Seventh Season of "MN Original" to Premiere on Twin Cities PBS

Saint Paul, Minn. (Dec. 11, 2015) – On Sunday, January 3 at 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., Twin Cities PBS is set to premiere the seventh season of “MN Original,” the Emmy® award-winning weekly arts and cultural series celebrating the creative process of Minnesota artists.

This new season of 13 episodes includes more than 50 stories about Minnesota artists working in all disciplines. The premiere episode features 2015 Man Booker Prize-winning author Marlon James, sculptor James Brenner and acoustic folk-duo The Ericksons.

Also coming to “MN Original” in 2016: Shapiro and Smith Dance, artist Peyton Scott Russell, actor Tyler Michaels, Chinese calligrapher Weiming Lu, the Giving Voice Chorus for those living with Alzheimer’s disease, and so many more.

And, new this season, “MN Original” and TPT have developed a partnership with McNally Smith College of Music for students to contribute original compositions to the series’ music library.

“This partnership gives talented students at McNally Smith College of Music professional experience to create original music for television. Their compositions enhance our stories and the artists’ work beautifully,” said Series Producer, Ashleigh Rowe. “MN Original’s soundtrack is exceptional. It’s been our mission since the beginning to feature the rich and diverse music made here in Minnesota. We are excited to grow our library of more than 4,000 songs by 250 Minnesota musicians with composers from McNally Smith.”

“We are very proud of the new music our students have composed – representing different genres and a variety of instruments – to add to the soundtrack to the new season of “MN Original,” said John Krogh, Dean of Academic Affairs at McNally Smith College of Music. “The partnership with TPT gives students an incredible opportunity to build their portfolios and further develop the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful as composers and content creators. This is another example of how we are preparing the next generation of music professionals with our Teaching for Tomorrow curriculum.”

“MN Original” documents and promotes the diversity of the arts and culture in our State. “MN Original” has featured thousands of artists in more than 150 programs since its premiere in 2010. The series has been recognized with more than 25 Upper Midwest Regional Emmy® Awards and a 2014 Legacy Partner Award for its effective implementation of Legacy projects.

“MN Original” airs Sundays at 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on TPT 2, Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. on TPT LIFE and Mondays at 7:00 p.m. on TPT MN.

###

 About “MN Original”

“MN Original” is TPT’s award-winning weekly arts series celebrating Minnesota’s creative community, across all disciplines and all cultures. “MN Original” increases awareness of Minnesota artists, arts organizations and arts venues and cultivates new audiences for the arts by promoting a deeper understanding of the creative process, curating contemporary arts in Minnesota for generations to come.

“MN Original” is made possible by the State Arts and Heritage Fund of the Legacy Amendment and the citizens of Minnesota. Twin Cities PBS is one of six public television stations in the Minnesota Public Television Association (MPTA) producing unique, regional Legacy-funded series, specials and documentaries.

For more information about “MN Original,” visit our website at www.mnoriginal.org or join us on Facebook andTwitter.

About TPT
The mission of TPT is to “enrich lives and strengthen our community through the power of media.”

As one of the nation’s leading public media organizations, Twin Cities PBS (TPT) uses television, interactive media and community engagement to advance education, culture and citizenship. Over its nearly 60-year history, TPT has been recognized for its innovation and creativity with numerous awards, including Peabody awards and national and regional Emmys.

Based in St. Paul, MN, TPT is the most highly viewed public TV station in the nation, reaching over 1.7 million people each month through multiple broadcast and online channels. The organization’s particular areas of focus include: the educational readiness of children; serving the needs and unleashing the potential of America’s aging population; engaging a new generation in the power of public media; and being the preferred media partner for organizations that align with our mission to enrich lives and strengthen community.

For more information about TPT, visit our website at www.tpt.org or join us on Facebook and Twitter.

About McNally Smith College of Music

McNally Smith College of Music prepares students make and sustain a life in the music and media industries. The College offers a unique curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in music through a combined emphasis on artistry, technology and entrepreneurship. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, McNally Smith offers a variety of degrees and programs for study — including Bachelor degrees, Associate degrees, and Diploma programs. Visit www.mcnallysmith.edu to learn more.

Press Contact:
Elle Lyons
[email protected] | 651-229-1491