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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 best kids' books of 2018

Let's talk kids' books! Guest host Marianne Combs talked with two passionate experts in children's literature about the best books of 2018.
by Marianne Combs and Kelly Gordon

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Kurt Vile and the Violators play First Avenue in Minneapolis tonight

Kurt Vile recently released his seventh solo album, "Bottle It In." The New York Times called the new effort Vile's "most consistent to date."
by Cathy Wurzer

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This American Moment: A Series of Conversations with Kerri Miller

In the weeks leading up to and following the tumultuous 2018 midterm elections, MPR News host Kerri Miller released a series called This American Moment. It's a collection of wide-ranging and long-view conversations with writers, scientists, artists, activists and religious leaders about this moment in American life. Who are we right now? And how does our understanding of that inform how we relate to each other and create a better future?
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards turns 75

Richards, who was infamous in his younger days for abusing drugs and alcohol, revealed recently that he mostly gave up drinking a year ago.
by Cathy Wurzer

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Kent Nerburn on creativity

Kent Nerburn on creativity

Kent Nerburn's new book is "Dancing with the Gods: Reflections on Life and Art."
by Euan Kerr

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It's been 60 years since The Teddy Bears topped the Billboard pop chart with 'To Know Him is To Love Him'

The song was written by Phil Spector and released as the B-side of The Teddy Bears' first single. According to a biography of Spector by Dave Thompson, the single was a flop until a disc jockey in Fargo flipped it over and started playing the B-side on his show. That DJ was Charlie Boone, who would go on to become a radio legend at WCCO.
by Cathy Wurzer

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The best books to give and get: Fiction picks of 2018

The best books to give and get: Fiction picks of 2018

From twisty thrillers to sweeping family dramas, here are some of The Thread's favorite reads of the year.
by MPR News Staff

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Top of mind: 'Justice' is Merriam-Webster's word of the year

Peter Sokolowski, Merriam-Webster's editor at large, says that "justice" consistently bubbled into the top 20 or 30 lookups on the company's website, spiking at times due to specific events but also skating close to the surface for much of the year.
by The Associated Press

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