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.
March 26, 2007 - The Current’s Steve Seel interviews American poet Anne Waldman about the writing and vocalization of Bob Dylan, and the singer’s connection to beat poetry scene. Waldman She was featured along with Allen Ginsberg in Bob Dylan's experimental film “Renaldo and Clara.”
March 27, 2007 - MPR’s Tom Crann visits the "Highway 61 Revisited -- Dylan's Road from Minnesota to the World" symposium sponsored by the Weisman Art Museum at University of Minnesota. Crann speaks with numerous Dylan scholars and other attendees about Dylan’s influence and importance.
April 13, 2007 - MPR’s Tim Post reports on The Stearns County Pachanga Society. Pachanga is a style of dance and a type of music from Cuba. Post interviews founder Mike Hasbrouck and two band members about the group.
May 3, 2007 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer gets an introduction to the music of local rapper Brother Ali from The Current’s Bill DeVille, Deville comments on the Brother Ali’s second album, The Undisputed Truth.
May 3, 2007 - MPR’s Chris Roberts interviews members of the Minnesota indie music group Best Friends Forever. Songwriters Jessica Seamans and Briana Smith, who go by "Jes" and "Bri," often sing about a love with some staying power…their friendship.
May 18, 2007 - MPR's Karl Gehrke reports that the personal stories of several Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity homeowners have been turned into songs for Minnesota Chorale "Sing Me a Home" concert. The performance is part of the chorale's outreach program called "Bridges."
June 1, 2007 - MPR’s Chris Roberts reports on "The Mad Ripple Friday Night Hootenanny" at Java Jack's. The event is thrown together by writer and singer/songwriter Jim Walsh, who's stage name is the Mad Ripple. Each week Walsh presents a handful of musicians, usually local, some of them rookies and some established. The artists take turns trading stories and songs, mostly originals.
June 12, 2007 - MPR’s Euan Kerr interviews Laurie Lindeen, member of the group Zuzu's Petals, about her memoir "Petal Pusher.”
June 28, 2007 - MPR’s Dan Olson talks with Minneapolis musician Karen Torkelson Solgard, who has a love for the Hardanger fiddle, an ancient Norwegian instrument. Solgard works on preserving the musical form of instrument, while adding an American influence.
August 13, 2007 - As part of the series “Songs from Scratch,” MPR’s Nikki Tundel profiles Stephen Burt, a poet turned lyricist. Burt shares thoughts on writing lyrics and how they interact with the music.