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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.

The Who's rock opera 'Tommy' turns 50

It was the first album by a major artist to be marketed as a "rock opera."
by Cathy Wurzer

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Photos: MN Zoo offering llamas unleashed (and leashed, if you want)

Photos: MN Zoo offering llamas unleashed (and leashed, if you want)

No, the llamas are not in red pajamas. But you can see them in a new exhibit highlighting native South American animals beginning Saturday through Labor Day weekend. It also features guinea pigs and large flightless birds called rheas.
by Christine T. Nguyen

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Art Hounds: It's all real, it's all fake

Art Hounds: It's all real, it's all fake

Art Hounds recommend a dance concert on authenticity, a musical performance in a museum and some freshly made theater.
by Marianne Combs and Isabel Saavedra-Weis

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'Unhappy Birthday' singer Morrissey turns 60

The former Smiths frontman just released a new album of cover songs, and completed a Broadway residency earlier this month. He's also drawn criticism recently for wearing a button onstage and on The Tonight Show in support of the far-right For Britain party.
by Cathy Wurzer

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Healing incarcerated women through storytelling and song

Healing incarcerated women through storytelling and song

A group of storytellers and musicians recently brought their performance to a new venue -- the women's prison in Shakopee.
by Riham Feshir

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Binyavanga Wainaina, Kenyan writer and LGBTQ activist, dies at 48

Binyavanga Wainaina, Kenyan writer and LGBTQ activist, dies at 48

The author founded a platform for young Kenyan authors and came out as gay in a place where homosexuality has long been illegal. "Binyavanga was unbound in his imagining," said a friend and colleague.
by Colin Dwyer

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'Theodore Roosevelt for the Defense' make a libel case into gripping reading

'Theodore Roosevelt for the Defense' make a libel case into gripping reading

Gifted writers Dan Abrams and David Fisher, who previously brought us "Lincoln's Last Trial," are clearly fascinated by how Teddy Roosevelt's court case played out -- bringing an enthusiasm to readers.
by Michael Schaub

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