With its 11th anniversary parties just a few days off, 89.3 the Current just announced another reason to celebrate this week: Minnesota Public Radio's hip modern music station will broadcast in Duluth starting Feb. 1 on 90.9 FM and 100.5 WSCN HD-2.

The new Twin Ports area frequency fills the biggest hole in the network of stations statewide that broadcast the Current outside the Twin Cities, including a recent addition in Ely as well as outlets in Rochester, Mankato, Grand Rapids and a few other towns. But the outlet in Duluth will be a little more ambitious than the rest, thanks in part to the fact that MPR already maintains a regional office there and has strong membership potential in town. The station will hire a "local music host" to produce a weekly show and helm events there.

Duluthians have already gotten to know the Current via its annual "Road Trip" harborside broadcasts that spotlight the city's ever-percolating music scene, anchored by 89.3 favorites Low and Trampled by Turtles (Low headlines Night 1 of the 11th anniversary parties Friday at First Avenue). Said MPR spokesperson Jen Keavy, "Every time we've gone up there, we've heard a lot of people ask, 'When are we going to get the Current up here?'"