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.
December 4, 1996 - MPR’s Chris Roberts interviews Jane Anfinson, electric violinist and vocalist of Own, a Minneapolis art rock band that combines classical and jazz influences with traditional pop song structures. Anfinson discusses redefining instrumentation and abstract lyrics.
December 23, 1996 - On this Voices of Minnesota feature, an interview with St. Paul jazz vocalist Roberta Davis. Subjects of racism, family and the complexity of jazz are discussed.
December 23, 1996 - Midday presents a Voices of Minnesota program, highlighting conversations with businessman Fred Myers, who started a St. Paul company that employs chronic alcoholics; and Roberta Davis, one of Minnesota's foremost jazz vocalists.
December 24, 1996 - MPR’s Eric Friesen interviews local composer Stephen Paulus and poet Kevin Crossley-Holland about carols. They have collaborated on the creating the piece “Pilgrim Jesus” for the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King's College, Cambridge.
December 24, 1996 - MPR’s Chris Roberts interviews local singer/songwriter Stuart Davis on his unique holiday show "Break from the Relatives."
January 8, 1997 - MPR’s Chris Roberts talks with Chris Dorn, founder and frontman of Minneapolis band The Beatifics. Dorn discusses songwriting, the band’s album “How I Learned to Stop Worrying,” and the “power pop” genre.
January 15, 1997 - MPR’s John Rabe interviews local composer Paul Siskind about his composition “Fantasy-Variations.” The piece started off as a music school assignment, and sat on the shelf for a few years. Now the Minnesota Orchestra, under Eiji Oue, will give the world premiere performance of Siskind's “Fantasy-variations : on a fragment by Schoenberg.”
January 20, 1997 - On this Odd Jobs feature, MPR’s Euan Kerr interviews Steve Sklar, a local throat singer. Sklar specializes in a style of music born on the windy steppes of Mongolia. He describes and performs various traditional styles of throat singing.
February 7, 1997 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profile sisters Julia and Irina Elkina, one of Russia's more prominent duo-piano teams. The immigrated to Minnesota, and now call Minneapolis their home. One advantage they may have over other piano duos, is they also happen to be identical twins.
March 14, 1997 - MPR’s Maryann Sullivan interviews jazz bassist Anthony Cox, who discusses his return to Twin Cities in hopes of supporting a stronger jazz scene in area.