As Minnesota puts a pause on social gatherings to slow the spread of COVID-19, Palmer's Bar owner Tony Zaccardi reflected on the ups and downs of running an iconic music venue and popular watering hole in 2020.

Today is Give to the Max day, a statewide outpouring of support for thousands of nonprofits and schools across Minnesota. So for today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear that embody the spirit of generosity?

Marcus J. Moore's new book comes billed as 'the first cultural biography' of Kendrick Lamar. It's certain 'The Butterfly Effect' won't be the last.

We have one new entry this week from MN's own Jeremy Messersmith recording as Mixtape for the Milky Way, a collaboration with John Mark Nelson.

Audio engineer Bruce Swedien, who shaped the sound of several albums with Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones, died Monday at age 86. He also collaborated with artists from B.B. King to Jennifer Lopez.

We're on Day 3 of the Member Drive and we keep hearing from amazing listeners who say that The Current is their companion every day. All of these comments have got us thinking about companions. Whether it's a friend, family member, spouse, or pet, now is the time to hold our companions close.

We knew this day was coming, and now, it’s here: today, the former Flyte Tyme Studios in Edina is being torn down. Alan Stricklin, a member of our audience and a past Minnesota Public Radio employee, sent photos of the demolition in progress. It’s the end of an era for a Minnesota music landmark that…

Since the coronavirus pandemic has forced live music largely into virtual spaces, we've been working to help keep the Minnesota music community connected through a series of online festivals we call Sounds Like Home. The Current hosts catch up with local artists, who also perform short sets of music that we share with our audiences on YouTube and Facebook.

The temperatures have dropped this week, we're headed towards a stressful and perhaps lonely set of holidays, and it feels like we've settled into the start of a long winter. So let's build a cozy fire together today. For today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear that mention fire or burning?

November 16 is International Day for Tolerance. So for today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear that embody tolerance, understanding, friendship, and unity?