With its ratings on the rise along with its regular airplay of Minnesota music, Twin Cities radio station the Current (89.3 FM) is launching an all-local music stream on its website Thursday.
Dubbed "Local Current," it will provide a 24/7 outlet for bands from the region, including such on-air staples as Atmosphere, Jeremy Messersmith, Dessa, Trampled by Turtles and the Replacements, plus a lot of lesser-knowns -- all rotated in a preliminary launch of the new feature earlier this week.
"If resources permit, we plan to do even more with this," said Current program director Jim McGuinn. Staffers will compile the stream's playlist and provide between-song commentary, just as they do for broadcast programming on the Minnesota Public Radio affiliate. The stream is being funded in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment's Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
To listen to "Local Current," visit www.thecurrent.org/local.
CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER
