Jasper Lorentzen

...began his musical career as a classical guitarist studying through the Suzuki Method with Sarah (Reetz) Jensen as his teacher. Group class were mandatory and so he was in a lesson twice a week and began playing “gigs” with Sarah’s Suzuki Guitar Ensemble right away. He attended Suzuki Guitar Institute in Brandon, Manitoba 2 years in a row and had the privilege of having Andrea Cannon of Spring Texas as an instructor.

Because Sarah Jensen went into early retirement, Jasper made the switch from Classical guitar to Rhythm guitar and his new group became the family string trio. Classical Guitar training served him well as he could use classical techniques to develop acoustic guitar leads. One of the neat things he was able to do with his guitar learning was to pass it on. He had his cousin, Madison Lorentzen, began jamming together in no time. A high-light of his learning year was twice attending the International Peace Garden Guitar Workshop with Adam Granger of Prairie Home Companion. From that point on, Jasper attended concerts that fueled his enthusiasm for bluegrass music and sought out rhythm guitar players at the Cross Ranch in North Dakota. Among the bands there were Chris Stuart and Back Country, Monroe Crossing, & Cedar Hill.

It was at the jam sessions, (Cross Ranch and Gateway Mall, hosted by the Bluegrass and Old-time Music Association of North Dakota) that Jasper began picking up the bass, which is now his primary instrument. The local players were the best and he has many great memories of the Missouri River Boys, Cottonwood, & Moose Creek bands. Because of his Suzuki ear-training, the bass came naturally. He has been self-taught with the exception of a Bluegrass clinic at Bismarck State College where Blue Moon Rising of Tennessee was teaching. Soon the family trio began to be known as “Old Hat”, comprised of Jasper, Starlit, and their father, Tim. They started with fund-raising, banquet, and holiday gigs. Jasper has had the honor of playing at the North Dakota Capital, Heritage Center, and Bismarck’s Bluegrass Festival. Before moving out of state, the Dakota West Arts Council did a 30 minute documentary on Old Hat and it aired on their community access television station weekly. Since moving to Indiana he has continue d performing and recorded one CD with OLD Hat. He now attends the Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music.