1/30/2012 MinneCulture

Five stories from our 10,000 Fresh Voices Series:

1. Salsa Lisa
Produced by Britt Aamodt
Minnesota entrepreneur Lisa Nicholson broke into the salsa market in the mid-90s, with a fresh salsa appropriately dubbed "Salsa Lisa". Today you'll find her products in the refrigerated section at grocery stores across the country. KFAI's Britt Aamodt has the scoop on Minnesota's largest fresh salsa company.

2. Joia Soda: a new kind of pop
Produced by Britt Aamodt
The United States ranks first internationally in soft drink consumption. At home, work, or out and about, Americans like to clasp a cold one--usually old standbys, like Coke and Pepsi. But if you're tired of the tried and true, consider this alternative: Joia is a Minneapolis-based company that brings creative mixology to soft drinks. KFAI's Britt Aamodt talked to Joia's founder, Bob Safford, about this new kind of pop.

3. Chocolatier BT McElrath
Produced by Britt Aamodt
In the late 1990s, Minneapolis chocolatier BT McElrath built a reputation on high-end truffles with unique savory accents, such as balsamic vinegar, lavender and cardamon. Today, the McElrath company has taken on a new challenge: producing the best basic chocolate bar it can...with a few flavor twists. KFAI's Britt Aamodt toured the Northeast Minneapolis manufacturing plant during the roll-out of three new chocolate bar flavors.

4. Lowertown Reading Jam presents Duende and the Sound of Soul
Produced by Nancy Sartor & Daniel Zamzow
The Lowertown Reading Jam in St. Paul is a monthly literary series at Black Dog Cafe, sponsored by the Saint Paul Almanac. Each session features a different theme and curator. Recently, philosopher and educator, J. Otis Powell, presented the theme "Duende and the Sound of Soul." The show featured J. Otis, e.g. bailey, Leah Nelson, Andrea Jenkins and Louis Alemayehu.

5. Savage Aural Hotbed
Produced by Dixie Treichel
Savage Aural Hotbed is a local band that fuses musical styles with unconventional "instruments," including power tools and found objects. For more than 20 years, the quartet has been performing experimental music throughout the Twin Cities.