MPR’s Golden Anniversary Will Be Year Of Celebrations 

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This year marks Minnesota Public Radio’s half century of public service. Beginning as a college radio station at St. John’s University, MPR has grown to a 45-station regional network of three distinct services – MPR News, Classical MPR, and The Current – as well as a national producer and distributor of radio programs, podcasts, and streaming services, serving one million Minnesotans and more than 20 million listeners a week nationwide. 

“This 50th anniversary year is a unique opportunity for us to reflect and express our great gratitude to our listeners and the people of this state for what they have helped us build,” said Jon McTaggart, president and CEO of Minnesota Public Radio. “While a lot has changed over the past 50 years, our mission remains the same, and we will celebrate this monumental year honoring all the ways that we serve our audiences and strengthen our communities every day—enriching minds, expanding perspectives, and nourishing spirits.”

Here is what Minnesotans can expect for MPR’s 50th year:

On Air

MPR 50th Anniversary Programming

On the 50th anniversary of its first broadcast, Sunday, January 22, 2017, MPR will kick off the yearlong celebration with special programming: MPR News will share history-making news highlights and put them in the context of today’s news; Classical MPR will open its archives and feature some of the most memorable classical concert broadcasts; and The Current will take a look back at 50 songs that shaped contemporary music over the last half century.

The Current also will air special features leading up to the official anniversary. The year 1967 was a momentous one in the history of contemporary music and The Current will celebrate that history with a 1967-themed Time Machine Tuesday on Tuesday, January 17. On Friday, January 20, The Current will debut a special song, written by local indie singer-songwriter Jeremy Messersmith to honor MPR’s 50th anniversary. Recorded at MPR’s Maud Moon Weyerhaeuser studio, the song features a Minnesota all-star backing band, including Chastity Brown, PaviElle, Devon Gray, Chris Koza, John Munson and several others. Messersmith also will perform the song at The Current’s 12th Birthday Party one week later on January 27.

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Throughout 2017, MPR News will air “50 Moments from the MPR News Archive.” The segments will air on Morning Edition (4 a.m.- 9 a.m.) and All Things Considered (3 p.m.-6:30 p.m.) and will reflect the wide range of stories and people MPR News has covered over the years. Classical MPR will share historic live performances recorded throughout Minnesota for the last five decades. The series, “Minnesota Encores,” will air on the fourth Monday of every month throughout 2017. The first program will air on Monday, January 23, 8 p.m., and will feature the Minnesota Orchestra’s dedication concert of Orchestra Hall from 1974. Additional special programming will air during the year. Specific broadcast times and information will be updated at MPR50.org.

In Person

MPR Days Across the State and an MPR HQ Open House

As a thank you to its audience of one million regional listeners and more than 130,000 members, MPR will host events across the state over the course of the year, including MPR Days in Collegeville, Mankato, Ely and Moorhead as well as an open house at MPR headquarters and The Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul.  Additionally, MPR services will continue to travel the state bringing such programs as Bring the Sing, The Current Goes To and MPR Connects to communities around the region.

StoryCorps

Every Minnesotan’s story matters and MPR wants to hear it. In the fall, MPR will welcome StoryCorps to the state, to capture Minnesotans’ stories and voices as part of the 50th anniversary celebration. Some of these conversations will be featured on MPR News’ website and airwaves, supporting StoryCorps’ mission to preserve and share humanity’s stories in order to build connections between people and to create a more just and compassionate world. Since its founding in 2003, StoryCorps has collected and archived more than 60,000 interviews from more than 100,000 participants from across the country. It is one of the largest oral history projects of its kind.

Films at the Fitz

Everyone’s favorite old movie house, The Fitzgerald Theater, is celebrating MPR’s 50th Anniversary with five films from the past five decades. Named the “Best Thing to Do for Free in the Twin Cities” by City Pages, this winter’s “Films at the Fitz” screenings include “Groundhog Day,” “West Side Story,” “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory,” “Back to the Future,” and “The Royal Tenenbaums,” with performances by local bands at each event. Tickets are free, but registration is required and will be available beginning Thursday, January 19.

Classical MPR’s 50th Anniversary Concert: Featuring the Minnesota Debut of the Eric Whitacre Singers

On Thursday, March 9, Classical MPR presents the Minnesota debut of The Eric Whitacre Singers in a special celebratory concert at the Cathedral of St. Paul. Whitacre, one of classical music’s most creative forces and distinguished choral music conductors of our time, has promised something special for MPR’s 50th at this signature event, which is sure to be an evening to remember.

The Magnetic Fields: “50 Song Memoir” Tour

The Current presents the return of Magnetic Fields on their “50 Song Memoir” Tour, a special two-night show at The Fitzgerald Theater on April 22 and 23. “50 Song Memoir” is the new album from songwriter Stephin Merritt’s beloved recording project, the Magnetic Fields. Each song in Merritt’s musical journey represents a year in the singer-songwriter’s life. Sonically wide-ranging and musically adventurous, the songs feature non-fiction lyrics that mix autobiography with documentary to create a unique portrait of Merritt’s life.

A Special Concert to Celebrate MPR’s 50th Presented by the Minnesota Orchestra

In recognition of the two organizations’ deep and longstanding relationship, the Minnesota Orchestra will present a special concert as part of its 2017-18 Classical season conducted by Music Director Osmo Vänskä in celebration of MPR’s 50th anniversary. The concert will be held at Orchestra Hall on Saturday, November 11, and will be broadcast statewide on the Classical MPR network. Tickets go on sale to Minnesota Orchestra subscribers this spring, and MPR members will be offered a special ticket pre-sale in July.

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During the year, pop-up performances by artists and musicians featured on Classical MPR and The Current will take place statewide. Additional plans include a gala celebration, an expanded presence at the Minnesota State Fair, collaborative projects with Little Free Library, the Minneapolis Parks Foundation, and The Minneapolis Foundation, as well as a live taping of BBC Newshour Extra at Augsburg College. More programs and partnerships are in development and will be updated at MPR50.org.

Online

MPR will rollout special digital features at MPR50.org throughout the year, including an interactive historical timeline, audio clips and photos from the MPR Archive, a “Humans of MPR” series, a behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of MPR and a virtual tour of MPR’s headquarters. Listeners are encouraged to share their MPR story at MPR50.org or on social media channels with the hashtag #MPR50.

Commemorative book

To commemorate the milestone year, MPR will publish an anniversary book, featuring extensive interviews and research conducted by noted author Jack El-Hai, and including captivating images from its archives alongside first-person essays from collaborators and colleagues from public media, the arts and the corporate community.

MPR 50 Event Highlights

Additional live events, broadcast programming and opportunities to participate will be announced throughout the year. Visit MPR50.org for updates.

JANUARY
Classical MPR’s Bring the Sing

Saturday, January 14, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Lourdes
High School’s Fine Arts Auditorium, Rochester
FREE, registration required
Classical MPR seeks voices of all stripes for “Bring the Sing,” a community event that is equal parts sing-along and community gathering. Now in its second year, the program is designed for all levels of singing ability—in fact, being able to read music is not required in order to participate. Registration and information at: classicalmpr.org/choral.

MPR 50th Anniversary Programming
Sunday, January 22, 1 – 5 p.m.

·         2-4 p.m.: MPR News’ Cathy Wurzer, Kerri Miller, Tom Weber and Tom Crann will host a two-hour program featuring history-making moments that have shaped Minnesota. The program will take a look at MPR News’ coverage of Minnesota politics, the environment and immigration and put it in context to current headlines, the special will also give a preview of some of the programs and live events taking place throughout the anniversary year. Also, MPR founder Bill Kling will share his memories of MPR’s first broadcast from Collegeville.

·         3- 5 p.m.: Classical MPR’s Mindy Ratner and Michael Barone will host “Highlights from the Classical MPR Archives,” a program that will feature some of the most memorable classical music moments in our history, including the Minnesota Orchestra broadcast from the opening of Orchestra Hall in 1974.

·         1 -5 p.m.: The Current will air “50 Songs for 50 Years,” a look back at the songs that shaped contemporary music over the last half century, hosted by Mac Wilson.

The Current’s 12th Birthday Party

Friday, January 27

Saturday, January 28

First Avenue, Minneapolis

Tickets: $20, 21+

Friday night’s (January 27) First Avenue line-up includes Kenyan born, Minneapolis based singer-songwriter Jay Smart, local Afrobeat 12-piece band Black Market Brass, folk rockers Strand of Oaks, Portland-based folk trio Joseph, and local indie pop hero Jeremy Messersmith. On Saturday night (January 28), Minneapolis garage rock/garage pop darling Monica LaPlante, Canadian rockers Sam Roberts Band, Funk, soul and hip hop collective ZuluZuluu, 1960s psychedelic folk wunderkind duo The Lemon Twigs and indie-pop songstress Haley Bonar will take the stage.  Tickets and information at thecurrent.org.

FEBRUARY

Five Decades of Film/Films at the Fitz: “Groundhog Day” (1993) with Bruise Violet

Thursday, February 2, 6 p.m. Doors, 7 p.m. Band, 7:30 p.m. Movie

Fitzgerald Theater

FREE, registration required. Registration opens Thursday, January 19, at fitzgeraldtheater.org.


Five Decades of Film/Films at the Fitz: “West Side Story” (1961) with Farewell Milwaukee
Classical MPR and “Flicks in Five” host Lynne Warfel will present an introduction before the movie.

Thursday, February 16, 6 p.m. Doors, 7 p.m. Band, 7:30 p.m. Movie

Fitzgerald Theater
FREE, registration required. Registration opens Thursday, January 19, at
fitzgeraldtheater.org.

MARCH

Five Decades of Film/Films at the Fitz: “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory” (1971) with Holidae
Thursday, March 2, 6 p.m. Doors, 7 p.m. Band, 7:30 p.m. Movie
Fitzgerald Theater
FREE, registration required. Registration opens Thursday, January 19, at
fitzgeraldtheater.org.

Classical MPR’s 50th Anniversary Concert: Featuring the Minnesota Debut of the Eric Whitacre Singers
Thursday, March 9, 7:30 p.m.
Cathedral of St. Paul
Tickets:
$35-$55

The Eric Whitacre Singers have established themselves as one of the finest vocal ensembles of our day. This professional choir draws in audiences with a wide spectrum of age, interests and backgrounds, performing Monteverdi, Bach, Whitacre and Depeche Mode. They received unanimous praise from critics for their debut album, Light and Gold, on Decca/Universal, also winning a GRAMMY® for Best Choral Performance. Their second album for Universal, Water Night, went straight to no. 1 in the classical iTunes and Billboard charts. Tickets and information at fitzgeraldtheater.org.

Five Decades of Film/Films at the Fitz: “Back to the Future” (1985) with Sarah White
Thursday, March 16, 6 p.m. Doors, 7 p.m. Band, 7:30 p.m. Movie
Fitzgerald Theater
FREE, registration required. Registration opens Thursday, January 19, at
fitzgeraldtheater.org.

Classical MPR’s Bring the Sing
Saturday, March 25, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Duluth
FREE, registration required. Information at
classicalmpr.org/choral.

BBC Newshour Extra – Live Taping
Wednesday, March 29
Augsburg College
Details TBA

Five Decades of Film/Films at the Fitz: “The Royal Tenenbaums” (2001) with ZuluZuluu
Thursday, March 30, 6 p.m. Doors, 7 p.m. Band, 7:30 p.m. Movie
Fitzgerald Theater
FREE, registration required. Registration opens Thursday, January 19, at
fitzgeraldtheater.org.

APRIL

The War That Changed Us: Songs & Stories from World War I America
Friday, April 7
Saturday, April 8
Fitzgerald Theater
Tickets: $17.50-$50

Minnesota Public Radio & the Minnesota Historical Society present The War That Changed Us: Songs and Stories from World War I America. This decisive era is explored through personal stories, evocative images and transformational music all set within the theater named for a Minnesotan who saw it all. Storytellers Kevin Kling, Dan Chouinard, Ann Bancroft, and Dr. Michael Osterholm will provide a diverse approach to telling this compelling and complex story along with academics Saje Matheiu and Chris Capozzola and a band of marvelous musicians. A co-production of Minnesota Public Radio and the Minnesota Historical Society in conjunction with the MNHS WWI America exhibit and the centennial anniversary of America entering the first World War. Tickets and information at fitzgeraldtheater.org.

The Magnetic Fields: “50 Song Memoir” Tour
Saturday, April 22
Sunday, April 23
Fitzgerald Theater
Tickets: $35

“50 Song Memoir” is the new album from songwriter Stephin Merritt’s beloved recording project, the Magnetic Fields. In concert, the music will be played and sung by seven performers in a stage set featuring 50 years of artifacts both musical (vintage computers, reel-to-reel tape decks, newly invented instruments), and decorative (tiki bar, shag carpet, vintage magazines for the perusal of idle musicians). The seven performers each play seven different instruments, traditional (cello, charango, clavichord) or invented in the last fifty years (Slinky guitar, Swarmatron, synthesizer). Tickets and information at fitzgeraldtheater.org.

Classical MPR’s Bring the Sing
Date TBD
Collegeville
FREE, registration required. Information at
classicalmpr.org/choral.

MPR Day in Collegeville
Tuesday, April 25
Details TBA

The Current Goes To Winona
Friday, April 28-Saturday, April 29
Details TBA

MAY

MPR HQ and Fitzgerald Theater Open House, St. Paul
Saturday, May 6, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Details TBA

MPR Day in Mankato
Wednesday, May 10
Details TBA

JULY

The Current Goes To Duluth
Thursday, July 27-Sunday, July 30
Details TBA

AUGUST

Minnesota State Fair
August 24-September 4
Visit the MPR booth at the corner of Judson/Nelson for special MPR 50 programming and activities. Details TBA

SEPTEMBER

StoryCorps residency
September 7-October 7
MPR welcomes StoryCorps to the Twin Cities, to capture Minnesotans’ stories and voices as part of the 50th anniversary celebration. Location and details TBA

OCTOBER
MPR 50
th Gala

Thursday, October 5
Details TB

NOVEMBER
A Special Concert to Celebrate MPR’s 50th Presented by the Minnesota Orchestra
Saturday, November 11, 8 p.m.
Details TBA

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