In contrast to the intricate and highly-crafted videos we produce in Studio A, MNO On The Go presents a new music web series, Skyway Sessions. The premise is simple: one camera, one mic, and one take to record a stripped-down, acoustic performance of some of the Twin Cities’ best music groups in the Saint Paul skyway. After performing in Studio A, the Greycoats were kind enough to volunteer as the first group for a Skyway Session. So without further ado, please enjoy Greycoats performing “Hideaway” during the lunch-hour rush just a few steps away from tpt headquarters, and right outside of the Union Depot.

Interested in seeing more from our most recent Music Week? Check out this behind-the-scenes photo gallery of Southside Desire and B-Boy dancer J-Sun performing in tpt‘s Studio A.

]]> http://www.mnoriginal.org/2013/04/introducing-skyway-sessions/feed/ 1 http://www.mnoriginal.org/2013/04/the-lowertown-line-returns/ http://www.mnoriginal.org/2013/04/the-lowertown-line-returns/#comments Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:45:19 +0000 jzimmerman http://www.mnoriginal.org/?p=16188 You heard it here first, folks. It’s official, the critically acclaimed MN Original music special The Lowertown Line will be returning for a second pilot episode on Wednesday, May 15 – with Brother Ali!

New artist, slightly different format, same great idea: The Lowertown Line is a new music series from MN Original that includes a concert performance from a well-known Minnesota artist in front of a live studio audience and a Q&A with host, Dessa, about the artist, their music and their artistic process. Be sure to watch the first pilot episode of The Lowertown Line with Trampled By Turtles.

We’re inviting our tpt members and friends from the community to be part of our studio audience for this television concert event. FREE tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis. So get ‘em while they’re hot!

Also, in a new twist, tpt’s new Open Air initiative will be facilitating an audience Q&A after the concert. Ask Brother Ali that thing you’ve always wanted to know about his music, and get to know a little bit more about him, MN Original or tpt. Be sure to bring your smart phones for this interactive discussion.

We can’t wait to see you there! You can RSVP for tickets here: http://thelowertownline.eventbrite.com/#.

We do expect this event to fill-up quickly, so please RSVP as soon as possible. Also, if for some reason you are unable to attend the event after you RSVP, please let us know as we’ll need a full house for the TV production and tickets are in high-demand.

WHO: Brother Ali

WHERE: TPT Studio A – 172 E. 4th St., St. Paul, MN

WHAT: The Lowertown Line in-studio taping

WHEN: Wednesday, May 15. Doors at 7 p.m. Concert starts at 8 p.m.

Join us tomorrow, March 29, at noon over at OVEE, PBS’s new social screening platform to screen our new half-hour MNO Rock The Garden 2012 Music Special.

Watch and chat with Mike Mictlan from Doomtree, Ryan Young from Trampled by Turtles, and Jill Riley, Andrea Swensson and Brett Baldwin from MPR/The Current. And of course, we’ll be there too!

Haven’t used OVEE before? That’s okay! And completely normal—it’s brand new! We tested it out for the first time ourselves the other day. Just follow this link, create an account OR enter anonymously, wait for the moderator to begin the video, and enjoy the show! Don’t forget to chime in and ask our fabulous panel of guests some questions.

Keri Pickett from MN Original #110 (original air date: June 24, 2010)

John Munson: Keri Pickett is a pal of mine. She shot my wedding. But I chose her because I really relate to her mission of representing family and community — different communities and families — but those differences illustrate commonalities. I love how clearly she thinks about her work. Plus her pictures are lovely!

Michael Sommers from MN Original #211 (original air date: October 21, 2010)

John Munson: I saw Michael Sommers do a a performance in a friend’s yard a few summers back. Once again, I have an appreciation for not only his artistry, but also the way that he presents his work in the community, seeking to build new communities and to find new audiences. But Kevin Kling’s comment in the piece really says it all: “He’s a genius, just look at his work!”

Michael Kareken from MN Original #221 (original air date: January 13, 2011)

John Munson: Michael Kareken is an instructor at MCAD in the painting department. We met at Children’s Home Society when we were both getting ready to adopt. At that time Michael was doing very emotional figures and nudes. It’s exciting to see how his work has changed. His current subject matter of detritus is so intensely complex! His craft and curiosity inspire me.

Lisa Elias from MN Original #231 (original air date: April 07, 2011)

John Munson: I love love love Lisa Elias‘s work. I will never forget seeing her gates at Crema the first time, back when I lived in South Minneapolis. And then seeing her work along the entrance to Highway 94 thrilled me — the idea of the river grasses flowing was so harmonious with the flow of traffic. So beautiful. She is such an unassuming person and so creative. How does someone make metal feel so soft?

We’re excited to announce that MNO has 2 pairs of tickets to giveaway to 2 lucky winners! Click here to enter!

All Eyes from MN Original #405 (original air date: December 16, 2012)

Kate & Chris: All Eyes are a group of highly skilled musicians that are all about creating an atmosphere. Their sound is moody, dark and sexy.

Andy Ducett from MN Original #114 (original air date: July 22, 2010)

Kate & Chris: Anything and everything becomes art in the world of Andy Ducett. His installations and drawings transform the mundane into the extraordinary.

Dan Huiting from MN Original #246 (original air date:  November 13, 2011)

Kate & Chris: Dan Huiting is the behind-the-scenes magician whose fresh camera work brings out the best in the artists he shoots.

Scott Nedrelow from MN Original #233 (original air date:  April 21, 2011)

Kate & Chris: An artist who exemplifies how sometimes the most beautiful artworks are born out of poetic simplicity.

As part of tpt‘s new initiative Open Air, focused on making public media even more public in the Twin Cities, we’re opening up Studio A, the station’s largest television studio space, for a local artist to create an installation as part of the Northern Spark Festival on June 8-9. The studio is a 4,000 square foot black-box broadcast studio, with a light grid overhead.

Preference will be given to projects that highlight the changing nature of media–and that build on the unique qualities of a television studio. In particular, we’d like an installation that is highly interactive and will draw a crowd.

We’re offering a stipend of $1500, plus a multimedia blog post on MN Original‘s MNO on the Go blog and promotion on tpt‘s and MN Original‘s social media platforms.

Application deadline is midnight, CST, Monday, March 11, 2013.

For more information, or to apply, go to tpt.org/northernspark.

Questions? Email Andi McDaniel at amcdaniel@tpt.org

Zak Sally from MN Original #219 (original air date: December 30, 2010)

Gregory Euclide: When I was in college I was in a band called Sheepometer (music to make sheep to). We opened at The Unicorn in Milwaukee for Low. Zak was in Low at that point. It was a pivotal moment for me in my life. I have always had an unhealthy obsession with music and this was a big moment for me. Years later, I faked being a journalist to get back stage to take photos of Sonic Boom and Low at the 7th Street Entry. I still have those photos of Zak, Alan and Mimi leaning against the walls of the entry.

When Zak left Low, he focused more on his visual art. I stopped playing music to pursue visual art as well. I see Zak at MCAD off and on. He has no idea who I am. I just remember being in awe of him and the music that they brought into the world. This MNO segment helped me catch up with a figure that I have long respected.

Low performs “When I Go Deaf” from The Bad Plus + Low Music Special (original air date: December 17, 2011)

Gregory Euclide: Although Pitchfork reviewer David Raposa gave this album a 5.5 because it rocked too much, it is one of my favorite albums. Yes, they played faster and harsher on this album and they were a slow band to start with, but that is what made it so timely for me. It felt as if it was the right time in history for this to happen and the way they did it seemed logical to me. There is a lot of tension in this album. Listening to this segment from 2011 just reminds me what effect this album had on me when it came out. “When I Go Deaf” is the Low jackpot. You get the best of both worlds; the beautiful entry and the crush that follows. As a kid, hell, even now… I want to be playing that guitar – with that feedback coming out from behind me. It must feel so exhilarating to be able to perform and make something with such honesty , such emotion… such force.

Kate Casanova from MN Original #401 (original air date: November 04, 2012)

Gregory Euclide: Kate is another artist who works across platforms. The work is a force that finds an outlet in whatever best fits the idea. It’s not, “How can I make a painting about this?” Or, “How can I make a sculpture about that?” It’s more like, “What is the best way to express this idea?”

Asia Ward from MN Original #316 (original air date: May 06, 2012)

Gregory Euclide: If you haven’t noticed, I tend to be excited by natural forms and people who are exploring materials. I really enjoy the topographic, linear quality of Asia’s work.

The Pines from MN Original #209 (original air date: October 07, 2010)

Gregory Euclide: David and Ben do what they do really, really well. In the segment they talk about wanting their music to be a resting place from the modern world. I feel like I know what it is like to have the rural in your subconscious. When I listen to this music, it just feels like home to me. It feels like fireflies, cornfields and the quiet of rural summer nights.

MN Original: Suggestion for who you’d like to see profiled on MN Original?

Gregory Euclide: Sure… I’ve got one for you. A student of mine from way back: a musician, artist, teacher, David Andree.

Forever Saint Paul, Ta-coumba Aiken.

Lite-Brite volunteers help build the installation.

The artist behind this audacious feat is none other than MNO alum Ta-coumba Aiken! Over the course of three weeks, Ta-coumba led a small army of more than 600 volunteers—everyone from federal court judges to homeless people—in the completion of the 12-by-24 foot installation, an original work entitled Forever Saint Paul.

With Ta-coumba’s shining reputation and never-ending charisma, it’s no wonder we snatched him up as the speaker for our upcoming event, An Evening with Ta-coumba Aiken: Celebrating Our Similarities and Differences, co-presented by the Minnesota Humanities Center.

Next Thursday, February 28 from 7-9 p.m., join us at the Minnesota Humanities Center for a lively discussion and interactive art project which will explore our similarities and exalt our differences!

Ta-coumba T. Aiken

The event is open to the public but particularly interesting to educators who can earn 2 CEUs. The cost is $10 and includes light snacks and materials. Participants will also leave with a DVD copy of MN Original Episode #220 and a set of corresponding activity guides to use in the classroom.

If you’re impressed by Ta-coumba’s Lite-Brite finesse, you won’t want to miss him speak in person! Hope to see you there!

Adam loves the Twin Cities. Your sweetie loves the Twin Cities. Perfect match!

1. Adam Turman Hearts the Twin Cities

Celebrate your lover’s love of the Twin Cities with a poster print made by the ever-more popular Adam Turman (watch his episode here). If you’re feeling sentimental, this one might be just the thing. To send a saucier message, you might take the pin-up route.

2. Loony Over Love

Aw shucks. Loons are crazy, but sentimental too. Wouldn’t your partner simply swoon…over this print of two loons by Brian Geihl? (We know, could have done better with the rhyme. Next time.).

3. We Like I Like You 

Not just one artist, but a whole store full of their work! If you haven’t been to I Like You in Northeast Minneapolis, you are missing out on a whimsical tour de force of Minnesota artisanship. Handmade jewelry! Screenprints! Candles! Homespun yarn! Little buttons that say “I heart MN boys”!  It will not disappoint.

Check out Karin Jacobson's jewelry at her trunk show February 12 & 13

4. Wear Your Love Around Your Neck

Sure, jewelry for Valentine’s Day is a bit cliché, but it takes on new meaning when the jewelry in question is crafted by talented Minnesota hands. Check out the jewelry of local maker Karin Jacobson at her trunk sale February 12 & 13 at the Grand Hand Gallery.

5. Give a Man a Class

Why give a man a fine art mosaic when you can teach a man to make awesome fine art mosaics? You know, as the saying goes. Artist Sharra Frank (watch her episode here) offers mosaic workshops for around $250. It’s the gift that keeps on giving (and guarantees you an awesome Valentine’s Day gift next year).

6. Love Really Pulls the Room Together

You’re past the stage of stuffing paper Valentines in your sweetie’s dressed-up shoebox, right? So why not graduate to a real, bonafide wall hanging, by artist Lisa Nankivil? (See how she makes ‘em here). A little pricier then a teddy bear, sure– but art is an investment! (stuffed animals aren’t).

Painting by Lisa Nankivil: So your purple couch and green rug can live in harmony.

 7. Pillow Talk

Your significant other is as fine as porcelain (but not as breakable!), so build on that apt metaphor and get her/him a piece from porcelain artist Maren Kloppman, who makes beautiful vessels and pillows of porcelain (watch her in action here).

8. The Grand Hand Gallery

We mentioned Karin Jacobson’s upcoming Trunk Show at the Grand Hand–but it’s also worth checking out whether or not you’re looking for jewelry. You’ll come across work by a number of MN Original alums, including textile artist Kelly Marshall and jewelry maker Emily Johnson. We also have a crush on the stained glass work of Josephine Geiger.

 9. AZ Gallery

Come hang out in Lowertown (our hood!), while browsing the fruits of local artists’ labor at this local cooperative. Jewelry, painting, metalwork, ceramics, and more. Remember: As the AZ Gallery website proclaims, “Roses die…art lives forever!”

10. PDA: Photographed Display of Affection

How better to show off your affection than to kiss your partner, have your kiss photographed, then give him/her a print of the photo? For one thing, it makes it easier to prove that he/she did in fact find you kissable. Participate in the Smooch! Project by attending one of their upcoming shoots– some even allow (well-mannered) pups.

When you're in love, the world looks as cute as Amy Rice's illustrations

11. Something by Amy Rice Would be Nice

If your lover were a cartoon, she’d look like one of Amy Rice’s darling illustrations, don’t you think? If so, we’d have a crush on her too. Check out Amy Rice’s artwork here.