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.
January 15, 2010 - MPR’s Dan Olson profiles Twin Cities musician and educator Cyril Paul. A native of Trinidad, Paul has lived in Minnesota for more than 50 years performing the music of his homeland and also serving as a music resource person in schools and churches.
January 22, 2010 - Chris Roberts reports on Minneapolis hip-hop artist Dessa. Roberts interviews Dessa and others about artist’s style, lyric writing, and album "A Badly Broken Code."
January 29, 2010 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles Accordo, the renonwned Twin Cities chamber ensemble. Roberts interviews members of group about their intimate connection while performing together.
March 30, 2010 - MPR’s Chris Roberts talks with members of Jelloslave, a Minneapolis band that takes the cello where quartets and concertos don't usually go. Their CD "Purple Orange" is highlighted.
April 13, 2010 - MPR’s Chris Roberts reports on Duluth band Trampled by Turtles and their album “Palomino.” The band features banjo, mandolin and fiddle players but no drummer. It's built like a traditional bluegrass band, but presents a distinctly hybrid version based on a frenetic sound.
May 28, 2010 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles the highly touted Minneapolis indie rock trio Animal Zoo. Roberts interviews members of the band about how they connect their Christain beliefs to their downsizing, minimalist style.
June 11, 2010 - Classical MPR’s John Birge sits down with Layton “Skip” James, as he retires from The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra after 41 years as keyboardist. James recalls a memorable night that didn't go exactly as planned. James was playing the 5th Brandenburg Concerto by Bach. It has a huge harpsichord solo, or cadenza. But James found himself in the spotlight in an unexpected way...
June 25, 2010 - As one of Minnesota's most famous sons receives a lifetime achievement award by the cable tv station BET, Chris Roberts gathers two prominent Prince watchers and his former drummer to talk about Prince's relationship with his hometown.
July 9, 2010 - MPR’s Chris Roberts sits down with Minnesota folk music legend Spider John Koerner and Mark Trehus, owner of Treehouse Records, to talk about the release of vintage recordings that feature Koerner in two different phases of his career.
July 22, 2010 - MPR’s Chris Roberts reports on local music band Purest Spiritual Pigs, and talks with Helena Thompson, the founder and core member of Purest Spiritual Pigs. Thompson is also a 10-year veteran of the Minneapolis Fire Department, and her work has a great influence on her music.