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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 Wizard of Oz premieres in Hollywood on this date in 1939

On this date in 1939, The Wizard of Oz premiered in Hollywood. Her performance of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" made Judy Garland famous. Since then, that song's been performed by countless other artists...most notably, Hawaiian singer Israel Kamakawiwo'ole who gave the song new life.
by Cathy Wurzer

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'Flights' is a trip, if you like wandering off the edges of the map

'Flights' is a trip, if you like wandering off the edges of the map

Polish author Olga Tokarczuk's new collection is a cabinet of curiosities -- surreal, loosely connected stories about the human body, about movement, about two-headed calves and saints' relics.
by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

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Lil Uzi Vert to perform in St. Paul

His hit song "XO Tour Llif3" peaked at No. 7 on the billboard charts and has been played more than 800 million times on Spotify.
by MPR News Staff

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An Iraq veteran, heroin addict, bank robber and debut novelist

An Iraq veteran, heroin addict, bank robber and debut novelist

Nico Walker is currently in federal prison for bank robbery. That's given him plenty of time to write his semi-autobiographical novel "Cherry," which has received glowing advance reviews.
by Quil Lawrence

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A day at the beach won't be the same after 'The World in a Grain'

A day at the beach won't be the same after 'The World in a Grain'

Journalist Vince Beiser's no-nonsense writing makes light reading of a grim subject, the past and future of sand, but it paints a telling picture of how great a problem lies before us.
by Genevieve Valentine

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It's been 45 years since Lynyrd Skynyrd's debut album

These days, the band's current lineup is out on the road, for what they say will be their final tour. It includes a stop at the Xcel Energy Center on October 5.
by Cathy Wurzer

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'Crazy Rich Asians' spurs conversation over representation

'Crazy Rich Asians' spurs conversation over representation

Some are critical of a story centered on a specific subset of the already well-represented Chinese-Singaporeans who make up the majority of Singapore's population.
by The Associated Press

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Source: Aretha Franklin is seriously ill

Source: Aretha Franklin is seriously ill

The Queen of Soul canceled planned concerts earlier this year after she was ordered by her doctor to stay off the road and rest up. Last year, the 76-year-old icon announced her plans to retire, saying she would perform at "some select things."
by The Associated Press

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'Baghdad Noir' presents a city of diverse experiences

'Baghdad Noir' presents a city of diverse experiences

Akashic Books' "Noir" series visits Baghdad for its latest installment, and the talented writers collected here manage to wrest compelling noir from a place that's plenty dark already.
by Bethanne Patrick

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