6/27/2011 MinneCulture

Stories from KFAI's 10,000 Fresh Voices series:

1. Mixed Blood Theatre's Radical Hospitality
Produced by Dale Connelly
Beginning in September, Minneapolis’ Mixed Blood Theatre is taking an unusual approach to ticket pricing by offering free admission to patrons on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserved tickets will cost $15 dollars, but those willing to take a chance and show up without a reservation will have a good chance of seeing the production for free. Calling this approach “Radical Hospitality,” staff say erasing economic barriers is part of Mixed Blood’s mission to build an inclusive, global audience.

2. Riot Act Reading Series
Produced by Cyn Collins
Riot Act Reading Series is a monthly literary event that takes place at various Minneapolis and St. Paul bars. Co-hosted by punk poet Paul D. Dickinson and writer/poet Laura Brandenburg, the series has been going since 1998.

3. Amias Project & Another Land
Produced by Dan Greenwood
Nicole Smagleck has traveled extensively to Tanzania and East Africa. During one trip, she met an elder tribal woman who suggested she bring Tanzanian handicrafts and jewelry back to Minnesota. Nicole did just that, founding the Amias Project and Another Land--two companies that promote Fair Trade and help support the Barabaig tribe. KFAI producer Dan Greenwood visited Nicole at the Northrup King Building, where the Amias Project and Another Land are located. For more information, visit amias.org.

4. Once Upon a Crime Bookstore
Produced by Britt Aamodt
For 25 years, Once Upon a Crime has been home to cold-blooded killers, con men and unsavory characters. That is, it's been the literary haunt for crime and mystery novels, and one of only 30-odd bookstores in the country devoted to these genres. KFAI's Britt Aamodt talked to owner Gary Schultz and St. Paul mystery novelist Susan Runholt about the bookstore and it's big day at the Edgar Awards.

5. Zeitgeist Music Group
Produced by Dixie Treichel
Since 1977, Zeitgeist has been creating and performing new music by living composers, and has been commissioned for more than 150 new works. Operating out of Studio Z in downtown St. Paul, the quartet includes Heather Barringer, percussionist and artistic co-director; Pat O'Keefe, woodwind player and artistic co-director; Patti Cudd, percussionist; and Shannon Wettstein, pianist. The group tours outside Minnesota and collaborates with artists of all types and genres to create new work that challenges the boundaries of traditional chamber music.