Lynn and David

“We are so excited to release ‘Beginnings,’” said Gudmundsen.  “David and I began performing together a year ago, and we just knew recording was something we needed to do.  It was one of those ‘aha’ moments.  With the variety of genres we have included on ‘Beginnings, I think there is something for everyone to enjoy.  It’s a balanced selection of vocals and instrumentals, including fiddle, guitar, mandolin, and ukulele.” 

Music has been an integral part of Gudmundsen’s life; she was nine years old when she took her first violin lessons.  Classically trained, she graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy. “I always considered Door County my second home because I spent my summers on the peninsula. One of my favorite 60s memories is playing the guitar and singing on the front porch of Wilson’s Restaurant, and in later years performing on the Door Community Auditorium stage with Willie Nelson.” 

"It was one of those ‘aha’ moments"

As an adult, Gudmundsen worked in Alaska and Hawaii, teaching and performing.  “I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work in both the 49^th and 50^th states,” she smiled.  Her experiences in the two polar-opposite states, proved a turning point in music.  “I began performing in several bands and found my fiddle-voice through the genres of folk, country, and bluegrass.” 

Three hundred miles up the road from Gudmundsen’s hometown, David Hatch--an Ephraim native--grew up singing in the Sister Bay Baptist Church choir and playing the trumpet in the Gibraltar School band.  In the ensuing years, he performed with a variety of the peninsula’s musicians.  “We all knew each other,” Hatch recalled.  “When Tom Schroeder, Rich Higdon, and I performed on the Door Community Auditorium stage, we thought it was a great experience to play on the same stage as Ray Charles.”

Musically quiet for a few years, Hatch stepped back on the stage as a member of ”Door Jam” with Lloyd Michalsen.  “And that’s how I met Lynn, through Lloyd.  Most musicians would say it is an honor to perform with her; Lynn is a class act.  A year later, we are calling ourselves ‘sidekicks’ and having a great time playing together.”

“Beginnings,” recorded at Studio 330 in Sturgeon Bay, is a collaboration that also features Door County artists George Sawyn, Hans Christian, Lloyd Michalsen, and Patrick Palmer.  “We were so fortunate and thrilled to be joined by these great musicians,” Hatch said.  “It’s something like a pick-up basketball game…we call each other and see who is available.  And then we jam!”