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Music

Composer Lee Hoiby, 1926-2011
Lee Hoiby died yesterday, age 85. He was a distinguished composer of song and opera.March 29, 2011
Songwriter/guitarist Patty Larkin in-studio
Patty Larkin's been called both a "contemplative songwriter" and a "whoop-ass guitarist." To celebrate 25 years in the music business, she's put out an album of 25 of her most requested songs, recorded with 25 of her favorite artists.Midmorning, March 28, 2011
Researcher looks at impact of file sharing on music industry
When file-sharing websites like Napster first appeared years ago, many in the music industry predicted a devastating effect on new artists breaking into the business, and a chilling effect on creativity. But, that hasn't happened, according to a researcher at the University of Minnesota.March 22, 2011
President Obama press conference on Middle East and Japan
President Obama holds a press conference to discuss unrest in the Middle East and rising gas prices. He's also expected to address the developing situation in Japan. Live coverage from National Public RadioMarch 11, 2011
Gay rights issue ends Lady Gaga, Target romance
Representatives for pop musician Lady Gaga say the artist has ended Target's exclusive deal to sell a special edition of her new album due out later this year.March 9, 2011
Patti Austin in the Maud Moon Weyerhauser studio
Grammy-award winner Patti Austin stops by to talk about her 53 year musical career, a career that began at age 4 on the stage of the famed Apollo Theater.Midmorning, March 7, 2011
Dancers explore the darker side of the Carpenters' story
For people of a certain age, the prospect of an evening of Carpenters music probably raises some mixed emotions. The brother-sister team of Richard and Karen Carpenter pumped out hit after hit in the 1970s. However behind the scenes the Carpenters were troubled. Karen struggled with an eating disorder which was to claim her life in 1983. That facade of pop music happiness covering a real life tragedy forms the basis of a new dance presentation in Minneapolis this weekend.March 4, 2011
Red Wing: carving a violin
Scrapes and cuts help fine tune the violin.March 4, 2011
Rodney Crowell in the Maud Moon Weyerhauser Studio
What do you get when you grow up poor, as an only child of a drunk father and a holy-rolling mother? How about an acclaimed musician, songwriter and now author of the book "Chinaberry Sidewalks." Hear Rodney share his story, through words and songs.Midmorning, March 1, 2011
Faith and suffering in song
Conductor and composer Andre Thomas says that when choirs perform spirituals, they need to understand both the joy and the pain of the slave experience. He joins Midmorning to discuss the legacy of spirituals and their meaning for modern-day audiences.Midmorning, February 28, 2011
Anthology of rap and hip-hop
Over the past 30 years rap and hip-hop have emerged as a powerful and influential cultural force. Midmorning examines the power and the poetry of rap music, from the "old school" to the present day.Midmorning, February 24, 2011
South Africa's musical ambassadors: Ladysmith Black Mambazo
For over forty years, the Ladysmith Black Mambazo has been the voice of South African musical tradition around the world. Rock audiences were first introduced to the group when they collaborated with Paul Simon on his 1987 album, "Graceland." Ladysmith Black Mambazo's new album, "Songs from a Zulu Farm" celebrates their rich musical and cultural heritage. They join host Kerri Miller for a live in-studio performance.Midmorning, February 16, 2011
Minn. Orchestra seeks micro-financing for new work
The Minnesota Orchestra will pay for its latest commission by soliciting small donations from patrons of the "Inside the Classics" series.February 11, 2011
Veteran Minneapolis rapper tells his own story
On his new CD, "Worth the Wait," Minneapolis emcee 'Carnage the Executioner' repeatedly asserts his superiority. But based on the hardships he's overcome in his personal life and his sheer vocal prowess, he has earned those bragging rights.February 7, 2011
1989: the Trashmen
More than a surfin' bird.February 6, 2011