Comedian Nate Bargatze breaks Elton John's attendance record in Duluth
Comedian Nate Bargatze kicked off his U.S. tour in Duluth Thursday night, breaking a long-held ticket sale record in the process.
Bargatze performed at Duluth's AMSOIL Arena on Thursday, marking the start of the U.S. leg of his "Big Dumb Eyes" tour. The venue reported it had sold 7,840 tickets to Bargatze's show, breaking a record of 7,600 set by Elton John in 2011.
"Nate Bargatze was just in Dublin and now he's in Duluth, Minnesota, shattering a 14-year attendance record of Sir Elton John," Daniel Hartman, executive director of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, said in a statement.
"It was a fantastic night at AMSOIL Arena!"
Bargatze, who received a Grammy nomination for Best Comedy Album in 2023, has gained widespread recognition for his Netflix specials and his Nateland podcast.
Bargatze will also make stops in St. Paul and Rochester during his tour. He'll perform at the Xcel Energy Center on July 26 and 27 and at the Mayo Civic Center on Sep. 17.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

3 hours ago
Cloudy skies can't dim joy as thousands fill nation's capital for World Pride parade
WASHINGTON -- Gray skies and drizzle gave way to sunshine, multicolored flags and celebrations as the nation's capital held the World Pride parade Saturday. Tens of thousands of people participated in parades and other festivities, in defiance of what activists say is an unprecedented assault on the LGBTQ+ community that challenges the rights many have fought for over the years. A rainbow flag the length of three football fields flowed through the streets, carried by 500 members of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, D.C., to kick off the parade. Behind them, people waved Pride flags and flags representing the transgender, asexual and bisexual communities from atop a bus. Singer-songwriter and actor Reneé Rapp laughed and blew kisses from the back of a pickup truck draped with a transgender flag while Laverne Cox, a transgender actress and activist known for her role in Netflix's 'Orange is the New Black,' waved from an open convertible. 'Pride means us looking out for each other no matter what,' she declared to the crowd as the convertible rolled to a stop. 'We know how to be there for each other.' Many LGBTQ+ travelers have expressed concerns or decided to skip World Pride due to anxieties about safety, border policies and a hostile political climate that they say hearkens back to another time. But that did not keep international travelers and other participants away, with groups visible from Iran, Namibia, Kenya and Russia. Along the parade route, hundreds gathered outside the National City Christian Church as rainbow flags and balloons lined its steps and columns. A child with rainbow face paint blew bubbles at the base of the steps while Whitney Houston's 'I Wanna Dance with Somebody' blared from loudspeakers.' 'D.C. is already one of the biggest cities in the country for celebrating Pride,' said Cheo White, 33, from Annapolis, Maryland, 'But we are all collectively more united and turning out more because of what's happening in the White House.' Many have said the gathering has taken on a new meaning amid the Trump administration's aggressive policies against protections for transgender Americans and diversity, equity and inclusion programs. White's partner, Nick Kerver, 26, who was visiting from Toledo, Ohio, said Pride has 'always been a political tool' but has taken on more importance this year amid mounting threats to the LGBTQ+ community, especially transgender and nonbinary Americans.' 'It feels more important than ever,' Kerver said while wearing a rainbow hat, sunglasses and a T-shirt. 'But we also have to get involved in our local communities too.' David Begler, a 58-year-old gay man from Philadelphia, expressed disappointment that many international travelers felt unsafe visiting D.C. for World Pride but said he appreciates its presence in the city during this political climate. 'It's the perfect time to have World Pride in D.C.,' Begler said. 'We need it right now. I want us to send a message to the White House to focus on uplifting each other instead of dividing.' Stay DeRoux, 36, usually plans a day trip to D.C. Pride from her home in Fredericksburg, Virginia. But this year, she and her wife, Deenie DeRoux, planned a full weekend. ''This is a really big year,' Stay DeRoux said. 'There's been a lot of turmoil. So it's an amazing thing to be among allies, among people who love because we've experienced so much hate on a daily basis.' For the day, the idea of threats and opposition took a backseat to the celebration. Streets were closed, but filled with floats, and impromptu parties broke out with music and food in streets adjoining the parade route. Johnny Cervantes Jr., dressed in a black suit and top hat, headed to a grandstand at a church themed float to marry his partner of 28 years, Freddie Lutz, owner of Freddie's Beach Bar and Restaurant in Arlington, Virginia. Events culminate tomorrow with a rally and protest March Sunday and a giant street party and concert covering a multi-block stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue. 'This is World Pride in the best city in the world,' Mayor Muriel Bowser declared as she walked the parade hand-in-hand with her daughter, Miranda.


USA Today
4 hours ago
- USA Today
Beyoncé fans react to dance captain's absence during London concert: 'Where is Amari?'
Beyoncé fans react to dance captain's absence during London concert: 'Where is Amari?' Beyoncé Knowles-Carter lit up the stage for the second night of her "Cowboy Carter" tour in London, and while fans were thrilled to see Les Twins dancing once again, many pointed out one familiar face was missing. The Grammy-winning singer took the stage June 7 for her Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit Tour at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. During the electric performance many fans noticed that Amari "Monster" Marshall, dubbed Beyoncé's dance captain, was not among the performers onstage. One fan wrote, "What happened to Amari," and many others cosigned. Marshall began working with Beyoncé during her iconic 2018 Coachella "Beychella" performances. She eventually assumed the role of dance co-captain on the "Renaissance World Tour," where she played a key part in mentoring Beyoncé's then 11-year-old daughter Blue Ivy during her stage debut. Beyoncé publicly praised Marshall for her guidance with the family dubbing her Blue's 'dance stage momma." She also took the stage with Bey during her 2024 Christmas Day NFL halftime show during the Texans-Ravens game. Marshall has continued performing with Beyoncé as dance captain on the "Cowboy Carter" tour, often sharing photos from various tour stops. However, she appeared to be absent from the stage in London, and fans especially noticed during Saturday night's show. It's not yet clear why Marshall didn't appear onstage or if she'll be making a return soon. The concert marked Beyoncé's second of six shows at the stadium. She is set to hit the stage again June 10, 12, 14 and 16, before heading to Paris for three fans know, Beyoncé first debuted her "Cowboy Carter" tour at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on April 28 with 39 songs on the set list. Her shows have been filled with family, fashion, different music genres, and most notably country music and cultural commentary. Of course, Beyoncé first released the 27-track project in March 2024. It has since made history and broken multiple records. As Beyoncé's first country album, she deliberately featured country legends and emerging Black country artists alike. She became the first Black woman to win best country album at the 2025 Grammys and also took home album of the year. The nine-city tour will span the U.S. and Europe with the grand finale taking place in Las Vegas on July 26. Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network's Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.


USA Today
5 hours ago
- USA Today
Beyoncé brings back another 'Renaissance' favorite, debuts new looks for Night 2 in London
Beyoncé brings back another 'Renaissance' favorite, debuts new looks for Night 2 in London Beyoncé Knowles-Carter's "Cowboy Carter" tour landed in London for a second night, and the concert proved to be another high-octane spectacle with fashion at the forefront and an especially lively crowd. The Grammy-winning singer kicked off her June 7 show at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium around 7:46 p.m. local time. The show marked her second of six shows at the stadium on her Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit Tour. She is set to hit the stage again June 10, 12, 14 and 16, before heading to Paris for three nights. "We're' gonna have us a good time. Are y'all ready?" Beyoncé said as she opened the show. Shortly after, she told fans, "I can tell this is going to be a show tonight." And it certainly was an electrifying, high-energy night from start to finish. During the "Ya Ya" and "Why Don't You Love Me" mash-up performance, Beyoncé even took a moment to take in the energy from the roaring crowd. During the number she paused as fans loudly sang her ad-libs. This moment was indicative of the rest of the night as Beyoncé debuted new songs and many new fashion looks. Beyoncé adds 'Break My Soul,' brings back 'Mute challenge' During Beyoncé's London opener June 5, fans were surprised when she performed her 2022 hit song "Energy." Of course, that also meant Beyoncé prompted fans to do the Renaissance World Tour hallmark: the "mute challenge." Well, the energy continued during her second London concert when she performed the song again and the entire stadium went silent for the challenge. A new addition awaited, however, as she brought back another Renaissance song and fan favorite — her hit 2022 single "Break My Soul." One fan wrote, "London won again! We got Break My Soul!" Beyoncé serves looks, looks and more looks on London stage Of course, Beyoncé's tour has been a huge showcase of fashion and creativity. Each night, Beyoncé continues to blend high fashion and cowboy couture, keeping fans on the edge of their seats as they anticipate a new look. Saturday night's show was a huge fashion moment with Beyoncé serving several new looks. She continued to bring Western-glam to the stage with more sparkly chaps, cowboy hats, boots and fringe. During her "Alliigator Tears" performance, Beyoncé showed off a new look featuring fringe gloves, a white top, a white skirt and thigh-high boots. The looks kept coming throughout the show, and fans were left talking about her head-turning outfits, including her Versace look. At first, the Versace ensemble appeared to be a ruffled dress with matching gloves and boots. However, as Beyoncé continued to perform, the look morphed into the same top with black shorts. And Donatella Versace was there to witness it all. During the show, she sang Beyoncé's praises as she rocked her custom looks. Toward the end of the show Beyoncé have her a shout-out. "We got Donatella Versace in the house," Beyoncé exclaimed as she wrapped the night. As fans know, Beyoncé first debuted her "Cowboy Carter" tour at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on April 28 with 39 songs on the set list. Her shows have been filled with family, fashion, different music genres, and most notably country music and cultural commentary. The nine-city tour will span the U.S. and Europe with the grand finale taking place in Las Vegas on July 26. Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network's Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.