The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) Upper Midwest Chapter has announced that Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) has been nominated for two Upper Midwest Emmy® awards for The Current’s “Minnesota Sessions” video series. The winners will be announced at the 23rd annual NATAS Upper Midwest Chapter Emmy awards gala on Saturday, Oct. 15 at the Radisson Blu Mall of America. 

MPR’s Eric Romani, Erik Stromstad and contractors Chad Amour and Jeff Johnson were nominated in the Entertainment – Long Form Content category for “Minnesota Sessions: Dave Simonett at Wolf Ridge.” Romani was also nominated in the same category for his work on Cloud Cult with the Minnesota Orchestra.  

MPR’s Peter Ecklund was nominated in the Photographer – Short or Long Form Content category for his photography of “Minnesota Sessions: Faith Boblett at the Belwin Conservancy.” 

“Minnesota Public Radio is honored to be nominated for two Emmys by NATAS Upper Midwest Chapter,” said Nick Kereakos, senior vice president and chief technology officer at MPR. “The ‘Minnesota Sessions’ series is an excellent example of the creativity and digital innovation that’s necessary to reach and engage audiences through a multi-platform strategy. Congratulations to our talented production team members behind the scenes, whose experience, talents and passion have helped create these spectacular visuals.” 

The Current’s “Minnesota Sessions” is a video series that seeks to explore the best scenes and sounds of Minnesota by having local musicians perform in the state’s natural offerings.  

"Minnesota Sessions started amid the pandemic to support local artists when public performances were shut down, and we met where our audiences were by bringing performances to them,” said David Safar, managing director at The Current. "We take pride in our culture of inclusion and focusing on the needs of the public, so it is incredible to be nominated and recognized.”  

“Minnesota Sessions” is supported by Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund. The Current encourages all music fans to support their local artists and the continued longevity of their craft. As part of this effort, The Current compensates artists for their performances in “Minnesota Sessions” through the Legacy Amendment Arts and Cultural Fund. 

Learn more about the NATAS Upper Midwest Emmy® Awards and this year’s nominees here.