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Alan Sparhawk and Trampled by Turtles celebrated their 2025 collaborative album with a heartfelt performance at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul on Dec. 11, 2025. The Current captured the entire show on video and will release it in full on Friday, May 29, to mark the one-year anniversary of ‘Alan Sparhawk with Trampled by Turtles.’

Here’s “Stranger” from the performance.

Follow The Current on YouTube (link in bio) to experience this special night.

#concertvideo #minnesotamusic #publicradiomusic #alansparhawk @lowtheband @tbtduluth @subpop #trampledbyturtles @minnesotapublicradio @mprnews

KELS performed for The Current's Happy Hour on Thursday, May 21 at Insight Brewing.

Photos by @tonynelson

#TheCurrent @findingkels @insightbrewing #KELS #TheCurrentHappyHours

KELS performed for The Current's Happy Hour on Thursday, May 21 at Insight Brewing.

Photos by @tonynelson

#TheCurrent @findingkels @insightbrewing #KELS #TheCurrentHappyHours

KELS performed for The Current's Happy Hour on Thursday, May 21 at Insight Brewing.

Photos by @tonynelson

#TheCurrent @findingkels @insightbrewing #KELS #TheCurrentHappyHours

KELS performed for The Current's Happy Hour on Thursday, May 21 at Insight Brewing.

Photos by @tonynelson

#TheCurrent @findingkels @insightbrewing #KELS #TheCurrentHappyHours

KELS performed for The Current's Happy Hour on Thursday, May 21 at Insight Brewing.

Photos by @tonynelson

#TheCurrent @findingkels @insightbrewing #KELS #TheCurrentHappyHours

KELS performed for The Current's Happy Hour on Thursday, May 21 at Insight Brewing.

Photos by @tonynelson

#TheCurrent @findingkels @insightbrewing #KELS #TheCurrentHappyHours

KELS performed for The Current's Happy Hour on Thursday, May 21 at Insight Brewing.

Photos by @tonynelson

#TheCurrent @findingkels @insightbrewing #KELS #TheCurrentHappyHours

KELS performed for The Current's Happy Hour on Thursday, May 21 at Insight Brewing.

Photos by @tonynelson

#TheCurrent @findingkels @insightbrewing #KELS #TheCurrentHappyHours

KELS performed for The Current's Happy Hour on Thursday, May 21 at Insight Brewing.

Photos by @tonynelson

#TheCurrent @findingkels @insightbrewing #KELS #TheCurrentHappyHours

KELS performed for The Current's Happy Hour on Thursday, May 21 at Insight Brewing.

Photos by @tonynelson

#TheCurrent @findingkels @insightbrewing #KELS #TheCurrentHappyHours

Thanks to everyone who attended The Current’s Happy Hours at Insight Brewing last night!

Our next Happy Hour is right around the corner, so mark your calendars. Join us on Thursday, June 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. at @surlybrewing where you’ll enjoy a DJ set from The Current’s host Zach McCormick, live music from @hissgoldenmessenger, drinks, and more! The Current’s Happy Hours are free and open to everyone.

Learn more at the link in bio.

The Current’s Happy Hours are presented by @renewalbyandersen, and @minnesota_dps ’s Drive Sober, Drive Smart campaign.

What song makes you laugh when you hear it?

Share your answer and the reasons why you chose it in the comments below.

Listen to The Current on Fridays to hear some of the responses we receive.

Summer doesn't officially start until The Current's Block Rockin' Weekend. That's right, when you hear three songs in a row from your favorite bands, you know it's time for sun, lake life, hiking and biking, patios, and music festivals.

Starting Friday morning and continuing all Memorial Day weekend, make The Current your soundtrack, and start summer on the right note.

Tune in, tell your smart speaker to play The Current, or stream at thecurrent.org — and if your three-day weekend should take you further afield, be sure to download the free smartphone app (link in bio) to listen from anywhere.

#blockrockinweekend #publicradiomusic #mpr @minnesotapublicradio

Watch and listen to Pert Near Sandstone play "Quiet Hours," a song from their 2026 album, “Side by Side,” in a performance recorded live during a session in The Current studio for Radio Heartland. Pert Near Sandstone's "Quiet Hours" — their ninth album — released on February 27.

You can hear the studio session with Pert Near Sandstone on Radio Heartland on Friday, May 22, at noon Central. You can also find it at thecurrent.org; look for the link in bio.

#thecurrentsessions #minnesotamusic #pertnearsandstone @pertnearsandstone #publicradiomusic #mpr @mprnews @minnesotapublicradio

In the heart of downtown Superior, Wisconsin, Globe News embodies the community’s dedication to preserving historic storefronts. Founded in 1953, the iconic corner store has always sold records, but it wasn’t until 2015 that music became a core product. Globe News absorbed leftover stock from the now-defunct Vinyl Cave, which was previously next door, and now uses the collection in its own space.

Owner John Fritsche emphasizes the human connection that record collecting provides, and aims to maximize people’s ability to do so by keeping prices affordable and by hosting game nights. According to Fritsche, the store specializes in classic rock records, “People are looking for what they grew up listening to, driving around with Mom and Dad, and so that’s the stuff that I try to keep on the shelves.” Additionally, Fritsche maintains a strong connection to the local music scene by selling tickets for Sacred Heart Music Center and Homegrown Music Festival.

Address: 1430 Tower Ave, Superior, Wisconsin
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday and Saturday
Facebook: GlobeNewsSuperior
Instagram: @globenewssuperior

🎥 📷 ✍️ @thesturgeonsound
add'l 📷 @bumpopera; @kruegerpix | MPR News
🎞️ ✂️ Luke Taylor | MPR

#recordstore #superiorwi #duluthmn #twinports #mpr @minnesotapublicradio @wisconsinpublicradio

Twin Cities alt-country musician Molly Brandt released “Do You Possess An Iron Will?” during Operation Metro Surge in January. Proceeds from this Bandcamp-exclusive song, which explores determination in the face of hardship and uncertainty, are benefiting the Immigrant Rapid Response Fund. It is one of 12 tracks on her forthcoming third LP, “Museum of Being,” due out June 12.

Hear a variety Minnesota music on The Current’s Local Show Sundays from 7-9pm or anytime at thecurrent.org/programs. Hit Play!

Duluth, Minnesota, is the birthplace of Bob Dylan — and the city knows how to celebrate its native son in a way where everyone is welcome to participate. The annual Duluth Dylan Fest (which runs May 17 to 24 this year) showcases Duluth’s poets, writers and musicians while highlighting the music of one of its most prolific artists: the man born Robert Zimmerman in Duluth on May 24, 1941. but known the world over as Bob Dylan. From jam sessions to lectures to concerts and a singer-songwriter contest, Duluth Dylan Fest is a celebration with a distinct northern Minnesota flavor.

Here is an inside look at Duluth Dylan Fest through the eyes of the people who help put it together or simply take part in its events.

Meanwhile, you can celebrate Bob Dylan's birthday by visiting the link in bio to vote for your top 10 essential Bob Dylan songs. The Current's Bill DeVille will share the 85 Essential Bob Dylan Songs, as voted by you, starting at 6 a.m. CDT on Sunday, May 31.

🎥 @thesturgeonsound
🎞️ ✂️ Luke Taylor | MPR

#duluthdylanfest #bobdylan #duluthmn #publicradiomusic #mpr @mprnews @minnesotapublicradio

Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon staged a press conference at Hank Aaron Plaza in front of Carson Park Baseball Stadium in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, May 20.

He shared details about the return of the Eaux Claires Festival on July 24-25 at his hometown’s baseball park.

“Daddy’s coming home and he will be here,” Vernon said, referring to festival cofounder Aaron Dessner of the National. People will be “shaking in their boots with excitement” more artist to be announced, he added. Regarding the Bon Dylan performance, he said it will be for one night and then he’ll be done.

“Speaking of Bob Dylan, he was born up in Hibbing, not far from here,” Vernon said. “Something that I’ve never related to him on is he felt like he was born in the wrong place. He did well for himself. I felt like I was born right where I was supposed to be.”

#eauxclaires #boniver #wisconsin @boniver @eauxclaireswi

Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon staged a press conference at Hank Aaron Plaza in front of Carson Park Baseball Stadium in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, May 20.

He shared details about the return of the Eaux Claires Festival on July 24-25 at his hometown’s baseball park.

“Daddy’s coming home and he will be here,” Vernon said, referring to festival cofounder Aaron Dessner of the National. People will be “shaking in their boots with excitement” more artist to be announced, he added. Regarding the Bon Dylan performance, he said it will be for one night and then he’ll be done.

“Speaking of Bob Dylan, he was born up in Hibbing, not far from here,” Vernon said. “Something that I’ve never related to him on is he felt like he was born in the wrong place. He did well for himself. I felt like I was born right where I was supposed to be.”

#eauxclaires #boniver #wisconsin @boniver @eauxclaireswi

Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon staged a press conference at Hank Aaron Plaza in front of Carson Park Baseball Stadium in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, May 20.

He shared details about the return of the Eaux Claires Festival on July 24-25 at his hometown’s baseball park.

“Daddy’s coming home and he will be here,” Vernon said, referring to festival cofounder Aaron Dessner of the National. People will be “shaking in their boots with excitement” more artist to be announced, he added. Regarding the Bon Dylan performance, he said it will be for one night and then he’ll be done.

“Speaking of Bob Dylan, he was born up in Hibbing, not far from here,” Vernon said. “Something that I’ve never related to him on is he felt like he was born in the wrong place. He did well for himself. I felt like I was born right where I was supposed to be.”

#eauxclaires #boniver #wisconsin @boniver @eauxclaireswi

Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon staged a press conference at Hank Aaron Plaza in front of Carson Park Baseball Stadium in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, May 20.

He shared details about the return of the Eaux Claires Festival on July 24-25 at his hometown’s baseball park.

“Daddy’s coming home and he will be here,” Vernon said, referring to festival cofounder Aaron Dessner of the National. People will be “shaking in their boots with excitement” more artist to be announced, he added. Regarding the Bon Dylan performance, he said it will be for one night and then he’ll be done.

“Speaking of Bob Dylan, he was born up in Hibbing, not far from here,” Vernon said. “Something that I’ve never related to him on is he felt like he was born in the wrong place. He did well for himself. I felt like I was born right where I was supposed to be.”

#eauxclaires #boniver #wisconsin @boniver @eauxclaireswi

Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon staged a press conference at Hank Aaron Plaza in front of Carson Park Baseball Stadium in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, May 20.

He shared details about the return of the Eaux Claires Festival on July 24-25 at his hometown’s baseball park.

“Daddy’s coming home and he will be here,” Vernon said, referring to festival cofounder Aaron Dessner of the National. People will be “shaking in their boots with excitement” more artist to be announced, he added. Regarding the Bon Dylan performance, he said it will be for one night and then he’ll be done.

“Speaking of Bob Dylan, he was born up in Hibbing, not far from here,” Vernon said. “Something that I’ve never related to him on is he felt like he was born in the wrong place. He did well for himself. I felt like I was born right where I was supposed to be.”

#eauxclaires #boniver #wisconsin @boniver @eauxclaireswi

Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon staged a press conference at Hank Aaron Plaza in front of Carson Park Baseball Stadium in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, May 20.

He shared details about the return of the Eaux Claires Festival on July 24-25 at his hometown’s baseball park.

“Daddy’s coming home and he will be here,” Vernon said, referring to festival cofounder Aaron Dessner of the National. People will be “shaking in their boots with excitement” more artist to be announced, he added. Regarding the Bon Dylan performance, he said it will be for one night and then he’ll be done.

“Speaking of Bob Dylan, he was born up in Hibbing, not far from here,” Vernon said. “Something that I’ve never related to him on is he felt like he was born in the wrong place. He did well for himself. I felt like I was born right where I was supposed to be.”

#eauxclaires #boniver #wisconsin @boniver @eauxclaireswi

Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon staged a press conference at Hank Aaron Plaza in front of Carson Park Baseball Stadium in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, May 20.

He shared details about the return of the Eaux Claires Festival on July 24-25 at his hometown’s baseball park.

“Daddy’s coming home and he will be here,” Vernon said, referring to festival cofounder Aaron Dessner of the National. People will be “shaking in their boots with excitement” more artist to be announced, he added. Regarding the Bon Dylan performance, he said it will be for one night and then he’ll be done.

“Speaking of Bob Dylan, he was born up in Hibbing, not far from here,” Vernon said. “Something that I’ve never related to him on is he felt like he was born in the wrong place. He did well for himself. I felt like I was born right where I was supposed to be.”

#eauxclaires #boniver #wisconsin @boniver @eauxclaireswi

You’re invited to join us at Insight Brewing TOMORROW, May 21 from 4 to 7 p.m. for The Current’s Happy Hours!

You don’t want to miss this evening of music and fun as The Current’s host Mac Wilson provides the soundtrack with a DJ set starting at 4 p.m., and KELS performs live at 6 p.m.

The Current’s Happy Hours are FREE and open to everyone.

Learn more at the link in bio.

The Current’s Happy Hours are presented by @renewalbyandersen, and @M@minnesota_dps’s Drive Sober, Drive Smart campaign.

Originally from Pittsburgh, now based in Atlanta, KELS spoke with The Current’s Morning Show about her “dirty blues” sound.

KELS will be performing at The Current’s Happy Hour on Thursday, May 21 at Insight Brewing.

Find more information at thecurrent.org/events

#TheCurrent #TheCurrentMorningShow @findingkels @insightbrewing