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.
May 23, 2012 - As part of Minnesota Mix series, MPR’s David Cazares reports on Malamanya, a Twin Cities band that plays traditional Cuban songs. Cazares interviews lead singer Adriana Rimpel and band leader Tony Schreiner.
May 29, 2012 - President Obama speaks on awarding musician and Minnesota native Bob Dylan the Medal of Freedom.
June 11, 2012 - On this episode of Minnesota Sounds and Voices, MPR’s Dan Olson talks with Minneapolis resident Salah Fattah on how he stays connected to his Arabic culture. Fattah is founder of the 10-year-old Arabic classical music ensemble Amwaaj, which in English means "wave," as in waves of the sea.
June 19, 2012 - Veteran Minnesota rock musican Kevin Bowe has given himself a gift. It's an album of his own songs, titled "Natchez Trace." MPR’s Chris Roberts talks with Bowe about the experience.
July 9, 2012 - As part of MPR’s Into The Song series, Chris Roberts talks with Now Now band members Cacie Dalager, Jess Abbott, and Bradley Hale. The group breakdown the song “Thread.”
August 24, 2012 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer sits down with Minneapolis rapper Brother Ali to discuss his album “Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color” and his rejuvenating pilgrimage to Mecca.
November 30, 2012 - MPR’s David Cazares profiles all-Black jazz group Mother of Masks, a group that blends spoken word, poetry and improvised music in a blues-based fountain of black creative consciousness.
February 12, 2013 - On this episode of Minnesota Sounds and Voices, MPR’s Dan Olson profiles Kim Sueka and David Burk, two members of St. Paul Rose Ensemble. The two that have created the Lau Hawaiian Collective, a group that brings the islands' music to Minnesota audiences.
March 7, 2013 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer and Andrea Swensson talk about the local history of female rock groups. Bands discussed include Babes in Toyland, Têtes Noires, and The Clams.
March 15, 2013 - On this episode of Minnesota Sounds and Voices, MPR’s Dan Olson profiles dulcimer player Karen Mueller. Mueller is one of the country's top dulcimer and autoharp players, classically trained, steeped in Appalachian, Celtic and folk music. The Minneapolis musician is trying something new: performing a rarely heard classical work with a chamber group.