In the early 1970’s, Native American youth were experiencing discrimination in the Twin Cities public schools that created turmoil and high drop out rates. This lead to the creation of an alternative accredited educational place named The Red School House. KFAI's Dixie Treichel filed this report. 

"Being at Red School House, you didn’t have anyone telling you you couldn’t be who you are," said Dorene Day, a former Red School House student. "We were encouraged to delve into every aspect of our life as a Native person."

The Red School House began in February of 1972. The idea was hatched by concerned parent Charlotte Day alosngside St Paul American Indian Movement Executive Director Edward Benton-Benai. Day and Benton-Benai then developed the concept with members of the community. First Person Radio interviewed Edward Benton-Benai  in 1976.

"So our relationship with the public school system of St. Paul has not been one of  romance. They had threatened to pick all the kids up from school and  charge them with truancy at one time. When that call came, we sent out a call to the Indian community.  In about 40 minutes  there were about 250 Indians that surrounded the building and dared them to come and get the kids. And we knew too that we had a responsibility to live up to an that was the maintaining and enlarging of the school."

This work is funded in part by the Minnesota Humanities Center with money from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008. 

Photograph Courtesy of the American Indian Movement Interpretive Center

First Person Plural | Self-Determination and Other Teachings of the Red School House

In July 1981, the New York Times published an article about a mysterious illness plaguing gay men in New York City. After reading the article, Bruce Brockway, a gay activist and publisher of the Twin Cities' first LGBT newspaper, turned to his partner and said, "I think I have that." That was AIDS and Bruce was right. Numbers-wise, Minnesota was never a hot zone of infection. But for the Minnesotans living with HIV/AIDS, the struggles were the same: to stay alive and to fight the homophobia that wanted to ignore an epidemic dismissed as a gay man's disease. This is their story, reported and narrated by KFAI's Britt Aamodt.

Photo: Bruce Brockway and Rene Valdes. Support for MinneCulture on KFAI comes from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Ep. 29: Generation AIDS

The art of writing a good joke welds a lot of power. A good joke can drive the plot of a TV sit-com, can spark political controversy … or, in this case, sell an oil change. KFAI’s Matthew Schneman spoke with a few auto mechanics about how they’ve made writing jokes part of their business. KFAI's Matthew Schneeman has the story.

Support for MinneCulture on KFAI comes from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Mechanics Expound on the Perfect Roadside Quip

The Minnesota Twins aren’t short on iconic players who have won the hearts of fans over the years. One of them is Tony Oliva, who overcame obstacles in making his way from his home in Cuba to Major League Baseball, where he became a fierce hitter in the team’s early years, eventually receiving one of the sport’s highest honors. Sportswriter Thom Henninger has written a biography about the Twin’s Great, “Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend.” Mike Moen talks with Henninger about Olivia’s life and career.

Photo: In 1965, Tony Oliva became the first player ever to win batting crowns in his first two full seasons. 
Photo Courtesy of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

MinneCulture on KFAI is supported by the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

From Cuba’s Farm Diamonds to MLB Glory, the Twins’ Tony Oliva Carves Out a Long Path to Cooperstown

Minnesota's moose count is the highest it's been since 2011. But behind that encouraging number, there's a long history of decline. And the people leading the fight to save the moose say the iconic animal is not even close to being out of the woods. KFAI’s Emily Haavik takes us to northeastern Minnesota — to explore the keystone species' past, present, and future. Photo by Katie Mumm.

Moose Tracks: The decline and plateau of Minnesota's moose

Eva Valesh was only 22 when she first went undercover to report on women workers in the 1880s for the St. Paul Globe. She wrote under the pseudonym Eva Gay. Each week, she would either sneak into a workplace to speak to the workers, or she would simply fabricate her references and apply to a job herself. She visited clothing factories, laundries, dress-shops, dry goods stores, and food factories. Often she encountered women being exploited or working in dangerous conditions. Eva fought for the workers and helped them fight for themselves. 

In this episode of the MinneCulture podcast, reporter Ben Heath explores Valesh’s work, and the role of investigative journalism on the labor movement of the late 19th century.

Like a Comet Streaking Across the Sky: The Investigative Journalism of Eva Valesh

In the most basic sense, what’s commonly referred to as “the fur trade” was a period of cultural and economic exchange between Native Americans and European Americans, according to the Minnesota Historical Society. As the pages of history were put down, one aspect that was continually overlooked is the role women played at home, in the woods, and throughout many aspects of life during the fur trade. The simple truth is that Indigenous women actively contributed to the success of the North American fur trade, according to Karl Koster, a Minnesota historian who specializes in the history of the iconic fur trade.

In this MinneCulture In-Depth feature, KFAI contributor Joe Friedrichs explores the role of women during the fur trade as told through the lens of a Grand Marais woman, Laura Powell Marxen. Laura continues to trap and sell fur on Minnesota's North Shore, much like her great-grandmother, Mary Ottertail, did in the early 1900s near what is now the end of the Gunflint Trail.

Image by Joe Friedrichs.

Support for MinneCulture on KFAI has been provided by the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

Women of the Fur Trade

This Minnesota band has roots in the Andes mountains. Performing every night of the State Fair since the '90s, Ecuador Manta plays traditional music from Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. Their instruments include flutes made from bamboo and the charango, a guitar historically made with an armadillo shell. KFAI's Michelle Bruch talked to the band about the Indigenous music that inspires them.

Support for MinneCulture on KFAI has been provided by the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund

Ecuador Manta brings music from the Andes to Minnesota

HUGE Improv Theater is moving. The longform improv theater, originally based at Lyndale and 31st, has spent the summer transforming the south half of Art Materials into a place for creativity, comedy, and performance. While HUGE is purchasing the space, Art Materials will continue to operate in the north half of the building. 

HUGE Theater is expected to open their new space at 2728 Lyndale Ave in mid-October. In the meantime, their fall line-up of shows are performing at Center for Performing Arts. 

Leaders from HUGE spoke with KFAI's Sheila Regan about the reasoning behind the move, as well the community support that got them through the process.

Support for MinneCulture on KFAI has been provided by the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

Making moves: HUGE Improv Theater to reopen doors at 2728 Lyndale

For a backpacker, the upper Midwest might not be the most obvious choice for a trip. Yet, the rugged and scenic Superior Hiking Trail (SHT), a 310-mile path starting just south of Duluth and following the North Shore of Lake Superior to Canada, offers far more challenge and variety than one might at first expect. 

Even the highly respected magazine Outside calls the SHT one of the 25 best hikes in the world. 

It’s a relatively new trail with construction beginning only in the mid-1980s. The plan was to connect some of the most interesting geological formations in the state. These are the steep and rocky billion-year-old volcanic ridges of the Sawtooth Mountains that offer expansive views. In between are copious ponds, lakes, streams, rivers and deep gorges where immense waterfalls race to the lake.

The trail exists in what’s known as the the transition zone of hardwood forests on the very edge of boreal, filled with birch, aspen, pine, fir, cedar and maple. Even though it’s so close to Highway 61, a walker quickly enters a natural and wild place, with the voices from an abundance of birds and other creatures a daily soundtrack. 

Podcaster and long-distance hiker Alison Young had hiked every section of the trail — except for the southern-most portion south of Two Harbors. These were mostly “training” hikes for the longer and more exotic international backpacking she had planned. She was a bit shocked this spring when, she says, a little voice inside called to her walk the SHT as a thru-hike, all in one go. What happened surprised her: this trail would become one of the most soulful backpack trips of her life. 

In this story, Alison shares some of the sonic discoveries she made along the way.

Take a walk along the Superior Hiking Trail

Peter Jesperson is a music legend. Born in Minnesota, Jesperson was a seminal figure in the Minneapolis punk and new wave scene of the 1970's and 1980's. He co-founded Twin/Tone Records, worked at Oar Folkjokeopus record store and the Jay's Longhorn bar, and is credited with discovering the Replacements. He later served as the band's manager.

In "Lost in the Songs," producer Todd Melby interviews Jesperson about his love affair with music, his relationship with the Replacements and his addictions. Melby also talked with Chris Osgood of the Suicide Commandos and Tommy Stinson, bassist for the Replacements, about Jesperson.

In 1980, Melby slipped in the mosh pit at Jay's Longhorn while dancing to the Suburbs, a Twin/Tone Recording artist. His buddies waited hours before taking him to the emergency room to get his knee examined. He also remembers seeing the Replacements play live at various Minneapolis venues.

--

Breakmaster Cylinder composed two of the songs in this documentary. Their work can be found at BreakmasterCylinder.com. Other music was by The Replacements, Patti Smith, The Safaris and the Suicide Commandos.

Peter Jesperson’s book is titled “Euphoric Recall.” It was published by MNHS Press.

Audio mastered by Alex Simpson.

For more of Todd's work, check out toddmelby.com

MinneCulture is hosted by John Gebretatose and edited by Julie Censullo. Support for MinneCulture on KFAI is provided by the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

Lost in the Songs

Every year, canoeists in Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness need to be rescued from a dangerous situation. In modern times, the call for help can come from a cell phone, a satellite phone, or an emergency beacon like a Garmin inReach. It wasn't always this easy to help people who recreate across the canoe-country wilderness. In this report from KFAI producer Joe Friedrichs, we learn about the history of search and rescue operations inside the most visited wilderness area in the nation, the Boundary Waters.

MinneCulture is hosted by John Gebretatose and edited by Julie Censullo. Support for MinneCulture on KFAI is provided by the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

When Danger Strikes in the Boundary Waters

The Border Route Trail is the first long-distance wilderness backpacking trail in Minnesota. It was built – and is maintained – entirely by volunteers. It follows the international border between northern Minnesota and Ontario along soaring cliffs above a massive watery highway used by First Peoples as well as the voyageurs. 

Ten years ago, the Border Route along with the Kekekabic Trail became part of the North Country Trail, the longest of the eleven National and Scenic Trails in the United States. Famously overgrown and wild, civilization is left far behind in this land of moose, bear and wolf. 

On my late Autumn backpack of these two trails, podcaster and hiker Alison Young found herself far more challenged than expected walking through deep mud and over blowdowns and “spasmodic thimbleberries” but also delighted by the sonic wonder of this unique environment.  

Support for KFAI has been provided by the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund

How a group of volunteers helped create the Border Route Trail

This documentary was produced by Britta Greene and James Napoli, and edited by Julie Censullo. Special thanks to Jim Leary and the Center for the Study of Upper Midwestern Cultures (https://csumc.wisc.edu/) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for sharing many of the audio recordings included in this piece, including from the Down Home Dairyland recordings (https://uwpress.wisc.edu/books/2916.htm). Additional thanks to Rob McGinley Myers, Nancy Rosenbaum, Sophie Nikitas, Cris Anderson and members of the Upper Midwest Folk Fiddlers. 

You can find more of Mike’s research and recordings on his websites: Upper Midwest Old Time (https://uppermidwestoldtime.blogspot.com/) and the Midwest Fiddle Tunes Project (https://minnesotafiddle.blogspot.com/)

Support for MinneCulture on KFAI is provided by the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund. MinneCulture is hosted by John Gebretatose.

Saving Minnesotan Old Time Music

Minnesota was the first state to take Big Tobacco to trial in 1998. The biggest lawsuit in the state’s history forced the tobacco industry to take down cigarette billboards and release millions of internal documents that filled a Minneapolis warehouse.

When vaping e-cigarettes gained popularity among youth in the late 2010s, the Minnesota Attorney General’s office sued again, this time against market leader Juul Labs and the company’s Big Tobacco investor Altria. The lawsuit lifted thousands of new tobacco documents into the public archive.

We talked to people who worked on both trials — on both sides of the case — 25 years apart.

Anti-smoking campaign images provided courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Health.

MinneCulture is edited by Julie Censullo and hosted by John Gebretatose. Support for MinneCulture on KFAI is provided by the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

Music:  'Ants in my pants' by SUPERARE

Minnesota vs. Big Tobacco

Did you know you can ride your bike across Minnesota, the long way? 

Beginning in the late ‘70s, the same group that coordinates the numbering of the interstate highways thought it might be a cool idea to begin creating a country-wide network of long-distance bicycle routes. These routes would consist of a combination of off-road paths, bicycle lanes and road shoulders. 

For years, there were only two in the nation, but in 2011, Minnesota got its first with US Bicycle Route-43, the 600-mile Mississippi River Trail from Itasca State Park to the Iowa Border. Five years later, USBR-41 was designated, connecting trails and roads from the Capital of Saint Paul, to Canada. 

Last year, that route would be named the James L. Oberstar State Trail in memory of the late Congressman, trail advocate and avid cyclist. While the purpose of the bike routes is to get a rider from point to point, the Minnesota Legislature put specific language into the statutes to empower MN-DOT to plan and supervise the routes. Plus local communities have gotten in on the action to welcome cyclists to their attractions plus contribute to their economy.  

So about crossing the state the long way – if you rode the Mississippi Trail from Iowa to Saint Paul, then picked up the Oberstar Trail, you’d eventually end up at the international border! KFAI's Alison Young shares the story of her recent bike journey across the state, and explores the history of local bike routes.

Support for MinneCulture is provided by the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

Ride your bike across Minnesota...the long way

KSTP-AM is one of Minnesota’s oldest and formerly most successful radio stations. By the 90's, it had been mostly forgotten, as fans flocked to FM. While music fans enjoyed the stereophonic sounds on the other side of the dial, a new form of radio program began to emerge. Before long, talk radio flourished across the United States, and nowhere was it strong than at “The Talk Station.” 

Fueled by a desire to shake up the radio landscape, Hubbard Broadcasting’s Ginny Morris took charge of the station and hired a new set of voices in the Twin Cities to break up the status quo. It was an eclectic cast of characters, and none of them were more unique than Tommy Mischke. Left to his own devices and given the keys to a late night kingdom, the renegade broadcaster blazed his own path. Hear from his colleagues and managers to get the inside story about what made The Mischke Broadcast one of Minnesota’s favorite radio shows, it’s legacy and why it’s a show that could only happen here.

Today, Tommy Mischke might be known as a podcaster and book author, but long before that he known by Twin Cities radio fans as only “The Phantom Caller.” 

This documentary was produced Kyle Shiely and edited by Julie Censullo. Hear more classic Mischke bits at MischkeMadness.com and keep up with Tommy at the Mischke Roadshow podcast. Find more of Kyle’s work at kyleshiely.com. 

MinneCulture is hosted by John Gebretatose and edited and executive produced by Julie Censullo. Support for MinneCulture on KFAI is provided by the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

The Phantom Caller of the Twin Cities

Take a dive into comedic history in this story about the beginnings of the Brave New Workshop. 

The Brave New Workshop was founded by a former circus former named Dudley Riggs. In the mid 20th century, a new kind of humor was taking the world by storm, and Riggs tapped into the zeitgeist of improvisation that had no limits. Hear from past and present company members, archival audio, and Riggs himself in this celebration of comedy that speaks to its time. 

Produced by Sheila Regan.

MinneCulture is hosted by John Gebretatose and edited by Julie Censullo.

The Instant Theater Zeitgeist

In the 1970s, lesbian and feminist organizations popped up in cities across the nation. Minneapolis and Saint Paul were no exception. Here in the Twin Cities, the Amazon Feminist Book Store, Lesbian Resource Center, and Lesbian Feminist Organizing Committee all provided space and community for newly out lesbians and queer women.

At the same time, a small network of transgender women started their own type of organizing, one that relied more on mutual support than a physical meeting place.

But these groups weren’t mutually exclusive. In the late 1970s, a trans woman named Sissy Potter tried to join a lesbian feminist group called A Woman’s Coffee House. She’s probably not the only one, either. On this episode of MinneCulture from producer Kira Schukar, Sissy’s letter sparks a conversation about feminism, gender, and transfeminism in the Twin Cities and beyond.

Content warning: This podcast contains a transphobic slur and comments.

Photo courtesy of Sissy Poettler.

MinneCulture is hosted by John Gebretatose and edited by Julie Censullo. 

Sources:

“2023 Anti-Trans Legislation.” Trans Legislation Tracker, https://translegislation.com/bills/2023. Accessed 26 Mar. 2024.

2023 State Equality Index: A Review of State Legislation Affecting the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Community and a Look Ahead in 2024. Human Rights Campaign Foundation, 2024, https://reports.hrc.org/2023-state-equality-index?_ga=2.7211186.1288380725.1706647812-211073266.1705959553.

Enke, Finn. “Collective Memory and the Transfeminist 1970s: Toward a Less Plausible History.” TSQ: Transgender Studies Quarterly, vol. 5, no. 1, Feb. 2018, pp. 9–29.
---. Finding the Movement: Sexuality, Contested Space, and Feminist Activism. Duke University Press, 2007.
---. “Smuggling Sex through the Gates: Race, Sexuality, and the Politics of Space in Second Wave Feminism.” American Quarterly, vol. 55, no. 4, Dec. 2003, pp. 635–67.

Franklin, Michael David, et al., editors. Queer Twin Cities. University of Minnesota Press, 2010.

Grossman, Mary Ann. “Pioneering True Colors Feminist Bookstore Expected to Close in February.” Twin Cities Pioneer Press, 27 Dec. 2011, https://www.twincities.com/2011/12/27/pioneering-true-colors-feminist-bookstore-expected-to-close-in-february/.

McNaron, Toni. “About Toni.” Toni McNaron, https://tonimcnaron.com/about/. Accessed 26 Mar. 2024.

Van Cleve, Stewart. Land of 10,000 Loves: A History of Queer Minnesota. University of Minnesota Press, 2012.

Whitaker, Jan. “‘Way Out’ Coffeehouses.” Restaurant-Ing Through History, 28 Sept. 2009, https://restaurant-ingthroughhistory.com/2009/09/28/way-out-coffeehouses/.

'Sissy' as in Sister

In the wake of the police killing of Philando Castile, North Minneapolis native Geoffrey Lamar Wilson turned to music as an act of protest and remembrance. His songs — released under the band name Laamar – have found broad resonance throughout Minnesota. This is the story of one song — "Say My Name" — written to honor the memory of those killed at the hands of police. 

This story was produced for KFAI by James Napoli.

CONTENT WARNING: Police Violence, Brutality
This story contains audio of police using excessive force and brutality. There are descriptions of physical violence and assault by law enforcement officers. Listener discretion is advised.

Remember, Celebrate, and Sing: Laamar creates space for reflection and healing through music

Prince only played nine concerts at First Avenue. But the superstar artist and the nightclub are forever intertwined in popular imagination because of Purple Rain. For a time in 1984, Prince had the number one song (“When Doves Cry”), album and film in the nation—and the last two were partially recorded at the Minneapolis club that has since become a destination for Purple fans around the world. Britt Aamodt spoke to Star Tribune music critic Chris Riemenschneider, author of First Avenue: Minnesota’s Mainroom, about Prince and his relationship to First Avenue, from his club debut in 1981 to his last concert in 2007.

Support for MinneCulture on KFAI is provided by the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

The artist that defined a venue, the venue that defined an artist

The monarch butterfly’s migration is a thing of beauty and mystery. So mysterious, in fact, that the location of where they overwintered in Mexico wasn’t even known to American and Canadian scientists until 1975. The butterflies would simply would disappear in the fall and then return the next spring. They’ve been disappearing again, but this time for less mysterious reasons: mostly habitat loss and the use of pesticides. In 2017 the Federal Highway Administration decided to see what they could do to help. KFAI's Matthew Schneeman shares this story.

Support for MinneCulture on KFAI is provided by the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

The Monarch Highway

Forty-five years ago, flutists from the professional orchestras in the Twin Cities plus students, teachers, freelancers and people who just love the flute got together. Their aim was simple: to create a meeting place for flute-related activities and enrich the community. 

Today, UMFA, the Upper Midwest Flute Association, presents an annual festival, commissions new music, holds competitions, passes out scholarships and puts on concerts with local talent often playing one of the cool instruments the organization owns from the flute family – alto, bass, even contrabass flute. 

Each year at the Mall of America, hundreds of flutists gather for a marathon concert to help raise money for scholarships and to collect gently-used instruments. For eight hours it’s one flute solo, duo, ensemble and band after another, the only rules that you’re ready to play and you'll chip in twenty-five bucks for the cause. 

In January of 1979 a small group of motivated flutists from the Twin Cities formed an association which would bring flutists of all levels together for concerts, workshops and educational programs. The ‘Upper Midwest Flute Association’ – or UMFA – is entirely volunteer-run and is set up so flutists can  get to know each other, work together, network, share ideas and build life-long friendships. 

They do this through a very active schedule of concerts, flute choir showcases, lectures, competitions, as well as masterclasses given by world renown artists at the annual flute fest. As well, each year at the Mall of America, hundreds of flutists gather for a marathon concert to help raise money for scholarships and to collect gently-used instruments. 

Open to all ages and abilities, UMFA is a Minnesota organization that prides itself on supporting each other and sharing knowledge – as well as a well appointed music library and set of instruments from the flute family. KFAI reporter Alison Young shares this story.

So, 100 flutists walk into a room...

The sound of bagpipes can make you cry. The timbre of the music can provoke a deep emotional response in a listener, producing tears of joy, nostalgia, and remembrance. On the other hand, if the
pipes aren’t your jam, the shrill tones are capable of making one plug their ears and cry tears of pain and disgust.

In Scotland, bagpipes were considered instruments of war, and were banned by the British. The instrument arrived in Minnesota in the 1850’s, brought by Scottish immigrants to what is now Blue Earth county, as settlers moved in, occupying Dakota land. For better or worse, bagpipes have remained a near constant presence in the Minnesota aural landscape since that time. 

KFAI's John Gwinn explores the current state of Pipe and Drum bands in Minnesota.

Instrument of War No More: Bagpipes in Minnesota

Born on the Mexican side of the Texas-Mexican border, artist, curator and gallery owner Alondra Garza has made Minnesota her home  — ever since moving here without ever visiting to attend the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. In this story, KFAI's Sheila Regan explores Garza's strangely beautiful work that use an unexpected artist tool: hot cheetos.

Alondra Garza's modern, whimsical take on traditional charcoal drawings

In early October 2023, Minnesota music legend, Spider John Koerner gifted his old 12-string Gretsch guitar to musician Charlie Parr.

Inspired by Koerner early on in his career, Parr continues to evolve his music and his unique guitar style, following in the footsteps of Koerner.

Parr released his new album, ‘Little Sun,’ in March, 2024. This album was
recorded in Portland, OR, and produced by Parr's close friend and collaborator Tucker Martine (Sufjan Stevens, The Decemberists, My Morning Jacket). 

The gifted Gretsch was used in one song on the album, “10 Watt,” recorded in Minneapolis, featuring Mary DuShane on fiddle and Liz Draper on bass. Parr is currently performing an extensive solo US tour through July and a three-month European tour in the Fall. He’s taking the gifted Gretsch with him for the first time, sharing it with audiences excited to see Koerner’s famed guitar.

In September of last year, Parr organized and hosted a tribute to Spider John Koerner at the Parkway Theater: a screening of Koerner’s 1969 film “The Secret of Sleep.” The film was introduced by Koerner, and followed by a performance of Koerner songs by Parr on the Gretsch, featuring many musical friends and collaborators: Adam Kiesling, Liz Draper, Baby Grant Johnson, Mary DuShane. Parr is excited to keep the tradition, the guitar, and the music alive.

Charlie Parr performs First Avenue on Friday May 3 with Mama’s Broke and Marisa Anderson at 7 pm. Tickets are available here: https://first-avenue.com/event/2024-05-charlie-parr/

You can view one of Koerner’s guitars — his modified Epiphone — displayed on a wall at Palmer’s Bar along with a story Koerner wrote about it.

KFAI’s Cyn Collins had the opportunity to interview Koerner and Parr about the guitar and their connection.

John Koerner, Charlie Parr, and the Gifted Gretsch

A documentary exploring the evolution of polka music in Minnesota, from World War II to today. This program features the music of“Whoopee” John Wilfahrt, Polkicide, Father Frank Perkovich, the Andrews Sisters and many more. This program was produced by Carrie Swiggum for KFAI's MinneCulture program.

Acknowledgements:

“Interview with Florian Chmielewski' and “Interview with Bill Czerniak,” Minnesota Polka
Oral History Project, Minnesota Historical Society.

"Interview with Father Frank Perkovich," Minnesota Discovery Center, Ironworld Development Corporation.

Polka's Not Dead (Part 2)

Just because you're a guy doesn't mean you can't look fabulous. Richard Moody, a local event planner and a Delta Airlines worker, created "The Dandies Project," a group for men who like to look their best and give back to the community. KFAI's Will Wright reports they like to do it their way — dandy style.

Men Can Be Pretty Too

In the summer of 1931, Arthur and Edith Lee, bought a home in South Minneapolis and caught hell. They were black. The neighborhood was white. The Lees withstood 1,000 plus-strong mob intimidation, and hate crimes that commanded national headlines and would scar their young daughter for years before fleeing in fall 1933. KFAI’s Will Wright reports on one stubborn family's fight to make a home. (Photo: The Crisis, October 1931.)

Minneapolis 1931: A Blitzkrieg of Bigotry

America's attempt to separate Native children from their families didn't end with boarding schools. In the decades after World War II, the U.S. government created the Indian Adoption Project, an effort designed to place Native kids with white parents. In this one-hour documentary, producer Melissa Olson explores the personal and historical impact of this policy. Her Ojibwe mother, Judy Olson, was raised by a white family. So were the mothers of several friends. The emotional impact of the Indian Adoption Project — and similar state projects — continues today. Produced by Melissa Olson and Ryan Katz. Edited by Todd Melby. (Photo: Kip Moon, Courtesy of Kip Moon.)

Stolen Childhoods

Minnesota's own Jayhawks have been defining Americana for three decades. Check out this blast from the past a "Live from Minnesota" performance recorded September 4, 2014 with the Jayhawks at the Turf Club in St. Paul. Produced and mixed by Tom Garneau. (Photo: Gary Louris of the Jayhawks. Photo by LivePict.com, Wikipedia.)

Live from Minnesota: The Jayhawks

MinneCulture is KFAI’s award-winning audio storytelling program. We produce audio documentaries exploring Minnesota’s art, culture, and history — stories about musical sensations, small town heroes, cultural icons, local lore, and everything in between.

Popular tracks by KFAI's MinneCulture