Press Releases

89.3 The Current to Premiere Exclusive New Music by Craig Finn

May 2, 2011

On May 3, 89.3 The Current will debut the new, original song, "Not Much Left" by Craig Finn of The Hold Steady, recorded live at Wits on April 15 at the Fitzgerald Theater. Finn was backed by Wits musical guide John Munson on bass, Steve Roehm on vibes, and Joe Savage on pedal steel.

Public Radio Day at the Capital this Wednesday, April 27

April 25, 2011

While public media faces ongoing funding discussions in Congress, similar conversations are happening at the Minnesota Legislature. MPR listeners will be voicing their support for public radio this Wednesday at the Public Radio Day at the Capitol rally. The rally will last from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. in the Capitol Rotunda and will feature 89.3 The Current's Mark Wheat, executive management from MPR, and state representatives and senators speaking on the importance of public broadcasting.

MPR News Receives a Murrow Award

April 25, 2011

Minnesota Public Radio News' report, "Living with Higher Unemployment" has won a regional Murrow Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association in the hard news category for large market radio.

American Public Media Group Selects Jon McTaggart as New CEO

April 20, 2011

American Public Media Group, parent company of Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media, announced today that its board of trustees has unanimously chosen Jon McTaggart as the organization's next chief executive officer. McTaggart, who currently serves as APMG's senior vice president and chief operating officer, will succeed Bill Kling, the company's founder and current CEO, on July 1.

MPR Presents Sarah Vowell and Musical Guests Pink Mink on Stage May 12 at the Fitzgerald Theater

April 12, 2011

WHEN: Thursday, May 12, 8:00 p.m. WHERE: The Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E. Exchange St., St. Paul TICKETS: $30. Tickets are $20 for MPR members after a special $10 discount. Tickets can be purchased at the Fitzgerald Theater, 651-290-1200. WHAT: Renowned author, humorist and one of public radio's leading contributors to "This American Life" Sarah Vowell comes to the Fitzgerald Theater for a singular evening of humor and wit. 89.3 The Current's Steve Seel will join Vowell in a discussion about her many projects, including works with Ira Glass from "This American Life" and some strong talk about rock and roll. Seel and Vowell will also take a look at her new book "Unfamiliar Fishes," which is a historical look at the Americanization of Hawaii. Minneapolis pop punk group Pink Mink will hit the stage right after intermission, adding an extra element of sassy girl power to the evening. About Sarah Vowell Vowell is the New York Times' bestselling author of five nonfiction books on American history and culture. By examining the connections between the American past and present, she offers personal, often humorous accounts of everything from presidents and their assassins to colonial religious fanatics, as well as thoughts on American Indians, utopian dreamers, pop music and the odd cranky cartographer. About Pink Mink Von Bondies guitarist and vocalist Christy Hunt, along with well-known musician Arzu Gokcen, producer extraordinaire Jacques Waits, and veteran drummer Charles Gehr make up Pink Mink. Named City Pages' 2010 Picked to Click best new band, Pink Mink is working on their much anticipated debut album to be released this summer. About the Fitzgerald Theater The Fitzgerald Theater is committed to programming that reflects the audience and mission of Minnesota Public Radio. This 1,000-seat theater acts as MPR's largest broadcast studio, with airwaves reaching millions of people tuned in to A Prairie Home Companion. Our staged productions commission authors, artists and radio hosts to create intellectually stimulating programs that delight and enlighten our vast public radio community. The Fitzgerald Theater is St. Paul's oldest theater and is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

89.3 The Current will Launch Local Current Music Stream on April 14

April 11, 2011

89.3 The Current announced today that on April 14 it will launch, Local Current, a music stream dedicated entirely to local music available 24 hours a day. Local Current will highlight the incredible music made in and around our region and will feature a mix of the legendary artists that helped put Minnesota on the musical map, as well as up and coming artists that are furthering our state's reputation as a hot bed of talent.