Minnesota Public Radio Invites the Public to MPR Day in Mankato on May 10

Apr 13, 2017

Media contact: Jen Keavy, 651-290-1271

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Minnesota Public Radio hits the road and heads to Mankato for "MPR Day" on Wednesday, May 10, 2017. The daylong event will feature live broadcasts of all three MPR regional services: MPR News, Classical MPR and The Current, as well as live performances and a town hall-like live broadcast of "All Things Considered" with Tom Crann, featuring Gary Eichten and regional policy makers. The event will conclude with a live concert by one of Minnesota's most enduring and legendary bands, The Suburbs. All events are free and will take place at the Kato Ballroom, located at 200 Chestnut St., in Mankato.

Since its beginning as a college radio station at Saint John's University, MPR has grown to a 45-station regional network of three distinct services - MPR News, Classical MPR and The Current - as well as a national producer and distributor of radio programs, podcasts and streaming services, serving 1 million Minnesotans and more than 20 million listeners a week nationwide.

"Our listeners in the Mankato region have long been an essential part of our MPR family," said Ali Lozoff, director of MPR's 50th Anniversary. "We are excited to spend the day with listeners and Members and have the opportunity to say thank you in person for their ongoing support, while also highlighting some of the artists and newsmakers of the region for the rest of the state to enjoy." More information about MPR Day and other MPR 50 events may be found at mpr50.org.

MPR Day Mankato Schedule of Activities
Wednesday, May 10, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Classical MPR Live Broadcast with John Birge
John Birge hosts a midday program of classical music featuring performances from Mankato-St. Peter area musicians. Guests include the Minnesota Valley Brass Quintet, the Gustavus Adolphus College men's a capella ensemble G-Sharp, former MPR News' host Gary Eichten, a conversation about music in the region with Music Director Ken Freed of the Mankato Symphony Orchestra, and much more.

3 - 6:30 p.m. MPR News Live Broadcast of "All Things Considered" Tom Crann will anchor the regional broadcast of "All Things Considered" live from Mankato in a town hall-like setting. The live audience will watch the production of the show, featuring Gary Eichten, policy makers, and segments focusing on how immigration is changing Mankato, as well as the program's weekly food segment, "Appetites."

7 - 9 p.m. The Current presents The Suburbs in concert, hosted by Mark Wheat
Host Mark Wheat welcomes The Suburbs for a special free concert, with live check-ins on The Current. Admission is free but registration is requested. Mark will talk to the band and welcome them to the stage for an hour-long performance. Register at mpr50.org.

Refreshments provided by MPR during the day; cash bar available for the evening performance. Limited edition MPR 50th Anniversary merchandise will be available for sale along with merchandise from all three regional stations.

This program is made possible in part by the Arts and Culture Heritage Fund Created by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment.