinate the details with you.
Also includes the following perks:
- Merch Package: Please indicate your shirt size. Items will be ordered at the end of the campaign. Expect your merch to arrive by April. You can have it delivered directly or arrange to pick it up at The Parasol.
- Pre-Open Show Entry: This will be February 2028. Lineup to be announced! No need to purchase a ticket, you're already on the list.
- Year of Free Coat/Bag Check: for all shows and events throughout our opening year 2028!
- 0 claimed
- 10 remaining
Join The Parasol co-founders Kristi & Sabrina for a home-cooked dinner party at Kristi’s house. The talented Chef Sam Olson will make a delicious multi-course meal (accommodating any dietary restrictions). You're welcome to invite up to 3 guests to join you.
Upon donating, we'll follow-up via email (from theparasolduluth@gmail.com) to coordinate the date and details. Show up with curiosity!
Also includes the following perks:
- 1 Merch Package: Please indicate your shirt size. Items will be ordered at the end of the campaign. Expect your merch to arrive by April. You can have it delivered directly or arrange to pick it up at The Parasol.
- Pre-Open Show Entry: This will be February 2028. Lineup to be announced! No need to purchase your ticket, you're already on the list.
- Year of Free Coat/Bag Check: for all shows and events you attend throughout our opening year 2028!
- 0 claimed
- 4 remaining
Invite up to 500 guests to a pre-pre-open exclusive performance at The Parasol!
This can be scheduled anytime between late December 2027 - early January 2028. Bespoke listening room gathering, holiday party, employee appreciation party, milestone celebration - we can curate most any type of show experience!
We can have a conversation to book your preferred local band for this event, options including but not limited to:
- Ross Thorn - Warm solace, quick wit folk
- Mid Dream - Soulful indie pop, roots rock
- Cigarette Picnic - Sultry, smooth, femme power trio
- Jumpsuit - Funk band with groovy originals and covers
Upon donating, we'll follow-up via email (from theparasolduluth@gmail.com) to coordinate the date and details.
Also includes the following perks:
- 1 Merch Package: Please indicate your shirt size. Items will be ordered at the end of the campaign. Expect your merch to arrive by April. You can have it delivered directly or arrange to pick it up at The Parasol.
- Pre-Open Show Entry: This will be February 2028. Lineup to be announced! No need to purchase your ticket, you're already on the list.
- Year of Free Coat/Bag Check: for all shows and events you attend throughout our opening year 2028!
Invite up to 250 guests for a themed, immersive, onsite soirée! We'll work with you to refine all the details, booking the entertainment for you & providing all production elements. Delicious catering provided by some fine folks in our local community. This can take place anytime between late December 2027 - early 2028.
Upon donating, we'll follow-up via email (from theparasolduluth@gmail.com) to coordinate the date and details.
Also includes the following perks:
- 1 Merch Package: Please indicate your shirt size. Items will be ordered at the end of the campaign. Expect your merch to arrive by April. You can have it delivered directly or arrange to pick it up at The Parasol.
- Pre-Open Show Entry: This will be February 2028. Lineup to be announced! No need to purchase your ticket, you're already on the list.
- Year of Free Coat/Bag Check: for all shows and events you attend throughout our opening year 2028!
Highlights
See all activity13What is the "Help Open The Parasol" crowdfunding campaign for?
"Help Open The Parasol" is a pre-opening campaign for The Parasol, which is independently owned and operated by Kristi Olson and Sabrina Wertman, and workers yet to join us! It gives live music enthusiasts a chance to directly support building and developing The Parasol venue.
Where does my money go?
The vast majority of proceeds from this initiative go directly to The Parasol LLC for the building purchase downpayment, construction costs, and equipment purchases needed to make The Parasol happen. A small percentage will go to Crowdfundr to account for their fees (unless you opt to cover the fees). Your support will directly help fund a venue designed for immersed artistic experiences - from high quality acoustic treatment, to an accessible stage and loading dock, to building a mezzanine for best back-of-the-room sightlines, to a quiet elevator that won't interrupt the sound of silence, to lighting infrastructure for a show you'll never forget.
Is this an investment or equity offering?
No, this is a retail reward purchase, not an investment. You are purchasing an incentive that corresponds with your level of support such as a an invitation, merch, or private consultations. It does not confer equity, ownership, voting rights, or profit sharing in The Parasol LLC.
Enjoy this pilot run of Parasol merch! Includes: T-Shirt and beanie. Items will be ordered at the end of the campaign. Expect your merch to arrive by April. You can have it delivered directly or arrange to pick it up at The Parasol.
[Please indicate your T-Shirt Size]
Let's celebrate together! Join us for our exclusive soft-open show in February 2028! Test drive the attendee experience, let us know what you love and what could be better. Lineup to be announced by Fall 2027!
Also includes the following perks:
- 1 Merch package: Please indicate your shirt size. Items will be ordered at the end of the campaign. Expect your merch to arrive by April. You can have it delivered directly or arrange to pick it up at The Parasol.
Check your coat & bag at the door for free for all shows & events throughout our opening year 2028! (This service is otherwise $5 per show.)
Also includes the following perks:
- Merch package: Please indicate your shirt size. Items will be ordered at the end of the campaign. Expect your merch to arrive by April. You can have it delivered directly or arrange to pick it up at The Parasol.
- Pre-open show entry: This will be February 2028. Lineup to be announced! No need to purchase a ticket, you're already on the list.
Schedule up to 10 hours with Kristi or Sabrina
- Audio services with Kristi: consulting, training, establish solid presets, live mixing, recorded tracks feedback, etc
- Lighting services with Sabrina: consulting, training, establish solid presents
- Graphics/Artwork/Branding with Sabrina: design services, consulting, brand development or feedback
- Events promotion consulting: Book time with Sabrina for design-based consulting. Book time with Kristi for strategy-based consulting.
Upon donating, we'll follow-up via email (from theparasolduluth@gmail.com) to coordinate the details with you.
Also includes the following perks:
- Merch Package: Please indicate your shirt size. Items will be ordered at the end of the campaign. Expect your merch to arrive by April. You can have it delivered directly or arrange to pick it up at The Parasol.
- Pre-Open Show Entry: This will be February 2028. Lineup to be announced! No need to purchase a ticket, you're already on the list.
- Year of Free Coat/Bag Check: for all shows and events throughout our opening year 2028!
- 0 claimed
- 10 remaining
Join The Parasol co-founders Kristi & Sabrina for a home-cooked dinner party at Kristi’s house. The talented Chef Sam Olson will make a delicious multi-course meal (accommodating any dietary restrictions). You're welcome to invite up to 3 guests to join you.
Upon donating, we'll follow-up via email (from theparasolduluth@gmail.com) to coordinate the date and details. Show up with curiosity!
Also includes the following perks:
- 1 Merch Package: Please indicate your shirt size. Items will be ordered at the end of the campaign. Expect your merch to arrive by April. You can have it delivered directly or arrange to pick it up at The Parasol.
- Pre-Open Show Entry: This will be February 2028. Lineup to be announced! No need to purchase your ticket, you're already on the list.
- Year of Free Coat/Bag Check: for all shows and events you attend throughout our opening year 2028!
- 0 claimed
- 4 remaining
Invite up to 500 guests to a pre-pre-open exclusive performance at The Parasol!
This can be scheduled anytime between late December 2027 - early January 2028. Bespoke listening room gathering, holiday party, employee appreciation party, milestone celebration - we can curate most any type of show experience!
We can have a conversation to book your preferred local band for this event, options including but not limited to:
- Ross Thorn - Warm solace, quick wit folk
- Mid Dream - Soulful indie pop, roots rock
- Cigarette Picnic - Sultry, smooth, femme power trio
- Jumpsuit - Funk band with groovy originals and covers
Upon donating, we'll follow-up via email (from theparasolduluth@gmail.com) to coordinate the date and details.
Also includes the following perks:
- 1 Merch Package: Please indicate your shirt size. Items will be ordered at the end of the campaign. Expect your merch to arrive by April. You can have it delivered directly or arrange to pick it up at The Parasol.
- Pre-Open Show Entry: This will be February 2028. Lineup to be announced! No need to purchase your ticket, you're already on the list.
- Year of Free Coat/Bag Check: for all shows and events you attend throughout our opening year 2028!
Invite up to 250 guests for a themed, immersive, onsite soirée! We'll work with you to refine all the details, booking the entertainment for you & providing all production elements. Delicious catering provided by some fine folks in our local community. This can take place anytime between late December 2027 - early 2028.
Upon donating, we'll follow-up via email (from theparasolduluth@gmail.com) to coordinate the date and details.
Also includes the following perks:
- 1 Merch Package: Please indicate your shirt size. Items will be ordered at the end of the campaign. Expect your merch to arrive by April. You can have it delivered directly or arrange to pick it up at The Parasol.
- Pre-Open Show Entry: This will be February 2028. Lineup to be announced! No need to purchase your ticket, you're already on the list.
- Year of Free Coat/Bag Check: for all shows and events you attend throughout our opening year 2028!
