Staff photos by Clay Schult All six 2022 Minnesota Music Hall of Fame inductees gathered on stage with their awards following the induction ceremony. Top Row: L to R: Roger Grupp and Kurt Schiebel with Minnesota Brass; Paul Diethelm; Tony Wirth, Jack Mansk and Jay Ernst Kalk of Church of Cash and Mollie B. Bottom Row: L to R: Dennis Spears, Connie Evingson, Ashley Commodore, Ginger Commodore of Moore By Four and Les Schuft.

NEW ULM– For the first time since 2019, The Minnesota Music Hall of Fame inducted six new members.

The was the 32 induction ceremony held by the MMHF. The organization has officially inducted 200 members to the hall.

The new members include Mollie Busta-Lange (Mollie B), Paul Diethelm, Jay Earnest Kalk/Church of Cash, Lester Schuft, Minnesota Brass and Moore By Four.

Moore By Four was formed in 1986 at Ruby’s Cabaret in Minneapolis. The harmonies were provided by Yolande Bruce, Ginger Commodore, Connie Evingson and Dennis Spears with Sanford Moore as the music director. The group has performed sold-out concerts at the Guthrie and Fitzgerald Theaters and went on to tour Europe and Japan. The group has sung for the U.S. Olympic Committee, the Super Bowl, the Minnesota Twins, Viking and Timberwolves and former President Bill Clinton. The individuals have a background in gospel, jazz, pop and theatre music.

Ginger Commodore, Connie Evingson and Dennis Spears accepted the award in person. Spears became choked up in accepting the award

“I am holding this because Moore By Four has been my family,” he said. “I love this group more than you guys will ever know.”

He said the group is rooted in gospel music and he wished to acknowledge God for bestowing musical gifts on Moore By Four.

Spears said the award is dedicated to Yolande Bruce who died last year but was certain she had already taken over Heaven’s music department.

Jay Ernest Kalk/Church of Cash is one of the country’s premier Jonny Cash tribute bands. Kalk started in 1996 as a songwriter and bandleader, playing guitar, bass and singing vocals. The Church of Cash was formed in Honolulu in 2010, but Kalk would bring the group back home to Minnesota. Kalk has completed over 4,000 shows with the Church of Cash, touring in the United States, Europe and Asia.

Kalk accepted the award with Church of Cash band members Jack Manks and Tony Wirth.

Kalk thanked the many folks who supported his career over the years.

“I feel awfully lucky to be included in this broad cultural commitment of music and to be standing here with such great musicians and artists today,” he said.

Kalk felt fortunate to be able to still play music and said he would continue playing until he fell off the stage.

Lester Schuft is a trumpet player and bandleader of The Country Dutchmen for more than 62 years. Originally from Hutchinson, Minnesota, Schuft has been an active member of several groups. He has been active with the Gustavus College Symphony and College Pep Band. In his career, Schuft has made over 300 recordings including “Gasohol Polka” and “My Car Waltz.” He also had a half-hour Polka radio show called the “Musician’s Roundup Show”. Schuft also taught trumpet to many students and helped others find instruments to play.

In his acceptance speech, Schuft said “if you have an opportunity to help someone with music, help them. I don’t care what it is. If you have to buy them a horn, buy them a horn. Do whatever you can to get them in the music business.”

Schuft said he was a great believer that music was great therapy and a great field.

Minnesota Brass is a state drum and bugle corps based in St. Paul. Originally founded in 1946, the organization eventually became a non-profit performing arts organization. Minnesota Brass competes in the Drum Corps Associates since 1973 and is a consistent finalist. The 75-year-old organization operates four separate performing ensembles; an all-age drum and bugle corps; a mini-corps; Winter Guard and an Indoor Drum Line.

The award was accepted by Minnesota Brass representatives Kurt Schiebel and Roger Grupp.

Schiebel said he was humbled to be recognized as a community organization among all the great talent being inducted.

Paul Diethelm is a guitarist and vocalist for several Minnesota bands. He is most known for lead guitar in The Fabulous Armadillos, but he also performs with Slip Twister and played with Grammy-winner Jonny Lang’s band for eight years. Diethelm also co-produces the Rock’n Roll X-mas Spectacular. Diethelm has done countless session work with numerous musical acts nationwide.

Diethelm thanked his family for support in his career. He said his childhood home was always filled with music. He also thanked the MMHF for recognizing all the out-state municipal bands, choirs and educators because they are important music culture in rural areas.

Mollie Busta-Lange (Mollie B) is a multi-instrument and awarding-winning vocalist. She is the host of the Mollie B Polka Party Tv Show on RFD-TV. Her career began with the Jim Busta Band in Spring Grove, Minnesota when she was a child. Most often Mollie B performs with the band SqueezeBox. Over the years she has performed in over 30 states, and eleven countries. She has become a major influencer and advisor for musical events. Mollie B frequently returns to her home state and regularly performs at New Ulm’s Bavarian Blast festival.

Mollie B thanked her family and friends for supporting her career. Mollie credited her husband and musical partner Ted Lange for helping her live up to her potential.

She also credited her parents for setting an example of kindness and good work ethic for her all while raising a family in a musical household.

“I am I dedicated my life to music,” she said “I see the happiness it brings people.”

A special showcase event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at 27 N. Broadway to honor the new inductees and premier displays dedicated to each.