About Peter
“Let’s start with the word ‘brilliant’ and move on from there,” said one reviewer. Acclaimed musician Norman Blake placed him among the greats of mandolinists. Decade upon decade, arts critics, fellow performers, and fans worldwide have sung the praises of Peter Ostroushko.
Mandolinist, fiddler, composer, arranger, and teacher, Peter grew up listening to tunes played at family get-togethers in the Ukrainian community of northeast Minneapolis. It’s the music that provides the basis for many of his compositions. “When I first picked up my father’s old bowl-back mandolin, around the age of three, little did I know that I was committing myself to a lifelong odyssey with the instrument,” he says.
His first recording session was an uncredited mandolin set on Bob Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks. And he went on to release a string of critically acclaimed albums of his own, including Postcards: Travels with a Great American Radio Show; Slüz Düz Music; the three CDs that make up his Heartland Trilogy (Heart of the Heartland, Pilgrims on the Heart Road, and Sacred Heart); and When the Last Morning Glory Blooms.
Perhaps his most ambitious recording is The Mando Chronicles. The three-CD set is a wide-ranging compilation spanning musical genres from old-time and bluegrass to jazz, classical, American parlor standards, tunes from Brazil, Ireland, France, Italy, Ukraine, and more — plus ace originals by Ostroushko himself. Jon Bream, longtime music critic for the Star Tribune, named it one of the 10 essential Minnesota albums of the past 40 years, a list that also included works by Bob Dylan and Prince.
Peter spent more than 40 years as a frequent performer on A Prairie Home Companion, and for a few seasons was Music Director for the popular public radio show. You may have caught him on TV too. He’s appeared on Austin City Limits, Late Night with David Letterman, even Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.
His works have been performed by the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Kremlin Chamber Orchestra, among others, and his music has been featured on public television specials such as Ken Burns’ film The National Parks and Minnesota: A History of the Land, for which Peter won an Emmy.
Although a serious stroke in 2018 left him unable to play the instruments he once rarely put down, he continues to be heavily involved in music. He has plans to release recordings of his previous performances, and he coaches students still eager to learn from a true virtuoso.
Reflecting on his remarkable musical journey, Peter has some advice for up-and-comers: “Dig up the yard and plant a garden. Vegetables, flowers, whatever gets your socks off. Getting your hands in the dirt will teach you all you need to know about being a musician. See it through — from the backbreaking work of tilling the soil, until the fruits of your labor show themselves at the end of the growing season. The planting of the seed till the plant produces its bounty is watching God at his creative best. What inspiration! Plus, if you can’t get any gigs, you won’t starve.”
Discography
Podcast
Dakota Dave & Peter Ostroushko playing at the Extempore Coffee House, by George “Jurijy” Ostroushko, color provided by Eric Peltoniemi.
Web Site & Podcast management by Jack Ferro
Theme Music for the Podcast: Puppy Belly Dance (Peter Ostroushko)
Recorded at the Fitzgerald Theater St Paul, MN
Peter O. - Mandolin
Dean Magraw - Guitar
Pat Donahue - Slide guitar
Richie Dworsky - Piano
Gary Raynor - Bass
Bruce (The Creeper) Kurnow - Harmonica
Marc Anderson - Hand Percussion
Arnie Kinsella - Percussion
My Life And Time As A Radio Musician
Episode 1
For those who like to keep track of these kind of things: On Over The Waterfall, as we enter into the music Dave is playing the melody in the key of D which is where fiddlers play the tune. When Dave finishes I change the key and play it in G. Then I play harmony to Dave's melody, then we play it one more time, sometimes in unison, sometimes back to the harmony. I start off New Camptown Races. I play it one whole time through the tune. When I finish, Dave plays it one whole time through the tune. Then Peter Sings Black Dog Blues and solos over the chord changes of the song. Then Peter sings again and Dave solos through the changes. Peter sings then solos. Peter sings Dave solos Ad Nauseum!
Songs
-
Recorded in St. Paul, MN
January 4, 1975
- I Still Miss Someone (Johnny Cash)
Becky Reimer - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Lead Guitar
-
Baby Lover (Becky Reimer)
Becky Reimer - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Lead Guitar
-
As Passers Bye (Becky Reimer)
Becky Reimer - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Lead Guitar
Peter & Dave's Music
-
Recorded in St. Paul, MN
- Over the Waterfall (Traditional)
September 9, 1974
Peter Ostroushko - Guitar
Dave Hull - Guitar
- Hey,Big Fat Mama (Peter Ostroushko)
October 19, 1974
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Guitar
Dave Hull - Lead Guitar
- Dance of the Prairie Home Graveyard (Peter Ostroushko)
November 16, 1974
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin
Dave Hull - Guitar
- Restless One (J.Clark & D. Hull)
November 30, 1974
Dave Hull - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin
- El Cumbanchero (Rafael Hernández)
March 15, 1975
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin
Dave Hull - Guitar
- New Camptown Races (Frank Wakefield)
Black Dog Blues (Traditional)
November 30, 1974
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Guitar
Dave Hull - Guitar
My Life And Time As A Radio Musician
Episode 2
Again, For those who like to keep track of these kind of things on Freight Train Boogie Dave and I start out playing The boogie beat in unison and afterone time through I start playing harmony to his guitar.Dave plays the solo.
O, Billy in the Lowground I play the melody the first time then Dave plays it the second time. Then I play harmony to Dave. Then we trade lines and go back to Dave on melody and me harmonizing to him. On Red Haired Boy Dave Plays it the first time I play it the second time, then I play a harmony part to Dave. We trade off on some guitar licks and finish up with me playing harmony to Dave.
Songs
-
Recorded in St. Paul, MN
January 4, 1975 -
A Reason To Believe (Tim Hardin)
Becky Reimer - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Lead Guitar
-
Woodstock (Joni Mitchell)
Becky Reimer - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Lead Guitar
Songs with Dave Hull
-
Recorded in St. Paul, MN
-
Billy in the Low Ground (Traditional)
April 12, 1975
Peter Ostroushko - Guitar
Dakota Dave Hull - Guitar
-
The Freight Train Boogie (Doc Watson)
April 12, 1975
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Guitar
Dave Hull - Vocal & Guitar
-
Peach Picking Time in Georgia (Clayton McMichum / Jimmie Rodgers)
November 23, 1974
Dave Hull lead guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Guitar
-
The Hitch Hiker Poem (Peter Ostroushko)
Peter Ostroushko - Voice
-
Streamlined Cannon Ball (Roy Acuff)
October 19, 1974
Dakota Dave Hull - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin
-
Dakota Dave's Mensware (Garrison Keillor)
October 19, 1974
Garrison Keillor and Dave Hull voices
-
The Red Haired Boy (Traditional)
Peter Ostroushko - Guitar
Dave Hull - Guitar
-
The Barnyard Dance(Bogan, Martin, and Armstrong
April 12, 1975
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Mandolin
Dakota Dave Hull - Vocal & Guitar
-
Dinah (Bing Crosby)
October 19, 1974
Carl Martin - Vocal & Mandolin
Ted Bogan - Vocal & Guitar
Howard Armstrong - Fiddle
My Life And Time As A Radio Musician
Episode 3, Part 1
Photo Credit: Keith Hammerbeck
Songs
-
Recorded at the Park Square Court Theater
St. Paul, MN
January 11, 1975 -
Kissimmi Kid (Vassar Clements)
Vassar Clements - Fiddle
Peter Ostroushko - Guitar
-
Long Way Around (Vassar Clements)
Vassar Clements - Fiddle
Peter Ostroushko - Guitar
-
I’m a Woman (Peggy Lee)
Becky Reimer - Vocal
Vassar Clements - Fiddle
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin
Jim Tordoff - Banjo
Cal Hand - Dobro
Dakota Dave Hull - Guitar
Dick Hedlund - Bass
-
Long Gone Lonesome Blues (Hank Williams)
Becky Reimer - Vocal
Vassar Clements - Fiddle
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin
Jim Tordoff - Banjo
Cal Hand - Dobro
Dakota Dave Hull - Guitar
Dick Hedlund - Bass
-
The Beaumont Rag (Traditional)
Peter Ostroushko - Guitar
Dakota Dave Hull - Guitar
-
Earl's Breakdown (Earl Scruggs)
Cal Hand - Dobro
Jim Tordoff - Banjo
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin
Dakota Dave Hull - Guitar
Dick Hedlund - Bass
Vassar Clements - 1st fiddle solo
Craig Ruble - 2nd fiddle solo
-
Sister Nell and Dirty Rueben (Cal Hand)
Cal Hand - Dobro
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin
Jim Tordoff - Banjo
Dakota Dave Hull - Guitar
Dick Hedlund - Bass
My Life And Time As A Radio Musician
Episode 3, Part 2
Once again for those interested in these kinds of details, in Episode #3 part 1 Peter plays the first time through on Beaumont Rag. Then Dave plays the next time, then Peter, then Dave. Then Peter goes to harmony guitar on the cross picking parts.
In Episode #3 part 2 Craig Ruble plays lead fiddle (melody) on all the songs and tunes. He also sings the lead on all songs. Vassar Clements plays harmony fiddle. On Uncle Pen Craig sings lead on the versus then sings the high tenor voice on the chorus, Vassar sings lead on the chorus, and Peter sing Baritone on the chorus.
Songs
-
Recorded at The Park Square Court
St. Paul, MN
January 11, 1975 -
Roanoke (Bill Monroe)
Craig Ruble - Fiddle
Vassar Clements - Fiddle
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin
Jim Tordoff - Banjo
Cal Hand - Dobro
Dakota Dave Hull - Guitar
Dick Hedlund - Bass
-
Foot Prints in the Snow (Bill Monroe)
Craig Ruble - Vocal & Fiddle
Vassar Clements - Fiddle
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin
Jim Tordoff - Banjo
Cal Hand - Dobro
Dakota Dave Hull - Guitar
Dick Hedlund - Bass
-
The Kentucky Waltz (Bill Monroe)
Craig Ruble - Vocal & Fiddle
Vassar Clements - Fiddle
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin
Jim Tordoff - Banjo
Cal Hand - Dobro
Dakota Dave Hull - Guitar
Dick Hedlund - Bass
-
Panhandle Country (Bill Monroe)
Craig Ruble - Fiddle
Vassar Clements - Fiddle
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin
Jim Tordoff - Banjo
Cal Hand - Dobro
Dakota Dave Hull - Guitar
Dick Hedlund - Bass
-
Uncle Pen (Bill Monroe)
Craig Ruble - Vocal & Fiddle
Vassar Clements - Vocal & Fiddle
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Mandolin
Jim Tordoff - Banjo
Cal Hand - Dobro
Dakota Dave Hull - Guitar
Dick Hedlund - Bass
-
The 8th of January (Traditional)
Craig Ruble - Fiddle
Vassar Clements - Fiddle
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin
Jim Tordoff - Banjo
Cal Hand - Dobro
Dakota Dave Hull - Guitar
Dick Hedlund - Bass
My Life And Time As A Radio Musician
Episode 4, Part 1
I think that the pizzicato plucking i do on the strings in Cherokee Shuffle is my addition to the tune. I've never heard any other version of that tune with plucked strings. Pretty girl I learned at the Weiser, Idaho fiddle contest. It seemed to be a very popular tune being played at the camp grounds and parking lots. I’ve never heard it on a recording or any otherplace since my trip to Weiser.
Dave plays St. Anne's Reel first then I play it the second time around. Then Dave plays Hulls Victory and I play Whiskey Before Breakfast. We end up by trading parts on St. Anne's Reel.
I learned Salty Dog from a Flatt & Scruggs recording. I sing lead then go to harmony vocal on chorus, Dave takes the first guitar solo then we swap with me going second.
I learned Willin from a recording of Peter Rowan when he was in a band called Sea Train. At the time I had no idea who Lowell George was. A few years later my friend Kirby Rule turned me onto a group called little feat. From that time until now they are my favorite rock band. I've gone to see them play many times. I wish I could have seen them with Lowell!
Salt Creek Also known as Salt River, it is a popular fiddle tune. Dave plays the first solo then I go second. Third time through the tune I play harmony to Dave, then I play the first half, then Dave plays the second half, then back to harmony guitar I go.
Tom & Jerry Is a popular fiddle tune at the Texas fiddle contests. I learned this from a recording of Texas fiddle champion Mr. Major Franklin
I remember when I first heard The Nine Years Waltz being played by Norman Blake and Grant Boatwright at the Whole Coffee House. It was the most beautiful piece that I had ever heard and it rocked my world! I decided that the waltz was the best way to express myself musicaly.
A version of The New Capmtown Races / Black Dog Blues #2 was on episode 1. I decided to use this version also because I thought the guitar playing was much better on this version. I hope you agree!
Songs
-
Cherokee Shuffle / Pretty Girl (Traditional)
Recorded April 12, 1975
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
Dakota Dave Hull - Guitar
-
Fiddle Tune medley - St. Anne's Reel / Hulls Victory / Whiskey Before Breakfast (Traditional)
Recorded November 23, 1974
Peter Ostroushko - Guitar
Dakota Dave Hull - Guitar
-
Salty Dog (Traditional)
Recorded November 11, 1974
Peter Ostroushko - Guitar & Vocal
Dakota Dave Hull - Guitar & Vocal
-
Willin (Lowell George)
Recorded January 11, 1975
Peter Ostroushko - Guitar & Vocal
Dakota Dave Hull - Guitar
-
Salt Creek (Traditional)
Recorded March 15, 1975
Dakota Dave Hull - Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Guitar
-
Tom & Jerry (Traditional)
Recorded November 30, 1974
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
Dakota Dave Hull - Guitar
-
The Nine Years Waltz (Norman blake)
Recorded November 23, 1974
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin
Dakota Dave Hull - Guitar
-
The New Camptown Races / Black Dog Blues #2 (Frank Wakefield) / (Traditional)
Recorded April 19, 1975
Peter Ostroushko - Guitar & Vocal
Dakota Dave Hull - Guitar
My Life And Time As A Radio Musician
Episode 4, Part 2
Girl From The North Country is my favorite Bob Dylan song. From the first time that I heard it when I was about 10 years old. I didn't know anything about being in love, yet it pulled on my heart strings. This version is being done with The Guy's All Star Shoe Band I love the way they refrain from over playing on this piece!
Short Story - I had a fun time trying to figure out a guitar part for this quirky tune from Cal. And he does a great job translating the old fiddle tune Bill Cheatum, onto the Dobro.
Just Joshing was written by Josh “Buck” Graves. The Dobro player who played as part of Flatt & Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys for many years. This was the tune that all aspiring Dobro players had to learn!
Steel Guitar Rag is one of the most popular tunes in Country Music. It is credited to Leon McCauliffe, a Steel Guitar player with Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys.Garrison had a bakery bake up a bunch of Powder Milk Biscuits and, he was passing them out to the audience as we played this tune!
The Wylie Butler - I love this haunting tune by Cal We recorded this on Cal's first recording at Sound 80. It was the title of the recording! This live recording was the first time we ever played this tune together.
Songs
-
Girl From The North Country (Bob Dylan)
Recorded October 26, 2009
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin & Vocal
Richie Dworsky - Piano
Andy Stein - Fiddle
Pat Donohue - Slide Guitar
Gary Raynor - Bass
-
Short Story / Bill Cheatum (Cal Hand / Traditional)
Recorded March 15, 1975
Cal Hand - Dobro
Peter Ostroushko - Guitar
-
Just Joshing (Josh Graves)
Recorded April 19, 1975
Cal Hand - Dobro
Milton “Soupy” Schindler - Harmonica
Peter Ostroushko - Guitar
-
Steel Guitar Rag (Leon McCauliffe)
Recorded March 15, 1975
Cal Hand - Dobro
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin
Dakota Dave Hull - Guitar
-
The Wylie Butler (Cal Hand)
Recorded March 15, 1975
Cal Hand - Dobro
Bill Hinckley - Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin
My Life And Time As A Radio Musician
Episode 5
All Songs recorded at the KSJN Studios except for Old Meade Shuey, which was recorded at the World Theater in Downtown St.Paul, Whipperwill which was recorded at Variety Hall Theater in Downtown St. Paul, and Kansas Legend which was recorded at The Ramsey Arts & Science Auditorium in Downtown St. Paul.
Songs
-
Recorded in St. Paul, MN
-
Old Meade Shuey (P. Ostroushko)
Recorded October 5, 1980
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
Bob Douglas - Mandolin
Tim Hennessy - Guitar
Barb Montoro - Bass
Butch Thompson - Piano
-
Bill Cheatum (Traditional)
Recorded October 4, 1975
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
Linda Williams - Banjo
Robin Williams - Guitar
-
Daughter of McLeod (Robin Williams)
Recorded October 4, 1975
Robin Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Linda Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
-
Ginseng Sullivan (Norman Blake)
Recorded October 4, 1975
Robin Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Linda Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin
-
Angel Band (Traditional)
Recorded October 4, 1975
Robin Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Linda Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Mandolin
-
Salt Creek (Traditional)
Recorded October 4, 1975
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
Linda Williams - Banjo
Robin Williams - Guitar
- Garrison Keillor Limerick(G. Keillor) - Voice
-
Kill it Kid (Blind Willie MacTell)
Recorded October 4, 1975
Robin Williams - Vocal & Guitat
Linda Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
-
None But the Rain (Towns Van Zandt)
Recorded October 4, 1975
Robin Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Linda Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin
-
Whipporwill (Robin Williams/Dakota Dave Hull)
Recorded November 1, 1975
Robin Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Linda Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin
-
Kansas Legend (Dan McCrimmon)
Recorded November 1, 1975
Robin Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Linda Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
My Life And Time As A Radio Musician
Episode 6
All Songs recorded at the St. Paul Ramsey Arts and Science Auditorium in Downtown St. Paul MN except Whiskey Before Breakfast which was recorded at the The Park Square Court Theatre. Caperton Ferry & Give the Fiddler a Dram / Midnight On The Water were recorded at the Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center at Macallester College in St. Paul MN.
Songs
-
The Oop Pik Waltz (Traditional)
Recorded May 19, 1979
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
Tim O'Brien - Fiddle
Molly Mason - Guitar
-
The Caperton Ferry (Norman Blake)
Recorded May 1, 1976
Peter Ostroushko - Guitar
Jim Tordoff - Banjo
-
John Hardy (Traditional)
Recorded January 3, 1975
Jim Tordoff - Banjo
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin
Jeff Tordoff - Guitar
-
On The Mississippi Shore (Traditional)
Recorded May 12, 1979
Sean Blackburn - Vocal & Guitar
Dakota Dave Hull - Lead Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
Molly Mason - Bass
-
Deep Water (Fred Rose)
Recorded December 16, 1978
Sean Blackburn - Lead Vocal & 1st Guitar Solo
Dakota Dave Hull - Lead Guitar & 2nd Guitar Solo
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle & Vocal
Butch Thompson - Piano
Molly Mason - Bass
George “Red” Maddock - Drums
-
Give the Fiddler A Dram / Midnight on the Water
(Jerome Clark & Dakota Dave Hull / Luke Thommason
Recorded May 1, 1976
Dakota Dave Hull Lead - Vocal & Lead Guitar
Sean Blackburn - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
-
Primal Scream Script (Garrison Keillor)
Recorded July 28, 1979
Peter Ostroushko - Voice
Garrison Keillor - Voice
-
Gold Rush (Bill Monroe)
Recorded January 3, 1975
Jim Tordoff - Banjo
Jeff Tordoff - Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin
-
The Wicked Wind in Fargo (Jerome Clark & Dakota Dave Hull)
Dakota Dave Hull - Vocal & Lead Guitar
Sean Blackburn - Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
Butch Thompson - Piano
Molly Mason - Bass
Red Maddock - Drums
-
Grey Eagle (Traditional)
Recorded December 6, 1978
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
Sean Blackburn - Guitar
Dakota Dave Hull - Guitar
Molly Mason - Bass
-
Tarbolton (Traditional)
Recorded January 3, 1975
Jeff Tordoff - Lead Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin
Jim Tordoff - Guitar
-
Minnesota Ground (Jerome Clark& Dakota Dave Hull)
Dakota Dave Hull - Lead Vocal& Lead Guitar
Sean Blackburn - Guitar & Vocal
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
-
The Minstral Boy to the War Has Gone (Traditional)
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
Dakota Dave Hull - Lead Guitar
Sean Blackburn - Guitar
Molly Mason - Bass
-
Whiskey Before Breakfast (Traditional)
Recorded December 20, 1975
Rudy Darling - Fiddle
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
Bob Douglas - Mandolin
Cal Hand - Dobro
Rod Bellville - Guitar
-
The Gypsy Swing (Bill Boyd & his Cowboy Ramblers)
“Fiddlin” Mary Dushane - Vocal & Fiddle
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
Tim Hennesey - Guitar
Bob Douglas - Mandolin
Molly Mason - Bass
-
Party For The Old Folks (Bob Wills)
“Fiddlin” Mary Dushane - Vocal & Fiddle
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
Tim Hennessey - Guitar
Bob Douglas - Mandolin
Molly Mason - Bass
My Life And Time As A Radio Musician
Episode 7, Part 1
All songs recorded at the World Theater in downtown St. Paul, MN.
Songs
-
Bamboozled (C.Stutz & C.Barefoot)
Recorded November 10, 1979
Robin Williams - Vocal & Lead Guitar
Linda Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Vocals & Mandolin
-
Dixie Highway Sign (R. & L. Williams)
Recorded July 1, 1978
Robin Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Linda Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
-
Blue Railroad Train (The Delmore Brothers)
Recorded November 1, 1975
Robin Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Linda Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
-
Brush Arbors (George Jones & Melba Montgomery)
Recorded December 1, 1979
Robin Williams - Vocal & Lead Guitar
Linda Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Vocals & Mandolin
-
Freight Train Blues (Traditional)
Recorded November 1, 1975
Robin Williams - Vocal, Harmonica, & Guitar
Linda Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
-
Chilly Scenes of Winter (Robin Williams & Jerome Clark)
Recorded December 1, 1979
Robin Williams - Vocal & Lead Guitar
Linda Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin
-
Early (Greg Brown)
Recorded November 10, 1979
Robin Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Linda Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Fiddle
-
Fiddle Tune Medley
Wilsons Hornpipe / Blackberry Blossom / Wheel Hoss
(Traditional / Traditional / Bill Monroe)
Recorded November 10, 1979
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
Linda Williams - Guitar
-
If You Were a Bluebird (Joe Ely)
Recorded December 1, 1979
Robin Williams - Vocal & Lead Guitar
Linda Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
-
Kill It Kid #2 (Blind Willie McTell)
Recorded December 1, 1979
Robin Williams - Vocal & Lead Guitar
Linda Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko- Mandolin
My Life And Time As A Radio Musician
Episode 7, Part 2
All Songs performed and recorded at The World Theater in Downtown St. Paul, MN.
Songs
-
Sunny Caroline (R. & L. Williams)
Robin Williams - Vocal & Lead Guitar
Linda Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Mandolin
-
Once More (D. Owens, additional lyrics by R. & L. Williams)
Recorded November 10, 1979
Robin Williams - Vocal & Lead Guitar
Linda Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Mandolin
-
Red Dancing Shoes (P. Ostroushko)
Recorded November 10, 1979
Robin Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Linda Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
-
Step It Out Nancy (Robin Williams & Jerome Clark)
Recorded December 3, 1977
Robin Williams - Vocal & Lead Guitar
Linda Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Mandolin
-
Rock of Ages (Tom Harley Campbell)
Recorded December 3, 1977
Robin Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Linda Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Mandolin
-
The Cucoo / The Paterroller Song (Traditional, with new lyrics by R. Williams / Traditional)
Robin Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Linda Williams - Vocal & Banjo
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
-
The Wandering Boy (Traditional)
Recorded December 3, 1977
Robin Williams - Vocal
Linda Williams - Vocal
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal
-
The Johnson Girls / Loch Lavan Castle (Traditional / Traditional)
Recorded July 1, 1978
Robin Williams Vocal & Guitar
Linda Williams Vocal & Banjo
Peter Ostroushko Vocal & Mandolin
-
The Wicked Path Of Sin (Bill Monroe)
Recorded November 10, 1979
Robin Williams - Vocal & Lead Guitar
Linda Williams - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Mandolin
My Life And Time As A Radio Musician
Episode 8
All Songs Recorded at The World Theater in Downtown St.Paul except where noted.
Billy In The Low Ground is a classic American Fiddle Tune. I believe I first heard this tune being Flat picked by Doc Watson.
Roving On A Winters Night - Tim Learned this from the singing of Doc Watson.
Fiddle Tune Medley is four classic American fiddle tunes played very fast! It was recorded at the Rochester Civic Auditorium in Rochester, MN.
The Little Girl Dressed In Blue - Tim Learned this Song from the Singing of Old Time Musician Kenny Hall & the Sweets Mill String Band.
Little Boy Blue - A Bluegrass Version of the Old Nursery Rhyme. Bob Learned this song from a recording of Frank Hunter & His Black Mountain Boys.
The Powder Milk Biscuit Theme - This version was recorded on a broadcast called the “Mouth Off”, Where different people showed off their particular skill of making music with their mouths!
The Cuckoo Bird - We back up Tommy Thompson from the group The Red Clay Ramblers. Tommy learned the song from the singing of pld time musician Tom Clarence Ashley.
Will You Miss Me When I’m Gone - Tim says he learned this Song from a recording of Ralph & Carter Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys.
Don’t Get Weary Children - This is a song I learned from a recording of The Dixie Dew Drop himself with Sam & Kirk McGee, also known as Uncle Dave Macon and his Fruit Jar Drinkers.
Midwestern Mining 2M commercial - We used the song North to Alaska to sell this commercial.
Sincereley - Tommy learned this tune from a recording of Bobby Lester & the Moon Glows.
Stairway To Heaven - Tim learned this song from the singing of Roy Lee Centers when he sang with Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys.
Stay All Night - A popular song in the Western Swing Tradition made popular by Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys.
Songs
-
Billy In The Low Ground (Traditional)
Recorded December 22, 1979
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
Tim Hennesy - Guitar
Bob Douglas - Mandolin
-
Roving On A Winters Night (Traditional)
Recorded December, 22, 1979
Tim Hennessy - Lead Vocal & Guitar
Bob Douglas - Vocal & Mandolin
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Fiddle
-
Fiddle Tune Medley: Mississippi Sawyer / Forked Deer / Cotton Eyed Joe / Fire On The Mountain
Recorded March 18, 1980
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle & Vocal
Bob Douglas - Lead Vocal & Mandolin
Tim Hennesy - Vocal & Guitar
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
The Little Girl Dressed In Blue (Traditional)
Recorded March 18, 1980
Tim Hennessy - Lead Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Fiddle
Bob Douglas - Vocal & Mandolin
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
Little Boy Blue (Traditional)
Recorded January 12, 1980
Bob Douglas - Lead Vocal & Mandoln
Tim Hennessy - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Fiddle
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
The Powder Milk Biscuit Theme (Garrison Keillor)
Recorded January 12, 1980
Garrison Keillor - Chicken Cackling
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Fiddle
Bob Douglas - Vocal & Mandolin
Tim Hennesy - Vocal & Guitar
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
The Cuckoo Bird (Traditional)
Recorded January 12, 1980
Tommy Thompson - Lead Vocal & Banjo
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
Tim Hennessy - Guitar
Bob Douglas - Mandolin
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
Will You Miss Me When I’m Gone
Recorded January 12, 1980
Tim Hennessy - Lead Vocal & Guitar
Barb Montoro - vocal
Bob Douglas - Vocal
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal
Tommy Thompson - Vocal
-
Don’t Get Weary Children (Uncle Dave Macon)
Recorded January 12, 1980
Peter Ostroushko - Lead Vocal & Fiddle
Bob Douglas - Vocal & Mandolin
Tim Hennessy - Vocal & Guitar
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
Midwestern Mining 2M commercial
Recorded January 19, 1980
North to Anoka
Tim Hennessy - Lead Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Fiddle
Bob Douglas - Vocal
Garrison Keillor - Voice
-
Sincereley
Recorded February 2, 1980
Tom Leiberman - Lead Vocal & Guitar
Tim Hennessy - Vocal & Guitar
Bob Douglas - Vocal
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Mandolin
-
Stairway To Heaven
Recorded April 19, 1980
Tim Hennessy - Lead Vocal & Lead Guitar
Bob Douglas - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Mandolin
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
Stay All Night (Bob Wills)
Tim Hennessy - Lead Vocal & Guitar
Bob Douglas - Vocal & Mandolin
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Fiddle
Barb Montoro - Bass
My Life And Time As A Radio Musician
Episode 9
All Songs Recorded at The World Theater in Downtown St.Paul except where noted.
I first heard Cattle In The Cane Break being flat picked by Norman Blake Later on I learned this on the fiddle from Texas fiddler Benny Thommason. This features the classic sound of our band playing fiddle tunes. I usually start the tune on fiddle then Tim or Bob Plays the melody. We Swap solos for a while then I pick up my mandolin and play a harmony to Bob to end the tune.
Bob Learned The Ballad Of Cole Younger from the Cow boy Poet and songster Mr. Glen Orlin.
Tim Learned The Freight Train Blues from Grand Old Opry Stat Roy Acuff.
Bob learned Heavens Radio from a recording of the Carter family that was recorded on October 3, 1940 in Chicago.
The Golden Rocket - Bob Learned this from a recording of Hank Snow & The Rainbow Ranch Boys recorded on August 21, 1960.
Four Walls - Tim learned this song from a Jim Reeves recording. This was Tim’s Country Pick Of the week. It also featured 4 part Harmony with a rare vocal performance by our bassist Barb Montoro.
The Harbor Of Love - Another song Tim Learned from the singing of Ralph & Carter Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys.
Dinah - Tim first heard this song on a episode of the TV Show The Little Rascals! It was being sung by a group called The Cabin Kids, and Tim Says they swung it really hard. I first heard it from a recording of Joe Venuti and Eddie Lang.
Somebody Loves Me - Tim learned this from a recording of Trombone player Jack Teagarden.
Ruby - Tim Learned this song from the singing of Ray Charles. The song was written for the 1952 Movie Ruby Gentry.
The Charleston Polka was a tune I made up while being driven through the city of Charleston, W. Virginia. It is quite the workout in the key of B♭. It also features the twin mandolin sound of our group.
Bob taught us the tune Spotted Pony. I wrote Mississippi Reel Looking out from my bedroom window down on the Mississippi. Back when Tim & I Lived on Island Avenue on Nicolett Island. Wrystraw is my version of the old Southern Appalachian Tune.
Songs
-
Cattle In The Cane break (Traditional)
Recorded May 17, 1980
Bob Douglas - Mandolin
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle & Mandolin
Tim Hennessy - Guitar
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
The Ballad Of Cole Younger (Traditional)
Recorded April 14, 1980
Bob Douglas - Guitar & Vocal
Tim Hennessy - Lead Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
The Freight Train Blues (Traditional)
Recorded November 10, 1979
Tim Hennessy - Lead Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle & Vocal
Bob Douglas - Vocal & Mandolin
Barb Montoro - Bass
Butch Thompson - Piano
-
Heavens Radio (A.P. Carter)
Recorded May 31, 1980
Bob Douglas - Lead Vocal & Guitar
Tim Hennessy - Vocal & Lead Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Mandolin
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
The Golden Rocket (Hank Snow)
Recorded May 17, 1980
Bob Douglas - Lead Vocal & Mandolin
Tim Hennessy - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
Four Walls (Jim Reeves)
Recorded April 5, 1980
Tim Hennessy - Lead Vocal & Guitar
Barb Montoro - Vocal & Bass
Bob Douglas - Vocal & Mandolin
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Fiddle
-
The Harbor Of Love (Ralph & Carter Stanley)
Recorded May 3, 1980
Tim Hennessy - Lead Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Fiddle
Bob Douglas - Vocal & Mandolin
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
Dinah (H.Akst S.Lewis & J.Young)
Recorded May 3, 1980
Tim Hennessy - Lead Vocal & Guitar
Bob Douglas - Vocal & Mandolin Peter Ostroushko Vocal & Fiddle
Butch Thompson - Clarinet
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
Somebody Loves Me (G. Gershwin B.McDonald)
Recorded September 2, 1980
Tim Hennessy - Lead Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Fiddle
Bob Douglas - Vocal & Mandolin
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
Ruby (M.Parish B. DeSylva H. Rorndell)
Recorded April 21, 1980
Tim Hennessy - Lead Vocal & Guitar
Bob Douglas - Mandolin
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
The Charleston Polka (P.Ostroushko)
Recorded April 14, 1980
Bob Douglas - mandolin
Tim Hennessy - Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin & Fiddle
Butch Thompson - Piano
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
Living The Right Life Now
Recorded April 5, 1980
Bob Douglas - Lead Vocal & Mandolin
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Fiddle
Tim Hennessy - Vocal & Guitar
Barb Montoro Bass
-
Fiddle Tune Medley: Spotted Pony / Mississippi Reel / Wry Straw (Traditional / P.Ostroushko /
Traditional)
Recorded October 4, 1980
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
Bob Douglas - Mandolin
Tim Hennessy - Guitar
Barb Montoro - Bass
My Life And Time As A Radio Musician
Episode 10, Part 1
Tim learned Blues In My Mind from the singing of Ola Belle Reed.
Bob learned Is It True from The Stanley Brothers & The Clinch Mountain Boys.
Tim learned Cattle Call from the singing of Eddy Arnold.
The Charleston Polka - I wrote this tune in the back of Robin & Linda Williams van, while driving through Charelston, West Virginia. This tune is a finger buster in the key of B♭. I play harmony mandolin to Bob's melody, then switch over to fiddle after the incredible guitar break. Go, Tim, go!!!
Oh The Wind and Rain - Bob learned this song from the old time group The Highwoods String Band.
The Wicked Path of Sin - Learned from Bill Monroe and The Bluegrass Boys.
My Carolina Sunshine Girl - Tim learned this song from the Singing Brakeman, Mr. Jimmy Rogers.
Irish Medley - Bob taught these tunes to the band. We took it from there!
I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water - Tim learned this from the country artist Stonewall Jackson.
This time around I play New Camptown Races on the mandolin as it was first written by Frank Wakefield. I play a harmony to Bob's melody. Black Dog Blues as I have mentioned before, I learned from Spider John Koernor. Here we give it the full bluegrass treatment with three part harmony on the chorus!
The Waltz You Saved For Me - Tim learned this song from Merle Hagard and Bob Wills.
Wheel Hoss - It was always fun to close out a broadcast with other groups on the show this time we team up with hot rize on a Bill Monroe classic.
Night Time Variety was a TV show produced by my good friend Marian Moore for KTCA Public TV in St. Paul, MN. It was a in studio in front of a live audience variety show that featured mostly local musical acts. I was lucky to be on a number of these shows. It was such a great time of creativity in our musical community. As you watch this show I would like you to keep in mind that, yes I am performing with my current band at the time. But one of the other featured guest on this show was soon to become my band, Mr. Dean Magraw and his amazing guitarplaying was soon to become my touring partner of many years. Also, Greg Brown is performing with his band from Iowa. I was soon to become Greg's Band on the Prairie Home Companion. As you will soon see Dean & Greg will soon be making their debut on My Life and Time as a radio musician!
Songs
-
Blues In My Mind (Fred Rose)
Recorded April 21, 1980
Tim Hennessy - Lead Vocal & Guitar
Bob Douglas - Vocal & Mandolin
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Fiddle
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
Is It True (Ralph & Carter Stanley)
Recorded May 21, 1980
Bob Douglas - Lead Vocal & Mandolin
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Fiddle
Tim Hennessy - Vocal & Guitar
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
Cattle Call (Tex Owen)
Recorded May 21, 1980
Tim Hennessy - Lead Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin
Bob Douglas - Mandolin
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
The Charelston Polka (Peter Ostroushko)
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin & Fiddle
Bob Douglas - Mandolin
Tim Hennessy - Guitar
Butch Thompson - Piano
-
Oh The Wind And Rain (Traditional)
Recorded March 1, 1980
Bob Douglas - Lead Vocal & Guitar
Tim Hennessy - Vocal & Lead Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Mandolin
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
The Wicked Path Of Sin (Bill Monroe)
Recorded April 14, 1980
Bob Douglas - Lead Vocal & Guitar
Tim Hennessy - Vocal & Lead Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Mandolin
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
My Carolina Sunshine Girl (J. Rogers)
Recorded May 24, 1980
Tim Hennessy - Lead Vocal & Guitar
Bob Douglas - Mandolin
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
Irish Medley: The Hunters Purse / Last Nights Fun / The Corner House (Traditional)
Recorded October 4, 1980
Bob Douglas - Mandolin & Tenor Banjo
Peter Ostroushko - Mandolin & Fiddle
Tim Hennessy - Guitar
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water (Cowboy Joe Babcock)
Recorded September 20, 1980
Tim Hennessy - Lead Vocal & Guitar
Bob Douglas - Vocal & Mandolin
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Fiddle
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
New Camptown Races / Black Dog Blues (Frank Wakefield / Traditional)
Recorded March 29, 1980
Peter Ostroushko - Lead Vocal Mandolin & Fiddle
Bob Douglas - Vocal & Mandolin
Tim Hennessy - Vocal & Guitar
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
The Waltz You Saved For Me
Recorded May 17, 1980
Tim Hennessy - Lead Vocal & Guitar
Bob Douglas - Mandolin
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
Wheel Hoss (Bill Monroe)
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
Tim O’brien - Fiddle
Bob Douglas - Mandolin
Pete Wernick - Banjo
Charles Sawtelle - Guitar
Tim Hennessy - Guitar
Nick Forester - Bass
My Life And Time As A Radio Musician
Episode 10, Part 2
Molly & Tenbrooks - We Decided To Celebrate Bill Monfoes Birthday By Becoming A Bluegrass Band For This Broadcast. We Added The Great Voice's Of Pete Anderson (Banjo) & John Nieman On The Fiddle.
Blue Moon Of Kentucky - More Celebrating!!!
Memories Of Mother & Dad - This Old Chesnut Features The Great Duet Singing Of Pete & John.
Songs
-
Molly & Tenbrooks (Bill Monroe)
Recorded September 27, 1980
Tim Hennessy - Lead Vocal & Guitar
Bob Douglas - Mandolin
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
John Nieman - Fiddle
Pete Anderson - Banjo
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
Blue Moon Of Kentucky (Bill Monroe)
Recorded September 27, 1980
Tim Hennessy - Lead Vocal & Guitar
John Nieman - Fiddle
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
Pete Anderson - Banjo
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
Memories Of Mother & Dad (Bill Monroe)
Recorded September 27, 1980
John Nieman - Vocal & Fiddle
Pete Anderson - Vocal & Banjo
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
Barb Montoro - Bass
Tim Hennessy - Guitar
Bob Douglas - Mandolin
-
On & On (Bill Monroe)
Recorded September 27, 1980
Tim Hennessy - Lead Vocal & Guitar
John Nieman - Vocal & Fiddle
Pete Anderson - Vocal & Banjo
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
Bob Douglas - Mandolin
Barb Montoro - Bass
It Was Great To Play With Pete & John! -
You Don’t Know Me (Cindy Walker / E. Arnold)
Recorded March 1, 1980
Jack Curtice - Lead Vocal & Guitar
Whitey Evans - Fiddle
Tim Hennessy - Lead Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
I'll Sail My Ship Alone (Hank Williams)
Recordrd March 1, 1980
Jack Curtice - Lead Vocal & Guitar
Whitey Evans - Vocal & Fiddle
Tim Hennessy - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
Barb Montoro - Bass -
If I Had The Heart Of A Clown (Wade Ray)
Recorded March 1, 1980
Whitey Evans - Lead Vocal & Fiddle
Jack Curtice - Guitar
Tim Hennessy - Lead Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
South Of The Border (M. Carr / J. Kennedy)
Recorded March 1, 1980
Jack Curtice - Lead Vocal & Guitar
Whitey Evans - Vocal
Tim Hennessy - Vocal & Lead Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Fiddle
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
Bertha's Kitty Boutique (Garrison Keillor)
Recorded February 23, 1980
Tim Hennessy - Lead Vocal & Guitar
The Meowetts:
Barb Montoro - Vocal
Bob Douglas - Vocal
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal
Vern Sutton - Speaking Voice
-
Sincereley
Recorded October 4, 1980
Tom Lieberman - Lead Vocal & Guitar
Tim Hennessy - Vocal & Lead Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Mandolin
Bob Douglas - Vocal
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
My Girl (S. Robinson / R. White)
Recorded October 4, 1980
Tom Lieberman - Lead Vocal & Guitar
Tim Hennessy - Vocal & Guitar
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Mandolin
Bob Douglas - Vocal & Mandolin
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
Man From The Moon
Recorded October 4, 1980
Tom Lieberman - Lead Vocal & Guitar
Tim Hennessy - Vocal & Lead Guitar
Bob Douglas - Vocal & Mandolin
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal & Mandolin Solo
Barb Montoro - Bass
-
Don't Be Cruel (Otis Blackwell)
Recorded October 4, 1980
Tim Hennessy - Lead Vocal & Guitar
Tom Lieberman - Vocal
Bob Douglas - Vocal
Peter Ostroushko - Vocal
Barb Montoro - Bass
Press
Remembering Peter
Peter's wife and daughter, Marge and Anna, invite you to join them in this celebration of life to remember Peter Ostroushko on Monday, September 19th, 2022 in Minneapolis. "Join us as friends, family, and fans gather to share songs and stories from the life of this brilliant musician and extraordinary human being. With the Ukrainian American Community Center, we invite you to come early for the social hour and opportunity to donate for emergency relief and humanitarian aid to Ukrainian refugees and Ukraine - Peter's ancestral homeland."
Tickets and Info for Celebrating the Life and Music of Peter OstroushkoPerformances/appearances by: Marc Anderson, Sedra Bistodeau, Greg Brown, Dan Chouinard, Bob Douglas, Tim Hennessy, Prudence Johnson, Kevin Kling, Richard Kriehn, Dean Magraw, Natalie Nowytski, Becky Thompson, Joel Sayles, Claudia Schmidt, Chuck Suchy, Michael Sutton, Beatrice Blanc and Diane Tremaine, Robin and Linda Williams
Share your favorite Peter Memory
Twin Cities PBS
MPR
Star Tribune
Pioneer Press
Minnesota Heartland
Peter Ostroushko was a celebrated American fiddler, mandolinist and MN music legend. The #MPRArchive team collected some of his appearances to honor his incredible career. Peter will be much missed, and our condolences go out to his family & friends. https://t.co/IM1caKJRvF pic.twitter.com/g5J8fUWIsw
— MPR (@MPR) February 26, 2021