Not everybody is at work today because it's the Fourth of July. It's kind of a skeletal crew, so Mary thought, 'What would be the right thing to do? Who would I like to bring in to work with me?' Naturally, Lefty and Crash came to mind. Watch video of these friendly pugs in the studio.

Benjamin Booker has a great ability to make retro appreciation sound very modern. On his second album -- filled with brightly lit, rocking blues, soul, and gospel-inspired tunes -- Booker clearly is brimming over with new ideas and thoughts about the world we occupy.

It's summertime, and lots of concerts are being announced. Who are you excited to see? Mary Lucia shares some of the acts she's looking forward to seeing, along with a few favorites of those she has seen, including a few legendary artists.

Derrick Stevens, The Current's Production Manager, joins Mary Lucia to talk about a recent event he participated in that focused on music and race in Minnesota and in the wider music and entertainment industries.

Seattle band Bread & Butter are aptly named: they make simple pop songs with a bit of vintage Big Star or Raspberries sensibilities. Check out their track, 'Keys to the City'; it's Mary Lucia's DJ Pick of the Week for June 19, 2017.

When musicians are confronted with depression and anxiety, there is a strong tendency to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. Mary Lucia found a video that she thinks helps demystify seeking help.

'Today, I woke up thinking how people are feeling powerless over other people's pain; more specifically, communities in which people may fear the police,' writes Mary Lucia. 'If you happen to be having a lot of indifferent feelings right now about people's disconnection from each other, follow Officer Tommy Norman, and let me know what you think.'

Sometimes life can leave us feeling uninspired. Mary Lucia shares a Joe Strummer video that's quite inspiring, but wonders what works for you. 'Today I am looking for some inspiration,' Mary Lucia says. 'When you feel like this, what do you do? Is there any go-to thing? If you have any suggestions, lay 'em on me.'

After Low Cut Connie visited the studio earlier this week to record a session that will air on Saturday, May 27, Mary Lucia says seeing the band -- and its charismatic leader, Adam Weiner -- put on such a powerful performance 'restored her faith' in rock and roll.

Forming a punk band in Minneapolis? Cool. Forming one in 1975? REAL COOL. Chris Osgood is known for many reasons in this scene: founder of the Suicide Commandos, teaching guitar to future rock stars, helping bands with his generous resources, and giving the best hugs in town. Check out Osgood's recent conversation with Mary Lucia.