Blue State Ball, 2017

It's time for the annual roundup of the fun we had at The Blaisdell in Minneapolis last Saturday night, the 2017 Blue State Ball! 

First, a disclaimer.  Look at the picture below:

I love this picture.  It captures me perfectly, but only about a third of me.  The reason I love the photo is because it was taken after I'd asked someone else to take pictures with my phone.  I refuse to complain about the quality of said photos when someone is doing me a favor.  Some of these will be slightly blurry and out of focus, but that's fine.  It is what it is.

Let's start with The Blaisdell.  What a great location, right on the corner of 24th and Blaisdell.  It's a beautiful building.     

In the background to the left is a large brick building which is actually connected to the main original mansion.  That's where you find this large room, the main room throughout our festivities

As we were getting going, I was able to get some photos of some of the staff.  First up is my producer Brett, a really great guy who worked the door all evening.

Ian was there too!

And Branson, our weekend producer.

Things got going with the VIP portion of the evening.  Norman Goldman was the first to arrive from LA.  He was in fine form, as always, one of the happiest hosts I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.

And Thom Hartmann got in, for what might be his 7th or 8th Blue State Ball.  He's a fan favorite.

The VIP event also had other station staff.  Paul Metsa was playing guitar.

Betty Folliard from 'A Woman's Place' and 'Hidden Edges Radio' host Ellen Krug

And one of my favorites, former Congressman Bill Luther making a great showing!

It was unfortunate to have Representative Rick Nolan have to withdraw from the evening, but we did have a lot of politicos join us for the event.  First up was Minnesota State Auditor Rebecca Otto.

Then a return visit from the Minnesota State Attorney General Lori Swanson!

MN Senator John Hoffman stopped by, and after we smiled, we contemplated!

Marla Vagts was there!  She tried to unseat Pat 'Porn' Garofalo and came up a little short, but a lot of corporate interest money was spent to keep Pat around.

And the wonderful Lindsey Port was there!  She lost a close race to Roz Peterson, a person who seems to have forgotten everything she once stood for.  Lindsey is an excellent candidate and I hope to see her run again.

It was very cool to meet St. Paul City Councilman, and candidate for Mayor of St. Paul, Dai Thao.  He gave a rousing speech.

Minnesota 44B representative John Applebaum was mingling in the crowd.

And I was so happy to see Quinn Nystrom, who ran in district 10A, outstate Minnesota, and who's a strong advocate for Diabetes patients and research.  She's a wonderful person!

The crowd was ready for me!  Not pictured, the baskets of rotting vegetables each one of them had, somehow snuck past security...

Then, I took the stage!

I used to be pretty...what happened to me?  Then came Norman and Thom!

In the last two, Chad Larson, station owner, is off to the left.  The one photo I took with him didn't come out at all. 

Great listeners! Starting with the stunning Jackie!

Gary from Minneapolis

The lovely Angela Marlow from AFSCME!

A great shot of Betty, Rebecca Otto, Me, Lindsey Port, Marla Vagts and Jackie!

It was a great night! Thanks for all the wonderful comments and love.  I truly do appreciate it.  Being a AM 950 host has been a wonderful experience and I hope to continue doing it for as long as I can.  

Goodnight and thanks!  I leave you with this disturbing image of me!