Anika Besst

Minneapolis-St.Paul

Associate Producer/Reporter at MPR News (Saint Paul, MN)

Multimedia Journalist at APM Reports

Articles

Minnesota art and entertainment events this week

2 weeks ago | mprnews.org | Jacob Aloi |Anika Besst |Alex V. Cipolle |Max Sparber

MN Shortlist is your weekly curated roundup of recommended events from MPR News, highlighting standout performances, exhibits and gatherings around the region. 100th Anniversary Reading of ‘The Great Gatsby’April 10 — One of the best-known novels connected to the North Star State turns 100 today — and the Minnesota Historical Society and Friends of the St. Paul Library are hosting a live reading of “The Great Gatsby” from beginning to end.
Minnesota shortlist recommended events, performances and exhibits

3 weeks ago | mprnews.org | Jacob Aloi |Anika Besst |Alex V. Cipolle |Max Sparber

MN Shortlist is your weekly curated roundup of recommended events from MPR News, highlighting standout performances, exhibits and gatherings around the region. Art & Sound Lounge, Vol. 1April 3 — The Walker Art Center transforms into a “moody listening salon” for the first night of a three-week series. Guest artists Andy Jacobs and DJ Maracuya will collaborate on the music while guests enjoy cocktails and craft artmaking.
Smoke and memory: A Civil War painting endures in Minnesota’s Capitol

3 weeks ago | mprnews.org | Anika Besst

If the Minnesota State Capitol were on fire, historic site manager Brian Pease says he’d save one painting first: The Battle of Nashville by Howard Pyle. It shows a Civil War battle from December 1864 involving hundreds of Minnesota soldiers. Varnish has faded its 119-year-old paint, but it still captures the grim reality of its subject.
Four strings, infinite joy: T.H.U.G. is a ukulele group with a name to remember

1 month ago | mprnews.org | Anika Besst

Create an account or log in to save stories. Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories. “Purple Rain” isn’t commonly considered for acoustic covers, but that didn’t stop the Two Harbors Ukulele Group. Also known as T.H.U.G., the group’s repertoire is over 400 songs and growing. The vast, ukulele-focused repertoire includes hits from the 1940s, 1960s, originals and more. Their rendition of Prince’s iconic song gives it an air of bluegrass.
There are calls to pardon Chauvin. Here’s why it wouldn’t get him out of prison

1 month ago | inforum.com | Anika Besst

ST. PAUL — Elon Musk recently shared a video on X from conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, who called on former President Donald Trump to pardon ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s federal conviction in the murder of George Floyd. The provocative comment and amplification by Musk has sparked discussion about the possibility and conditions of Chauvin’s conviction getting pardoned.
There are calls to pardon Chauvin. Here’s why it wouldn’t get him out of prison

1 month ago | mprnews.org | Anika Besst

Elon Musk recently shared a video on X, formerly Twitter, from conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, who called on former President Donald Trump to pardon ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s federal conviction in the murder of George Floyd. The provocative comment and amplification by Musk has sparked discussion about the possibility and conditions of Chauvin’s conviction getting pardoned.
Last chance to catch the ‘planet parade’ phenomenon

1 month ago | mprnews.org | Anika Besst

The seven planets in our solar system will align Friday and Saturday in a phenomenon known colloquially as a “planet parade.” The parade on Friday features all five visible planets: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn and the two planets that can’t be seen by the naked eye: Uranus and Neptune, according to NASA.
Minnesota musician Mary Bue’s newest album captures the spectrum of humanity

2 months ago | mprnews.org | Anika Besst

Minnesota native Mary Bue has carved a unique space within the music scene, using her art for healing. Bue’s understanding of the emotional relationship between lyrics and the music has led her to create an innovative sound. Her latest album “The Wildness of Living & Dying,” to be released Sunday, explores humanity, love, healing and trauma. This album, written from 2020 to 2023, is inspired by events in Minneapolis and the world — as well as a traumatic carjacking Bue experienced.
Minneapolis muralist Flahn Manly and his art of resistance, love and peace

2 months ago | mprnews.org | Anika Besst

Minneapolis-based artist and muralist Flahn Manly has an exhibit opening Saturday about the power of joy, love and peace to fight hate and fear. Titled “Joy is My Weapon,” the exhibit will be on display at NE Sculpture Gallery Factory in Minneapolis. Manly says this show reflects his personality and energy. “How can I make an entire environment focus on joy and love, right? And it just happened to be the perfect divine time,” he said. “I should do it.
11 Minnesota chefs and restaurants named 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists | MPR News

Jan 22, 2025 | mprnews.org | Anika Besst

Eleven Minnesota chefs and restaurants were named James Beard Award semifinalists for 2025. The list includes five Minnesota chefs being awarded Best Chef in the Midwest category and one Minneapolis chef, Ann Ahmed, being named Outstanding Chef.