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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.

New Aretha Franklin documentary comes to theaters

Nearly 50 years after Aretha Franklin performed in Los Angeles with the Southern California Community Choir, a documentary about the concerts is finally hitting theaters.
by Cathy Wurzer

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White singers in Hungary claim to be African-American, for an opera

White singers in Hungary claim to be African-American, for an opera

The Gershwin estate stipulates that "Porgy and Bess" should be performed by an all-black cast. The Hungarian State Opera in Budapest reportedly asked its mostly white cast to say that they are black.
by Anastasia Tsioulcas

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Beyond crabgrass: A look at America's 'Radical Suburbs'

Beyond crabgrass: A look at America's 'Radical Suburbs'

Amanda Kolson Hurley is well-acquainted with suburbia's many negative stereotypes. But in a new book, she asks us to take a look at what is possible in this realm when the human spirit is at its best.
by Etelka Lehoczky

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The Five: GoT's horrible pilot, Baby Shark's origin story, and a new single from Vampire Weekend

Almost every week, senior producer Stephanie Curtis stops by to tell us what to read, watch, listen to or experience. Here's her roundup for the third week of April 2019.
by Stephanie Curtis and Kelly Gordon

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50 years since Tommy Roe's 'Dizzy' topped the pop chart

Roe, who had six Top Ten hits in the course of his career, toured the U.K. with the Beatles in 1963. Initially, he was the headliner — but as Beatlemania grew, they swapped places on the bill.
by Cathy Wurzer

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Likelihood grows that St. Olaf has a painting by Munch

Likelihood grows that St. Olaf has a painting by Munch

Scientific analysis showed that the pigments used in the painting were consistent with the expressionist's time period and style.
by Eric Ringham

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Documentary chronicles struggles, successes at north Minneapolis elementary school

Documentary chronicles struggles, successes at north Minneapolis elementary school

KARE 11 reporter Lindsey Seavert and photojournalist Ben Garvin spent a year following the teachers, students, and families at Lucy Craft Laney Community School. Their new documentary, "Love Them First," tells a story of hope at one of the state's worst-performing schools.
by Julie Siple and Angela Davis

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2019 Rock the Garden music festival lineup announced

The National, Courtney Barnett and California punk legends X are some of the bigger names appearing at this year's event.
by Cathy Wurzer

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