December 4, 2009 - Director Jason Reitman seems to have a thing about writers with Minnesota connections. He had a huge hit with "Juno" written by Diablo Cody. Now he's getting a lot of buzz for "Up in the Air," which is based on Minnesota native Walter Kirn novel. The movie opens this weekend. Reitman came into the Minnesota Public Radio studios recently to talk with Euan Kerr about his career, and how he decided against being a director.
November 10, 2009 - MPR’s Euan Kerr talks with Minneapolis rhythm and blues legend Willie Murphy about his double CD release “Autobiographical Notes.” Murphy also shares his thoughts on American music.
November 6, 2009 - Bemidji based writer Kent Nerburn sometimes struggles to categorize what he creates. He writes fictional narratives based on the real stories of people he has met on reservations in Minnesota and the Dakotas. Euan Kerr reports Nerburn latest book, "The Wolf at Twilight," explores the sad legacy of the Indian Boarding schools.
November 4, 2009 - The story of a simple monk trying to promote peace during the Vietnam war might seem an unlikely subject for a puppet show. Yet the performers in "A Path Home" at the In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater say in many ways their show gets to the very roots of what they do as an organization.
October 29, 2009 - On this episode of the Grammar Grater podcast, we look at interesting words having to do with Halloween. We're joined by MPR News arts reporter and Scotsman, Euan Kerr.
October 22, 2009 - The Druid Theater, one of Irelands best known companies is in the Twin Cities this week to present a twisted take on family life. In "The Walworth Farce" three Irishmen living in London perform a drama in their apartment every morning. The play-within-a-play is based on the characters own lives. Euan Kerr reports it's a comedy with some very dark philosophical overtones.
September 15, 2009 - Writers researching novels sometimes have to do some strange things, as Twin Cities novelist Pete Hautman can attest.
September 10, 2009 - Jim Perlman, founder of Holy Cow Press, discusses collection of poems "Beloved on the Earth" from Duluth based publisher. The book focuses poems about grief, mourning - and celebration.
August 25, 2009 - The city of Minneapolis is one of the stars of "Into Temptation," a new movie that gets its world premiere at the Edina Theater on Thursday. It tells the story of a troubled Catholic priest who becomes obsessed with saving a mysterious young woman. Euan Kerr reports the film was made on a shoestring but features some big name stars.
August 6, 2009 - Nicole Johns doesn't look like she has an eating disorder, and for a long time that was a problem.