In May Global Minnesota brought a delegation of vocalists and music producers from Azerbaijan to Minnesota to immerse themselves in Minnesota’s vibrant music and arts scene, experiencing its collaborative energy and entrepreneurial spirit. This professional exchange was part of the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program, an opportunity for up and coming leaders across a broad range of topic to experience the United States firsthand, share learnings across borders, make connections in their field of expertise, and build cross-cultural understanding. Their journey included iconic locations such as Paisley Park, the legendary home of Prince, where they explored the legacy of one of Minnesota’s most influential music figures—not only as an artist but as a fierce advocate for creative independence. At the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, they discussed how the venue’s varied programming and partnerships foster a lasting experience beyond the theater. An impromptu behind-the-scenes tour of the Guthrie Theater was an added surprise.
Throughout their journey, the delegation engaged with venues that champion cultural exchange and artistic experimentation. At The Cedar Cultural Center they examined how a nonprofit arts venue can remain financially viable while nurturing intercultural appreciation and understanding through the presentation of global music and dance. The vocalists also treated The Center’s staff to an impromptu concert, testing the amazing acoustics of the venue. The visit highlighted how grants, partnerships, and community support sustain a global stage for both international and local voices. Likewise, conversations with VocalEssence and Cantus revealed different models of artist-led innovation, where sustainability is achieved through a combination of entrepreneurial leadership, creative autonomy, and community-centered outreach.
The delegation then visited education-focused institutions like the High School for Recording Arts (HSRA) and MacPhail Center for Music, where music is both a craft and a tool for empowerment. They discussed how education, social enterprise, and strategic corporate partnerships can create meaningful pathways for young artists. The Azeri artists were so impressed by the recording studio at HSRA that they returned later in the week to lay down some collaborative tracks with the students, blending cultural influences and building cross-continental musical bridges.
A final stop at the home of a Doomtree Records founder was another highlight, offering practical examples of the ways in which independent musicians and entrepreneurs can navigate—and reshape—the business of music. Many of the visiting artists were inspired by Doomtree’s boundary-pushing sound and expressed strong interest in collaborating on remixes of their songs with DJ Lazerbeak, drawn to his innovative production style. Altogether, the visit offered a compelling portrait of Minnesota’s music ecosystem as a fertile ground for intercultural collaboration, artistic risk-taking, and sustainable creative careers.
One of the most memorable and spontaneous moments of the visit occurred at the Midway Saloon in St. Paul, where two Azeri vocal artists joined local blues artist Moses Oakland for an impromptu jam session. Surrounded by a warm and welcoming crowd, the visitors belted out Adele, Stevie Wonder and Etta James. Global Minnesota Senior Corporate Advisor Steve Riedel, an enthusiast of the weekly blues jam, commented, “We toss around the word “magic” sometimes and it can be hyperbole. In this case it’s the right word, given the huge distance between St. Paul and Baku, Azerbaijan.” This authentic exchange not only highlighted the universality of music but also deepened the group’s connection to the local community, reinforcing the spirit of collaboration and global harmony that defined their Minnesota experience.
Visits like these could be halted if the currently proposed FY26 federal budget is passed. Act now to restore funding to current levels.
