Jeanne and Rich Wengel

Biography
Rich and Jeanne Wengel were married in 1973 and have one daughter Rhonda and a grandson Caleb. They have lived in Minot ND for their entire married life. Rich has worked for the City of Minot for 30 years and Jeanne has been a stay at home mom.

Rich and Jeanne began their ministry by providing prelude music at the church they were then attending, along with occasional special music. The ministry soon branched out to nursing care facilities. Jeanne began playing guitar while she was in High School and autoharp in 1978. Rich has been playing the dulcimer since 1986 and the mandolin since 1990.

Musical Presentation
Southwind provides a unique blend of Gospel and secular music based on the application mountain tradition. A typical presentation can include a blend on old time country, celtic, folk, gospel, and traditional hymns. While most of the music is instrumental Jeanne sings a few of the songs lending another aspect to the music with her down home style of singing.

Instrumentation Autoharp: The Autoharp is a zither-like musical string instrument having a series of chord bars attached to dampers which, when depressed, mute all the strings other than those that form the desired chord. It has been a registered trademark since 1927, and is currently owned by U.S. Music Corporation, whose Oscar Schmidt division manufactures Autoharps. The generic term for the instrument is chorded zither.

Mountain Dulcimer: The word dulcimer is believed to have originated centuries ago. It was derived, it is thought, from the greek word "dulce" (which means sweet) and the latin word "melos" (which means song). The Appalachian Dulcimer is not to be confused with its biblical counterpart, the hammered dulcimer, rather in its current incarnation, it is believed to have evolved from a northern European instrument, the German, "scheitholt. It is believed that this "scheitholt" made it to Appalachia toward the end of the 18th century, and once again it evolved and was modified to suit the needs of the local players.

Mandolin: The mandolin is a short-necked Neapolitan lute with four pairs of steel strings tuned like a violin. The first instruments of that type can be seen on pictures from the 15th century, although the name 'Mandolin' was not used until the 17th century. After WWI Bill Monroe made this instrument popular in a new style of music, ‘bluegrass'.

Sound
Southwind provides their own sound system, but will work with house systems if arrangements are made in advance to insure that the system is adequate for their needs

Financial Considerations
For paid admission events such as fairs or festivals, Southwind will negotiate fees based on the specifics of the event.

For meetings, banquets, churches, and other charitable event bookings, all expenses (including travel and meals) plus an honorarium is appreciated. Please feel free to discuss your situation. Southwind tries to be sensitive to individual circumstances and will work with you.

Quotations
What people are saying about Southwind           

“I have the great joy of knowing and working with the Wengel's for over twelve years.  During that time I have appreciated their comfortable, easy listening style of great American music.  They represent the best in faith, both in their personal lives and in the life of the music they sing.  You will not be disappointed in sharing any "good time" with these folks and their talent in music.  They sing and share a genuine message of Peace!  God Bless their ministry, and you will too...after you hear them.“ Rev. Dr. Bob Edwards, Senior Pastor First Presbyterian Church  Minot, host of Making Life Work broadcast, KHRT radio 

“Rich and his wife Jeanne do a wonderful job singing for us at the nursing home.” Lois Zahn Trinity Nursing Home Minot activities

Booking Information
Southwind welcomes the opportunity to share our unique blend of music with you at your event or facility.
To book Southwind Call

Rich Wengel at
(701) 839-5310
or e-mail: southwind@srt.com