December 2, 2003 - In the weeks prior to his fatal car crash in August, hockey icon Herb Brooks was working with local author Ross Bernstein on several projects, including a book about great coaches in the state. Bernstein had seen Brooks the morning of his death, and was devastated by the loss. As Bernstein talked with people in the days that followed, he realized how deeply the coach had affected those who knew him -- and knew of him. So a second book was born. "Remembering Herbie: Celebrating the Life and Times of Hockey Legend Brooks" has just been published. Bernstein says the range of people who wanted to take part were a testament to Brooks' influence.
December 4, 2003 - For artists, the holiday season is the busiest time of the year. Artists and theaters can usually look forward to their biggest paychecks. A review opening in Minneapolis casts a satirical eye on holiday productions. MPR’s Chris Roberts reports on a wonderfully bad production.
December 5, 2003 - The head of the Minnesota State Arts Board has been elected to a national post. Robert Booker will serve as president of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies for the next two years. The organization serves 56 state and regional arts agencies. Booker takes the helm as many state arts organizations are adjusting to substantial funding cuts brought on by state budget crises. Minnesota's arts board budget was cut by sixty percent and overall state arts funding cut by one-third during the last legislative session. Booker will preside over a 21-member board of directors for the Washington, D.C.,-based organization. He says he didn't seek out the appointment -- he was asked to serve.
December 5, 2003 - Tonight is opening night for the Walker Art Center's most popular film event -- the annual screening of the British Television Advertising Awards.The programs draw more than 10,000 people each year and are consistently sold-out. Audiences will get to see the best of British advertising -- from campaigns featuring a male streaker to avant-garde ads for hot noodles and automobiles. Here's an example: Peter Bigg, the administrator for the British Television Advertising Awards, will speak at tonight's screening. He says the 27th annual event showcases a collision of art and commerce.
December 12, 2003 - Ror State of the Arts A Minneapolis musician is releasing his first recording in 25 years. Papa John Kolstad's roots go back to the beginning of the Minneapolis folk scene. Now at 61, he returns with a CD of up-tempo blues and swing songs and a renewed vigor for making music. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
December 12, 2003 - Jan McElfish, member of the American Swedish Institute, gives MPR’s Great Cunningham a tour of the Turnblad Turn-blahd Mansion during the holiday season.
December 19, 2003 - Veteran Twin Cities Acoustic Guitarist Billy McLaughlin has reached a turning point in his career. The five-time Minnesota Music Award winner has been diagnosed with Focal Dystonia. Focal Dystonia is neurological movement disorder. In McLaughlin's case, it was brought on by years of intricate finger movements. The disorder has forced him to dramatically alter the way he plays the guitar and caused him to cut back his live performances. After 15 years of almost constant touring, McLaughlin has only a handful of concerts scheduled (for the foreseeable future), including shows in Duluth and Minneapolis this weekend. I recently spoke with Billy about his music and his future as a performer.
December 23, 2003 - According to the old stage adage, it's best to avoid working with children or animals. But Guy Wegener isn't one to follow conventional wisdom. As an actor in the national tour of Oliver, the Minnesota native shares the stage with 16 kids and one energetic 65-pound dog. Minnesota Public Radio's Nikki Tundel has the story.
December 23, 2003 - Throughout the first part of December, Minnesota Public Radio has asked listeners to join in the spirit of the season by setting new lyrics to old holiday tunes. The entries were judged, and winners have been chosen. In the "Jingle Bells" category, open to young people, Michelle Boursier of Maple Grove, was the winner. Segment includes interview with Michelle and a clip from her entry, recorded by the singing group “Dare to Breathe."
December 23, 2003 - The holidays often trigger the brightest of memories and the happiest of emotions. But, as writer Nanci Olesen explains, those memories can also bring on emotions that clash with the tenor of the season.