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.
November 10, 1997 - MPR’s Mary Stucky profiles The Minnesota Klezmer Band. Stucky interviews band members Joseph Vass and Jerry Gotler, who describe what’s behind the music of klezmer.
January 16, 1998 - Music, English, Drama and Religion scholars will gather at Stanford University to deconstruct the work of one of Minnesota's most famous sons, Bob Dylan. The conference is billed as "The First U.S. Bob Dylan Conference" and will focus on Dylan's art and cultural legacy. MPR’s Lorna Benson interviews Tino Markworth, organizer of conference.
January 24, 1998 - MPR’s Greta Cunningham interviews Minnesota musician Peter Ostroushko about his new album “Pilgrims on the Heart Road."
March 17, 1998 - For fifteen years, the group Boiled in Lead has taken its unique blend of celtic, east europeon and world music around the globe, while always calling the Twin Cities home. The band has built such a rabid following, its fans are referred to as ‘leadheads.’ Founder and bass player Drew Miller talks with MPR’s Chris Roberts about release of compilation CD “Alloy.”
April 4, 1998 - The Jazz Image’s Leigh Kamman talks with Minnesotan Butch Thompson, a renowned American jazz pianist and clarinetist. Thompson discusses his recording of Scott Joplin work.
April 16, 1998 - MPR’s Todd Moe presents a historical look at the Minnesota State Band, which began in 1898. Members continue both the band's music, its long history, and its traditions. Segment includes various interviews and commentary about organization.
April 24, 1998 - MPR’s Chris Roberts interviews Dylan Hicks, a local songwriter. Hicks has always relied on his zany sense of humor to draw attention to himself and his music, but on his CD "Poughkeepsie" he is presenting a more serious side, and critics are responding favorably. Segment includes various music clips.
May 14, 1998 - MPR’s Euan Kerr talks with St. Paul guitarist Dean Magraw about his album “Seventh One.”
May 25, 1998 - MPR’s Amy Radil reports on the history of musicians coming out of the Iron Range, which had a vibrant music scene, with scores of bands that never made the bigtime but played to packed dance halls every weekend.
May 29, 1998 - MPR’s Dan Olson profiles the local band Speaking in Tongues, a quartet which blends musical traditions from four different cultures. Olson interviews percussionist Marc Anderson and Chinese pipa master Gao Hong.