Music

Art Hounds: A holiday performance with soul
Plus, a virtual Rock and Roll Christmas Spectacular from central Minnesota and a Duluth-based puzzle room to play with friends over the holidays.
VocalEssence pushes forward with annual Christmas concert
Like so many holiday traditions, VocalEssence’s annual “Welcome Christmas” concert looks very different this year. Associate conductor Phillip Shoultz spoke with Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer about the production.
Light shows, virtual ballets and yes, Dickens: A pandemic guide to holiday festivities
There will be no in-person “Christmas Carol” at the Guthrie Theater this year, and Clara and the nutcracker will only be visiting the Land of Sweets in our dreams (or on our screens). While 2020’s celebrations may be at a distance, there are still plenty of opportunities for festive holiday activities. Here are a few ideas.
Jewish cantors in Wisconsin celebrate Hanukkah with virtual concert
Jewish cantors in Wisconsin are celebrating Hanukkah in a new way during the pandemic: They will gather virtually and broadcast a concert of holiday music for audiences across the country.
Charley Pride, trailblazing Black country music star, dies at 86
Charley Pride, country music’s first Black star whose rich baritone on such hits as “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” sold millions of records and helped make him the first Black member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, has died. He was 86.
The Dylan catalog, rock 'n' roll's holy grail, is sold
Bob Dylan’s entire catalog of songs, which reaches back 60 years and is among the most prized next to that of the Beatles, is being acquired by Universal Music Publishing Group.
Art Hounds: Pandemic portraits in Winona
Plus a new jazz album from the High School for Recording Arts and jewelry by St. Paul artisan Peter Mielech.
ChangeMakers: Tufawon, music as an art of resistance
Dakota and Boricua hip-hop artist Rafael Gonzalez, known as Tufawon, wants to hear Indigenous music on heavy rotation on every station. His music blends his experiences growing up and his visions for the future of Indigenous people.