Party at Petersen Barn

Music, horses, and friends who build things

My friend and crazy-talented coworker Pete is in a band — a band that he says "nobody knows... yet!" They're called DATRF. Don't bother asking what it stands for because in my experience they just laugh and somehow avoid ever giving a direct answer. Typical musician tricks. 

DATRF has band practice at Petersen Barn in Oconomowoc every week. The first and only other time I'd been to the barn was for a Halloween party last year. It's in the middle of nowhere and we arrived after dark, so the natural beauty surrounding the barn went utterly unappreciated. But this time, we mingled and sipped white wine as the sun set over golden hay fields, leafy trees, and a big red barn.

As if the vibe could be more charming, the barn boards about seven horses. Fritz and I spent a good chunk of time petting their velvety noses. We couldn't help ourselves! Sapphire was a real gem (puns!), and Eclipse is an elderly steed who gums his oats. The two pictured with Fritz are of course just like Shadowfax, lord of all horses. I could have spent hours nerding out over these beauties. 

When the sun went down, the band heated up. This was just the second live show DATRF has ever played for an audience, and the guys sounded great! They looked just as great too on the barn's stage, which they built. Yep, built. Rigged the lighting, that gorgeous chandelier, framed the scene with curtains, and stocked the barn with used church pews ($40/each from Habitat for Humanity ReStore). 

To say we were all impressed is a huge understatement. Now that the stage is set (literally), I can't wait to go back to the barn for this year's Halloween party. If the place looked this amazing in summer, imagine it decked out for the witching hour! Guess I should start working on my costume...

P.S. Thanks to the band for sharing the above stage pic with me!