Roger and Maria Petersen dropped by shortly after they had spent multiple days at the National Traditional Country Music Association annual festival in Le Mars, IA. Besides bringing me some pictures of the event we realized Maria had never signed the Tesco Productions “Wall of Fame” back when she recorded her three zither and zither/vocal CDs in 2010. I guess in the many recording and mixing sessions we never got around to having her signature added to the dozens and dozens of others that have found their way to the walls and hall of signings. Yes, there’s actually two walls being memorialized now since the first one filled up and the hall is pretty full as well. It’s quite a journey to look over those signatures – remembering projects, people, friendships, and yes the loss of some of those friends who have now passed away. Anyway, Maria has now officially joined her hand along with many others. The text is in her native language of German and she interpreted it for me afterward. My best memory is that “she wished me happy and successful trails through life”. Thank you – there’s been many of those.

This month brings a close to most outdoor (and their associated indoor) performances that included the annual National Traditional Country Music Association festival in Le Mars, IA. Appearing this year were multiple clients in individual stage events and also as a newly-formed group.
Maria Petersen was there with her zither playing on various stages including the Outdoor Church and accompanied by Jeff Osthus on his bowed saw. Maria often conducts a workshop on the zither instrument and found a very eager young student who “helped” Maria play a song – much to the delight of her great grandmother. Later in the week Maria was also encouraged to enter the miscellaneous competition and was handed first prize with its evening slot on the main stage. Congratulations!
Rayne Magill was found on a number of stages throughout the week both playing solo and as a member of the new four-some (Plum Tuckered), two of which are also past clients of Tesco Productions. The additional two members that have been here include John O’Brien (Papio Creek) and Don Knudsen (Roundhouse Band). Rayne plays a variety of old country and folk favorites as well as a large selection of her own songs.
It’s always fun to catch up with current and past studio performers and hear them live as well, which is where their talents and hearts shine warmly.

I received a call a few months ago or so from a family band inquiring about making their first studio recording. This was a referral from another family group and I was excited to be possibly involved with this new project as well. Discussion was made in a number of phone calls about a plan and strategy for recording, and then a time was scheduled for an evening and the following day for the family to record twelve songs.
It’s always a pleasure to hear a family make music together, see and hear their interactions, and facilitate this time in their musical life together. Their style would most likely be categorized as Bluegrass with its typical instrumentation, tight harmonies and song selections. However, when you hear their music there’s no getting around the classical influence one daughter in particular brings to the playing and song arrangements. Some additional sounds come from instruments not often heard in Bluegrass – such as a glockenspiel, shaker and crow. The entire collection is comprised of Gospel songs from typical Bluegrass genre to arrangements of old standard hymns.
After a complete listen through of the entire disc I had a smile on my face and a lighter heart – and I hope you will find a similar response when you get the opportunity to hear this recording or better yet – see them in person. There’s some pictures of the recording times and signing the “wall of fame” in the photo gallery. Thanks to all who worked so hard to make this happen. Here’s a sneak preview of the CD cover.