The Petersens

The Petersens are an American bluegrass family band from Branson, Missouri.

The Petersens
OriginBranson, Missouri, US
GenresBluegrass
Country
Christian & Gospel
Roots music
Years active2005–present
Website
MembersKatie Petersen
Ellen Petersen Haygood
Matt Petersen
Julianne Petersen
Karen Petersen
Emmett Franz
Past members
  • Jon Petersen

Band history

The Petersen children grew up playing music together, but first heard bluegrass in 2003 at the Gettysburg bluegrass festival. The band was formed and had their first performance in 2005 at their mother's hometown church First Christian Church of Mountain Grove, MO.

The band was originally siblings Katie (on fiddle), Ellen (on banjo), their brother Matt (on bass), and their youngest sister Julianne (sings and dance), accompanied by their mother Karen (on mandolin) and father Jon (on guitar). But over time, Julianne took the mandolin part and Karen switched to bass. Matt took the guitar part and their father, Jon, played the piano on some of the gospel songs. These early performances were mostly held initially in local festivals, churches and cafes.

In 2010 the band won the Gospel sing-off competition at the Sight & Sound Theatre in Branson, which performance caught the attention of the IMAX Entertainment Complex and where they were invited to play regularly at the Little Opry Theater for the entertainment of local and state residents.[1] In 2015, the band received international recognition when banjo player, Ellen Petersen, competed in the singing reality TV show, American Idol, placing in the top 48. In 2017, Emmett Franz joined the band as their dobro player.

In 2018 the band won 4th in the International Bluegrass Music Competition in Nashville.

Katie, the lead singer and composer, has composed several original songs of her own.

Musical style

The band performs American Roots music, which is a mixture of several genres: country, gospel a cappella, and bluegrass. Some of the band's biggest influences include Alison Krauss, Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, John Denver and Glen Campbell.

Their youth, as also the style of music they play, make them a popular attraction at bluegrass festivals.

Touring

Prior to 2019, The Petersens had performed to audiences throughout the continental United States, in Canada and in Ireland. In late 2019, The Petersens went on additional singing tours to Finland and to Ireland, the trip to Ireland being the group's third tour of that country. Social media platforms are often used to document their performances and recordings.

Discography

Albums
Title Release date Label
The Petersen Family (EP)
Travelin’ Shoes - the Petersen Family Band (EP)[2]
Finally Going Home - The Petersens May 1, 2014
Shenandoah - The Petersens October 22, 2017 CD Baby[3]
Homesick for a Country August 9, 2019 The Petersens[4]
Gentle on My Mind - The Petersens (EP) November 1, 2019 CD Baby
The Petersens - YouTube Sessions, vol. 01 August 8, 2020

Several of the group's newer releases, as well as covers of other artists, have been made available on Spotify[5] and iTunes.

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References
  1. The Petersen Family Bluegrass Band (Branson Ticket Store)
  2. Produced by Bruce Hoffman with Hoffman Studio Productions
  3. Shenandoah - The Petersens, Album label: CD Baby. (Amazon music), in collaboration with John and Bill Chapman
  4. Homesick for a Country - The Petersens, Album label: The Petersens (Amazon music)
  5. The Petersens
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