Chaka Khan, Chuck D, and Stokely Williams are among those participating in this year’s Celebration.
Tony Kiene
Tony Kiene’s experience in the Twin Cities nonprofit and entertainment industries includes work with Minneapolis Urban League, Penumbra Theatre, Hallie Q. Brown, and Pepé Music.
He welcomes reader responses to tkiene@spokesman-recorder.com.
Posted inFeatured, Local & State, News
All roads lead to Prince: new stretch of highway dedicated to late icon
Using purple ink, Governor Tim Walz officially christened Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway during a ceremony outside Paisley Park, attended by family, friends, and former associates of the late legend.
Posted inWomen’s History Month
Women’s History Month Salute: Coventry Royster Cowens
‘Follow your dreams no matter how tough the path.’
Posted inArts + Culture, Movies, Television
Exposing Minnesota-style bigotry inspires movement for change
The efforts of four resistance movements have been captured in a series of documentary shorts titled ‘Jim Crow of the North Stories.’
Posted inArts + Culture, Theater
Local theater veteran Terry Bellamy leaves an indelible legacy
‘As an artist, Terry was a fighter, his approach was calm, calculating, and clever.’
Posted inArts + Culture
Legendary sound engineer relishes union leadership role
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 13 had never elected a business agent who wasn’t a White male. That changed with Wendell Bell.
Posted inArts + Culture
Not just Rondo: Exhibits show how Interstates uprooted other Black communities
The ‘Human Toll: A Public History of 35W’ exhibit is open Thursdays through Saturdays, in the Main Floor Gallery of the Hennepin History Museum. It will close for good on December 31, 2022.
Posted inArts + Culture, Books, Featured
Local author shares lessons about grief in children’s book
Lehman Riley’s ‘Losing Lizzy’ imparts to children the tips and tools to process and overcome grief.
Posted inArts + Culture, Featured
Black Storytelling Alliance continues cherished tradition
The 32nd Annual Black Master Storytellers Festival takes place September 22 -24.
Posted inFeatured, Local & State, News
Saving the Coliseum: New life rises from the ashes of violence
At the corner of East Lake Street and 27th Avenue South sits one of Longfellow’s most iconic structures, the Coliseum Building.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Sounds of Blackness cap a remarkable Black Music Month
Billed as the ‘Soul of the Sixties,’ on June 30 the Dakota was transformed into the Apollo Theater for a night.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
One woman’s seven-year journey to make Minneapolis ‘shine purple’
‘I couldn’t understand. Why does this city not want to say ‘thank you’ to Prince?’
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Sounds of Blackness to celebrate the ‘Soul of Sixties’ at the Dakota
Billed as ‘The Soul of the Sixties: A Celebration of Black Music,’ these shows will pay tribute to some of the greatest performers of that decade.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Why not Prince? One woman’s seven-year journey to make Minneapolis ‘shine purple’
‘No disrespect to Spot, but the Target dog has a bronze statue.’
Posted inFeatured, Local & State, News
Sign of the times: Prince Rogers Nelson Way
On Tuesday, June 7, on what would have been the legend’s 64th birthday, the stretch of road that he made world-famous was formally rechristened ‘Prince Rogers Nelson Way.’
Posted inArts + Culture, Music, Photo Galleries
Purple party: Prince fans celebrate mural completion in downtown Mpls
Hundreds of Prince fans partied in celebration of the legend’s mural unveiling in downtown Minneapolis.
Posted inArts + Culture, Featured, Music
Honoring Prince: community reactions to new street sign and mural
‘Honoring Prince in this way, in the wake of what we have been through, is important for the soul of this city.’
Posted inArts + Culture
Artist Hiero Veiga now painting Prince mural in downtown Mpls
‘Hiero’s a brilliant talent, and his work is breathtaking.’
Posted inArts + Culture, Featured, Music
Growing up with Prince: the makings of a superstar
In this installment, Charles Smith reflects on the origins of Prince’s legendary and iconic musical career.
Posted inArts + Culture, Featured, Music
Growing up with Prince: the legend’s cousin reminisces about their younger years
There is likely no one still alive, except Prince’s sister Tyka, who knew him better or spent more time with him than his cousin Charles Smith.