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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.

A band of Hot Freaks has a hit song on TikTok — years after breaking up

Thanks to TikTok, a Minnesota band that broke up seven years ago now has a smash hit single. Sarah Darnall and Cody Brown of Hot Freaks sat down with host Cathy Wurzer to tell their unlikely story.
by Cathy Wurzer and Kelly Gordon

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A grief story and a love story form the backbone of 'Lost & Found'

A grief story and a love story form the backbone of 'Lost & Found'

Lost & Found is as much a philosophical reckoning with the experiences of losing and finding as it is a record of New Yorker writer Kathryn Schulz's personal grief and love stories.
by Kristen Martin

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'Jeopardy!' champion Amy Schneider shares what her winning streak means

'Jeopardy!' champion Amy Schneider shares what her winning streak means

Reigning Jeopardy! champion Amy Schneider talks to NPR's Ari Shapiro about her historic run of wins and her role as the most successful female and trans contestant in the show's history.
by Michael Levitt

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Actor Kal Penn isn't afraid to take chances, on screen or in life

Penn got his start in stoner comedies, then took a hiatus from acting to work for the Obama administration. He shares stories from his life and career in the memoir You Can't Be Serious.
by Ann Marie Baldonado

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The longtime director of the NDSU marching band hangs up his whistle

The longtime director of the NDSU marching band hangs up his whistle

For 15 years, the Gold Star Marching Band at North Dakota State University was led by a tall man with a shock of long white hair: Sigurd Johnson. But Johnson’s last day as band director was Saturday, and on his first day off, he sat down with host Cathy Wurzer.
by Cathy Wurzer and Melissa Townsend

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Pandemic concerns force Guthrie postponement and cancellation

Pandemic concerns force Guthrie postponement and cancellation

“A Raisin in the Sun” is pushed back until late spring, and a pre-Broadway run of “Destiny of Desire” is canceled.
by Euan Kerr

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