River Divide brings music, harmonies, fun

River Divide returns to Monmouth and its Music in the Park series Wednesday. The concert, which begins at 6:30 p.m., is at Main Street Park. Admission is free. Pictured, in no particular order, are Steve Michaels, Cal Runia, Rod Walker and Dale Mayuiers. Submitted photo.

“To make our setlist a song must be capable of encouraging people to either tap their foot or get up and dance.”

This quote comes from Dale Mayuiers of River Divide, and sums up what to expect come Wednesday when the band takes to the amphitheater stage at Main Street Park in Monmouth. Their show begins at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Mayuiers was also gracious enough to answer a few questions from the Polk County Free Press. His answers follow:

What has River Divide been up to this past year? Any new band members, releases and/or honors?

We have been very busy. Last year alone we played at 96 different events. Looking at our schedule for the current year, we will likely exceed that number. 

We each have full time jobs apart from playing music. We also have full time families, so we prefer to limit our performances to events in and around the Pacific Northwest. While it is a grueling schedule, we wouldn't change a thing. In fact, performing for festivals and events such as the date in Monmouth is honestly the best part of being a musician. We absolutely love to speak with those who come up to the stage after we have finished playing.   

With regard to changes within the band, we are really quite happy with the path we are on and with one another. Audiences seem to pick up on the fun we have playing music. It's infectious. From the stage we can see the smiles and love to watch couples dance.  

What qualities must a song possess in order to crack your setlist? Any new songs make the cut this year?

This is an excellent question.

We love all types of music: rock and roll, country, blues, jazz, classical, and even old tunes from the 40's and 50's. Our primary goal, however, is pleasing those who listen to us. We always pay close attention to the feedback we receive. Often, a simple suggestion will lead us to add a song that we may have overlooked. 

To make our setlist a song must be capable of encouraging people to either tap their foot or get up and dance. Typically, we will come up with a list of 10 or so possibilities. As a group we will then voice our opinions. If all four of us agree we work to add the song(s) to our list. 

I should add that our list is comprised of 200 or more songs. Prior to taking the stage we tailor our list of songs to fit what we think the audience wishes to hear. During a performance we may call out changes depending on the reactions of the audience. In that way we ensure every event is different and fresh.

Photo by Lance Masterson

When do you and your band know you’ve connected with your audience?

Musicians ... good musicians ... develop a sixth sense when it comes to connecting with their audiences. Although we may appear to be having a carefree time on stage, we are actually listening intently to one another and are watching the crowd for telltale signs. All bands love it when people dance, but we also keep an eye out for those who are singing along with the song or are tapping their feet. In that way we know we have made a connection and will work to strengthen the bond between the band and the audience.

Sometimes, "connecting" has nothing to do with the music we play. There are times when people simply wish to talk to us. Or a child will come up to ask us what it takes to become a musician. We never ever turn anyone away.

River Divide is not a full-time gig for you or your bandmates. You guys have jobs. What keeps you going? What is it about playing live music that is infectious?

It is true that we have other jobs aside from playing music. 

Steve, our lead vocalist, maintains 3D printers throughout the west coast. Cal, our guitarist, owns a company that designs, builds, and sells zip lines. Rod, the drummer, works as an audio/visual manager in a hospital. And Dale, the bassist, teaches electrical linemen and engineers.

Our personal schedules are filled well ahead into the coming year. At the most we may have two or three weekends that we can devote to ourselves. But the one thing that we share is a deep and abiding love of playing music. 

There is a quote that says, "Music washes away the dust of everyday life." It gives as much to the artist as it does to those who listen to the songs. Even though we each started playing our instruments back in grade school, every performance fills us with an even stronger desire to do it again and again and again. It is the mystery and the beauty of music. 

Photo by Lance Masterson

You’re back this summer. What do you remember from last year’s performance at Main Street Park?

Several memories come to mind. 

First and most important were the people of Monmouth. Throughout the evening, from the moment we parked to the time we had to leave for home, we felt like we were amongst old friends. Everyone was so incredibly kind and generous. I can't remember shaking so many hands.

The setting within the park is absolutely beautiful. The stage and the sound system are top notch. It was a joy and an honor to play before the city of Monmouth. I'm not sure many will remember, but a group of children came on stage to dance with us at last year's event. We loved every minute of it.

There were other little memories that had nothing to do with the event itself. The ice cream store on the corner stayed open another hour to accommodate people hoping for a cool treat on a warm evening. If you haven't tried their ice cream, you definitely need to do so. As we were leaving we took our time to causally drive around the town to view the college and the beautiful houses. 

For those about to watch you for the first time, what can they expect from a River Divide performance?

We play a wide variety of music that makes people of all ages happy. Time and time again we see faces light up and smiles break out the moment we play the first notes of a song. Our performances include tunes that you have always loved and tunes that bring back fun memories. River Divide is known for a bringing a great deal of energy, soaring harmonies, and an awful lot of fun.