August 18, 1997 - A Midday call-in program about ecumenism in religion and other trends in organized religion with studio guest Clark Morphew, St. Paul Pioneer Press religion writer and nationally syndicated columnist.
July 24, 1997 - A new record label in Minneapolis is hoping to become the home of traditional Scandanavian music in North America. Founders of Northside records say the traditional folk music and fiddle tunes of Sweden, Norway and Finland are becoming the hottest thing going in world music circles. The resurgence is being fueled by young Scandanavian musicians. Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Roberts reports.
July 18, 1997 - Art crawlers hungry for some new work may consider stopping by an abandoned soap factory in Minneapolis this weekend. The Teen Art Council at the Walker Art Center has put together what it calls "a teen curated teen art show" containing the work of more than than 70 young artists from around the metro area. The show's curators say visitors who tend to dismiss teen artists might be in for a surprise. Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Roberts has more.
July 14, 1997 - The 1980s' was a decade known for trends, and one of the hottest was stand-up comedy. In the Twin Cities and around the country, comedy clubs were popping up everywhere and packing in people. Familiar names such as Louie Anderson, Tom Arnold, and Scott Hansen launched their stand-up careers here. But eventually, greed and mediocrity killed off a lot of comedy clubs, and the craze flickered out. Today, comedy clubs are attempting to make a comeback, and at many, the emphasis is not on cashing in, but on building for the future. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen and Chris Roberts found two local comedians who reflect the new spirit of comedy.
July 14, 1997 - The 1980s' was a decade known for trends, and one of the hottest was stand-up comedy. In the Twin Cities and around the country, comedy clubs were popping up everywhere and packing in people. Familiar names such as Louie Anderson, Tom Arnold, and Scott Hansen launched their stand-up careers here. But eventually, greed and mediocrity killed off a lot of comedy clubs, and the craze flickered out. Today, comedy clubs are attempting to make a comeback, and at many, the emphasis is not on cashing in, but on building for the future. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen and Chris Roberts found two local comedians who reflect the new spirit of comedy. Here's an excerpt from their report.
July 2, 1997 - Murals have always been among the more popular forms of public art. They can spruce up a city block or give restless teenagers a way to express themselves. They're usually associated with urban renewal projects, but every now and then, murals are commissioned by organizations or businesses trying to enliven their own image. Such is the case with a new mural going up along I-94 in St. Paul, which celebrates the state's most famous mascot and the serene beauty of the prairie in the heart of the city. Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Roberts reports.
June 19, 1997 - Apart from getting major ink in the local newspaper or weekly, posters are the primary way artists publicize their work. In Minneapolis stricter enforcement of an anti-bill-sticking ordinance has forced artists to find new venues to promote their shows and performances. Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Roberts reports on two artists who responded by starting a new magazine.
June 9, 1997 - Two Voices of Minnesota interviews: Mary Beth Blegen, National Teacher of the Year from Worthington, Minnesota. And a conversation with Minnesota School Psychologist of the Year, Sally Gotelaere. She works for the Hermantown School District.
June 6, 1997 - Take a stroll in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and you may or may not notice a chorus of crickets....chirping in broad daylight. This aural celebration of summer is actually a sound installation by electronic composer Ron Kuivila (KWEE-vi-la), whom the Walker Art Center describes as a pioneer in creating computerized sonic environments. Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Roberts visited the installation and found an artist who's primary goal is making people pay attention.
June 3, 1997 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles Minneapolis band The Hang Ups. Roberts interviews vocalist and guitarist Brian Tighe about the band and CD "So We Go."