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Lorie Shaull
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KAXE
Family memories, farming education and a bucket list swim make for a fruitful day at the Minnesota Cranberry Co.’s harvest in Palisade on Oct. 8, 2026.
Malachy Koons
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KAXE
Music
Stella Mayerhoff
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KAXE / Report for America
Do you know who you're voting for? Check out our guide featuring 250+ candidates who will be on Northern Minnesotans' ballots.
On Rooming House Parr lays out his most complete artistic vision yet, a "conceptual folk opera" following the inhabitants of of an Upper Midwest rooming house with candor and compassion.
The album was inspired by Parr's experience living in one of these communal homes when he first moved to Minneapolis in the '80s, and from his time as an outreach worker with unhoused people in both Minneapolis and Duluth. In the album release Parr said "These folks here, in this record, have no idea what’s wrong. Or how to help. They are sick with the longing to make everything better. And they can’t. Tiny things are important. This house could be anywhere. These things could happen to anyone.”
"Duluth 1964" introduces the setting, the central character "John" and the album long collaboration with drummer Dave King (The Bad Plus, Happy Apple), whose deft brushwork and delicate shuffling is a perfect complement to Parr.
It's instantly some of my favorite guitar playing in Parr's deep catalogue, hypnotic cycles that find a sweet spot between his trademark blues, American primitive and psychedelia. -MK
Read the full album review on our Fresh Picks page.
The album was inspired by Parr's experience living in one of these communal homes when he first moved to Minneapolis in the '80s, and from his time as an outreach worker with unhoused people in both Minneapolis and Duluth. In the album release Parr said "These folks here, in this record, have no idea what’s wrong. Or how to help. They are sick with the longing to make everything better. And they can’t. Tiny things are important. This house could be anywhere. These things could happen to anyone.”
"Duluth 1964" introduces the setting, the central character "John" and the album long collaboration with drummer Dave King (The Bad Plus, Happy Apple), whose deft brushwork and delicate shuffling is a perfect complement to Parr.
It's instantly some of my favorite guitar playing in Parr's deep catalogue, hypnotic cycles that find a sweet spot between his trademark blues, American primitive and psychedelia. -MK
Read the full album review on our Fresh Picks page.
Latest Stories
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With The Setlist, KAXE's Music Team curates the best live music to catch each week across Northern Minnesota and beyond.
Contributed
/
Chad Kaddatz
During the week of Oct. 6, 2026, we enjoy reports of a strolling beaver, visits from John Latimer and migrating birds. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
Contributed
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Bob Dunlap via iNaturalist
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KAXE/KBXE is the oldest rural community radio station in the U.S. and an independent NPR affiliate.
KAXE/KBXE is the oldest rural community radio station in the U.S. and an independent NPR affiliate.
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