“This feels like we’re actually going forward.” said MC Longshot, while discussing the community’s powerful response to the police killing of George Floyd, and the current momentum in the ongoing fight for racial equity. “That’s the actual, hardcore meaning of movement, so I’m really proud of Minneapolis.” Local Show host, Andrea Swensson, had a conversation…

An album of newly-recorded tracks, compiled by local guitarist Matt Sowell and released via San Francisco’s Tompkins Square record label, is available now with proceeds going to benefit black-owned businesses and Native youth in Minneapolis. Out of the Ashes: A Benefit Album for Minneapolis is available exclusively on Bandcamp. The tracks include Siama Matuzungidi and Dallas…

On the day marking 62 years since Prince was born in Minneapolis, 26 collaborators spanning his career have collaborated, remotely, on a cover of “The Cross.” Created under the auspices of Kirk Johnson’s KAJ Productions, the recording is “dedicated to Minneapolis,” according to a title card. According to a press release: Kirk Johnson of Minneapolis…

This week at the protests in Washington, D.C., thousands of voices joined spontaneously in singing the Bill Withers classic 'Lean on Me,' led by local musician Kenny Sway.

Among music and music-adjacent businesses in the Twin Cities, black-owned businesses are underrepresented. Here are some black-owned or black-run music retailers, venues, theaters, mixed art spaces, and publications enriching the Twin Cities’ art and culture. Music retail Urban Lights is the only black-owned record store in the Twin Cities, and specializes in hip-hop. Urban Lights…

Following the killing of George Floyd while in police custody, the Twin Cities and beyond have become activated in many ways. Throughout a week of many protests, the community of the Twin Cities has formed a strong bond. In addition to demonstrations, communities have come together to operate donation banks, distribution centers, first aid, clothing…

In an interview with the Local Show's Andrea Swensson, Bob Mould talks about his new single, 'American Crisis,' which just happened to be released as the nation experiences a new awakening to Civil Rights. 'My role is to share what my heart tells me and to share the water that I catch when it rains,' Mould says.

This past Wednesday, June 3, Jill Riley talked with Dua Saleh on The Current’s Morning Show. Here’s their conversation, which touched on “body cast” – a new song with an urgent message that’s been amplified by the Recording Academy, Rolling Stone, and Pitchfork. Jill Riley: I have songwriter, poet, actor, Minneapolis community member, Dua Saleh,…

As demonstrations for racial equality continue across the U.S. and the world, artists have been shaping and sharing their grief, fury, resolve and vision for the future.

This week we have centered Coffee Break themes around cleaning up, neighbors, change, revolution, and now after two weeks of unrest in the Twin Cities and beyond, it seems time for a theme centered around the understanding that "people have the power".