Composer Joel Thompson continues the history of challenging society with his music, like so many artists that came before him. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.
As the midterm election approaches, MPR News reporters and producers are setting out to hear from Minnesotans: What’s on voters’ minds heading into the polls this year?
Sixteen of your favorite Christmas songs have made it to Round 2 of YourClassical’s Carol Countdown and 16 have fallen as they go head-to-head in a tournament-style voting bracket whose results are decided by our listeners. Which songs will advance to Round 3? Only you can help decide. Vote now!
School board elections are unusually contentious in Minnesota this year. Here’s how the fallout from pandemic education policies and national political strategies is affecting local races. - August New group launches effort to gain 'parental rights' on MN school boards - Across Minnesota Becker schools table policy that would exclude 'inherently divisive' content
At Talking Volumes Ross Gay will share “Inciting Joy,” his new collection of essays, with us and host Kerri Miller. In these gorgeously written and timely pieces, Gay considers the joy we incite when we care for each other, especially during life’s inevitable hardships. Throughout “Inciting Joy,” he explores how we can practice recognizing that connection, and also, how we expand it. In an era when divisive voices take up so much air space, “Inciting Joy” offers a vital alternative: What might be possible if we turn our attention to what brings us together, to what we love? Full of energy, curiosity, and compassion, “Inciting Joy” is essential reading from one of our most brilliant writers. Talking Volumes The Fitzgerald Theater Wednesday, Nov. 2 7 p.m. CT Purchase tickets now
From the MPR Archive, October 31, 1984 Carl Weschcke, a St. Paul resident and warlock, shares his personal experiences of ghosts in haunted mansion on Summit Avenue. Weschcke is president of Llewellyn Publications, one of the largest publishers of occult and New Age books in the world. Segment is followed by MPR’s Stephen Smith talking with kids about their ‘fun & spooky’ costumes for the Halloween season. Listen online
Channeling ancestor energy of Mother Africa, Minneapolis-St. Paul ensemble Sounds of Blackness performed a stellar, uplifting three-song set for The Current. Now more than 51 years old, the three-time Grammy-winning group directed by Gary Hines has influenced and inspired people all over the world, “led by the grace of God.”
What happens when 32 of the best Christmas songs go head-to-head in a tournament-style voting bracket whose results are decided by our listeners? Find out during YourClassical’s Carol Countdown. Let the yuletide games begin. Vote now!
Incumbent DFL Gov. Tim Walz and Republican challenger Scott Jensen will partake in the final debate before Election Day on Nov. 8. - Voting explainer In many states, there's a process to fix an error with your ballot - Midterm elections Here's how to vote early in Minnesota
At their roots, Tim Walz and Scott Jensen have a fair amount in common. Both candidates for Minnesota governor grew up in rural towns, exposing them to the camaraderie and work ethic they say stuck with them. Both immersed themselves in high school sports to feed their competitive juices. And both lost a parent at a formative time in their lives. - Candidate profile Incumbent DFL Governor Tim Walz - Candidate profile Republican challenger Scott Jensen - Voter guide See where candidates for Minnesota governor stand - The Election Hub What you need for the 2022 election Plan to listen: MPR News will broadcast and stream the final governor’s race debate on Friday, Oct. 28 at 12 noon CT.