REVIEW
The Petersens
Live at Thames War Memorial Civic Centre
By DAVIDDA HIKATANGATA
The room is packed by the time I arrive. It’s hard to spot any empty chairs, but there are still people coming through the doors and into the main auditorium of the Thames War Memorial Civic Centre.
We’re all here to see The Petersens.
The room goes dim until only the stage is lit.
Two Petersens step out into the middle, Matt on the guitar and Julianne on the mandolin.
Matt leads in with some bluegrass picking and Julianne jumps in on the second count with muted strums for percussion before stepping up to the microphone.
“I have seen the daylight fading, I have faced the eventide, but tomorrow I’ll be going over on the morning side,” Julianne sings.
It’s Morningside, a Petersens original.
No murmurs, no footsteps, no movement – nothing but full attention from the audience. Julianne’s soft, smooth voice holds the room’s gaze – every note clear and pure, yet filled with emotion.
Before the second verse arrives, three more Petersens and friend Emmett appear with their instruments in tow – Katie on the Violin, Emmett on the dobro guitar, Ellen on the banjo, and Mum Karen on the double bass.
Katie brings in the violin alongside Emmett on the dobro, also known as a resonator guitar, for a short stint before the whole band plays together in unison for the second verse, where Katie and Matt accompany Julianne with vocal harmonies.
Every note is thoughtful and sincere, yet so fluid it seems as though it unfurls in real-time. That’s how natural this music thing appears to be with the Petersens.
Smiles form on each band member’s face as the youngest swings into action with a mandolin solo after verse two.
Whoever had the idea to start the set with a catchy tune that also showcases a bit of everyone’s strengths knew what they were doing. I look around the room, just for a second, and all eyes are glued to what’s happening on the stage.
There’s foot taps, head nods, and no evidence of a cell phone in the air – just full attention for the artists and their art.
By the time verse three hits, anyone who was unsure about the evening is now staying put. It’s one thing to play music and it’s another to play with feel – The Petersens can do both.
Small gestures and looks across the stage at one another indicate the band is not only tuned to the music but to each other.
Following verse three, Ellen bounces into a banjo solo and swaps a smile with her siblings. Even though she makes it look effortless, undeniable joy beams from the musician, as if pouring out music is both a delight and necessity.
There’s a whistle followed by claps from an impressed crowd, and a shift in the song as the band reaches the bridge.
The musicians pour their souls into every note. With a sense of purpose, Emmett unleashes his solo – plucking the dobro strings with his right hand and sliding across the frets with his left. This is bluegrass.
The people clap, but it doesn’t end here.
Katie leans in straight after with a solo on the fiddle, eyes shut.
This family doesn’t muck around, and certainly doesn’t leave anyone out.
Everyone plays a significant part in the song, especially Karen, the matriarch who stands at the back, holding down the bass line. She is the backbone, the pulse that keeps the train moving.
The band moves and feels the music in their own ways, some close their eyes, and others tap their feet. Some do both.
But there are no show ponies here.
The music drops out for another verse, except for Matt’s guitar and Julianne’s vocal.
It takes understanding the people you make music with to truly know how to lean forward or back into it.
It’s also a fine art to know where and how to add a little more or a little less – and The Petersens know how to add just the right amount.
After all, it’s only a few minutes into a two hour show, they can’t give away all their secrets just yet.
But something quite clear is the way each member plays with a quiet grace, allowing every instrument to compliment the others.
Matt’s guitar comes to a halt, and three voices sing acapella for the final verse.
“I have seen the daylight fading, I have faced the eventide, but tomorrow I’ll be going over on the morning side, over on the morning side.” The final notes ring out in the auditorium, but only for a heartbeat, followed by cheers and claps.
The evening follows on with a blend of original and cover songs for a cathartic night of listening.
We all came for the music, but who knew the banter and humour between siblings during song intervals would have the room in soft chuckles every time.
We get to know the artists as they introduce one another and tell stories.
If it’s a delicate balance to weave in and out of heartfelt harmonies and waves of laughter, then The Petersens are tightrope professionals.
All in all, this show is not just good for the ears, it’s good for the soul.
