Family

The Alzen Family consists of Brad (dad) on guitar and banjo, Denise (mom) on harmonica, and four children: Isaac on upright bass fiddle, Lucas on whiz-bang, AnaLise on mandolin, fiddle & guitar, and Tessa Lyn on fiddle, banjo & mandolin. Each family member sings, and the variation from Isaac's deep bass voice to Tessa's sweet alto to AnaLise's powerful soprano provides great variety and interest in their music.

The Alzen Family lives on small acreage in northwestern Wisconsin, where they have tasted some country living, complete with wood-burning stoves, and a flock of egg-laying hens. It seems fitting that their adventure in old-time music followed their move to the country. The Alzen's strive to live life a little more like it was lived in the "old days". Television has been mostly replaced by reading, quilting, playing board games & sports, learning foreign languages, fishing & hunting and, of course, making music together.

The Alzens are grateful for the opportunity to sing and share in front of people. Their chief aim is to share the hope they have in Jesus Christ, and His saving grace.

Tessa Lyn is now age 12. Although she's the youngest Alzen, she is a big part of the family band with lead and harmony vocals to go along with her steady fiddle playing. Tessa is learning the banjo, and loves to tinker with every other instrument. Tessa adds a real spark to our family. She loves to jump in and help in the kitchen, whether it be to cook or clean. She is in perpetual motion, and is usually just a step behind her older sister. Tessa's helpfulness and hard-working nature are gifts from God.

AnaLise, age 14, got the family started on bluegrass music. Mandolin is her favorite, but she also plays fiddle and is learning guitar (and wants to learn dobro, banjo, and bass). She sings both lead and harmony. When she's not reading, you can usually find either an instrument, or some sort of craft in her hand. AnaLise enjoys creative writing and poetry. She and her sister, Tessa, are nearly inseparable. Together they dream up all sorts of games, skits, songs, etc... They also make a great team in our neighborhood street hockey games! AnaLise's compassion for people is a special annointing from the Lord.

Lucas, born in June 1993, playing the Whiz-Bang brings ample smiles to our family's concerts with his horns, whistles, and funny sounds. He also helps us with navigation, the sound system and the computer. Lucas is our animal-lover and takes the lead role in caring for our small flock of chickens. He also is the master of our three-year old sheltie named Shelby and won 4-H awards in dog training. If we can't find Lucas, there is a good chance that he is outside exploring nature. Lucas also loves the challenge of puzzles like Sudoku. Chess and Othello are among his favorite strategy games. Lucas means "light" and his name suits his character for he brings much joy into the lives of others. Lucas' caring nature for the elderly and less fortunate are special touches from God.

Isaac, born in March 1991, provides the rythm for the band with his steady bass-playing, and adds some bass singing to our harmonies. Isaac is a serious student with a heavy course load. Isaac graduated in the Spring of 2009, and has begun his college studies at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls. When he has a break from school, he loves to play most any sport. Isaac is faithful and responsible which is apparent in his dedicated walk with the Lord.

Brad plays rythm guitar & banjo and sings lead and harmonies with the family band. He also serves as the band director, sound technician, music producer, etc... Brad loves bluegrass music, and everything involved with the band. Doyle Lawson, Ricky Skaggs, and Blueridge are his favorites. When he is not working, doing music, or finishing a house project, he loves outdoor sports, especially fishing. Brad makes it a priority to lead the family in Bible study devotions, and sets an example of providing for the family with his accounting job.

Denise plays harmonica and some banjo with the family band, and keeps the kids fed, properly dressed, and generally holds things together! She has homeschooled the children since they were old enough to learn and has done a great job. Denise loves to cook international food, and the family is blessed with the job of tasting each creation! Outdoor sports like cross-country skiing and hiking are favorite pastimes. Denise also loves to collect classic and out-of-print books. Our recently completed (well, almost completed) addition included a very large bookshelf, and she makes good use of that space. Denise loves to reach out to people from other cultures, and her Spanish language proficiency comes in very handy!