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Arts and Cultural Heritage Project

From the Minnesota State Legislature homepage: "In 2008, Minnesota voters passed a constitutional amendment, often referred to as the 'Legacy Amendment,' that increased the state’s sales tax by 3/8ths of 1 percent for 25 years . The funds raised by this tax are dedicated to four separate funds that each receive a specific percentage of the revenues: Outdoor Heritage Fund (33 percent), Clean Water Fund (33 percent), the Parks and Trails Fund (14.25 percent), and the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (19.75 percent). The Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (ACHF) is a state fund that 'may be spent only for arts, arts education, and arts access and to preserve Minnesota’s history and cultural heritage.'"

As a member of the Association of Minnesota Public Educational Radio Stations (AMPERS), KMSU Radio is one of several organizations in Minnesota that is able to use this funding to support a wide variety of events to create broadcast content for the community. Many of these events and projects would not be possible without Arts & Cultural Heritage Funding, so we'd like to say thank you to the voters of Minnesota for supporting the Legacy Amendment. Your decision has made Minnesota an even more vibrant place to live.

2025 Arts & Cultural Heritage Funding

MINNESOTA MUSIC CHANNEL
KMSU helped hundreds of Minnesota musicians gain greater exposure across the state through its Minnesota Music Channel, an online streaming and Hybrid Digital (HD) radio platform thoughtfully curated to celebrate the rich diversity of Minnesota’s musical landscape. This dedicated channel serves as a comprehensive showcase—amplifying the sounds of Minnesota musicians while featuring interviews and programs that explore their creative processes and stories. At the heart of the Minnesota Music Channel is a strong commitment to Southern Minnesota’s thriving music community. A signature segment, 15 on the 15, spotlights artists and bands located within a 15-mile radius of the KMSU studios, ensuring that local talent receives meaningful recognition.

The channel strikes a harmonious balance between legendary Minnesota artists—such as Prince, Bob Dylan, The New Standards, Charlie Parr, The Replacements, The Cactus Blossoms, Green/Blue, The Ericksons, and The Big Wu—and emerging musicians eager to make their mark on the broader music scene. Spanning an eclectic mix of genres, from folk, rock, and jazz to hip-hop, experimental music, extreme metal, and even polka, the Minnesota Music Channel reflects the full breadth and creative spirit of Minnesota’s musical heritage.

In FY25, the Minnesota Music Channel broadcast more than 8,700 hours of programming. KMSU-HD2 had an estimated 965 listeners, while there were 1,050 unique listeners, and 9,800 listening hours via the station website and the KMSU App. Listener and artist feedback were positive in FY25. KMSU achieved the proposed measurable outcomes, increasing the amount of locally and Minnesota-focused content produced by public radio and giving more Minnesota artists, musicians, and specifically those with ties ot the Mankato area, the opportunity to have their work showcased through public broadcasting with this yearlong project.

MANKATO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RECORDINGS
KMSU proudly produced the Mankato Symphony Orchestra Recordings project, a comprehensive initiative encompassing the production, recording, editing, and broadcast of four professionally crafted stereo recordings of Mankato Symphony Orchestra (MSO) concerts. Designed to enhance public access to local classical music, the project brought the richness and artistry of live orchestral performances to listeners across Southern Minnesota.

Each concert was recorded with professional precision using multiple microphones and state-of-the-art digital equipment to capture the full depth and nuance of the performances. The recordings were then meticulously edited into four distinct 60- to 90-minute programs, featuring works by renowned composers such as Anton Dvorák, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sergei Prokofiev, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, as well as a new composition by Mankato’s own Benji Inniger, titled “Bold North.” Each program was broadcast on KMSU, typically on the Sunday following the live concert, allowing audiences to relive the experience of these exceptional performances.

In FY25, the Mankato Symphony Orchestra Recordings project featured MSO’s 2024 Young Artist Concerto Competition winner, Vladimir Tsiper, internationally renowned cellist Amit Peled, and Latin American international star, Clarice Assad. The 9-month-long project garnered approximately 5,350 on-air listeners, and some of the recordings were aired on MPR’s classical channel. Mankato Symphony executive staff and listeners expressed positive feedback. The project resulted in Minnesotans being exposed to more professional performing arts and the work of professional artists. Mankato Symphony Orchestra Recordings also resulted in more locally and Minnesota-focused content produced by public radio. KMSU achieved the proposed measurable outcomes for this project.

COLLABORATION WITH MSU DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC
KMSU partnered closely with the Minnesota State University, Mankato (MSU) Department of Music to create a unique concert series titled Collaboration with MSU Department of Music Performance Series. This ambitious initiative showcased an impressive range of Minnesota-based artists, including Paul Mayasich, Erik Koskinen, Garret Steinburg, Kit Kildahl, and City Mouse. A key component of the project was the invaluable hands-on experience it offered to MSU Music Department students, who gained practical knowledge in concert production and audio technology. The performances were mixed by local audio engineers John Foderick of Johnny F! Productions, John Wingert of Good Thunder Productions, and Cayle Wendorf of Icabod Productions.

To extend the reach and impact of Collaboration with MSU Department of Music Performance Series, KMSU produced a 59-minute broadcast segment capturing the sound and energy of these live performances. The program, which reached approximately 5,000 on-air listeners, was also distributed nationally through the Public Radio Exchange (PRX). Additionally, the full concerts aired in their entirety on KMSU-HD2, The Minnesota Music Channel.

This initiative not only celebrated Minnesota’s rich and diverse music scene but also provided an important platform for local musicians to share their work with new audiences. Participating artists expressed appreciation for the exposure and recognition they received through public radio. Moreover, the project broadened access to Minnesota arts and music for residents of all ages, ethnicities, and income levels—reaching far more people than would have been possible without KMSU’s leadership.

KMSU successfully achieved all proposed measurable outcomes of increasing exposure to professional performing arts and giving more Minnesotans of all ages, ethnicities, and imcomes increased access to Minnesota art and music with the Collaboration with MSU Department of Music Performance Series.

LARGE OUTDOOR MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES
KMSU’s Large Outdoor Music and Arts Festival Performances played a vital role in amplifying Southern Minnesota’s dynamic music and arts scene by actively supporting eight large outdoor music and arts festivals throughout the year. Among these efforts, a highlight was KMSU’s collaboration with the Rock Bend Folk Festival, an annual post–Labor Day celebration that attracts roughly 10,000 attendees. The station’s Large Outdoor Music and Arts Festival Performances project also helped promote and expand the reach of community gatherings such as Songs on the Lawn—a series of free summer concerts held at the Civic Center Plaza in downtown Mankato. Presented in partnership with Greater Mankato Growth and the City Center Partnership, these events showcased an impressive mix of local and regional talent.

Further extending its cultural impact, KMSU partnered with the Austin ArtWorks Festival, a two-day celebration of local artists in Austin, and supported performances at the Minnesota Original Music Festival in St. Peter’s Minnesota Square Park each July, as well as Music in the Park concerts in August at Wheeler Park in North Mankato. The Mankato Diversity Council’s Juneteenth Celebration, held on the campus of Minnesota State University, Mankato, brought together audiences to celebrate diverse musical traditions and cultural heritage through performances from artists across the state. KMSU collaborated with a number of arts organizations for its Large Outdoor Music and Arts Festival Performances helping to attract nearly 40,000 people to artistic events in South Central Minnesota.

Rounding out this vibrant lineup, Blues on Belgrade—a full-day celebration of blues music on Belgrade Avenue in lower North Mankato—brought together audiences from across the region. A key highlight of the season, the Ambassador’s Bluesfest, served as the kickoff event for Southern Minnesota’s lively summer of music and arts festivities. In total, the FY25 Large Outdoor Music and Arts Festival Performances project successfully implemented eight events and six broadcast shows, reaching an estimated 5,350 on-air listeners and attracting about 38,400 attendees at the in-person events. The broadcast shows from recorded content included: a 59-minute Blues On Belgrade Highlight Show, a 59-minute MN Original Music Festival Highlight Show, a 180-minute Ambassador’s Bluesfest Performances Show, a 120-minute Rock Bend Folk Festival Highlight Show, and two 60-minute live broadcasts of Songs On The Lawn. The project resulted in more Minnesota-focused content produced by public radio, gave Minnesotans more exposure to the work of professional artists, and gave more Minnesotans access to the state’s art and music. KMSU achieved its proposed measurable outcomes with this yearlong project.

MANKATO WACIPI (POW WOW)
KMSU helped amplify the 52nd Annual Mahkato Traditional Wacipi (Pow Wow), an esteemed Dakota Pow Pow held at Dakota Wokiksuye Makoce (Land of Memories Park) in Mankato. In alignment with the event’s vision—emphasizing reconciliation, healing, and cultural preservation—KMSU produced a compelling 20-minute broadcast segment featuring the event’s emcee, drummers, and dancers performing during the Grand Entry. The program not only promoted the Mahkato Wacipi but also deepened public understanding of its historical and cultural significance.

KMSU partnered with Mahkato Mdewakanton Association for this three-month-long project. The Mahkato Mdewakanton Association’s vision states that the organization 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 Mahkato Wacipi honors the 38 Dakota men executed in Mankato—the largest mass execution in United States history. This gathering of nations celebrates and honors Dakota traditions and ancestors, fostering reconciliation and understanding through education, storytelling, and the sharing of Dakota culture.

In FY25, performers included the Mazakute Drummers, the Yankton Sioux Drummers, and Emcees Bill Taylor, Galen Drapeau Jr., and Jerry Dearly. Approximately 7,500 people attended the Pow Wow, and an estimated 5,300 listeners heard the broadcast segment on KMSU. KMSU achieved the proposed measurable outcome of increasing exposure of Minnesotans to Native American history and culture and helping arts, culture, and history to thrive in our state.

RADIO DRAMA
For its Radio Drama project, KMSU embarked on a creative journey, producing multiple original and classic radio plays, enlisting community members to lend their voices and creative talents to these imaginative broadcasts. The Radio Drama series featured two original works by local writers James Mackey and Destyni Gessner. Mackey’s The Dark Flamingo was a six-part radio drama series. The group also produced a tribute to Judson Fountain—the amateur radio actor and director often called the Ed Wood Jr. of radio drama, and the inspiration for the group’s name, The Fountaineers. In addition, The Fountaineers produced their own radio adaptation of the cult classic Santa Claus Conquers the Martians. The project not only showcased the talents of local actors but also embodied the collaborative spirit of the community, with participants contributing voice performances, sound effects, and production support to bring each story vividly to life.

Serving as a platform for creative expression and community engagement, the series fostered a strong sense of pride and connection among participants. The inclusion of whimsical, old-fashioned fictional sponsorship messages— written and performed by contributors—added a nostalgic and entertaining touch to each broadcast.

KMSU produced 10 radio dramas ranging in length from 20 to 60 minutes during the year-long project in FY25. Thirty-five people participated in the radio dramas, and the segments reached approximately 5,305 listeners. KMSU achieved the proposed measurable outcomes of helping art and culture to thrive in Minnesota and creating more locally and Minnesota-focused content with its yearlong Radio Drama project.

SMALL VENUE MUSIC & ARTS PERFORMANCES
KMSU played an important role in promoting and enriching Southern Minnesota’s vibrant music and arts scene by actively supporting and publicizing a diverse range of Small Venue Music and Arts Performances throughout the Mankato and St. Peter area. In collaboration with local venues, businesses, and nonprofit organizations, the station helped cultivate spaces for artistic expression and community connection.

Among the standout programs was the Music Events at Mankato Makerspace series, hosted at the nonprofit creative studio Mankato Makerspace. These performances provided a platform for local musicians to engage audiences while introducing new visitors to this thriving artistic community. KMSU also produced four Free Form Freakout concerts, showcasing fringe and experimental music that reflected the region’s diverse creative energy.

For Small Venue Music and Arts Performances, the station partnered with the Arts Center of St. Peter to present Hot Jazz for Decent People, a four-concert series held in July and August at the Pavilion in Minnesota Square Park, as well as an Extreme Metal Show hosted at the Arts Center. Additional collaborations included a partnership with Key City Bike for its WheelWorks event, which promotes biking culture and community engagement in the Mankato area, and with the Living Earth Center, where KMSU helped bring audiences together for an evening of live music in a beautiful garden setting. KMSU also partnered with Patrick’s On Third in St. Peter to offer singer/songwriters the opportunity to perform on their patio during the month of May as the weather was warming up and people were beginning to venture outside for to enjoy outdoor music in the spring.

KMSU produced 14 live events in FY25, featuring artists such as Eric Zimmerman, Ryan Rader, David Kaiser, Peter Jacobson, Evan Biere, Kaleb Braun-Schultz, Cooper Fuller, Beulah Rue, and Academy Order. The station edited the recorded content into three broadcast segments: one 59-minute Hot Jazz Sampler show and one 60-minute, and one 90-minute Free Form Freakout Performances.

Attendance across all live events totaled 1,845, while KMSU estimates 5,350 people listened to the broadcast version of the project. KMSU achieved the proposed measurable outcomes for this project. KMSU’s Small Venue Music and Arts Performances provided Minnesotans with significantly more exposure to professional performing arts and the work of professional artists, and provided more Minnesotans of all ages, ethnicities, and incomes with more access to Minnesota art and music. KMSU achieved all proposed measurable outcomes for this yearlong project.