An Ode To My Meddlers

"The Prairie Meddlers" has had a great impact on me, as a musician and as a person. I look at this group as my 'gateway band' to all the music I am doing now. Allow me to elaborate...

After going to college for music, I was burnt out. I still listened to music, but I took a break from playing. I felt I had lost my voice and didn't know what direction to go with what I had learned. I wanted to do something completely different from what I had been doing, but to still have an essence of me. I continued to support local music. But, after hearing my friends, Mike Swenson and Brian Gray, play one night, something was lit within me. I felt the need to play music. I talked to them after they were done playing, and told them that I'd love to play or sing with them. Being the open individuals that they are, they were all about it!

Backing up a bit, I had met Brian Gray around 2001 at the open mic nights held at the Green Earth Cafe (which, unfortunately, is no longer around). Gray was an active musician, as well as an encouraging voice to me to share my music, no matter what it sounded like. (And, fun little fact: I took a semester or two of piano lessons from his mother in college!) I met Mike a few years later through mutual friends and the music scene. Since both Mike and Brian played guitar, I decided to dust off my accordion that I had acquired a few years before. We knew upright bass would be perfect for our acoustic situation, so Mike got a hold of Brian McGinness, a local farmer who we had seen at more recent open mics nights. All of a sudden, we had a band!

 We began practicing together, each bringing tunes to the table. It was very laid back and relaxed, the opposite of what I was used to! But, as it turned out, that is exactly what I needed at the time. There was no real leader of the band, we each were an equal part. We each sang lead on tunes, and added harmonies on others. We all listened and added suggestions to improve the songs. And it worked for us. One of my favorite things about us was our ability to harmonize. My favorite tunes were when we'd have 4-part harmonies rolling over our grassroots, old country, or rock tunes. We each have very different vocal qualities, so there was something magical about being able to blend well and make it sound effortless, like we belonged together.

We eventually gained enough material to start gigging, and played numerous shows. We played outdoor shows at the bandshell, local market, Urban Harvest, and dinner parties at Riverbound Farm. We played at our local brewery, restaurants, bars, private parties, and travelled to Minot to Souris River Brewery. We did a mini recording session at a studio. We were even on TV!

I learned so much! I learned about booking gigs. I learned about sound equipment and how to use it. I learned how to be comfortable performing on stage. At some point, my anxiety of performing turned into excitement-that is a great feeling! I learned that when you have that comfortable foundation, it is easier to go outside the box. With my band mates always being encouraging without being too pushy, I took the occasional risk with an improv solo or variation of something I had done before. Sometimes it was great, sometimes it wasn't the best, but it was always a learning experience, living in the moment. I knew anything I contributed was appreciated. I learned to roll with the punches when an extra couple measures, an extended solo section, or chorus was thrown in. I learned how to listen and how to react to the unforeseen changes or additions. I learned how to take a song I had heard or written and apply it to a band. All of these things are things you could learn from a book, school, or a YouTube video, but actually applying them to a real-life situation is the true learning experience. And, for that, I am eternally grateful.

We had been playing for about a year and a half when our bass player, McG (as we called him), and family went to Costa Rica for three months last winter. We took a break as a band during and after that time, getting caught up with other life things and musical endeavors. Mike and Brian Gray continued on with their pre-Meddlers band, The SwenTones, I had switched focus to my band, Golden Ratio, and McG had a busy last season at his farm, Riverbound Farm, and spending time with his amazing and beautiful family. There was a slight lack of resolution with us being done as a band, but it seemed like a natural progression given the circumstances.

During our dispersed time, McG and his family decided to wrap things up here and will be moving to Hawaii for a new adventure farming and living in the tropical land across the ocean. As a band, we decided that we needed one last hurrah before he left. We got out the old music, had a rehearsal or two, and had one final show at Laughing Sun Brewing Co., a huge supporter of local music, and a stage we came to know well as a band. There were so many beautiful faces in the crowd, the beer was flowing, and the good times were rolling! It was great to play together one last time.

We had our last gig as "The Prairie Meddlers" last Thursday. It was bittersweet, but I know we will all continue to do great things. I don't think I can properly express my gratitude for this band with words. All I know is that I wouldn't be the musician I am today if it hadn't been for all the experiences I had playing with these guys. They helped make music fun again. They helped me find my voice. We gained experience doing what we love, and that, everyone, is priceless!