Events and Entertainment
Minneapolis Saint Paul has a vibrant music scene and rich history – from rock to funk. In the last couple decades, the area’s hip-hop and R&B scenes have thrived. It began with the rise of music royalty, Prince, and has spawned such acts as Morris Day and the Time, Mint Condition and more recently, Next. For years, soul producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis lived and produced music here.
The 1980s saw the formation of two of R&B’s most famous singing groups, both calling Minneapolis Saint Paul home. Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness have consistently performed, recorded and proudly proclaimed the music, culture and history of African Americans to audiences around the world. And the Steeles, while not originally from here, note that they “found their style and soul in Minneapolis.” Both groups still perform individually and as groups throughout the metro area.
Many don’t know, however, of the area’s jazz scene – the 4th most active in the country. Many black jazz performers have achieved much success here, including singers Debbie Duncan and Dennis Spears.
KMOJ – 89.1 on the FM dial – is one of the last community-owned radio stations in the country. It has recently recommitted to presenting valuable content, including talk shows and Adult Urban Contemporary music.
Numerous African American-focused events occur each year in Minneapolis Saint Paul. Here are just a few:
- Minneapolis plays host to the state’s Juneteenth celebration with marketplace vendors; entertainment stages; art, reading, and history villages; parades and walks; and a community breakfast.
- Each year, The Gathering, A Woman of Color Expo brings together 40,000 people to celebrate the spirit and culture of women of color.
- Annually, African Americans in Science at the Science Museum of Minnesota introduces visitors to the best and brightest scientists, inventors and educators from the metro’s African American community.
- Minnehaha Park is the site of the Freedom Jazz Festival each year, a dynamic exploration of African American history, culture and music.
