Monday, February 28, 2011

Wild Things on Tuesdays

We've got a host of wild things this Tuesday to listen to on 91.7 KAXE including John Latimer, Harry Hutchins, Bill Berg and  Marty Jacobson.  John gets Phenology reports from schools including Roosevelt Elementary in Virginia and Hill City Elementary.  Harry talks gray jays for A Talk on the Wild Side at 7:45 and Bill Berg is in to talk wildlife winter survival at 8:10.  Marty Jacobson sits in for Bobbi Kleffman on All Things Equine to talk about horse safety with kids.

What WILD THINGS are you seeing out there?  Send us an email or comment here!  Here's a recent phenology note we received from Aitkin:


While I was in the basement Sat. morning putting duct tape on my gloves before going out to cut some wood,  there came a scream from the kitchen where my wife had been baking “ there’s a bat in here”  she was no longer in the kitchen !! But there was indeed a bat in the kitchen and it was soon caught and placed outside where it froze.

 We have a story and a half home with full basement, fairly warm and cozy for us, but about once a year we have a bat appear that unnerves the Mrs. They must come from the attic but why this time of year?

Friday, February 25, 2011

Learning Ojibwe: Gisinaa


From Chelsea Annette's book, "Discovering the Little Brothers"


  Gisinaa: It's cold
 
 Listen

Gisinaa agwajing noongom: It's cold outside today


Click here for more editions of Learning Ojibwe.

Northland High School Senior from Federal Dam, Dylan Tonga

Dylan Tonga is the kind of kid that paves his own road.  Three years ago he picked up a guitar and over time has taught himself how to play the electric guitar.  With one official lesson under his belt and at least three hours of practice a day, Dylan hopes to start a more intense study of music in his future.  He also builds electric guitars and still plays clarinet in the high school band.

He recently auditioned for the Berklee School of Music in Boston.  You can hear our conversation and Dylan's playing here

Thanks for stopping by our studios Dylan!  We can't wait to hear what your life has in store for you!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

The Edgy but Charming Sasha Mercedes

by Doug MacRostie

I would say that Sasha Mercedes was born to play music. Her style and intimate songwriting combined with her honest lyrics and passionate vocals, come across in a natural, powerful way. Sasha joins me in-studio this week on Centerstage MN to talk about her new record "Temporary Monsters", her first album backed by a full band.

Daughter of Dan "Bart" Bartik of Backroad, a legendary blues band from Grand Rapids, Sasha was born in a cabin in the middle of the Northern MN woods. Her passion for music has taken her all over the world; from going to Prague to become a rockstar, to teaching music in Macedonia, to dominating all 3 bars in Bayfield, WI.

Her songs sometimes cover serious, taboo topics and I asked Sasha about what inspires her, "I want to be able to write something that people can relate to. I’m just tired of listening to all this pop radio where they’re filling lyrical lines with ‘la la las’ or whatever, just taking all these short cuts. Songwriting is not about shortcuts. It’s about taking a story and putting it to music and people listening to it and being able to relate and enjoy it. I write 95% from personal experience."

Click here to see a video preview of her performing at the KAXE Studios.

In other news, a Bemidji hip-hop group was brought to my attention this week and we'll hear the latest track from Aurora Borialis the North Stars followed by Big Quarters, two brothers who spent some of their youth in Clearbrook, now operating out of the Twin Cities.

Plus, a preview of next week's hour long special! I went to see Two Many Banjos perform at Terrapin Station in Nevis and recorded an interview with Marc Gartman. We'll hear that conversation next week, along with highlights from their concert. And I'll start with the wonderful surprise of the evening: Colleen Myhre from Mahtowa. She is an excellent singer-songwriter with a beautiful voice. [Read more about that evening here].

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji and can be heard again Sunday mornings at 6. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org. Centerstage MN is also heard on KSRQ in Thief River Falls Saturday nights at 11 & Wednesdays at Noon, and on WTIP in Grand Marais Thursday afternoons at 4. Often featured on MNartists.org

Minnesotans Organize Rally for Public Broadcasting

Last Saturday morning, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution eliminating all Federal funding for local public television and radio stations by a vote of 235-189.  On February 28th, the continuing resolution will be taken up by the Senate.  This funding is critical for public broadcasters.

There is a community rally for public broadcasting this Thursday (Feb. 24th) starting at 11am at the Cray Plaza in St. Paul including special guest Congresswoman McCollum

"We urge the Senate to reject this House action, and we hope the final decision on this matter will recognize the enduring value of public broadcasting as America’s largest classroom, its greatest stage, and its most trusted and comprehensive source of information for the citizens of the world’s greatest democracy" - Public Media Association president Patrick Butler

Get more information on this issue at 170millionamericans.org.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

'Ranger In My Heart' documentary debuts Thursday

91.7 KAXE presents the debut of a new, hour-long audio documentary that tries to answer the question, “What does it mean to be an Iron Ranger?”  Award-winning producer Milt Lee visits with young folks and old-timers, retired miners and rock musicians, born-and-bred Rangers and “packsackers” to seek the essence of this special and significant region.

Ranger in My Heart debuts Thurs., Feb. 24, at 8 a.m. with additional broadcasts Fri., Feb. 25 at 6 p.m., Sat., Feb. 26 at noon, and Sun., Feb. 27 at 8 p.mKAXE is heard across the Range at 91.7 FM, in Bemidji at 105.3 FM, and in Brainerd at 89.9 FM.  The program will also be streamed live and archived at kaxe.org on the Culturology page.

Milt Lee
Milt Lee is a radio and film producer who grew up in southeastern South Dakota. His wife, Jamie, grew up on the Iron Range. Like most husbands, Milt had always wondered what made Jamie tick. At the same time, KAXE’s parent organization Northern Community Radio was interested in a documentary project about the Iron Range. The convergence of these two interests is the inspiration for Ranger in My Heart.

Milt takes an outsider’s look at the history, people, natural environment, attitudes, and culture of the Iron Range.  The documentary weaves together interviews, music and sounds gathered around the Range.  His interviews include local history sources like Dan Bergan and Aaron Brown as well as prominent area musicians like Matt Ray, Rich Mattson, and Aurora Baer.  A musician himself, Milt finds that he can interpret something about the soul of a people through the music they’re making.

Milt Lee has been producing documentaries for public radio since 1992.  With his writer and wife, Jamie Lee, they have done over 70 long form documentaries. Winners of 6 Golden Reels, the Lees continue to explore the inner workings of grassroots people leading regular lives and discovering the true wealth of America.

Fivesome: Young Golfers Learning the Game at Pokegama

This feature gets up close and personal with 5 young golfers. Produced by John Bauer of Northern Community Radio for Culturology on 91.7 KAXE.

Fivesome: Young Golfers Learning the Game at Pokegama
"This golf documentary is basically a way for me to live my life through these 5 young golfers. They truly love the game of golf as I did when I was their age. Their summer vacation is spent golfing, eating french fries and competing for candy bars. Golf is a privilege and I hope these guys grow to learn that. Getting to know them better assures me that they will." - John Bauer, Producer.

"Fivesome" was made possible with support from the MN Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Video Preview: Sasha Mercedes on Centerstage MN

Sasha Mercedes is an edgy but charming singer-songwriter from Northern MN, operating out of the Twin Cities. In this preview, she performs the unreleased song "Get Lucky" before recording an interview for Centerstage MN on 91.7 KAXE. Tune in for the full conversation about her new album "Temporary Monsters" this Thursday night (Feb. 24th, 2011) at 6pm, streaming at http://www.kaxe.org.

More info:
Centerstage MN: http://www.kaxe.org
Sasha Mercedes: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sasha-M...

Pet of the Week

Hi! My name is Gypsy I am a wonderful, sweet adult sheperd mix. I've got long soft ears and beautiful markings. I'm a bit shy but I'd love it you'd come to meet me and we could go for a walk. I have been spayed and I'm up to date on all of my vaccinations. If you are interested in adopting me, please submit an application via e-mail from our website www.starnorth.org (under forms).  If you would like to visit me at the shelter please e-mail adoptions@starnorth.org or call 218-245-3732 to make an appointment. Our adoption hours are Mon/Thur 5-7pm and Wed/Sat/Sun 12-3pm

Friday, February 18, 2011

"Who's On First"and Other Hot Stuff on the Hot Stove this Saturday Morning

 Fred Friedman and Scott Hall are talking Twins and baseball, taking calls, and playing music in this annual Hot Stove League Show on Between You and Me. Challenge Fred's baseball history IQ!  



We the People Need You

It's the last day of our fundraiser and we need you to show your support right now. KAXE works to build community in Northern MN through radio broadcast, cultural events and interactive media. This is done by having real people come in and share their stories and passions. From the explosion of roller derby across the northland to the growing local food scene - we give a voice to local people.

Proud Members
Our largest source of funding is listeners just like you who take the next step and pledge! We don't want more than you can afford; look at your budget and decide what you can contribute over the next year. Maybe that's $20/month, maybe it's a one time payment of $60, choose your own level and pledge within your means - do it now. 218-326-1234 / 800-662-5799 or online.

If you believe in access to local media, if you believe each and every one of us deserves to have our voice heard, if you believe that Northern MN is a place like no other, pledge now.  Thanks.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

The Limns: If The Beatles and Bob Marley Had Kids

By Doug MacRostie

Tonight at 6 on a special Centerstage MN on 91.7 KAXE, we'll spend the full hour with The Limns!

When The Limns performed at the Blue Ox in Bemidji for KBXE's Spread the Love party, I sat down with them before the concert and recorded a conversation about their new album "Move Around Robots".

From Minneapolis, with strong ties to the Bemidji area (Zacc and Zeke of The Limns are younger brothers of Caleb from Bemidji's Uncle Shurley), The Limns are hard to classify..., a high energy rock band with influences of reggae, pop and funk. Or as Javon said during our conversation, "...if The Beatles and Bob Marley had kids".

With a couple EPs under their belt, their first full length album "Move Around Robots," is an excellent piece of work that not only shows a maturity and cohesiveness in the band, but also great ears for writing catchy tunes. It's a fun and insightful conversation - don't miss it!

Also, we recorded the performance! CSMN will start off with selections from The Limns scaled-down acoustic opening set, and after the interview we'll end with highlights from the full band rockin' the night away.

Each week CSMN showcases the talents of MN musicians, and there are a LOT of them. From emerging artists on the Iron Range to the biggest artists out of the Twin Cities, from something new and edgy out of Duluth to the most experimental music ever out of Bemidji, we cover the music scene in MN better than anyone.

Listener support makes it all possible. People just like you, who appreciate MN music, who appreciate local features and stories. People who take that next step from listening to becoming a member. It's quick, easy and painless - please pledge and tell 'em you LOVE Centertage MN :D

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji and can be heard again Sunday mornings at 6. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org. Centerstage MN is also heard on KSRQ in Thief River Falls Saturday nights at 11 & Wednesdays at Noon, and on WTIP in Grand Marais Thursday afternoons at 4. Often featured on MNartists.org

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

We Believe in YOU

Yes, you. 'We the People' IS you.

For the We the People fundraiser, we're asking you to pledge your support for authentic local radio in Northern MN: 91.7 KAXE. We the People (aka you) need your help to form a more perfect community radio station.

Help spread the word by sharing this blog along with a list of what you believe!

I believe if you read the next paragraph, you will pledge your support:

I believe in MN, I believe in Northern MN, I believe in Effie, I believe in Shevlin, I believe in Northern Community Radio, I believe in KBXE, I believe in KAXE, I believe in people, I believe in volunteers, I believe in access to media, I believe in passion for music, I believe in variety, I believe in roller derby, I believe in polar plunges, I believe in saunas, I believe in community, I believe in local media, I believe in empowerment, I believe in MN musicians, I believe in MN writers, I believe in MN artists, I believe in sharing stories, I believe in coffee, I believe in longer days, I believe in supporting worthy causes, I believe in chopping wood, I believe in friends, I believe in family, I believe in voices, I believe in being heard, I believe in strength in numbers, I believe in teaching, I believe in learning, I believe in unabashed love for life, I believe in you. Support KAXE: 218-326-1234 / 800-662-5799 or pledge online.

Thanks,
Doug MacRostie
Northern Community Radio

Monday, February 14, 2011

The Dark Side of Love with Julie Crabb

Tune in tonight for a special On the River: Julie Crabb's annual Dark Side of Love Valentine's show from 7-10p.

Why the dark side? Because love ain't always hearts and flowers. Sometimes love stinks!

The Dark Side of Love with your volunteer host Julie Crabb tonight from 7-10 on 91.7 KAXE, streaming at kaxe.org.

Whether you have a broken heart, or not, please pledge your support for local radio during the We the People fundraiser. It's quick, easy and painless. Choose your own amount that fits your budget and call right now: 218-326-1234 /800-662-5799, or pledge online at kaxe.org

Pledging to KAXE is Super Easy

It's the We the People fundraiser at KAXE - your chance to make independent local media possible in Northern MN.

It only takes a minute or two to pledge on the phone (unless, of course, you'd like to chat longer :D): 218-326-1234 / 800-662-5799. Pledging online is also quick and easy.

Decide what you can afford to contribute over the next year - whatever fits your budget. Maybe that's $10 a month, maybe it's $1 a day, maybe it's a one time payment of $50 - what works for you is perfect for us.

Please pledge now!

Listener support is our largest source of funding and is vital to the continued success of Northern Community Radio. It's people just like you who listen to KAXE and decide to take that next step and become a member. Don't delay, do it today!

Love Advice with Sling Dave and Mad Mac

"A fundraiser definitely wouldn't be the same without Rev Dave" was recently overheard at one of our staff meetings. And it's true. From the musings of the Sinister Minister to the rants of the Hostile Apostle, Rev Dave brings many moods to the airwaves.

Mad Mac and Sling Dave
with Love advice
Today, for a special Valentine's Day On the River for the We the People fundraiser at KAXE, Sling Dave will join forces with Mad Mac to bring peace, love and understanding to Northern MN by offering love advice on the air from 9a-noon.

Wondering the best way to break up on Valentine's day? Call and ask! Need suggestions for the best "sorry about accidentally killing your pet fish" gift? They'll be giving away their expertise for FREE!!!

Tune in at 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd, 105.3 Bemidji, or streaming at http://www.kaxe.org from 9-Noon.

While you enjoy the show, pledge your support for authentic local media: KAXE, Northern Community Radio, 218-326-1234, 800-662-5799. It's quick and easy.

For nearly 35 years we've brought together the stories and voices of Northern MN. Our largest source of funding is listener MEMBERS who pledge what they can afford over the next year. From a 1 time payment of $50, to $10/a month, to $1000, whatever fits your budget, take that next step and keep KAXE going strong. Thanks!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Cheese in Space Tonight!

We the people of Northern Community Radio believe in... TRIVIA!

Tonight during Green Cheese Trivia with Brandon Chase from 7-9 (streaming live at kaxe.org) we'll be hosting Cheese in Space on our Facebook page. That means we'll post status updates with online-only questions.

Be sure to "Like" us on Facebook and be ready to comment with your guesses!

A big thanks to team "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot" for volunteering their time and questions to make this happen. Be sure to let like-minded people know about the online trivia tonight! And let us know what you think and/or ideas you have for having Cheese in Space trivia online: suggestions/concerns/compliments.

Northern Community Radio's mission is to build community in Northern MN through radio programming, cultural events, and interactive media. How's this for that "interactive media" part? :D

Cheese in Space is a special presentation for We the People fundraiser - listener supports makes this all possible!

We hope you pledge your support during Cheese in Space/Green Cheese tonight from 7-9pm!

Friday, February 11, 2011

We the People [the Poster]

It's our We the People fundraiser: we're counting on YOU to pledge your support for authentic local radio.

We the people of Northern Community Radio, in order to form a more perfect radio station, need you. From learning about raw vs pasteurized milk on the Local Food Report, to hearing a rising star in the MN music scene on Centerstage MN, to your neighbors hand-crafted art on Culturology, to hearing about the stellar performance of the Bagley Flyers on the Local Sports show, listener support is our single largest source of funding and makes all of it possible.

Pledge now online, or call 218-326-1234 / 800-662-5799.

Thank you!

We the People [the Video]


From loving to brag about cold weather to believing in the power of local, community radio, we the people of Northern Community Radio need you.

From $5 a month to $1 a day, pledge your support at whatever level you can afford and keep independent radio strong in Northern MN. What do you believe?

Pledge online at http://www.kaxe.org
Or call 800-662-5799 / 218-326-1234

Listener support is our single largest source of funding and it's people just like you that make it all possible. Thank you!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

KAXE's Athlete of the Week: Emily Lueck

Last Monday night, Pequot Lakes basketball star, Emily Lueck, scored 36 points in a big win over previously undefeated Esko.  In the process Emily became the Patriots all-time leading scorer.  She has scored 1972 points and will pass the 2000 point level soon. The Patriots are now 18-1. (photo courtesy of the Brainerd Dispatch)

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Who Are They Kidding???

There is much hand-wringing among public broadcasters these days. Public TV and radio have been hanging their hats on the 170 Million Americans website, hoping that loyal listeners and viewers will help tell our story to legislators. We’re all very busy talking positively about what our organizations do in the community and talking about the big, at-least-trying-not-to-be-biased journalistic hole NPR is filling.

But here are some of the things we’re hearing back: "If 170 million Americans rely on your service, why do you need money from the Federal government?"  "Perhaps you haven't been quite as efficient and effective in your own fundraising efforts as you could be." "This business model you’ve been using--asking for voluntary contributions--maybe it just doesn't work and it's time to find a new business model. Maybe you should just sell commercials.”  And even: “If it isn’t working, turn the public radio spectrum over to commercial broadcasters who definitely can make money there. Public broadcasters should just go online.”

In short, legislators are having none of it and we’re still squarely on the chopping block.

But…Who are these people kidding???

Public broadcasting and the National Endowments for the Humanities and Arts, and other quality of life programs that are being targeted have absolutely no bearing on the national debt. In our country they are funded at embarrassingly low levels when compared to other developed countries. And if these programs are terminated they won’t be rebuilt any time soon.

But a year’s funding for public broadcasting doesn’t amount to even one day’s expenditure for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. In the grand scheme of things, we public broadcasters are peanuts.

The real work of Congress is to take on the hard issues—like tax reform, defense spending for programs the military doesn’t even want, stabilizing and reviewing Medicare and Medicaid, and making sure Social Security remains funded. Unfortunately, these are the things few politicians have the guts to do. They’d rather set another, less arduous agenda.

The legislators who want to defund public broadcasting are shirking that responsibility, hiding behind a smoke screen, trying to fool the public into thinking they are doing something real.

Well, they aren’t. They just want to show that they’re cutting something—anything—without having to take the time and risk of delving into the substantive, hard issues.

It’s time for all of us—public broadcasters, artists, humanitarians and the general public—to hold our legislators accountable. Stop this nonsense and get to work on the things that matter.

Maggie Montgomery, General Manager
Northern Community Radio

Vikings vs Bears at TCF Stadium: An Audio Portrait

Hop in the car with David McDonald and experience the first outdoor MN Vikings home-game in 29 years during the December cold. Volunteering his time and productions skills, David used the full credential power of Northern Community Radio to not only attend the game as part of "the press", but also landed an exclusive interview with Jared Allen. Hear that, and many more surprises, in this documentary produced for Culturology on 91.7 KAXE.

Vikings vs Bears at TCF Stadium: An Audio Portrait

When producer David McDonald began planning a documentary about the experience of a northern Minnesota Vikings fan going to the Vikings-Bears game scheduled for December 21st, we assumed it would be in the Metrodome.  As most of you know, it turned out to be the first Vikings game in 29 years to be played outdoors in the winter conditions of late December.  David re-tooled his wardrobe and shifted his focus a little and off he went. Hear the sounds of the game and the voices of fans, players, and people who work the game in this special documentary.

The Talent, Confidence, and Humility of Ben Kyle

This week on Centerstage MN, KAXE volunteer and independent producer Charlie Pulkrabek talks with Ben Kyle of Romantica:

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Ben Kyle of Romantica by Charlie Pulkrabek

Ben Kyle has a lot going on these days. His band Romantica is set to release their highly anticipated third full-length record. And an album of duets with Carrie Rodriguez called We Still Love Our Country just hit the shelves in the states this month.


Why all the fuss over the new record? Well, all Romantica’s 2007 release titled America did was land at fifty-eight in Paste Magazine’s Top 100 Records of 2007. For a band that, at that point, had gained limited national and international exposure, it is a mammoth accomplishment. Hoopla aside, that just doesn’t happen unless the music is more than exceptional.

Who gives a record a gigantic name like America anyway? Someone with the talent, confidence, and humility possessed by Minneapolis musician Ben Kyle, that’s who. Ben Kyle has a giant stance, one that crosses the Atlantic Ocean. He grew up in Belfast, Ireland, and has lived in Minneapolis since his high school days. And such a unique and broad perspective bears out in the music of Romantica and Ben Kyle.

Ben Kyle is a true poet who really knows how to style his poetry to fit into the musical realm. His precise blending of the highly personal with the universal seems to allow him to embody any perspective that he wants to in an immediately convincing fashion.

The expectations for Romantica’s upcoming release, scheduled for April, are sky high. Ben Kyle’s personal expectations seem to be even higher. How do you follow up a great record like America? For Ben Kyle, the answer seems to be simply one step at a time.


Photos by:
Tony Nelson
Aaron Schuh

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We'll also hear from The Jayhawks, who were an early influence on Ben Kyle. And Germaine Gemberling, a new voice out of the Iron Range music scene.

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji and can be heard again Sunday mornings at 6. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org. Centerstage MN is also heard on KSRQ in Thief River Falls Saturday nights at 11 & Wednesdays at Noon, and on WTIP in Grand Marais Thursday afternoons at 4. Often featured on MNartists.org

Monday, February 7, 2011

The Pet of the Week

Hi! My name is Bogey. I am a wonderful older lab. I'm gentle and even know a few commands such as sit, stay, drop, etc. I loved playing out in the snow and having my belly rubbed. Please come to the shelter to meet me. I am already neutered. My adoption fee includes up to date vaccinations, bordetella and deworming. If you are interested in adopting me, please submit an application via e-mail from our website www.starnorth.org (under forms). If you would like to visit me at the shelter please e-mail adoptions@starnorth.org or call 218-245-3732 to make an appointment. Our adoption hours are Mon/Thur 5-7pm and Wed/Sat/Sun 12-3pm.

Culturology Update: February 7, 2011

by Travis Ryder
This past Thursday morning, KAXE listeners were treated to David McDonald's long-form audio portrait of the first home Minnesota Vikings game played outdoors in exactly 29 years.  Particularly impressive in his essay, I thought, was how many Northern Minnesotans McDonald was able to document, and the overall capture of the atmospherics of such a massive and historic gathering.  Hear it in the AMPERS Archives.

In Minnesota history:
January 31, 1883: The Minneapolis Society of Fine Arts, the founding organization of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and the Minneapolis School of Art (now the Minneapolis College of Art and Design), is incorporated, with William W. Folwell of the University of Minnesota as its first president.
February 1, 1840: Thomas B. Walker is born in Xenia, Ohio. After making his fortune in lumber, he would plan and develop the Walker Art Gallery, which opened in 1894. He would also play an instrumental role in the creation of the Minneapolis Public Library. He died in 1928.
February 1, 1886: St. Paul's first Winter Carnival opens, hosting competitions in curling, skating, and ice polo and boasting the first ice palace in the United States. Built in Central Park, the palace is 140 feet long, 120 feet wide, and 100 feet high.
February 2, 1996: Minnesota's coldest temperature is recorded at Tower, a minimum extreme of -60 Fahrenheit that bests by one degree the 1899 record low of -59 at Leech Lake.
February 3, 1979: The Minnesota Twins trade future hall-of-famer Rod Carew to the California Angels.
February 4, 1803: The Reverend William T. Boutwell is born in Lyndeborough, New Hampshire. In 1832 he would accompany Henry Schoolcraft on the trip that confirmed Lake Itasca as the source of the Mississippi River, and he would supply the Latin words from which Schoolcraft named the lake (veritas, true, and caput, head). He would also serve as missionary to the Ojibwe in various Minnesota locations until 1847, when he moved to Stillwater, where he died on October 11, 1890.
February 5, 1924: Forty-one iron-ore miners drown or are fatally buried in mud, and seven more escape by climbing a ladder at the Milford Mine north of Crosby. A nearby lake suddenly empties into the underground operation. A county inspector, who had visited the mine the week before the accident, would later state that every precaution had been taken and that the flooding was unavoidable.
February 6, 1967: Duluth's Accordionaires, a group of twenty-four accordion players, give a triumphal concert in their hometown. Organized in 1950, the group had performed around the world, including stops in Japan and the Soviet Union.
February 6, 1996: Governor Arne Carlson closes all state schools due to extreme cold temperatures and wind chills.
February 7, 1851: The territorial legislature votes to make St. Paul the capital and to put the prison in Stillwater.
February 7, 1867: Laura Ingalls (Wilder) is born near Pepin, Wisconsin. Her family would settle in Walnut Grove, Redwood County, from 1874 to 1880 (living briefly in Iowa for the year 1876–77). She is remembered for writing the Little House on the Prairie books.
February 7, 1922: Ga-Be-Nah-Gwen-Wonce, an Ojibwe man also known as "Wrinkled Meat" and reputed to be 137 years of age, dies at Cass Lake.
Find these items and many more in The Minnesota Book of Days, published by the Minnesota Historical Society Press.

Entries from the Culture Calendar:
Catherine Holm reads from her new book 'My Heart is a Mountain: Tales of Magic and the Land', Monday night at 6:30, at Lyric Center for the Arts in Virginia.
Bemidji's broad and deep visual art scene is on display with new exhibits that debuted in last week's Firs Friday art walk.  The Bemidji Community Art Center has the comprehensive list.
Oils, acrylics, watercolors, and encaustics from BSU faculty member Natalia Himmirska, and mixed-media creations by Marlon Davidson and Don Knudson, are at MacRostie Art Center through February.  Hibbing Community College instructor Daryn Lowman presents a lecture and demonstration focused on these current exhibits at the MAC starting at 6 p.m. this Wednesday night, February 9.
Also February 9, musician Sela Oveson, who has been profiled on Centerstage Minnesota, presents a CD release party for the album 'Rogue Lightning'.  That runs from 7 to 9 p.m. at Brewed Awakenings Coffeehouse in downtown Grand Rapids.  Competing for the ears of downtown district live music lovers will be Sam Miltich and his jazz combo at the VFW, also from 7 to 9.  Uptown, the electrified string quartet Stringfever blows minds at the Reif Center starting at 7:30.
And also on the event-heavy Wednesday, February 9, the Edge Center for the Arts in Bigfork screens the 1943 wartime rom-com 'The More The Merrier' at 6:30 p.m. 

What's New on KAXE

Robbie Robertson "How to Become Clairvoyant"
Devotchka "100 Lovers"
The Cowboy Junkies "Demsong Volume 2"
Andrew Anderson "As Long as This Thing's Flyin'"
Pete Sinjin "Better Angles Radio"
Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion "Bright Examples"
Jugalbandi "From Is to Was"
John-Alex Mason "Jook Joint Thunderclap"
Bobby Long "A Winter Tale"
Read more on the Currents Playlist...

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Ojibwe Artist Frank Big Bear

Frank Big Bear was born and raised at White Earth, studied with the legendary Ojibwe painter, George Morrison, at the University of MN.






His paintings are exhibited now at the new All My Relations Gallery on East Franklin Ave. in Minneapolis. Frank's paintings are influenced by his Ojibwe culture and cubist and surreal styles.  Cyn Collins went to the opening reception last month and has a report this Monday morning on KAXE.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

The Depth and Mystery of Alica Corbett

This week on Centerstage MN we'll hear an intimate conversation that KAXE volunteer producer Charlie Pulkrabek had with Alicia Corbett at her home in Minneapolis.

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Alicia Corbett by Charlie Pulkrabek
When I first saw Alicia Corbett play, it was about 1993, soon after she’d arrived in Minnesota from northern Michigan. She was the lead performer, along with Jay Basso, in Tea and Sympathy, a band that she still fronts today. The show was at The 24 Bar - 24 Hennepin Avenue - in the bowels of the now razed Berman Buckskin Building on the south end of the Hennepin Avenue Bridge next to the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. It was one of the first of what would be many, many live music events I eventually attended. I quickly began to pay attention to this band.

Through much seasoning of my sonic sensibilities, the impact of Tea and Sympathy’s songwriting and live performances have never paled. Alicia Corbett writes songs that paint partial pictures into mosaic-like stories with the depth of both detail and mystery. In listening to Tea and Sympathy, one is first taken by Alicia Corbett’s exceptional voice. Her range is stunning, from a sweetness that makes the spine tingle, to depth and power that might have made another singer by the name of Janis Joplin a little envious had she been able to bear witness.

It is my pleasure to present this interview with Alicia Corbett to KAXE listeners. It is a pleasure to introduce the music lovers amongst our listeners to a musician who would be in the top five of my list of the most underappreciated musicians in Minnesota. In terms of talent, depth, and professional presentation, there is no reason that Alicia Corbett shouldn’t be on the roster of a great music label like Red House Records. Tune in Thursday at 6 pm to Centerstage Minnesota to discover whether you find Alicia Corbett’s music as striking as I do.

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We'll also hear from Duluth's Two Many Banjos, Ian Thomas Alexy (of the Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank) and Romantica.

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji and can be heard again Sunday mornings at 6. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org. Centerstage MN is also heard on KSRQ in Thief River Falls Saturday nights at 11 & Wednesdays at Noon, and on WTIP in Grand Marais Thursday afternoons at 4. Often featured on MNartists.org.  

BSU: Liberal Arts Without Art?

Last month President Richard Hanson at Bemidji State University released a plan to overcome a $5 million budget shortfall. That plan included cuts to Art, Theater, Music and other programs.

On Monday, protesters gathered at the BSU campus to show their disapproval of the cuts.

BSU: Liberal Arts Without Art?
Charlie Parson is a retired Professor who taught at BSU for 28 years. Charlie was at the protest rally, and talked with us on the 91.7 KAXE Morning Show about the recent decision by Bemidji State University to drop theater and visual arts.


Raw or Pasteurized

A bill in the MN Legislature (HF255) would expand opportunities for farmers to sell their milk directly to consumers. The new proposal created a big on-line discussion of the health and economics of raw vs. pasteurized milk.

The current law allows consumers to buy milk products at the farm. The new bill would allow farmers to sell at farmer markets,  through consumer buying groups, home delivery, and farm stands.  Most dairy producers and Department of Health and Agriculture officials worry the expansion of direct sales could lead to more illness from raw milk products.  Raw milk advocates tout the health benefits of raw milk and the economic opportunities for small dairy farmers.

Raw vs Pasteurized
On 91.7 KAXE's Local Food Report Maggie Montgomery talked to Mark Kastel, co-director and senior policy analyst at the Cornucopia Institute, a small farm advocacy organization based in southwest Wisconsin. The Cornucopia Institute supports small farmers who sell pasteurized and raw milk, and does not advocate for one over the other.