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MPR's Chris Roberts profiled "one-man arts scene" Andy Sturdevant this week.
It's been a big week - Barack Obama released his birth certificate, and a certain young British couple got married. Here at home we also had a lot going on - from news of the Southern Theater's financial crisis, to interviews with authors Meg Wolitzer and Arthur Phillips and in-studio performances by Janis Ian and Tony Allen. Plus movie reviews and a profile of man-about-town Andy Sturdevant. Click and listen as you catch up on all the great stories you missed this week!
Southern may not be only theater in trouble
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The Southern Theater in Minneapolis has set itself a formidable task this week. It aims to raise $400,000 by Saturday. Organizers say, if they fail, the West Bank institution will have to close its doors. The Twin Cities has a national reputation for its theater, but the current economy has severely tested several companies, and even caused the collapse of the internationally renowned Theater de la Jeune Lune.
Listening to your favorite song can have an intense emotional effect, triggering memories and feelings unlike anything else. But what makes music so expressive? Dr. Daniel Levitin and Thomas Plaunt join us to discuss what happens to your brain on music.
Novel explores notions of desire
Best selling author Meg Wolitzer says for her new novel "The Uncoupling," she wanted to examine some old notions in a new way. The book tells the story of a 21st century community where all the women fall under a spell. "Often in a novel, a character is explored through sex. But here it's explored through the taking away of sex." Wolitzer says the story allowed her to explore modern ideas about intimacy.
In Arthur Phillips' new novel, the play is the thing
In his new novel, Arthur Phillips spins a tale within a tale about a novelist named Arthur Phillips, and his discovery of a long-lost play by Shakespeare. Is Phillips writing about himself, and is the play the real thing? Find out on Midmorning.
If you're looking for someone who's always on the cutting edge of the Twin Cities art scene, Andy Sturdevant is your man.
What the future will look like
In his new book, physicist Michio Kaku writes that pondering the future and the amazing technology it promises fills him with childlike wonder. He joins Midmorning to discuss what that future may look like.
'Supersize Me' filmmaker sells out with a smile
Morgan Spurlock wants to sell you something. Actually many things. The maverick filmmaker who ate nothing but fast food for a month for his movie, "Supersize Me," has now turned his attention to product placement in films.
Janis Ian performs in the Maud Moon Weyerhauser studio
At age 14, Janis Ian wrote a controversial song that sailed to the top of the charts. It was 1964, and "Society's Child" told the story of a forbidden interracial romance. Nearly 50 years later, Ian is still making bold statements with her music.
Cube Critics talk about teen movie fans
Stephanie Curtis, MPR's Movie Maven, and arts reporter Euan Kerr work in adjoining cubes in the Minnesota Public Radio newsroom, where they share their latest multiplex and art house adventures. In this installment of Cube Critics, they talk about turning prepubescent teens into cinephiles.
At 91, Irv Williams has earned the right to slow down a bit. But this Minnesota jazz legend has just released another CD and still performs. Irv stops by to talk about his life, his music and his work with Ella Fitzgerald and Fletch Henderson.
The Dinner Party Download featuring Elaine Stritch
On this week's Dinner Party Download, special guest Elaine Stritch joins hosts Brendan and Rico to answer listeners' etiquette questions.
Tony Allen performs in The Current studio
Tony Allen is a Nigerian born, self taught musician who for eleven years, was the drummer and musical director for the legendary band Fela Kuti and Africa 70. Allen along with Kuti have been credited with pioneering afrobeat music. His latest project, "Secret Agent" was released in early 2010.
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart performs in The Current studio
New York City indie quartet The Pains of Being Pure at Heart split the difference between two of '90s indie's most distinctive sounds -- twee-pop and shoegaze. The result is music that is often swathed in reverb and echo but that maintains the honesty, intimacy and innocence of the best indie-pop, all played with an infectious, propulsive energy.
Movie Maven: Local film, "Stuck Between Stations", is magical
Every Friday, MPR Movie Maven Stephanie Curtis talks to The Current's Steve Seel and Jill Riley about new movies. Fans of the band The Hold Steady will recognize the title of this week's film: "Stuck Between Stations." The band doesn't have anything to do with the new locally-produced movie of the same title that is playing at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Film Festival. But like the song, this movie captures a sense of transition.
New Classical Tracks: The Spirit of Rachmaninoff
Yuja Wang's solo recordings received rave reviews. Now she's recorded music for piano and orchestra by Rachmaninoff, a composer (and pianist) with whom she feels a special love.
Music with Minnesotans: Mary Shideler
In this week's edition, Alison Young talks with 'The Kayak Lady' - Mary Shideler. Her playlist reflects the serenity, the beauty and the sometimes rough conditions of the 1007 lakes she paddled.
ChoralQuest - New Music For Kids
The Oak Grove Middle School choir sings a new piece commissioned for them by ChoralQuest.