Orchestral Indie Rock Band Arrives at Chalberg Theater – Brainerd Dispatch
Marissa M. Conner
2 min read
Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter Peter Miller brings his indie rock band We Are the Willows for a concert Oct. 15 on the Chalberg Stage at Central Lakes College in Brainerd.
The 7 p.m. concert is part of the Central Lakes Community Performing Arts Center’s Cultural Arts Series. The group brings a unique sound and an innovative approach to music, a press release said.
Series producer Patrick Spradlin described the band as an intriguing blend of instruments and vocals.
“Miller has a countertenor voice, which is such an interesting sound,” Spradlin said. “It’s not a common voice in folk rock music. Coupled with instruments like cello, violin, guitars and drums, this will be a terrific concert for music lovers of all kinds.
We Are The Willows has been releasing music since 2007. It was that year that Miller’s grandmother presented him with more than 350 letters written by his grandfather while he was stationed in the southwest of the Pacific during World War II. While on tour, Miller would read letters and take notes, and eventually songs began to form. Over the next three years, Miller wrote songs cataloging his grandparents’ wartime court.
“Picture (Portrait)”, an album of songs based on these letters, was released in two parts, in 2014 and 2016 respectively. The album received acclaim from National Public Radio, British Broadcasting Corp., PASTE magazine, Buzzfeed, The Brooklyn Vegan and USA Today. The band toured extensively after the album’s release, including at South by Southwest, Treefort Music Fest, and Summerfest.
The band’s Brainerd appearance was scheduled to take place in 2020 as part of a touring grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. The COVID pandemic suspended this tour and Spradlin was able to reschedule for this current season.
“I really love bands like We Are The Willows coming on tour,” Spradlin said. “As part of the grant, they will conduct an entire week of outreach activities. They will visit area schools, senior centers and long-term care facilities, hold workshops and perform walk-in concerts. It’s a wonderful way to connect artists to the community.
In addition to Miller, We Are The Willows features Jeremiah Satterthwaite on guitar; Travis Collins on bass/vocals; Hilary James on cello/vocals; and Josh McKay on drums.
Tickets for the concert are available at the CLC Theater box office at 218-855-8199 or online at
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