Minnesota Public Radio Announces 2018 State Fair Live Broadcasts, Performances

Aug 22, 2018

ST. PAUL, Minn., Aug. 22, 2018 — Minnesota Public Radio today announced its 2018 State Fair booth activities and MPR Day lineup. 

MPR State Fair programming highlights

  • Classical MPR will host a Leonard Bernstein Centennial Celebration with Minnesota Opera on August 23.

  • August 31 is MPR Day at the Fair. Grab something on a stick and a cold beverage and enjoy a variety of activities at Dan Patch Park (formerly Carousel Park), including live broadcasts, a Bring the Sing event with Cantus, Mark Seeley’s Weather Quiz, a debate between the DFL and Republican candidates for governor, merchandise for purchase, meet and greet opportunities with MPR hosts, sponsor information & games and more. Celebrate the launch of Call to Mind, MPR’s mental health initiative, with the U of M’s Pet Away Worry and Stress with therapy animals, and afternoon yoga with Mary Bue Yoga.

  • The Current’s Music On-A-Stick, featuring Trampled by Turtles and special guests Lord Huron and Lissie is set for August 25. Tickets are $35. Tickets are available online at etix.com or by calling (800) 514-3849.

  • On August 25, The Current will host a Rock-the-Cradle pop-up event at the MPR booth, featuring family-friendly activities.

MPR Broadcast Booth
All broadcasts and performances will be held at the Minnesota Public Radio booth, at the corner of Judson and Nelson, unless otherwise noted. Visit mpr.org/statefair for schedule updates and more details.

Tune in:

  • MPR News can be heard on stations statewide, including KNOW 91.1 FM in the Twin Cities.

  • The Current can be heard on KCMP 89.3 FM in the Twin Cities, KMSE 88.7 FM in Rochester, KZIO 104.3/90.9 in Duluth, KCMP 103.9 FM in Austin, KGRP 107.3 FM in Grand Rapids, KCMP 97.5 FM in Hinckley, KCMP 95.3 FM and 105.1 FM in Mankato, and 93.5 FM in Saint Peter.

  • Classical MPR can be heard on stations statewide, including KSJN 99.5 FM in the Twin Cities.

  • All live broadcasts will be simulcast at mpr.org.


Daily schedule

This schedule is subject to change. Visit mpr.org/statefair for updated information.

Thursday, August 23
9-11 a.m.: Political analyst Ken Rudin with Kerri Miller, MPR News Live Broadcast

1-2 p.m.: Classical MPR presents Leonard Bernstein Centennial Celebration with Minnesota Opera and host Lynne Warfel

Friday, August 24
11 a.m.-12 p.m.: MPR News Live Broadcast: Twin Cities PBS Almanac with Cathy Wurzer, featuring Mark Seeley, Brian Bakst and storyteller Kevin Kling

2-3 p.m.: Political discussion and debate with U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and State Rep. Jim Newberger, MPR News Live Broadcast

4-8 p.m.: The Current Live Broadcast with Mark Wheat

Saturday, August 25
10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Rock the Cradle Pop Up: Rock the Cradle music with games and more

3-7 p.m.:  The Current Live Broadcast: Oake and Riley in the Afternoon with special guests from The Current’s Music-On-A-Stick show

6:30 p.m.: Grandstand: The Current’s Music On-A-Stick featuring Trampled by Turtles, Lord Huron and Lissie

Sunday, August 26
10 a.m.–1 p.m.: The Current Live Broadcast with Jade

3-8 p.m.: Purple Current celebrates Earth, Wind & Fire

Monday, August 27
9 a.m.-5 p.m.: Thank you Members! Special Activities from MPR Membership (while supplies last)

Tuesday, August 28
3-4 p.m.: Call to Mind’s Mental Health Myth Busters with John Moe, host of The Hilarious World of Depression

Wednesday, August 29
1-2 p.m.: Classical Live Broadcast: The OK Factor with host John Birge

Thursday, August 30
9-10 a.m.: NPR Ombudsman Elizabeth Jensen with host Tom Crann, MPR News Live Broadcast

10-11 a.m.: MPR’s Call to Mind Presents: Sean Sherman “The Sioux Chef” with host Tom Crann

1-2 p.m. Classical MPR Celebration: Pipedreams host Michael Barone

MPR DAY Friday, August 31
Dan Patch Park (formerly Carousel Park) near the Grandstand

8-10 a.m.: U of M’s Pet Away Worry and Stress with therapy animals

10-11 a.m.: Mark Seeley Weather Quiz, MPR News Live Broadcast

11 a.m.- 12 p.m.: MPR News Live Broadcast: Gubernatorial candidate debate between Congressman Tim Walz (DFL) and Hennepin county commissioner Jeff Johnson (Republican), hosted by political editor Mike Mulcahy

1-2 p.m.: Classical MPR activity: Bring the Sing with Cantus

1-3 p.m.: Yoga with Mary Bue Yoga

3-4 p.m.: Chastity Brown with Mark Wheat, The Current Live Broadcast

Saturday, September 1
3-7 p.m.:  The Current Live Broadcast with Oake and Riley in the Afternoon

Sunday, September 2
10 a.m.-1 p.m.: The Current Live Broadcast with Bill DeVille

Monday, September 3
2-6 p.m.: The Current Live Broadcast with Mac Wilson