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Image art Marce Woods; overall graphic Heather Johnson
On April 23, 1976, 91.7 KAXE signed on the air for the first time, with a weekend of music and information drawn entirely from northern Minnesota. In 2026 we celebrate 50 years of broadcasting all year long!
Contributed
/
Bill Cooper
The first Fresh Pick to make an appearance twice, the latest Jazz Is Dead release continues its deep dive into jazz legacies from around the world spotlighting the legendary Brazilian duo, Antônio Carlos e Jocáfi.
The duo has been a cultural and vital presence in Brazil’s music scene since the release of their debut album in 1971. After first coming together in the 1960s, they became big players in the commercial music scene of the ‘70s, composing for television and cinema, along with some of the biggest musicians of their time like Maria Creuza and Sérgio Mendes. They sound as fresh and relevant as ever with their distinctive sound that blends Afro-Brazilian traditions with funk and samba.
This release has made me so grateful to Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad for embarking on the Jazz Is Dead collection in 2017. The bigger picture of the impact they have made in bringing legendary voices to new listeners and generations is the dream pairing for this innovative duo, who is also steeped in traditions. -KH
The duo has been a cultural and vital presence in Brazil’s music scene since the release of their debut album in 1971. After first coming together in the 1960s, they became big players in the commercial music scene of the ‘70s, composing for television and cinema, along with some of the biggest musicians of their time like Maria Creuza and Sérgio Mendes. They sound as fresh and relevant as ever with their distinctive sound that blends Afro-Brazilian traditions with funk and samba.
This release has made me so grateful to Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad for embarking on the Jazz Is Dead collection in 2017. The bigger picture of the impact they have made in bringing legendary voices to new listeners and generations is the dream pairing for this innovative duo, who is also steeped in traditions. -KH
Latest Stories
Events Up North April 29-May 3: Massive book sale in Hibbing, smelt fry in Backus
Events this week include a production of "The Grapes of Wrath" in Brainerd, the First Friday Art Walk in Grand Rapids, and a student art reception in Bemidji.
Bats' backs bear tiny trackers as researchers study summer movement
Charlie Mitchell enjoys interviews with Morgan Swingen (1854 Treaty Authority wildlife biologist) and phenology teacher Michelle Martin.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!
Authorities investigate Cass Lake shooting; Northern MN personnel respond to grass fires
Plus: Bemidji Area Schools approved a 3-year teaching contract along with $2.7 million in staff reductions; Gov. Tim Walz signed the nursing home "happy hour" bill into law; and the Lakes Area Food Shelf opened a new location in Baxter.
Northern MN fire personnel respond to grass fires during red flag conditions
A St. Louis County woman is facing charges for a negligent fire on April 22, 2026. Earlier in the week, personnel in the Park Rapids area battled a 10-acre blaze.
Acrobatic swallows wing their way north in pursuit of emerging insects
During the Phenology Report for the week of April 21, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on aspen flowers, migrating swallows, and the beginning of the dawn chorus.
Students watch woodcocks dance at Long Lake Conservation Center
During the week of April 21, 2026, we enjoy reports of life awakening and migrating across the state. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
Cass County, Leech Lake Tribal PD investigating shooting in Cass Lake
A 39-year-old man was treated for injuries following a shooting in the early morning hours of April 22, 2026, in Cass Lake's Tract 33 housing area.
Extreme fire danger continues with another Red Flag Warning in MN
Residents should not burn in counties where a Red Flag Warning is in effect and should also check any recent burning they did to ensure the fire is completely out.
Month to go in legislative session; Grand Rapids mulls new vision for park
Plus: The city of Virginia will begin removing and replacing ash trees in a proactive move against the invasive emerald ash borer.
With eyes on the clock, MN lawmakers debate fraud, other issues
The Legislature does not have to approve a new budget in 2026 but is still holding talks affecting taxpayer dollars.
Virginia to proactively remove, replace ash trees as borer spreads north
Residents may notice increased tree removals in city boulevards, parks and public spaces because of the emerald ash borer, but new trees will also be planted in priority areas.
Public can help guide future of Grand Rapids' Legion Park at open house
Grand Rapids is working on a new master plan for Legion Park, with potential investments including a curling center, indoor fieldhouse and mountain biking trailhead.
When our neighbors are in need of food, organizations and volunteers across Northern Minnesota step up. Food shelves, community meals and soup kitchens aim to the fill the gaps.
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 April 7, 2026, we enjoy reports of Eastern Bluebirds, frogs calling, and buds beginning to break. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
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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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