Minnesota has claim to a wealth of creativity; music is no exception. Almost every genre can be heard within our state’s borders. The results range from a simple act of joy, to an influence that reverberates far beyond (the “Minneapolis Sound” is a prime example). The collection below is an introduction to the diverse and talented artists who have called Minnesota home, and the art they share with all of us.
February 29, 1996 - MPR's Marianne Combs speaks with musician Georgia Ann Hunter, painter Patricia Canelake, and poet Louis Jenkins, as they gathered with other artists at the Lake Superior Center in Duluth to share their work and talk about how the lake has influenced their art.
March 18, 1996 - MPR’s Justin Maiman visited Nye's to speak with “Sweet” Lou Snider, the establishment’s long-time pianist. Snider shares thoughts on her unique work. Everyone Lou Snider meets on her job thinks they're a singer. Snider leads all the vocalists who step up to her piano bar at Nye's Polonaise Room in Minneapolis, and many an interaction occurs.
April 23, 1996 - MPR’s Chris Roberts presents a profile of new Minneapolis band Semisonic. Roberts interviews drummer Jacob Slichter, who shares thoughts about the band, the album “Great Divide,” and the record industry.
July 3, 1996 - Chris Roberts profiles St. Paul’s local "alterna-country" band The Honeydogs. Roberts talks with singer-songwriter Adam Levy about his band, songs from their indie album, and a potential signing to a major label.
July 22, 1996 - In this Voices of Minnesota interview, Dave Ray, blues vocalist and guitarist, talks about his life in music.
July 22, 1996 - In this Voices of Minnesota interview, Dave Ray, blues vocalist and guitarist, talks about his life in music.
August 8, 1996 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on Gregorian chant workshop held at St. Johns in Collegeville. McCallum interviews various performers and instructors about program.
August 30, 1996 - MPR’s Greta Cunningham talks with American singer-songwriter Peter Himmelman. Songs from “Stage Diving” album are discussed, among other topics.
September 25, 1996 - MPR’s Todd Moe interviews Swedish folk fiddler Paul Dahlin, who was honored with a 1995 Heritage Fellowship Award. Dahlin, a Minneapolis native, discusses the efforts of the American Swedish Institute to preserve folk music.
October 22, 1996 - MPR’s Chris Roberts interviews Paul Robb, former member of Information Society. Robb discusses various sub-genres; bands Brother Sun Sister and Think Tank; and mentions Alan Freed’s Beat Radio.