Minnesota has claim to a wealth of creativity; music is no exception. Almost every genre can be heard within our state’s borders. The results range from a simple act of joy, to an influence that reverberates far beyond (the “Minneapolis Sound” is a prime example). The collection below is an introduction to the diverse and talented artists who have called Minnesota home, and the art they share with all of us.
August 16, 1993 - MPR’s Catherine Winter reports on the nortern Minnesota group Second Wind Harmonica Band. Winter interviews music director Betty Kauppi and members of the band.
August 26, 1993 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews members of The Teddy Bear Band at the Minnesota Public Radio booth. Segment includes band performing to a State Fair audience.
September 3, 1993 - On this special Minnesota State Fair edition of First Friday program, MPR’s Beth Friend presents a “New Minnesotans” theme, with live performances by international musicians living and working in the Twin Cities, including an Andean folk band, Finnish singer-songwriter, and Greek vocalist.
September 16, 1993 - On this Mainstreet Radio segment, MPR’s Catherine Winter reports on Father Frank Perkovich, also known as the Polka Priest, and Joe Cvek & the Polka Mass-ters.
September 24, 1993 - An interview about Hmong storytelling with local musician/performer. Segment includes translation of story and a musical performance.
October 1, 1993 - On this First Friday segment, MPR’s Bill Wareham profiles the St. Paul Tex-Mex band Los Mundiales. Wareham interviews members of the band about the music genre and band’s traditional use of a real accordian.
November 19, 1993 - MPR’s Liz Hannon interviews American folk musician John Gorka about making records and songwriting. Segment includes Gorak perfroming songs from “Temporary Road“ album.
December 23, 1993 - MPR’s Euan Kerr profiles local Celtic band The Flash Girls. The duo, Emma Bull and Lorraine Garland, discuss their unique “semi-Celtic polite folk Riot grrrls” style, Neil Gaiman, and doughnuts.
December 31, 1993 - On this Mainstreet Radio segment, MPR’s Leif Enger interviews Joel Hanson, member of the Minneapolis Christian rock group PFR (formally known as Pray For Rain).
January 19, 1994 - MPR’s Euan Kerr profiles Twin Cities jazz singer Debbie Duncan. Segment includes interview with Duncan about her song repertoire and CD release.