The North Dakota Music Hall of Fame proudly inducts The Blenders, a quartet renowned for their exceptional vocal harmony and deep roots in the Fargo-Moorhead music scene. With a professional career spanning 36 years, this vocal-focused group—comprised of Tim Kasper, Allan Rust, Darren Rust, and Ryan Lance—has evolved from an a cappella act to a holiday music powerhouse, earning a devoted international following and cementing their status as a North Dakota institution.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
The core of The Blenders was formed at the Trollwood Performing Arts School in Fargo, where the members met and honed their talents, also receiving training at the Gasper School of Dance. The bond between members runs deep: Ryan Lance and Tim Kasper have been friends since age four, while Allan and Darren Rust are brothers. Recognizing the seamless quality of their voices, they appropriately named the group The Blenders, as their vocals “blended very well” together. Starting in Fargo, they built their early reputation performing at conventions, private events, and the Fargo Street Fair.
Rise to Stardom
The Blenders quickly gained success with their unique sound, characterized by intricate vocal arrangements. While they began as a strictly a cappella group focusing on original music, they later incorporated a four-piece backup band to expand their range. Their sound was influenced by the vibrant Minneapolis music scene, particularly artists connected to Prince; they even mixed their third album at Paisley Park, co-produced by Levi Seacer of Prince’s band, New Power Generation. The group’s focus gradually shifted, and they became most famous for their imaginative arrangements of Christmas standards.
Career Highlights and Continued Success
The Blenders have enjoyed a long and successful career touring both nationally and internationally. They have shared the stage with an impressive list of acts, including Jay Leno, Howie Mandel, Savage Garden, Blues Traveler, Chicago, and Chuck Berry, showcasing their versatility across genres and venues like Caesars Palace. Their biggest and most celebrated event is their annual “Holiday Soul Tour,” which has become a cherished tradition for fans, featuring extended, multi-night runs at their “home venue,” the Fargo Theatre. The group has released numerous albums and is the subject of the hour-long documentary, “One Last Song,” detailing their 30-year career.
Personal Lives and Legacy
The four members of The Blenders are all married, with Ryan, Allan, and Darren all residing in the Twin Cities, and Tim in Sarasota, Florida. While they have scaled back to a part-time touring schedule over the past decade, allowing them to pursue other careers, their commitment to music remains strong. Darren Rust, in particular, runs Skyland Studios, a world-class production facility where he produces other well-known a cappella groups like Home Free. The Blenders have consistently praised North Dakota’s supportive fans, highlighting the Fargo Theatre and the Belle Mehus Auditorium in Bismarck as favorite places to perform. Their dedication to vocal excellence and their enduring connection to their North Dakota roots continue to make The Blenders one of the most successful and beloved musical acts to emerge from the state.