Interview: André Cymone on his experiences with racism in Minneapolis, and his hope for change

May 31, 2020

“It takes me ten minutes to drive to school, right?” said André Cymone, referring to the approximate amount of time former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on George Floyd’s neck. “That’s how my kids understand, how I understand it. Ten minutes to get in the car, start to drive, get on the freeway, drive…

Follow MPR News for latest coverage

May 28, 2020

As news continues to develop in the Twin Cities and beyond, our colleagues at MPR News are providing ongoing coverage.

Up All Nite with Prince, Episode One: The Atrium

May 29, 2020

Up All Nite With Prince is a new documentary from The Current! Host Andrea Swensson will explore Prince's prolific and reflective period of 2001 and 2002, the era when he launched his trailblazing NPG Music Club, released 'The Rainbow Children,' 'One Nite Alone...,' and put out a collection of live recordings from the One Nite Alone Tour.

Taking time for remembrance and reflection: a moment of silence for George Floyd

May 29, 2020

George Floyd died Monday night in Minneapolis after a police officer knelt on his neck. At the end of this difficult week, The Current is taking a moment of silence on Friday at 5 p.m. CDT in recognition of this loss of life and of the collective pain in the community and nation.

Friday Five: Minnesota musicians address racial injustice and police brutality

May 29, 2020

In light of the events that have been transpiring in Minneapolis, this week’s Friday Five will focus on local artists’ response to police violence throughout history. astralblak – “What’s The Price?” In a 2016 video, astralblak (fka ZULUZULUU) repeat the question “What’s the price for a young black man’s life?” and illustrate the all-too-common violence…

Virtual Gig List: Live streamed concerts from your favorite artists

MaLLy performs at The Current's 15th Anniversary Party

March 31, 2020

As concerts are cancelled due to social distancing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, artists are taking to live streaming intimate performances. We've got your watchlist.

Phone a friend: Musicians share how they're doing during coronavirus crisis

Jill Riley, host of The Current's Morning Show.

March 25, 2020

For the last couple of weeks on The Current's Morning Show we've been having our musician friends call in from their homes all across the country and beyond. It's been so nice to hear their voices and get some insight into what is happening in towns across the nation and what the lives of musicians look like right now.

Prince estate releases ‘Dance Rally 4 Peace’ recording of ‘Dreamer’

May 29, 2020

Yesterday, as protests over the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police spread across the nation, the Prince estate released a 2015 live recording from a “Dance Rally 4 Peace” the artist played with 3RDEYEGIRL at Paisley Park. The concert was held to honor the late Freddie Gray and support Baltimore protesters…

Hexagon Bar burns as Twin Cities roil with rage and pain

May 29, 2020

The Hexagon Bar, a Minneapolis music and nightlife landmark since 1934, erupted in flames overnight as Minneapolis and St. Paul were roiled by ongoing unrest in the wake of the death of George Floyd in police custody. Social media posts this morning show that the venue became engulfed in flames between 2:00 and 3:00 a.m.,…

A message from your friends at The Current

March 20, 2020

Here at The Current, we are dedicated to bringing you closer to the music and each other. We will continue to be here for you and for the artist community that makes our corner of the globe so special.

The Current Sessions®

Live Virtual Session: Charlie Parr at Sounds Like Home