KMSP Archives - News and Media | Augsburg University

Auggies perform with Barry Manilow at Xcel Energy Center

Posted on April 11, 2016October 5, 2021

Auggies sing with Barry Manilow on his well known hit, “Copacabana (At the Copa).”

Members of the Augsburg Choir sang backup for Barry Manilow during the Grammy-award winning performer’s farewell tour. The choir sang three encore songs with Manilow including “I Write the Songs,” “Miracle,” and “Copacabana (At the Copa).”

The Augsburg Choir was selected to perform by Barry Manilow’s choir director, Doug Hollenback. The ensemble is recognized for its high level of musicianship and performs a diverse repertoire under the direction of Peter Hendrickson ’76.

The performance by the students drew media attention from Twin Cities media outlets including:

Pioneer Press: Barry Manilow says goodbye in “farewell” show at the X
Minnesota Public Radio
KARE 11
KMSP FOX 9
WCCO TV

Watch a YouTube video of Auggies performing Copacabana at the show.

Gabby Giffords, Mark Kelly, and Minnesota leaders announce “Minnesota Coalition for Common Sense” at Augsburg-hosted press conference

Posted on February 26, 2016February 7, 2020

On February 25, former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and retired astronaut Captain Mark Kelly, co-founders of Americans for Responsible Solutions, joined Minnesota leaders at Augsburg College to announce a new bipartisan organization, the “Minnesota Coalition for Common Sense.” The coalition’s members – which include leaders from across sectors and parties – will urge their elected officials to advance policies that help keep guns out of the wrong hands.

Giffords was wounded severely during a 2011 shooting that resulted in six deaths. She and husband, Kelly, have announced similar coalitions in New Hampshire and Oregon during the past several months.

Augsburg College President Paul Pribbenow welcomed the event’s guests to campus and offered opening remarks at the press conference.

Media coverage of the event includes:

Star Tribune – Former Arizona Congresswoman Giffords brings gun control initiative to Minnesota
WCCO television – ‘Never Stop Fighting’: Gabby Giffords Visits MN With Gun Control Message
Minnesota Public Radio – Gabrielle Giffords in Minnesota, calls for gun control
Bring Me The News – Giffords visits Minnesota to launch coalition to help prevent gun violence
KARE 11 television – Gabby Giffords leads new Minn. coalition to reduce gun violence
KSTP television – Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in Twin Cities Discussing Gun Control
Christian Science Monitor – Gabby Giffords brings gun control fight to Minnesota (+video)

KMSP covers Augsburg College’s Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation
with Chuck D

Posted on January 21, 2016December 25, 2019

Fox News affiliate KMSP recently aired a segment about Augsburg College’s Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation, which took place on January 18. This year’s event featured Chuck D–author, activist, and co-founder of influential rap group Public Enemy. Chuck D spoke to a full auditorium about how King’s ideas and legacy should be applied to the current struggles against racism faced by today’s young people.

The segment featured brief statements by Chuck D, spoken word artist Sha Cage, and those who attended the event.

“People that used to close their doors and say, ‘You know what, my voice doesn’t matter,’ are coming outside and they are picking up signs,” Cage said of recent protests and activism.

Watch: Public Enemy’s Chuck D. talks racial tension at Augsburg on the KMSP site.