Watch: Scores of drummers play Ringo for charity on Harriet Island September 21, 2017 A clear blue sky arced over Harriet Island in St. Paul yesterday as local musician Mick Sterling’s vision of a “once in a lifetime” drumming session, Let There Be Drums, came to fruition. Back in May, Sterling talked to The Current about this endeavor. The goal? To have 1,000 drummers play Aretha Franklin’s “Rock Steady”… Read More ›
With New Power Soul, Prince’s brother is bringing Paisley Park’s studios back to life September 21, 2017 After sunset on a Tuesday evening, purple lights shine on the white tiles that line Paisley Park and there are only a few cars left in the rear parking lot. The building’s public tours have shut down for the day, and the merch booths and cash registers are shrouded in purple fabric, all the lights… Read More ›
Giveaway: Arcade Fire suite giveaway September 20, 2017 The Current is giving away tickets to a suite for the Arcade Fire concert at the Xcel Energy Center on October 29. We are also offering a special $18.93 ticket for this show. Read More ›
Event: The Rise of the Minneapolis Sound September 19, 2017 On October 28th, join The Current's own Andrea Swensson as she celebrates the release of her debut book, Got to Be Something Here: The Rise of the Minneapolis Sound with musical guests Andre Cymone, Wee Willie Walker, Wanda Davis, PaviElle and Nooky Jones. Read More ›
The Chart Show: Queens of the Stone Age rule the chart September 20, 2017 Queens of the Stone Age debut 'Feet Don't Fail Me Now' at the top of the chart! Read More ›
Music News: Bob Dylan is the last Village Voice cover ever September 20, 2017 Today's top music news items include Bob Dylan making the cover of the last-ever print edition of the Village Voice, New Order making peace (well, in legal terms) with Peter Hook, and Yoko Ono putting the smack down on 'John Lemon' soda. Read More ›
Podcast: Do You Remember? September 11, 2017 This documentary podcast explores Hüsker Dü’s formative years and legacy through rare exclusive interviews with the band, as well as those who were around in the beginning and notable artists who’ve drawn inspiration from the band. We’ll also dive into recordings from Numero Group’s new remastered box set of the band’s early releases, demos and live recordings. Read More ›
Event: United States of Americana 8th Anniversary celebration September 12, 2017 Celebrate eight years of Americana on the radio with the Cactus Blossoms and Kacy & Clayton at First Avenue on November 25! Read More ›
Spoon share tunes and thoughts from 'Hot Thoughts' September 16, 2017 In town for back-to-back sold-out shows at the Palace Theatre in St. Paul, Britt Daniel and Alex Fischel of Spoon wandered over to The Current for a session hosted by Brian Oake and Jill Riley. Daniel and Fischel played stripped-down versions of songs from 'Hot Thoughts' and from 2014's 'They Want My Soul,' and Daniel talked about what has made Spoon such an enduring band. Read More ›
J. Roddy Walston & the Business play songs from their forthcoming album September 15, 2017 It's been four years since J. Roddy Walston and the Business released their last album, but on Sept. 29, they'll release their fourth studio album, 'Destroyers Of The Soft Life.' In town to play a show at First Avenue, J. Roddy Walston and the Business stopped at The Current to play songs from the forthcoming record, in a session hosted by Mark Wheat. Read More ›
Lady Lark gets the Minnesota State Fair dancing during her Local Show session September 05, 2017 Pop/soul talent Lady Lark brought her full band to the Minnesota State Fair, recording a Local Show session at Dan Patch Park and inciting a dance party in the process. Read More ›
The War on Drugs share old and new songs at the Turf Club August 28, 2017 On Aug. 12, 2017, a select group of The Current's listeners were treated to a #MicroShow with The War on Drugs, who performed at the Turf Club in St. Paul. Attendees of the concert were those who had won tickets to the show through The Current's on-air and online giveaways to the event. The War on Drugs performed a set that included songs from their back catalogue as well as tunes from their new album, 'A Deeper Understanding.' Read More ›
Fathom Lane perform at The Current with the Laurels String Quartet August 25, 2017 The expansive indie-folk group Fathom Lane, accompanied by the Laurels String Quartet, visited the studio for the Summer Music Series hosted by the Local Show's Andrea Swensson and MPR's Tom Weber. Read More ›
Coffee Break: Rosh Hashanah September 21, 2017 Rosh Hashanah - the Jewish New Year - began on sunset last night and continues through nightfall tomorrow night. So for today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what Jewish musicians do you want to hear? Read More ›
Today in Music History: 'Harper Valley PTA' hits No. 1 September 21, 2017 Bobby Vinton's 'Blue Velvet' topped the singles chart; Jeannie C. Riley had a hit with the country song 'Harper Valley PTA'; Barry White scored his one and only No. 1 single; Dire Straits had a video-powered hit song; and David Hood was born, Today in Music History. Read More ›
Coffee Break Suggestions and Archive November 08, 2016 Got an idea for a Coffee Break? Want to see what we did a while back? Read More ›