The Great Northern
THE BANDMATES
Kristen Schuldt
Kristen Schuldt
Jeff Waldeland
Pedal Steel, Acoustic/Electric Guitars, Vocals
Jeff has played music since he was 8 years old, taking drum lessons, then picking up the guitar at age 10. Inspired after seeing Willie Nelson and the pedal steel player in Willie’s band, Jeff gravitated to that unique instrument and has become an accomplished pedal steel player, taking further inspiration from Jerry Garcia and the Flying Burrito Brothers. He is in demand, playing with some of country music’s top acts when they come to town.
Music is Jeff’s life. When he’s not playing music, he’s tuning pianos or teaching students. Jeff is dedicated to his craft, is driven to excellence, and has serious chops. A humble guy and prone to prop up his bandmates rather than claim the spotlight, Jeff says, “I just want to play.” And play he does. Whether he’s doing leads or contributing tasty licks behind his bandmates, he’s the consummate musician.
Jeff Waldeland
Pedal Steel, Acoustic/Electric Guitars, Vocals
Jeff has played music since he was 8 years old, taking drum lessons, then picking up the guitar at age 10. Inspired after seeing Willie Nelson and the pedal steel player in Willie’s band, Jeff gravitated to that unique instrument and has become an accomplished pedal steel player, taking further inspiration from Jerry Garcia and the Flying Burrito Brothers. He is in demand, playing with some of country music’s top acts when they come to town.
Music is Jeff’s life. When he’s not playing music, he’s tuning pianos or teaching students. Jeff is dedicated to his craft, is driven to excellence, and has serious chops. A humble guy and prone to prop up his bandmates rather than claim the spotlight, Jeff says, “I just want to play.” And play he does. Whether he’s doing leads or contributing tasty licks behind his bandmates, he’s the consummate musician.
Scott Liebers
After graduation, Scott moved to Minnesota to work as a recording and broadcast engineer for Minnesota Public Radio. He had the tremendous opportunity to work along side world class musicians, further enhancing his ear and appreciation for music.
Another passion of his is building guitars and mandolins, which you will find him doing when not playing them. Career and family life took precedence over performing for many years. The time is now right for him to put music back in his life. He’s very excited and honored to be playing with The Great Northern band.
Scott Liebers
After graduation, Scott moved to Minnesota to work as a recording and broadcast engineer for Minnesota Public Radio. He had the tremendous opportunity to work along side world class musicians, further enhancing his ear and appreciation for music.
Another passion of his is building guitars and mandolins, which you will find him doing when not playing them. Career and family life took precedence over performing for many years. The time is now right for him to put music back in his life. He’s very excited and honored to be playing with The Great Northern band.
Pete Mathison
Bass, Vocals
Pete Mathison has tended the low end since some friends put an upright bass in his hands in college. He was on stage a week later and has acknowledged a serious addiction with the groove since that time. He has played and sung progressive and traditional music including Bluegrass, Folk, Roots, Rock and Jazz. He is the steady, Zen-master of the band. His checkered past includes bands with names like Farm Accident, Cousin Dad and Switched at Birth. He has also has held down the groove in The Rivertown Ramblers, The Jerry Rau Band, Big Skyota, The Chris Silver Band, Blue Light Special, Bricktop, String Theory and The True Detectives. When he’s not playing music, he spends time traveling and singing with his sweetie and fishing for trout.
Pete Mathison
Bass, Vocals
Pete Mathison has tended the low end since some friends put an upright bass in his hands in college. He was on stage a week later and has acknowledged a serious addiction with the groove since that time. He has played and sung progressive and traditional music including Bluegrass, Folk, Roots, Rock and Jazz. He is the steady, Zen-master of the band. His checkered past includes bands with names like Farm Accident, Cousin Dad and Switched at Birth. He has also has held down the groove in The Rivertown Ramblers, The Jerry Rau Band, Big Skyota, The Chris Silver Band, Blue Light Special, Bricktop, String Theory and The True Detectives. When he’s not playing music, he spends time traveling and singing with his sweetie and fishing for trout.
Ron Elwood
Drums
When he’s not playing or listening to music (or hanging out with family or friends at a Twins game), Ron is a public interest lawyer with Legal Aid who proudly works with other passionate and dedicated lawyer-advocates, conducting Legal Aid’s legislative advocacy work at the Minnesota State Capitol on behalf of Legal Aid’s low-income clients.
Ron Elwood
Drums
Ron has been in love with music practically since he was born. He started playing drums at age 12 and has been in a variety of rock and blues bands since then. Influenced by the Grateful Dead and inspired by the Band of Heathens, Ron has been a fan of roots/americana music long before the name of the genre was coined. He has always wanted to be part of a group playing this eclectic soup of American music. He is humbled to be playing behind the amazing musicians in The Great Northern.
When he’s not playing or listening to music (or hanging out with family or friends at a Twins game), Ron is a public interest lawyer with Legal Aid who proudly works with other passionate and dedicated lawyer-advocates, conducting Legal Aid’s legislative advocacy work at the Minnesota State Capitol on behalf of Legal Aid’s low-income clients.
Robbi Podrug
Fiddle
Robbi Podrug grew up in Milwaukee, a far cry from the origins of fiddle music, with a thirst to know it, live it and play it. Her musical journey included tours of the Midwest with The Rounders (f/k/a The Brew County Rounders) bluegrass band, a deep dive into the genre in Birmingham, Alabama with the Herb Trotman Band, and finally to Minnesota. There were other side trips along the way, through western swing, classic country, and various other projects. In Minnesota, Robbi found herself in the right place at the right time more than once, first with a fresh bluegrass band called King Wilkie’s Dream, and now with The Great Northern, where all musical fiddle paths intersect. The people, the music, and the vibe are extraordinary, and, most important of all, fun! There is no greater joy than making great music with good people.
Robbi Podrug
Fiddle
Robbi Podrug grew up in Milwaukee, a far cry from the origins of fiddle music, with a thirst to know it, live it and play it. Her musical journey included tours of the Midwest with The Rounders (f/k/a The Brew County Rounders) bluegrass band, a deep dive into the genre in Birmingham, Alabama with the Herb Trotman Band, and finally to Minnesota. There were other side trips along the way, through western swing, classic country, and various other projects. In Minnesota, Robbi found herself in the right place at the right time more than once, first with a fresh bluegrass band called King Wilkie’s Dream, and now with The Great Northern, where all musical fiddle paths intersect. The people, the music, and the vibe are extraordinary, and, most important of all, fun! There is no greater joy than making great music with good people.