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.
May 22, 2006 - Duluth city councilors consider adding Bob Dylan's name to a few blocks of London Road. MPR's Stephanie Hemphill reports on the numerous perspectives on naming area of road after the famous musician born in Duluth.
May 22, 2006 - MPR’s Stephanie Hemphill reports on Duluth city council preparing vote on naming part of a city street in honor of Bob Dylan.
June 5, 2006 - On this segment of Future Tense, MPR’s Jon Gordon interviews founder Tiffany Shlain about this year’s WEBBY Awards, including a lifetime Internet achievement award to Prince for his visionary use of the web as a music artist.
June 29, 2006 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles local hip-hop artist Desdamona. The two discuss her stage name, B-girl movement, spoken word scene, and CD “The Ledge.” Report also includes commentary from writer Dwight Hobbes and Theresa Sweetland, Intermedia Arts Programs Manager
July 28, 2006 - MPR’s Greta Cunningham interviews renowned Minnesota mandolin player Peter Ostroushko about his new album “Postcards.”
August 28, 2006 - On this segment of MPR’s “Notes from Home,” Chris Roberts looks into the local music scene in Hmong community.
September 1, 2006 - In this final installment of Notes from Home series, MPR’s Sanden Totten sits down with Maya Lopez-Santamaria, author of “Musica de la Raza,” a book that tells the story of Minnesota's Mexican and Chicano musicians.
October 2, 2006 - MPR’s Chris Roberts reports on the 26th annual Minnesota Music Awards. Roberts, who attended the First Avenue event, describes the evening and interviews award winners, including rapper P.O.S and members of Tapes 'n Tapes and The Hopefuls.
October 12, 2006 - An obscure 1960s rock group, the Monks, is rehearsing in northern Minnesota this week. It's the latest chapter in one of the stranger tales in rock and roll history. MPR’s Tom Robertson profiles the band, and interviews Gary Burger, Monk’s lead singer; Eddie Shaw, Monk’s bassist; David Fricke, Rolling Stone music critic; Dietmar Post, German film documentarian; and musical artist Genesis P-Orridge.
December 1, 2006 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles Doomtree, a new hip hop collective hitting the Twin Cities music scene. Roberts interviews members of the group on the collective’s creation. Roberts also talks with local music critic about the group.