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.
April 21, 2016 - MPR’s Euan Kerr reports on the career of the musical genius Prince. Kerr interviews numerous individuals who reflect on Prince.
April 21, 2016 - MPR’s Matt Sepic gets reaction from local Prince fans upon the news of musician’s unexpected death. The Minnesota-born international superstar whose sound revolutionized pop music and put the Minneapolis scene on the map, was found dead earlier in the morning at his Paisley Park studios in Chanhassen.
April 21, 2016 - All Things Considered’s Tom Crann talks with The Current’s Andrea Swensson, who describes the scene at Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen after the death of Prince at his home complex. There is a miles-long traffic jam leading to his studio and regular concert venue.
April 21, 2016 - MPR’s Tom Crann interviews songwriter Jimmy Jam about the death of music genius Prince. Jimmy Jam shares reflections on Prince and his legacy.
April 21, 2016 - The Current Local Show host Jade Tittle checks in with The Current’s Andrea Swensson at Paisley Park, who verifies on-air that Prince has died. A heart-broken Swensson shares a brief personal account of the musician.