This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Whether composing and arranging or appearing in settings ranging from solo artist to big band, this St. Cloud, Minnesota native, who criss-crosses the bold North playing dates big and small, is as respectful of his predecessors as he is ready to take a leap into the unknown and chart a new course.

His vocal and piano chops, along with his keen sensibility to find and interpret a great lyric, have lead to some great opportunities for Walesch, including an appearance on the nationally syndicated NPR broadcast Mountain Stage.

About the recently completed Fleetwood Mac tour, Ricky says, “We’ve done 80 shows all over the world and most recently down under in Australia and New Zealand! What a ride!” Ricky is best known for his now 20 year association with saxophone legend David Sanborn and for having, produced, written and played keyboards for Prince on and off since his early days on the Twin Cities scene (perhaps most notably producing and arranging the song "The Most Beautiful Girl in the World"). Playing on David Sanborn records since the mid 80's, he ensembled with and produced Sanborn on "Songs from the Night Before" and Prince on "Gold", "Emancipation", "Crystal Ball". Peterson also played a big part in writing and producing George Benson's "That's Right" CD.

This is just the icing on a career whose associations (either live or in the studio) read like a diverse pop and jazz trivia encyclopedia: Stevie Nicks, Bonnie Raitt, Billy Joel, Anita Baker, James Taylor, Mavis Staples, Joe Sample, Sting, Sergio Mendes, Brian Wilson, Ben Sidran, Rodger Waters, Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, Phil Upchurch, Jimmy Buffet, Fine Young Cannibals, Steve Miller Band, GoGos, Paula Abdul, Boz Scaggs, Dave Koz, Lalah Hathaway, Sheryl Crow, Jonathon Butler, Bruce Willis, The Jets, Jermaine Jackson, Rhythm Syndicate, Chaka Khan, Robben Ford, Howard Hewett, Larry Graham, Tuck & Patti and John Mayer.

Billy Peterson is one of the most celebrated bass players in the world. His uncompromising talents as a performer, composer, arranger and producer have brought him widespread recognition. This world-renowned bassist is often compared to a chameleon because he can fill so many positions and because he is at home in rock, pop, R&B, soul, jazz, folk or country.

Peterson's contributions to the music scene are inestimable and his enthusiasm for the bass is stunning. He is permanently in-demand as a bassist and known for his work with Carlos Santana, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Prince, Les Paul and Steve Miller, among many other internationally acclaimed artists.

Glenn's studies of music, science, technology and Buddhism combine in an effortless mastery of time and tone. At an early age, Glenn became one of the Twin Cities’ leading drummers in both live venues and the studio. He was a staff drummer at Creation Audio and worked with Minneapolis’ leading recording icons, including Herb Pilhoffer and Chris Moon. He co-authored, “Behind the Shades” with Sheila Raye Charles (daughter of Ray Charles) and produced and toured Japan with Sheila.

In 2010 he worked with Pippi Ardennia and co-founded PipJazz Foundation, a program that mentors talented jazz youth. Glenn is currently the Artistic Director for OACC.