Peter Mayer in Concert

By Nichole Seitz
Contributing Writer

For some the 1st of May signifies the unofficial beginning of summer. Maybe some people even have fond memories of leaving May Day baskets at the doorsteps of a friend or neighbors house, only to ring the doorbell and run away. But this coming May Day will have a different significance for many Fargo-Moorhead residents.
 
Minnesota native and folk singer Peter Mayer will be headlining a concert at the Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre, which is presented by the Fargo-Moorhead Unitarian Universalist Congregation. The concert will also feature Brenda Weiler and Joseph De Masi, from Valley City. Mayer was out on tour promoting his ninth studio album, and was recruited to play a concert in Fargo after some members of the church attended a conference in Duluth, Minn. “A bunch of us saw Peter Mayer and we thought ‘Wouldn’t be fun to bring him to Fargo and have a big event?’” said Carol Kapaun Ratchenski, a member of the church.

A committee was formed, with fans of Mayer and church members, and the group worked with Mayer’s publicist to book a show in the area. “The focus is really just to bring Peter Mayer to the community and introduce the Unitarians to the community that comes, but it’s not like a Unitarian conversion concert,” said Dayna Delval, a member of the committee and fan of Mayer. “I’m just a fan. I don’t belong to the church, I just love his music.”

Despite the fact that Mayer isn’t a well known act, he seems to have a decent following, spread across the country. Everyone that was interviewed for this article gushed over Mayer’s musical talent, so naturally, this reporter had to check it out. At first glance it is easy to pass Mayer’s music off as another spiritual singer, performing songs about faith and God. His most recent CD is titled “Heaven Below” and the name does give a certain first impression. A visit to his Web site garners images of cheesy commercials, boasting a CD full of songs about praising the Lord.

Upon further investigation, it becomes evident that Mayer transcends that boundary and doesn’t focus solely on a religious vibe. “I feel in some ways like all the stuff I’ve written is church music but not in a religious sense, not in what we think of traditionally religious,” said Mayer. “It doesn’t really delve into one particular religion. I do sort of visit the subject of ultimate meaning.”

Picking up a guitar at the age of 15 was only the start of Mayer’s musical career. While in college studying theology, he took guitar lessons and also took a few classes in musical theory. After two years at a seminary, Mayer decided the priesthood wasn’t for him and he took a job as the musical director at a church. He eventually made the decision to pursue music full time and, according to his Web site, http://www.petermayer.net, he has sold over 50,000 albums independently.

Mayer’s music is full of creativity, humor and a refreshing energy that doesn’t come around very often. Using only an acoustic guitar, he provides his own percussion in some songs by tapping the body of the guitar. His humor is clearly evident in the song “Driving With My Knee”. With lyrics like “Well I get so excited with the time I save/ That I give the police a friendly two-handed wave/ And I can tell by siren and the lights that they’re happy for me/ ‘Cuz I’m driving with my knee.” The upbeat song sticks in your head, even after listening to it for the first time.

The tune “Fake Plant” aims to boost the ego of a fake plant that is feeling a little blue due to a lack of attention. Featuring these lyrics, “Still you do look perfect to be sure/ And your beauty always will endure/ Yes, in so many ways you are ideal/ Except of course for the fact that you’re not real,” the whole song makes you want to tap your foot along. “Driving With My Knee” and “Fake Plant” come from Mayer’s eighth album, “Novelties” and the whole CD seems to be filled with fun songs about whimsical items. Not all of Mayer’s songs are full of whimsy but they are filled with a respect for life and humanity. One song, named after Rosa Parks, chronicles and praises the Civil Rights icon for the stand she took that day on the bus.

Brenda Weiler deserves a listen as well. Her latest CD, “End The Rain” has more serious vibe in comparison to Mayer. Weiler took a break from the music industry in 2005 after losing her sister to suicide. After a four year break, “End The Rain” was released and follows Weiler through the grief of losing a family member. Her voice is quiet yet powerful as she tells the tale of heartache and loss.

Joseph De Masi, the other opening act, comes originally from New York City, where he honed his skills in folk clubs. In the early 90’s he signed a record deal with a couple of friends and had minor success, appearing on television shows like “Entertainment Tonight.” Now working on his solo career, De Masi focuses on a higher power to guide his music.

Questions and comments: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

If You Go

What: Peter Mayer, Brenda Weiler, Joseph De Masi

Where: F-M Community Theatre

When: Sat, May 1, 7:30pm

Info: 701.235.6778