MinneCulture

Since 1986, the Dakota Valley Symphony has performed concerts in parks, churches, schools, community centers and other public buildings throughout the south metro area. The organization was created to provide opportunities for skilled volunteer musicians to perform diverse music of all periods. The group also provides a forum for aspiring local composers to premiere their work. The symphony is comprised of a 60-member orchestra, a 40-member mixed chorus and a 90-member Summer Pops orchestra and chorus, all under the direction of founder and musical director Stephen J. Ramsey. This concert was produced for KFAI by Daniel Zamzow.

The Hip Hop Against Homophobia series began in 2009 to showcase dynamic talent and unite diverse communities. In this edition of MinneCulture, artists explore culture and social justice through music and poetry at a HHAH performance recorded at Patrick’s Cabaret this edition of MinneCulture, artists explore culture and social justice through music and poetry at a HHAH performance recorded at.This segment features MCs See More Perspective, Koaz and Desdamona, along with poet Amy Renaud and deejay Saul Goode. Produced for KFAI by Daniel Zamzow.

This week on MinneCulture, producer Britt Aamodt explores The Mesabi Iron Range Strike of 1907. At the turn of the last century, Minnesota’s Iron Range was a cauldron of ethnicities and languages. From 1892 to 1914, more than 40 different ethnic groups immigrated there from the Old World, converging on one of the richest iron lodes in history.

In 1907, a large-scale labor strike erupted on the Mesabi Range, led primarily by immigrant Finns. The strike raised questions about whether laborers had the right to strike for liveable wages, eight-hour work days and fair work practices.

Though ultimately unsuccessful, the strike broke down cultural barriers and united miners under the common banner of organized labor. In our next segment, KFAI producer Britt Aamodt talks with historian Rhoda Gilman, Pam Brunfelt and Peter Rachleff.

Second Chances: The Story of Fergus Falls State Hospital explores the history of a Minnesota landmark, and why a place on the National Register of Historic Places may not save it from demolition.

In the late 19th century, insane asylums were built across the country in response to a national outcry over the treatment of the mentally ill. More than 75 asylums were designed using Dr. Thomas Kirkbride’s Moral Treatment Plan, which claimed that mental ailments could be alleviated with beautiful architecture and serene landscaping. The former State Hospital in Fergus Falls is one of the few remaining intact Kirbride hospitals in the country. Re-named the Regional Treatment Center in 1985, the building is destined for the wrecking ball if a developer is not soon found. KFAI producer Susan Gray spoke with preservation supporters to learn about the building’s historical significance to Fergus Falls, and the treatment of people with mental illness.