Dan Wascoe is a retired Star Tribune reporter/columnist and MPR contributor. As a pianist, he has performed for the past 15 years with vocalist Baibi Vegners as 

. Since 2004, he also has been a volunteer player of the bells atop Minneapolis City Hall.

John Philip Sousa was no stranger to Minnesota. He and his band performed here more than 100 times, including at the State Fair, and he even composed two marches inspired by our state. But there's so much more that connects the March King with Minnesota.


John Philip Sousa marched all over Minnesota back in the day

Four notes, arranged into a simple melody of 24 tones, played by a solitary bugler, might be one of the nation’s most recognizable and enduring pieces of music: “Taps.” Volunteers ensure that it’s heard at all military burials at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.


Volunteer buglers play for honors at Minnesota military funerals

At 71, Keith Swanson is completing his 30th year as conductor of the Itasca Symphony Orchestra, based in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. His final concert is May 21, and two of his grown sons will be among the players. Find out more about his life and career.


Keith Swanson sings swan song as conductor of Itasca Symphony Orchestra

It doesn’t take long for visitors to realize that Austin, Minnesota, and Hormel Foods go together well. But there’s another link between the founding Hormel family, its well-endowed foundation and the city: music.


Beyond Spam: Hormel family's musical legacy thrives to this day

From Mahler to Berlioz, bells are an important part of orchestral repertoire. But, for the longest time, the Minnesota Orchestra relied on computer-based bell samplings and chimes to bring out those booming sounds. Thanks to a generous gift, however, two new bells will be added to the ensemble.


Minnesota Orchestra adds some heavy metal to its percussion section

The St. Olaf Band celebrated its 125th year in 2016, prompting two authors with connections to the Northfield college to write a history book about the ensemble. Take a journey through its storied past in 'Milestones and Memories of the St. Olaf Band, 1891-2018.'


New book recounts 'Milestones and Memories of the St. Olaf Band' since 1891

G. Oliver Riggs was a real-life Minnesota 'Music Man' in the early 20th century, creating and directing a few dozen bands, drumming up enthusiasm for band music, and raising money for uniforms. Now, great-granddaughter Joy Riggs is sharing his story in her new book, 'Crackerjack Bands and Hometown Boosters.'


Celebrating the legacy of Minnesota's real-life 'Music Man'

As times change, so do the stereotypes surrounding barbershop singing. Learn more about the barbershop community in Minnesota, and hear the Minneapolis Commodores perform at venues across the Twin Cities this summer.


For barbershop quartets, the harmonies are sweeter than ever

The 65-member Apollo Club of Minneapolis is gearing up for its 125th anniversary in 2020. And, just as it was in 1895, the chorus still is an all-guy thing.


The Apollo Club male chorus prepares for its 125th anniversary

Lorie Line began her musical career playing piano in Dayton's department stores 30 years ago. Today, she tours the Midwest and beyond with her own ensemble, now doing holiday concerts. But her success did not always come easy.


Lorie Line looks back on three decades in the music industry as she embarks on her holiday tour

Dan Wascoe is a retired Star Tribune reporter/columnist and MPR contributor. As a pianist, he has performed for the past 15 years with vocalist Baibi Vegners as Nuance/a duo. Since 2004, he also has been a volunteer player of the bells atop Minneapolis City Hall.


Dan Wascoe

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