Topics

Pop/Rock

Bringing a message of change - from Africa
Vusi Mahlasela is known as "The Voice" in his native South Africa. A singer, guitarist, percussionist and poet, he came of age during the turmoil of the waning days of apartheid. He now plays around the world, singing of the joys and challenges of his homeland. This week, Mahlasela launches a U.S. tour with a concert Saturday night at the Ordway Center in St Paul.February 6, 2009
Hedwig comes to town
A local producer is launching a new interactive movie program in the Twin Cities, and as a result, Hedwig is coming to town. Later this week the creator, star and director of the cult film "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" will appear as the first guest of "The Talkies" at the Heights Theater in Columbia Heights.February 3, 2009
Ask the MPR president
Minnesota Public Radio President Bill Kling joins MPR's Gary Eichten in the studio to answer listener questions.Midday, January 30, 2009
50 years since the day the music died
Fifty years ago this week, one of the defining moments in rock and roll history occurred, when musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper were killed in a plane crash. Several events are planned to commemorate the anniversary in Clear Lake, Iowa, where they played their last concert.January 29, 2009
Making the Scene: an Oral History of Twin Cities Rock
"Making the Scene: An Oral History of Twin Cities Rock," traces the evolution of the local-music scene from the mid-1960s through the '90s, through the eyes and ears of key figures from each decade.Midday, December 23, 2008
Songs for the lovelorn
For centuries, lovelorn souls have written letters addressed to "Juliet, Verona, Italy." They're writing to the heroine of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. A production at the Southern Theater in Minneapolis takes a musical and theatrical look at "The Juliet Letters."September 11, 2008
A history of Twin Cities rock music
"Making the Scene: An Oral History of Twin Cities Rock," traces the evolution of the local-music scene from the mid-1960s through the '90s, through the eyes and ears of key figures from each decade.Midday, August 7, 2008
The music of summer
Sunny days, warm breezes, and languid nights all make us think of summer, and so do certain songs. Midmorning takes a look at the great songs of summertime.Midmorning, July 23, 2008
Film director celebrates 1994
While 1994 may not stick out in many people's minds as being one of the watershed years of U.S. history, it does for film director Jonathan Levine. "Much like 1776, just with more rap music," he says. It's the year he set his new film "The Wackness."July 11, 2008
Steven C works his piano
St. Paul musician Steven Anderson, or Steven C., as his stage name goes, has built a thriving behind-the-scenes career in the "New Age" music industry as a producer and pianist. Now he's stepping out of the shadows with a new CD.May 16, 2008
Where have the women gone?
From spoken word to breakdancing, hip-hop culture is taking off, but Midmorning asks why fewer women seem to be making a name for themselves in the genre.Midmorning, April 11, 2008
Tapes 'n Tapes roll again
Two years after it buzzed to the top of the indie rock world, the Minneapolis band Tapes 'n Tapes is back with a new CD called "Walk it Off."April 10, 2008
Vinyl's staying power
The vinyl record is undergoing somewhat of a resurgence in the Twin Cities music scene. More bands are putting their music out on vinyl, more consumers, especially younger ones, are choosing vinyl over compact discs.April 1, 2008
Web comic reflects life in a "Nowhere Band"
A local webcomic is generating a buzz for it's depiction of bands that are going nowhere.March 17, 2008
Mike Doughty takes a bite out of the MinneApple with "Golden Delicious"
Former Soul Coughing frontman and Brooklyn singer/songwriter Mike Doughty gets a lot of love from Twin Cities musicheads. Doughty has recorded two records in Minneapolis, including his new CD "Golden Delicious" with the help of Grammy winning songwriter Dan Wilson.February 26, 2008