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Mark Wheat says goodbye to The Current

The Current's Mark Wheat
The Current's Mark WheatMPR photo/Nate Ryan
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by Mark Wheat and David Safar

June 02, 2020

As a founding architect of The Current, I'm immensely proud of what we've achieved in the last 15 years. We have an amazing team of talented people who I'm sure are going to blow me away in the future.

But it'll have to be without me.

After trying to balance other personal and professional goals with my MPR career for the last few years, I've decided, given the times we're in, to take the plunge and follow my dreams.

The company has been extremely supportive during this period of transition, and we agreed on all the logistics and timing. Sorry about the abrupt departure from the airwaves; my last night was Friday, May 29, when I left to go on vacation.

I'm not good at goodbyes. Thanks to my regular listeners and to our wonderful members for all the support. It was marvelous to be able to leave just after an extremely successful Member Drive in unprecedented times.

Please know that you have given me a life in Minnesota that I couldn't possibly have dreamed of when moving here in 1992! Wherever my next dream takes me, this will always be my American home state. Stay safe and peaceful to … everyone!

A mix of The Current's hosts will be filling in for Mark Wheat after his departure.

A message from David Safar, Managing Director of The Current

Mark Wheat has been a constant on The Current's airwaves since it launched in 2005. We will miss his voice in the evenings and his passion for the music. He has been a champion of Minnesota music for decades, a musical companion to countless listeners, and a friend and mentor. Please join me in thanking Mark for 15 years at The Current as we wish him the best on the next chapter of his journey.

Thank you Mark!

Some memorable Mark Wheat moments

Share your thoughts and memories of Mark Wheat

Mark Wheat has been a fixture on The Current since day one. As Mark moves on to the next chapter in his life, share some of your favorite Mark Wheat moments and memories in the comments section below.