The Petersens:
Band history
In 2005 the band was formed and had their first performance at their mother's hometown church First Christian Church at Mountain Grove, MO.
The band was originally siblings Katie (on fiddle, vocals), Ellen (on banjo, vocals), 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.[2]
In 2010 the band won the CAM Gospel Sing-Off[3] 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.[4] 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[5][6][7][8][9] In 2017, Emmett Franz[10] joined the band as their dobro player.[2]
In 2018 the band placed 4th in the International Bluegrass Music Competition in Nashville.[11]
Katie, the lead singer and composer, has composed several original songs of her own, the most popular being "California".
The band, although young and upcoming, has garnered praise from top music professionals in the United Kingdom, who see the group as being unique in the field of bluegrass music.[12] So, too, Tripadvisor, has posted a reference to The Petersens as a suggested entertainment venue when visiting Branson, MO.
