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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 Beach Boys at the Minnesota State Fair

Mike Love, the sole original member who's still playing with the band, has released a new recording of an old Beach Boys song. He recorded "It's OK" with Hanson.
by MPR News Staff

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'Chesapeake Requiem' chronicles life on an endangered island

'Chesapeake Requiem' chronicles life on an endangered island

Tangier Island, in the Chesapeake Bay, has been home to a small, self-reliant community of watermen for centuries -- and now climate change is threatening to swamp the island and its way of life.
by Petra Mayer

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Neil Simon, Broadway's master of comedy, dies at 91

Neil Simon, Broadway's master of comedy, dies at 91

Playwright Neil Simon, a master of comedy whose laugh-filled hits such as "The Odd Couple," "Barefoot in the Park" and his "Brighton Beach" trilogy dominated Broadway for decades, has died. He was 91.
by Associated Press

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The connections between sci-fi and David Bowie

The connections between sci-fi and David Bowie

Critic and author Jason Heller's new book traces the considerable influence of David Bowie on the science-fiction inflected music of the 1970s, from "Space Oddity" to the glittery glory of Funkadelic.
by Petra Mayer

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John Lennon's killer is denied parole for a 10th time

John Lennon's killer is denied parole for a 10th time

Mark David Chapman, 63, stood before a New York State Board of Parole panel on Wednesday. In its decision, the panel said that releasing him would be "incompatible with the welfare and safety of society."
by Sasha Ingber

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In 'Red, White, Blue,' high peaks and low blows

In 'Red, White, Blue,' high peaks and low blows

Lea Carpenter's new novel combines literary sensibility with genre readability, for a dark spy thriller about a young woman finding out all kinds of strange truths about her father's past in the CIA.
by Bethanne Patrick

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'A River of Stars' is an Asian-American, 'pregnant Thelma & Louise'

'A River of Stars' is an Asian-American, 'pregnant Thelma & Louise'

Vanessa Hua's debut novel follows two women at a secret California maternity center where rich Chinese send expectant mothers to give birth to U.S. citizens. Then they run away.

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'The Wedding Portrait' explains activism for a young audience

'The Wedding Portrait' explains activism for a young audience

Innosanto Nagara first built a following with "A is for Activist." His newest children's book opens with the story of a couple who decides to get married in the middle of a protest.
by Tracy Mumford

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Lots of music options at the Fair

Marching bands in the daily parade are an example of the free music that you can hear at the Minnesota State Fair. There are also ticketed shows in the Grandstand like Saturday's Music on a Stick hosted by The Current.
by Cathy Wurzer

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