Author, and Macalester College professor, Marlon James has signed a deal for an Amazon Prime series based on his 2014 novel A Brief History of Seven Killings. James will write the script, while Melina Matsoukas will direct and executive produce the series. Matsoukas, who began her career directing music videos, is best-known as the director…

When you hear “Justin Timberlake” and “Super Bowl” in the same sentence you probably remember the embarrassing “wardrobe malfunction” with Janet Jackson back at the 2004 Super Bowl. The former NSYNC singer may be setting his sights on a return to the Super Bowl stage. Timberlake is “finalizing” his deal for the halftime show at…

Manitoba Music and The Current are getting to be old pals. For the third year running, the non-profit teams brought Manitoba and Minnesota bands together for a Local Music Exchange, staging shows in the U.S. and Canada to foster cultural exchange and goodwill. The run, which will continue at Red Raven Espresso Parlor in Fargo,…

I was incredibly sad to read a letter on Instagram Monday morning from the British band Wild Beasts, announcing their impending split. They’ve been together for 13 years and five albums and they’ve mutually decided to part ways. Leave a good thing whilst it’s still good. I’m disappointed that now I’ll definitely never get to…

On Saturday evening, it was sibling central at First Avenue. There is something so magical about sibling harmony. It feels effortless, natural, and seamless. The trio Bailen (brothers Daniel and David, and sister Julia) opened for Portland-based Joseph (sisters Natalie, Allie, and Meegan Closner). Having released an EP just a couple weeks ago entitled Stay…

When I see shows billed as “An Evening With” some entertainer, I tend to quirk an eyebrow. The term promises a transportive adventure, in which you’ll be swept off your feet without leaving your seat, lost in the simultaneous intimacy and grandeur of whatever is happening onstage. Although few performers can deliver a living-room experience…

Yet another Prince auction is upon us, and this roundup includes items once belonging to Susannah Melvoin, who was long close to Prince and is sister to Wendy Melvoin of the Revolution. Other offerings include items from Prince’s former horn player Eric Leeds, assistant tour manager Gwen Leeds, and costume designer Helen Hiatt. Currently, it…

Corbin, “Hunker Down” Directed by Braden Lee, Corbin‘s new video is grave — no pun intended — but it’s also a gorgeous accompaniment to his song “Hunker Down” from Mourn. For NPR, Andrew Flanagan writes, “With ‘Hunker Down,’ the forest is not only present, but central. Corbin is heading up north, to ‘where 61 touches the waterline,’…

Paisley Park has announced plans to celebrate the first anniversary of opening its doors as a museum, which happened a year ago on Oct. 6. As of that date, “visitors will see all new artifacts and installations representing iconic periods in Prince’s career, including new pieces from the Under the Cherry Moon, Diamonds and Pearls,…

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”…