There aren’t that many places were regular people can sing in a group, just for the fun of it. Ten years ago, Minneapolis singer/songwriter Barbara McAfee created a monthly event called Singing in the Light where anyone could do just that. The people who show up say the experience has fundamentally changed them in ways they never expected.

Singing in the light

Brigitta Greene + Nancy Rosenbaum's submission to KCRW's 24-hour radio race

NOTHING VENTURED: just calling to say hi

Walter Humphrey and Jerrel Matthews are two friends who love nothing more than to fish from dawn until dusk. I spent 10 hours with the duo on Medicine Lake just outside of Minneapolis in the winter of 2016 to discover the hidden world of urban ice fishing. I reported this story for KFAI community radio in Minneapolis. This remixed version was produced as a work sample for the Full Spectrum Storytelling Intensive.

Hooked On Ice Fishing Remix

Interview feature I produced for the BBC's Cultural Frontline featuring Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter Jayanthi Kyle on how a protest song she co-wrote became an unofficial anthem for local Black Lives Matter activists in Minneapolis. (Photo credit: Tony Webster).

BBC Cultural Frontline - Culture As Catharsis featuring Jayanthi Kyle

The Virginia-based public radio program "With Good Reason" assigned me to produce an audio postcard about a Native American spiritual ceremony called the Ghost Dance. Cedric Red Feather is a Mandan Turtle Priest based in Minnesota who organized this Ghost Dance ceremony I observed in May 2016. The segment I produced was part of a larger feature on historian Elizabeth Fenn whose book about the Mandan, "Encounters at the End of the World," won a Pulitzer Prize for History in 2015. While researching the book, Fenn and Red Feather became friends. Fenn credits Red Feather with helping her to appreciate the significance of Mandan spiritual life. You can listen to the full segment here: http://withgoodreasonradio.org/episode/encounters-at-the-heart-of-the-world/

With Good Reason - Cedric Red Feather and the Ghost Dance Ceremony

This is a sampler of newscast spots I filed for NPR after Prince's death in April 2016. I interviewed mourners at Paisley Park and also covered a press conference at the Carver County court house. 

NPR Prince spot coverage sampler

When Prince's death was announced to the world on April 21, 2016, NPR assigned me to go to Paisley Park and interview mourners. One of the people I met was Suzanne O'Keefe, who brought a bouquet a purple flowers to honor the artist who was known as The Purple One.

NPR Prince Coverage: Mourners at Paisley Park

Minnesota-based Cuban jazz musician Nachito Herrera was hospitalized with COVID-19 on March 28, 2020.  "Mensajes por Nachito" is a project where Nachito's fans, friends, and loved ones recorded voicemail message to support him and his family.

Mensajes Por Nachito Volume One

"Canciones por Nachito" is an audio project to support Nachito Herrera, an award-winning Latin jazz pianist who is currently being treated for COVID-19 in Minnesota. Musicians from all over the world are contributing messages and songs that Nachito's family can play for him over the phone to support him in his recovery. We will add more messages as we receive them. 

Message One: Carlos Caro, California. 
Song: Artemisa (Remasterizado) by Conjunto Artemiseño

Message Two: Alexander Abreu, Cuba. 
Song: Quiero Verte Otra Vez by Havana d'Primera

Message Three: Rosca (Luis Beltran), Miami, Florida.
Song: Just the Two of Us (Instrumental) by B&WF Rosca Project

nancy rosenbaum