Duluth musician Danny Frank released a solo album called Smoky Gold in 2021. He went on to build a band called The Smoky Gold, starting with banjo player Harrison Olk, who'd played on that album, and his friend Erin Aldridge, known for her classical violin skills as the concertmaster for the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra. (Aldridge was more than willing to try out a different style of performing, and has since gone on to play in several Duluth bands.) Bassist Joe Scarpellino and drummer Ben Rhode round out the current line-up. Frank joined us for an interview on the Local on October 21, 2026, the day before Danny Frank and the Smoky Gold's release show for their debut album, Dedication. He talked with the North's Christine Dean about how the current band evolved and making the new album, plus he performed a song from the album solo in the studio.
Danny Frank interview on the Local
Christine Dean for the North
