November 21, 2003 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles The Commissioning Club, a local performing arts organizations that commissions new music. Roberts interviews numerous supporters of club to better understand it’s purpose and process.
November 21, 2003 - An interview Jim Walsh, music critic for City Pages, about Prince’s career and selection as one of the 2004 inductees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
November 27, 2003 - MPR’s Chris Roberts reports on Twin Cities band Halloween, Alaska. The band consists of members of three prominent Twin Cities musical groups - Happy Apple, 12 Rods, and Love Cars. The musicians are taking a break from their noisier roles as rock and jazz musicians to create quiet, mood pop, with a heavy nod to one of its favorite musical eras - the 1980s.
November 27, 2003 - It's Turkey Day -- a day for feasting on fowl. But what about people who don't eat turkey? MPR’s Chris Julin thought to find some alternatives at a co-op grocery store, so he paid a visit.
November 28, 2003 - Midday presents two Voices of Minnesota conversations with Minnesota fishermen. Howard Sivertson and Walter Sve share recollections of growing up in fishing families on the North Shore of Lake Superior. It's a way of life that's practically disappeared.
November 28, 2003 - Mainstreet Radio's Tim Post reports on the new tale "Old Turtle and the Broken Truth" from central Minnesota author Douglas Wood. The turtle reappears 11 years after its first appearance.
December 1, 2003 - Minnesota children's author Mary Casanova is out with a new picture book that takes readers on a journey with a girl and her dog. "One-Dog Canoe" features animals that live near Casanova's home in Rainy Lake in northern Minnesota. "One Dog Canoe" is featured on the Minnesota Humanities Council's list of 17 books parents and children should read together. Casanova says her latest book was inspired by growing up as one of ten children. She says like the young girl in her story--she was always searching for some "alone time."
December 1, 2003 - Starting in January, the Guthrie Theater will take Shakespeare's Othello on the road. The cross country tour is part of the National Endowment for the Arts' initiative to bring Shakespeare to communities across America. Minnesota Public Radio's Marianne Combs reports
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.