MinneCulture

Forget the Spoonbridge and Cherry—these are landmarks that have secrets to tell, even when they’re gone. In this episode, we explore one that fell to the forces of urban renewal; one that closed because of the owner’s health issues; and one that is stuck between a rock and a hard place of history and gentrification. Host Jumondeh Tweh checks out Minneapolis’ nearly forgotten Skid Row, the recent loss of Arnellia’s (“the Apollo of St. Paul”), and Al’s Breakfast, a Twin Cities landmark withstanding the test of time.

What does it mean to “break the mold”? A hard-boiled lesbian detective breaks through the lavender ceiling, a Sudanese model refuses to lighten her skin to fit in and an Ojibwe rapper wants to be the spark that ignites the fire in his people. Nyakim Gatwech is the “queen of dark,” a Sudanese model in Minnesota with unapologetically dark skin. She has a major Instagram following, too. Ellen Hart is the author of a series of (24!) mystery novels about lesbian detective Jane Lawless. Her work on the series won her an Edgar Award in 2017. She is the first openly gay writer to receive the award. And Baby Shel, an Ojibwe rapper from the Red Lake Reservation, doesn’t care if he becomes the most popular rapper in the world—he just wants to open the door for people like him.

How has immigration, migration, and connection to the rest of the world shaped the sights and sounds of Minnesota? Meet Siama Matuzungidi, a Congolese soukous musician. He moved to Minnesota in the late 90s after having a prosperous career in Congo, Uganda, and Kenya. His life and music flow like his native Congo River, and today, the Mighty Mississippi. Doug Little and his band Charanga Tropical bring the traditional music of Cuba to Minnesota. Charanga orchestras are mainly popular in Florida, New York, and California. But Minnesota is home to one of the only Charanga orchestras in country.

Andrew Moore’s front yard used to host an enormous political art installation. His front yard installation was steeped in political turmoil and showed images of poverty, police brutality, and racism. But it cost him over $38,000 in city fines, his renter’s license, and eventually, his home. But he’s he didn’t let it strip him of his artistic identity; now he wears it. Moore’s installation work may be lost forever, but he continues to express himself and his views through clothing he makes from items found at thrift shops.

Why do people dress a certain way? What does dress say about who we are, and what connects us? People pick their uniforms for various reasons, but often it’s to fit in to a group. For the Minnesota Dandies—a group of sharply dressed black men—it means dressing for success and respect. For one Minnesotan women during the Civil War, it meant disguising herself as men in order to serve her country. Host Jumondeh Tweh looks at why uniforms matter—and what it says about how we express ourselves.

When is love an art form in and of itself? Like art, true love comes in many forms. A Congolese couple, separated by the ocean, sing to each other over the phone to stay connected. An all-grrrl punk band sing through a telephone (repurposed as a microphone) to the community that supports them. Corrie Harrigan (drums), Laura Larson (bass), and Liz Elton (vocals), are Kitten Forever. The three-piece punk band blazes minimalist dance punk in their underwear, trade off on instruments frequently, and love each other.