November 6, 2015 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Minnesotan author and columnist Rick Shefchik about his book “Everybody's Heard About the Bird: The True Story of 1960s Rock N Roll in Minnesota.” The book tells the story of The Trashmen and the bands that came before and after them. It's also about the influential figures behind the scenes like Amos Heilicher, founder of Minneapolis-based Soma Records and disc jockey Bill Diehl, the Dick Clark of the Twin Cities.
December 15, 2015 - MPR’s Marriane Combs speaks with playwright Jessica Huang about her play on mixed race, titled “Purple Cloud.” Well... here's a question. "What are you?" It's a question that people of mixed race get all the time. A new play produced by Mu Performing Arts explores what it means to be mixed race... and how it leads one family on a journey of self-discovery.
January 4, 2016 -
January 4, 2016 -
January 8, 2016 - A discussion about the future of theater with Guthrie Theater's Joe Haj, Jungle Theater's Sarah Rasmussen, Penumbra Theatre's Sarah Bellamy, and Mu Performing Arts' Randy Reyes.
February 4, 2016 - MPR’s Euan Kerr interviews the creators of new play “George Bonga: Black Voyageur.” The History Theater pulls together a dream team of playwright Carlyle Brown, director Marion McClinton, and actor James A. Williams to tell the story of African American voyageur George Bonga.
February 29, 2016 - MPR’s Marianne Combs reports on Penumbra Theatre’s opening run of The Dutchman and The Owl Answers - two surreal one-act plays that explore race relations, sexual politics and biracial identity.
March 16, 2016 - MPR’s Euan Kerr interviews experimental composer and musician Laurie Anderson, who has been on the forefront of musical experimentation in the U.S. for more than 40 years. The two discuss the sounds, imagery, and juxtaposition.
March 17, 2016 - An MPR News Presents broadcast of Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential biographer Jon Meacham speaking at the Pen Pals Lecture Series. Meacham has written about Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, and President George H.W. Bush. Author says he writes biography rather than history, because history is shaped by individuals who, despite their flaws, do the right thing in moments of crisis.
April 14, 2016 - MPR’s Tim Nelson reports on expansion plans at the Minnesota State Fair. The architects that created the West End Market for the Fair in 2014 showed off a makeover for the north end of the fairgrounds. The project includes a new exhibit hall, a more intimate amphitheater, and some changes to favorites like the Giant Sing Along and the Pet Center.