And the Beat Goes On
From the Winter 2026 Issue
Nothing cures a bad day at work like playing a live show
Photo by Woods Wheatcroft
There is something for everyone when it comes to the local music scene. From familiar faces to newcomers and venues aplenty, Sandpoint has a wealth of tuneful talent to experience.
Known for his jazz-flavored tunes, Peter Lucht is one of those familiar faces around town as he has played with close to 15 different ensembles in a variety of styles in his 40-plus years of playing locally. Peter is no stranger to Sandpoint’s annual Festival and has often appeared at the Panida Theater. Although mainly known for being a keyboard artist he was first violin in the Oak Park and River Forest Symphony Orchestra and with the Concordia Kapella choir in Orchestra Hall in Chicago. He has even been known to whip out a few tunes on the accordion.
Peter Lucht is a long-time keyboardist who’s been a go-to for all sorts of musical productions in addition to his own performances. Courtesy photo
Most people associate Peter with local gigs yet he has put in some tour mileage in past years, traveling up to Alaska and down to Texas. “Now I only occasionally go to Coeur d’ Alene or Calgary.” Currently, Peter is in another ensemble that plays mostly jazz standards. “I joined founder Arthur Goldblum (Bright Moments) whom I’ve known for nearly 30 years, about 10 years ago.”
For music, Beth Pederson has been Sandpoint’s sweetheart for decades. Courtesy photo
Another longtime local musician is Beth Pederson, formerly of Wild Roses with Cinde Borup. Though Wild Roses hasn’t performed since 1998, the year Cinde died, the duo made several CDs and sang together for 28 years. Today Beth occasionally performs jazz tunes with Bruce Bishop and is working on her own music. Like Peter Lucht, Beth has contributed much to the local music scene and fans can (and do) still order her CDs.
The Hot Cheetos are relatively new to the local music scene. Courtesy photo
Relatively new to the local music scene is the cover band the Hot Cheetos. Comprised of Koby and Lori Padilla with Kyle and Kendall Yake, the foursome plays something for everyone and have about 100 songs in their repertoire. “We’ve got oldies and songs from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s,” said Koby. The group plays for special occasions and has made the rounds of the usual Sandpoint venues. For now the Hot Cheetos are keeping it local but are thinking of going a bit further, maybe playing in Coeur d’Alene. As for the band’s main goal? “Breaking even, enjoying one another’s company and celebrating with people.”
Wondering about the band’s name? That involves a late night snack and getting Cheeto dust in Koby’s eye.
Harold’s IGA is a combination of indie rock, indie folk and Pacific Northwest,” said Ben Olson, one of the original band members. The band’s name is a nod to the long defunct Sandpoint grocery store. The band began in 2011 and although the group has changed up a couple of times, the core members consist of Olson, Cadie Archer and Josh Vitalie.
“As much as I’d love for music to be our main squeeze, it remains a side piece for us. It’s a great way to blow off some steam and make a few extra bucks. Nothing cures a bad day at work like playing a live show,” Ben added. The band can be found playing around town and, having opened for Sublime with Rome at the 2018 Festival at Sandpoint, they followed up at last summer’s Festival Community Night.
John Firshi plays to the crowd. Courtesy photo
Like most local musicians, John Firshi plays music because of his love for it and he hosts the Monday Night Blues Jam at Eichardt’s. “I tend to gravitate towards musical styles that provide an open platform for improvisation,” he said. John didn’t get serious about music until his 20s and he figures he’s been playing and performing for 25 years, with 10 years in Sandpoint.
His advice for those who also love music is to get past any self-doubt and to share their music with others. John plays as a solo act but has also joined up with Jared Johnston, John Edwards and Mick Taylor to form Headwaters, and has other music projects going as well. “I’m always trying to make music more of the main gig and work more of a side gig,” added John. Headwaters is looking to branch out beyond the local scene, having played at Pig Out in the Park in Spokane.
Justin Landis, Ben Olson and Katelyn Shook gather ‘round Josh Hedlund at a recent show at the Hive. Photo by Woods Wheatcroft
Joshua Hedlund enjoying the laughs and fellowship of the local music community. Photo by Woods Wheatcroft
Indie folk musicians Justin Landis and Joshua Hedlund form Little Wolf and have played numerous local venues. According to Justin they are looking for a specific audience. “Our music and performances have a very personal, intimate vibe which is not well-suited to venues and events where the band is providing a background of ambience,” he said, “so we leave those gigs to bands and artists that thrive in those areas.”
The Shook Twins, Laurie and Katelyn, have taken their locally-bred music all around the U.S. Courtesy photo
The Shook Twins, Katelyn and Laurie, are a Sandpoint homegrown success story. They started singing together in fifth grade choir and continued to make music a part of their lives. Their distinctive harmonies have earned them accolades and a fan base. “We are satisfied with the modest career we’ve built,” said Laurie.
It was during their senior high choir performance at the Panida that Laurie first added beatbox to their singing style. “It was 2004 when we had our first gig over in Blacksburg, Virginia, where we were living for a semester,” she said. They took the leap to become full-time touring musicians in 2007 and focused on their music. Then, inevitably, change came. The sisterly duo arrived at a crossroads when Katelyn planned for a family. She returned to Sandpoint and is a part-time event coordinator for the Panida Theater, while Laurie plays in other music groups and focuses on her side project, Sideboob, a ’90s pop cover band.
“Putting on shows or playing is still our main gig! It’s what we love most,” enthused Laurie.
Dennis Coats has been ‘pickin’ and grinnin’ in Sandpoint for decades. Courtesy photo
If you were at the 1974 Spokane World’s Fair you might have seen Dennis Coats playing in the bluegrass band featured there for five months. If you didn’t catch him there then probably you’ve heard him play somewhere in Sandpoint since he’s been around for at least 40 years playing solo or dropping in with other musicians.
Originally from Los Angeles, Dennis did studio work around Hollywood, and even performed on a John Denver television special before heading up to North Idaho. “People expect to hear one of three tunes for the banjo before a player gets accepted,” mused Dennis. “The theme from “Deliverance” being one of them.” These days Dennis mainly plays private parties and his many albums are available on his website: www.denniscoats.com.
These are just a few of the musical talents that can be heard around Sandpoint. Check out the Sandpoint Online calendar to find performances of your favorite or new-to-you performers or browse through online sources such as YouTube and Spotify to sample the sounds of these local musicians.
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