Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Several members of the newly inducted Peterson Family attended the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame showcase. Third-generation Peterson musician Jason Peterson played a song on Whoopie John’s piano. The piano was located next to a display honoring his grandmother Jeanne Arland Peterson, who was inducted in 1992. One of the “E” keys was not working easily, but somehow Jason was able to make it work.

NEW ULM — The Minnesota Music Hall of Fame (MMHOF) opened its doors to the public to celebrate the 2019 Inductee Showcase.

Friday, six new inductees were added to the hall including John and Sara McKay, John Holmquist, Soul Asylum, Ernie Coopman, The O’Neill Brothers and The Peterson Family.

The induction of the new members brings the total number of individuals and organizations inducted into the hall to 194. These new members will join previous inductees like Bob Dylan, Prince and Judy Garland.

For the Peterson Family, the most important past inductee was 1992 inductee Jeanne Arland Peterson. Jeanne was the matriarch of the Person family and is considered the Grande Dame of Minnesota Jazz. Her music has inspired many Minnesotan musicians. She was also a driving influence for her children and grandchildren, who now joined in her the MMHOF.

Jeanne’s daughter and new inductee Patty Peterson said her mother was elated to be inducted into the MMHOF. She was only the second woman inducted into the hall, with Judy Garland being the first.

“It brought attention to [Jeanne Peterson’s] music,” Patty said.

Jeanne’s grandson Jason Peterson was also able to view the new showcase. He had a chance to play a song on Whoopie John’s piano. The piano was located next to his grandmother’s display. He even spotted a Prince album on which he performed.

“It great to be in here with Dylan and Prince,” Jason Peterson said. “But it is grandma who brings it home. I love this.”

The MMHOF display included a display about old ballrooms in the region, including George’s Ballroom. Many of the old ballrooms are fading into history. There has been a recent push to preserve the memory of these dance halls. This display will be moved to the Sleepy Eye Furniture Gallery on Monday.

The MMHOF is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday or by appointment.