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.
October 5, 2001 - Mainstreet Radio’s Jeff Horwich reports on a new grant awarded in central Minnesota that will be a small first step to put more violins, violas, and cellos in the hands of children in smaller school districts.
October 12, 2001 - On Word of Mouth, MPR’s Chris Roberts provides a radio guide to the local arts. This episode includes "Hush, Hush", John O'Donohue, Bakken Ensemble, “The Rink,” Jazz and Italian modern art, Lea Thomas, and an arts round-up..
November 23, 2001 - MPR’s Kaomi Goetz interviews Mark Browning Milner, a local musician who has taken known works and created a new sound by dramatically slowing down the notes. The result is Bozo Adagio, an ambient sound to create a calming effect.
December 28, 2001 - In this musical edition of our Voices of Minnesota, MPR’s Dan Olson features two of Minnesota's talented jazz musicians Charmin Michelle and Doug Haining, and bandura player Tanya Riabokin.
January 23, 2002 - Word of Mouth host Chris Roberts talks with members of the local band Kangaroo. The group boasts three teachers and one playwright in its ranks. They discuss the desire to create happiness in their music. Segment includes music clips.
February 13, 2002 - MPR’s Chris Roberts interviews Minneapolis musician and composer Andrew Broder about CD “The Fog.” Broder talks of his craft and use of a turntable as an instrument.
April 19, 2002 - In this edition of Word of Mouth - A profile on Brave New Workshop’s comedy “Bushwacked 2”/ Minnesota Opera’s “Little Women” / Center for the Performing Arts comedy “Among the Oats” / Northern Clay Center’s St. Paul American Pottery Festival / Klezmer Dances / Albee’s “The Play about the Baby” / The Rose Ensemble is performing music that is based on Gregorian chant / Minneapolis poet and spoken word artist Desdamona reads “To Know my Mother” / Minnesota jazz singer Alicia Renée
June 7, 2002 - The June edition of MPR's Voices of Minnesota series, featuring Alexander Braginsky of the ePiano competition, and St. Olaf Choir Director Anton Armstrong. MPR’s Dan Olson presents profiles and interviews of the two artists.
October 16, 2002 - The clanging of cowbells, swaying prairie grass and plows cutting deep into the earth may not sound like music to your ears, but to St. Paul composer Steve Heitzeg these sounds have all the makings of a great symphony. MPR’s Lorna Benson talks with the Heitzeg about his composition.
October 23, 2002 - MPR’s Euan Kerr talks with Semisonic’s vocalist and songwriter Dan Olson. The group has been taking a break after hit song “Closing Time.” Olson discusses his side project and songwriting.