News and InterviewsChuck Berry's 90th Birthday Present: A New AlbumBob Boilen • Oct 18, 2016Chuck Berry, the father of rock 'n' roll, gives us a new album announcement for his 90th birthday. CHUCK will be his first in 38 years.
Coffee BreakCoffee Break: It's the final countdownAnna Reed • Oct 18, 2016It's the final day of the fall member drive - let's celebrate with a coffee break. What songs would you like to hear that feature the words "final", "last" or "end"?
Local Current Blog2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees include Tupac Shakur, Pearl Jam, Chic (again)Jay Gabler • Oct 18, 2016Sorry, Replacements fans: the local heroes aren’t on the ballot for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Class of 2017. Though they’re perennial hopefuls, their aspirations aren’t as longstanding as those of Chic — who set a record with their 11th ballot appearance. This could be the year for Chic, as well as for…
The Current Music NewsMusic News: First Avenue proposes riverfront amphitheater in North MinneapolisStaff • Oct 17, 2016The Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal reports that First Avenue is joining with two developers to propose a new amphitheater on a piece of riverfront property in North Minneapolis. The proposal, which will be publicly unveiled on Nov. 3, reportedly pitches a 15,000- to 20,000-seat amphitheater for “music and performing arts festivals” as part of the…
Coffee BreakCoffee Break: Musicians with iconic instruments Oct 17, 2016This past weekend Jack White appeared on the new season of A Prairie Home Companion hosted by Chris Thile, and he brought with him a set of vintage aluminum instruments. So for today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear from musicians with iconic instruments?
ReviewsAlbum of the Week: Conor Oberst, 'Ruminations'Bill DeVille • Oct 17, 2016There is something about the human voice and simple accompaniment in its unadorned form with no electronic enhancements, and it works particularly well on Conor Oberst's solo album, 'Ruminations,' a poetic batch of songs that appear to focus on the darker and more fragile side of the human condition.
The Current Music NewsMusic News: Paisley Park responds to concerns about fans touching Prince’s instrumentsStaff • Oct 16, 2016Prince fans have been expressing concerns about the fact that some VIP tour attendees at Paisley Park have been taking liberties while posing for photos with a purple piano and guitar played by Prince. In some photos, fans are seen lying on the piano, putting their feet up a la Jerry Lee Lewis, fingering the frets on the…
Local Current BlogMusic History Spotlight: BlazeJackie Renzetti • Oct 16, 2016Whether it was setting a drum set on fire or covering the Plasmatics, Blaze built a reputation for boldness throughout the Midwest. With fierce lead singer Wendy Engler, bassist Ralph Benicke, guitarist Nick Baca, keyboardist Mike Case and Matt Batchelor on drums, the band captivated audiences with a set infused with new wave and dark…
ReviewsJack White helps Chris Thile feel right at 'Prairie Home'Leah Garaas • Oct 16, 2016With a bounce in his step and a mandolin under his arm, Chris Thile walked across the Fitzgerald Theater stage as host of A Prairie Home Companion on Saturday, his first show as Garrison Keillor's successor.
Local Current BlogGiant Steps conference celebrates creative entrepreneurship and PrinceCecilia Johnson • Oct 15, 2016On Friday, October 7, about 200 people gathered at the Minneapolis Convention Center for Giant Steps, an one-day conference put on for creative entrepreneurs. Creative entrepreneurs? The term’s definition is a little loose, but it covers anyone who makes a living off their art (even in part), whether they may be photographers, graphic designers, chefs or…