89.3 the Current to broadcast in Duluth starting Feb. 1

The new MPR modern music outlet will produce a local music show and host events.

January 20, 2016 at 5:17PM
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Trampled by Turtles will be right at home on 89.3 the Current's new Duluth outlet, which could maybe host a coat drive for some of the band members in the near future. / Stephen Hoglund, Special to the Star Tribune
Trampled by Turtles will be right at home on 89.3 the Current's new Duluth outlet, which could maybe host a coat drive for some of the band members in the near future. / Stephen Hoglund, Special to the Star Tribune (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

With its 11th anniversary parties just a few days off, 89.3 the Current just announced another reason to celebrate this week: Minnesota Public Radio's hip modern music station will broadcast in Duluth starting Feb. 1 on 90.9 FM and 100.5 WSCN HD-2.

The new Twin Ports area frequency fills the biggest hole in the network of stations statewide that broadcast the Current outside the Twin Cities, including a recent addition in Ely as well as outlets in Rochester, Mankato, Grand Rapids and a few other towns. But the outlet in Duluth will be a little more ambitious than the rest, thanks in part to the fact that MPR already maintains a regional office there and has strong membership potential in town. The station will hire a "local music host" to produce a weekly show and helm events there.

Duluthians have already gotten to know the Current via its annual "Road Trip" harborside broadcasts that spotlight the city's ever-percolating music scene, anchored by 89.3 favorites Low and Trampled by Turtles (Low headlines Night 1 of the 11th anniversary parties Friday at First Avenue). Said MPR spokesperson Jen Keavy, "Every time we've gone up there, we've heard a lot of people ask, 'When are we going to get the Current up here?'"

about the writer

about the writer

Chris Riemenschneider

Critic / Reporter

Chris Riemenschneider has been covering the Twin Cities music scene since 2001, long enough for Prince to shout him out during "Play That Funky Music (White Boy)." The St. Paul native authored the book "First Avenue: Minnesota's Mainroom" and previously worked as a music critic at the Austin American-Statesman in Texas.

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