The band is made up of six entertaining musicians who play a total of 18 instruments in their concerts. You will see them occasionally trading horns without missing a beat.
Dick Petersen, Leader
Dick is one of the original band members from 1967
Banjo, Guitar
Together with his wife, Carol, Dick takes care of all bookings and administrative duties.
He is one of the few left-handed banjoists in the country and plays strong rhythm with creative solos.
Russ Peterson
Joined the band in 1976
Trumpet, Trombone, Clarinet, Flute, Sax, Bass, Vocals
Russ is truly a musician’s musician — able to play all of the listed instruments at a very high level. Even though his main instruments are reeds, he is our trumpet player and can even play two instruments simultaneously. He is a member of the famous Peterson family of Minneapolis and always has a smile on his face and a kind word to say to everyone.
Steve Pikal
Joined the band in 1996
Bass, Trombone
Steve is the youngster in the band, but when you hear his fantastic trombone solos, he sounds like someone who has played for 30 years. Steve is truly world class, and he also plays string bass with gusto. His bass solos are exciting and the audience always responds to him.
Steve smiles all the time!
Tom Andrews
Joined the band in 1976
Drums, Clarinet
Tom is one of the finest dixieland drummers in the nation and has played with many popular dixieland bands at jazz festivals. His time keeping is marvelous and his solos are always creative and tasteful.
Tom also plays excellent clarinet and contributes many traditional ideas to the band.
Jim ten Bensel
Joined the band in 1970
Trombone, Cornet, Vocals
This trombone artist has bachelor and master degrees in music from the University of Minnesota and has taught vocal and instrumental at all levels from elementary to college.
As a performer, Jim has toured with Henry Mancini, Stan Kenton, and Ralph Marterie; he has backed up folks like Bob Hope, Vicky Carr, Red Skelton, John Davidson, and many others.
Fred Richardson
Joined the band in 2009
Clarinet, Bass, Sax, Banjo, Vocals
Fred is a talented musician who went to high school with Steve Pikal. Fred spent a year on the Delta Queen steamboat with the Riverboat Five. He has a great sense of humor, and loves to entertain.
Fred is married with two children.
