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MPR at 55: Explore the MPR Archive

January 22, 2022

We began broadcasting on January 22, 1967, and we’re grateful to the members, staff, supporters, and volunteers who have made our programming possible throughout the years. Explore that history via the MPR Archive! Our MPR Archive staff maintains curated collections to highlight diverse, historically relevant, and special interest content. New collections are routinely created for a fresh perspective upon return visits to the MPR Archive portal.

The Current's 17th anniversary party

January 21, 2022

Celebrate The Current's 17th anniversary on January 22 with Low Cut Connie, Jade Bird (solo), Kiss The Tiger, and Miloe. Ticket Information - In-Person Saturday, January 22: $24.00 advance/$24.00 Day of Show Ticket link - Low Cut Connie set livestream (Outside Twin Cities only) $20.00 advance/$25.00 Day of Show; tickets available through Flymachine

Some rural co-ops embrace renewable energy, keep rates flat

January 20, 2022

Although rural co-ops in the past have depended heavily on electricity generated by fossil fuels, some are now embracing renewable energy, driven by the falling cost of wind and solar as well as the demands of their green-minded members. - New power generation Rural co-op makes bet on wind, solar hybrid - SW Minnesota Wind-solar hybrid project brings renewable hope, cultural concerns - 2019 Could co-op elections change how Minnesota gets its electricity?

Early Risers Podcast: Bias and the Developing Brain

January 19, 2022

The human brain is hardwired to recognize patterns—that’s how we figure out the world, and why humans have been able to adapt and survive over millennia. But the brain’s ability to quickly form cognitive associations can also lead to racial biases, even in very young children. On the season two finale of Early Risers, host Dianne Haulcy speaks with University of Minnesota cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Damien Fair about how we can train our brains to recognize bias and why the first thousand days of a child’s life are so critical for brain development. Listen and explore the episode resources: Early Risers

YourClassical Storytime: 'Ada's Violin' in Spanish and English

January 18, 2022

Ada Ríos dreamed of playing the violin. She grew up with little money in a small town in Paraguay built on a landfill. How could Ada fulfill her dream? Enjoy the true story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay, an orchestra made up of children playing instruments built from recycled trash, in the newest YourClassical Storytime episode, Ada's Violin, featuring Ines Guanchez as she shares the story in Spanish and English.

The Current: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 17, 2022

On the evening of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 17, The Current will air “MLK Remembered” from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. CT, hosted by Derrick Stevens.  The show features inspirational music that embodies the spirit of Dr. King’s calls for change, and portions of conversations with community leaders discussing the civil rights leader’s ongoing impact. Listen to The Current

APM Reports Feature: King's Last March

January 16, 2022

Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. Half a century later, King remains one of the most vivid symbols of hope for racial unity in America. But that's not the way he was viewed in the last year of his life. Archive audio available online: King’s Last March

YourClassical MPR: Xavier Foley brings 'For Justice and Peace' to the SPCO

January 15, 2022

Join YourClassical MPR for our next live broadcast of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra at 8 p.m. Saturday, with host Steve Seel. Composer and bassist Xavier Foley makes his SPCO debut with two works that showcase his dynamism and virtuosity on the double bass, as well as his musical friendship with SPCO violinist Eunice Kim, with whom he has toured throughout the country. Foley’s composition, a double concerto for violin and bass, was written in 2019 to mark 400 years since the arrival of the White Lion, the first ship that brought enslaved Africans to Jamestown, Virginia. Also on the program, principal violin Kyu-Young Kim solos with the SPCO strings in a grand work from Ludwig van Beethoven’s middle period.

MPR Archive Portal: Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 15, 2022

Listen to this audio from the MPR Archive Portal, and explore our archives for history as heard on Minnesota Public Radio. Josie Johnson reflects on MLK “I Have A Dream” speech, and Barack Obama’s words 45 years later August 28, 2008 - MPR’s Curtis Gilbert talks with civil rights activist Josie Johnson about the speeches of Martin Luther King Jr. and Barack Obama. MLK Day speeches and interviews January 16, 1995 - MPR presents a special program in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Program presents a collection of various MLK Day speeches including Paul Wellstone, Sharon Sayles Belton, and Joe Kingman on behalf of Arne Carlson, at Concordia College. Also included is a Harry Belafonte speech at the MLK Holiday Breakfast, an interview with Yusef Mgeni, and Martin Luther King, Jr.’s "I Have a Dream" speech. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. tribute by Studs Terkel January 15, 1976 - Studs Terkel has put together a tribute to the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with both music and interview with Dr. King.