On Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, Minnesota Public Radio’s annual MPR Day took place at Dan Patch Park at the Minnesota State Fair. The day included music by Mae Simpson, Colin Bracewell, and a brass quintet featuring members of the Minnesota Orchestra.

Mitch Miller had a No. 1 single with a song written in 1853; Ringo returned to the Beatles after a little time off; Fats Domino was rescued from post-Katrina New Orleans; Donovan went to No. 1 with a song that became one of the first examples of psychedelia, and Naughty by Natures self-titled album was released on this day in 1991, Today in Music History.

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what favorite songs of the summer would you like to hear?

The North Carolina band brought their acoustic-heavy folk rock to the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand on Friday, Aug. 29. The Milk Carton Kids were the opening act.

New music by IAMJOY, Ross Thorn, Owen Trelstad, and more.

The biggest song of 2025 is a straightforward ode to marriage, but the charts and algorithms are filled with love songs expressing something messier.

The Doors recorded their first demos; Bjork slept through a house break-in; Kanye surprised Mike Myers on live national television; and the Rolling Stones recorded their cover of a Willie Dixon song, Today in Music History.

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs for back to school would you like to hear?

Jerry Reed passed away; Atlantic Records bought Ray Charles' contract; Buddy Holly and Bob Montgomery auditioned for radio; U2 released their first record; Mick Jones left the Clash; Tina Turner had her first No. 1 hit; influential punk and new wave act Blondie signed to Chrysalis Records, and Barry Gibb was born, Today in Music History.

Marcus Brown toiled for 10 years before stumbling into indie stardom. On his thrilling new album, he hears music in every hour worked — day jobs included.