After a global pandemic shut down First Avenue for more than a year, Minneapolis rock band the Suburbs celebrated the return of live music with a show at the 7th Street Entry, coinciding with the release of their new full-length album, 'Poets Party.'

“We welcome you back,” said longtime First Avenue stage manager Conrad Sverkerson (as reported by Chris Riemenschneider on Instagram), joined at the 7th St Entry by fellow staffers including general manager Nate Kranz, talent buyer Sonia Grover, marketing head Ashley Ryan, and owner Dayna Frank last night. A sold-out audience attended the first full-capacity show…

For today's Coffee Break, what songs that mention "half" or "middle" do you want to hear?

Eau Claire-ish collective Big Red Machine are back with new music. Discover England's Wet Leg, Ireland's Inhaler, and the solo work of Brazil's Rodrigo Amarante. Plus, we check out the latest from Minneapolis's Miloe and Duluth's Low.

For today's Coffee Break, what songs written by Willie Dixon do you want to hear?

'Changes' is a multivocal exploration of Tupac Shakur's life and times. It's neither a comprehensive biography nor an intimate portrait, but a look back at a brilliant artist gone far too soon, as remembered by many friends and associates.

Minnesota music reigns supreme for another week on The Current's Chart Show with Kiss The Tiger at the #1 spot for three weeks running.

Mary Lucia talks about Mary J. Blige's 'My Life,' the new documentary about the Grammy-winning artist. 'Blige is not afraid to be vulnerable,' Lucia says.

The Minneapolis singer-songwriter Miloe covers fellow Congolese artist Lous and the Yakuza's song 'SOLO' in honor of Congolese Independence Day and in celebration of Black Music Month.

“Sometimes in a dark moment,” said Chan Poling, “I would imagine to myself, ‘What would it be like if everything stopped? What would it be like if nobody went to see the Suburbs? Nobody went to see the New Standards? We couldn’t sell any tickets to Glensheen? What if I put a book out, and…