Over the Rhine Comes Into the Valley
Mennofolk headline act, Over the Rhine, will be performing Saturday Night in Lehman Chapel. The group is made up of husband and wife, Linford Detweiler, left and Karen Bergquist, right.
From opening for Bob Dylan to performing in Holland, folk band Over the Rhine brings 17 years of playing together to the Mennofolk stage this weekend.
"Everybody wants to be drunk on the good stuff - drunk on life, love, music, the wine of God, and what not." says Karin Bergquist, who along with husband Linford Detweiler, make up the band, Over the Rhine. Being drunk on music is one thing Bergquist and her husband, Linford Detweiler, know all about. They will appear this weekend as the feature group of the Mennofolk music festival.
OtR got its start in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1989. The band's name was inspired by a nearby neighborhood, an area known for being a melting-pot of immigrant families. They played their first show in 1990 to a small audience at a local Cincinnati club. Since then, Over the Rhine has produced eight recordings and opened for greats like Bob Dylan. Additionally, they played at festivals in Holland and England, and their recordings have been used on television shows including Felicity and Third Watch.
Linford Detweiler is the band's main songwriter, although Karin contributes frequently as well. Linford has also acted as Over the Rhine's producer at some points during the past few years. Both Linford and Karin love their music, but they remember that they are a family first. Their newest album is a product of time spent together; time spent drunk on life, love, and their moving melodies.
Over the Rhine's latest CD is entitled "Drunkard's Prayer." Recorded in the artists' own living room, it has a simple sound, but manages to reach emotionally deep into the listener. Karin Bergquist, lead vocalist, has a soft yet strong voice able to carry powerful and very personal sentiments in each original note. The duo comments, "We've found there's an undeniable warmth and honesty that often comes through in the recordings we make at home." The group practiced most of the tracks on the record only two or three times before recording. This technique translates into a truly raw, real, and radiantly beautiful collection of music.
The fans of Over the Rhine's music spans generations. EMU sophomore Rebecca Souder enjoys OtR's "beautiful lyrics and melodies." Rebecca's mother, Donna Souder, shares a love for the band. She adds, "I like Karin's rich voice. Their music is relaxing and refreshing to listen to."
Mennofolk, which takes place over Homecoming weekend will present Over the Rhine Saturday night. Tickets for Over the Rhine are available for $8.00 at the box office. Come to Lehman Auditorium at 8:00 pm on Saturday for a taste of the good stuff.
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