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 15, 1986 - MPR’s Bill Wareham interviews Steve Kramer, leader of the Twin Cities band, The Wallets. He shares history of the band, and their debut Twin/Tone album release, “Take It.” The band's style has been described as a "mix of polka, rock, rhythm-and-blues, jazz and whimsy." Segment includes clips of The Wallets songs, and a live performance.
December 8, 1986 - MPR’s Bill Wareham reports on the effect country sound is having on local rock musicians. Segment includes interviews with Brad Mattson, drummer of The Phones; and Mark Olson, guitarist of the Jayhawks.
December 15, 1986 - MPR’s Beth Friend interviews Bad Jazz members Kevin Kling, Michael Sommers and Loren Niemi. They discuss their “unique” performance.
January 2, 1987 - MPR’s Bill Wareham reports on the success of local music scene in 1986, both here and nationally. Report highlights Janet Jackson, Cherrelle, The S.O.S. Band, Terry Lewis, Flyte Tyme, Prince, Magnolias, The Jets, Jesse Johnson, The Replacements, The Suicide Commandos, Twin/Tone Records, SST Records, Husker Du, Soul Asylum, Trip Shakespeare, and The Wallets.
January 23, 1987 - MPR’s Beth Friend talks with Elizabeth Nelson and Roman Figueroa, two Minneosta singers preparing for Metropolitan Opera National Council District auditions.
January 31, 1987 - MPR’s Mark Heistad presents a profile of Minneapolis record label Red House Records. Heistad interviews label founder Bob Feldman, and folk musician Peter Ostroushko. Segment includes music clips from Red House Records studio.
February 7, 1987 - Philip Nusbaum talks with Luverne Wamous, a concertina player in Owatonna. Wamous shares how he started playing old-time music and performs regional tunes.
February 20, 1987 - MPR’s Beth Friend reports on members of five Twin Cities church choirs that have come together to perform together in “The Gospel at Colonus” musical at Guthrie Theatre. Friend interviews choir members about the production.
May 4, 1987 - MPR’s Beth Friend reports on the Minnesota Composers Forum. Friend interviews various members of group about organization’s purpose in supporting local composers.
May 21, 1987 - MPR’s Beth Friend looks at the seven-year tenure of Pinchas Zukerman, conductor of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. Friend interviews members of SPCO about the genius, influential, and sometimes difficult orchestra leader.