News and InterviewsWhere to celebrate Juneteenth 2026 in the Twin Cities with live music Jun 15, 2026More than a dozen events around Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding communities showcase musical expression while celebrating Juneteenth.
News and InterviewsInterview: St. Paul's Tommy Brennan of 'Saturday Night Live' to host opening of Mystic Lake AmphitheaterJill Riley • Jun 15, 2026Brennan joined the SNL cast for Season 51 of the landmark comedy series. He’ll be back in Minnesota for the opening of a new music venue in Shakopee.
News and InterviewsRed Hot Chili Peppers' Chad Smith is an official ambassador for the Special OlympicsNilufer Arsala • Jun 11, 2026The Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer will work through his foundation to provide music education throughout the games, which run June 20 to 26 in Minnesota.
ReviewsRecap and photos: The Minneapolis Rodeo rides into Surly BrewingJoel Swenson • Jun 8, 2026The Cactus Blossoms and Nikki Lane capped off a full day of music, bull riding, and line dancing on Saturday, June 6.
In MemoriamJames Blood Ulmer, avant-garde electric guitarist and singer, has died at 86Nate Chinen • Jun 8, 2026The fearless free-funk and jazz artist, a student of Ornette Coleman's Harmolodics concept, followed his unorthodox path to a singular five-decade career.
PrinceA brief history of Chaka Khan’s relationship with “I Feel for You”Michaelangelo Matos • Jun 8, 2026Prince’s 1979 single has had a long, complicated journey since R&B star Khan turned a cover of the song into a big hit in 1984.
News and InterviewsInterview: MC Taylor of Hiss Golden Messenger on new record 'I'm People' and performing at The Current Happy Hour seriesJill Riley and Natalia Toledo • Jun 4, 2026MC Taylor of Hiss Golden Messenger spoke with Jill Riley of The Current’s Morning Show about the new album I’m People, and his upcoming performance at The Current’s Happy Hour series at Surly Brewing Co.
News and InterviewsRecap and photos: First Avenue's Celebration for ConradMichaelangelo Matos • May 26, 2026On Sunday, May 24, the Minneapolis music venue held a public memorial for the club’s nearly four-decade stage manager, Conrad Sverkerson.
In MemoriamSonny Rollins, colossus of the saxophone, has died at 95Howard Mandel • May 26, 2026The legendary jazz saxophonist, who revolutionized the art of improvisation, died Monday at his home in Woodstock, N.Y.
In Memoriam'It Takes Two' rapper Rob Base, who helped bring hip-hop mainstream, dies at 59The Associated Press • May 23, 2026Rapper Rob Base has died after a battle with cancer. He was 59. His team shared the news of his death on his Instagram page. Base was one half of the Harlem hip-hop duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock.