A Strong Voice in Music

By Diane Miller
Music Editor

This fall I was presented with an opportunity to play music with some folks who I consider to be some of the best musicians in town. When I got asked, I was ecstatic that someone like me—a fairly small name in Fargo’s live music scene—had the opportunity to sing harmonies with one of the area’s biggest names in live music, Pat Lenertz.

A 13 year veteran of performing music in the scene of Fargo/Moorhead, Pat Lenertz has remained a leading figure in this continuous growing music community of ours. One of the reasons could be his all-powerful voice, another could be his great ear, another could be his instrumental skills, another could be his talent for songwriting, and yet another could be that Pat is a super down-to-earth, modest team player. God knows all the drama that comes along with being in a band; Pat just knows how to handle being a leader well.

Pat has pipes. He has contributed his booming voice to singing since the day he discovered how to speak, continuous practicing, and also to growing up being a choir boy. “In high school I was lucky enough to have a choral director who had a double doctorate from Yale,” says Pat. “He paved the way to giving his students opportunities to sing at Carnegie Hall and even winning a Grammy for best high school music program.” Pat even attributes his church minister, Jim Dottenwhy, as an influence of the musician he has become today.

Upon asking Pat how long he has been a musician in town, he responds by giving me the exact date: “since May 5th, 1999.” It just goes to show how much this aspect of his life rests in his heart. “I have probably played around 2500 shows. I started playing in bars before I was even 21. They would not let us leave the stage,” says pat with a smile. “Some of my favorite memories are from closing down the stage at Kirby’s in Moorhead back when it was still open.”

Today Pat is the lead vocalist and guitarist of 3 different bands: The Legionnaires (a roots Americana/rock band), The Quarterly (a Grateful Dead tribute band), and Heavy is the Head (a reggae tribute band). On top of that, he runs an open mic and open jam at the Sidestreet Pub downtown. He plays so much music, not just for money or popularity; rather he plays music to better himself. “I use the music as a stress release… as a therapy. If I’m having a bad day I use it to feel refreshed,” says Pat. “Having people enjoy what I do is an added bonus.”

There is no doubt that people enjoy what he does. From his band mates to his fans, the scene always asks him back for more including a couple gigs coming up with his latest band, Heavy is the Head. One is on December 22nd at The Hodo and the other is on New Years Eve at the VFW. Heavy is the Head is a project involving nine musicians including 2 horns, 2 back up vocalists, 2 guitars, keys, bass and drums. “I never planned on starting a reggae band, even though I love the music, until Jason Boynten approached me wanting to start something.” Together all nine musicians worked to recreate some of the greatest reggae tunes ever made. “Reggae is a response to the oppression of people… Me being a white kid makes me want to show respect and be as humble about it as possible,” says Pat.

Being one of the back up vocalists in this band, I am incredibly grateful to learn from Pat as a leader. As a matter of fact, Pat and I are leaders of practically the same band, just different genres. Both D Mills & the Thrills and Heavy is the Head share seven of the same members including Josh Reinhart (guitar), Johnny Shea (drums), Jason Boynten (bass), Jason Will (keys), Steve Wallevand (Trombone), Andi Thoreson (back of vocals), and myself. I stand next to him at rehearsal and gigs and from a musician’s standpoint, I am floored by his talent and am constantly taking mental notes.

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If You Go

Who: Heavy is the Head
When: December 22nd and December 31st
Where: The Hodo (22nd) and VFW (31st)
Info: 21+ no cover