MINNESOTA MUSIC CHANNEL
KMSU embarked on an ambitious initiative to launch the Minnesota Music Channel, an online streaming and Hybrid Digital (HD) radio platform meticulously curated to spotlight the rich tapestry of Minnesota’s musical landscape. This dedicated channel serves as a comprehensive showcase, not only amplifying the melodies of Minnesota musicians but also incorporating insightful interviews and programming that delve deep into the intricacies of their craft. To realize this vision, KMSU made strategic investments in Hybrid Digital (HD) equipment, enhancing its broadcast transmitter capabilities to allow for a digital signal, essentially a second radio station, dedicated exclusively to Minnesota music and musicians. A quote taken from KMSU media coverage by Mankato Free Press, Shelley Pierce, a KMSU radio co-host, aptly noted, “While its current rendition is captivating, the potential for further enrichment is palpable.”

Central to the Minnesota Music Channel’s character is its unwavering focus on Southern Minnesota’s musical talents. A standout segment, 15 on the 15, shines a spotlight on artists or bands residing within a 15-mile radius of the KMSU studios, ensuring local talents receive due recognition. The channel strikes a harmonious balance between legendary figures like Prince, Bob Dylan, and The Replacements, and emerging artists eager to carve their niche in the global music landscape. Catering to diverse musical palates, the channel traverses a myriad of genres— from folk, rock, and jazz to extreme metal, hip-hop, experimental sounds, and even polka. Testament to its burgeoning success, the Minnesota Music Channel garnered 191 unique listeners, amassing an impressive 534 listening hours via the station website and the KMSU App in FY23. Anchored by a yearlong commitment, this initiative underscores KMSU’s dedication to celebrating Minnesota’s musical heritage while championing its vibrant contemporary scene which increased locally focused content. Minnesota Music Channel significantly increased the amount of locally and Minnesota-focused content produced by public radio and allowed more Minnesota artists and musicians to have their work showcased through public broadcasting. KMSU achieved the proposed measurable outcomes for this project.

LARGE OUTDOOR MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES 
KMSU played an instrumental role in amplifying Southern Minnesota’s vibrant music and arts culture by actively supporting multiple Large Outdoor Music and Arts Festival Performances throughout the year. The project included a notable collaboration with the Rock Bend Folk Festival, an annual musical event that follows Labor Day weekend, drawing an impressive crowd of around 10,000 attendees. Additionally, KMSU’s Large Outdoor Music and Arts Festival Performances project extended to promoting and enhancing the reach of community events such as Alive After Five and Songs on the Lawn. These free outdoor concerts, held at the Civic Center Plaza in downtown Mankato, showcased a blend of local and regional talent, curated in partnership with Greater Mankato Growth and the City Center Partnership. Further expanding its cultural footprint for the Large Outdoor Music and Arts Festival Performances, KMSU collaborated with the Austin Artworks Festival, a two-day celebration spotlighting local artists, and spotlighted events at Wheeler Park in North Mankato and Minnesota Square Park in St. Peter. A pivotal moment in this lineup was the Ambassador’s Bluesfest, often held as the inaugural event ushering in Southern Minnesota’s lively summer of arts and music festivities.

To ensure inclusivity and accessibility, KMSU broadcast the Alive After Five concerts live, providing a platform for those unable to attend physically. The station’s programming spectrum was enriched with tailored segments such as the 59-minute Minnesota Original Music Festival review and live broadcasts spanning three hours of the Rock Bend Folk Festival. Additional content included a 30-minute review for Blues on Belgrade, comprehensive previews for Songs on the Lawn, Austin Artworks, The Ambassador’s Bluesfest, and a succinct 10-minute preview for Music in the Park. With an estimated reach of 5,000 listeners per segment, KMSU’s strategic initiatives not only showcased a diverse array of arts, crafts, and musical genres but also fostered a sense of community engagement. Cumulatively, these events attracted over 24,000 attendees in FY23, offering residents and visitors alike a rich tapestry of music and art experiences. This enabled the project to meet measurable outcomes through the platform for local artists, musicians, historians, writers, and various creatives, enabling them to showcase their talents and contributions through public radio, spotlighting the artist’s work to a broader audience. Large Outdoor Music and Arts Festival Performances successfully met the objectives outlined for this multifaceted yearlong project. 

COLLABORATION WITH THE ARTS CENTER OF ST. PETER
KMSU enhanced a dynamic partnership with the Art Center of St. Peter, orchestrating a compelling series of music events as part of the Collaboration with the Arts Center of St. Peter initiative. Functioning as an intersection of promotional, financial, and hosting support, KMSU amplified local jazz talent through five well-curated events at the Pavilion in Minnesota Square Park in St. Peter. The lineup showcased artists such as Masa Ishikawa, Liz Draper and Friends, Steely Ann, EZ Jazz Trio, and Joe Tougas and Associates, drawing an enthusiastic audience totaling approximately 820 attendees. Beyond live performances, this collaboration extended its creative reach with a captivating radio drama production of Plan 9 From Outer Space, enlisting community members to lend their voices to this 59-minute broadcast. Further enriching the project’s tapestry was the Pageant and Singalong Nation Midlife Recital, a poignant live music performance where community members rendered songs that resonated with them during the challenging pandemic period. KMSU worked on its Collaboration with the Arts Center of St. Peter project for five months. 

In alignment with the project’s objectives, KMSU amplified these collaborations through three one-hour programs, reaching an estimated on-air audience of about 5,000 listeners. This expansive platform not only showcased live recordings from these events but also spotlighted local residents who contributed their creative prowess to the radio drama production. The collective resonance of these endeavors was noticeable, as evidenced by the enthusiastic reception from listeners and participants alike. Collaboration with the Arts Center of St. Peter resulted in increased exposure to professional performing arts and the work of professional artists and gave more Minnesotans of all ages ethnicities and incomes access to Minnesota arts and music than they would have had without this project. KMSU achieved the proposed measurable outcomes for this project. 

COLLABORATION WITH MSU DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC PERFORMANCE SERIES
KMSU collaborated closely with the Music Department at Minnesota State University, Mankato (MSU) to curate a distinctive concert series under the banner Collaboration with MSU Department of Music Performance Series. This ambitious project showcased a diverse lineup of Minnesota-based artists, including notable names such as Cactus Blossoms, Scott Miller, John Wright, Erik Koskinen, Molly Dean Anderson, City Mouse, and Sarah Morris. Integral to this initiative was the invaluable hands-on experience provided to MSU’s Music Department students, allowing them to immerse themselves in the practical aspects of concert production and audio technology. Over the course of the yearlong project, the series culminated in five live events, each drawing an impressive audience of approximately 500 attendees.

To amplify the project’s reach and impact, KMSU crafted a 59-minute broadcast segment encapsulating the sound of these live events. This segment, which attracted about 5,000 on-air listeners, was shared with a broader audience through Public Radio Exchange (PRX). The initiative not only highlighted the talent of Minnesota’s vibrant music scene but also provided a pivotal platform for local musicians to have their work exposed to a new audience and showcased on public radio which the musicians were grateful for when surveyed. The project also gave more Minnesotans of all ages ethnicities and incomes access to this Minnesota arts and music than would have been the case if KMSU had not done this project. KMSU achieved the proposed measurable outcomes for Collaboration with MSU Department of Music Performance Series. 

MANKATO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RECORDINGS 
KMSU spearheaded the Mankato Symphony Orchestra Recordings project, a comprehensive endeavor encompassing the production, recording, editing, and broadcast of four meticulously crafted stereo recordings of Mankato Symphony Orchestra (MSO) concerts. With the primary goal of enhancing accessibility to local classical music, the project aimed to bring the richness of orchestral performances to the airwaves for Southern Minnesota residents. The live concerts were captured with professional precision, utilizing multiple microphones and state-of-theart digital equipment. These recordings were then expertly edited into four distinct 60 to 90-minute shows, featuring compelling works by renowned composers such as Nikolai RimskyKorsakov, Howard Blake, Michael Abels, Joan Tower, and Dimitri Shostakovich. The broadcast of each performance typically occurred the Sunday following the live event, marking the culmination of this ten-month project. 

The impact of KMSU’s Mankato Symphony Orchestra Recordings was substantial, reaching an estimated audience of 5,000 listeners per segment. Expanding the project’s reach, the station made these recordings accessible on the Public Radio Exchange (PRX), and concerted efforts were undertaken to share them with various broadcast partners. The project garnered commendation from the MSO, with Executive Director Dr. Bethel Balge, and Ernesto Estibarribia, Music Director and Conductor, expressing appreciation for being interviewed before each recorded performance was featured. They liked the ability to guide the listening audience through the performance. This collaborative effort effectively realized the proposed outcomes, demonstrating KMSU’s commitment to bringing the cultural richness of classical music to a broader audience in Southern Minnesota.

MAHKATO WACIPI (POW WOW)
KMSU played a role in amplifying the 50th Annual Mahkato Traditional Wacipi, an esteemed Indian Pow Wow held at Dakota Wokiksuye Makoce, through its Legacy project Mahkato Wacipi (Pow Wow). In alignment with the event’s profound vision statement, which underscores the Mahkato Mdewakanton Association’s commitment to reconciliation and cultural preservation, KMSU produced a compelling 20-minute interview. This segment not only promoted the Mahkato Wacipi (Pow Wow) but also enlightened listeners about its historical significance. Mahkato Traditional Wacipi vision statement reads that “in the spirit of reconciliation, Mahkato Mdewakanton Association is committed to healing and enriching the experiences of Dakota and non-Dakota communities through the preservation and sharing of Dakota history, traditions, and culture.” The Pow Wow took place at the Land of Memories Park in Mankato and honored the 38 Dakota members who were killed in the largest mass execution in the United States. This gathering of nations celebrated and honored traditions and ancestors, with the goal of reconciliation and bridge-building between all nations through education, storytelling, and the sharing of Dakota Indian culture. Mahkato Wacipi (Pow Wow) was a three-month project. 

Reflecting the project’s profound impact Mahkato Wacipi (Pow Wow) helped support Indigenous dancers and drummers at the annual Mahkato Traditional Wacipi, that drew an impressive attendance of approximately 3,500 individuals. Attendees learned more about Dakota culture as well as the 1862 U.S.–Dakota Conflict. The station estimates approximately 5,000 people heard the on-air elements of the project. The project helped give Minnesotans a better understanding of Native Ameircan history and culture and helped arts and culture to thrive more than would have been the case had KMSU not been able to do this project. The station achieved the proposed measurable outcomes for this project.

SMALL VENUE MUSIC & ARTS PERFORMANCES
KMSU played an important role in enhancing and promoting Southern Minnesota’s vibrant music and arts scene by actively publicizing and contributing to a diverse array of Small Venue Music and Arts Performances in the Mankato and St. Peter area. This multifaceted project saw KMSU collaborate with local venues and businesses, showcasing 27 live events that collectively drew a lively audience of approximately 2,500 attendees. The station also curated and aired five on-air shows, each showcasing hour-long performances that captured the essence of the region’s diverse musical tapestry as part of this yearlong project.

Among the standout events was the Golden Hour series, a melodious journey that brought local music acts to the outdoor patio of the Wine Café in downtown Mankato. KMSU produced a one-hour review of Golden Hour featuring selected performances recorded live at the event. The Music Events at Mankato Makerspace series, hosted at the nonprofit creative studio Mankato Makerspace, provided a platform for local musicians to captivate audiences while introducing newcomers to this vibrant artistic community. The impactful Juneteenth celebration in Civic Center Plaza honored African American independence, fostering a space for cultural appreciation, empowerment, and the support of Black-owned businesses.

The station also produced Free Form Freaktout Presents, two 30- to 60-minute performances recorded and featured on Free Form Freaktout, an hour-long review show of Keeping it Local Presents, a showcase of local singer-songwriters at The Enchanted Muse in Mankato, and an hour-long show entitled KMSU Presents, which featured selected performances recorded during the various live events associated with the project.  The expansive KMSU Presents series featured 11 music performances at various small venues, enriching the local cultural landscape. These on-air elements gave listeners increased exposure to professional performing arts and the work of professional Minnesota artists.

Acknowledging the pivotal role played by small music venues in the community’s social fabric, KMSU’s efforts fostered deepened relationships between the station, community members, and these vital cultural spaces. The station estimates that the on-air elements of Small Venue Music and Arts Performances reached about 5,000 listeners who were treated to captivating interviews and recorded performances, featuring Minnesota artists such as Good Night Gold Dust, Silver Summer, Given Names, Thirsty Giants, Liz Draper, Bee Balm Fields, Ben Scruggs, Laura Karels, Nate Boots, iE, and Chris Bertrand. More Minnesotans had access to this Minnesota music than would have if KMSU had not done this project. The station achieved the proposed measurable outcomes for Small Venue Music and Arts Performances.