Minnesota Public Radio to present on-stage performance and live broadcasts throughout the 2008 Minnesota State Fair

July 28, 2008

Minnesota Public Radio will again sponsor live broadcasts and on-stage events every day of this year's Minnesota State Fair. Hosts from MPR News, The Current and Classical will be on hand to present the chance to experience political leaders, local classical music acts from Minnesota Youth Symphonies, Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies and the Schubert Club's Youth Brass Quintet.

August 29 is Minnesota Public Radio Day at the State Fair. During the day, Gary Eichten will interview Sen. Amy Klobuchar during a live broadcast of Midday from Carousel Park, plus a live performance of VocalEssence and live broadcasts from The Current. Live performances by Gnarls Barkley, sponsored by The Current, and A Prairie Home Companion will be featured at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand.

Where:

All broadcasts and performances will be held at the Minnesota Public Radio booth, at the corner of Judson and Nelson, unless otherwise noted.

Tune in:

• Minnesota Public Radio News can be heard on stations statewide, including KNOW 91.1 FM in the Twin Cities
• The Current can be heard on KCMP 89.3 FM in the Twin Cities and KMSE 88.7 FM in Rochester
• Classical Minnesota Public Radio is available on stations statewide, including KSJN 99.5 FM in the Twin Cities
• MPR's Web site, www.mpr.org, will simulcast all live broadcasts

Daily schedule:

Thursday, Aug. 21

• News: Midday live broadcast with Gary Eichten (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
• The Current: live broadcast with Mary Lucia (3–7 p.m.) and Mark Wheat (7–10 p.m.)

Friday, Aug. 22

• The Current: The Morning Show live broadcast with Dale Connelly and Jim Ed Poole (6–9 a.m.)
• On stage: Kevin Kling reading and book signing
• The Current: live broadcast with Mary Lucia (3–7 p.m.) and Mark Wheat (7–10 p.m.)

Saturday, Aug. 23

• News: In the Loop story slam with Jeff Horwich (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
• The Current: live broadcast with Steve Seel (3–7 p.m.) and Radio Free Current with Jill Riley (7–10 p.m.)

Sunday, Aug. 24

• Classical: live performance of an ensemble from the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (11 a.m.) with Classical Minnesota Public Radio's Brian Newhouse
• The Current: live broadcast with David Campbell (3–5 p.m.), The Local Show with Chris Roberts (5–6 p.m.) and Brandt Williams (7–10 p.m.)

Monday, Aug. 25

• News: Midday live broadcast with Gary Eichten (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
• The Current: live broadcast with Mary Lucia (3–7 p.m.) and Mark Wheat (7–10 p.m.)

Tuesday, Aug. 26

• Classical: live performance of Minnesota Opera's Project Opera Summer Camp with host Gillian Martin (11 a.m.)
• The Current: live broadcast with Mary Lucia (3–7 p.m.) and Mark Wheat (7–10 p.m.)

Wednesday, Aug. 27

• The Current: live broadcast with Mary Lucia (3–7 p.m.) and Mark Wheat (7–10 p.m.)
• On stage: Gnarls Barkley in concert at the Grandstand (7:30 p.m.), sponsored by 89.3 The Current

Thursday, Aug. 28

• News: weather show with Cathy Wurzer (11 a.m.)
• The Current: live broadcast with Mary Lucia (3–7 p.m.) and Mark Wheat (7–10 p.m.)

Friday, Aug. 29: MPR DAY

• News: Midday live broadcast with Gary Eichten (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) at Carousel Park
• Classical: live performance of VocalEssence with host John Birge (2–3 p.m.) at Carousel Park
• The Current: kids' dance party (4–5 p.m.) at Carousel Park
• The Current: live broadcast with Mary Lucia (3–7 p.m.) and Mark Wheat (7–10 p.m.)
• On stage: live performance of A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor (8 p.m.) at the Grandstand

Saturday, Aug. 30

• News: open house with Morning Edition and All Things Considered (11 a.m.)
• The Current: live broadcast with Barb Abney (3–7 p.m.) and Radio Free Current with Jill Riley (7–10 p.m.)

Sunday, Aug. 31

• Classical: live performance of an ensemble from the Minnesota Youth Symphonies (11 a.m.) with Classical Minnesota Public Radio's Steve Staruch
• The Current: live broadcast with Bill DeVille (3–6 p.m.) and Mac Wilson (7–10 p.m.)

Monday, Sept. 1

• Classical: live performance of The Schubert Club's Youth Brass Quintet (11 a.m.) with Classical Minnesota Public Radio host Alison Young
• The Current: live broadcast with Mark Wheat (7–10 p.m.)

Minnesota Public Radio® operates a 37-station radio network serving virtually all of Minnesota and parts of surrounding states and produces programming for radio, Internet and face-to-face audiences. Programs produced by Minnesota Public Radio's parent company, American Public Media,™ reach more than 15 million listeners nationwide each week. Of those, nearly 800,000 listen regionally, in Minnesota and surrounding states. A complete list of stations, programs and additional services can be obtained at www.mpr.org.

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Source: Data are copyright Arbitron, Inc., Nationwide and PSA data. Arbitron data are estimates only.
Spring 2007/Fall 2007 average

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Press Contacts:
Jennifer Haugh
Minnesota Public Radio
651-290-1369
jhaugh@mpr.org