October 20, 2005 - MPR’s Karl Grehrke interviews local jazz musician Dave Graf about life as a trombonist and his first CD release, “Just Like That.” Gehrke also speaks with Artegra label founder Warren Sampson and trumpeter Dave Jensen about Graf.
October 11, 2005 - Minnesota has often been called the choral center of the U.S. The state is filled not only with church and school choirs, but also professional choirs with reputations that extend beyond Minnesota's borders. This is a busy time for many of those choirs as they get ready for their season-opening concerts this month. But missing for the second year is one of the best-known choruses in the state. Minnesota Public Radio's Karl Gehrke has more.
September 23, 2005 - MPR’s Karl Gehrke reports on Seattle composer Stehen Newby’s “Rondo Oratorio,” It is a multi-movement work for large chorus, chamber orchestra, rhythm section, soloists and narrators that captures the spirit of the people who lived in St. Paul's long-gone Rondo neighborhood.
August 9, 2005 - MPR’s Karl Gehrke interviews singer and Duluth native Emily Van Evera about her CD “My Lady Rich” celebrating the life Elizabethan era Lady Penelope Rich.
July 29, 2005 - Minnesota Orchestra Music Director Osmo Vanska played the clarinet for many years until a busy life as a conductor made it difficult for him to continue. Now after after several years away from the instrument, Vanska makes his Orchestra Hall debut as a clarinetist.
June 3, 2005 - MPR’s Karl Gehrke interviews Minneapolis saxophonist Pete Whitman about his love for the improvisation of jazz and the complexity of performing within a group.
May 30, 2005 - opular Twin Cities author Lorna Landvik is trying something new in her latest novel, "Oh My Stars." For the first time she's set a story outside of Minnesota and in a period before she was born. It's the depression-era story of Violet Mathers, an 18 year old Kentucky girl who's been beaten down by life. Just as she reaches her lowest point, she winds up traveling the midwest with a trio of musicians.
April 29, 2005 - MPR’s Karl Gehrke interviews local jazz saxophonist Jeremy Walker, founder of the band Jazz is Now! Orchestra. Walker discusses the band and his love for jazz. Gehrke also interviews jazz saxophonist Ted Nash about group.
April 14, 2005 - MPR’s Karl Gehrke reports on the end of the Minneapolis chamber group Prospect Park Players. Gehrke interviews Prospect Park Artistic Director William Eddins and composer Randall Davidson about the seven year run of of the classical group.