2/18/2013 MinneCulture

Short features from KFAI's 10,000 Fresh Voices series:

1. International Wolf Center
The Minnesota gray wolf, also called the timberwolf, is a symbol of the Northland. Featured in artwork, on logos, and as the state’s basketball mascot, wolves are part of the landscape. In 2012, the Department of Natural Resources instituted its first wolf hunt in nearly 40 years, creating controversy among those who believe wolves should be protected. KFAI producer Britt Aamodt traveled to the International Wolf Center in Ely, Minnesota, and filed this story.

2. Minnesota Sinfonia Chamber Orchestra
The Minnesota Sinfonia is a professional, nonprofit chamber orchestra that offers free concerts and educational programs in and around the Twin Cities. Programs are accessible and welcome all ages. The Minnesota Sinfonia also provides show-and-tell sessions to students as part of its Music in the Schools program. KFAI producer Will Wright has the story. For more information, visit mnsinfonia.org.

3. Busker Larry Havluck
For more than 30 years, Larry Havluck has been a busker, or street musician, performing in downtown Minneapolis skyways, on the U of M campus, and occasionally in cafes and clubs. Openly gay, the Native American guitarist/singer/songwriter uses music to express political, satirical and social justice themes. Produced for KFAI by Dixie Treichel.

4. An Architectural and Cultural History of Hennepin Avenue
An excerpt from Sara Boden's documentary on the history of Hennepin Avenue--from its origins as a Dakota Indian footpath between St Anthony Falls and Lake Calhoun, to a contemporary arts avenue.

5. Art sleds at Powderhorn Park
Sledding is a part of Minnesota culture. If you grew up here, chances are you've flown down a hill at top speed--and were hopefully lucky enough to make it to the bottom unscathed. For the last six years during the dead of winter, art and sledding have brought people together in Powderhorn Park. Producers Barbara Jean Meyers and Melissa Koch attended the 2013 Art Sled Rally and produced this story for KFAI.