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.
September 30, 2011 - MPR’s Chris Roberts talks with Minnesota native Haley Bonar about the songs “Sad Baby” and “Leo” from her album ‘Golder.’
October 7, 2011 - The "alt country" music scene isn't as big as it used to be, but there's still a lot of vintage twang in the Twin Cities, courtesy of the Cactus Blossoms. The Minneapolis group, fronted by a pair of brothers, harkens back to the roots of country with their earnest songs and pristine harmonizing. MPR’s Chris Roberts presents a profile of the group.
October 17, 2011 - On this premiere episode of Minnesota Sounds and Voices, MPR’s Dan Olson interviews members of Messiah's Men, a choir group of men brought together by the shared experience of escaping their civil war-ravaged homeland of Liberia.
February 10, 2012 - On this episode of Minnesota Sounds and Voices, MPR’s Dan Olson talks with members of Mu Daiko, a St. Paul-based Japanese drumming ensemble. Iris Shiraishi and Rick Shiomi discuss the background and rudiments of music style.
February 14, 2012 - MPR’s Chris Roberts reports on formation of Minneapolis band, Poliça. Roberts talks with Ryan Olson, creator behind group, and numerous band members about album release "Give You the Ghost."
March 21, 2012 - On this episode of Minnesota Sounds and Voices, MPR’s Dan Olson presents report on Jane Belau, who has volunteered for ten years playing piano in the Mayo Clinic's Gonda Building lobby. Many at the hospital find the music therapeutic.
March 30, 2012 - On this episode of Minnesota Sounds and Voices, MPR’s Dan Olson explores the sounds of bagpiping with Mike Breidenbach, leader of the Macalester College Pipe Band. Olson also interviews members of pipe band.
April 6, 2012 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles French horn virtuoso Bernhard Scully and his mother, Bloomington pianist Joanne Minnetti. The pair have collaborated on album "Dialogues en Francais." The music reflects a mother and son artistic partnership that dates back to when Scully was a child.
May 8, 2012 - MPR’s David Cazares profiles Twin Cities jazz guitarist Zacc Harris, co-leader of several Twin Cities jazz projects, including The Zacc Harris Group, which has released “The Garden” CD.
May 17, 2012 - MPR’s Chris Roberts reports there's a growing feeling that another golden age in local music might be upon us. Segment includes interviews with venues, music editors, artists, and fans.