Notes from home: Ethnic music in Minnesota

August 27, 2006

The traditional music of Minnesota's immigrant and refugee populations not only connects them to their homeland, but provides a foundation for life in America.

Hmong find ways to keep traditional music alive
In the Hmong community, traditional music is played primarily for ceremonial reasons. It helps the Hmong preserve ancient customs and rituals. Younger generations of Hmong are finding new ways to keep this music alive.August 28, 2006
Indian music has a kinship with jazz
We're sampling the ever-increasing variety of ethnic music in Minnesota in a series called "Notes from Home." In this installment, music from India.August 29, 2006
Somali music is here, but hard to find
Despite being home to one of the largest Somali populations in the U.S., Minnesotans know relatively little about Somali music. We learn more about the music Somalis generally keep to themselves.August 30, 2006
The Oromo sing a joyful song
After fleeing Ethiopia to escape persecution, more Oromo people have landed in Minnesota than any other place in the world. The music they've brought with them pulsates with joy.August 31, 2006
A tour of Mexican music in the Twin Cities
One of the largest niche markets in Latin music in the Twin Cities is regional Mexican music. We took a tour of the Mexican music scene with the author of "Musica de la Raza," a book that tells the story of Minnesota's Mexican and Chicano musicians.September 1, 2006