Prairie Public
Impact
Distribution & Reach
Prairie Musicians has a goal of connecting audiences to new and emerging musicians from throughout Minnesota. The messages in the music are often universal and entertaining, but also sometimes address social issues, political rhetoric, and personal wellness. Lately, the musical genres incorporate new technology into the creation of music for a unique, innovative sound. Artists appreciate the opportunity to showcase their talent because many rely on their music career for their financial stability. Musicians who were surveyed have seen a 53% increase of followers on their social media after appearing on Prairie Musicians . Another participant said, “I’ve been able to use my Prairie Musicians episode to send to bookers. It is by far the most professional representation of my work and myself, visually and sonically. It helps provide some added legitimacy to the group when booking.”
Platform
Reach (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025)
Broadcast
7 episodes broadcast | 82 hours broadcast
Streaming
7 episodes available | 3.5 hours available | 7,124 streams
Social Media
19 posts | 272,735 video views | 8,981 engagements
Episodes
“I’ve been attending more arts-focused events, looking for local vendors to support.” – MPTA survey respondent
Conor Lee, Fergus Falls, MN | Episode 1701 | January 30, 2025 Conor Lee is an active musician, composer, and performer with a degree in Jazz Studies from Minnesota State University Moorhead. With broad experience in the music industry, his own music is a complex integration of alternative rock and jazz. The band accompanying him includes Andrew Nelson on keyboards, Max Johnk on bass, and Matthew Tinjum on drums. Dillon Spurlin, Detroit Lakes, MN | Episode 1702 | February 6, 2025 Dillon Spurlin is a classically trained solo-acoustic musician who writes and performs his own unique style of easy listening music. His gentle voice and dynamic range combine to create the complexity of his compositions. The vulnerability in his lyrics provide the listener a glimpse into Dillon’s youth and his curiosity about life and love. MorningBird, Hibbing, MN | Episode 1703 | February 13, 2025
Rusty Crayfish Brass Band, Brainerd, MN
Prairie Musicians
Conor Lee, Fergus Falls, MN
Publish Date: January 30, 2025 Format: 8 x 30-minute episodes
MorningBird is a duo who encapsulate an eclectic style of folk Americana music with a hint of gospel and Appalachian influences. The chemistry of Rob Wheeler and Jill Burkes brings an organic feel to their performance. Their songs are edgy, free-spirited, and incorporate an element of nature that is both refreshing and authentic. Lula, Palmer, MN | Episode 1704 | February 20, 2025 Lula is a Minnesota-based singer-songwriter who has accomplished years of classical music training. Her transition into expressive musical freedom has been a journey of passion and soul searching. The result can be found in the heartfelt stories she tells in her music which are full of emotion, empathy, and universal truths. Matt Arthur Contraption, Ellendale, MN | Episode 1705 | February 27, 2025 Matt Arthur is a southern Minnesota blind man who learned to sing by listening to gospel records as a child. He writes and records songs that mimic 70s-style folk and country renegade tunes. The Matt Arthur and the Contraption includes fellow musicians Bill Patten and Faith Eskola who have been adding their influences of old- time rock and roll to the lineup. Rusty Crayfish Brass Band, Brainerd, MN | Episode 1706 | March 20, 2025 The Rusty Crayfish Brass Band is all about having fun and connecting with audiences through their New Orleans- style brass music of the Upper Midwest. The history of the music is what inspired musicians to compose their own original tunes.
Description
Prairie Musicians is a wide-reaching representation of Minnesota’s musical talent that is best known for its high quality production and diversity of genres. Bands make their way to the Prairie Public television recording studio to perform original music and arrangements. Band members offer insight to their creative process and professional goals in short interview segments throughout the program. Prairie Musicians is a platform where creativity and musical innovation lend a hand to new talent but also enlighten viewers on the trends in the Minnesota music industry.
“Prairie Musicians has helped me find local musicians to book for a festival.” – MPTA survey respondent
Dillon Spurlin, Detroit Lakes, MN
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