Known MPLS, a Twin Cities youth choir founded by Courtland Pickens, is releasing a new single this Father’s Day weekend celebrating Black men, with an upcoming five-song EP and appearances alongside Josh Groban and Jennifer Hudson on June 28.
Music
Local and national stories, reviews, and information highlighting African American music and artists.
Posted inEvents
June at The Dakota: A Month of World-Class Live Music in Downtown Minneapolis
The Dakota at 1010 Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis brings a month of world-class live music in June, featuring Kronos Quartet, John Pizzarelli Trio, Stanley Jordan, Naturally 7 and more at one of the Twin Cities’ most intimate concert venues.
Posted inEvents
The 28th Annual Twin Cities Jazz Festival Returns June 19-20 With Free Performances All Weekend
The 28th Annual Twin Cities Jazz Festival brings world-class talent to Mears Park and more than 18 St. Paul venues on June 19 and 20, with all performances free and open to the public in the Lowertown neighborhood of downtown St. Paul.
Posted inMusic
Minneapolis Showed Up for Prince at the Celebration 2026 Block Party and Sing Along
Emmanuel Duncan recaps the Prince Celebration 2026 Block Party and Sing Along, which brought fans, neighbors and music lovers together in downtown Minneapolis for a free celebration of one of the most iconic artists the world has ever known.
Posted inMusic
Rest in Power: Hip-Hop Legend Rob Base Dead at 59
Rob Base, one half of the legendary hip-hop duo Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock and the voice behind the genre-crossing 1988 anthem It Takes Two, passed away on May 22, 2026, at age 59 after a private battle with cancer.
Posted inJames on Jazz
New releases and celebrations make for a Jazz-filled spring
Jazz columnist Robin James rounds up spring jazz news including Roy Hargrove’s live Bern recording, the first Kenny Dorham biography, new albums from Stacey Kent and Oscar Peterson, and a Guggenheim Fellowship for James Brandon Lewis.
Posted inEvents
Usher and Chris Brown Are Coming to Minneapolis This Summer for a Co-Headlining Stadium Tour
Usher and Chris Brown R&B Tour comes to Minneapolis on June 30 at U.S. Bank Stadium as part of a 33-date co-headlining stadium run across North America.
Posted inMusic
New Edition Wins Fan Vote but Falls Short of 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
New Edition Rock Hall omission despite leading the fan vote with over one million votes sparks frustration as the 2026 induction class is announced without the Boston R&B legends.
Posted inOn the Radar
Kevin Washington’s musical journey from Detroit to Walker West
Kevin Washington isn’t just a jazz drummer; he is a musical vessel for Black music. From his Detroit upbringing to his Minneapolis residency, Washington blends funk, gospel, and punk rock to create a spiritual experience he calls “the source.”
Posted inMusic
TLC, Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue Headline Minnesota State Fair Grandstand
The Minnesota State Fair has announced a major addition to its 2026 Grandstand Concert Series, bringing together three iconic groups for one night of music and legacy. TLC, Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue will take the stage for “IT’S ICONIC” on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Grandstand. A night of legendary hits The […]
Posted inMusic
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis bring “Nothing But Hits” to Las Vegas residency
Legendary producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis will debut their “Nothing But Hits” Las Vegas residency celebrating decades of chart-topping music.
Posted inMusic
From plastic sax to Hall of Fame
Walter Chancellor Jr Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction recognizes 62 years of dedication to the saxophone, from Des Moines beginnings to a lasting Minneapolis music legacy.
Posted inJames on Jazz
Gratitude for great jazz past and future
Jazz at Lincoln Center Wynton Marsalis begins a phased leadership transition after 40 years, as the jazz world reflects on his impact and looks ahead to 2026.
Posted inMusic
Kanye West Seeks Forgiveness from the Black Community in Wall Street Journal Apology
Ye issued a public apology to the Black community in a Wall Street Journal ad, addressing mental health, accountability, and actions that caused harm.
Posted inEvents
Bruno Mars to Bring ‘The Romantic Tour’ to Minneapolis in 2026 Stadium Stop
Bruno Mars Minneapolis 2026 brings The Romantic Tour to U.S. Bank Stadium, marking his first full stadium tour in nearly a decade.
Posted inArts + Culture
Beyoncé Enters Billionaire Ranks Few Black Americans Have Reached
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has reached billionaire status, marking a rare milestone for Black women in entertainment and highlighting the power of ownership, control, and long-term business strategy.
Posted inMusic
New jazz club brings community-centered good times to Uptown
The Brownstone Jazz Club in Minneapolis is a new Uptown venue focused on live jazz, community connection, and creating space for local artists to grow.
Posted inJames on Jazz
Jazz masters, Grammy picks, and a standout night at Orchestra Hall
Grammy nominations, NEA Jazz Masters honors, and a standout Wynton Marsalis performance highlight a powerful season for jazz.
Posted inArts + Culture
How Grant West helped students find their musical voices
For nearly four decades, Grant West has been a guiding force in St. Paul’s arts and culture landscape — an educator, advocate and community builder whose belief in the power of music has shaped generations of young musicians. As co-founder of Walker West Music Academy, West has helped students discover their talents while creating one […]
Posted inMusic
D’Angelo: Pondering what could have been
D’Angelo, the groundbreaking soul artist behind “Brown Sugar,” “Voodoo” and “Black Messiah,” has died at 50 after a private fight with cancer. From his church roots to his rise as a defining voice of neo soul, his legacy shaped artists across genres. Peers like Questlove and H.E.R. describe him as a rare, pure artist whose music, mentorship and spirit transformed the landscape of Black music.