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.
August 26, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, a segment of guitarist Sharon Isbin giving lecture on guitar playing and performance. Topics include confidence, technique, and music memory.
August 30, 1978 - MPR’s Roger Gomoll interviews guitarist Cliff Fredrickson about his profession as a lounge musician. Segment includes music audio clips of Fredrickson performing at a local hotel in Fargo, North Dakota.
September 5, 1978 - MPR’s Jennifer O'Neill profiles the Chatfield Brass Band in Chatfield, MN, which is known as “Band Town USA.” O’Neill interviews members of band about their experiences playing and the preservation efforts of Chatfield Brass Band Music Library.
November 1, 1978 - MPR’s Pat Kessler reports on calm at Bob Dylan concert held at St. Paul Civic Center, which has new security measures in place after prior incident at Rolling Stones show.
January 17, 1979 - Interview with Eric Stokes, composer and professor of music. Stokes was one of five Minnesotans that won $10,000 grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board for annual fellowships.
February 10, 1979 - On this regional public affairs program, MPR’s Nancy Fushan interviews members of the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony, and their director William Jones. They share their experiences of performing at the Royal Albert Hall in London, as part of a London School’s Promenade concert series sponsored by the London Times and the BBC.
March 17, 1979 - On this special regional public affairs program, Midday presents an examination of causes, agents, and consequences of Irish immigration to America and Minnesota in history, interview, and song.
April 10, 1979 - A profile of Leland Sateren, Augsburg College choir director and composer. Nancy Fushan interviews Sateren and they discuss the choir, writing, recording, touring, and his upcoming retirement.
June 19, 1979 - Polka Power, a report and poetic response to the polka festival subculture in the Upper Midwest with poets Joe and Nancy Paddock.
April 4, 1980 - MPR’s Rich Dietman interviews musician Steve Tibbetts on his process in producing “Yr” album, which included Tibbetts building his own studio on Lake Street and promoting/marketing to small record stores.