Arts and Culture

MPR News has you covered with news and stories about local art and culture happenings across Minnesota.

Art Hounds: Art Hounds are members of the Minnesota arts community who look beyond their own work to highlight what's exciting in local art. You can explore arts events here, or become an Art Hound today.

Art Reviews: Our arts team offers insight on the latest in theater, music, visual arts and more. We explore the breadth of creativity and innovation found throughout Minnesota, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the works and artists shaping our cultural landscape. Read more here.

Art Friend: Everyone needs an art friend. Art Friend is a new segment with our arts team. Art spaces can feel exclusive and art can be confusing, obtuse, and even boring. But, especially with the right context, everyone can be a critic. So let us be your guide- your Art Friend. Listen or read Art Friend stories here.

Our arts coverage is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment's Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

January 3, 2023 1:24 PM

Black Storytellers Alliance leader shares a new story for the New Year

Storytelling helps us reflect on who we are. A master storyteller told Cathy a story to ponder as we begin 2023.

by Cathy Wurzer

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January 3, 2023 5:24 AM

Gangsta Boo, a former member of Three 6 Mafia, dies at 43

Lola "Gangsta Boo'' Mitchell was found dead Sunday in Memphis, Tenn., her hometown at the age of 43. The cause of death has not been released.

by The Associated Press

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January 3, 2023 5:19 AM

Fred White, drummer for the band Earth, Wind & Fire, has died

White, the younger brother of the band's founder and principal songwriter Maurice White, joined the group in the mid-1970s and went on to lay the backbone for hits like "September" and "Shining Star."

by Becky Sullivan

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January 2, 2023 12:36 PM

How Lizzo defined our present moment with 'About Damn Time'

Lizzo’s “About Damn Time” was for all of us. That is probably why The Current’s listeners chose it as the No. 1 song of the Top 89 of 2022.

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January 1, 2023 4:57 AM

Singer Anita Pointer of The Pointer Sisters has died at age 74

The Pointer Sisters won three Grammy Awards and had 13 U.S. top 20 hit songs between 1973 and 1985, Anita Pointer's publicist said. The 1983 album "Break Out" went triple platinum.

by The Associated Press

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December 31, 2022 8:00 AM

MPR News staff picks for 2022 books

Being journalists, we write a lot — but do we read? We asked our staff what their favorite books published in 2022 were. Here’s their reviews.

by Sam Stroozas

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December 30, 2022 12:00 PM

Formative characters: Three Minnesota authors share their favorites

For the last Big Books and Bold Ideas of 2022, MPR News host Kerri Miller asked three Minnesota writers — Peter Geye, Shannon Gibney and Benjamin Percy — to talk about their favorite literary characters. Their choices were unexpected and delightful.

by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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December 30, 2022 4:00 AM

New St. Paul gallery for Asian American artists spotlights Burmese art

Xia Gallery and Cafe, which opened in October with the goal of showcasing and connecting Asian artists and makers in Minnesota, is hosting what it calls “the single largest collection of paintings from Myanmar ever to be exhibited in the U.S.”

by Robyn Katona

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December 28, 2022 3:56 PM

Twin Cities 'grime-core' performer Riotgrrrldarko lives up to her name

Bray’Jana Coleman, also known as Riotgrrrldarko, is a Minneapolis lady rager, mother of two, doula, friend and local icon. Although Riotgrrrldarko has only been making music for a couple of years, she already has a devoted fan base in the Twin Cities.