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.
June 2, 1995 - MPR’s Euan Kerr talks with master mandolin player Peter Ostroushko.
September 9, 1995 - MPR’s Bill Wareham and Chris Roberts discuss new local music releases from summer of 1995. Wareham shares his thoughts on The Glenrustles “Brood” album and Tim Mahoney’s self-titled CD.
October 13, 1995 - Mainstreet Radio’s Catherine Winter profiles northern Minnesota band The Splinters. Members of the band talk about their efforts in the revival of town hall dance night.
October 27, 1995 - MPR’s Joaqlin Estus profiles Native American composer Brent Michael Davids. Estus interviews Davids about his instrumentations and composition “Native American Suite.” Jerry Rubino, assistant-conductor of the Dale Warland Singers, is also interviewed.
November 18, 1995 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles Minneapolis R&B band Dr. Mambo's Combo and the live disc, “Funkin' at the Bunkers.” Segment includes interview and music clips.
January 30, 1996 - MPR’s Laura McCallum profiles the Minneapolis-St. Paul a cappella group Tonic Sol-fa. McCallum interviews members of the vocal group about their origin and influences.
February 10, 1996 - MPR’s Greta Cunningham talks with singer and writer Leslie Ball, who shares a survival tale of Valentine’s Day past and performs a song in the studio about the “love” holiday.
February 19, 1996 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles early Rhymesayers Entertainment collective Headshots, consisting of Beyond, Abstract Pack, Urban Atmosphere and Full Circle.
February 29, 1996 - MPR's Marianne Combs speaks with musician Georgia Ann Hunter, painter Patricia Canelake, and poet Louis Jenkins, as they gathered with other artists at the Lake Superior Center in Duluth to share their work and talk about how the lake has influenced their art.
March 18, 1996 - MPR’s Justin Maiman visited Nye's to speak with “Sweet” Lou Snider, the establishment’s long-time pianist. Snider shares thoughts on her unique work. Everyone Lou Snider meets on her job thinks they're a singer. Snider leads all the vocalists who step up to her piano bar at Nye's Polonaise Room in Minneapolis, and many an interaction occurs.