Music from Minnesota Public Radio

Minn. Opera to stage free outdoor shows

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:45:46 -0500

The Minnesota Opera plans to present free outdoor concerts next month. "Opera Under the Stars" will feature a performance of Puccini's "La Boheme."

U of M Music School singers to tour state

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 21:00:00 -0500

The University of Minnesota School of Music's University Singers go on the school's first choral tour of Minnesota this week.

Young Minn. Opera maestro is man on the move

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 11:59:07 -0500

Michael Christie is a maestro on the move. At 38, he's the music director of the Minnesota Opera, one of the nation's top companies. He's also wrapping up eight years as music director of the Phoenix Symphony, leads the Colorado Music Festival in Boulder, guest-conducts orchestras around the world, and last year was on the cover of Opera News magazine, which in the opera world is like being the cover model on the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.

'Low Movie (How to Quit Smoking)' explores relationship between filmmaker and band

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 07:48:51 -0500

A new movie about the Duluth-based band Low will premiere tonight at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Film Festival.

With season cancellation looming, SPCO management makes new offer

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 17:12:03 -0500

After another intervention by St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra management offered a new proposal late Friday afternoon in a bid to prevent the cancellation of the rest of the SPCO season.

Jazz trio Triose aims for 'good, not complicated,' music

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 16:18:57 -0500

A big challenge for today's jazz musicians is how to create new music without overwhelming listeners with inaccessible pieces. The Twin Cities group Triose has found its way by playing aiming to play good music that's not too complicated. Triose has two performances scheduled in the area this week.

War of words heats up after SPCO musicans vote

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:00:39 -0500

The relative quiet after Monday night's announcement that locked-out musicians of the St. Paul Chamber orchestra had voted to reject management's latest contract proposal has preceded a storm of reaction Tuesday.

SPCO players turn down latest offer from management

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 21:34:14 -0500

The locked-out musicians of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra voted to reject management's latest contract offer on Monday evening.

Simon and Garfunkel song among those to be preserved

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 14:40:52 -0500

Simon and Garfunkel's song "Sounds of Silence," which was written amid the turmoil following President John F. Kennedy's assassination, will join Chubby Checker's 1960s dance hit "The Twist" as two of 25 recordings selected for preservation at the Library of Congress.

The 'Girl Who Got Away': Dido gets free

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 11:06:09 -0500

Since her 1999 debut hit, "Here With Me," Dido has sold nearly 30 million albums and been nominated for an Oscar -- but the British singer-songwriter wasn't always at center stage. Dido speaks with NPR's Rachel Martin about making "Girl Who Got Away" and the role music has played in her life.

Interview: Rita Moreno on Anita, awards and accents

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 14:54:19 -0500

Rita Moreno is one of a handful of performers to have won all of the prestigious show business awards; an Oscar, a Golden Globe, a Tony, a couple of Emmys and a Grammy. At 81, she's telling the story of her remarkable life and career in "Rita Moreno," a new memoir.

Minn. college students lead SXSW road trip

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 12:47:12 -0600

Minnesota will be well represented next week at the South by Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas.

Prince to appear on Fallon's show Friday

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 13:05:10 -0600

Prince is continuing to ramp up his public profile. This week, he'll make an appearance on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon."

Minn.'s Red House label plans Toronto show

Sat, 16 Feb 2013 10:17:13 -0600

Minnesota-based Red House Records is bringing its 30th anniversary celebration north of the border.

Grammy Awards voters spread the love all around

Sun, 10 Feb 2013 21:12:41 -0600

Mumford & Sons' "Babel'' has won the Grammy for album of the year, while Gotye won record of the year for "Somebody That I Used to Know." Fun. won two major awards, winning song of the year for the transcendent anthem "We Are Young,'' and best new artist.

Okee Dokee Brothers win Grammy

Sun, 10 Feb 2013 20:26:33 -0600

The Okee Dokee Brothers won in the Best Children's Album category for their 2012 album "Can You Canoe?" The Brothers, Denver-born, Minneapolis-based friends and musicians Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing, were awarded the Grammy in the pre-telecast portion of the ceremony.

All you need to know about the 2013 Grammys

Sun, 10 Feb 2013 13:06:55 -0600

The popular line is that the Grammys are permanently out of touch - either rewarding established veterans or teenybopper flavors of the week. But over recent years, we've seen a gradual shift towards an embrace of the "alternative" side of the music industry.

Stars and newcomers to perform at Schubert Club next season

Sat, 09 Feb 2013 09:48:37 -0600

Barry Kempton, the artistic director and executive director of the Schubert Club, announced the new star-studded season for the state's oldest arts organization, which pulls in big names like pianist Jonathan Biss and violinist Christian Tetzlaff, as well as newer names like Ukrainian pianist Valentina Lisitsa.

Rybak hosts concert to celebrate Minn. Orchestra's Grammy nod

Sat, 02 Feb 2013 09:36:42 -0600

Mayor R.T. Rybak hosted a celebration concert Friday night at the Minneapolis Convention Center to mark the Minnesota Orchestra's Grammy nomination for best orchestral performance.

Peter Asher of 'Peter and Gordon' recalls '60s music in new show

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 15:00:00 -0600

Peter Asher began a singing career in 1964, as one half of the group, "Peter & Gordon," but Asher's greatest musical success came in a different form - record producing and management.

SPCO musicians won't budge on 2-tier pay scale

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 17:02:39 -0600

Representatives of the locked-out musicians of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra say they continue to have objections to a compensation package proposed by management.

World premiere of 'Doubt' opera in St. Paul this weekend

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 14:29:05 -0600

After life as a Pulitzer Prize-winning play and then an Oscar-nominated film, "Doubt" by John Patrick Shanley will have its world premiere as an opera this weekend in St. Paul. Shanley, who wrote the libretto for the Minnesota Opera production, said it is the most complete telling of his story about a priest accused of impropriety.

Local musician Steve Kramer dies

Sun, 20 Jan 2013 13:33:43 -0600

Twin Cities musician Steve Kramer has died. Kramer's business partner, Bob Hest, confirmed he died in his sleep on Saturday night.

Prince jams with his hometown fans

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 08:39:36 -0600

His six-piece horn section marched out NOLA-style, cycling through a funky, complex melody, followed by a drummer, bassist, guitarist, and three back-up singers. Prince himself emerged on the dark stage soon after. Andrea Swensson, of The Local Current blog, talked about the show with Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer.

Why there are only 100 copies of the new Bob Dylan record

Sun, 13 Jan 2013 12:39:05 -0600

Bob Dylan has made some puzzling moves in his celebrated career, but the compilation that his record label recently released may be as odd as anything he's ever put out. The compilation, "50th Anniversary Collection," is a limited-edition, four-CD set that was only released in Europe.

Shake it up! Vintage cocktails are ripe for revival

Sat, 29 Dec 2012 13:25:22 -0600

It's the holiday season and for some people that means celebrating with friends, family and cocktails. But instead of settling for the standard martini or Manhattan, author and historian Lesley Blume suggests you reach for a taste of bygone cocktail culture.

MnOrch, SPCO, musicians to talk next week

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 13:54:37 -0600

Locked-out musicians and managements of both the Minnesota Orchestra and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra have announced negotiation sessions for Jan. 2.

As musician lockouts drag on, some wonder what resolution will look like

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 15:43:13 -0600

With musician lockouts at the Minnesota Orchestra and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra entering their fourth months, many observers are wondering how they will be resolved. Several theories are circulating about what some are calling the end game.

This is what it sounds like when two women cover Prince

Sat, 22 Dec 2012 21:00:00 -0600

In the 1980s, few musicians matched the brilliance and fame of Prince. The Purple One earned legions of young fans, including one girl in California named Maya Rudolph, who is now fulfilling a childhood fantasy. She's formed a Prince cover band called -- what else? -- Princess.

Red House Records to mark 30th anniversary

Sat, 22 Dec 2012 10:37:33 -0600

Minnesota-based Red House Records is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a special concert next year.

Holiday music for those weary of holiday music

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 15:00:00 -0600

Tired of hearing the same songs over and over during the holidays? Looking for Christmas tunes that won't drive you crazy? Two music lovers will join us to share their favorite "deep cuts" from the holidays.

Minn. singer Nicholas David is third on 'The Voice'

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 23:50:15 -0600

Eagan native Nicholas Mrozinski will be coming home after placing third on NBC's vocal competition show "The Voice." Mrozinski, known to the audience as Nicholas David, was one of the three finalists on the program.

Minn. cultural center to celebrate solstice

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 04:00:00 -0600

The New York Mills Cultural Center will celebrate the winter solstice with an evening of music, food and conversation.

Minn. music matriarch celebrates retirement

Sun, 16 Dec 2012 21:00:00 -0600

The matriarch of a Minnesota musical family is going out in style. Jeanne Arland Peterson will celebrate her retirement with a Peterson Family New Year's concert Dec. 29 at the Hopkins Center for the Arts.

Chicano rock pioneers Los Lobos marking 40 years

Sun, 16 Dec 2012 04:00:00 -0600

They are seen as the progenitors of Chicano rock `n' roll, the first band that had the boldness, and some might even say the naivete, to fuse punk rock with Mexican folk tunes. It was a group called Los Lobos that had the unusual idea of putting an accordion, a saxophone and something called a bajo sexto alongside drums and Fender Stratocaster guitars and then blasting a ranchera-flavored folk tune or a Conjunto inspired melody.

40 years on, 'Free to Be' still resonates

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 12:33:04 -0600

The children's album 'Free To Be... You and Me' was the brainchild of Emmy-winning actress Marlo Thomas and a bevy of celebrity friends, from Michael Jackson to Rosey Grier, all the way to Carol Channing and Harry Belafonte.

Neil Young to play benefit for Sandy relief

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 21:00:00 -0600

Neil Young says he couldn't see performing in the area devastated by Superstorm Sandy without doing something to help people who were affected by it.

Rolling Stones mark 50th year with concert

Sun, 25 Nov 2012 11:48:10 -0600

The Rolling Stones are marking their 50th anniversary with a concert in London. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood will also be joined by former Stones members Bill Wyman and Mick Taylor, who will perform again with the band for the first time in more than 20 years.

Pa. man finds rare Robert Johnson record

Sat, 17 Nov 2012 15:22:18 -0600

A Pittsburgh record store owner says he discovered a copy of the second song ever recorded by Mississippi blues legend Robert Johnson, "I Believe I'll Dust My Broom."

Random Vinyl: The Youngbloods - The Youngbloods (1967)

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600

The Youngbloods are best known for their hit version of "Get Together" (c'mon people now, smile on your brother, everybody get together, try to love one another right now.) If you dig a little deeper into this record, past the hit single, you'll hear more of a sound reminiscent of The Byrds and The Lovin' Spoonful. We played the side one, track one, Youngbloods original "Grizzely Bear."

Random Vinyl: Jefferson Starship - Red Octopus (1975)

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600

This record represents that mid-point between the era of Jefferson Airplane and the band's evolution (or devolution) to Starship. This record still had some of the original members of Jefferson Airplane; Paul Kantner, Marty Balin and Grace Slick) and had the big hit "Miracles." Jill can guarantee at least 5 copies are available in each and every record across the country.

Random Vinyl: Jerry Lee Lewis - The Killer Rocks On (1972)

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600

Jerry Lee Lewis scored his biggest hits in the 50's with song like "Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On" and "Great Balls of Fire." The scandal surrounding his marriage to his teenage cousin almost destroyed his music career, but he was able to reinvent himself in the later 60's and 70's as a country act.

Springsteen set to rock at Xcel Center

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 09:26:40 -0600

Madonna and Bob Dylan have come and gone. Now it's Bruce Springsteen's turn to play in St. Paul.

David Byrne invites Minnesotans to 'play a building'

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 15:31:37 -0600

Musical innovator and Talking Heads founder David Byrne has wired the former Theater de La Jeune Lune building in the Minneapolis warehouse district to make it into a musical instrument. The musical installation called "Playing the Building" allows visitors to use the keyboard of an old pump organ to rattle girders, blast air and make other sounds through attachments to the instrument.

Madonna kicks off big shows at Xcel Center

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 14:54:09 -0500

Madonna is the first of three big stars who will be at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul over the next nine days.

Minn. Music Hall of Fame inducts new members

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 09:20:07 -0500

The Minnesota Music Hall of Fame has inducted a new class.

At 93, Pete Seeger keeps the fire burning low

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 14:09:55 -0500

Over the years, Pete Seeger has been singing for anyone who'll listen.

SPCO management locks out musicians

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 07:01:56 -0500

After months of negotiations failed to find a contract agreement, the management of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra locked out its musicians on Sunday evening.

U of M concert to showcase Argento's music

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 10:49:50 -0500

The University of Minnesota's School of Music will feature the works of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Dominick Argento on Saturday night.

Neil Young says 1st book came 'off the top of my head'

Sun, 07 Oct 2012 09:30:00 -0500

Neil Young's fans have come to expect wild swings if they've followed his music career since the 1960s. There's the near-violent guitar solos and throbbing rock of his collaborations with Crazy Horse. Lilting acoustic melodies like "Harvest Moon." Electronic experiments. Moments of genius and ill-advised detours.

Hip-hop event raising cash for needy Indians

Sat, 06 Oct 2012 14:38:52 -0500

Local hip-hop groups are gathering in Minneapolis on Saturday to raise money to help American Indians who are homeless or have substance abuse problems.

Former conductor will lead lockout concert

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 18:02:04 -0500

Locked-out musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra on Friday announced that former music director Stanislaw Skrowaczewski will conduct them in what they call a season opening concert on Oct. 18.

In his hands: Babatunde Lea channels African drumming traditions

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 04:00:00 -0500

Babatunde Lea likes to tell people that, as a child of an African-American family that loved Afro-Caribbean music, he knew how to dance the mambo and cha-cha-cha before he could walk.

Norwegian choir coming to ND, Minn.

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 04:00:00 -0500

A community youth choir from Grand Forks' sister city in Norway is coming to North Dakota.

Lockout set to take effect for Minn. Orchestra

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 20:30:00 -0500

The Minnesota Orchestra planned to lock out its musicians at midnight Sunday. The move came after a last-ditch meeting to reach a contract deal failed, and management declined to extend the current contract while continuing negotiations.

Minn. Orchestra musicians seek arbitration

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 14:42:12 -0500

Musicians at the Minnesota Orchestra on Sunday offered binding arbitration as a way to avoid a lockout in their contract dispute with orchestra management.

Labor talks at SPCO apparently fruitless

Sat, 22 Sep 2012 15:14:19 -0500

Contract talks between musicians and management at the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra broke up for the day on Saturday, apparently without an agreement.

The Current explores the music of Eau Claire

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 09:58:09 -0500

Justin Vernon of Bon Iver is just one of many artists to come out of the vibrant Eau Claire music scene, which is the subject of a special edition of The Local Show on our sister station The Current this Sunday. DJ David Campbell discussed the show with Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer.

Preview of the new Bob Dylan album

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 11:07:00 -0500

MPR's Cathy Wurzer previews the new Bob Dylan album, Tempest.

11th annual Selby Avenue JazzFest brings music, pride

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 16:15:03 -0500

The Selby Avenue JazzFest takes place tomorrow in St. Paul featuring a variety of jazz music styles throughout the day and into the evening. The festival, in its 11th year, has helped revitalize Selby Avenue -- a once troubled area that has undergone an economic transformation in recent years.

Twin Cities composer brings big band sound to 21st century

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 17:05:53 -0500

The rich improvisational heritage of big band music in its heyday lives on in today's bands under the direction of composers and leaders who know how to fuse tradition with contemporary styles. Among them is a Twin Cities trumpeter who aims to bring the music into the 21st century.

Remembering Amy Winehouse, a year after her death

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 12:12:39 -0500

Singer Amy Winehouse's father says it's tough dealing with the loss of his daughter, but he's happy she is having a helpful impact on the world through the foundation named after her.

Honey-Do: Woody Guthrie songs

Sat, 14 Jul 2012 10:35:00 -0500

Today would have been Woody Guthrie's 100th birthday. The Current is celebrating with songs by Mr. Guthrie, with some covers ... and other fun stuff thrown in.

Woody Guthrie and the Troubador Tradition

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 12:36:15 -0500

Woody Guthrie inspired many young musicians to follow be a wandering musician with a message. For The Current's coffee break on July 13, we asked for artists following in the troubadour tradition.

John Raymond trumpets joyful noise, praise in debut CD

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 04:00:00 -0500

For a long time, jazz held a reputation as "the devil's music," but many of the faithful have come to recognize that musicians can be divinely inspired. Among the contemporary musicians to express spirituality through jazz is John Raymond, who performs this weekend in St. Paul.

Into the Song: Now Now picks apart 'Thread'

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 15:18:12 -0500

The Twin Cities' indie pop trio Now Now will visit the 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis tonight as part of the band's national tour in support of its latest album "Threads."

'White Zulu' Johnny Clegg mixes music and politics

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 07:55:00 -0500

Johnny Clegg, who became famous as part of the first successful integrated band in South Africa, will play in Minneapolis this week.

The Current Presents "Words and Music"

Sun, 06 May 2012 14:35:37 -0500

Ever wonder what kind of tunes some of your favorite writers listen to? I wondered the same thing, and knew I couldn't possibly be the only writer who relied on music for inspiration. I decided to create an occasional show to delve into this very question. This time on "Words and Music," I chat with Dylan Hicks, Ethan Rutherford & Jake Mohan of local band Pennyroyal, and poet Rebecca Lindenberg. We'll hear tracks from Smokey Robinson, Smog, Tortoise, Magnetic Fields, and more.

The benevolent Beastie: Adam Yauch remembered

Sat, 05 May 2012 11:24:56 -0500

Adam Yauch: the gravelly-voiced rapper who helped make the Beastie Boys one of the seminal groups in hip-hop, and whose good-hearted nature led him to humanistic causes.

Dylan Hicks' debut novel "Boarded Windows" reviewed

Wed, 02 May 2012 14:49:53 -0500

We can never fully understand the hold some people have on us -- the way some figures loom large in memory and some take on a certain magnetism in the present. Dylan Hicks' debut novel, Boarded Windows, is a tango of sorts, both intellectual and emotional, between a nameless narrator and his shadowy father-figure.

Mother and son get to the heart of music

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:28:28 -0500

Throughout French horn virtuoso Bernhard Scully's career, his mother, Bloomington pianist Joanne Minnetti, has been in his shadow — as his accompanist. Now the pair are sharing equal billing on their first full-length album.

SPCO plan offers members concert buffet for $5 a month

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 04:00:00 -0500

Beginning in fall, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra will offer monthly memberships which allow patrons to attend as many concerts as they wish.

Kate Nordstrum is Twin Cities' curatorial powerhouse with international pull

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 04:00:00 -0500

The innovative shows brought by producer Kate Nordstrum have captivated local audiences and have given her a national reputation.

The Current's Andrea Swensson on SXSW's Minnesota ties

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:59:26 -0500

Cathy Wurzer talks with The Current's Andrea Swensson from the South by Southwest conference in Austin, Texas.

U of M study: Can rock music make you racist?

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:58:43 -0600

A University of Minnesota study finds that when people listen to music that is culturally relevant to them, it conjures warm feelings about their own racial or ethnic group.

The Revolution reunites to benefit heart health

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 09:45:10 -0600

On Sunday, Feb. 19, Prince and the Revolution, minus Prince, will reunite for a special concert at First Avenue in Minneapolis.

Whitney Houston remembered at NJ hometown funeral

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 12:01:09 -0600

Clapping hands and swaying to gospel hymns in the church where Whitney Houston's powerful voice once wowed her congregation, the biggest names in entertainment sang along with the choir to remember the pop superstar at her hometown funeral Saturday.

The Current's Andrea Swensson on Bon Iver's Grammy wins

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:52:09 -0600

Bon Iver, the Eau Claire, Wisconsin-based band, led by Justin Vernon, won best new artist at the Grammy Awards. Andrea Swensson who writes for the Local Current blog talks with Cathy Wurzer about the group's success.

List of Grammy winners

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 23:29:46 -0600

Here is a list of Grammy winners in select major categories.

Adele wins 6 Grammys, including album of the year

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 20:00:09 -0600

With six awards, Adele has matched Beyonce for most Grammy wins in a night by a female act. Adele's six wins Sunday night include album, record and song of the year. Adele's "21" was 2011's best-selling album. It's sold more than six million units in the United States.

Music, film superstar Whitney Houston dies

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 20:09:59 -0600

Whitney Houston, who ruled as pop music's queen until her majestic voice and regal image were ravaged by drug use, erratic behavior and a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown, has died. She was 48. The cause of her death is unknown.

Ten years between albums, The Minor Planets arrive at a transformed landscape

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:00:00 -0600

It has been ten years since the Minneapolis Americana duo The Minor Planets released their first album. Now, back recording, they find a transformed music landscape.

Madonna channels Victor Cruz with salsa dance

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

Madonna won't explicitly say who she's rooting for, but her spot-on salsa dance may have revealed where her allegiance lies.

Legendary blues singer Etta James dies in Calif.

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:51:15 -0600

Legendary blues singer Etta James has died in California at age 73, according to her manager. Lupe De Leon tells The Associated Press that James died early Friday at a California hospital due to complications from leukemia.

Singer, songwriter, novelist brings work full-circle

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:00:00 -0600

Singer-songwriter Suzzy Roche has delighted fans with her insightful songs, and soaring harmonies. She's back to present something different: her new novel.

Minnesota Orchestra Sommerfest moves to U of M

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:01:00 -0600

The Minnesota Orchestra will present its popular Sommerfest program in July on the campus of the University of Minnesota.

Rock Hall of Fame opens archives to public

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:33:04 -0600

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum opened its new library and archives to the public to give access to the stories behind the music through such "artifacts" as personal letters from Madonna and Aretha Franklin and 1981-82 video of the Rolling Stones tour.

Overseas frenzy for Howler; back home, not so much

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:56:34 -0600

Howler started when Jordan Gatesmith and Max Petrek met at a Planned Parenthood clinic with their respective girlfriends. Despite their overseas popularity, hometown reception for their garage rock sound has been cool.

Books, films, and music for the new year

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600

Midmorning gets the scoop on what to expect from the worlds of film, literature and music in 2012.

Beethoven's Journey still Captivates

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 14:18:35 -0600

What is it that makes this man's music so universally popular? Bill McGlaughlin explores this question -- and more -- with the Emerson String Quartet.

Twin Cities jazz singer Christine Rosholt dies at 46

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:05:45 -0600

Twin Cities jazz fans have been left reeling by the news of the unexpected death of singer Christine Rosholt earlier this week. She was 46.

The Bad Plus in the Maud Moon Weyerhauser Studio

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600

It's not easy to categorize the band The Bad Plus. They're a combination of jazz, pop, rock and a little but of Rush thrown in for good measure. They join Marianne Combs in the Maud Moon studio for a live performance and a look back at a decade of confounding musical expectations.

A life transformed by song

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600

Veteran singer and actor T. Mychael Rambo has seen highs and lows in his life. He's gone from a bout with addiction and living at the Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul to performing at Carnegie Hall. He joins Midmorning to talk about his career as a performer and his role as a cultural and civic leader in the Twin Cities.

Davina and the Vagabonds in the Maud Moon studio

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600

Davina and the Vagabonds fuse New Orleans jazz, blues, soul and swing into a mix that has been called a musical time machine. They join Midmorning in the Maud Moon Weyerhauser studio to talk about their music and perform songs from their new album, Black Cloud.

New book recounts Minn. Orchestra musician's complex, incredible life

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 04:20:00 -0600

The sounds of the Minnesota Orchestra are conducted by Stanislaw Skrowaczewski - an association that has lasted for over 50 years.

'Funkytown' songwriter leads copyright fight against music industry

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 04:00:00 -0600

An obscure provision in American copyright law could stir up a massive legal battle between the music industry and some of its biggest stars, and Minnesota's "Funkytown" songwriter Steven Greenberg and his attorney are leading the charge.

Christmas Carols that didn't make the cut

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600

Philip Brunelle and the members of VocalEssence join Kerri Miller in the Maud Moon Weyerhauser studio for a celebration of Christmas carols odd and obscure.

Musician Patty Larkin celebrates 25 years in the business

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600

Patty Larkin has been called both a "contemplative songwriter" and a "whoop-ass guitarist." To celebrate 25 years in the music business, she's put out an album of 25 of her most requested songs, recorded with 25 of her favorite artists. Recorded on March 28, 2011.

The smooth sounds of Al Jarreau

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600

Jazz singer Al Jarreau has been in the music buiness for 40 years, but music was not always a major force in his life. He joins Midmorning to discuss his career, and explain when he decided that he would make singing his life.

Bernice Johnson Reagon: Song leader and scholar

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600

Singer, scholar and civil rights activist Bernice Johnson Reagon knows from personal experience the powerful connection between music and protest. She joins Midmorning to talk about the music of the civil rights movement and the power of collective singing.