Listen: Minnesota Orchestra presents George Floyd-inspired 'brea(d)th' with the help of 150 singers
May 24, 2023
In a new work commissioned by the Minnesota Orchestra in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, composer Carlos Simon and librettist Marc Bamuthi Joseph tell a uniquely American story. As Simon and Joseph write in their artist statement, “brea(d)th is a classical work, inspired by the enduring presence of George Floyd the Ancestor, asking America to consider an equitable future.” Rooted in the Minneapolis community and built upon Joseph’s words, brea(d)th considers the nation’s history, promise and possibilities. On Friday, May 19, conductor Jonathan Taylor Rush led the orchestra and 150 singers through this groundbreaking work. Listen to the concert available online.
No Mow May? Good intentions, bad approach, critics say
May 19, 2023
There's a growing movement called No Mow May that asks people to abstain from mowing their lawns until June first. The intention is admirable. The idea is to let grass and weeds grow and bloom to provide food and shelter for essential pollinators early in the season, when that's hard for them to find. But AP gardening columnist Jessica Damiano thinks it’s not a good idea.
Burnsville music class includes songs familiar to Somali students
May 16, 2023
A group of fifth grade students files into Becca Buck’s music classroom in the basement of Gideon Pond Elementary.
After a short warm–up, Buck introduces the song she wants her students to learn: “Huwaya Huwa” — a piece that some of the kids in the room have known for a long time.
It’s a Somali lullaby that Buck introduced to her classroom after realizing her curriculum was almost entirely centered on English and European music.
Discover this story as part of North Star Journey from MPR News
Save the dates! The Current Happy Hours
May 16, 2023
Save the dates! The Current is bringing back music and fun to breweries across the Twin Cities this summer. The Current's hosts will provide the soundtrack and a band will perform at each event.
Each of The Current Happy Hours is free and open to everyone.
Happy Hours Schedule
- Wednesday, May 24 at Surly Brewing Co. with Devon Gilfillian - RSVP NOW
- Thursday, June 8 at Sociable Cider Werks with Samia - RSVP NOW
- Thursday, June 22 at Utepils Brewing - RSVP NOW
- Thursday, July 13 at Surly Brewing Co. - RSVP NOW
- Thursday, August 17 at Wild Mind Ales - RSVP NOW
- Thursday, September 14 at Inbound BrewCo - RSVP NOW
- Thursday, September 28 at Surly Brewing Co. - RSVP NOW
She ripped up her manicured lawn and challenged the norms of gardening stories
May 15, 2023
In “Soil: The Story of a Black Mother's Garden,” Camille Dungy describes her years-long project to transform her weed-filled, water-hogging, monochromatic lawn into a pollinator's paradise.
6 essential Asian American and Pacific Islander composers you should know
May 14, 2023
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. It is difficult to represent all the diverse cultures that make up Asia and the Pacific Islands. Here, YourClassical highlights six composers who have pushed the limits of composition by blending traditional sounds from their native homeland with Western classical styles.
The healing benefits of getting outdoors
May 13, 2023
Minnesota has a lot of grassroots groups getting into the grass and into the roots.
MPR News host Angela Davis spoke with two Minnesotans who are helping others experience the joys of the outdoors and the health benefits.
MPR News: Meet Your Team
May 12, 2023
Video: Meet Your MPR News Team
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/05/01/meet-your-team
Thank YOU, our members and community supporters, for making MPR News journalism possible in Minnesota.
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The Current Happy Hours: Surly Brewing Co.
May 12, 2023
The Current is bringing music and fun to Surly Brewing Co. on Wednesday, May 24, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Host Jill Riley will provide the soundtrack, and Devon Gilfillian will perform a live set. RSVP today!
Each of The Current Happy Hours is free and open to everyone.
The Current's 893 Essential Songs of the '90s
May 11, 2023
It’s the final part of the countdown as The Current presents the top songs of the '90s, as voted by you!
Listen Thursday, May 11 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and you’ll hear songs across genres, from grunge to hip-hop, R&B to techno, and shoegaze to teen pop.
The Current couldn't do 893 Essential Songs and other adventurous programming like this without your support. Donate now and Power Great Radio.