Five years ago, producers at Vega Studios had the idea to collect several Twin Cities artists and ask them to cover Beatles songs, then donate proceeds to music and arts education. In the ears of many listeners, it was a very good idea. This year, Minnesotans have the pleasure of hearing 13 of the state’s…

When Mason Jennings stopped in to The Current's studio to chat with Jill Riley and perform a few songs, we asked him about his guitar. He told us how way he found it, who his influences are and which tuning he prefers.

Look out the window, get inspired, and suggest a snowy song for our 9:30 Coffee Break. What do you think we should play?

Since heavy metal haven Station 4 abruptly closed for renovation earlier this year, Twin Cities metalheads have faced a major loss. After months of restless rumoring, in August management finally announced plans to turn the venue into a bar and grill that will likely cater more to fans of mainstream music. Steve Bergquist, drummer for…

Hibbing native Bob Dylan has lived a long, strange life, and it’s not getting any less strange. Just a few weeks after receiving the French Legion of Honor, Dylan, 72, is the subject of preliminary charges filed against him in France for “public insult and inciting hate.” The charges were confirmed in a statement to…

Dig, if you will, a picture: actually, 32 pages of pictures, drawn by comic artist Ernesto Lovera to a story written by Michael L. Frizell. Fame Prince, a publication from Bluewater Productions, will be available December 4 for purchase and download. It tells the story of the Minnesota music legend’s life from his 60s childhood through…

Compounding its commanding position on the local hip-hop scene, Rhymesayers Entertainment—fresh on the heels of signing young emcee Dem Atlas—announced today that it has signed Prof, the rambunctious rapper who’s built a huge local fan base since releasing his breakout LP King Gampo in 2011. In the spirit of Tom Waits, Rhymesayers announced the signing with…

Listener Bob suggested today's Coffee Break theme. A set of songs with the word "mind" in the title. What should we play?

Various Artists, Purple Snow: Forecasting the Minneapolis sound Before Prince broke to the top of the pop charts in the 80s, a group of progressive and like-minded artists were already heating up the Twin Cities music scene through the end of the 70s. Specializing in funk, sex, and technological advancement, these artists—from Andre Cymone to…

Afternoon host Mary Lucia's top music picks for 2013.